The Album

by Peregrine Caged

Inkie Pie -- Scratch the Surface

Written by: With A Bang
Rated Everyone

"Inkie, just finish up the cleaning, would you?" A grey mare glanced up from the folder in front of her as the words were swiftly followed by the slamming of a door. Clearly the question had been more of an order, and Inkie Pie sighed softly.

"Sure, Lace. No problem," Inkie muttered. She looked back at the picture she'd been studying: a stallion with a wide smirk that showed off gleaming white teeth. Head shots were always carefully prepared, and Inkie couldn't help but wonder if anypony's coat could be that immaculate every single day. Resigned to the fact that she would never unravel the mystery, Inkie shrugged slightly and pushed aside the rather thick file. She'd bring it back to the apartment and read through it, though that was barely necessary. Inkie could already tell that--what was his name?--Creme Brûlée wasn't the high caliber actor Lacey Accent was looking for.

With that, the workday was officially coming to a close, and Inkie began to pack up, shoving the folder into her bright pink saddlebags. An odd color choice to be sure, and not one that Inkie was overly fond of, but she would never get rid of them. These particular bags were a gift from Pinkie, her excitable little sister. Inkie smiled as she remembered the rather large package that had arrived at their door a couple months after she had left the nest. There were notes included with the various gifts for each one of them, and Inkie had read through every excited syllable like she was living the adventures her sister described. She had felt the pride and care that went into Pinkie spending her very first savings on carefully selected presents for her family. The saddlebags were getting on in age now, of course, but they were still useable. Inkie hadn't even had a chance to really need them until a few years ago, anyway.

Shaking off the memories and settling the saddlebags on her back, Inkie moved towards the door to her 'office'. Truthfully it was much smaller then she might've liked, but Inkie wasn't one to complain. After all, it was bigger then any office she'd had before. Mainly because she had never had an office before this one. The jobs Inkie had managed to grab previous to working with Lace had all been on the lowest rung, despite her efforts to claw her way up.

Inkie pushed open the door and surveyed the room. It was Lace's audition room and part of the reason why Inkie's own office was as small as it was. The room was huge and took up most of the floor space. There were three other doors--a bathroom, Lace's office, and an exit--and a stage that spread a quarter of the way into the expansive area and filled up the entire free wall. Lace always said that seeing a pony in action on the stage was the best way to separate the amateurs from the true stars. She never really looked at the lengthy portfolios, always hoofing the paperwork off to Inkie. Lace was much too energetic and filled with creative zeal to be bogged down by the little details that went into running a business. In some ways, Inkie couldn't help but be reminded of Pinkie. Perhaps that was why she'd been drawn to Lace, and why she had managed to keep this position far longer than any previous assistants. Besides being able to handle the energetic outbursts, she was also used to dealing with things like accounts and taxes. Ma and Pa had started her in on it early, thinking that the oldest should know these things.

With another sigh, Inkie moved to pick up a dress that had been thrown over one of the various director's chairs scattered about the room. It was no doubt the result of a hurried change as Lace shouted out instructions to some poor, flabbergasted pony. Inkie moved around the room, gathering up the clothes that littered it and returning them to their places in the chests that were spaced about the floor. As she worked, she allowed her mind to return to the family business. Tradition was something her parents upheld firmly and tradition stated that the eldest would take over. For quite a solid part of her life, Inkie had just known she would be the one to inherit the farm when Ma and Pa passed away. It wasn't a question somepony had asked her, or something she had chosen. For Inkie, it was a fact of life. She often wondered at how much her life had changed since then.

There were a half dozen splintered hilts from wooden prop swords scattered around, and Inkie began to gather them up with a bemused smile. Lace managed to go through a whole shipment of these in a week, and it was an odd thing for Inkie to have to allot part of their income to. The overzealous hug whenever new swords came in, however, was well worth it, in Inkie's opinion.

Another glance around the room told Inkie that she would be here for a while yet. There'd been several hopeful newcomers today, wanting the famous Lacey Accent as their agent. She was known for being able to get the most inexperienced actors and actresses into prestigious roles--but only if she thought they were worth it. Sometimes it seemed that Lace’s method for determining if they were worth it was by throwing every prop and costume she owned at them.

The aftermath of a busy day reminded Inkie of some of Pinkie's wilder parties. Her very first one, the party that had gained Pinkie her cutie mark, was still a special day in Inkie's memory. Long before that, Inkie had sensed something in her parents that she hadn't been able to name.

Looking back now, she saw it as a feeling of rebellion against the strict customs they'd grown up with. Ma and Pa had never strayed from tradition and, in fact, marrying each other was part of that too. Not that they didn't love each other. The family wasn't so old fashioned as to force an unwanted union, but marrying other rock farmers was simply what the Pie's did. All those years of sticking to the rules must've suppressed the rebellious streak that Inkie was sure each and every family member had. Some, like Grammy Pie, welcomed it and flourished independently. Inkie could see now that Ma and Pa were rebelling themselves, if only a tiny bit, every time they invited the zany old mare over. However, it was at Pinkie's very first party that the cracks in the veneer of stoicism really showed. The smiles, the dancing, not minding that they were wasting precious working hours, the dancing... A grin split Inkie's muzzle, and she let out a giggle.

The floor was covered in glitter. Lace had probably tried to convince some unlucky soul to create a poster that 'captured the essence of everything' or something equally confusing to anypony that wasn't Lace herself. Inkie winced with sympathy for whoever it was and trotted across the room to the bathroom, where the broom and dustpan were stored.

That night really had been a turning point. Inkie remembered a lot more smiles after Pinkie finally gained her cutie mark. She had worried about the little pink filly, noting how the solemn atmosphere seemed to get to her most of all. Pinkie had never quite been fit for the life of a rock farmer. She always got frustrated and bored only a couple hours into a work day, pretending that the rocks could talk and having tea parties with them. Inkie had been surprised that she had built up the courage to throw a party in the first place. But then, Pinkie had always been the bravest of the three sisters. Perhaps that was why she'd been the first to get her cutie mark, because she was the first one strong enough to go against tradition. Even if it was in the most innocent way possible.

Softly humming a tune that Grammy Pie used to sing, Inkie began to arrange the chairs in rows. Blinkie had been next to get her cutie mark. She smiled slightly as the memories came rushing back. It had taken Blinkie days to work up the nerve to go to Ma and Pa and show them the system of wheelbarrows and tracks that would help with moving the rocks. Inkie had never really understood the contraption, but it had seemed reasonable enough. She knew that Blinkie had been terrified of her parents’ disapproval on the project, however. That was why the filly had done it after Pinkie's party escapade. Seeing proof that Ma and Pa weren't quite as uptight as they seemed must've soothed her nerves some.

Inkie brushed her dark hair away from her eye, only to have it fall right back. It had taken Ma and Pa a bit, they were still used to tradition, but they'd agreed to try it out and see what would happen. There had been problems in the beginning, but Blinkie had thrown herself into fixing those with gusto. It was when the whole thing finally worked smoothly that she'd found her flank adorned with a hammer and nails. Plus, the invention had cut down on the workload for the entire family

As Inkie slowly began to sweep up the stage, she pondered the way things seemed to happen as if fate linked them together. Pinkie getting her cutie mark had led to Blinkie getting her cutie mark, which had led to Inkie, the last of the three, getting her cutie mark. She fondly glanced down at her flank, taking in the half geode that she was so familiar with. The fact that it was a rock combined with her own humble origins--not that anypony in Manehattan knew where she came from--might lead somepony to think it had something to do with rock farming. That was about as far from the truth as it could get.

It had all started with the free time Blinkie's new invention had lent the family. They'd never really had much of it before and couldn't fill every spare second with a proper Pinkie party, as much as the energetic filly wanted to. It had started with short trips to Ponyville as a family to see what there was to do there. Eventually the trips became more frequent and longer as each pony found that they enjoyed their time there. They'd go their separate ways and meet back up for the journey home. Inkie had always liked to go to the schoolyard. There were so many other little ponies yelling and laughing and having fun. Being homeschooled had advantages, but it also meant no playing with other foals her age. Of course, it wasn't all fun and games, and she recalled a certain colt only a year older than her who'd enjoyed picking on the 'freak', as he'd dubbed her.

I have that bully to thank for my cutie mark now, Inkie mused. Even back then, she had never been able to bring herself to hate him. As mean as he was to her, Inkie had always thought there was sadness in his eyes. When she had mentioned this to the others, they'd just scoffed at it, but Inkie could never shake the feeling that there was more to the bully then he'd let on. That was why she had followed him home one day, simply curious, and how she'd found out his mom was very sick and that he took care of her. Inkie felt a twinge of sympathy as she recalled the frail mare she'd seen when her bully had answered the door. He'd been angry at first, but Inkie could tell it was just because he was sad and told him as much.

The stage was now fully swept and Inkie carried the dustpan towards the door.

Her bully had eventually broken down and reluctantly admitted how sad he was, which made him angry at the world. That was when Inkie had gotten her cutie mark. The geode had nothing to do with rock farming. It was all about seeing past the surface to find what was truly within. Inkie had always had a knack for looking past the facades and discerning what hid beneath. That particular talent was quite useful when one lived among the aristocracy. Not that Inkie had always appreciated her cutie mark.

Inkie shivered as she remembered looking at her flank and realizing her special talent didn't lay in rock farming. Pinkie's hadn't either, but that was different. Pinkie wasn't the oldest, and she hadn't been expected to inherit everything and take control one day. Inkie hadn't dared to think that her cutie mark would change that destiny and for quite a few years, her parents had agreed. Pinkie had flown the coop eventually, after she got a job at Sugarcube Corner, which was a surprise to nopony. She'd never been fit for rock farming. But then Inkie had felt herself getting restless. She had tried to hold it back, tried to focus only on the farm, but she couldn't help it. Inkie used to find herself gazing out at the horizon and wondering what other cities were like. Ponyville was nice, but it was small and Inkie discovered with horror that she was craving adventure.

A small chuckle escaped Inkie as she dumped the dirt outside. She had been so terrified the day her parents called her downstairs and sat her at the table. For a pony who was so good at reading others, Inkie had completely missed the signs then. Her own fear had blinded her to the compassion and love of her parents. Of course they'd understood and supported her. Inkie remembered the words well.

"Tradition is important, but old tradition can't fit with young ponies. Here's a new tradition we're starting right now; Pie's will always support each other, no matter what," Inkie recited to herself and felt her heart squeeze at the words. Purple eyes welled with tears and a bright smile nearly split her face. Ma had baked her a pie to take along, and Pa had lent her a couple bits to get started. It had been a unanimous decision that Blinkie would be the one to take charge of the farm, and Inkie had found herself on a train, staring back as her parents slowly shrank into tiny dots and then disappeared.

Times had been hard for a while. Inkie had been desperate for a job, any job, as she didn't want to send home for more bits. Meeting Lace had been the break she needed and Inkie knew now that she had what she wanted. Perhaps the unicorn was a bit flighty, and more than a little self absorbed, but Inkie saw the pure heart deep inside and knew she was worth it. Now she had a steady job, a good income, and a solid life. Of course, anything built on a rock foundation would be solid.

Inkie stored away the broom and the dustpan and gazed at her handiwork. The entire room was neat, though much darker from when she had started. The sun was setting and the shadows were deep across the room. Inkie trotted towards the exit, her mind wandering back to her family. All this reminiscing was making her rather homesick. Inkie always made it a point to write a letter at least once a week, but it wasn't always enough. It had been at least several months since her last trip home. Maybe she'd write to Pinkie and plan a surprise-I'm-visiting-again party.

The door swung open before her, and Inkie looked out at the street, still bustling with ponies. It was a bit chilly but she found the cold air bracing and refreshing after spending the entire day inside. Inkie trotted out, thinking about Blinkie and Ma and Pa and Pinkie. She had become rather accustomed to Manehattan over the past few years, but that rock farm outside Ponyville would always be home. A trip was really a good idea. After all, a Pie would always return home. It was tradition.

Comments

[Verdigris]

Nice piece. Gives Pinkie a little more depth, too. Well done.

[AltGrendel]

That's a good one. Sad, sweet and wistfull at the same time.

[Themaskedferret]

Beautiful work. very bittersweet but with a happy current running deep inside. I love the explanation of Inkie's cutie mark too.

[Psykosis]

Wonderful.

[Emil]

Best one yet!

[reader of the night]

Lovely.

[AntiquatedAnnomaly]

Exceptional.

[Blue_Paladin42]

More Inkie and Blinkie is always a good thing.

[mesu-no-TORA]

Inkie is one of my favorite characters, one that's generally never looked twice at. I adore the look that's been given her here, and I soundly applaud you.

[With A Bang]

1928063
Thank you! I was trying to give the entire Pie family a little expanding, so I'm happy that it worked- partly, at least.

1928479
That is the tone I was kind of going for. Reminiscing is always kind of happy and sad to me. Glad you liked it! Thank you!

1928568
See above comment about the bittersweet thing! Inkie's cutie mark gave me some trouble, so I really appreciate that you liked it. Thanks.

1929865>>1930967>>1931472>>1932689
All the one word comments, and they're all so positive! Thank you, to each and every one.

1932879
Can't argue with that.

1933289
She does get a sadly little amount of attention for being (what I view) such an important character. She's the sister of Pinkie Pie! And, of course, a unique individual that should definitely have more love. Thanks for your applause. I really liked this chance to give Inkie more character and background,

[TorontoFCBrony]

1937930 Lol stupid sexy Flanders.

[Midnight herald]

1974153 Thanks, man. It's what comes from being a musician writing about musicians, I guess. I had a vague idea of how Sapphire would operate for this Sweetie Belle-centric fic that's somewhere in the depths of my harddrive, and this was a nice opportunity to flesh her out more. I'm always surprised with how well it actually came out, and thanks for the positive feedback. It means a bunch to me.
Also: (\

[Verdigris]

1974062 The "DTs" - "Delerium Tremens" - was a name for the serious tremors and odd, sometimes frightening things people would see when drunk - or rather, when drying out. It's not fun. I've never had them, personally - no seriously - but I'm sure that's where the pink elephant or purple rhinoceros sightings came from.
As for seeing colorful ponies, well, that's another story.

If that's not what you're talking about, oh, well, my bad.