• Published 28th Jun 2012
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A New Hero - Alex The Lone Wolf



What if there was another pony who joined the pony gang? (Look at longer description...)

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Pinkie Pride

Episode 77 – Pinkie Pride


I finished with the last color of the rainbow as I laid the final stroke of her tail. Afterwards, I returned the brush back inside the cup of water.

"Thank you so much for helping me with the decorations, Alex!" Pinkie Pie thanked as the two of us stood in front of Sugarcube Corner. The banner of Rainbow Dash we had made laid on the ground calmly, so I decided to wrap the ends of the banner on the wooden sticks to have it stand upright on the ground in front of the bakery.

"It's totally fine." I answered with a smile. "Knowing you, I thought you would've been able to handle it all by yourself."

"Maybe, but I really think we need to spend more time together. I mean, when's the last time we ever did something together like this? Even at parties? Sure, we always talk to each other, but I mean I can't really remember the last time we actually did something together, so now I thought it would be perfect for us to work on Rainbow's party together! That way, we can plan a super fantastic fun party for Rainbow Dash all while doing it together!"

I knew Pinkie Pie was being super talkative, but she was just being herself of course.

"I can help every now and then, but I really think it's going to be you working on her party." I admitted. "You know your stuff, and I'm not going to be here to stop you." I chuckled a little.

Pinkie Pie giggled a little as well and looked back in thought. "You know, it seems only like yesterday when you really didn't want anything to do with me and my parties."

"I was stupid and inconsiderate at that time." I quickly addressed.

"Aww." Pinkie Pie rushed to squeeze me with both forelegs. "You just needed some extra motivation!"

With a small smirk, I responded. "Whatever you say, Pinkie."

Pinkie turned and released me when she noticed the others joining us.

"Hey, things are starting to look pretty good!" Twilight commented as she walked towards us along with the other girls.

"It's…just a banner." I glanced over to the banner and then back at Twilight with a jokey smile.

"It'll be a lot more than that later on today!" Pinkie heartily chirped in. "We'll get a whole bunch of balloons! And cake! And party games! Party hats! Eeee! Ooh, I am just so, so, SO excited because today I'm planning the birthday bash of... Rainbow Dash!" She pointed towards the banner.

I looked up to see the picture of Rainbow Dash look a little more…realistic than before. However, it suddenly popped out with a "Yeah!". She observed her own depiction on the banner. After, she raced over to Pinkie to slap her some high-hooves. However, Pinkie then grabbed onto Rainbow's hooves and held close to her seriously.

"Rainbow Dash." She expressed with a stern face.

"Yes, Pinkie?" Rainbow returned.

"You realize that, by enlisting me as your party planner, I guarantee that this is going to be the funnest, most fantabulous, superbial party in Ponyville?" Pinkie stated boldly, having Rainbow Dash slowly lower herself below Pinkie Pie until she was lying down on the floor.

"Uh...yeah?" Rainbow flopped her ears down, proving to be not on the same length as Pinkie. "I guess."

"No guesses!" She stuffed a hoof on her mouth. "Parties are no picnic."

"Oh, I like a nice picnic party." Fluttershy raised her hoof and added with a soft smile. Pinkie Pie quickly shot back a glare at Fluttershy along with a growl. "Oh!" Fluttershy quickly retracted, seeing as how she somehow interrupted Pinkie's serious party mood.

"Parties. Are. Serious!" She faced back to Rainbow Dash. "And you have my certified Pinkie Party Promise that you will have the best birthday party ever!"

"Hoh-Okay." Rainbow Dash nodded with a nervous smile, never had expecting such a…change in Pinkie's attitude about parties.

"Great!" Pinkie reverted back to her cheerful self and bounced around. "Now, who's ready to join this super duper party pony to plan this super duper pa-rty?"

"I am." A sudden low voice broke through the positive atmosphere, surprising the girls. We looked to the source of this response to see some pony hiding in the shadows…yet…he blew a party horn.

"Who are you, stranger?" Pinkie Pie immediately asked with a bright smile.

"Name's Cheese Sandwich." He spat out the party horn from his mouth and began walking towards us. "I plan parties."

"What an amazing coincidence! I'm Pinkie Pie, and I'm planning a party!" Pinkie Pie threw out happily.

"Oh, it's no coincidence, my little pony." He answered, but I managed to spot some kind of rubber chicken on his back, leading me to be confused on what exactly kind of pony he was. "My cheesy sense was a-tingling, telling me a party was in the works."

"A cheesy sense? Ah! Double amazing! I have a Pinkie Sense!" Pinkie Pie brought up.

"Yes. I sensed you did." This new pony kept his cool, being the complete opposite of Pinkie Pie. "And I happen to be the premiere party planner in all of Equestria. If there's a party in need, there I'll be. Be it wingding, hoedown, hootenanny, or shindig, I'm your pony."

"Um…excuse me… Cheese Sandwich?" I caught his attention. "It's nice of you to offer…but…Pinkie Pie here is already planning this party for Rainbow Dash."

"Alex!" Pinkie Pie bounced over to me. "Don't you see what this means?! We want Rainbow's party to be as awesome as ever! A pair of party pony planners in Ponyville?! What can be more perfect?!"

"I'll tell you what - making this party epic!" Rainbow joined. "'Cause this isn't just any birthday. It's also the anniversary of when I moved to Ponyville!"

"Good heavens, Rainbow Dash." Rarity spoke. "It's your 'birth-iversary'!"

"Exactly! So what do you say, party planners?" Rainbow held her hooves towards the duo.

"Oh, I think we can do it!" Pinkie Pie jumped up and down in excitement and glee.

"Oh, I don't think so." Cheese Sandwich emphasized, having Rainbow and Pinkie gasp in shock. Immediately after in all of a sudden, he threw out his desperado outfit to expose his kooky self. "I know so! After all...

The super-duper party pony–that pony is me" He began singing loudly and proudly.

"I always knew that was the kind of pony I would be"

"Me too!" Pinkie cheered.

"Come on, ponies! Who here likes to party?" He asked and then rushed over to an elder pony walking by. "Ha-ha! You do! I can tell!"

"When I was but a little colt, I just wanted to play"

"Like me!" Pinkie added.

"But everypony told me, 'Cheese, that fun just wastes the day'"

"As if!"

"But when I threw a party and I busted out some moves"

"Uh-huh!"

"The ponies finally saw the light and got into the groove"

"You know it!"

"The super-duper party pony–that pony is me" He busted out an accordion and began playing it.

"And me!" Pinkie continued.

"You'll never meet another party pony quite like Cheese!" He had already attracted a huge crowd.

"Uh, Pinkie?"

"Hey, good-lookin', want some mayonnaise?" He randomly pulled out a jar of mayonnaise and asked somepony in the audience.

"My parties are all off the hook

I never plan them by the book

I start out fun, then whoopsie-daisy

Everybody just gets crazy!

Bored of snacks made by your mom?

How about a giant party bomb?

Huge piñatas filled with cake

Or dive into my fruit punch lake!

The super-duper party pony–that pony is me

You'll never meet another party pony quite like Cheese" He danced wildly in front of the crowd and they all seemed to greatly accept him.

"Oh, when I throw a Cheese party, be sure to not be lame

And miss my pie fights, wacky kites, and streamers in your mane

Fizzy drinks, Hawaiian shirts, and brie fondue delight

You know that with Cheese Sandwich, you'll be partying all night!"

"C'mon, everypony! Let's party down with Cheese!" Rainbow Dash announced and invited everypony to crowd around Cheese Sandwich. Of course, they all did in a flash, leaving Pinkie and me outside.

"You're really a certified party pony?" Fluttershy asked with soft excitement to him.

"That's right! That's my guarantee!

The super-duper party pony–that pony is me-e-e-e-e" The ponies carrying him moved him over to someplace else after throwing him in the air for a moment.

"But what about the super party pony named Pinkie...?" Pinkie Pie tried to sadly reach out, but simply laid down on the floor after feeling defeated.

"Pinkie…?" I walked towards her and placed a hoof on her.

She quickly opened her eyes, startled that I was right there next to her. "Oh? What? Hm?"

"I'm sorry about what just happened right now…" It was all I could think of to say at the moment.

Pinkie Pie forced out a giggle. "What are you talking about? Now, Cheese and I can plan this party together and make it extra special."

"But…you just…"

"Come on!" Pinkie Pie cut off my sentence by grabbing my hoof and taking me along with her to follow Cheese Sandwich. "This party isn't going to plan itself!"

Whatever Pinkie Pie said, I knew she couldn't fool me what for how she was really feeling.


"Yeah! Hah, now that's what I'm talking about! I'm so stoked you're here, Cheese Sandwich!" Rainbow Dash announced loudly as we caught up to the crowd. However, we remained a few steps behind them.

"Yeah. You sure did come on the right day." Applejack added from the ground.

Rarity seemed to release a small relieved sigh. "Your party sounds simply divine."

"We're so lucky to have you here!" Twilight exclaimed brightly.

I furrowed eyebrows, feeling honestly bothered that everypony just seemed to forget about Pinkie Pie.

"Just doing my job, little fillies." Cheese Sandwich answered in accomplishment, placing another hat on his head.

I glanced over to Pinkie Pie to see her walking slowly slow down as she lowered her head. Nonetheless, she kept her eyes and ears up to continue seeing what was being said afterwards.

"I mean, Pinkie Pie's parties are fun and sweet and all, but now this party's gonna be—"

"Epic?" Cheese Sandwich finished, all while I noticed Pinkie Pie quickly lower her head as I knew she couldn't control the tears that were about to come out.

"You said it! Oh, yeah!" Rainbow Dash spun around and slapped hooves with Cheese Sandwich.

"Feels gouda!" He replied when Rainbow Dash noticed us in the back, but mostly stared at Pinkie Pie.

"Uh, heh, no offense, Pinkie." Rainbow added at the last second.

Pinkie quickly lifted up her head and licked clean the tears from her eyes, feigning a bright smile. "Uh, n-none taken." She closed her eyes, but then opened one to see if Rainbow Dash was still looking at her. Rainbow Dash, thinking everything was okay since she saw Pinkie smile, turned around and quickly caught back up with Cheese Sandwich.

As soon as Pinkie saw her dash out, her eyebrows furrowed worriedly, and it was if something on her back forcefully pushed her forward when she looked heartbroken. And like a lost dog, she turned around in a very small manner and walked away sadly.

I couldn't describe how horrible I felt after seeing that. I didn't need to feel disbanded to know exactly how she felt, and I definitely couldn't let her go on like that.

"Pinkie…" I called after her.

"Oh, hey… What's up?" She continued to try to smile as I was able to easily catch up to her, due to her very slow walking.

I still didn't really know what to say, so it took me some time to make something out. "…you're not going to let them just go on without you, are you? I mean…you're the party pony here and to not be participating in a party…it just isn't like you."

She returned a nervous and small chuckle. "What are you talking about?" She asked as we now arrived back at Sugarcube Corner. "I'm sure they're just excited because of the new pony in town." She nodded and stopped in front of the door to the sweet shop. "I mean, I would be too. He's such a goofy and cool pony. They'll come back when the hype is done." She added another nervous and short giggle. She sat and waited under the banner we had made. It was extremely silent as I took a look at the banner and then thought back to what Cheese Sandwich had done in mere seconds.

I glanced back at Pinkie to see she was still staring out to the distance in silence.

"Pinkie…" I tried to softly get her attention.

"Any time now…" She tried to keep her grin, but as she noticed no sign whatsoever, her stretched nervous smile dropped and her eyes widened in disbelief. A couple of purple balloons passed by and easily knocked down the banner to the floor. She observed this, looking up, and then slowly tilted her head downwards. I continued witnessing the changes in her face as tears swelled up in her eyes.

Feeling extremely empathetic, I raised a hoof and placed it around her. Instead of tackling me to the floor, she only calmly turned her head towards my body to rest it on me lightly.

"At least you're still with me…" She tried to appreciate.

"Pinkie!" We suddenly heard a yell coming from nearby. Pinkie Pie quickly raised her head and looked around in panic. She spotted a tin watering can near the bushes of flowers and quickly rushed towards it to hold it up and…water nothing. "Aren't you gonna help Cheese Sandwich plan the party?" Twilight walked by, holding a couple of small rainbow flags.

"That's okay." Pinkie chuckled nervously. "He obviously has what it takes to do it all by himself. Heh." She messed around with the watering can, not actually focusing on what she was really watering.

"Really?" Twilight returned in surprise.

"Yes, indeedy!" Pinkie nervously chuckled again and stretched out an immensely huge grin, especially when her watering can had run out of water.

Twilight continued staring at Pinkie Pie as she held the odd grin. Then, she glanced over to me with a both confused and concerned face. "…is something going on?"

I turned my eyes toward Pinkie, who only remained stretching her grin at both me and Twilight.

"Um… I'm just going to be hanging around here with Pinkie for a bit…"

"Oh…okay…" Twilight was a little…unsure of what to say. "Well…I guess I'll see you both later on then…" Afterwards, she turned and began walking away.

Once Twilight was out of the picture, Pinkie allowed herself to finally relax her face and lower the watering can towards the ground.

"After all…" She began speaking. "…if Cheese really is the super duperiest partying-est pony of them all.." She scrunched her face, as if she was beginning to attempt to hold back tears. "…maybe that means... I'm... not." The last word she spoke already broke at the end. I quickly turned around to see her heading back inside the shop.

"Pinkie." I called out as I followed her.

I trotted after her, reaching her side in the shop.

"It's okay, Alex… I mean… I was just out-partied by another pony. It's no biggie…" She chuckled, but then sighed heavily at her own statement.

"For all my life, all I've wanted to do

Was make my friends want to smile true

But maybe I was wrong…" She began singing, sparing a tear in between.

"And Pinkie Pie shouldn't plan parties at all…"

"That's not right." I shook my head. "You can't just…stop."

She shook her head and thought of what to do next.

"I'll try to get up on my hooves

And try a different task

I'll find something new to do

There's gotta be more to me than planning a party or two…"

She led me towards her room, where she began getting rid of anything that was party.

"It's…your cutie mark." I tried to subtly convince.

"I put away my party cannon, I deflated all my balloons" She did so as she seemed to ignore what I said.

"The bubbles all burst, now what is next for you?" She walked towards her wall, where there hung pictures with her inside them.

"For you..." She brought this one picture frame closer to her, revealing that it was when she was a filly.

"Oh, I remember this one: my first party ever. My whole family was there." She turned towards another that depicted all of the girls at a certain scene I did not remember… "And that's Twilight's welcome-to-Ponyville party. She didn't even expect that one." Pinkie giggled. Oh…that's right. "Oh, look at Gummy! He just looks so excited for this birthday party!" She explained another picture and lastly moved on to the one we all couldn't forget… "Hmm. Shining Armor and Cadence's wedding sure was special, especially once I got a hold of the music."

"Oh, look at those happy faces" She resumed singing, except this time, it was much brighter than before.

"All the parties that I had thrown

I made them laugh…"

"Had such a blast…" I added, feeling Pinkie regain herself.

"A smile that's all their own" We both expressed simultaneously.

"They loved seeing me" She stated in song.

"The real Pinkie" I emphasized.

"Show them the time of their life like they've never known" She threw open the doors to her balcony and threw her sorrow out the door.

"Like they've never kno-o-own" I mixed in my voice with hers.

"I've got to get back out there, have to show them that I've tried" Pinkie Pie rushed back in her room and began getting out much of her goofiness back inside and on her.

"For there's only one great party pony - that is Pinkie Pie

Won't let Cheese Sandwich beat me, won't let him get me down

For I am Pinkie, the bestest party pony around!" She sang out loud as she stepped out the door of the shop.

"Now that's the Pinkie I remember." I stated with a relieved smirk.

"You're right, Alex." She held a firm hoof. "I've been doing this ever since I was just a little filly! Why should I stop become some other pony thinks he's the best party planner in all of Equestria? No! It's my job to show my stuff and keep my title!" She hopped forward and boldly stood on her hooves. "I've got to show everypony what I can do!" She pointed out a hoof in the air. "To the…uhm…" She thought for a moment before she spoke up again. "Party…Planning Place!"


After following her serious bouncing, we seemed to arrive where everypony was at. We looked around a house to see Rarity and Applejack following behind Cheese Sandwich, who held a clipboard close to his chest along with a smug smile.

"I must say I marvel at your superior party planning expertise, Cheese Sandwich." Rarity shared behind him along with a giggle.

"Well, they don't call him the super duper party planner for nothin'." Applejack added.

"That's it!" Pinkie Pie pushed herself forward after hearing this. "This pony has gotta get her title back! And I know just what to do!"

"…and what is that?" I asked.

"A Goof-Off…"

"…a Goof-Off?" I questioned in confusion.

"It's elementary, my dear." She turned and explained to me. "Whoever is the best goofer-offer wins."

"…so…what you're saying is that whoever acts the silliest wins?"

"Precisely, amigo!" Then, she turned back and looked around with squinted eyes. "Now…where is that Cheese Sandwich?"

"I think he was headed over there…" I pointed towards a large area that was now occupied with a bunch of decorations and even a stage with stage lights.

"That Cheese is going down…" She began her serious hopping once again over to the new destination. I followed behind, wondering how exactly this would turn out. Cheese Sandwich didn't seem like a bad guy…but I have to admit, practically taking over this party that Pinkie was supposed to run wasn't a great move…


"Totally awesome!" We heard Rainbow Dash yell out.

"Huh. Best I've ever seen." Applejack commented as we saw Rainbow Dash's cutie mark appear above using the spotlight.

"I can't believe it!" Twilight shared her enthusiasm.

However, my interest was significantly brought in when I saw what the ponies nearby were in awe about. Cheese Sandwich was standing on a wooden scaffold along with that rubber chicken of his, and they both held ice picks. Cheese Sandwich was observing proudly at his…ice sculpture. And of course, everypony was complimenting him on his work…

Really?

"Freeze, Cheese!" Pinkie Pie shouted out from behind Fluttershy and Rarity whom were observing the sculpture. Both of them were alarmed of her sudden presence. "I challenge you... to a Goof-Off!" She exclaimed loudly, causing every single one of the girls to gasp.

"Oh, no! Not a Goof-Off!" Fluttershy cried out softly, as if she had experienced one of these before.

"What's a Goof-Off?" Applejack whispered to her.

"I have no idea, hehe." Fluttershy admitted, leaving Applejack to return an unamused look.

"This Cheese has stood alone a long time, Pinkie Pie." He returned boldly, placing on another hat. "You think you can out-goof me?" He squinted his eyes seriously.

"Oh, I don't think so. I know so!" Pinkie Pie continued viciously as they grew close together. "And the stakes are high, Cheese Sandwich. Whoever wins will be dubbed the ultimate super duper party pony and headline the Rainbow Dash birth-iversary bash!" Her voiced echoed throughout the space we stood in.

"And the loser?" Twilight inquired.

"Doesn't!" Pinkie responded, creating another collection of gasps from the others.

"So, are you in, Cheese?" Pinkie nudged him. "Or are you... boneless?"

"Nopony calls me boneless." He answered with a rough voice and then looked back at his rubber chicken. "Right, Boneless?"

He didn't answer.

"Then the Goof-Off is on for high noon!" Pinkie Pie settled.

"Um, Pinkie? It's already 3 o'clock…" Twilight pointed out.

"Oh. Oh, well then." Pinkie Pie retracted in an admittedly silly manner. "Make it 3:10 to Goof-Off!"

"I'll be there…and not be…square…" Cheese Sandwich stated lowly, and this led for the two of them to back off slowly away from each other while continuing to stare intensely.

"Oh my." Rarity expressed as she placed a hoof to her chest in slight shock. "Whatever would cause Pinkie Pie to behave in such a way?"

Glancing back over to the ice sculpture, I narrowed my eyes into a half-lidded state and began to turn around.

"Think about it."


In ten minutes, the streets of Ponyville were already crowded with ponies eager to observe the competition that would be fierce and aggressive on silly matters. I looked up at the clock to be certain it was exactly ten past three. That's when I began hearing spurs jangling and rubber squeaking.

Both of the competitors' eyes met, but from a fairly far distance. Pinkie ended with blowing a party horn. Afterwards, Twilight walked in with an announcement. "All right, everypony. According to my official goof off rulebook..." She went ahead and pulled out a rulebook, which I actually didn't believe there would be one for such an event. She turned to a specific page and glued her eyes onto it as she spoke out loud. "The two competitors have free range to goof about - be it by singing, dancing, playing, prancing, joking, or performing - to make the judge chortle, chuckle, giggle, guffaw, hoot and holler, whoop it up, and party down." All while Twilight explained the rules, Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich would make silly faces to each other. "The funnier, sillier, wilder, and goofier, the better. Rainbow Dash, since the winner will be headlining your party, you are the judge."

"Heh. Big tense competition on my birth-iversary." Rainbow Dash responded a little anxiously. "What could be better?"

"Cheese Sandwich, Pinkie Pie, are you ready?" Twilight asked the two.

"I was born ready!" Pinkie slammed her boot firmly on the ground.

"I was ready before I was born!" Cheese Sandwich countered.

"Then... Let the goofing begin!" Twilight announced and then flew out of the space to allow the competitors to start.

They both began slowly advancing at each other. Cheese Sandwich would step with his squeaking shoes while Pinkie would bounce about with her boots, all while Rainbow Dash remained in the middle and observed the both of them.

Cheese Sandwich immediately drew by walking on a ball while playing the accordion, but Pinkie Pie cut in as she sang to Rainbow Dash as she repeated Cheese Sandwich's move. Instead of playing the accordion, she juggled cupcakes and wore a spinning hat and moustache.

"It's your birthday party, a very special day"

I've got a song, it won't take long, I just wanted to say

Happy, happy, happy, happy

Happy, happy, happy, happy

Happy, happy, happy, happy birthday to you!" Pinkie had tossed cupcakes into Rainbow's mouth, which Rainbow seemed to highly enjoy. Pinkie Pie even added a little extra by forming some of the frosting on the last cupcake in the shape of Rainbow.

Next, Cheese Sandwich came in while rolling on a cylinder block of cheese, continuing to play with his accordion.

"If you wanna be the life of the party

But you're feeling just a little uptight" He dropped off and began singing to Rainbow, leaving Pinkie with an unamused expression.

"Call the doctor, beg and plead

'Doctor, tell me what I need'

Try to put a little cheese in your knees!" He chomped at the cheese he was wearing on his hooves. He continued walking around Rainbow with his cheese while making silly noises until Pinkie Pie picked Rainbow up with a fishing rod.

"Bubbles and balloons, bubbles and balloons" Pinkie Pie presented in her balloon and bubble basket.

"What's a birthday party without bubbles and balloons?

Star-shaped or trapezoid, look what I can do

Only Pinkie Pie can make a bubble shaped like you!"

Twilight had landed near me, but I continued to have my silent attention on the competition.

Cheese Sandwich grabbed ahold of Rainbow and continuing dancing in front of her on top of Town Hall.

"Just let yourself go floppy, for now this is your chance"

"Pretend you have no bones and do the rubber chicken dance!" He rested his singing voice and pointed out to his rubber chicken.

"Hit it, Boneless!"

His rubber chicken suddenly sprung to life and began dancing uncontrollably for a short period of time.

"Cooler than a rubber chicken and tastier than cake" Pinkie Pie bounced on a trampoline to meet up with Rainbow Dash until she dropped down to the ground.

"Come on, you, let's party down and do the Gummy shake!" She now switched it to Gummy.

"Hit it, Gummy! Uh-huh!" She cheered, even though he did absolutely nothing but bloat out his throat. "You know it! Shake it!"

"Is something bothering you?" Twilight asked meanwhile the competition.

I remained silent for a moment until I decided to vaguely express my feelings. "I can't believe you girls even need this stupid competition."

Twilight was confused at that statement, but remained quiet to allow the competitors to compete clearly.

"'Cause I like to make you smile, smile, smile" Cheese Sandwich began singing a highly familiar song as he took Rainbow Dash in a ride on a parade float.

"Yes I do

It fills my heart with sunshine all the while

Yes it does

'Cause all I really need's a smile, smile, smile

From these happy friends of mine"

"That's my song!" Pinkie Pie angrily appeared from beneath the float.

"What do you mean? I have no idea what you're talking about." Cheese Sandwich laughed it off.

Okay… That was a cheap shot…

"THAT'S IT!" Pinkie screamed out and then immediately switched to a cheerful tone as she brought out her party cannon.

"Roll out the party cannon" She pressed a button and covered Cheese Sandwich's face with confetti.

When you hear the party cannon song

Ka-BOOM!" She shot herself out into the sky using the cannon.

"Why should you compromise? Try this one on for size" Cheese Sandwich brought out a really large cannon to match with Pinkie's.

"'Cause nothing quite says cheer like the ringing in your ear

Of the cheese supreme cannonball surprise!" He blew out confetti and even a few seagulls from his.

Pinkie Pie appeared by my side with a serious expression and placed a sombrero on both of our heads. She somehow took me on top of a giant piñata and began dancing almost wildly with me while singing in Spanish.

"¡Dale, dale, dale

No pierdas el tino!

Porque si lo pierdes

¡Pierdes el camino!" Before Pinkie could continue any further, something caused the piñata to suddenly become unattached and drop towards the ground, pausing the Goof-Off. Pinkie Pie and I jumped down to see the piñata break apart on the inside, but what alarmed me was Rainbow Dash. It had landed on top of her, leaving the front half of her body exposed while the rest was trapped inside beneath the piñata. I quickly trotted over to her while Pinkie Pie seemed to be frozen for a bit.

Rainbow Dash tried to pull herself out, but it wasn't until I came and offered a hoof that she was slowly managing to free herself.

It didn't seem that Cheese Sandwich got the message, as he was now training an otter to speak in a formal matter.

"Stop!" Pinkie Pie screamed. "The Goof-Off is off!"

Ponies murmured in surprised at this.

"But I haven't named the winner!" Rainbow Dash pointed out as I finally pulled out her whole body from beneath the piñata.

"You don't have to. I forfeit." Pinkie Pie sadly resigned. "Which means... Cheese Sandwich wins."

Cheese Sandwich laughed and then stopped a bit abruptly in shock. "...I do?"

"Yes. You get to headline Rainbow Dash's party." Pinkie admitted.

"But, what about you, Pinkie?" Twilight joined in concern.

"I..." She paused and sniffled with tears beginning to form in her eyes. "I don't…" Afterwards, she stood up and began walking with her head held low as I trotted after her. Every other pony continued to be utter confusion as we escaped the scene.


"I… I guess this is it…" Pinkie Pie stopped in front of the bakery as her muzzle pointed straight at the floor.

"Pinkie, come on…" I tried to encourage. "This feels all stupid." I shook my head. "I mean… Partying and making your friends laugh has been your whole life. You're not going to end all that just because you forfeited, are you?"

"You're right." Pinkie lifted up her head and turned to me, but the water in her eyes didn't go away. "I'm not. That's why I'm moving."

"What?" I widened my eyes.

"If Cheese Sandwich can do all the things I can, plus ten times better, then he's better for Ponyville. I'll…just move someplace else where there aren't so many parties…and do my job there. Don't worry." She grinned for just a second. "I'll come back to visit, but I think my job here is done."

I glanced over to the floor depressingly as Pinkie began to walk inside, but then I furrowed my eyebrows, not in anger, but in determination. I rushed over to Pinkie and blocked her path inside.

"I'm not going to let you do that."

"What? Why not?" She questioned, allowing me to believe she truly allowed her defeat to blind for her the time being.

"Look at what you're doing, Pinkie." I pointed out. "You're not just giving up your partying, you're giving up your friends. What would they think if you just moved out? Like me…" I felt myself almost turn weak inside. "If you're not partying, you're making ponies smile. You really expect me to smile knowing that you moved out because you thought your parties didn't matter? To be honest…" I looked down at the floor. "…if you and Cheese Sandwich made a party…and everypony else went to Cheese Sandwich's…I would stay at yours no matter what. It doesn't matter what he has. I couldn't live with myself knowing that I chose his party for some stupid 'cool' things while you would be out here on your own. And I definitely couldn't forgive myself if I didn't go to yours, knowing that what you really need are your best friends." I looked up in a serious manner at Pinkie to see her just staring at me in the same saddened manner, but there was evidence that she was deeply listening to what I had to say. "I can't control or make decisions for any other pony…but I can control mine. It's my life, and I want to be sure that I'm there for my friends…especially those that mean more to me than anything in the world." For a while there, we stared at each other in silence. In that moment, I was surprised myself to notice how it was a time I could really see the deep Pinkie. Usually, any sign of her deep emotions was covered by her sense of joy and cheer. Any other pony besides her close friends would think that she never had problems to go through, so she was happy twenty-four seven. I was almost speechless as Pinkie to realize that I was seeing her in her time of need.

Pinkie broke the staring when she scattered her eyesight at the floor in thought.

"You know what…?" She finally spoke. "…you're right, Alex." She lifted up her head and looked back at me. "You're right… Maybe I just needed to hear that from somepony... I mean…what if my parties won't be the same anymore? Leaving my friends wouldn't make it any better." She shook her head. "Parties only last a while. Friends last forever. At least friends like you." I lowered my eyelids compassionately and heartfelt by this. "Even if the others like Cheese Sandwich's parties more than mine, they're still my friends, and they shouldn't feel tied down to like mine, just because I'm their friend." She formed a very small and soft smile. "As a friend who loves to see ponies smile, they should like and do whatever they want. Who am I to stop them?" Pinkie's smile stretched out as her eyes beamed at me. She lifted up her forelegs and suddenly squeezed me tight in a meaningful manner. "Just knowing you'd be at my parties means a lot." I felt another tear slip out from her eye and leave a warm spot on my coat. I was so glad that this was now from happiness.

I almost laughed at myself since I even felt like crying to join her, but then I was shocked to see the other girls standing in front of me at a distance.

"Pinkie…wait…" Rainbow Dash announced softly as she flew in mid-air. Pinkie's head pulled up and away from my body to turn around and see what was going on. "I'm sorry I got all swept away by Cheese Sandwich." She apologized.

"We all are." Twilight added, followed by general agreement from the others.

Even Spike came walking in to apologize. "Sorry, Pinkie." He said with a sigh.

"No. I'm sorry I let my pride get in the way of you having the best birth-iversary ever." Pinkie returned. "Cheese Sandwich really is a super duper party planner, and he'll be a terrific headliner. I should've been a big enough pony to admit that and let you have your day. It's more important for you to have what you want, Rainbow Dash, because it's your day. Not mine. I was wrong to try to force my party methods on you."

"But don't you get it?" Rainbow Dash pushed herself forward in flight. "You're both super duper party ponies. Sure, Cheese Sandwich is a great guest party pony, but you're Ponyville's permanent party pony. Nopony could ever take your place, and we could never have a party without you!" Rainbow admitted, hugging Pinkie for a moment and allowing the others to do so as well.

"Rainbow Dash is right." Cheese Sandwich's voice suddenly spoke out, causing us to turn to see him walk in while holding his hat to his chest. "I never meant to take your place in Ponyville. I just wanted to show you what a great party pony I am, Pinkie."

"Why me?" Pinkie asked with great surprise.

"Well..." Cheese Sandwich thought back with rolled eyes.

"I fear I told a little fib about my pony past" He began singing.

"I hope that when you hear the truth, you will not be aghast

I wasn't quite the super party pony like I claim

The fact is that I was so shy, nopony knew my name

I stumbled into Ponyville one afternoon by chance

And found the biggest ever celebration party dance

Everything was perfect, cheer was filling up the place

And I saw that everypony had a smile upon their face

I vowed that day to change my life, the past I did set free

For now Cheese Sandwich was a party pony full of glee

A super duper party pony - that's what I became

I traveled all Equestria, and all did know my name

But that never would have happened on my own, I'll tell you why" He placed a hoof on Pinkie and brought her closer to him while looking up in reminisce.

For the one who threw that party, it was you, Pinkie Pie."

"Me?" Pinkie exclaimed in shock.

"Yes!" Cheese answered.

"Hah, really?!"

"Really!"

"So I was the pony that threw the awesomely spectacular party that inspired you to become an awesome spectacular party thrower?" She questioned as she bounced excitedly around him.

"Swear on Camembert!"

"Enough with the warm fuzzy stuff, you two." Rainbow Dash suddenly interrupted by cutting between in flight. "It's my birth-iversary, and you gotta throw me a bash!"

"Yeah!" Pinkie threw her hoof out into the sky.

"Let's go!" Cheese cheered.

"Super duper party ponies - that is me and you" Pinkie and Cheese began singing together, ready to use both their skills to plan this bash.

"A party thrown by one is good, but not as great as two

Come on and let's join forces, have twice the expertise

Now let's all go to the party planned by Pinkie Pie and Cheese!"


That night, I swear my heart wouldn't stop glowing figuratively. All those lights and decorations for Rainbow Dash's birthday were amazing to see. Geez, there were so many things I thought I'd never see for a birthday. Even a punch bowl to act as a swimming pool? Wow…

Rainbow Dash's party proved to be a party not just fit for her, but for everyone. I smiled in pure glee and soft excitement when I saw everyone having a good time, even the fillies that had their own little rides.

"All right, everypony! We are here to celebrate the birthday..." Cheese Sandwich announced from the stage at the center of the area.

"...and anniversary... "Pinkie Pie added.

"...of Rainbow Dash!" They both finished.

A light blue gift box flew upwards into the sky and then exploded to reveal Rainbow Dash. "Hey, everypony! Who's ready to get their party on?! Hit it!"

"Get your hooves up, party's starting out right now" Pinkie Pie began, greatly earning the hooves of ponies.

"Everypony, everypony get down" Cheese rolled on a giant cheese wheel as Pinkie continued.

"Time to make a wish, better make it right now

It's been a year and today is your birthday party" Rainbow blew out the candle of her giant cake and removed the rest by blowing wind with her wings.

"Make a wish, it's your birthday" Pinkie Pie invited me up on stage with her while Rainbow Dash continued to go all out.

"Make a wish, it's your birthday party" Applejack, Rarity, and Twilight even joined by dancing to the beat of her song.

"Make a wish, it's your birthday

Make a wish, it's your birthday party!"


The excitement and adrenaline of the party was vivid, far more than any other party I had experienced. Well…maybe it was on the same length as Miss Cadence's and Shining Armor's wedding…

Either way, as the party continued to live on, I rummaged around to find Pinkie writing in the journal as she sat in front of a table. I walked towards her as she paused her writing for a second to tap her chip and play with the pencil in her mouth in thought.

"Watcha doing?" I asked, despite the fact I already knew.

"Writing about Rainbow Dash's birth-iversary and what I learned today." She answered with a smile as I took a seat next to her. "I'm just about on the part where I was going to move and you came in and starting talking to me when I was all sad and then you said how no matter what you'd be at my parties because you love them and me too much to skip them and I was like 'Aww' and then the other girls came and started apologizing because they thought they were—"

I placed a hoof on Pinkie's mouth, causing her to puff out her cheeks for a bit. "I think we all know what happened." I honestly expressed with a warm smile.

"Oh yeah." She cheerfully responded and the stretched out her beam brightly.

Something unexpectedly was slid over to us in a wooden box.

"Just a little memento of my visit." Cheese's voice explained.

It opened and released a bright light that cause Pinkie's head to be turned away.

"You're giving me your special rubber chicken friend?" Pinkie Pie asked once she turned back to it.

I, for one, was staring more intensely and frozen-like at it.

"Oh, he's not the only one." Cheese Sandwich placed another rubber chicken on his back with a great big red two on it. "Well, Boneless Two, another job well done. But it's time we mosey along. Another town, another party."

Before he got going, I held out a hoof and called out to him.

"Wait, Cheese."

He stopped and turned his head towards me.

"Is there…anything else you do besides parties?" I asked.

"I like to make fun of songs from time to time." He answered in a goofy smile. "Smack me up if you're interested in an album." He then turned back to face away from us. "See you on…the cheese side…" Afterwards, he resumed walking, continuing on his…deep quest to be known all over Equestria. Huh…

The other girls had joined to see Cheese make his way off.

"I never did get that pony's name." Pinkie surprisingly mentioned.

"Cheese Sandwich!" All of the other girls answered with mixed tones: anger, worry, and concern.

Pinkie Pie giggled out loud. "Oh, yeah!" Then, she lifted her eyes up to take one last look at her new gift.


Pinkie placed the pretty flimsy rubber chicken on her table for the moment and turned around to see me.

"Thanks for telling me how you really felt back there, Alex." She placed a hoof to her chest and teared up in a silly manner. "It warmed my little Pinkie heart."

"It's what I do." I answered with a soft grin.

"Does that mean…" Pinkie glanced over to floor to think for a bit. "You'll show up at every one of my parties?"

"Well…" I rubbed my head. "Probably not every one…you know…if I'm sick or something. Sometimes you do throw parties at the randomest times."

"Hehe!" Pinkie giggled. "Oh yeah! Well, as your bestest friend, I respect your choice! Don't worry, on your next birthday, I'll be sure to make it the best birthday ever!" She announced happily, but then pulled back some. "Unless you want another picnic…"

"Hm…" I placed a hoof to my chin in thought. "I think I'd love to have a party officially ran by you, Pinkie."

"Eehee!" Pinkie expressed in excitement and then bounced over to me to squeeze me tightly.

I chuckled lightly and warmly accepted her embrace.


"So what happened today?" Spirit surprised me as we began eating our ice cream.

"What?" I returned. "I thought you'd already know."

"Nah…" She responded gently with half-lidded eyes and a smooth smile. "I think I'm going to give you your space now. I mean… I might bump in every once in a while…but…if I already knew what happened for the day, then we wouldn't have much to talk about at the end." She explained, taking another bite of her ice cream. She closed her eyes and seemed to savor the piece for a moment. "Besides… I've been thinking about and looking for something I seemed to misplace anyway."

"Oh really?" I wondered. "And what is that?"

"Something really important to me."

"Hm." My smile stretched as I leaned back. "Mysterious as always." I referenced her unspecified reasons.

Once the tasty treat disappeared from the sticks they stuck on, the sticks themselves laid in the middle between us, crossed together in a sort of 'X' shape, as I finished telling Spirit about today.

"She even told me, that if I was sick, she would plan a party for when I would get better, that way…everyone could celebrate that I was okay." I chuckled and shook my head. "Even if it was just a runny nose or cough."

"She sounds great." Spirit commented and continued staring out into the sunset.

"By the way…" I recalled another event. "Fluttershy had told me that Discord was crying about somepony coming and… 'hurting' him. Would that have…happened to be your doing by any chance?"

Spirit's smile grew immediately. "Maybe."

Knowing what that meant, I laughed a little. "Well, you have nothing to worry about. Even though Discord thought it was pretty real, Fluttershy believed he was just dreaming. Woosh." I motioned with my hoof. "Like a ghost."

"It's what…" Spirit began, but then paused slightly in an odd way. "…friends do."

"Thanks." I thanked nonetheless. "You're really growing on me."

Spirit looked downwards and swung her back hooves a little.

"You have no idea…"

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