We Regret To Inform You
Digital_Hex
“...”
There was silence around the table.
“Oh... my...” the yellow pegasus Fluttershy whimpered, attempting to hide behind her pink mane. Rarity, a white unicorn with a pristine purple mane, could only stand there with her jaw slightly opened.
Twilight Sparkle, a purple alicorn with a darker purple mane that had a thick stripe of pink and blue, coughed politely. She just couldn't believe the news.
Pinkie Pie, the usually energetic premier party pony from Ponyville, simply sat before her friends on the other side of the counter, nodding glumly.
“I got the letter four days ago,” she droned in a rather monotone voice, her mane lacking its signature poof. Instead, it hung limply from her head in thick locks of dark pink. “I... I already told the twins, but I don't think they really understand whats going on yet.”
“How did they take it?” Rarity asked as she brought a hoof to Fluttershy's shoulder, rubbing it softly. The pegasus looked as though she was about to cry.
Pinkie sighed, letting her head drop to rest against the top of the counter, her mane brushing against the cold side of the cash register.
“They were told their parents were dead, Rarity. They're not babies anymore, they at least know what that means,” she snapped, a little harsher than she intended. She cringed as she bit her lip.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to be a meany mc-meanerton. It's just... this really sucks!” she wailed, tears rushing back to her eyes as she clutched her cash register.
Yes, her cash register. It had only been an hour since the reading of Mr and Mrs Cakes' last will and testimony at the Ponyville City Hall, the will that quite literally left everything that they had owned with Pinkie Pie. She never really understood how much they trusted her, how much respect they had for her that she pretty much just took for granted.
And the foals...
Pinkie screwed her eyes shut as she forced herself to stop crying. She couldn't cry. She didn't deserve to cry. She wouldn't cry.
She swallowed hard as she pushed her head up from the counter, finding that during her fit, Twilight had come around the counter and laid a hoof on Pinkie's shoulder. The pink mare sniffled hard, giving Twilight a sad, soft smile.
“It's just... why did they think I could raise the foals? I'm not trying to be a Debbie-downer, but I'm just so confused! Why'd they leave their foals in the care of some silly pony like me?”
Twilight bopped Pinkie on the nose lightly with her hoof, eliciting a surprised reaction from the earth pony.
“Pinkie, don't be like that. We all know you, and know that you're a wonderful mare. Sure, it looks daunting now, but you've watched over the foals before, right?”
Pinkie nodded. “All the time. Sometimes they're the ones watching me!”
Twilight gave Pinkie a tiny smile. “See, obviously they trusted you. Why else would they have left everything to you?”
“Tax deductions?” Pinkie wagered. Twilight shook her head in slight amusement.
“No, Pinkie, they did it because they trusted you, loved you. You were a part of their family, and they knew that.”
Pinkie opened her mouth, working her jaw, but no words came out.
She knew that she really liked the Cakes and at the end of the day, they really liked having her there, but... did they really think of her like that? Did they really, honestly believe she could pick up after them?
Did they really think she could make a good mommy for their foals?
“I... I...” Pinkie stammered. The three other mares looked on at her as she struggled to form legible words. Finally, her mane twitched, almost as if it was violently inflated slightly. It was still rather limp, but it didn't look quite as gloomy. She gave her friends a genuine smile, eyes still teary.
“I think you're right,” she said with a nodding motion.
“Of course we're right, darling,” Rarity said with jest, “we're your friends after all.”
Twilight gave Pinkie Pie a hug, one that was returned with earnest. As they separated, Twilight took one of Pinkie's hooves in her own.
“We know you're scared about raising the twins by yourself, but we're always going to be your friends, and will always help you if you need us.”
Pinkie Pie smiled. “Even if you're busy doing super-important secret professional princess-y shenanigans?”
Twilight nodded with a laugh. “Even if I'm busy doing super-important, er, that stuff.”
Pinkie Pie giggled. “That makes me feel loads better, actually! Thanks, girls.”
“But I didn't do anything,” Fluttershy whispered, but she went unheard by the others.
“So, did you have any plans with the foals today?” Twilight asked Pinkie Pie. She shrugged.
“Not really all that much, I expected to be busy running the shop today!”
Twilight cocked an eyebrow, looking around at the empty store.
“Uh, then what changed?”
Pinkie rolled her eyes. “The shop is closed today, duh.”
Twilight face-hoofed. “Pinkie Pie, you are so... random.”
Pinkie smiled wide.
“So if the shop is closed, why not go do something with the twins?” Rarity suggested. “I would say this would be an excellent way to get to know the foals, but at this point I'm quite sure you know them better than they know themselves...”
“You're right! I do know them really good!” Pinkie Pie said excitedly.
Twilight took her hoof away from her face to pat Pinkie on the shoulder. Pinkie giggled before gasping sharply.
“Wait, Twilight!” she shrieked. “I just remembered something!”
“Hm?” Twilight asked. Pinkie responded by disappearing. A moment later, she came zipping back down the stairs, holding a tray of-
“Um, Pinkie? What's so important about cupca- MMF!”
Twilight was immediately interrupted by Pinkie as the pink pony took a bright blue cupcake from the tray and shoved it into the librarian's opening maw.
Rarity took a quick nervous step back as Pinkie rounded on her. She looked around desperately for Fluttershy, but it seemed the yellow pegasus had fled off in fear of having her sweet tooth defiled without consent.
“Aheh, if you insist on us enjoying a cupcake, I would prefer to enjoy it on my own terms.”
Pinkie smiled widely as she held out the tray for Rarity.
“Okie dokie lokie!”
Rarity levitated a cupcake for herself, taking a dainty bite out of it before humming pleasantly.
Twilight, who actually wasn't all too phased by Pinkie's very sudden action, swallowed the rest of her cupcake before giving her friend an inquiring look.
“As much as we both appreciate the cupcakes, they are a tad...” Twilight trailed. Rarity finished her sentence for her.
“Random, darling.”
Pinkie waved them off with a hoof.
“Ah, it was nothing! These were just my super-special-thank-you-for-helping-me-cope-with-suddenly-having-my-entire-world-turn-upside-down cupcakes! Thank you, girls!”
With that said, she grabbed the two ponies and pulled them into a tight hug, one they both returned as well.
“As we've already said, it's no problem at all. We are always here for you,” Rarity assured Pinkie as the hug was disbanded.
Pinkie nodded. “And I do appreciate it, lots and lots. I know that all of... this, changes a lot for me, but it's great to know I can still count on my friends!”
Twilight tilted her head to the side.
“Pinkie, what about your parents?”
“What about them?”
Twilight coughed. “Well, um... wouldn't they, I don't know, want to hear the news? I know it's because of less-than-fortunate situations, but this is still a very big step in your life. I'm certain your family would love to hear about it.”
Pinkie absolutely lit up.
“You're RIGHT!” she shrieked. “I'll write them right now!”
Pinkie zipped into the kitchen, throwing open a drawer near the door to pull out a sheet of paper and a pencil. She skipped back to the counter to start writing.
Rarity and Twilight shared a look, smiling at each other. It looked like Pinkie Pie was finding ways to recover.
“Well I'm glad we could have this talk,” Twilight said, “but it looks like you know what you're doing. Don't forget, we're always here for you, okay?”
Pinkie Pie beamed at her friends. “Of course, you've only said it like a bajillion times! And each new time, it makes me feel a kazillion times better!”
Pinkie Pie waved after her two friends as they left the candy shop- her candy shop.
Picking up the pencil, she thought about what she was going to write before humming contently. She dipped her head to start scrawling on the paper.
Mom and Dad and Everypony Else,
I just wanted to start off with I miss you guys, and love you a lot. Never forget that!
There's something I need to tell you guys, though...
No you don't. She probably would react this way.
You did... good enough (sounds demening, but I can't think of a better word right now... mind went kinda blank
)
4029382 Agreed
Okay, I hate to say it, but...
Maybe expanding this story is a mistake. The first chapters you posted were fine, but this chapter has a massive tonal shift. It doesn't feel like Pinkie is taking things seriously, and she is just all over the place.
How much time has passed between the first chapter and the second? Pinkie wouldn't be 'Yay! Here is a cupcake, Twilight" and she wouldn't forget her parents. Pinkie has shown to be serious when she has to be serious.
Where'd AJ go? She busy running the stand or something? I mean, makes sense, but I just find it hard to believe that she wasn't even mentioned here. If any of the girls could relate to Pinkie's situation, it's her after all.
Okay, while this was sweet and heartwarming, I have just one question.
Where was Applejack in all this? Considering that the show heavily implies that she's as close to a mother figure as Apple Bloom has - implying she helped raise her - she'd be the perfect one for Pinkie to turn to about shifting from an aunt/big sister role to the twins to being their mother. And, since there's also heavy implication that the Apple parents are dead, AJ would be the one to turn to about helping the twins deal...especially with the revelations of "Pinkie Apple Pie", with Pinkie being considered an official Apple.
Gripe done, still excellent and full of feels. ...also, where was Rainbow Dash?
"What's a Debbie?"
At first, I was a bit skeptical on this, as the story was fine without any additions, if the reactions to it weren't obvious enough, I felt it was unnecessary, and I take it you wanted to expand upon it due to how popular this got. which I can understand, you wouldn't be the first.
After reading, thought, I'm not too big on it, but it didn't detract much of the simplicity of the original (Cakes died, Pinkie is now the one who takes care of them) and I hope it works out for you.
4029539
Even I'm a bit curious as the lack of Rainbow Dash and Applejack in this chapter ?
Also, even I think somepony could've called Pinkie out on her usual wacky antics enough to even question the idea of her taken care of the Cake twins.
Other than that, this was a great update and nice showing of how Pinkie's friends took the news. I cannot wait to see how you do Pinkie's true family in this tale.
Please do keep up the good work upon such a great story.
Okay. I guess you wrote this to answer the question; 'Where are/were Pinkie's friends and how did they react to help Pinkie?' I admit I was a little curious to that as well. I can believe was I read. Pinkie having her flat mane until her friends assure her that the Cakes were correct in having faith in Pinkie, that she can handle these new responsibilities, and they will be there to help her along the way. However, I think the cupcake bit was a little too much.
I also have to wonder where was Applejack. I can see Rainbow Dash not being there because she wouldn't know what to say or do to help Pinkie feel better at the moment. Applejack, however, I was a bit surprised she was not there to offer support. Unless, she this opened old wounds and she needed time to get herself together before facing Pinkie.
I love it when sad fics have just the right amount of humor in them.
4029382
4029481 Seconded. And... I gotta agree with 4029486 here. there was WAY too much wacky Pinkie Pie, here.
This is a funny chapter...
well that answers t girls' reaction question except Aj n' dashie's tho
? it's good to know that pinks can still be random no matter what
; plus i think it's kinda understanable to forget things when dealin with somethin heavy 
Nobody is good at writing Fluttershy. Since her personality has never been nailed down perfectly in the show, she basically has a kind of bipolar disorder that causes her to go from being shy, to timid, to oversensitive, and back to shy again every few episodes. All very similar personality traits that differ in key ways, so it's understandable that writing her is fairly difficult. Even the writers for the show can't get her right, you have no reason to worry.
Acting wacky can be a way to cope or to hide something serious. It makes others stop dwelling in the things you try to avoid.
You did Fluttershy just fine.
twilight.ponychan.net/chan/files/src/139129917154.png
I hate to be 'that person' but I think it would have been good to leave it at the end of the second chapter. It showed exactly what it needed to, pulled all the right heart strings. It ended in a way that was perfect enough that the reader feels complete with the end (my opinion maybe).
That being said, if you are going to continue this story it might be better to have future chapters centered around Pinkie, Pound, and Pumpkin. While Pinkie's emotions are a big plot point that need to be followed, we should also follow Pinkie's changes as she becomes a parent. Being Auntie Pinkie is one thing, but Mommy Pinkie is a different tray of muffins. We should also follow the kid's emotional state. This happening at such a young time in their lives will surely have a different effect on them than Pinkie Pie.
It might also be better if we see more depth to Pinkie's emotions. Sure she is the happy party pony, but surely it should not be that quick and easy of a recovery process. Having friends that have gone through similar scenarios, four days and a pat on the shoulder doesn't bring out the cupcakes in them. Maybe in future we can see more of an empty, hollow Pinkie. She can put on a brave smile when she needs to, but is just empty on the inside. Over time she would recover but become a changed mare. She would become a more mature Pinkie Pie that can be fun, but is more understanding of how dark things can become.
Finally, it's not big or anything, but at the end it mentions that it is now Pinkie's candy shop. I think that Sugarcube Corner is more of a pastry store or a bakery than a candy store.
I await your next update and hope that the story only gets better.
Wait...Sorry. Do excuse me, but I hadn't realized this was an insert between chapter 1 and (formally) 2.
I feel like either this would need more story between this and the end, or that this chapter just be removed. This chapter seems to indicate that there is to be more story (hell the last line is kinda a cliffhanger). To end the story in the next chapter would be to leave a giant hole of events that we have no information about. The reaction of Pinkie's family for example. I really hope you plan to continue the story because if you do it has the potential to be great.
Wait, where was RD?
Bright blue
i20.photobucket.com/albums/b208/Mo_chan/Reaction%20gifs/HorrifiedFace.gif
Well, that was unexpected and wonderful.
It's fine. Fluttershy doesn't have much to work with as a character.
It's ironic that Applejack is the one considered to be a background pony.
It was a good read. I enjoyed it.
I can see why people are criticizing Pinkie Pie as being... too Pinkie Pie-ish. I disagree that you should have turned it down though. If anything, there needed to be more sad pinkie before she cheered up enough to be her normal self. Especially over something like the death of her former guardians (I guess they count as guardians, anyways).
I can also see why people are wondering where Applejack is. She would be THE person to give Pinkie advice, you know?
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not calling this a bad chapter. I liked it. But I get the complaints made in the comments so far, and there is room for improvement. Don't let the feedback get you down, though. You done good, yo.
4029565
A downer, obviously!
I don't know why you had to add another chapter, even I it was good. Still, might I recommended you out in your authors notes how the story was original told?
Well done! Although(personally), I found Pinkie's changes in mood too sudden and random, even though that's most likely how she would handle it. This could really turn out to be a great story, and you're certainly on track!

You should continue this story. It would make a good multi chapter story
4031192
Entirely because Fluttershy is their waifu, and Applejack doesn't do magic or crazy reality-breaking things, despite being best Mane Six.
People need to get their priorities straight.
YAY! i wanted to know what the effects would be with pinkies friends! thank you! this fic was good! as sad as it was, it was good! well written thank you!
Why is it in chapter 2?
Other than that, it was good... at some point. Fluttershy wouldn't run away like that from a friend unless it has something to do with dragons, and, Pinkie Pie was too Pinkie Pie.
A few little problems. One, as everyone has pointed out, where is Applejack during this? Two, you seem to have caught Lavender Unicorn (Lavender Alicorn?) Syndrome, which is describing canon characters even though we all know what they look like. Don't say "Twilight Sparkle, a purple alicorn with a darker purple mane that had a thick stripe of pink and blue". Just say "Twilight Sparkle".
And Twilight's mane is blue.
The middle chapter here was a good idea. Glad you added it.
Fluttershy is surprisingly hard to work with. She's so quiet and mousy it's not always possible to get her to do much more than stand their and say almost nothing at times. So... in a way, you did her character justice.
4029486 4029997
I'm unaware whether there has being any mayor changes in the script since you wrote this; but that doesn't quite describe what I read today.
Like sad Pinkamena...
...
...
...
So to me this look like a well paced emotional roller coaster that has devoted this entire chapter in rising up. Sure this doesn't have all the turns, shakes, and bumps than a accelerating roller coaster has as it falls downhill; But it does build anticipation for what's coming as well as providing a transient sense of safety and happiness that truly helps enhance the overall experience when is used properly.
I felt this was done properly,
~Leonzilla
You have already murdered my feels, stop beating up the corpse
Why was this one posted right in the middle? Seems like it should be the third, oh and awesome pick up chapter.
A little light in the dark depression of those who have lives taken away from them so suddenly.....
And I'm beginning to rant again.....
Pinkie math.
4029382
... false? She is the element of KINDNESS, who can look past her fears(of things like big scary monsters) to stand up for her friends, or to help said monster with a problem. Do you really think she'd just sit next to someone grieving in silence, and when thanked, comment that she didn't do anything? If nothing else, she would hug the fluff out of Pinkie.
... aside from that, the characterization was spot on, even if the 'you're so random' got a touch over-used really fast.
...why in the name of Luna are you describing the Mane 6?
Not anywhere near as good as the first chapter (psst, your LUS is showing), but not bad. Pinkie's behavior seems odd, but hey, that's Pinkie in a nutshell.
4784495 Maybe to help us imagine the scene?

I don't know
I just heard Dr. Wolf's reading of this story, and this chapter wasn't part of it, so I have to imagine it was added later. It honestly doesn't add much to the story, plus the tone is off from the rest and the writing generally doesn't feel up to par with what I heard. I mean, describing Twilight to us? Telling us what Pinkie is normally like? Totally unnecessary. I'd have rather seen more scenes of Pinkie and the twins dealing with the Cakes' loss.
You say you suck at writing Fluttershy. But the irony is that by avoiding Fluttershy as much as possible, you ended up writing her nearly perfectly. Granted under the circumstances, Fluttershy probably would've been more involved. But that's just a minor detail.
Suck at writing Fluttershy my ass, that's exactly how she would react most likely
If you look at Twi compared to her dad, you'll realize her mane is actually dark blue, or more accurately, indigo.
Well at least she knows She can always depending on her friends to help out just in case she needs the help Now pinkie pie has to tell her family That she has her own kids now