//------------------------------// // Day Twenty Eight p2 // Story: Pretty in Pink // by Sarcastic Brony //------------------------------// Pinkie and I are currently riding along in the train. We weren't far from Ponyville now. I look down and find Pinkie is still resting her head on my lap as she takes a quick nap. I keep petting her as to try and calm my nerves. Pinkie will be with me this time. I don't need to worry so much. It still doesn't help though, I find my mind wondering what will be said. How our friends will react. “We will be arriving in Ponyville in five minutes!” A voice calls from an intercom. Pinkie doesn't seem to notice the voice as she continues to sleep. I smile some as I shake her gently. “Hey, Pinks. Time to get up.” I coo softly into her ear. “Mmm.. Are we there yet?” She asks in a sleepy tone. “Five minutes out. Are you still tired? You can sleep more if you want.” I say. She shakes her head. “I’m alright.” She sits up and leans against me. “Did you get any sleep?” I shake my head. “Not really, just been thinking.” I admit. “Don't worry, Anon. I’ll be there for you.” I can't help but pull her close to me. I love her, I really do. “I love you, Pinkie.” I whisper to her. “I love you too, Anon.” She says with a sigh of content. “Destination, Ponyville! Please don't forget your bags!” We both hear come from the intercom. I look to Pinkie feeling a little better about what we are going to face. “Lets go, Pinkie.” She gives a determined nod as I grab our bags. We exit the train with a few other ponies as well. We look around at Ponyville as if we haven't seen it in ages. I look over to Pinkie. “So, what should we do first?” I ask. “Lets drop our stuff off at your place.” Pinkie says. I nod. “Good idea.” Pinkie and I both turn down a lone dirt road and follow the path. It didn't take very long to make it to my place. The first thing I noticed didn't really help me feel better. Some of my windows were boarded up. From what I could see, they were broken. Pinkie and I walk up to my front door and notice the door looks like it was bucked in by something as well. I shake my head some as I unlock the door and push it open. The hinges sounding worse for wear. What greets me next doesn't actually shock me as much. My entire house is tore up. It’s as if a literal tornado ran itself around the place. I just ignore it as I set our belongings down. “Who could’ve done this?” Pinkie asks. “I have an idea.” I say sadly. “Might as well inspect the damage.” I walk around my home and see key locations were heavily damaged. Mostly the living room and bedroom. I knew who did this, yet I don't blame her either. She was always very hot headed. At least someone had the decency to try and repair what she broke. The place is still a mess though. I walk over to my couch that came out somewhat unscathed and take a seat. Pinkie takes her place next to me as I stare at the wall. “We can fix this, Anon. I know we can.” Pinkie tries to encourage me. I nod. “I know, but can we fix our friendship?” I say doubtfully. She pulls me into an embrace. “Of course! A true friend always forgives, Anon.” I can't thank Pinkie enough for being with me right now. She seems to always know just what to say. “I think we should leave. I don't want to be here.” My voice strains some. “I understand. I think I want to talk to the Cakes some. Let them know i’m back.” I stand up. “That sounds like a plan.” The entire walk to sugarcube corner, I couldn't help but feel as if we were being watched. No one directly looked at us, yet I could tell that they were watching us in the corner of their eyes. I feel that dread slowly build, like the first month of my arrival. I try to ignore it as I follow after Pinkie. She isn't hopping around like she usually does. Which is probably a sign that she too if getting this weird feeling. Pinkie walks into Sugarcube corner without a single pause. The small bell ringing out as we enter. I look over to see Mrs.Cake at the counter. Her eyes seem to lighten up as she looks to Pinkie and I. “Oh! Pinkie, you’re back!” She walks around the counter and takes Pinkie into a motherly type hug. “I was so worried when I found your letter! Are you feeling better? What happened?” Pinkie looks taken back by Mrs.Cake forwardness. I know Pinkie has always seen Mrs. Cake as a mother figure. We still haven't talked much about her family, but I can tell that some things are rather strained on the parents side. “Nothing, Mrs.Cake. Anon and I just needed to get out of town for a little.” She admits. “Are ponies acting nasty to him again?” She asks with a certain fire to her words. I quickly come in. “Nothing like that, Mrs.Cake. Just some personal stuff.” “Where did you two go?” She asks Pinkie. “Canterlot for a few days.” “I’m just glad you’re alright. You usually don't leave without saying goodbye.” Mrs.Cake lets go of Pinkie. “Sorry about that. We didn't have the time.” Pinkie says shamefully. “No need to beat yourself up. I understand how kids can get.” Mrs.Cake says with a smile. “I remember when Carrot and I use to sneak out together an-” “Whoa, Honey buns!” Mr. Cake comes running out from the back. “What did I tell you about telling those stories to ponies?” He looks over and his eyes go wide when he sees Pinkie. “Pinkie!” He hugs her as well. “Good to see you’re back. The twins have been missing you.” “Good to be back, Mr.Cake.” She says with a smile. Mr.Cake lets her go. “I need to get the cake out of the oven. When are you good to work again? Are you feeling better?” Pinkie shrinks back some. “Um, I still need to help Anon with something important. I’ll be sure to let you know when we finish.” They both seem to understand that whatever Pinkie is talking about means a lot to her. “Alright, your room is still here. Let us know when you’re ready.” Mrs. Cake says. “Thank you.” Pinkie says with a smile. She looks over to me. “Come on, Anon.” I follow Pinkie as she walks out of the store. “You take care of her!” Mrs. Cake shouts to me. I give her a nod as I close the door behind me. “So where to now?” I ask. “I think we should talk to Twilight first. She’s probably been keeping tabs on everypony.” “You doing alright?” I ask hearing a certain choke in her voice. Pinkie looks up to me with some tears in her eyes. “I-It’s nothing. I’m just happy to see that some things haven't changed.” I take a knee and give her a hug. “I understand. Don't worry, Pinkie. We’ll get through this.” We both pull slightly away and meet for an intimate kiss. “I love you, Anon.” She says. “I love you too, Pinkie.” I stand back up to my full length. Pinkie looks over to Twilight’s treebary in the distance. Time to get this over with. Pinkie and I stand at the door to the library. Neither of us want to be the one to knock on the door. I decide to man up and take the final step. I raise my hand and get ready to knock, that’s until the door opens on its own. I look down to see Spike standing there. His face changes from shock, to sadness as his eyes fill with tears. He quickly turns away and runs inside as he starts to cry. I look down to Pinkie with the same expression of uncertainty. We don't take a single step in any direction as we hear the sound of hooves approaching. Twilight comes around the corner and stops mid-step as she sees us. “A-Anon..” She looks over to Pinkie. “Pinkie..” Pinkie and I both freeze up as Twilight quickly trots up and pulls us into an embrace. Tears flowing freely as she cries some to herself. I look down as Pinkie uses her right hoof to hug Twilights back. I could only rest my right hand on her head, as I am currently standing. “I’m sorry, I-I didn't know.” Twilight pleads. “I tried to stop her but..” “Shhh.” Pinkie coos softly. “It’s alright. Just let it out.” “T-Then Applejack, we couldn't..” I can't help but feel my heart start to hurt as I look down to Twilight as she stutters past her tears. Slowly she starts to taper out as only a few hiccups are left. She pulls away and wipes her face clean. “I-I’m sorry for that outburst.” She says with some sniffles till present. “You don't have to apologize for something like that.” I speak up. “May we come inside?” She gives a few slow nods. “That would be best.” We follow Twilight as she leads us to the main room. She summons a few pillows for us to sit on. We take our seats and just sit around in silence. Twilight looks up to her room. “I don't think Spike will be joining us. Hes been feeling rather guilty lately.” “Why would he feel guilty?” I ask. She looks at me. “I don't really know. He said something about you showing up at Rarity’s that night.” I find my mind flashing back to that night. I clench my fist some. I shouldn't have been so angry at him. He is still a kid after all. I look up to Twilights room. “I don't mind.” I hear Twilight say. “What?” I look to her. “Talk to him. That’s what you’re thinking about, right?” I give a nod. “I don't mind. I have a feeling he needs to talk to you.” I look over to Pinkie as she gives me a single nod. I briefly run my hand over her cheek as she leans into my palm some. I stand up and don't hesitate as I walk up the stairs to Twilight’s room. I enter inside and spot Spike’s basket, a large lump under a blanket. I head up and take a seat next to it. “I want to be alone, Twilight.” He says sadly. “This isn't Twilight.” I answer. I see him freeze up underneath the covers. Slowly he starts to shake some. “What’s the matter?” I ask. “I didn’t know.” He says sadly. “What didn’t you know?” “I didn't know you were trying to help Rainbow Dash.” I gently reach over and pull the covers off him some. He looks up to me with tears in his eyes. “That’s no reason to be sad, Spike.” I say honestly. “But it is! I didn't tell you anything! I-I was so mad at you when I saw Rainbow Dash. I don't know what happened, but she looked terrible. When I heard it was you, I-I just..” He starts to cry more. “Hey, you shouldn't feel bad about what you did.” He looks back up to me. “You were protecting a friend. I’m proud of you.” I say honestly. “But, you’re my friend too.” He says sadly. I nod. “That I am. You didn't know what was happening though, so I don't blame you. So don't go beating yourself up over this.” He sniffles some. “So, you forgive me?” I pat him on the head some. “Nothing to forgive, buddy.” I reach into my pocket and pull out a few bits. “Buy yourself something. I think Twilight wants to talk in private.” He gives a small nod as he clears his tears away. He takes the bits and slowly gets up and walks out of the room. I follow after him as he continues out the front door. I return to my seat as Twilight gives me a thankful smile. “He seems better.” She says. I nod. “I think he’ll be fine.” I let out a sigh. “I told him you wanted to talk in private. I would assume that was the right thing to do?” She nods. “Correct.” She looks slightly guilty. “You’re probably wondering why your home is in disarray.” I nod. “I do wonder, but I also have a good idea what may have happened.” She shakes her head some. “It happened the morning after you left. Rainbow woke up in a panic. She wasn't sure if the night before was a dream or not. When the girls told her that it all happened, she changed. She quickly flew out of my home towards yours. We chased after her, but by the time we got to your house, she was tearing it apart. We could hear her calling your name the entire time. She found your letter about leaving for awhile. She tried to fly past us, but Applejack was fast enough to catch her. They fought for awhile, but AJ was able to tie her up. We tried to calm Rainbow down, but she kept saying that she had to find you, she had to make it right. It took a few hours, but she slowly started to lose the fight as her energy burned away. We sat her down and told her everything that happened. That, we knew about everything. She didn't seem to care, she just kept asking if we knew where you went. We weren't sure, your letter only said that you and Pinkie were leaving and would be back soon. After some time she stopped struggling, so we untied her. She just sat at your front door not saying anything. Before any of us could stop her, she was gone. We haven't spoken to Rainbow since the day you left. Ponies only catch glimpses of her as she does her job, then she leaves just as quickly. Fluttershy could hear her crying in her house. We thought it was best to give her time alone.” My heart slowly starts to burn as I listen to Twilight speak. I knew it would be bad, but even then, I slightly hoped it wouldn't be this bad. “How are the others holding up?” Pinkie asks. “Just as well as I am.” She chuckles sadly. “It hurts to see this. We know we can't help Rainbow Dash. Not with something like this.” I feel my teeth clench some. I can't even speak right now as my mind runs over that night again. “Is there anything we can do?” Pinkie asks. Twilight looks to me. “Not we.” I understand what she is hinting at, but can I really face Rainbow so soon? “I-I don't know.” I say. “How am I suppose to go about this?” “I can cast the cloud walking spell on you and Pinkie. I think you both should be there.” I rub my face some in thought. What the hell do I say to her? “Anon,” I look over to Pinkies pleading look. “We need to help her.” I have no other choice in this matter. “Alright, lets do this.” “Thank you, Anon.” Twilight says with a smile. “Don't thank me yet.” I say as her horn lights up. She was done in a few minutes. She also let us borrow her hot air balloon to get to Rainbows home. My heart fills with doubt as Rainbows home comes into view. I want to postpone this moment, to just ignore it for another day. I guess no one really wants to face a moment like this, but I have to. I look over to Pinkie as her face looks about the same as my own, worried. I don't know what will happen, but I hope we can all part friends. We land at the ends of Rainbows cloud home. Pinkie and I hop out of the balloon and land onto the soft cloud below. It takes a few seconds to adjust, but we slowly make our way to Rainbows front door. I feel my stomach tie in a knot as I hear something from within. It’s faint, but I knew what the sound is. It’s Rainbow and she’s crying. I look over to Pinkie and spot the worrying look on her face. I let out a long sigh as I place a few knocks on the door. I hear Rainbow sniffle some as the sound of her walking towards the door are present. I brace myself as the door slowly opens. Rainbow looks up to me, I can almost see a large amount of relief behind her tears. Slowly she looks down to Pinkie. She looks away from her with a cringe as she slams the door in our faces. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I feel as if leaving would be the best thing, but chances are that’s just my nerves acting up. I reach my hand for the cloud knob and give it a gentle twist. It’s unlocked. I cautiously poke my head inside. “Rainbow?” I callout. I don't get an answer, but I can hear the sniffling inside her bedroom. “We’re coming in.” I say. Pinkie and I enter into her home. It’s definitely not looking too good. Things have been thrown around, everything looks unkempt. What the hell am I going to do to fix this? “What should we do?” Pinkie looks to me for answers. “I have no idea.. I guess all we can do is go up and face it.” Pinkie gives me a nod as I take the lead. I slowly ascend the stairs towards Rainbows room. The door isn't even closed as we walk inside. Rainbow is faced down on her bed. The sound of her crying apparent. How does someone even start a conversation like this? I just walk over towards the bed and take a seat at the edge. I reach my hand over and gently stroke Rainbows mane. Maybe it’s a stupid thing to do. I have no idea to be honest. I’m just doing what feels right. Rainbow raises her head and leans into my hand more. The tears are still flowing as she tries to lean against my hand with more force. Almost as if her body has been missing my touch. This only makes it harder for me. My heart hurts so much right now. “It’s never going to be the same ever again, is it Anon?” Rainbow looks up to me with sadness. I feel my hand start to shake some as I slowly pull away from her. “Not anymore.” I admit with a ache in my heart. “I love you.” She says sadly. I feel small trails of tears run down my cheek. I clench my teeth trying to hold back the choked sob that is building in my throat. I can't stand this, I can't stand seeing her like this. Nothing I do can make this all better. I knew it, Pinkie knew it and so does Rainbow. I feel my hands start to shake as I try to think of anything to make this work. I suddenly feel something rest on my hand. I look up and see Pinkie looking to me with tears in her eyes. She looks over to Rainbow and slowly reaches over and takes her into an embrace. “We love you too, Dashie.” Pinkie says sadly. What else could be said? Rainbow holds onto Pinkie with all her strength. I wrap them both in my arms as we just let it all out. Nothing would ever be the same between us again. Soon we all pull away from each other. Rainbow scoots closer to me, a certain look of longing there. “I..” She bites her lip as she looks away. “I don’t know what to feel anymore.” She admits. “My insides feel all bucked up. ” She looks away to one of her windows. “I think I need to leave for awhile.” My chest hurts. “Do what you need to.” Why can't I fix this? “Just remember you have friends who care about you.” Pinkie adds. “We’ll always be there for you.” Rainbow gives a shallow nod. Though nothing is said, I can see that she wants to be alone right now. I get up and wave for Pinkie to follow. I stop at Rainbows door to face her one last time. “See you later, Skittles.” I say with sadness deep in my voice. Rainbow chuckles sadly as she looks up to me. “Not if I see you first, Big guy.” With that said, I turn back and walk away. There’s nothing I can say, nothing I can do. I made my choice and I’ve got to stick by it. It’ll hurt, boy do I know how much it’ll hurt. Life has taught me one thing though. You can't have a perfect ending, but you can make the best with what you have.