Chapter six: Happiness
After the odd scenario involving the cake twins was dealt with, Sugarcube Corner had resumed being the happy place it always was. Everything seemed to revert back to its normal state.
For some things at least.
Pinkie Pie sat upstairs in the twins’ room, turning an empty gaze to the wall opposite the one she was leaning against. Her poufy hair was completely deflated and hanging across her face like a dark pink curtain, and her shining blue eyes were red, puffy, and gleaming with fresh tears just waiting to escape her eyelids and roll down her tear-stained face. She sniffed loudly as another tear slowly rolled down her moist cheeks.
The two foals that sat in their cribs looked at her sadly. They wanted to do something, but they were unsure of what they could do anymore. Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake had already tried to get the pink pony’s attention numerous times, but each of their desperate attempts had been blatantly ignored by Pinkie Pie. So there they sat, looking at the pink pony in quiet sympathy.
Why did this have to happen? That was Pinkie Pie’s only question. She knew that life was unfair, and that it could throw unexpected twists and turns at you, but Dashie being blind for the rest of her life? Okay, life, that was going the slightest bit too far! She groaned sadly. In her mind, there was no reason to smile right now. She was trying to find one, she REALLY was. However, no reasons came to her mind at the moment. It was ironic, wasn’t it? The pony who told everyone to smile, couldn’t find a reason to do it herself, Pinkie thought to herself bitterly.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door she had closed when Rarity and Applejack had left. She moaned in annoyance. The last thing she wanted to deal with right now was another pony, but she had a reputation as the happiest pony in Ponyville to maintain, right? She wiped her face with her hoof quickly and plastered on a clearly fake smile. That was easy enough. But the one thing she couldn’t seem to do was give her hair its signature look. That was the main thing that worried her. Maybe she could play it off as a new mane style. Yeah, that could work, she could totally pull it off. She always was a good actress if she said so herself. Pinkie Pie made a few humming noises to make sure her voice was as chirpy as ever, and not that cracking sound it usually was when she had cried for a long period of time.
“It’s open!” Her voice cracked. Damn it.
“Pinkie Pie? Are you all right in there, dearie?” Mrs. Cake’s pleasant voice called in as her head popped into the room. Her eyes widened when she saw Pinkie Pie.
A few awkward moments of silence passed between them.
“Oh…uh, hiya, Mrs. Cake!” she said happily. Luckily for her, her voice was devoid of anymore cracking sounds.
“Pinkie Pie…are you doing okay, dear?” Mrs. Cake asked, a concerned tone taking over her voice.
“Of course!” Pinkie Pie assured the older pony quickly, plastering on an even bigger smile than before. “What makes you think that I wasn’t?”
“Well, for one thing your hair is – ”
“Oh, I just thought I’d try something different than what I normally go for! Do you like it?” she asked eagerly, shrugging Mrs. Cake’s question off faster than you could say chimmy cherry changas.
Mrs. Cake looked taken aback for a moment, but that look of surprise was quickly replaced by a look of concern. “Umm…yes, it’s very nice, dear. But, can I talk to you?” she asked, walking further into the room. She took careful care to close the door behind her. “It won’t take more than a few minutes.”
The pink pony backed up a bit, getting a bit nervous that her little secret would be discovered as Mrs. Cake came closer to her.
“Uhh…yeah, okay…sure thing,” she agreed, looking in all directions except the older pony’s eyes.
Mrs. Cake looked a bit hesitant to start the inevitable conversation, but she told herself that this couldn’t be avoided. She knew that the younger pony was holding quite a bit in, and she was just barricading herself in from the outside world. That wasn’t healthy for any pony to deal with, least of all on your own, and she just hoped that Pinkie Pie would come to realize that. She just needed a push in the right direction, and Mrs. Cake was willing to be that push if it meant helping the pony she cared for so much.
“Rarity told me about…well, about Rainbow Dash, and - ”
Pinkie Pie suddenly got defensive, walking threateningly towards Mrs. Cake. “Oh she DID, did she? What else did she tell you? HMMM?” she accused. By the time she had finished, she had backed Mrs. Cake up to the wall opposite of them and was pushing her nose up against Mrs. Cake’s.
Mrs. Cake was reluctant to answer after the pink pony’s display. “She didn’t tell me anything else, Pinkie,” she assured.
After hearing Mrs. Cake’s comforting voice, Pinkie Pie realized what she was doing, and instantly regretted it. She backed up more than enough to give Mrs. Cake her personal space and looked down at the ground in shame.
“Sorry, Mrs. Cake,” she mumbled
.
“It’s quite all right, dearie,” Mrs. Cake told her soothingly. She cautiously took a few steps closer to the younger pony. Thankfully, Pinkie Pie made no attempts to back up once again. “Now, I know you’re feeling sad, but - ”
“Who said I was sad? I’m not sad!” Pinkie Pie yelped quickly, looking up wildly and bobbing her head in all directions. She winced at the sound of her own voice. If it wasn’t obvious that she had a problem before, it was certainly obvious now.
Mrs. Cake looked at her knowingly, and Pinkie Pie folded in like a cheap table. The walls she had so cleverly built up to shield her emotions from the outside world were starting to crumble, and tears started to leak out of her eyes slowly.
“Okay, fine. I’m sad,” she admitted bitterly.
Mrs. Cake sighed in sympathy and walked over to Pinkie. Aforementioned pony looked back down to the ground once again and the tears starting flowing from her eyes faster.
The blue pony smiled sadly and held a hoof around Pinkie Pie’s heaving shoulders. “It’s okay for every pony to feel sad once in a while,” she said comfortingly. However, the reaction she got was certainly not one that she had expected.
“But I can’t!” Pinkie cried, slamming herself against the wall and leaning against it. She slid down the wall slowly and landed on her rump with a dull thud.
Mrs. Cake heard small gasps from the crib where her foals lay, but paid the sounds no heed. Right now, she focused her undivided attention to the wailing pony beside her. She sat down and asked, “Now who in the wide world of Equestria said that?”
“Every pony! I’m the Element of Laughter, so I have to be happy all the time! If I don’t then I won’t be doing my duty properly, and then ponies won’t like me anymore!” she sobbed. Her wails were getting louder as she continued, but she didn’t care. She just tucked her head into her front legs and held it there, as if her limbs could provide a shield from the judgment of the outside world. However, that wish remained just that: a foolish wish created by her insecurities. “Ponies like me because I throw parties and I’m happy and I make every pony else happy too! If ponies knew I was all saddy-waddy, then they would stop liking me! And I don’t want any pony to stop liking me!” By the end of her rant she was completely in hysterics. She clutched her face in her front hooves and her body was shaking violently with her never-ending sobs.
While Pinkie Pie was doubled over, Mrs. Cake was soothingly rubbing her back. “Oh, Pinkie Pie…that’s not true at all,” she said.
Pinkie Pie wasn’t having any of that. “But it is!” she countered.
“I’m seeing you cry, but do I think any less of you?” Mrs. Cake asked.
Pinkie pie looked up at the older pony, her eyes red and moist from all the tears. “Do you?” she asked sadly.
“Of course not, dearie,” Mrs. Cake smiled. “And neither will any pony.”
“You promise?” Pinkie asked, still not convinced.
Mrs. Cake sighed and sat up on her haunches. “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” she said, going through the motions of the promise that was named after the pink pony herself. It was only when she reached her hoof to her eye and touched it that she winced. After she was finished she put her hoof back down on the floor once again.
Pinkie Pie gave a small smile and wiped her nose with a hoof, giggling while doing so.
“Are you feeling any better now, Pinkie?” Mrs. Cake asked.
“Yeah…a LOT better,” Pinkie sniffed. Suddenly, she pulled Mrs. Cake into a tight embrace, folding her front legs around the older pony and squeezing her. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Cake.”
“Anytime, dearie,” Mrs. Cake smiled, returning the hug just as tightly. She was both happy, and just a bit surprised when Pinkie Pie’s mane suddenly fluffed up once again. But, it was certainly nice to have the usual Pinkie Pie back.
After a few more minutes of hugging, Mrs. Cake finally let go, much to Pinkie Pie’s disapproval.
“Mr. Cake will probably be wondering where I am. Is it all right if I go now, dear?” Mrs. Cake asked.
“Sure! You go right ahead!” Pinkie encouraged.
Mrs. Cake looked hesitant, but smiled to the pony beside her. She slowly stood up and made her way to the door. It seemed she had done her job, but Pinkie Pie was a very convincing actress, she had learned that on many occasions. So before she opened the door to leave, she looked back one last time.
“Are you sure you don’t need me anymore?” she asked.
“I’m super-duper sure!” Pinkie said, hopping to her hooves. She bounced to the door and held it open for Mrs. Cake.
“Well…okay. But call me if you need anything,” Mrs. Cake said. Finally she walked out of the door Pinkie was holding and made her way down the staircase leading to the main floor of Sugarcube Corner.
Pinkie Pie saw her out, watching the older pony gratefully as Mrs. Cake walked down the stairs and back to the store. She felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards Mrs. Cake. Mrs. Cake had helped pull her out of spiralling depression after all. It wasn’t completely gone, however. She still felt horrible for Dashie, and even worse that she could do barely anything to help her. But Mrs. Cake’s efforts had dampened that feeling of helplessness considerably.
She shook her head in amusement. What a silly filly she was. Just because she’s the Element of Laughter didn’t mean that she can’t be sad at all. She now knew that ponies couldn’t be happy all the time; it just wasn’t possible, even for her. It just seemed to take her a little bit longer to realize this simple fact. But, better late than never, as the expression went. She looked at the twins, who were both looking at her worriedly, and walked up to them.
“Don’t worry, you guys,” she assured them, smiling a small smile just in case the two weren’t entirely convinced. “I’m fine.”
They both smiled in return and clapped their hooves together, while happy noises came out of their mouths. Their antics made her smile even bigger, but that wasn’t the whole reason. She had made not one, but two ponies smile. In fact, it was one of the first times she thought she had genuinely brightened up some ponies’ day this week, which was more than enough for her.
Speaking of this week, she had just realized that she hadn’t thrown a single party, which was quite unusual for her. She had been much too busy worrying about Dashie to throw any parties. But that was going to change. And it was going to change very soon indeed. She would throw the best party ever for her friend! It may take a while to plan for and prepare, but if she knew her standards (which she knew very well, if she said so herself), then it would be the best party ever! It would be the party of all parties!
“What do you guys think? Should I throw a party for Dashie? Do you think she’ll like that?” Pinkie Pie asked the twins.
They both smiled and nodded vigorously, signaling their approval of Pinkie Pie’s proposal. Pinkie smiled in glee.
“Good! I was hoping you would like it! And I’m sure Dashie’ll like it too!” Pinkie smiled, clapping her hooves together. She stopped her hooves and gave each of them a pat on the head. “You guys are the best, you know that?”
Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake smiled in approval. Oh, they knew that all right.
The pink pony sighed. “Well, I guess I should get back to work,” she said, walking over to the door. Just before she closed it, she called over her shoulder, “See you guys later!”
She came to a stop just before she reached the staircase. Was Mrs. Cake really right? Would the ponies down there still like her? She was sure they had heard her wails, but she had no idea how they had reacted to them. Still, she figured she might as well face the music while she still had at least a little bit of dignity left. With her head held high, she hopped down the steps.
Her entrance appeared to be seemingly ignored by the ponies in Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie Pie wasn’t quite used to being ignored when she came into a room, but it actually wasn’t so bad. Besides, it wasn’t like she was trying to get noticed anyways.
“So far so good,” she thought as she made it to the bottom of the staircase without attracting any attention. Suddenly, Mr. Cake appeared in front of her. He had a comforting smile on his face that set Pinkie Pie’s startled mind at ease.
“Feeling better, Pinkie?” he asked kindly.
“You bet, Mr. Cake!” she answered. The ponies must have noticed her by now. With some hesitation, she looked around the store. To her delight (and just a bit of luck) all the ponies in the room were smiling at her. Some even gave the pink pony a welcoming wave when she locked eyes with them. She breathed out a noisy sigh of relief. Mrs. Cake had been right, thank Celestia.
What she had said to Mr. Cake about her feeling better was the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, she promised that to herself. She was finally happy again. After a long week of disappointment, anxiousness, and all around sorrow, she was finally happy. However, the big black cloud that was called depression still loomed over the deepest parts of her subconscious, just waiting to strike when the perfect moment presented made itself clear. But she could handle it. She was sure of it.
Suddenly, an idea popped into her head. “Hey, Mr. Cake, do you think…” She whispered the last part of her plan in the stallion’s ear. Pinkie wanted to be super secretive with this one particular party. No pony could know until everything was absolutely perfect. If some pony knew ahead of time, then it could spoil the whole element of surprise, and the whole thing would be left in ruins, and she couldn’t have that.
After he was told of Pinkie Pie’s brilliant plan, Mr. Cake smiled and gave her a nod of approval. “I think that’s a great idea, Pinkie,” he said supportively. “I’m sure she’ll love it.”
“Great! I’ll have to start planning right away!” she said. “But first…” She gave her first genuine Pinkie-Pie smile of the week. “Need any help?”
Oh, hello, another short chapter. Didn't see you there.
But, enough with that. The new episode...actually kind of struck a chord with me. I was bullied too (well I still kind of am), so it was really nice to see one of my favorite shows do a well-made (in my opinion) episode about it. The song was awesome too. I put it on my iPod and it is now one of the most played songs I have. Huh.
So, enjoy the chapter...or not. Next one will be longer, and it will also be a Dash/Twilight centered one (Not TwiDash yet, but the chapter will feature the two), for all of you (including me) who want more Dash/Twilight.
THISCHAPTERISSOSHORTANDSOBADANDICANTASDFGHJKLDSHFOISZHI love this fic so much.
Mr.Blunderbolt,
I have to comment on a chapter that has struck a cord with me. I have normally been my families 'rock' as it were, in emotionally trying times. I'm normally the withdrawn- happy type, but this chapter hit me for one reason. She had a scenario almost exactly the samr as the on I had when my grandmother died. A friend noticed what was going on and quized me about it, leading to a situation not unlike this.
TL:DR You good sir, gave me a fond memory, accompanied by manly tears.
From
Nobodyslament
1677400
The new episode really was great and the song was awesome.
And about the chapter, its alright and better A chapter then NO chapter.
Then again you have that thing about quality above quantity but this one has enough quality.
Although it seems to be filler and mostly needed to go forward with the story.
So you have my
loved it
OHAI
Just finished Chapter 1, and I have one thing I'd like to point out.
"Acquired" is not the correct word. The word you are looking for is "possessed".
Other than that, it's looking good so far.
MORE!
Anal passage
1677400
Damn right. Bullying is freaking horrible. I completely agree with you. Well except for the Ipod part...I have an mp3 player
eason hooves....something you're trying to say?
ahem, I was glad to see a new chapter. Dissapointed that it wasn't twidash time yet, but I see you say you're working on that, so huzzah for that. I really can't wait... I think twidash fics are my favorite.
SQUEEEEE!!! I love this fic!
Whoo!!! Finally!!! Anyway, another great chapter my friend!
1677400 Really? As was I bullied, all of my 8th Grade year and some of my 7th . I wasn't bullied because I was strange or anything, basically I was bullied just for laughs, almost lost it one time, and I have a bad temper even with little things. Kind of worked out in the end though, I'm actually friends with one of my bullies, yeah, how ironic. Also the new episode hit me not on a chord, more of a little memory bank. The bulling, however, gave me much to think about, and molded me into the person I am. Overall, I could go on forever about the subject, but just be strong about it. I've gained a strong hatred for bullies and believe me when I say if I were there with you I would stand up for you . Anyways I liked the new episode, loved the CMC's song, good theme and moral, but what goes around comes around as stated by what happened to DT and SS. Also, I can't wait for the new Trixie episode next saturday. How about you?
1677468 I'm very glad to hear it!
1677476 First of all, I'm sorry about your grandmother.
Second of all, you're welcome.
1677527 Well thank you.
1677617 Thanks!
1677725 OHELLO.
1677736 I see. Thanks for pointing that out.
1678166 Okay...
1678390 wut
1678697 I see. Well, doesn't matter what you have, as long as you can listen to it, right?
1678773 Don't worry, the TwiDash is coming!
1678839 Thanks much!
1678899 Thank you very much!
1679371 Ah. I see what you mean. I'll see what I can work out in the future. Thanks for pointing that out.
1679433 Aww, I'm really sorry about that. I was bullied from grades...2 to maybe...8? Either way, it was a long period. I honestly have no idea why they bullied me, I honestly don't. But the seventh year was by far the worst though. All my friends practically abandoned me, and I was close to ending it all. But, I'm still kicking. What doesn't kill you makes you
even more fucked up than beforestronger, right? So, yeah, I've gained a strong dislike for bullies as well.Anyway, I'm SUPER excited for the new episode! I want to see Trixie again. Although she is a pretty big bitch, but she's an interesting character indeed.
1679456 Cool, bro, Cool. media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6h84mAoMS1rwcc6bo1_500.gif
1679475 Darn. If only I had a gif to reply to that one.
*Highest of fives*
great chapter!
lol, the one thing i thought about while reading that was this:
images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/27700000/Surprise-Angel-my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-27716364-600-600.png
First off, I want to say how much I'm enjoying this story. It's not the type I usually read (you've lead me in here with the Carrot on the Stick known as TwiDash, so don't disappoint me :P), but so far I've found it to be really engrossing, and very well in character for the characters (given the situation, of course). I only have one big gripe with this chapter:
This feels really out of place, and frankly it's something I wish authors would do away with. The Mane 6 do represent the elements, yes, but they were who they were before they were named as the elements, all that's changed about them is a bit of Jewelry. You don't go around seeing them talking about how they're the Element of X all the time on the show, why should people harp on about them in fiction. Really, I believe element talk to only be relevant when they're actually discussing the Elements of Harmony and where the Elements are central to the plot. I realize that the Elements are a sort of plot device used here, but here the usage is just awkward and misplaced in the context of things.
If I might make a suggestion, you could try something like Pinkie feeling like it's her job to make other ponies smile, if they see her all sad, then they might be sad as well. I feel it would be more in tune with Pinkie's character than I AM THE ELEMENT OF X ITS MY JOB TO DO Y.
I hope you keep up the good work and take what I've said into consideration! See ya on the next chapter.
2.bp.blogspot.com/-809KQ-sDr2I/ULHluVENZFI/AAAAAAABEJI/eJgQmnWXtGQ/s1600/1.gif
Another great chapter I hope this sweetie belle brightens up your day.
That last line reminded me of a certain paper clip. "Looks like you're trying to bake some cupcakes, need some help?"
This song kept entering my head throughout this chapter:
Truth be told, it came out more like this:
Dunno why, Pinkie's brew just did. Maybe it was the feel of it?
1678390
Go on...
1679515 Thank you!
1679882 I'm very glad you're enjoying it, and I'll try my very best not to disappoint.
What you're saying does make a lot of sense, and I'll take that into consideration. However, I don't think I'll change it for this chapter. Perhaps in later chapters I'll mention it, but thank you very much for the suggestion.
1680088 ....FUCKTHATSCUTE. Thank you!
1680599 Ohohoho~?
1681367 I was actually think of The Gypsy Bard while writing this.
1681526
Similar feel as Pinkie's Brew. Fun that we both thought of a Pinkie song from that delightful series.
Have more bard
and some instrumental bard!
even when pinkie was happy you never mentioned her hair INflating
1682045
if you'll notice, I did.
1682065 ah very good so far
1678390 *Slap* NO, THIS IS NOT A CLOPFIC!
1681526 2.bp.blogspot.com/-3aCqG-2bhfI/UK6NYGLDhQI/AAAAAAABDgk/Myx8jOBiGA4/s1600/3.gif
No problem.
1682234 Thank you!
1683545 Me likey that gif.
1684897 Ah, thank you for the clarification. But I still agree with you on how it was rushed. However, I'll see what i can do in later chapters with Pinkie. She's fun to write, especially when she's all crazy.
And don't worry about the updates. So far I've been consistent, let's just hope that doesn't change.
I am too, and...wait...what in the (LOOK AT THE TOP POST)...I think we might just be back in business...
see now…i love this story, idea and all, and i can't wait to see where this is gonna go.
…but i really HATE waiting for stories to update!
and i havent been able to figure out time travel yet!
…still…keep 'em coming
1684963
Well, I FINALLY had the time to read this!
I enjoyed it. I wonder how will that party go. I just hope Dash will recover. At least, a bit.
Your chapters are getting progressively better.
can't wait for the next!
1686497 I'm with you there. Once I build my time machine, no more updates for me! (And usually I like the fics that take the LONGEST time to update.) Also, thank you very much! and I'll do my best!
1689186 And Rainbow's just like, "Fuck your shit right now, twilight."
1689550 First of all, what does OP mean, anyway? I haven't been able to figure that out.
There's a reason she's doing it, which will be revealed later in the story. But, you're right on the note of her knowing the emotional aspects of her friends.
You read my mind, my friend. Besides, breakdowns are
HELLfun!Don't worry, Rarity will have her turn soon, that you can be sure of. And as time goes on, I'll explain more in depth Applejack's little monsters eating away at her head. Won't that be fun?
And yes, the return of Dashie and Twi will be next chapter.
1693285 And I thought I was the only one! Funny, huh?
1694143 I'm glad to hear it!
1698751 Actually? I thought they were getting worse? But, thank you!
1700537 I'm sorry you feel that way.
While I was writing this, the first thing that popped into my head was, "ten seconds flat." Not, "Oh, I can make a reference to that" or "why don't I troll all these butts?" It was just what i thought of at the time. But, I won't be changing it. However, I appreciate your input.
1704864
1.bp.blogspot.com/-0FNIl-iavHw/ULRQmdy5tEI/AAAAAAABEh8/Yju-jZ8IlwU/s1600/163838__UNOPT__.gif
I read this whole story... in 1 day... while listening to Dashie Mine on loop...
.
..
...
MY FEELS!
i.imgur.com/31k1U.gif
1713895
oh god that face, please dont, my feels have already crashed
1704864
really great fic, I can assume the twidash will take it's time, as it should, but I cannot wait for more XD
have some hugs, hugs from random bronies can help with the bullying.
if that fails give me an address and i'll see what I can do with the royal canterlot (ish) voice
1679882
Agreed, i had liked Pinkies rant to be more about Dashy and her not knowing what to do to cheer her up instead of a rant about herself, her being an element of laughter and thus having the public expection to always laugh everytime.
On the other hand we might get to see that part after Pinkie´s part to one of her friends when the party doesn´t really cheer RD up. Like AJ admitting not to know what to with this drasti change. Who knows?
As much as i wanna read about Twi and Dash talking, i can´t wait to see how Rarity will meet Shy and how it will or will not work out.
1704864
OP is gamer slang for Over Powered. Usually used in competitve games in which either characters, weapons or races are considered too powerful to be beaten by the rest of the cast.
For example League of Legends has to nerf (power-down) and buff (power-up) to balance the heroes the player can fight with.
Though as the Trixie episode has shown us quite some spells are really hard to cast for Unicorns. But think about Twi making a flower younger (!), it means she could age apple trees to grow up similar to Earth ponies who can make a seed grow up into a little seedling in a flash. Or her calling heat after Trixie called snow, which is pegasi magic.
Unicorns can tap/do spells similar to Earth pony and Pegasi magic, only with lots of power included ofc, so that´s kinda OP given how Earth ponies and Pegasis can´t use Unicorn spells on their own.
1677400 short and bad? You deconstructed Pinkie Pie beautifully and don't let anyone say otherwise.
First pinkie was like
Then:
Then:
Finally:
1704864 OP means Over Powered or Original Poster.
great chapter it made me cry a little but did i lol anyways keep up the good work