It was a normal quiet day in Ponyville, the birds were chirping in their usual manner, welcoming the dawn that so gently was awaking everybody, along with the delicate sway of the morning breeze and the shiny dew on the grass and the leaves. Twilight Sparkle was just about to benefit from the last hours of sleep when a sunshine penetrated the window of her bedroom, filling the place with a multitude of different colours. Spike was already up, admiring every second of that spectacle with a great sense of wonder, as this view made him think about the precious and tasty gems he wanted to eat voraciously. Twilight finally woke up, ready to another day of exciting things to do, even though her wings were a little ache-y.
''Good morning Twilight !'' exclaimed Spike enthusiastically. ''Ready to take on your duties today ?''
''Good morning to you Spike'' said Twilight struggling to control her yawns. ''Let me prepare myself and we'll discuss all at breakfast, shall we ?''
''I'll make the waffles !'' shouted Spike running down the stairs in an excited yet careless manner, driven more by hunger than thought.
''So,'' said Spike while munching waffles relentlessly. ''Should we check your tasks for today ?''
''You know we have to. Spike, get the list please. So, we have a meeting with the others at Sugarcube Corner at 10 o'clock a.m.''
''Yes.''
''A meeting with the mayor at 1 o'clock p.m. discussing the latest improvements on the Party Tax and the funds for the latest events.''
''Uh-uh.''
''And finally a drink with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna at half past seven p.m.''
''Yup, that's it.''
''Perfect. It's nine o'clock so we should probably head to Sugarcube Corner, are you ready to go ?''
''You can say that again, Twilight.''
''Ok then, let's go. I bet that Rarity will be already there waiting for us.''
Walking throught the city was simply a joy that morning, as a gentle stream of air flowed in the mane of everybody, making them forget about the surprising hot temperature that day, and making work even more pleasant. The Quills and Sofas shop was already open, exposing his latest trend of inflatable levitating armchairs, and the jewels shop looked shinier than ever. Finally they arrived at Sugarcube Corner, only to find it closed. The doors were sealed by wooden planks, and a group of curious ponies surrounded the entrance of the building, trying to take a glance inside and understand what was happening. Rarity was among them.
''Oh, thank goodness you're here darling, I have no clue about what's going on here, I'm starting to get seriously worried about this situation !''
''Me too'' mumbled Twilight. ''I should definitely alert the others.''
Once the cutie mark signal was used, Rainbow Dash was there in a second, followed by Fluttershy and Applejack. Pinkie Pie was surprisingly missing.
''Girls, are you thinking what I'm thinking ?'' said Rainbow Dash, who already decided to bust into Sugarcube Corner, worried about Pinkie.
''Ok'' responded Twilight ''Rainbow Dash, you keep the folks under control, they must not interfere with the operation, be as convincing as possible, I know you can do that, Applejack back her up if the situation gets too much crowded.''
''You can count on us'' exclaimed Applejack.
''Rarity, Fluttershy. Let's go inside''
As they entered the building they felt an eerie sensation, like someone sneaking behind their backs, ready to attack. They proceeded carefully, looking for details about the situation and captating every sound behind, exploring the desert main hall of Sugarcube Corner. Nobody was there, and the deep silence covered everything with an added level of creepiness. Then they went to the kitchen, inspecting every single corner of the place, but everything was like no one touched anything. Suddenly a noise made them shiver, like someone weeping. Twilight was on guard, and Rarity and Fluttershy were understandably scared, especially Fluttershy, that was undeniably terrified, even though you could have seen her determination to help Pinkie Pie. The sound came from upstairs, so they slowly checked the upward rooms. The weeping noise appeared again, this time coming from Pinkie's bedroom.
''Pinkie Pie ? It's me, Twilight, we're here to see what's this mess'' said Twilight gently knocking on the door.
There was no answer. Twilight slowly opened the door, only to be greeted by a panicking Pinkie Pie. Twilight prepared a barrier spell that protected her, Rarity and Fluttershy from the senseless attacks of Pinkie, who proceeded to assault the barrier with a frying pan in a futile attempt to defend herself from what she clearly saw as a menace.
''Pinkie, calm down ! It's me, Twilight !'' yelled Twilight in an attempt to stop the attack.
''You want to hurt me ! You want to hurt me just like everything else ! You're not Twilight !''
''Yes, it's me Pinkie ! We're here to help you !'' shouted Twilight in a combination of fury and fear. Slowly the hits of the frying pan were softer and softer, as Pinkie was suddenly surrending. When she finally stopped, Twilight and the others went out from the barrier, letting Pinkie sit down, exhausted.
''So darling, what's the reason for this mess ? We were really worried about you !''
''I was really afraid Pinkie'' said Fluttershy from a distance, still afraid of the frying pan.
Twilight approached Pinkie, trying to calm her down and making her feel at ease.
''Are you ok Pinkie ? Do you want something to drink ? Maybe a cupcake or some sweets ?''
''I don't want anything ! Don't you realize that everything can be dangerous ? I could choke or maybe there's poison inside the cake ! Then I would be in danger, I would be afraid of not making it out alive ! What if my family forgets about me then ? What if you would replace me ?!''
Twilight was amazed that Pinkie would say such things, and both Rarity and Fluttershy were utterly speechless.
''Ok, Rarity, Fluttershy, call Rainbow Dash and Applejack, we gotta talk.''
The group reunited in the kitchen.
''Where have ya left Pinkie ?'' asked Applejack.
''She's in her bedroom'' said Twilight. ''Ok girls, listen up. I don't have a precise diagnosis for Pinkie's situation, and she has never acted like this before. She refuses to eat, drink, and has attacked us ferociously. Also her constant fear of something that's gonna harm her and be abandoned has led me to the hipothesis that she might be suffering from a form of paranoia.''
''Well, now that we know the problem, let's solve it !'' exclaimed Rainbow Dash.
''It's not that simple, we have to understand the reason behind this behaviour, and simply talking to her won't be a solution. We gotta escogitate something quickly, are there any ideas ?''
''Maybe we could use food to make her think we are not enemies, I mean, even if she's afraid of us she still may recognize us as her friends '' proposed Fluttershy.
''That's a good idea darling, but I think we should also make her feel at ease, maybe with a massage and a chat with a tea'' thought Rarity.
''Yeah, this might work in another case, why don't cha try to enter her head right away, ya bughead ?'' said Applejack sarcastically
.
''Wait-'' said Twilight '' Applejack, what did you say to Rarity ?''
''Ya bughead ?''
''No, not that ! Before !''
''This might work in another case ?''
''No, the other part of the phrase.''
Applejack remained silent for a second trying to prepare herself for the plan Twilight was gonna explain. Which also counted as the beginning of another adventure.
''Spike, get ready to send a letter'' said Twilight. ''Dear Princess, Celestia, I wish I could write to you under more pleasant circumstances, but unfortunately, I'm asking help and guidance for a troublesome emergency : my dear friend Pinkie Pie is victim of serious and unexpected case of paranoia. of which we can't trace the origin since she refuses to speak to us and has openly attacked us. The one preferable solution would be a psychological investigation. We need the help of Princess Luna, so please get her here right away. Thank you very much for your help and comprehension.
Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.''
Spike sent the letter right away in a spiral of green flames, delivering it succesfully to Princess Celestia.
''Okey, do you care to explain what the plan will be ?'' said Rainbow Dash, curious and unnerved at the same time.
''One step at a time Rainbow, we need all the members we require here first, then I'll explain the plan. For now I'll just tell you to get ready for another adventure.''