> Fallen From The Vine
>  by omnom19
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Bump In The Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


 “I maintain and preserve over ten thousand books here at the library. Each one, a different tale or genre, though all waiting to be read by another eager mind. I am one who believes that books are alive, waiting for their story to be told. I will faithfully house them until we are both dust and stories forgotten. Luckily sister, we have forever to wait.” 
---Princess Luna at the Canterlot Library, 584 years before The Nightmare 


Knock….knock

Applejack blearily cracked her eyes open. She laid heavily on her strangely comfortable hay mattress, sleep made everything luxurious. Moving this early should be outlawed. Applejack wearily rolled over and peered out her window. 

Pitch black. 

Now she knew early. Early was waking before Celestia even thought about painting the sky, before her first cup of royal coffee was even brewed, to tend to the many tasks that filled a farmer’s day. But this!? Applejack hoped it wasn’t some crazy friendship emergency adventure Twilight had cooked up again. Her group of friends had just returned from some hoof-forsaken place to go save yet another pony race and Applejack just wanted to sleep. 

Knock…knock…knock

Like she was going to get it. But…it probably wasn’t Twilight. Twilight was always accompanied by violent, violet flashes of teleportation magic and usually dragged a loud, complaining Spike. These were just…knocks. So definitely not Twilight. '

Applejack huffed angrily and rolled out of bed. Dog darn it, she was the Element of Honesty, not Kindness, and she was going to honestly give this sleep wrecker a piece of her mind! 

Applejack met a groggy Big Mac on the way down the stairs.
“You gonna deal with that? Or am I?” 

“Nnnope.”

Applejack sighed and trotted briskly down the rest of the stairs. She wrenched open the front door and squeezed her eyes shut in frustration. “Whoever this is better give me a good reason just why they saw fit to wake mah whole family this early, no! Late! At night. Or I will give ‘em the waking up of ther’ life!”

“Hi Applejack.” A small voice ventured from the darkness of the porch. 

Applejack internally cursed and opened her eyes. It was Fluttershy, the actual Element of Kindness.
“Sorry, ‘Shy. It’s just so…early. What’s wrong, darlin’?”

“I was out watching the night with the baby bats? And, uh, something crashed into the forest near my cottage, very loud, scared the babies away, and I found…a pony.” 

Applejack then looked beyond the yellow pegasus to see a crumpled heap of white next to her. She then saw ‘Shy was close to tears. 

Fluttershy bit her lip and started rambling, words rushing together. “I just didn’t know what to do and the hospital was too far away and it’s dark and she’s just not moving and-“ Applejack stopped her with a determined smile.

“Ya did well, ‘Shy. We’ll look after “her”. Howabout you go run and find Nurse Redheart and might as well Twi' This one here might need to be magicked some.” Applejack had seen her fair share of hurt animals and if Fluttershy had come to the same conclusion….

“MAC!” Big Mac half fell down the stairs at his sister’s holler and tumbled out onto the now crowded porch. “You be gentle like and pick her up and take her-“ 

“Fluttershy! Stop starin’ at the poor thing and go! She needs somepony with better skills than we got! Hop to it, Sugar Cube!” 

Suddenly, the injured pony gasped. Fluttershy anxiously hovered around the white heap. “Can you hear me, miss? We’re here to help you, you’ve crashed and you’ve seem to have been hurt badly.”

“Daddy?” The word came out as a strangled sob. The white pony tried to stand, and in the light from the porch lights they could see the number of red angry scratches tearing at the once white coat, branches sticking awkwardly through a purple mane. The distraught mare futilely flared out twisted wings for balance and fell heavily against Fluttershy. 

Fluttershy gaped in horror and pity at the wing lying limply against the mare’s right side. 

Applejack whispered a swift prayer then straightened herself all the way up to her Stetson that never left her head, even during sleep. “We’d better get a move on.” 

The broken mare was carefully placed in the back of a sturdy applecart.  The Apples hitched themselves to the cart and took off for Ponyville as fast as they dared. In the back of the rattling cart, Fluttershy lay next to her, softly stroking the weeping pegasus.

“Daddy…”

> The Glass
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


 Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, water, or other nutrients.  The well-known variations result from the very complex interactions between the biochemical development of the fruit, reactions involved in fermentation, and earth pony intervention with their magic in the overall process.
---Snug Cork, Wine for Beginners 


An earth pony stallion carefully tasted the glass of wine. It was the glass, out of the hundreds he had tasted over his many years that he hoped most would turn out right. For if it didn’t? It wouldn’t be the loss of tireless hours cultivating grapes or processing them that was the issue. No, it would be the look on his daughter’s face. 

He swallowed painfully. Zinfandel loved her more than life itself, but he couldn’t lie to her. 

“It’s…” he struggled to find the right words as he tried to avoid her wide violet eyes. He coughed trying to delay the moment. “It’s not good, Sugar Cube.”

He winced as her ears drooped. His beloved daughter had tried for years for a cutie mark in the grape field. Anything from making jams to making wine barrels and she always came up…short. Her dream was to find a place among the generations of Grapes who made grape products that were known throughout Equestria. 

“Is it too dry? Sweet?” his daughter asked anxiously. “Maybe next time I could-” The stallion kissed his daughter’s cheek and held her close in a massive hug. 

“Sugar, have you ever thought that maybe…your mark might lie outside of our little vineyard?” 

His daughter roughly pushed him away. She glared ferociously at him, his sweet little filly. Although these past summers…she had become a young mare.  What had happened to the time? 

“Yes, I have. And it’d be hard enough to have a different mark, but I have these.” She spat as she roughly shook out a pair of snow white wings. “It’d be another sign that I don’t belong here, another thing proving that I’m-” She turned and bucked her small test barrel of wine sending splinters of wood and red wine everywhere, staining her coat a rather purplish shade of white.  She abruptly left the small wine cellar, leaving a trail of broken wood and dreams in her wake. 

Zinfandel sighed and picked up a metal hoop in his teeth and set it against the cool cellar wall. They could reuse it the next time Sugar came around and tried her hoof at winemaking. Probably next week, after she calmed down, she’d give it another go. His little Sugar Cube was as stubborn as a mule. He slowly trotted up the stairs back to the surface to find his wife waiting for him.

“Not good?” she murmured, as she sat beside her husband. Merlot was a pretty earth pony, who was gracefully growing into older age, gray hairs twining peacefully amidst fading red. Though beneath her calm exterior, Zinfandel knew she was as worried about their daughter as he was. 

Zinfandel also knew that Merlot blamed herself for their daughter’s….predicament. It was a one in a million chance that Sugar Grape was born a pegasus. And that might have been fine in a big city, but here, miles out in the country, where it was a primarily earth pony population? Hardly anypony had seen a unicorn, let alone a pegasus who would have never stopped in dusty, little Mareheart. Everypony here was either a farmer or something along those lines, and that lent itself to the majority of Mareheart being a hardworking bunch of earth ponies. 

No unicorn or pegasus could ever hope to grow anything as well as the earth ponies, who carefully nudged the earth with their innate magic. It was just the way things were.   

Many in Mareheart shook their heads whenever they saw the Grapes in town. To have a pegasus as a daughter? What use was that? Sure, they were all fond of the little filly, always hopping and floating behind her parents. But when it came to harvest time, Sugar Grape just couldn’t do what the rest could. She couldn’t much keep any plant alive which was what mattered in Mareheart. And with no other pegasus to teach her, Sugar had to learn how to fly by herself, let alone manage weather. After a few singed wings and lightning struck barns, Sugar stuck with flying. 

Zinfandel shook his head. “Not even close, Mer.” He slowly scanned the skies for their daughter. “She thinks she’s a failure and it’s just breakin’ my heart to see her this way.”

Merlot pawed the ground restlessly. “We’ve tried sending her to family, to get some perspective, to get out of Mareheart, but she won’t leave! Zin, I’m at my wit’s end with this child, I swear she’ll die here, alone, without her mark.” The alone comment referred to another side effect of having wings, at least in Mareheart, Sugar had few friends. Foals just didn’t want to be friends with the weird, useless pony.

“If only she’d understand that’d we would love her just the same.” Zinfandel said, nuzzling his wife. Together they stood and walked silently back up the hill to their purple house, only stopping to check again for the flash of white they loved so much. 

> Don't Mess With The 'Shy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


 “Stories can conquer fear, you know. They can make the heart bigger.” 
― Ben Okri 


Fluttershy waited uncomfortably in a chair fit only for hospital waiting rooms. The fabric was scratchy; the color was an unfortunate shade of blue; and the construction? Fine, unless you considered fine squeaking loudly every time somepony breathed. Yep. Definitely hospital quality. The metallic squeaks contrasted awkwardly with the quiet pegasus, who was, well, quiet.

Fluttershy, as everypony knew, stuck mainly to her secluded cottage and woodland creatures. She left the brave stunts and showy bravado to Rainbow Dash and the like. Her bravery only extended to hurt animals. And, on occasion, hurt ponies. This selective courage was how she ended up in that uncomfortable chair in the first place. 

The clock steadily ticked away the seconds, which culminating into minutes, and then turned into hours. Fluttershy carefully tucked her legs beneath her body and reflected on the many events of last night. A mere few hours ago really.

The bats and their babies seemed ages ago. A couple of them had helped her find the fallen pony hidden among the vast foliage and dark of the woods. They had chattered anxiously at her and urged her forward. They flitted and weaved over tangles of brush, leading Fluttershy, who flitted and weaved alongside them, neatly to the crash site. 

A pseudo-veterinarian, Fluttershy had seen mangled animals where she could only be a comforting presence in their last moments. She was no stranger to death. But what she found at the crash site was somehow more horrible. After a traumatic experience, most creatures, including ponies, fought to maintain life. They pushed frantically at the fallen tree trapping them, clung desperately to the cliff’s edge, or made enough noise to wake anypony for miles.  But the pony she found? Fluttershy shuddered delicately at the memory, beckoning another chorus of harsh squeaks beneath her. It was the lack of…anything. The white mare she found was completely defeated. To be sure, pain took the mare in and out of consciousness. But her waking moments? Nothing. She barely made an effort to breathe.

Fluttershy immediately went to work, studying the hurt pony. She judged that it was worth the risk to move her and used her experience she had developed in caring for larger animals. 

Now despite their smaller stature, pegasi were fairly sturdy, built to withstand buffeting winds and weather abnormalities. Fluttershy would never be a fancy flier. However, she had purposely trained for a situation such as this. She spent hours over at Applejack’s transferring heavy barrels of apples from one field to another, flying a few feet above the ground. In combination with her body structure and her training, Fluttershy would at least be able to transport the mare out of the forest. 

She hooked her limbs around the mare and flapped her wings to gain that few feet of practiced altitude. Fluttershy steadily and gently flew her back over the brush, out of the dark wood. The bats guided her still with chirps and squeaks until they suddenly disappeared in a flurry of wings. She realized that the forest had gone silent as the bats fled. 

She knew that silence only meant one thing. 

Danger. 

Deep growls rolled across the dark forest. The burdened pegasus quivered with fear; she was well aware of how exposed she was. The hairs along the back of Fluttershy’s neck bristled. Fluttershy conjured more speed from her tired wings.  Ponies were social animals; they stuck together for safety, strength in numbers and such. But tonight, Fluttershy was vulnerable. Tonight, she was prey.

Snarls ripped the calm of the night. With her senses heightened by adrenaline, Fluttershy could almost smell the acrid breath of the creatures pursuing her. Her and her precious cargo.  She pushed herself even faster, breathing erratically as she sped through the dense forest. 

At last, Fluttershy broke free from the woods, recognizing a clearing not too far from her cottage. But she wasn’t alone. She was met there by glowing, green eyes. The pegasus had been herded. Fluttershy wildly looked around the clearing, but it was too late. It was clear as more noxious green eyes appeared from every side, boxing her in. Heart racing, she considered her two options. 

The first, most immediate choice was to flee. To drop the white pony, who might be dead already, and fly away. No pony would have to know, and the few that she’d tell would support her. They would say there was nothing she could have done; it had just been too dangerous. 

The creatures who hunted her stepped out from the trees. Timberwolves, their eyes flashing hungrily in the dark, stalked toward their prey. Wooden limbs clacked together as they pressed forward, closer to the ponies. If the alpha wolf could smile, he did so now. His pack had successfully trapped their food and was preparing to feast. He leaned in, inhaling the delicious pony fear scent.

The second choice, although, was her only true option. Fluttershy may be the quietest pony, but she was the embodiment of kindness. And she wasn’t going to let any bundle of twigs hurt this pony. This fallen pony who had no way to defend herself. Fluttershy collected her wits about her, knowing she would have only seconds to act. She glanced once more at the white mare. Fluttershy knew she had made the right decision, no matter what happened.   

The timberwolves howled. The pack’s many voices mixed together to form a victorious chorus; the horrible symphony dominating the murky black. 

And that’s when it happened. 

Fluttershy exploded. 

Her fierce eyes rained a fiery doom upon the alpha, her voice echoing tenfold in the wooded clearing.

“How dare you?! You, a big wolf, taking on a helpless pony?” She stomped the ground near the white mare’s body for emphasis. The pack simultaneously paused and looked to the alpha for guidance. Should they proceed? 

Fluttershy noticed their hesitation and seized the opportunity. “I know you have to hunt, provide for your pack and babies, but this?!” She angrily pointed at the wide circle of wolves surrounding the clearing. “What will the Mother think about this?” Fluttershy was referring to the matriarch of the timberwolf society who all packs recognized as supreme leader. 

The lead timberwolf stumbled, wood legs clacking back a few paces. His prey usually cowered and then was eaten. But this one knew of the Matriarch and her disregard for those who ate ponykind. This prey was different and…it scared him. And what was with its eyes!? He shivered, his wooden frame rattling with the force of it. When he met those eyes, he felt compelled to crawl into a very deep hole and stay there.

Fluttershy trained her piercing stare on each and every remaining pair of green eyes. The alpha slowly started to back away from the ponies. She spread her wings wide and stood taller, every feather trembling with righteous fury. 
“Every predator in this forest knows better than this! Shame on you all!” she scolded. 

The pack whimpered, torn between hunger and fear. “Go on! Scat!” Fluttershy angrily shooed the pack with mighty flaps of her yellow wings. 

The alpha turned tail and fled. The rest of pack followed quickly behind, sounding off mournful whines. 

Fluttershy remained where she flew, sternly staring after the wolves until she could no longer see any glints of green. The stress of being chased overwhelmed Fluttershy and she collapsed wearily to the ground next to her charge. Tears fell unbidden as Fluttershy realized just how close she was to being eaten. She gulped down air, trying to calm her frantic heart. 

The white pony barely breathed. Noting this, Fluttershy stood. She had to get her to safety. There were other creatures in these woods, ones that she couldn't scold into submission. Once again, Fluttershy gathered the pony in her forelegs. With frayed nerves and eyes half-blind with tears, the quiet pegasus resumed her hurried flight out of the woods. 

Fluttershy had flown to Applejack’s and then traveled to the hospital. She wearily followed the white mare as she traveled the gauntlet of departments. To the E.R, x-ray, to surgery, and then to I.C.U, where the mare now lay asleep, ensconced in tubes and wires. Fluttershy had offered to stay the night, to wait the in the uncomfortable chair until the mare woke. Which Nurse Redheart had assured her, hours ago, would be “soon”. 

Fluttershy glanced once more out the window, sunrise now prominent on the horizon. And smiled.  No pony would ever know what had happened out in the woods, for Fluttershy would never tell them. There was no need. She was content with being thought of the quiet pony, who left bravery to others. But maybe-

Nurse Redheart appeared at the entrance of the waiting room and beckoned to Fluttershy. 

Fluttershy sat up in her chair, lazily stretching her wings. The chair replied in earnest, squeaking indignantly at her. She rose demurely and followed the nurse out of the little room. 

It was true that no pony would know. But Fluttershy would and maybe…that was enough. 

In fact, it made all the difference. 

> Ouch!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A significant percentage of amateur wines in competitions exhibit "off-characters". These tend to be due to lack of experience in winemaking, carelessness, taking shortcuts, and to factors beyond the winemaker's control. The presence of such wines reflects the winemaker's inability to recognize problems in his/her wines due to their amount of experience.
----Vintage Glass, Professional Wine Tasting Judge


You can’t be angry on a cloud.

It’s not widely known that clouds react to emotions. The ones not made in weather factories anyway.

These wild clouds can spark, grow larger, or brew into something nasty if left unchecked. Some of the worst storms ever recorded were caused by these rogue, emotive clouds. Pegasi scholars believed that this “emotional temperance” was a leftover from the Chaos Wars. Discord had loved to flaunt his twisted powers over reality. One of his favorite activities was to manipulate weather in strange and dangerous ways, creating unpredictable creations such as gum-drop hail and chocolate rain.

Sugar Grape didn’t know the magical theory or history behind these clouds. But she did know that they were a pain to wrangle after they absorbed, whatever it was that made them – crazy.

She struggled to suppress her feelings as she made a quick loop around Mareheart. The clouds this far out had almost no pegasi manipulation, except for her. Any weather disturbance would be her fault and she could not afford yet another embarrassing mishap. She had enough of those today.

Maybe tomorrow.	

Sugar Grape banked toward a small patch of trees on the outskirts of town. She didn’t trust herself to rest in a patch of clouds. Clouds were more comfortable than tree branches, but trees didn’t try to shock you depending on your mood. The white pegasus sighted a decent-looking spot in the fold of a tall pine. Sugar chose a v-shaped fork made by a diverging branch and landed in the space between.

She examined the purple stains on her coat. It just wasn’t fair! The frustrated mare stomped a vexed hoof on the branch.

She did everything she could think of! 
What was the deal? 
She wasn’t lazy.
She worked hard every day –
Why was world suddenly tilting right?
CRASH!
Sugar blearily looked up at the broken branch where she had previously balanced. 

That was it. Nature hated her. 

BONKBONKBONK!

A barrage of sharp pine cones rained down on Sugar. 

She should have risked a cloud. 

Sugar groaned and rose to her hooves. Enough of this. She shook herself and fluffed her wings, removing a considerable amount of brush from her plumage and coat.

Sugar decided she would go for a run instead of fly back to the vineyard. She didn’t want to crash when her head was this cluttered. Sugar Grape set off at a quick trot back toward Mareheart.

She had spent her whole life in Mareheart. Sugar Grape knew everypony in this little town. From the owners of the tiny general store, to the grizzled sheriff, to the regular train conductors that chugged into the Mareheart station.

But it wasn’t her home necessarily. Not yet. Sugar wouldn’t feel at home until-

She waved an affectionate wing at the schoolmaster as she passed by the ramshackle schoolhouse. Sugar had spent many hours there as a filly. She had poured over books about the many aspects of agriculture, not that there were many. Growing things wasn’t something you learned. You knew it. The same way your daddy and his daddy knew. It flowed through your bones, it sang inside you. No need to write it down.

The petite pony who ran the school was tough. Almost as tough as the nails her husband, Mareheart’s blacksmith, crafted. Mrs. Prickly Pear was different. She was a pony who treated Sugar Grape the same as every other filly and colt. And for that, Sugar was grateful. She expected the best effort from all her students and did not lower her standards for the young pegasus. Sugar was grateful for her methods. They allowed her to gain confidence among the earth pony class. Regardless of what her classmates thought of her, Sugar knew she had a place in front of Mrs. Pear’s chalkboard.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Prickly Pear waved back as the white pegasus trotted by the schoolhouse. 

The teacher remembered the filly well. Sugar had always been so eager in the classroom, especially when it came to anything agricultural.  She also remembered how the poor thing was teased and mocked. It was hard to be the only pegasus, but it was worse to be the last pony without your mark. Sugar had been teased incessantly for being “useless” and a “waste of wings”.  During one particularly condemning recess, she had fled to the safety of the school house. 

Prickly Pear had examined the pegasus over her red, horn-rimmed glasses.  

“What is it, Miss Grape?” The veteran teacher asked the filly, knowing what she would hear next.

She expected a tirade of angry accusations and tears. 

But Sugar Grape didn’t deliver. 

“Why was I born, Mrs. Pear?” the filly asked.

The teacher sucked in a breath. That was a little too existential for her taste. 

“Excuse me, Sugar Grape?”

“It just doesn’t make sense. I can’t do anything here.” Sugar Grape subconsciously shifted her wings. 

“Why that’s ridiculous, Sugar! You are a wonderful little filly with lots of potential,” Pear chided gently, eyes straying to the empty place on Sugar’s flank.

“But I don’t,” the filly persisted. “Everypony knows that I can’t do anything here. Nothing that matters.” She rubbed a hoof across the worn floorboards. “So why was I born?”

Pear removed her glasses and set them carefully on her desk. 

“This is about your mark isn’t it, Sugar?” The filly bobbed her head. “And why you have wings, in a town of us earth ponies?” She nodded again. Pear rose from her chair and walked toward the filly.

“You don’t know this, but I was born in Manehattan. My family runs a successful shipping industry, bringing produce from places like Mareheart all the way to Canterlot. The Pears are in the upper echelon of business tycoons, which means they are very important ponies in the city.  I grew up in the midst of fancy parties and fancier ponies. But there was just one problem in this luxurious paradise.  I was the only earth pony in an entire family of unicorns. My parents loved me dearly, but an earth pony child was taboo in their circles. I was the awkward, useless child. I never fit in the hustle and bustle of the magic world. I felt lost, stuck in a world I couldn’t make heads or tails of.” Pear smiled warmly at the wide-eyed pegasus. 

“You too?” Sugar asked in amazement. “I thought-“

“You thought wrong, Sugar,” the teacher interrupted smoothly. “Trust me, you are not the first pony who has had to deal with the confusion and hurt that comes from being born different.” She stood and walked back to her desk. Pear rummaged through a cluttered drawer then handed a photograph to Sugar. 

“This was taken the after I got my mark.” Sugar stared curiously at a jubilant young mare with a cluster of cacti and blooming flower cutie mark. “I got my mark while visiting a teacher friend of mine. She had just discovered her talent for teaching when she suddenly became ill. She asked me to watch her class for the day. I knew nothing about teaching, but I felt compelled to give it a go.” 

Sugar giggled. “I just can’t imagine you not knowing how to teach, Mrs. Pear.”

Pear laughed with her. “It was quite a long day, to tell you the truth. I ran the class the only way I knew how, similar to my father’s way of running his massive shipping houses. Decisively, fairly, efficiently, and with no time for nonsense. I was exhausted when the final bell rang, though I was pleased with my efforts. We covered a large amount of material and the class seemed to absorb it. It wasn’t until I returned to my friend’s house that I discovered my mark. After discussing the day’s events with my friend, we appreciated its significance.” 

Pear glanced at the filly and then continued. 

“My mark is odd for a teacher. A cactus for teaching? Cacti are not the friendliest or welcoming of plants. However, the cactus reflected my teaching style. I accomplished what needed to be done – no silliness or tomfoolery to be had. I sustain a prickly nature in my class in order for my students to focus on the material. And you see that flower, yes? A cactus’s flower, and resulting fruit, grows due to the protection of the cactus’s many sharp spines. This was proof that my way of teaching bore fruit as well. And here you are, Miss Grape.” Pear grinned and teasingly poked the filly’s nose.

Sugar Grape laughed and rubbed her nose. “But Mrs. Pear, what does this have to do with me?”

The experienced teacher went to work. “If I had decided not to try my best for my friend’s class, what would have happened?”

Sugar blinked. “You wouldn’t have gotten your mark.” 

“That’s right, dear. I would not have. When you are unique like we are, you have to be ready for anything. Never stop trying new things. If I had stayed in Manehattan, stuck with what was around me, what was safe? I wouldn’t be here today talking to you, Sugar Grape.”

The filly frowned. “I’m not leaving Mareheart.”

Pear considered this. “I’m not saying you’ll have to, Sugar. That was just what happened with me. You might discover your special talent here after all.” The mare shrugged nonchalantly. “As you get older, it will fall into place. You just can’t give up.”

Sugar Grape considered this, looking down at her hooves. 

The tough mare fully broke her composure and nuzzled the filly. “Sweetheart, I don’t have all the answers. We don’t know why you were placed among us. However, I do know it’s going to be okay.”

The bell rang, signaling the end of recess. The two unique ponies quickly stood and glanced at the door. 

“Thank you, Mrs. Pear.” A determined smile now shone on Sugar’s face.

As the rest of the class tumbled through the door, the teacher resumed her crisp demeanor

“You are most welcome, Miss Grape.” She walked to the front of the room as little bodies wriggled themselves back into their seats. Prickly Pear discreetly winked at the young pegasus before smartly rapping the blackboard. “Now who remembers the…”

> Magic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Stories have a magic of their own.

They make you feel alive.

You stand alongside the dashing heroine, feeling her breath upon your face. You carry the humid weight of a dank cavern, hooves sink into the same sand as your imaginary companion.

Not imaginary.

Real.

Stories have the power to make things real.

Your heart races as you both try to escape the clutches of the quicksand, perspiration lightly wetting the hastily turned pages. Your eyes dance faster as the plucky adventurer frantically searches for a way out.

There is always a way out.

Your hope for the character’s fate is real.

You are convinced that if you read hard enough, hope enough, that your companion will survive, emerge from the pages victorious.

Most times they do.

The rogue knight defeats the evil sorceress, the timid outcast finds love, or harmony is restored.

Your resulting joy and satisfaction is real.

But sometimes?

Your beloved character dies. The lost foal never finds his parents. Evil reigns.

And that’s okay.

You gain satisfaction through disappointment. 

Lost hope brings clarity.

These “disappointing” stories reveal truths. 

About the world you live in, about yourself.

Readers are brave.

Readers dare to find themselves in uncomfortable situations. 

To learn these difficult, but real, truths

To experience a higher level of reality.


> The Rainbow Effect
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


“After nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the things we need most in the world.” 
― Philip Pullman 


“Y’all set in here?”

The country drawl and opened door woke Rainbow out of her daze.

“S’all good in here, AJ.  You go and take Flutters home.  Nothing I can’t handle here.”  Rainbow flashed a cocky smile at the farmer.

“Ya sure? Ya seemed mighty out of it just now,” Applejack questioned.

She knew of her friends lackadaisical tendencies.  In fact, Applejack was surprised she volunteered to stay with the unknown pony. Being stuck inside a small hospital room didn’t qualify Dash’s usual requirements: speed, danger, and “radicalness”.

“I’m fine, AJ! You know I have Tuesdays off anyway.  Besides! She’ll probably wake up to meet such an awesome pony!” Dash was referring to the hurt pony’s current state.  After briefly waking after her surgery, the white pegasus had not regained consciousness.

Applejack rolled her eyes. Classic Dash.

“Well, the girls and I will swing back around near dinner time. Wouldn’t want you trying to survive on this fare.”
The two friends shared a look of horror.

“Now you sure you got this?”

Dash huffed.  “Helllooo? Element of Loyalty, remember? This is like, what I do?”

Applejack blushed.  “Alright, alright. Sorry, Rainbow.  Just make sure ya tell somepony if she wakes up?”

Rainbow waved a mock salute with her wing. “No problem.  And bring some cider with you later!”

Applejack laughed and opened the door.  “I’ll see what I can do.” She winked and left with a neat click of the door closing behind her.

Rainbow settled in for the long haul. After pounding the lump of a couch into submission, she dug through her saddlebags. Carefully lifting with her teeth, Rainbow gently removed a couple of books. Rainbow fondly ran a hoof over their worn, dog-eared covers.

She would never be a Twilight-sized egghead, of course. However, Dash was okay with enjoying a few novels whenever she had the chance.  Which wasn’t all that often.  She just tried to have a book on her at all times.  (Rainbow had one day pulled Pinkie aside. Dash asked her how she hid such a variety of items all around Ponyville or in her hair. Several Pinkie Promises, bananas, and hours later, Dash had gotten the hang of it. (1) ) Her books weren’t very well cared for, just being a pegasus forbade that, but they were well loved.

Rainbow Dash looked over at the limp pegasus.

Being ground-bound sucked.  It was almost better that the pegasus was out cold while she was stuck here. No pegasus would choose not to fly. Well. Fluttershy. But she was different.

Anyways, Dash knew how the pony would feel, being cooped up with a broken wing. She could relate as a fellow, crash-prone pegasus.  So Rainbow truly didn’t mind hanging out here for a spell.  No big deal.

Rainbow chose a book at random and let the book fall open.

As their eyes met from across the room, an electric pulse raced through the air. The two ponies drew closer, and circled each other, their lust barely restrained. The two had hungered for one another and tonight was the night they would finally realize their passions.

Rainbow blushed and hastily shut the book. What in the hay!? She gingerly flipped the book over.  Starlight’s Desire. With a picture of two star-crossed lovers smack dab on the front. Ugh! No! How did that get into her stash? She slid the book away with the tip of her hoof.

Rainbow carefully selected her next book.  Daring Do and the Frozen Hourglass. Much better. Rainbow again let the book fall open to a random page. She had found that this was a better way of reading a book you knew by heart.  More exciting.
Dash cleared her throat and began to read aloud. (2)

Daring looked frantically at the strange pony beside her and then up at the sewer grate.

“You can’t just expect us to escape this palace undetected! Your last, little plan alerted the entire guard! And gave me this!” Daring held up her busted left forehoof. “Granted, I can still give some ponies the what for, but this is definitely going to put me at risk.” The explorer gritted her teeth. 

“You aren’t even listening to me, are you? 

The pony in question glanced absentmindedly at his companion and answered simply, “No.” 

Daring resisted the urge to scream. Years of tiptoeing the line between stealing and “preserving ancient cultural artifacts” prevented her from giving this idiot a piece of her mind and revealing their location. She settled for angrily whispering in the stallion’s ear.

“Look buddy. I left my dig for you. My beautiful, fully government funded dig. To be led off on some wild goose chase. And that was fine! I live for those. What I do have a problem with, is not being told that you are a crazy pony! Who “forgets” to inform me that there are vicious alien creatures hunting him. These “Day-licks”-?” Daring was interrupted by the stallion stifling her with a hoof. 

He was smiling at her. The nerve of some ponies. 

“Miss Do? Do you hear anything?”

The khaki pegasus spluttered. She bit back a sarcastic retort and then reconsidered. “No.”

“Exactly. We’re ready to go. Time is certainly of the essence.” The mysterious stallion held up their prize, the one that caused the previous commotion above them. The frozen hourglass. The azure glass should have been pockmarked and scratched. But here it was. Pristine. Even mud and other...debris from the sewer seemed to freeze and slide off the glass.

Daring gasped. “I didn’t think you had time to grab it before Isaz’s guards caught up to us!”

The stallion smiled, seeming amused at himself. “I do now.” 

His demeanor changed abruptly. He fiercely faced Daring with a grim expression. “Are you ready, Miss Do? And by ready, I mean, do you trust me?”

Daring shook her head. “We’ll have to see about that last bit. But I am ready to get out of here, so I’ll stick with you for now.” The pegasus prepared to lift the sewer grate. “And did you do what I think you just did?”

“If you mean alter the flow of time using the hourglass? Perhaps.” The stallion tucked the priceless artifact back into his saddlebags. 

“Just, one more thing. I really shouldn’t call you ‘Hey Crazy Pony’ for the rest of our little adventure here. What should I call you?” Daring turned an expectant head toward the stallion.

The stallion laughed. “Why just call me-“

“The Doctor,” a voice croaked from beside Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow shot into the air, books flying haphazardly about the room.

“Holy Celestia’s flank! You scared me! Wait. Are you alright?! Doctor!? You need one!? I’m on it-“

Shocked and filled with nervous energy, Dash prepared to crash though the wall to find somepony.

“Wait…” the voice called again. Dash froze in mid-air. “I meant, that’s his name. The Doctor.” Rainbow dropped to the floor.

“You know Daring Do?” the cyan pegasus asked incredulously, walking to the hurt pony’s side.

“Who doesn’t? That book is one of my favorites. Basically know it by heart.”

“Did that…my reading, wake you up?”  

The white pegasus stared blankly at the wall. “Maybe. Sorry, where am I?”

Rainbow winced. “Right. Well, you’re in Ponyville General Hospital. You crashed not far from here? You’ve broken a wing pretty badly, not to mention some nasty bruised muscles and broken ribs.”

The mare stared at Rainbow.

“Ohand myname’s Rainbow Dash,” Dash finished quickly, her words sliding together. “What’s yours?”

The mare paused. “Sugar.”

This time Rainbow stared in anticipation at Sugar. “That’s it?”

Sugar nodded.

“…..Okayyy. I guess you’ll tell more to the doctor? Doctor!” Rainbow leapt for the second time into the air. “I’llberightbackdon’tfallasleepagainbye!” She quickly opened the door and sped through it. 

Sugar sighed and sank back into the pillows. She listened to the urgent voice of her pegasus overseer call out to nearly everypony in hospital.

What a way to wake up.
> Unbroken
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


 Wine is constant proof that Gaia loves us and loves to see us happy.
Princess Luna, decreed at the Winter Solstice 
846 years before The Nightmare



And a beat, swish, glide

And a one, two, three

Oh wherever this wind takes me,
I know that you’ll be waiting
for my return.
Oh I promise to share the sunrise,
with your dear smile.
Will I ever learn?
That you’re all I’m searching for.
that no matter where I go.
Your love,
oh, your sweet, sweet love, 
will bring me back,
will bring me back home.


The carefree chorus swirls upwards as ponies sing and celebrate around a massive, crackling bonfire. Flames dance in time to the song, leaping with unfettered, wild grace. Sparks reach higher into the night sky, for a brief moment, becoming stars themselves. 

A crisp, October wind sweeps these stars higher and the ponies below call for another song. The success of the harvest warms and invigorates them. They laugh and stomp their hooves.  Foals ramble around the flames, eyes wide with the magic of the moment. Wives flirt with their husbands, relieved that their families will survive the upcoming winter. The elders sit on blankets and look on the scene with knowing smiles. They reminisce about their own bountiful harvests and harsh winters. Those too young to join in the festivities nestle around the older ponies. 

Sharing warmth. Life. Hope. 

These ponies live in harmony with the land. They understand their place in the world. The crops they grow parallel their own lives.  They will grow, bear fruit, and die. They accept death just as they understand that the land will flourish and sustain future generations. 

One pony is acutely aware of this. 

May Wishes rests comfortably on a plaid, wool blanket, worn soft by years of use.  She smiles and waves to her husband. He is nervous about leaving her alone and starts to walk toward his wife. May shakes her head and pantomimes to the festivities. Her message is clear.

Go enjoy. You’ve earned it. Celebrate for all of us.

May has gracefully bowed out of the party with a serenity not known to stallions. For she is alight with a joy of her own. May is with foal and in the late stages of her pregnancy. Her unborn foal kicks and leaps within her; both mother and child taking part in their own cosmic celebration.  

She is content. 

Aside from the occasional morning sickness, sore hooves, and so many ponies asking to touch her barrel, May Wishes enjoys her pregnancy. For one, her senses are drastically heightened. She can smell her husband’s familiar musk from across the camp; hear her grandmother’s snoring amidst the pile of blankets, and see-

See a white pegasus circling above the harvest celebration. 

May slowly starts to rise to her hooves. 

Her husband instantly appears at her side and helps her up. 

“Go fetch the wagon, would you, Blue?”

“Is it time, dear?” Blue Bell, bless him, was preparing to sprint to the nearest doctor.

“No, no. We’re fine.” May smiles at her husband. “But I believe Pappy will be happy to hear that the wine’s arrived.”

The stallion looks up at the night shy and grins. “He will indeed. Especially tonight.” 

“I’ll be up at the big house. That’s where she usually drops off, is it not?”

“Be careful, love.” Blue Bell says, nuzzling his wife. “That last hill is steep.”

May swats his nose with a playful swish of her tail. “I’ll manage.” 

-    -    -    -    -

May huffs up the last hill (May refused to call it steep) when the delivery pony touches down at the big house.

The white pegasus efficiently sheds the harness, letting the cloud construct float to the ground. The pony hurries to May’s side.  

“Any day now, right May? How are you feeling?” She asks, helping her over the worst of the hill.

May nudges her younger friend. “I’m fine! We’re all fine. Blue’s a little…edgy. But I guess that’s to be expected with your first foal. How are you, Sugar?”

Sugar slowly walks over to her cart. “I’ve been better.”

May carefully looks the pegasus over. “So it didn’t turn out?” 

“That’d be the nicest way to put it.”  Sugar pauses and faces her friend. Her violet eyes shine with unshed tears. 

“Sweetheart….” May ambles over and nuzzles the fragile mare. “I’ve known you for how long?”

Sugar hiccups and flashes a weak smile. “Pretty much forever. You were the best foal sitter. ” 

“So you should believe me when I say that you’ll figure it out. You were always a smart filly, not to mention stubborn. It’s okay to be disappointed, but don’t let this get you down, Sugar.”

“I’ve searched for years for my mark. Years. I don’t want to be the old mare, lost without a purpose. I-“ Sugar goes silent.

“I just wish I knew where I belong, May.” Sugar sighs, scuffing the ground with a hoof. 

“Oh sweetheart…I’m sure you’ll-” May sways unsteadily to one side and collapses to the ground. 

“MAY!” Sugar cries, kneeling beside her friend. 

May winces and places one hoof on her belly. “We’re…okay. Just something knocked the wind out of me.”

“Want me to go get Blue?” Sugar asks, wings betraying her nervous state, flitting in time with her frantic heartbeat.

The pregnant mare awkwardly tries to stand, but succumbs to her weakened state. “Just,” May pulls in a steadying breath, “stay with me for a bit.”  

Sugar lays one wing over May to protect her from the autumn chill. Minutes pass as the two mares peruse the glimmering night sky. They’re silent, letting the voices and music rise on the wind from the bonfire below. 

“You’ll have a beautiful foal,” Sugar says, resting her head on her friend’s shoulder.

May bites her lip. “I just want him, or her, to be happy. They could have seven legs or three heads. But, Celestia forbid, never one of those horrible pegasi!” 

Sugar freezes and stares dumbfounded at her friend. “Are you-“

May sticks her tongue out. “Teasing, love. But really though. Any foal of mine will be loved. They’ll be perfect.” 

Blue Bell jauntily trots over the hill, saddlebags jingling with Sugar’s pay. 

May coughs and shakes her head slightly at Sugar. Don’t tell him. I’m fine.

“Thanks May. I guess I should get going.” Sugar fluffs her wings and goes to take the bits from the stallion.

Blue Bell throws a leg around Sugar’s neck. “Nonsense! Why would you wanna fly all the back to Mareheart now? The 
night is young and there’s a fine party here!”

Sugar looks at her friend and starts to refuse. “My parents are-“

May winks at the pegasus. “Your parents are fine. You’re in good hooves here with all of us.  And don’t you give me that look, missy! I know how your parents always wanted you to be out of that town. Live a little. Take the night off!”

“They won’t mind?” Sugar asks doubtfully, referring to the rest of May’s family.

May shares a look with her husband. “A few might. But everypony knows that the harvest celebration goes beyond us earth ponies. It’s about…being a part of the earth’s cycle. To understand how short our time is here. To celebrate that life continues. To…be together as Gaia’s creations.”

Blue Bell chuckles. “Don’t forget the booze.”

May shakes her head at her husband. “Okay and a little alcohol never hurt anypony. And what did you bring over tonight?” 

Blue gestures to the crates of wine stacked neatly in the Blue’s wagon. “The Grapes’ Genuine Finest Wine.”

“So you’re all set. Besides, I know somepony who made his famous peach ice cream.” May slides a sly glance to her husband.

Sugar Grape whirls to face Blue Bell, wings humming with excitement. “You didn’t!?”

Blue scratches his head in embarrassment. “May thought you might drop by tonight. So she had me whip some up for you.”

Sugar squees with joy and hugs her friend. 

“That’s still your favorite, right?” the former foalsitter asks. 

Sugar realizes she’s been trapped. “You’re good.” Trapped between a devious, pregnant pony and delicious ice cream.  

“The best, dearie,” May flashes a triumphant grin at the mare. “Now let’s go down and say hello.” 

The three ponies walk back to the bonfire, oblivious to the events set in motion. The pattern of life has been shifted, ever so slightly. Stars dance a little faster, shine a little brighter, in anticipation of what is to come.
> Think Pink
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


“The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye, the story of love is hello and goodbye...until we meet again” 
― Jimi Hendrix


Ring-a-ling!

“Hello, Miss Harvest! I’ve got those carrot muffins bake-a-lakin’ in the oven. Can you wait a teensy minute for em’?” Pinkie Pie shouted over the din of late lunch rush at Sugar Cube Corner. (Okay, it should be known that Sugar Cube Corner is ALWAYS crowded.)

A sizable amount of ponies flooded the sugary counter, shuffling in line and chatting with each other and the mare behind the counter. The bell over the door rang again, announcing even more hungry ponies looking for a sweet treat.

“Cheerilee! Got a coffee and cherry turnover waiting for you on the counter! Have a nice day!  Thunderlane, how ‘bout you try a hot tea? Really helps to get over that featherflu-ick feeling.”

Pinkie’s left hoof twitched and right ear tingled.

“Girls! What’ll ya have today?” Pinkie grinned over the counter as her bestest friends in the entire universe walked in the bakery’s door.

Usual orders were made: cappuccino and cruller for Rarity, lavender tea for Twilight, and - black coffee for RD, Applejack, and Flutters?

“Rough night, ladies?” Pinkie questioned as she balanced the orders precariously on her nose, making her way over to her friends.

Fluttershy nodded gratefully at Pinkie as she sets down the steaming cup. “You could say that…”

“The three of you look, well, not quite at your best,” Rarity said, attempting to delicately point out the haggard looks on three of her friends’ faces.

“Was it the vamponies? Did they getcha last night? With their big, scary vampony fangs?” Pinkie made a raaaaaggh face at a defenseless jelly doughnut. 

Applejack sighed and took a deep swig of her coffee. “No Pinkie, no vamponies. Just one pony.” 

Pinkie Pie froze, fangs halfway in the doughnut, strawberry “blood” spurting from the doughnut’s - neck. “That’s why we gathered everypony here, so we could catch y’all up to speed.” 

“A new pony?” Pinkie Pie gasped. “Why didn’t you tell me?!”

Twilight rolled her eyes at her spastic friend. “They are telling you.”

“But not right away!” Pinkie protested. “What if the new pony felt sad because they were lost or didn’t know anypony?” Pinkie’s blue eyes threatened to spill over with tears. “I could have helped them!”

Rarity stroked her white hoof soothingly over Pinkie’s pink one. “Please let them finish, darling, before jumping to any more…tragic conclusions.”

So Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and occasionally Fluttershy shared what they knew of the white pegasus, apparently named Sugar, and her sudden crash landing into Ponyville.

Pinkie had set relatively quiet throughout the retelling until now. “So…she hasn’t had a party yet?”

Applejack rubbed her temple with a hoof. “Pinks, I think this new pony has had some more important things ta’ worry about.”

“Like what?!”

“Staying alive,” Rainbow Dash somberly intoned, staring into her dark coffee. 

The other five mares turn to face the pegasus. “You all know I know crashes.” 

The group collectively groaned. (A lavender unicorn in particular winced at this statement. Somewhere in the distance, a purple dragon twitched in his sleep, “No…no more re-shelving…”) 

Rainbow continued, rolling her eyes at her friends. “Thanks. Right, well, unless you’re practicing an epic trick, most pegasi 
don’t let themselves get that out of control. I think she had more going on than just some bad turbulence.”

Rarity stared horrified at Rainbow. “You can’t possibly be suggesting-“

Rainbow shrugged. “I’m just saying it’s possible.”

“Okay, let’s be reasonable. All we know is her name and that she’s been hurt. We don’t know where she’s from, or what happened to her. We should be there for her if she wants us.” Twilight sagely suggested, before sipping her tea. 

Applejack looked doubtfully at Twilight. “And if she don’t?”

Twilight blushed and grinned. “We politely suggest.”

Applejack laughed and patted the unicorn on her back. “That’s mah girl.”

Rarity critically examined her glazed pastry. “That’s all well and good, darling. But we need a plan. We can’t just assume that she’ll have what she needs. How about we follow Rainbow’s leave and make sure somepony is with her.  That should give us the opportunity to find out-“

Rarity glanced at Dash and hurriedly finished. “-to see how she’s really feeling.”

Fluttershy quietly chimed in. “It’d just be during daily visiting hours? Could everypony try that? Whenever they had the time?”

The five mares nodded. Wait a second…

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Where’s Pinkie?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sugar Grape shuffled to her hospital bed.

“Are you sure that last set of stretches didn’t wear you out?” a friendly nurse asked, helping Sugar with the task of getting back into bed. A broken wing and painkillers didn’t help matters.

Sugar Grape grimaced as she tried to not jostle her ribs or wing. Her first, “preemptive” physical therapy session was disappointing. Just rotating the wing in tiny circles had taken all the focus and energy she could muster. Granted she had broken her wing, but Sugar had hoped for better results. 

The nurse dutifully lifted the slim pegasus and drew the covers around her.

“Thank you.” Sugar carefully tucked the thin blanket around her middle. “It wasn’t too bad? I’m just not used to…not having wings. I’m sorry; I’ve forgotten your name.”

The nurse, an earth-pony stallion smiled. “It’s quite alright to be foggy right now. I’m Bandaid, your nurse this shift. In a few hours, Nurse Meadowlark will check in with you.” 

Nurse Bandaid fiddled with the adjustments for the bed and then asked, “Will you be okay on your own for a while?”

“I think so. Thank you, Bandaid.”

“Just press the red button if you need anything. We’ll be right with you.” Bandaid said before quietly shutting the door.

Sugar lay back on her white mound of pillows. She closed her eyes, preparing to succumb to the cocktail of painkillers percolating in her bloodstream. The sounds of monitors, ticks of the clocks, and muted interactions of nurses outside her room collected and swelled. These noises created a peaceful, white-noise effect where it was okay not to think and to just…slip away…



…………. 

Swish-swish

Sugar’s ear twitched. 

Swisssssh. Swisssssssssh.

Sugar lifted a heavy eyelid. 

“Good. You’re awake.” A voice emanated from the farther side of the room.

Sugar took a while to process this statement before jolting awake. The pegasus looked around wildly for the source of the voice. 

Swisssssssssh. Swish.

“I’ve been expecting you."

A chair spun around to present a pink mare in a black, pinstripe suit. A fedora hung low over her eyes, hiding her face. A cigar hung dangerously in one hoof, smoke swirling nonchalantly into air. With the other hoof, the mare stroked a baby alligator, hoof against scales, producing the odd, swish-swish noise that woke Sugar. 

Sugar gaped at the pony. “You can’t smoke in here.” 

The pink mare smirked. “I can’t?” The cigar seemed to twist slightly and a lollipop now dangled from the mare’s hoof. The mare calmly took a lick of the sweet.  “It’s nice to finally meet you, Miss Sugar.”

Sugar asked the obvious. “Who are you?”

The mare chuckled. “I’ve gone by many names, Miss Sugar. But you can call me is Pinkamina Diane Pie. And I am not very happy with you.”

Pinkamina slowly took off her hat and placed it on the nightstand. 

Sugar spluttered, “I haven’t done anything to you! I’ve never even seen you before!”

Pinkamina edged closer to the bed. “Exactly.” 

Sugar eyed the red button.

“Don’t push that.”  

Sugar froze.  

Pinkamina now stood two feet away from the pegasus. Her alligator balanced in the mare’s pink hair, slowly gumming the cotton candy-like strands. The wall-eyed alligator disturbed Sugar.  Its gaze seemed to penetrate her very soul, as if it could understand not only Sugar, but the ENTIRE UNIVE-

“Here! Have a cupcake!” Pinkamina cheerfully commanded. 

“A what.” Sugar looked dumbfounded from a cupcake that now rested on her belly and then back to the strange pair.

“A cupcake, silly! Don’t they have those where you’re from?” the mare giggled and tapped Sugar on the nose.

Sugar blinked. “I don’t understand.”

Pinkamina smiled and took off her suit jacket. “I welcome all the new ponies to Ponyville. I love to meet new friends and make them smile! And I missed out on welcoming you! And giving you a welcome party. Rainbow Dash, one of my bestest friends told me that you were awake!  So……I came here to give you a little one. And, ta-da! Cupcake for you! A welcome-to-Ponyville-how-you-feel-better-soon-let’s-be-friends-cupcake.” 

“If you just wanted to say hello, what was with the mob pony get up?” 

“I wanted to…set the mood.” Pinkamina sat back in her chair. She pulled out another lollipop (Sugar couldn’t fathom from where) and bit the edge of it thoughtfully.

“I’d bet my twitchy tail you’re not telling us everything. You haven’t told us your last name, where you’re from, or why you were flying so recklessly. Nothing. And that’s okay. But, you have to realize that sooner or later, you’ll have to tell us what happened. Ponyville is a great group of friendly ponies. And we’ve had our fair share of crazy happenings. So, we would understand whatever it was that happened. My friends and I learned not to judge ponies or zebras.”

“Zebras?”

“Long story! Anyways! I knew the suit would catch your attention. Doesn’t everypony know that nothing suits like a suit? And…I wanted to let you know that I am serious about this. About being there.  I don’t like when ponies feel alone. Or scared.”

Pinkamina distractedly ran a hoof along the side of the bed. She continued, but Sugar thought she was somewhere else, far from the little hospital room. 

“My Auntie Pie was the best auntie a pony could hope for. She taught me everything I know about making ponies happy. Little songs and dances, how to bake the best angel food cake, and most importantly, how to read a pony. You have to understand how someone is feeling in order to know how to help them. She saw that I had a knack for it. Auntie encouraged me to embrace my gift, to bring laughter to others, even though that meant leaving my family.  For centuries, my family worked a rock farm. The barren, remote rock fields weren’t really the best places to throw parties and cheer ponies. So she helped me move to Ponyville.  I was apprenticed to the Cakes; they own a real nifty bakery in town and…now I’m here with you.”

Pinkamina reached up and grasped the little alligator out of her hair. She set him down on Sugar’s bed.

Before Sugar could protest, Pinkamina explained, “This is Gummy. He doesn’t have any teeth? So he can’t live out in the wild. My friend Fluttershy, the one who found you out in the forest, found him and asked if I might want him.” Pinkamina gave Gummy a friendly scratch on the head. Swishswishswish. “He wants to say hello.”

Gummy wandered his way to Sugar’s exposed middle. The reptile nuzzled Sugar’s white fur and considered its texture. He opened his pink, toothless mouth and-CHOMP!-tried to bite Sugar. However, being without teeth, he only ended up blowing a rather loud raspberry on Sugar’s belly.

Sugar laughed and tried to wriggle away from Gummy’s ticklish advances.

Pinkamina smiled at her pet. “He likes you. He says you taste sweet, like, well, sugar.”

The two ponies met eyes, blue searching purple. 

Sugar blushed and tentatively scratched Gummy’s scaley head. The alligator purred and flicked a reptilian tongue around her hoof.

“Auntie Pie also taught me to enjoy the little things. Like alligator kisses. She died a year after I moved to Ponyville, you know. Heart failure.”

Sugar looked back up at Pinkamina. Her voice was soft when she replied, “I’m sorry….”

“It was sad.” Pinkamina acknowledged. “But she lived her life the best way she knew how. Making other ponies happy. After she died, I became aware of how short life was. We don’t have enough time to get everything right. And we don’t have time for regrets. We might as well laugh. Find the good things in life, the little things, and enjoy them.” 

Sugar bit her lip and looked away from Pinkamina. 

Pinkamina took Sugar’s hoof and whispered, “When you’re ready, I’ll be there to listen. I promise.” 

And with that, Pinkamina rose from her chair and gathered her things. Before she left, Pinkamina collected Gummy from Sugar’s bed. Pinkamina hesitated, then leaned over and kissed Sugar lightly on the forehead. 

“Gummy was right, you taste delicious.” Pinkamina grinned mischievously and winked at Sugar. The pink mare then left as she arrived, without a trace.

Except...for a cupcake and the lingering, sweet scent of bubblegum.

> Fall
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Death borders upon our birth and our cradle stands in the grave.
Joseph Hall


2:01 am

She refused to feel the frigid air clawing at her skin.

She refused the screaming muscles in her wings.

She refused everything that wasn’t necessary to stay in the air.

She just.

Flew.  

Sugar raced high above the recommended fly zone. The thin air refused to stay in her lungs, denying her of oxygen. Wind tore her face and whipped off her tears, flinging the salty drops to the ground below. They plummeted to the earth, gaining speed as gravity urged them faster. They smashed into underbrush, splitting apart into smaller droplets until the earth put an end to their reckless free-fall. 

She pushed past the pain, the cold, the buffeting winds.

She existed only to - 

7 hours earlier

7:32 pm 

“Be safe!”

“Love you!”

The purple houses’ shadow stretched long over the two ponies. They watched the pegasus and her burden circle upwards and away. The white pony became a white speck, indistinguishable from the mass of white clouds. They rested together for a long time, comforted by each others' presence. Two pillars of strength and stability, except-

“She doesn’t know, does she.”

“No.”

“Why haven’t you told her?”

“She has her own troubles.”

“She’ll hate me, you know. She’ll blame me for this.”

“I’m sorry, but, I can’t-“ the voice suddenly stops.

There are murmurs of comfort among the two. The night continues to fall, spreading more shadows. The sun slowly slid into an inky oblivion, red tendrils reaching one last time to the sky. 

Another day, gone. A mere blink in time.

“I can’t say goodbye.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m not leaving her. Not really. Just as I’m not leaving you.”

The ponies grew silent.

“I love you, you silly pony.”

“Love you too. Forever and always.”                  

~~~

9:18 pm

Heat floods Sugar’s cheeks. She trips and twirls with the best of the earth pony dancers. Her slim pegasus frame and natural grace puts her in a field of her own. Young stallions line up to take a turn ‘round the bonfire with the light-footed mare. She spreads her wings and uses them for balance as she flaunts her ability to disobey gravity and lightly skims over the ground. Sugar laughs and brushes the tips of her primaries lightly across the cheek of her partner. He blushes and bows out as the song ends.  She waves a friendly wing at her new friend. She is slightly dizzy from the last reel and steps away from hubbub of the crowd. She closes her eyes and basks in the warmth from the fire. Every nerve tingles with the joyous energy of the harvest celebration. 

She feels, for the first time in a long time, alive. 

A heavy hoof taps Sugar on the shoulder. Sugar lazily opens her eyes and grins.     

“Blue! What a nice surprise! Would you like to dance?”

The older stallion smiles down at the young pegasus, although concern darkens his gaze.

“Are you alright, Sugar?”

She dismisses his question with a hearty laugh. “Never better! Why?”

He stares critically at Sugar. “How much have you had to drink?” 

Sugar hiccups.

Blue frowns slightly. 

Sugar blushes, the festivities and drink turning her white coat a light shade of pink. “What’s wrong, Blueie? Can’t a girl have a little fun?”

Blue ruffles Sugar’s mane. “Within reason. Just – be careful? We’re glad you’re enjoying yourself-“

Sugar interrupts him with a friendly push. “Then relax! I’m fine. Now do you want to dance or not?!”

Blue chuckles. “No thank you, Sugar. But she does.” He pointed at a scarlet pony waiting by the crackling bonfire.

The mare was taller than the rest of the earth ponies present, with a svelte build. She grinned at Sugar with an almost predatory smile, teeth glinting strangely in the light from the fire. Her red mane was cut short at a dramatic angle, covering one green eye. The mare’s cutie mark was hidden by a flowing black skirt, lusciously spilling over on the ground.

Sugar whistles.  “She’s not from around here, is she?”

Blue nods slowly, understanding Sugar’s apprehension. “She’s an exotic one all right. From Chilhay. She’s an old friend of May’s. Met her years ago?  Her name’s Pepperdance.”

The mare, Pepperdance, saunters over to the pair, her skirt flaunting her long legs.  When she speaks, her voice is akin to a cat’s purr, low and throaty. “Oh Blue, you must introduce me to this senorita.”

Sugar suddenly finds herself shy in the Pepperdance’s presence and awkwardly tries to sidle behind the larger pony.

Blue rolls his eyes and nudges Sugar out from behind him. “Pepperdance, this is Sugar, a dear friend of ours; Sugar, this is Pepperdance.”

“Suuugarrrr,” Pepperdance rolls the name around in her mouth, as if tasting it. Her accent electrifies the air, sending chills down Sugar’s spine. “It is good to meet you. This little fiesta is nice, but I do not get to truly dance. You know? But you!” Pepperdance stomps the ground. “Are different. You are like the fire itself. You are alive and dance with the pasión, yes?”

Pepperdance leans closer to Sugar. “Are you afraid?”

Sugar’s cheek flush. She shakes her head and meets Pepperdance’s mysterious gaze.  “No.” 

The fiery mare tosses her mane and laughs. “Then we dance.”

~~~                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             8:36 pm

Ponies are born with a set amount of magic.

Unicorns live brilliant lives, but die much sooner than the other ponies. They exhaust their magical reserves with their many spells and burn the candle at both ends. Pegasi are more resilient. They are more subtle with their use of magic. Their innate ability to affect the weather is not as drastic as that of the flashy unicorns.

Earth ponies are in a different category all together. Earth ponies give off a near constant stream of magic. Just by walking, ponies *push* magic into the ground. Therefore, it would be expected that farmers who sustain and nurture their crops should drop dead within the first harvest. 

And yet, they don’t. 

Unlike unicorns and pegasi, earth ponies don’t have to put out the same levels of magic. Each earth pony builds upon their ancestors’ magic so they don’t have to start fresh. In that sense, little effort is needed to produce results compared to unicorns. 

But, magic runs out.

Regardless of who you are.

~~~

The small seedling rested motionless in the upturned soil.

Its tiny roots yearned to be in the embrace of the Mother, to be nourished by her magic just below the surface. But no, slow, all in good time. 

Leaves craved the touch of all-loving Sun and feel the light caress of Water. But for now, it waited. 

It waited for the Planter to finish the Ritual. 

The Planter’s magic was dim. Barely lit. The little leaves quivered in fear for the Planter. The Ritual might-

The Planter carefully nudged the warm soil over the seedling. The seedling s t r e t c h e d downwards, easing into the fertile soil.

The Planter added just the right amount of water. As the seedling straightened, it realized this was an accomplished Planter.

No - this Planter was perfect.

The Planter at last began to filter his magic into the little plant. 

The seedling basked in its warm glow. The Mother took hold of both the seedling and the Planter.

And the Planter prayed…

“O Gaia, Gracious Mother, Giver of Life, Comforter of Souls, hear my final prayer. As I give my last to you, know that I do so with a joyful heart. I am not afraid of death. I know that I will not be lost, but saved in your embrace. I am not bitter. I have lived a wondrous life, blessed with a loving wife and beautiful daughter. Even though I do not understand why I must go so soon, I know that you will nurture and sustain me. 
.
.
.
Please watch over my beloved. 

Please guide my daughter. Keep her safe. 

The Planter’s magic was almost gone now. The little seedling thrummed with potent magic. As the magic reached its climax, the little plant doubled in height and sprouted a multitude of delicate purple flowers.

The Ritual was complete.

Into your gentle embrace, I tend my spirit.

The Planter let go of his magic and slowly vanished from the seedling’s limited perception.

The seedling stood alone on the hill -


and silently mourned.


~~~                                                     

May watched Sugar from a distance as the night progressed. She calmly rested on her blanket, welcoming foals when they became too tired for the festivities. She nuzzled the tiny sleeping bodies, but always kept an eye on the younger mare. May wasn’t going to let her do anything stupid. 

She chuckled when Pepperdance met Sugar. Pepper was always a competitive and spirited mare. It would be just like her to seek out someone who she could challenge. Pepper had explained that she felt most alive when challenging others. “What is the point of living, if you do not live on the edge? To push yourself past what is comfortable? How can you appreciate life when you are afraid to dare? “ 

She wasn’t worried about Sugar, not really. 

Pepperdance had come in a few days prior, to bring gifts for May’s foal. When she fawned over the May’s unborn foal, the little one seemed to kick and dance in response to her alluring voice. They swapped stories and gossiped, quickly falling back into their old rhythm. 

The two mares were complete opposites. And perhaps that was why they had become such good friends. Pepperdance was exotic and could be somewhat frightening at times, but she was a good, if not odd, soul. She might exhaust Sugar from dancing, but that would all. 

May watched the two dance. 

Pepper taunted and was more aggressive while Sugar easily weaved in and out of her advances. She watched them draw a crowd as they “battled”. When at last both ponies were near exhaustion, victorious smiles on both faces, the crowd cheered. They were ushered to drink and celebrate away from the bonfire. May watched as Sugar was urged to speak. May was too far away to hear what was she said, but the crowd grew silent. Minutes passed and Sugar continued to captivate the crowd. When she finished, crowd stood and stomped their hooves once more for the pegasus. 

As the group of ponies dispersed, May was seized by waves of pain. 

“Blue!” May cried, voice cracking. She was told by many mares what birthing pains would be like, but this? Was twice that and more. She felt odd, as if she was coming unglued from her bones. She heard voices, wailing voices that shrieked inside her head. 

Blue galloped to his wife. May Wishes looked at him, eyes out of focus. 

“Something’s wrong. Blue, I-“ pain shook the mare once more and choked her. Blue began yelling for a doctor. Sugar soared over to the couple. 

May gasped. “Sugar! You’ve got to go home.” May wheezed and grabbed Sugar’s hoof. “Something’s wrong at the vineyard.” The voices continued to wail, shredding the mare’s train of thought.

Sugar stared at May, concern painting her face a gaunt gray. “What are you ta-“

May weakly shook Sugar’s hoof. “You need to go. Listen to me!” May’s back arched at an odd angle. 

Sugar skittered away from the fallen mare.

May was howling at this point. “GO!”

Sugar backpedaled and turned, quickly launching herself into the air. She pointed herself toward Mareheart and didn’t look back. 

~~~ 

12:36 am

Sugar skidded as she landed, scattering dirt and disturbing newly planted grapes vines. Lights were on at the purple house. Sugar flung the door open to find her mother sitting at the kitchen table. She seemed absentminded, swirling a glass of wine with one hoof. 

Sugar panted, exhausted from her rush back to the vineyard. “What’s wrong?!”

Merlot looked up at her tired daughter and tried to pull herself together. 

“Sugar, your fa-“ Merlot stopped and set down the glass. She stood. “Come to the porch with me.” 

Sugar trembled. Something was wrong. Mother and daughter walked out to wooden porch. 

“Honey, I don’t know how to say this.” Merlot took large breaths of the cool night air, trying to calm her aching heart.

“Then just say it.” 

“Your father he died a few hours ago.”

Sugar froze. “What? How? He was fine when I left, what happened?”

Merlot looked down at her hooves. “He had a rare magical condition, extremely rare among earth ponies. He gave out too much magic. He only told me about it a few days ago. He wanted to live his life to the fullest and not have us worry.”

Sugar was silent.

Merlot continued. “I wanted to tell you but he said no. I don’t think he could say goodbye.”

Sugar was still silent.

“Sugar, I don’t understand it either. But that’s what he wanted.” Merlot stared anxiously at her daughter. 

She still did not speak.

Then Merlot noticed something. Something that seemed wildly inappropriate considering the circumstances. 
Merlot cautiously raised a shaking hoof at her daughter.  “Baby, look.”

Sugar slowly turned to look at herself. 

There, boldly emblazoned on her flank, was a cluster of plump, purple grapes.

She was finally a Grape.

She finally belonged.

It was everything she had every hoped for.

But.

Not like this. 

And for what?

What was her talent?

Being helpless and absent while her father died?

What cruel trick was this?

What wicked deity would play such games?

To have everything and then- lose it.

Sugar stared blankly at her mother.

Her mother appeared very old. Tired. Defeated. 

Merlot’s eyes swelled with unshed tears. 

“Sugar cube, ‘ah-“

“NO! Don’t!” Sugar cried, staggering back from her mother.

Merlot stepped toward her daughter, and then stopped. She wanted to hold her daughter, tell her it was going to be okay. But, the closer she became, the farther away Sugar seemed. 

Death had created an impassible chasm between them. 

Sugar heaved and gasped, eyes tightly shut as she continued to back away. “He called me that. He called me that. He called me that.” Sugar chanted, half-delirious with heartache. Her whole body convulsed with violent shudders. 

Merlot struggled helplessly about the distance that had formed between them. “I’m sorry, I-“

Sugar’s eyes sprang open. Her wings rolled and snapped with frantic energy, scattering fallen leaves in their wake.

“HE CALLED ME THAT AND NOW HE’S DEAD.”

Wild with pain and frustration, Sugar clumsily took off. She struggled to gain altitude, fighting the sky with every wing beat. 

Merlot stood dazed below, rocked by her husband’s death and her daughter’s flight. She wept, her anguished cries echoing throughout the dark night. Her tortured sobs haunted Sugar as she fled the vineyard and sped away into the black.                                                   

~~~

2:04 am

She existed only to – 

Why did she exist?

What was the point?

Sugar glanced down at the dark forest below her. 

It would be nice to stop flying. Her wings were ragged and her muscles torn.

To stop feeling.

That would be nice.

She slowly relaxed her tired wings. 

Sugar smiled. 

Ahh. Much better.

She glided for a few seconds then relinquished control of her body. 

She made no sound as she gained speed. 

Gravity embraced the pegasus.

And didn’t let go until she hit the ground.

> The Ties That Bind
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


“Maybe friendship can't begin until someone chooses you. But that doesn't mean you don't get to make a choice too. You can't do that unless you know who they are. And they can't choose you until they know who you are.” 
― Miyoshi Tomori


Days were slowly forged into weeks with hard work.

The hospital became Sugar’s crucible, the staff and dedicated nurses her blacksmiths. They worked tirelessly to put her back together again, make her better than she once was. Tears were shed, cups were thrown, and more importantly, progress was made.

The fallen pegasus was mended. She would fly again.

But was she really better?

The army of nurses and doctors secretly worried about the intangible hurts. The scars they couldn’t see. Ones they couldn’t fix with stiches and prescriptions. Sugar had refused to speak of what had happened the night of the crash. She had laughed it off, claiming a terrible streak of bad luck.  She remained distant. She spoke not of her family, occupation, or her life previous to falling into Ponyville. However, they couldn’t keep her. Not with other disaster prone ponies to care for. So two months after she came, she went. The entire hospital wished her well, as was the Ponyville way, and delivered Sugar into the capable (?) hooves of-

“Surprise!!! Happy Get-out-of-the-hospital-yay-you’re-better-welcome-to-Ponyville Day!”  A cacophony of balloons, streamers, and confetti hurtled toward the defenseless pegasus. 

Sugar instinctively shielded her face with her wings. “Gosh darn it, Pinkie! What did I tell you about not doing that!?” Sugar spluttered, gently shaking out each wing.  “You know how hard confetti is to get out of my feathers!”  

Sugar crouched and leaped toward the mischievous earth pony. Pinkie squealed and ducked, as the pegasus vengefully tousled Pinkie’s curls.  Sugar cackled as she noogied the crazy pony into submission.                                               

However, Pinkie would always have the last laugh. Gummy heroically emerged from her mane, and CHOMPED Sugar’s nose. 

Sugar immediately backpedaled away and frantically swatted at her nose. “Get him off! Bad alligator! No!”

Many bystanders chuckled and shook their heads at the sight of the pegasus, covered in glitter and confetti, going cross-eyed battling the baby alligator. 

Pinkie Pie, however, was beside herself. Wiping tears from her eyes, she trotted over to the flailing pegasus, which was having a little trouble removing Gummy. As it turns out, flailing about is not very effective when it comes to nose retrieval. With a pop, Pinkie slid Gummy off of Sugar’s nose. 

Sugar gratefully nodded at Pinkie. “Thanks.” 

Pinkie Pie had visited Sugar every day for two months. Despite her busy schedule at the bakery and regularly saving Ponyville, she never failed to at least stop by. Pinkie brought by treats for Sugar, books, a harmonica, weekly copies of Equestria Daily, and perhaps the best of all, conversation. For a few minutes or a few hours, the two mares would chat about everything and nothing in particular. 

Pinkie never again pried into Sugar’s past. Instead, Sugar learned about Ponyville. She of course knew of Nightmare Moon, but to meet the living avatar of Chaos? Discord? She heard about Pinkie’s group of extraordinary friends, some of whom she had already met. She heard stories about the meek Fluttershy, calming an enraged manticore and hostile dragon.  Or Rainbow Dash who had performed the legendary Sonic Rainboom when she was only a filly. Pinkie Pie was a wealth of social knowledge and she freely gave her riches to Sugar.

They built a friendship based on stories and companionship.  It was a tentative friendship, but a friendship all the same. 

“Pinkie!” a voice called from the hospital door.  Nurse Bandaid walked toward the pair of ponies. “May I speak with you for a minute? Sorry, Sugar, don’t mean to keep you,” he apologized.  Sugar flashed a grin at the nurse and he returned it, but his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. 

“Sure thing, Bandy!” Pinkie chirped and bounded over to the stallion. The two ponies talked in hushed tones, and then Bandaid handed something to Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie stared solemnly at the pony.  She considered him thoughtfully and then saluted. “Consider it done!” Pinkie declared and trotted back to where Sugar waited.

“What did he want?” Sugar asked cautiously, peering back at the retreating pony. 

Pinkie Pie waved a nonchalant hoof. “Just wanted to talk about your hospital bill.”

Sugar blanched. “Oh.”

Pinkie rolled her eyes at her friend. “Don’t worry about it! The hospital knows that you’re new to Ponyville and probably won’t be able to do anything about it for a while, so they gave it to me to hold for you. They’re not unreasonable ponies, Sugar.  Just, eventually, you’ll get to it. They trust you, silly!”

Sugar’s mind reeled at the thought of how much two months stay would cost.  She gritted her teeth.  “Then I’ll need to find work. Do you know of anypony who needs any help?”


Meanwhile, somewhere in Ponyville…


An ivory unicorn swooned on a plush velvet chaise. She was surrounded by the aftermath of a failed inspiration frenzy: bolts of fabric hastily tossed about the small room, tangles of ribbon spun around various corners of the room, and paper sketches flung haphazardly to the floor.

“How shall I ever finish all of these ornate, original, magnifique designs in three days!?”  Rarity Belle lamented, stretching a hoof out to her cat who lounged on a tasseled pillow. “What am I to do?” The cat murred throatily at the distraught mare.

“Why no, Opal. I cannot just delay. One does not simply not finish work promptly. Especially not for these customers. Or for any customers!” Rarity became energized by the horrible thought of letting her customers down. She dramatically rose and triumphantly declared, “I will finish them if it’s the last thing I do!” Opal lightly hopped down from her perch and twined around Rarity’s legs, mewing encouragingly.

Rarity looked around at her destroyed work room. “Oh this won’t do!” She gently pawed a bolt of fabric and muttered to herself. “Right , so first I’ll need to just-“ Rarity’s horn lit a soft blue. She began to untangle the loops of ribbon strung around the room. Her telekinesis wavered as particularly stubborn knot refused to unhoof itself from the ceiling. Sweat beaded on Rarity’s forehead. “Not that bad really, just, a bit more- “ Rarity bit her lip and squinted. She tried to forcefully nudge the ribbon- with no success.  “For Celestia’s sake!” She exclaimed, glaring at the resolute ribbon, “I will not be done in by some measly excuse for thread!” Rarity’s rising frustration was interrupted by the gentle tinkling of the bell over her front door.

Rarity took a beat to compose herself and called out, “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique and magnifique! Be with you in just a moment, darling!” She paused in front of a nearby mirror and straightened her coif which had been muffed in the earlier creative…happenings. 

Moving on.

Rarity was ready.

And more importantly, she was fabulous. 

With a flurry of culture and sophistication, Rarity gracefully descended the stairs to her showroom below.  She observed a thin, white mare waiting just inside the door. Her loose, violet mane spilled over wings and complemented her deep purple eyes. It surprised Rarity, as she had never seen someone with quite so similar coloring before, regardless of species. Ever the sales maven, Rarity pressed onwards.

“Why hello there!” Rarity cheerfully beamed. “My name is Rarity. What brings you to my little boutique today?” 

The stranger shuffled her wings and blushed. “Sorry, but I didn’t visit to buy anything. Actually, quite the opposite really. Fact is I’m new in town and I’m looking for any odd jobs, to well. It’s not important. Is there any way I could be off assistance to you, Miss Rarity?” The pegasus bowed slightly to the seamstress. 

Rarity dubiously eyed the pegasus. She subconsciously noted the slight twang the mare spoke with and the tousled mane. “Well, I design and manufacture most of the clothes you see here myself, so I don’t think you’d be much help to me there. How about you tell me. What are you good at? What is your talent?”

The pegasus shifted awkwardly. “I don’t have one.” Rarity raised an eyebrow. The stranger’s tone grew more frantic. “I mean, I’m good at things! Like basic things! Give me something that needs doing and I’ll get it done. I’m a hard worker. Listen, I swear I can help.”

Rarity’s thoughts drifted to the large mess waiting for her upstairs and began to dismiss the stranger. “I’m sorry, darling, I’m just in the middle of a large order right now and I don’t think I can help you. Better luck somewhere else, dear.”

The pegasus’s shoulders slumped and turned to leave. “Thank you for your time, ma’am. Have a good day.” 

“Wait!” Rarity called out. A disturbing thought dropped into her mind. The pegasus Pinkie Pie befriended. The one who fell from the sky.  What if she was? “What’s your name?”

The mare blinked. “Sugar, ma’am. Why?”

Rarity’s mouth slackened. “Pinkie’s friend.”

Sugar paused and cautiously answered “Yes? What about her?”

Rarity rushed the unsuspecting mare and embraced her. “Forgive me for being so utterly self-centered. So blind! Who could you be aside from the nice mare I’ve heard about from Pinkie? Oh, I have been positively stupid.” Rarity grimaced and rubbed her eyes with a free hoof. 

“But I am very busy though, I do get so caught up, you see. However, now is a good a time as ever to break for some tea. You will take tea with me, yes? Despite my terribly uncouth behavior?” The unicorn’s blue eyes earnestly searched Sugar’s own. 

Sugar carefully separated herself and smiled at Rarity.

“No, thank you.”

“Excuse me?” Rarity stuttered. “I did hope that we could give it another go. However, I will not impose my-” Rarity drifted off as Sugar started to laugh. “My dear?”

Sugar’s eyes glittered with amusement as she grinned at the unicorn. “You said you were busy. And like I said, I’m sure I can be useful. Try me, Miss Rarity. I might surprise you.”

Rarity took a closer look at the pegasus. Her coat was lightly dusted with mostly healed scars, their silvery tissue blending in with the white of coat. Muscles once taut had grown soft in the hospital, but they were there.  Her cutie mark, a bunch of grapes, seemed out of place with a pegasus. The violet eyes were surrounded with crinkles, her face sprinkled with a smattering of freckles. Her mouth, still stretched in a confident grin, bore other laugh lines. Maybe she could…

“You already have, darling.” Rarity sighed and smiled back at Sugar. “Tea later then?”

Sugar winked. “Now you’ve got it.” 

Rarity went to the door and flipped the sign from OPEN to CLOSED. She then led Sugar up the stairs to the wreckage of her inspiration room. “Actually, I’m having some trouble with a particularly determined piece of ribbon…perhaps you’ll have better luck…..”

> Hi-Ho
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


We work not to acquire, but to become. 
----Elbert Hubbard


After a few hours of hard work, the inspiration room had reverted from a battlefield to a room were masterpieces could be created. 

Well. Hopefully created.  

Rarity sat at her worktable uninspired and out of ideas. Instead of continuing to fret over the Canterlot order, she distracted herself by making tea for Sugar and herself. They had certainly earned it! Sugar was surprisingly agile in the limited space of the work room. She flitted and hovered and helped to clean the room quite easily. Now they chatted while Rarity stewed over her sketchbook and inspiration wall. 

“Thank you again for your help, darling. You really are quite nimble with those.” Rarity gestured to Sugar’s wings. “Rainbow, bless her heart, just can’t leave a room without breaking something.” 

Sugar stretched out her right wing and examined it thoughtfully. “I guess that’s because I’ve had lots of practice.”

Rarity looked up from her work table. “Did your line of work require that, dear?”

Sugar rotated the newly healed wing. “No, not that. There’s not many pegasi where I’m from, so I attracted a lot of attention. I worked hard to keep a low profile, not to be clumsy or let my wings flare and break things. I got plenty of stares just for being different; I didn’t want any more for being awkward.” Sugar finished and neatly tucked her wing back to her side.

Rarity lightly bit the end of her pencil and studied the white pegasus. “It’s funny really. That you seek to be hidden, as I am in the business of making peonies stand out. When somepony wears one of my creations, they become the center of the attention. When they enter a room, everypony, if just for a moment, stands in awe of my customer’s natural beauty.” 

Rarity turned back to her sketchbook and began lightly scratching the paper. “I hope that one day, everypony will be able to experience one of my designs, my discerning eye for detail, and personal touches.” Rarity became more animated at this, pencil dancing in a flurry of magic and graphite. “But for now, I will remain here, in my little boutique. Making little pieces for the ones I love, aside from the occasional Canterlot order, of course.”

Sugar sat entranced as Rarity began to chalk a design on muslin. She hardly referenced her designs as she worked, instead keeping a mental tab on the proceedings. Pins, thread, and more ribbon orbited the seamstress in a swirl of blue magic, inconsequential planets around a vibrant, white sun. 

“You’re very fast.”

“You are not the only one with the opportunity to practice. Plus, when inspiration strikes, I simply- go with the flow.” Rarity said through a mouthful of pins. She moved to her sewing machine and whizzed the fabric through the metal with quick, fluid movements. Soon the scraps of material began to assemble into the shape of a…something. Sugar wasn’t quite sure what.  After a few more passes, Rarity clicked off the whirring sewing machine and gathered the bundle of nearly finished clothes. 

“Now I have a favor to ask you. Would you be so kind as to let me view this on you? Mannequins are fine for most of my work, but I’d much prefer to see this design, on somepony breathing. May I?” Rarity batted her eyelashes teasingly at the pegasus and gestured with the roll of miscellaneous fabric.  

Sugar sighed and obediently allowed herself to be dressed. In Mareheart, clothes were normally reserved for celebrations or religious meetings. The fact that ponies could buy enough of them to support Rarity was a bit ridiculous to Sugar. Something was carefully slipped over her forelegs and then haunches. 

“Hmm, not quite…” Rarity tweaked some seams with a few quick tugs of telekinesis. The material, similar to sturdy denim, cinched closer around Sugar chest. Buckles were threaded and buttons snapped and-

“Ta-da!” Rarity beamed and ceased her flow of magic. She turned Sugar to face a full-length mirror. The pegasus was dressed in a sensible, gray vest lightly trimmed with purple accents, covered in a series of pockets and other useful looking compartments. Sugar nervously shifted her wings and was pleased to notice that the fabric was light and flexible, still allowing Sugar a full range of motion. 

“It’s made from Aragogian Silk, a particularly marvelous material that is nearly indestructible. It’s woven by rather large spiders and collected by my friend Zecora, who lives in the nearby forests.” Rarity explained, delighted by her own ingenuity. She gestured to the similarly colored saddlebags that rested comfortably on Sugar’s back. “These are essential for simply everypony. I’m sure you’ll find them most useful for a whole range of things.” 

Rarity stepped back from her creation and gave it one last critical inspection. “I’m not quite sure what you’ll end up doing here, but I thought I’d prepare you in the best way I know how: with reliable, fashionable clothing.” 

Sugar turned to Rarity and began to protest. “Miss Rarity, I have no way-“

Rarity held up a perfectly manicured hoof. “That’s just the thing. You see, my dear, I have no way to repay you for your help earlier. Besides, you desperately needed these clothes. Whether you knew it or not.” Rarity winked and patted the mare’s shoulder. 

Sugar shook her head and grinned at the unicorn. “You’re as bad as-“ Sugar dropped off suddenly.

“As bad as who, dear?” Rarity coaxed.

Sugar coughed. “You just reminded me of one of my friends back home. She was quite clever in getting what she wanted. Especially from me.”

“And where is home, Sugar?” Rarity pressed gently.

Sugar seemed to waver for just a second. Her violet eyes shone and she glanced hopefully at Rarity. Then she trembled and shut her eyes. 

Rarity sighed and the tension in the room vanished. “A lady shouldn’t pry. That was rather- I’m sorry Sugar. Please forgive me.” 

She clapped her hooves together and took charge. “So let me see if I understand correctly. You need work to pay off your hospital bill. You don’t want to take out a loan or take charity. Quite responsible, I’d say. Now, you claim to not have a talent. But there must be something. What are you most familiar with?”

Sugar nodded and took a breath. “My family worked a farm. So, I’d have to start there?”

Rarity looked surprised. “Really now? A pega- Well then, if that’s the case, I know just the place for you. In fact, I’m due to run up there this afternoon to collect my sister. You’ll come with me of course?”

“Yes, thank you! Do you think they’ll mind? We’d be awfully forward by just showing up there.” Sugar asked worriedly, fiddling with her new vest.

Rarity laughed. “I don’t think these ponies would ever turn down somepony in need of honest work.”

`~~~`

“Applebloom! Sweetie Bell! Scootaloo! It’s gettin’ late! Come into the house before it gets any darker. Y’all hurry on now!” Applejack called before lighting the lanterns on the porch and sitting on the lone rocking chair. A trio of youthful voices floated toward the house, giggling and shouting in the twilight. “And make sure to wash yer hooves before dinner!” 

“Yes, Applejack!” The fillies said in unison, scrambling up the stairs.

Applejack creaked back and forth on the comfortable chair, watching the sun set over her family’s orchards. She could hear her sister and her friends chatter away in the kitchen. It had been a good day. The Crusaders hadn’t destroyed anything too important and Big Mac had finally finished the eastern fields. They’d be ready for planting soon and…

Applejack slipped into a quiet concentration as she planned for tomorrow. She was interrupted by a pleasant “Toodle-oo! Applejack!” 

Applejack rose from her seat. “Well howdy Rarity. Didn’t expect to see you ‘til I dropped the girls off at the boutique, but this is a nice surprise.” 

Rarity demurely ascended the step to the porch. “Would you believe I wanted a bit of fresh air? I’ve been locked in my inspiration room all day. Even now I’m not quite done with that order for Canterlot. Thank you so much for looking after the girls today.” She leaned closer and whispered conspiratorially. “I know how they can run wild.” 

Applejack chuckled wryly. “As long as you’ll supervise the next Crusader gathering.”

Rarity winced. “Right, of course.” 

“Want me to fetch them?” Applejack asked. 

“Actually, I wanted to talk with you privately for a moment. Would you mind?” Rarity ushered Applejack outside to a corner of the porch.

Applejack narrowed her eyes at her friend. “I suspect we’re getting to the real reason why you chose to trot down here?” 

Rarity held a hoof to her heart. “Oh don’t accuse! I simply have been stuck inside all day, like some damsel trapped in a tower!

Applejack chuckled. “Need me to save you from a certain dragon, m’lady?”

Rarity blushed. “I- Never mind that. Do you remember the mare Fluttershy found in the forest, Sugar?”

Applejack nodded. “We hustled her in the middle of the night to the hospital. That’s a little hard to forget.”

“Quite. Well. She’s just got out the hospital and she feels very strongly that she should find work immediately. Sugar is aware of her debts and wishes to rectify them as soon as possible.”

“What does this have to do with me?” Applejack removed her hat and twisted the brim.

“Funny thing is, Sugar has worked nearly her whole life on her family farm.” 

Applejack looked suspiciously at her friend. “Alright. Go on. I know where you’re headed.”

“So, would you be able to use her here? I’ve seen her eagerness first hand and I vouch for her sincerity. Maybe you’d be able to pay what you could, for the work done?”

“She’d stay here of course, to be able to rise early and work with the rest of us. This Sugar, I’d need to speak with her. I trust your judgment, but I’d feel better knowing the feel of the pony, you understand.” 

“Oh, Applejack! You never disappoint. Thank you!” Rarity squealed with excitement. “In fact, I thought you’d say that so, I took the liberty of bringing her with me.”

“Rarity, I-!” Applejack spluttered and quickly donned her hat. 

“Oh hush. Just one moment.” Rarity looked to the sky. “Sugar, darling! Would you join us?”

In a rustle of feathers, Sugar alighted next to the mares on the porch. 

“I’m so sorry for dropping in like this, Miss Applejack. Rarity refused to wait ‘til morning.”

“Well the cat’s out of the bag now. Pleased to see you lookin’ so well, Sugar. So! I hear you’re lookin’ for work.”

“Yes, ma’am. I hope to be of help here. I must confess, being-“ Sugar paused briefly and looked at Applejack’s dirty hooves. “A pegasus, I have no real talent for growing things. But I am quite capable of preparing rows for planting, watering, feeding livestock, mending fences, and the like. My parents kept me involved in nearly every part of farm work, so I’d know how to do a great many things around here. And since you don’t know me, I’d be happy to work on a trial basis. Until you have proof of my ability. Ma’am.” Sugar finished with a slight bow toward Applejack. 

“Now. Doesn’t that sound fair you?” Rarity nudged Applejack, ever so discreetly.

“Rarity, I can make my own decisions.” Applejack growled. She turned to Sugar. “That sounds fine, Sugar. When would you start?”

Sugar gasped. “As soon as you’d allow it, ma’am!”

Applejack smiled. “On one condition.”

“Anything!” 

“No more of that, “ma’am” business. Do we have a deal?” 

“Certainly!” Sugar hovered a foot off the floor with excitement. “Oh thank you so much, both of you.”

“You are certainly welcome, my dear.” Rarity said. “Now, shall I collect the girls?”

“You might as well.” Applejack consented. “Before nightfall. We’ve already eaten, so that’s taken care of. Sugar, why don’t you start in the morning? Can she stay the night with you, Rarity?” 

“That’d be no trouble, no trouble at all. So it’s settled then!”

“I’ll be here, before sunrise!”

“Sounds like a plan. See you then, Sugar. Goodnight y’all.”

‘~~~~’

Applejack sipped her coffee. 

She enjoyed these solitary still moments. Before the animals woke, Applebloom spilled down the stairs, and her whole world turned on its side. She traced the spiraling grain of the sturdy kitchen table that had served the Apple Family for generations. It was made of an ancient apple tree that had finally succumbed to the elements and fallen in a terrible storm. Applejack’s own great-great grandfather had planted it and named it Smithsby.

Good Old Smithsby. 

If dead wood could love, this table did so. Once a plant is cared for and magically nurtured for so long, it gains a sort of sentience that remains even after death. Even now, Applejack could feel a happy warmth from the table. She smiled softly and sent a small tendril of earth magic, a feeling of familiarity, across the worn table top. 

Good morning, Smithsby. 

Applejack smiled as the table hummed faintly in response. 

Granny Smith stirred a pot of oatmeal, the intoxicating smell of cinnamon filling the small kitchen. She sensed the presence of granddaughter’s magic and asked, “Talkin’ to tha’ table now, Applejack? What’s on yer mind, sweetheart?”

“Granny, do you think I’ve done the right thing by hiring the pegasus?” 

Granny continued to stir the breakfast. “Does she need work?”

“Yes.”

“Does she seem like she’ll be up for it?”

“I think so, but-“

“Then quit yer yappin’, child! And let her prove her mettle…” Granny Smith chided and bustled away to the pantry. 

Applejack continued to drink her coffee, not completely comforted by her grandmother’s words. Smithsby murmured restlessly in response the mare’s distress. Applejack rubbed her hoof comfortingly against the scars in the wooden surface. 

It’s nothing, dear friend. I only hope I haven’t made a mistake. 

Smithsby sent a curious tingle back.

She seems nice enough, true. 

More curious sensations from the dead tree.

She’s not like anyone we’ve had work on the farm. She’s a pegasus, see? Applejack sent a quick picture of Sugar to the table.

Smithsby seemed to sigh.

She's not like us.

Images flashed back to Applejack in a whirl of colors. Pictures of neighbors to the Apples over the years, none earth ponies. Instead, all helpful unicorns and pegasi. The table included images of the other Elements of Harmony, even of little Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell. Smithsby hummed his adamant approval.

You’re right. Thank you.

The table purred like a cat in sunshine.

There were light steps on front porch and then careful knocks on the front door. 

That's her.

The ancient tree struggled to send a more direct message. 

Friends.											

Applejack blinked back tears and gently kissed the beloved tree’s remains.

Of course, Smithsby.

She rose from the table and opened the door.

“Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres, Sugar. Come on in.”