Who are you?

View Online

The sun’s light crawled out from behind the horizon to brighten the new day. It’s rays slowly spread across the land until it touched everything: the flowers, the grass, the houses, the trees, and the animals. Each small animal crawled out from their home and got ready for the day. Some ponies got up to get ready to work, while others rested. Among the woken was I, Twilight Sparkle. I paced around my library’s floor as I picked up each book with my magic. I flipped through the pages, absorbing each information it gave, then threw the book down.

Unlike the others days I did this, this was not for research on a new spell, but rather to pass the time. I had awoken an hour earlier due to my excitement. Today was a day I spent time with each of my friends. Normally I would only get to spend time with them when Ponyville was in danger, or if we needed each others’ help.

Today none of us had anything planned. Rainbow’s job to clear the sky was not needed, as the clouds provided some shelter from the unwanted heat from the sun. Rarity’s dress making had finished a day earlier than she had expected, and her supplies ran low so it was impossible to make anymore dresses until she bought new supplies. But she had chosen today to hang out with her friends.

Fluttershy’s job of taking care of the animals was needed for some, but others headed off to make a family. I knew she was sad, but she knew they would return soon, and I hoped our day together of fun would cheer her up. Applejack’s apple bucking season was over for awhile, until her stress settled down. She didn’t want to take the day off for something as “silly” as stress, but her family insisted that she would be no help if she lost control, like last apple bucking season when she tried to clear all the trees herself.

Pinkie Pie also had the day off. The Cakes had returned from their two week trip, and insisted Pinkie relaxed with her friends, since she ran the show for days now. Pinkie hadn’t argued about the day off, probably because of the party all of us planned to have at the end of the day. I was to help her plan the party with my organizing skills.

I felt the excitement build up as I thought about the days events with each of my friends. Normally I would pick this day to learn new spells, but after I made friends I had learned that friends was more important then being alone with knowledge.

I levitated my checklist and quill with my magic. I read the list of events to myself. “Let’s see. First I’ll head over to Sweet Apple Acres to pick up Applejack and help her relax. Then I’ll go to Rarity’s and model some dresses with her. That should give Fluttershy enough time to feed her animals, so I’ll go over there and have some lunch with her.”

My stomach grumbled at the word lunch. I blushed as I realized I had forgotten to eat, but that could wait. I cleared my throat and continued to read the list. “Then I’ll go find Rainbow Dash, hopefully she’ll be awake after an afternoon nap, then I’ll watch her do some tricks before she tried them on the Wonderbolts in the future. Then after all of that is done, I’ll go to Sugarcube corner and help plan the private party for only us six in Pinkie’s bedroom.”

I reread the list again before I nodded with satisfaction. I placed the checklist in its spot before my stomach grumbled again. I blushed once again. “Guess it’s time to eat.” I walked to the kitchen to make breakfast. Normally Spike would do it for me, but he had gone to visit some dragons that he meant last year. I wasn’t mad, since he needed a break sometimes, and he notified me ahead of time.

I looked around the room for something to eat. I didn’t feel much like eating anything big. I just needed a small snack. I looked for some cereal, or a daisy sandwich, but found them to be gone. I groaned. “Why didn’t Spike tell me that we needed more supplies?” I shook my head at my unanswered question and opened the fridge.

Instead was some orange juice and an apple from Applejack. I thought that would be a healthy breakfast, and was about to pick them up, when my purple eyes catch a glimpse of a rainbow cupcake. I picked the cupcake up with my magic and looked it over.

It was a chocolate cupcake covered in rainbow frosting and multipliable colored sprinkles. I smiled as I remember it was the cupcake I had gotten from Pinkie yesterday. All of us was at the Sugarcube corner had met there just few minutes before the day ended. We had not planned to met there until Pinkie called all of us there for a “super-duper surprise!”

All of us knew that if we didn’t go, Pinkie would not only come to our houses in the middle of the night, but also think that we hated her. We didn’t want a repeat the incident of when we planned her a surprise party, so all of us met there and waited for Pinkie to reveal her surprise.

“It’s the best surprise in the whole world!” She exclaimed when all of us was there.

“And what is that? Another party for Gummy’s birthday?” Rainbow Dash asked with boredom in her voice.

I, along with the others, expected Pinkie’s surprise to be another party, since that’s how she usually started it and it was almost night. We were shocked though when Pinkie said, “even better!” What could Pinkie think was better than a party? I looked at her with wonder and curiosity in my bright eyes.

She went into the kitchen and soon returned with six rainbow cupcakes. We all gasped when we saw them. They looked better than Pinkie’s normal cupcakes. “Awesome frosting!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “Where did you get it?”

Pinkie giggled. “I didn’t. After I baked them, they turned that color.”

“Uh, does that mean it’s safe to eat?” Applejack asked as she stared at the frosting.

“Uh-huh. It’s probably just the surprise ingredient I added.”

“Oh, w-what did you add?” Fluttershy asked, but then hid behind her mane. “I-I mean if you want to tell us.”

Pinkie’s smile widen. “Now, that’s a secret! You’ll have to eat them to find out!”

“Well, I think it’s wonderful, darling.” Rarity said as she levitated a cupcake to her with her magic.

I said nothing as I did the same. As I got a better look at the cupcake, my mouth filled with more water. I had to swallow it before it leaked from my mouth. Pinkie gave the others their cupcakes, then held up hers. “Dig in!” She exclaimed.

All of us closed are eyes, and was about to take a bite, when the door slammed open. All five of us jumped and turned toward the door, while Fluttershy hid behind the counter. She peaked her head from behind it to see who had done it. We relaxed when we saw it was just Spike, but that didn’t stop our concern as he ran up to me. “Spike, what’s wrong?”

He panted as he spoke. “Twilight…library…rats.”

“Rats?” I asked. “You mean the rats got inside our library and are trying to eat the books?”

Spike opened his mouth to answer, but instead nodded. I let out a frustrated sigh. “Fine. I’ll go get rid of them.” I turned to the others. “Sorry, but I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

I turned to walk, but was stopped by Applejack. “Sugar cube, are y’all sure you can handle it? I could help if ya need it. I’ve dealt with those critters lots of time on the farm.”

“A-and I could find out why they’re there.” Fluttershy said as she walked out from behind the counter. “M-maybe I can stop them from going there.”

I smiled at their concern, but shook my head. “No, it’s fine. You guys enjoy your treats. I’ve handled this before.” I saw their eyes fill with concern, and their mouths open to protest, but I shook my head. I turned and opened the door with my magic, but before I could, I was stopped by a pink flash that stopped in front of me.

“Twilight, you can’t go!” Pinkie, who had been the flash, exclaimed with worry.

“Pinkie, it’s fine. The rats are no problem-”

“No!” She yelled. “It’s not that! My pinkie senses are warning me! See?” She pointed to her back hoof which twitched uncontrollable. “I don’t know what it is, but it’s something big!”

I rolled my eyes. “Pinkie, I’ll be fine. Nothing bad can happen from here to my house. Now, relax and enjoy your cupcake.” I looked back at Spike. “Spike, you coming?”

Spike, who had taken a seat, shook his head. “No. I’ll rest here and enjoy one of those tasty looking cupcakes.” I looked down and noticed he held a rainbow cupcake in his hand. I wondered where he had gotten it, but soon dismissed that question. I had work to do.

Before Pinkie could keep me any longer, I transported from the shop, with my treat, to my tree house.

I was brought out of my memory when I heard the grandfather clock chime. I went to the library and saw it was past ten. I gasped. “When had it gotten so late?” I placed the cupcake back in the fridge. I rushed out of the library and headed toward Sweet Apple Acres.

~~~

I arrived at the farm twenty minutes later then I had planned. ‘That isn’t expectable, Twilight.’ I scolded myself. ‘Next time you shouldn’t daydream for so long, or daydream at all. You’re a very busy pony.’ I nodded and took a mental note of my suggestion.

I looked down at the field of trees and saw Big Macintosh busy with the apple harvest. I watched as he kicked a tree and watched as the apples fell into four different baskets. I smiled at his hard work. I knew how hard the Apple Family worked to keep their farm going, but it felt like an honour to watch them or help. I couldn’t explain it, but it was probably because in Canterlot I never saw anypony work as hard as them.

I trotted down the hill and headed to their home. When I drew closer I saw Apple Bloom play with her two friends. They giggled as they came up with new ideas on how to get their cutie marks. I smiled at them and mentally applauded their never-ending search for their purpose.

They didn’t seem to notice me as I headed up the front steps of their home. My nose was meant with the sweet smell of apple flitters. My stomach growled at the need of food, but I ignored it. Now was not the time to worry about food, but to help a friend relax.

I knocked on the door a couple of times then awaited for it to open. I heard faint footsteps and a low voice headed to the door. I watched as the door slowly opened and revealed the oldest Apple Family member that I knew of: Granny Smith.

She squinted and leaned closer to me. “Who are you?”

I wasn’t surprise by the question, since I knew how senile she was and that it happened before. I smiled. “It’s me, Twilight Sparkle. I’m here for Applejack.”

The old pony stared at me for uncomfortable moment before she turned her head. “Applejack!” She called. “Somepony’s here for you!” She moved from the door and back to whatever she was doing.

I waited a moment before the familiar orange pony came out with her brown hat on. She stared at me with a raised eyebrow. “Uh, howdy?”

I smiled wider. “Hey Applejack! Ready for our hanging out time?”

She blinked at me. “Hanging out time?”

My smile faded. That wasn’t like Applejack. She never forgot an appointment with any pony. She always remembered what she had to do and when. I expected it might be the stress, so I explained. “You know, our hanging out time. We planned this yesterday after you weren’t allowed to work on the farm until your stress calmed down.”

She took a step back. “Uh, sure. Um, who are you?”

My eyes widen. What was going on? Was Applejack’s stress that high that she had forgotten me, or was she playing around? Whatever the reason, I didn’t like it. “It’s me. You’re friend, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Twilight Sparkle?” She repeated slowly. She shook her head. “Never heard of ya, but welcome to Ponyville!” She smiled. “Why don’t Ah introduce you to the rest of the fam? That pony y’all meant was Granny Smith, and-”

“Applejack!” I said with a raised voice. “What’s gotten in to you? If this is some kind of trick, then I don’t like it.”

“Trick?” She narrowed her eyes. “Look here, missy. Ah don’t play tricks on anypony. It’s rude.” She let out a humph. “Now, I know y’all is new and all, but here in Ponyville we are kind to our neighbors. We don’t play tricks, unless of course y’all are Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie but that’s harmless fun.”

I stared at her with my mouth open. Why was she playing this sick game? I don’t know what she would get out of this, but I had to put a stop to it! I turned to Apple Bloom. “Apple Bloom! Tell Applejack that I’m her friend Twilight Sparkle!”

The small filly stopped her giggling to look at me. She looked at me with wide eyes and stepped behind her friends. “Big sis, how does that pony know my name?”

I gasped. Why was Apple Bloom doing the same? Had I done something to them, and they pretended not to know me? Had something happened that I don’t know about?

I opened my mouth to explain, but was cut off by a harsh voice that belonged to Applejack. “Ah don’t know sis, but Ah don’t like it.” She looked to the trees where her brother was. “Big Macintosh, we got trouble!”

I looked toward the trees and saw Big Mac headed toward me. His eyes were filled with anger as he drew closer to me. He lowered his head like he was ready to buck me. I jumped and ran the opposite direction from all of them and headed towards Ponyville.

Just what was going on?

Who are you? part 2

View Online

I stopped when I reached Ponyville. My lungs burned as I drew in air. I looked behind me to see if Big Macintosh was still chasing me, but he was nowhere in sight. I sighed in relief. I’m not sure when I had lost him. At some point in the chase I could no longer hear anything but my own hooves as they pounded on the dirt trail.

“What was that about?” I asked myself. Never before had the Apple family, or anypony for that matter, chased me off their property, epically when they knew me.

“Except the Apple family acted like they never knew me.” I tried, once again, to remember if I had done anything to upset them. “Well last winter wrap up I used magic on her farm to clear away the snow, but we made up after that. I even pinkie promised not to use magic on her farm again unless it was an emergency.

I tried to think of any event where I used magic on the farm, but nothing came to mind. “Maybe it wasn’t something I did on the farm. Have I offended or hurt them?” There was that one time I gave her the book on organized orchards, but she said she wasn’t mad over that. I think she even used it once!

I tried to think about the other family members, but yet nothing useful came to mind. If I had offended them then we’ve probably made up. Besides how can ponies who were happy yesterday hate me in one day?

I jumped when I heard the chime from the town square. I looked at the time and gasped. “Eleven-ten!” I was really late for my appointment with Rarity! I galloped toward the Carousel Boutique like timberwolves were on my tail. Rarity might know what’s wrong with the Apple family.

I dodged ponies that were in my path, yelled back sorry, then continued. I could hear their angry shouts, but I was on a mission. I had to get to the boutique before it-

“Closed!” I yelled once I saw the note on the door that said closed and a reason for why. I scanned it quickly to see the reason. I hoped Rarity or Sweetie Belle wasn’t hurt--Sweetie can be clumsy.

“Dear customers,” I read to myself. “the Carousel Boutique will be closed today due to low amounts of supplies. I, Rarity, shall reopen the Boutique tomorrow, since an important event has come up for tonight.”

“Closed for supplies? But she said she wasn’t going to get anymore until tomorrow, so she could spend the morning with me!“ I reread the note to see if I read it right, but sadly I made no error the first time. I gasped once I realized the reason. “Oh no! I was so late she thought I wasn’t coming and went to the store!” I turned and galloped to the nearest, and only, sewing shop.

The shop wasn’t busy that morning, though I suppose it never was concreting that Rarity was the only pony in Ponville who made clothing. A few other ponies were there, but I wasn’t sure if they were there to shop or use the shop as a quiet place to talk. Either way it didn’t matter to me. Rarity was my only target in the shop.

I slowly pushed open the door and strolled in. The door slowly shut behind me as I moved on. “Now where would Rarity be?” I asked myself as I looked at the different sections of supplies. I walked through the fabric section before I heard a scream from the next one. “Is somepony in trouble?”

“This is the worst possible thing ever!” A mare cried. I smiled as I realized the mare was Rarity. I’ve heard that scream and line so many times that I’ve memorized it. I walked over to the next section, and sure enough, Rarity was there with a stallion.

The stallion was dark brown and wore a black jacket with a golden name tag on it. “Is everything alright?” He asked her with wide eyes. His glasses slid down to the end of his nose.

“No! Everything is not alright!” She yelled at him. “There is a crime here and cannot go without punishment!”

The stallion leaned forward like Rarity was telling a story and was getting to the juicy part. “W-what is it?”

“It’s so horrible I can’t even talk about it!” She covered her eyes with one arm and pointed a hoof at the different colors of thread.

He pushed up his glasses and looked at each of them. He looked at her after he was done, shook his head, and looked again with squinted eyes. After three times of this he sighed and looked at her. “I’m afraid I don’t see anything, ma’am.”

She gasped. “But how can you not see it? It’s clear as day!” She took in deep breaths and exhaled just as fast. I knew Rarity was having a panic attack, so I decided to go and held her.

I trotted over and stood beside her. “Rarity, what’s the problem?”

She looked at me. Her eyes were wide as could be. “Oh, darling! It’s so awful, yet this stallion can’t see it!”

I smiled from ear to ear when she called me, ‘darling.’ True she called our other friends that, but see seemed to recognise me. I walked over to the threads and looked at them. I was used to finding details that others might miss. It was true that Rarity was better at seeing the smallest details, but she didn’t seem to want to explain it.

I pulled back after a few minutes and shook my head. “The only thing I see wrong is that most of these threads are ugly-” I caught the glare from the stallion and cleared my throat. “I mean plain.” That seemed to cool him off, but not by much.

The threads were every color of the rainbow, but they were dark as could be. The greens were a hideous shade that made me think of something disgusting. The reds were dark as the thickest blood. The only color that looked useable was the blues, but I knew Rarity wouldn’t like a color such as that.

Rarity gasped and she smiled. “Yes! That’s it darling! These threads are plain and wouldn’t look good in any of my dresses.”

The stallion sighed heavily, clearly forgetting service with a smile. “Well, ma’am, other ponies use these colors in their creations, and they are satisfied.”

“Well, I cannot use these for my dresses, and I ask you bring me some other colors.”

“Ma’am, these are the only colors we have in threads, but if you want us to request for some-”

“Oh, no, no, no. I couldn’t let you go into all that trouble.” She smiled. “I’ll mange on my own.”

The stallion rolled his eyes and walked away. When he was out of earshot Rarity muttered. “Those things take weeks to get.” She sighed and walked the opposite direction.

I walked beside her. “Hey, Rarity, sorry I didn’t make it in time, but we still have a few minutes to model those dresses-”

Rarity stopped and looked at me. “Modelling? Oh, darling, I couldn’t ask a pony as yourself to do that.”

I blinked. “But yesterday you said-”

“Yesterday? I don’t remember requesting any models.”

My eye twitched. Was she playing the same trick as Applejack? Rarity wasn’t much for pranks, and she didn’t seem mad when I first talked to her. I chuckle nervously. “Rarity, what are you talking about? Yesterday we planned this. We were going to do it today. Remember?”

Rarity placed her hoof against her chin as she thought about this. I held my breath, praying to Celestia that she remembered. I bit my lip to stay calm as I awaited her response, even though part of me knew it was hopeless. But I had to hope. I just had to.

Finally she lowered her hoof and looked at me. Slowly she smiled at me until her front teeth were shown. I found myself smiling back. I knew this was a joke! I knew it! I just knew-

“I know what’s going on.” She said in a soft tone, like a mother would use when it figured out why her foal didn’t want to go to a party, but wouldn’t say. “You’re mistaking me for someone else. Perhaps you’re looking for your friend.”

My smile dropped. “W-what?” I asked, but before she could repeat herself, I bolted out of the shop and down the road. I couldn’t take this anymore! I had to find the others! I had to see if they would remember me!

“Oof!” I yelled as I collided with something. I landed hard on the ground. From my position I saw a few Pegasi fly by, unaware of any activity on the ground, but before I could sit myself up, I heard a familiar voice yell at me. “Hey, watch it!”

“Dashie! That’s not nice!” A familiar hyper voice said.

“But she crashed into me!”

“U-um, s-she’s not getting up.” A familiar soft voice whispered.

I felt myself grin, despite the fear that grew in my mind. ‘What luck.’ I found myself thinking. ‘I ran into the last of my friends. Surely they’ll tell me what’s going on, or what I did wrong, or they’ll admit to this sick joke!’ I almost giggled madly, but thankfully I was able to keep it inside. It was a long shot, but the only hope I had.

I quickly stood up and smiled at each of them. Pinkie Pie was the only one that returned my smile. Dash was busy glaring at me while Fluttershy hid behind her mane. I looked at Pinkie Pie. She loved to play jokes more than anypony I knew--the second being Dash--but she knew how far to take a joke. She’d never do anything to hurt a pony’s feelings, especially her best friends. I don’t know if she was behind this joke, or why she could agree to it, but she’d tell me. “Hello, Pinkie Pie.” I said.

Pinkie’s smile dropped for a moment as she squinted her eyes at me. She walked around me a couple of times, studying me, before she went back over to Dash’s side. I swallowed back a lump in my throat. ’There’s no way she’d forget me.’ I thought to myself. ’She never forgets anypony!’ I quickly shook the thought from my head. None of them forgot me! They’re just playing-

“Hey, how’d you know me?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Have we met before? Because there’s no way you’d know me if I don’t remember you, unless you’re new.” She suddenly gasped. “Oh, you must be new! I should throw you a party!” She pouted. “Oh shoot! I forgot my welcome wagon.” She smiled. “Oh well! I’ll get it later and bring it to you and-”

“Pinkie!” I yelled and stomped my hoof, causing Fluttershy to jump in the air. “I’ve had enough of this! I know what you’re all doing.” I glared at each of them. “This isn’t funny! Stop it right now!”

Pinkie Pie tilted her head to the side. “What are we doing?”

“You’re playing this dumb trick on me! You and all of our friends are pretending not to know me! All of you act like you’ve never seen me before!”

“But we haven’t!” Pinkie Pie said before she turned her head to Dash. “Have we?”

Dash shook her head and glared at me. “I’ve never seen her before.” She walked over to me. “And she’d better stop harassing my friends.” She unfolded her wings to look more intimating, but I pushed her away. I ran over to Fluttershy, who was hiding behind Pinkie Pie. “Fluttershy! Make them stop!” I begged.

Fluttershy whispered something in a tiny voice. I gritted my teeth. “Speak up!” I yelled louder and more forcibly than I wanted.

She gasped and jumped back. Her eyes watered and her bottom lip shook. She ran away from me before she took flight. I, along with everyone, could hear her crying, but for once I didn’t care. I felt anger burn inside of me. After all I’ve done for them, how dare they act like this!

“Hey!” Pinkie yelled as she hopped in front of me. “That’s wasn’t very nice!”

“Well maybe if you guys quit the act I wouldn’t have yelled at her!”

“I warned you!” Rainbow yelled. I suddenly found myself tumbling on the ground with the blue Pegasus. When we stopped she was on top of me, but I quickly changed that by hitting my head against her forehead. As her head went back I took the chance to punch her jaw, and sent her off of me. She only flew a foot from me before she regained control and flew towards me again.

My horn glowed as I readied a spell, but before I could cast it, she struck my mouth with her hoof. I fell to the ground and held my jaw as instant pain filled it. I opened my mouth and one of my teeth fell into my hoof. I quickly threw it away and glared at Dash. “You made me lose a tooth!” I yelled, despite the pain.

She smirked. “And you’ll lose even more!” She charged at me. I lowered my head and charged as well. I heard Pinkie yell something, but I couldn’t hear her words. Not that I cared.

Before either of us could collide I casted a teleportation spell away from the scene. Away from them. Away from everypony.

Part 3

View Online

It wasn’t until I was alone in my darken home that my emotions cooled down until there wasn’t even a spark of anger left, which allowed my thoughts to slow down and organized themselves until I could think rationally, but I couldn’t. I wasn’t allowed to live in my peaceful state because of one single thought: ’What have I done?’

All at once my emotions rose up to their peak. My mind repeated the sentence over and over until that’s all I could think of. I could physically feel pain in my chest with each thought, as if they controlled my sensory nerve, making my brain believe I was getting hurt--despite the fact that I was safe at home.

There was only one thing I could do in this madness: cry. I fell to the floor and covered my face as the warm tears fell from my eyes. My thoughts changed into my memories, but they weren’t heart warming ones. All I saw was Fluttershy crying, myself hitting one of my dear friends, but worst of all I saw the hate in Rainbow’s eyes--the same hate I saw in Applejack’s. Never have I seen them look at me like that, or had anypony look at me that way. Not even in the jealous eyes of Canterlot ponies.

As Princess Celestia’s faithful student I was used to the look of anger, hate, and jealously that some ponies gave me when I was near--it was one of the reasons why I preferred my books over making friends--but the looks wasn’t really at me. They were mad that they--or their children--wasn’t the student of the princess. They didn’t hate me, but rather my position.

But my friends looked as if they hated everything about me. My looks, my ways, and my soul. They couldn’t even remember me, which made it even worse.

But could I really blame them? I had acted like a crazy mare who was demanding things they “had no knowledge of,” and when they didn’t delivery I threw a fit and hurt one of my dearest friends without a second thought. If I was in their shoes, would I forgive myself?

I shook my head and wiped my tears away. Crying wouldn’t solve anything, even if it did make me feel better. There was only one thing I could do in this situation, and I’ve practiced it since fillyhood: lock myself in my room and study. Studying always helped me calm down, and find a solution to any problem. Perhaps I could find reason for all of this happening, or maybe a spell to fix all of this.

Giggling with glee I ran over to the center of the room and used my magic to gather any books that I would need--all ready forgetting about my pervious episode.

Ten hours later I finally found what I wanted! It wasn’t a new spell, but rather a spell I hadn’t used since Discord’s return: a memory spell. Why hadn’t I thought of it sooner? Perhaps it was because I hadn’t realized the problem they had, but I’d fix that.

When I first used this spell it was to help my friends remember who they were, and our friendship. Hopefully one out of two would work. I just had to find them. I looked at a nearby clock to check the time and almost squeal with joy: It was eight-thirty! All of them would be at Pinkie’s party, dancing and laughing the night away. It was perfect!

Of course when I use a spell on one of them, the rest would think it was some attack and stop me, but the one who regained their memories will stand up for me, thus allowing me to save my friends. It was prefect! Nothing could ruin it!

As I walked through the dark streets of Ponyville--which was lit up with street lights--I allowed my mind to wander. I imagined what all of them would be doing at Pinkie’s party: I imagined Pinkie would be walking around to refresh our friends’ drinks, give them another cupcake, and making sure they had a good time. “Are you all liking my party?” said in my best intimation of Pinkie Pie. Nopony else was around, so I didn’t have to worry about receiving strange stares--no more than usual.

“Darn tootin’ Pinkie Pie.” I replied in my best Applejack voice. I imagine her face was wet from ducking apples with Rainbow Dash.

“Yfah. Is’t tfe bst!” Rainbow Dash replied while her mouth was full of food. Probably an apple from the ducking.

“This is simply divine.” Rarity replied as she sipped on some punch. She probably made sure Gummy hadn’t been anywhere near it.

“Yes, it’s lovely.” A timid Fluttershy replied while slowly dancing to a fast, upbeat tune--her own voice barely hearable over the music.

“Aw, it’s nothing for my five best friends.” Pinkie Pie giggled.

“Darn tootin.” Applejack said. “Us five friends have been through thick and thin.”

“Oh yes.” Rarity said. “I couldn’t imagine beings friends with another pony. Especially not a beautiful, purple-maned unicorn with amazing magic, and who‘s hairstyle is fabulous despite what I said last week.”

“And the princess’s student.” Fluttershy said, joining in their conversation. “We’d be lucky to meet somepony like her.”

“Too bad we haven’t met one like that.” Rainbow Dash said. “But us five are doing just fine without her. Even if she taught each us about friendship.”

“While learning it herself.”

Pinkie Pie opened her mouth to speak, but instead of her silly, high voice a rough stallion’s voice came out. “Are you alright, ma’am?”

I shook my head and looked at the voice. It was a grey stallion with a black mane. His cutie mark was a three four leave clovers. I think his name was Lucky Clover.

I smiled awkwardly--never was big on talking to the opposite sex--and said, “um, yes. I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?” He asked. His eyebrows were knotted together in worry. “You were muttering to yourself. You sounded angry. You were also moving your head and body a lot. It looked like you were fighting something.”

I blushed and quickly chuckled. I had allowed myself to fall deep into my daydream that I hadn’t realized that it was a daydream. It seemed more like a memory. “Um, yes.” I said again. “Just some food poisoning.” I gagged as if I was physically sick. Hopefully he didn’t know that food poisoning didn’t cause such behaviour.

The stallion stared at me for a moment before giving a satisfied nod. “Did you have a hay sandwich from Hay Shack?”

Hay Shack was a restaurant that just set up in Ponyville last week. I hadn’t been there yet, but Fluttershy and I were to have lunch there earlier. I just nodded to his question in hopes he’d leave and I could go back to my mission.

He sadly shook his head and let out a sigh. “That’s place been nothing but trouble since it set up here. Everypony that goes has complained of food poisoning, but strangely those ponies had eaten the hay sandwiches, while the health ones ate everything else.” He shrugged. “Either way I hope they can get it shut down. It’s bad for business.”

Normally I would have questioned him about his statement. I was unsure what he did in Ponyville, but I never took him as a restaurant worker. I couldn’t see how the Hay Shack would affect non-food businesses, unless they sold other goods--like a few shops did in Canterlot.

I shook my head. ‘I can not get side-tracked.’ I told myself. ‘There will be a time for this later. Right now you have to save your friends.’

I gave him another awkward smile. “Well, thank you for your concern.” I said as I begun to sneak around him. “But I have to get goin-” I turned and smacked into what I thought was a piece of wood.

I groaned and fell to my flank as stars danced around my vision. I held a hoof to my head and groaned. I felt a migraine forming from not only hitting the object, but from all of the days events. I jumped when I felt a hoof on my shoulder.

I quickly looked over my shoulder, only to groan again in pain. Unfortunately Lucky Clover was still there, and he looked even more worried. “Are-”

I quickly jump up to my hooves before he could ask me the same question again. “Yes, I’m fine!” I said quickly, trying to ignore the migraine that had my head feeling like a pounding drum. “Well, I have to get going!” Quickly I turned to see what I had bumped into--and thank Celestia--I had knocked into the door of SugarCube Corner. I had no idea I had walked this far in such a short period of time--well, it seemed short to me.

Before Lucky Clover could speak again, I ran into the bakery and closed the door behind me. I waited until he left before I made my way to the party. All the lights were on, despite the fact that the Cakes were not there--probably asleep or on a date. Pinkie Pie must have forgotten to turn them off while she partied upstairs in her room.

I quickly casted a healing spell on myself as I walked up the stairs. Instantly my head was clear, and any pain I had felt was gone. I could now focus on my target without worrying about my health. Now, who would be the best to target first? Rainbow Dash was quick and could tackle me with no problem, but Applejack could buck me hard enough to knock me out. Rarity would try to use her magic, but she wouldn’t try to interpret the spell. She knew what affect that could have on not only a unicorn, but on the target as well.

Fluttershy would probably hide, and Pinkie…well I was unsure sure what she would do, due to her being Pinkie Pie, but hopefully, Rarity would stop her before she did anything. After analysing further I decided Applejack would be the best to target first. When she would regain her memories, the others would have to believe her, since she’s the Element of Honesty.

I stopped once I arrived at Pinkie’s bedroom. I could hear the music blasting on the other side, and the girls giggling. ‘It’s now or never.’ I assured myself. Taking a deep breath I pushed the door open.

When the door swung open, the girls stopped their activities and looked at me, all expect for Pinkie Pie who continued to dance. It wasn’t until Rarity turned the record player off that Pinkie froze and drew her attention to me.

I was faced with a range expressions being casted upon me: Applejack glared at me, while Rarity looked at me in shock, but that soon transformed into pity. Rainbow Dash also glared at me, but she had her teeth clenched hard together, like she had to fight herself to stand still. Fluttershy’s eyes started to water at the sight of me, but before they could spill she ducked behind the table putting herself out of sight.

Pinkie Pie stared at me with a forced smile. Perhaps it was because of her friendly nature, and desire to be friends with everypony, but the memory of what I had done to Dash made it hard to maintain.

I was prepared for them to yell at me, I was then going to tackle Applejack to use the spell, before using it on the others, to end this nightmare. The silence made me lose all ability to move, despite my mind screaming at me to do so. Never had I felt this way before--not even when I went into the dragon’s lair to convince him to stop snoring.

Before I could remember how to move--or even talk--Rainbow Dash trotted over to me. “Here for round two, punk?” She said with a growl. “You better not teleport this time like a coward.”

Instantly I covered my mouth with my hoof. I didn’t want to lose another tooth, or cause a deeper rift between my friends. I wasn’t even sure if I could fight once more. My anger was the source of our last fight, but now I felt calm, and a bit scared.

Before she could raise a hoof to strike, she was suddenly dragged away to the other side of the room. I had expected it to be Applejack, who had a habit of biting Dash’s tail and stopping her, but instead it was Rarity. She had used her magic to grab Dash’s tail to pull her away.

Dash opened her mouth to voice her opinion, but Rarity raised her hoof to silence her. With grace and ease she walked over to me, and stood before me. “Dear,” she began, “I know you’re confused, and a bit frightened, but this is soiree just for friends.” I opened my mouth to insist I was her friend, but she held up her hoof to stop me. “Now, while none of us remember you ever being our companion, I’m positive you’ve got something important to tell us. I can’t imagine a sensible-looking mare such as yourself to run around town picking random ponies as your friends, then contending with them when they refuse.”

I blushed brightly and lowered my ears. Dash and Pinkie must have told them, but I can’t say I’m surprised. What kind of pony would get into a fight with a strange pony and not warn their friends?

“Now, while I am a bit apprehensive at your behaviour,” she continued “I am willing to give you a chance to explain yourself. As are the others I’m sure.” She glanced at the other ponies over her shoulder. Pinkie Pie happily nodded, while Applejack nodded with a sigh. Rainbow Dash snorted, but agreed. Fluttershy--who came out from behind the table--nodded gently.

Rarity smiled at me. “Well, dear, let’s go sit down and get comfortable. You are also welcome to the food, since none of us will be able to finish it.” She paused. “Well, except for Pinkie Pie.” The pink mare had filled her cheeks with a plate full of cupcakes, but was still able to smile.

This was not how I had planned it, but perhaps talking would be better than using force. It would certainly be easier, and communicating was always the best way to settle a disagreement. I had never known civilized talk to fail--except if the other parties refused to talk civil--but the girls seemed for an explanation. Even Rainbow Dash who slumped down on to her haunches and angrily munched on a cupcake.

I followed Rarity to the table and took a seat between Pinkie and her. This would work. I could feel it.