The Cakes came back to Sugarcube Corner after a long day at a convention, selling cakes and other baked goods. They had made quite a profit, as all of the cakes were sold off. Mrs. Cake had been especially excited to see Pinkie and how Cheese Sandwich’s party was going. When they turned the corner, though, you couldn’t hear a peep. “There’s normally so much noise surrounding one of Pinkie’s parties. Do you think she’s alright?”., asked Mrs. Cake.
“Why wouldn’t she be?”, said Mr. Cake. “The party has probably ended, that’s all.”. Mrs. Cake contemplated this. It was pretty late, as the moon was already being risen.
“Alright, I guess.”, said Mrs. Cake, still not assured. Her beliefs were correct, as no lights were on in Sugarcube Corner. Once the Cakes checked inside, they were, undoubtedly, surprised. Party decorations were strewn everywhere, along with careless other knickknacks. Food littered the floor, some half-eaten, some not. Only one pony was still in the restaurant; Applejack, her hat covering most of her face.
“Where’s Pinkie? What happened to the party?”, asked Mr. Cake, clear worry in both his expression and his voice.
“She’s not here.”, replied Applejack. Her voice was stone, without feeling. “She left, presumably to look for Cheese Sandwich. He showed up late, and went looking for Pinkie. Now Twilight’s ran off too, and it’s a whole big mess. I just don’t get it.”.
“Um…. okay. Know where we can find Pinkie?”, asked Mrs. Cake. She didn’t get it either.
“Now you’re leaving too? I reckon all of Ponyville will leave before we even heard word of Pinkie. She’ll come back. She did before. And she will now.”
The Cakes decided to stay in Ponyville, along with Applejack, who had to go back to Sweet Apple Acres. It was VERY late by now, and the Cakes went to bed, uneasily.
When they woke, Ponyville was not the same. A search team had already left to find Pinkie & Cheese, and the few residents that stayed never had a smile. Everypony was either moping or arguing with each other. Even Fluttershy was agitated and snapped at passing ponies. Ponyville had failed to realized what importance Pinkie Pie had to their community, and the happiness her morning musical numbers inspired. Now, there was nopony to throw parties; birthdays were missed. The Cakes did all they could to cheer ponies up, even to the point of giving away their inventory. Applejack and her family helped as well, but even with that, it wasn’t enough. Ponyville needed their Pinkie back, and fast.
Rarity agreed to Cheese’s approach to backtrack his last destinations. Up third was Manehattan, where another one of Rarity’s shows took place. No Pinkie, but somepony else.
“Rainbow Dash?”, puzzled Rarity.
“Rainbow Dash…..?”. Cheese stopped for a minute. “Rainbow Dash! I remember! Pinkie and I threw a party for you! Pinkie…….. and I……… oh, yeah. Sorry.”
“Not a problem, Cheese. I’m guessing you’re searching for Pinkie too, right? I mean, over half of Ponyville has already left for her. Twilight’s gone, I’m gone, and apparently Rarity never returned. I don’t know where the Cakes are, or anypony else, for that matter.”, Rainbow rambled. “Wanna team? I’m sure we can find Pinkie easier that way.”
Rarity disagreed. “Actually, Dash, I have a better idea.”.
Twilight ran through the streets of Canterlot, her destination, the Royal Castle. Spike and Twilight had already sent a letter to Celestia, and gotten a reply telling them to head to Canterlot immediately. Spike could barely keep up. Once they got to the castle, Celestia & Luna were waiting. “We received a message from who I assume to be Pinkie Pie.”, said Celestia. “It mentions a real home, and that she never liked Ponyville anyway. I’ve already sent a search team across Equestria, and appointed some top detectives to inspect Ponyville. If you need the note, I have it right here.”.
Twilight had already left, with Spike on her back. She knew exactly where she was going. Spike didn't, though.