> Friendship: It is a Good Thing
>  by WanderingPhysicist
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Pinkie Pie's Party Planning Predicament
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Pinkie Pie trots out of Mayor Mare’s office. Deep in thought, the thoughtful mare trots through Ponyville. She heads straight for Golden Oak Library and goes in. Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash and a few other ponies are having a book club meeting. Pinkie trots to where Twilight is sitting, plops down and rests her head on her marefriend’s shoulder.
        ‘Uh… I think the meeting is over,’ the princess announces.
        Bon Bon, Amethyst Star and Blossomforth take their books and leave. Rainbow Dash joins her friends at the table.
        ‘Everything okay, Pinkie?’ Twilight asks, putting a wing around her marefriend.
        ‘Oh? Hey, Twilight. I didn’t notice you there.’
        ‘You are in my home.’
        ‘Hee hee. I must have been on autopilot. I had a lot on my mind.’
        ‘Do you want to talk about it?’
        ‘Um… It is sorta big news.’ Pinkie looks at Rainbow Dash. ‘Can you get everypony?’
        ‘On it, Pinks!’
        Rainbow Dash salutes and flies away.
…
        One quick flight later, Rainbow Dash has gathered all of Pinkie’s friends at the library. The five ponies stand around, looking at Pinkie. The pink pony still looks serious.
        ‘What has you so bothered, dearie?’ Rarity asks.
        ‘Come on, cuz,’ Applejack encourages. ‘Ya can tell us.’
        ‘The mayor’s birthday is coming up,’ Pinkie states. ‘She wants to throw a big party.’
        ‘And you’re wondering what to do?’ Twilight wonders.
        ‘I didn’t get the job. It went to somepony else.’
        All of Pinkie’s friends move to hug their friend.
        ‘That’s a darn shame,’ Applejack consoles.
        ‘Does that mean Cheese is coming back?’ Rainbow hopes.
        Pinkie shakes her head. ‘Nuh uh. It is somepony from Canterlot.’
        ‘Well, as long as it isn’t Trenderhoof...’ Rarity reasons.
        ‘It is Mare-tha Sherbet.’
        Everypony gasps at the announcement.
        ‘Not Mare-tha Sherbet!’ Rarity swoons. ‘She is only the most proper and regal of all known party ponies.’
        ‘My parents used to follow all her tips and tricks for around the house,’ Twilight adds.
        ‘Her animal treat suggestions are always a hit,’ Fluttershy says.
        ‘Wasn’ she arrested a while back?’ Applejack asks.
        ‘Applejack, that is not a proper thing to ask,’ Rarity scolds. ‘... But, yes. She was.’
        ‘Thanks to her, I knew what sort of festive gourds to decorate my home with,’ Rainbow states.
        The friends look at the pegasus, confused. Rarity and Applejack cover snickers at the implication. Rainbow Dash glares at her friends.
        ‘Anyway, it must be pretty disheartening to know you were replaced by Mare-tha Sherbet,’ Rarity says.
        ‘Are you kidding me!’ Pinkie squeals. ‘I’m so nervexcited!’
        Everypony turns their pink friend in shock. ‘Really!?’
        ‘What is so surprising?’ Pinkie huffs. ‘She is one of my idols. I have studied her for years. I can’t wait to work with one of the masters.’
        ‘But she is so prim and proper,’ Rarity argues.
        ‘And you are so...’ Twilight adds.
        Pinkie glares at her marefriend.
        ‘So Pinkie Pie,’ Fluttershy finishes.
        Pinkie gapes at her friends. ‘Are you saying I’m not prim and proper?’
        Her friends look away. ‘Not exactly saying that...’ ‘Ah wouldn’ go that far...’ ‘Depends on the definition of “prim” and “proper”...’ ‘Where would you get that idea?’
        Rainbow nods. ‘Yeah. Definitely.’
        Pinkie stomps a hoof. ‘When have I not been proper?’
        Twilight sighs. ‘Pinkie, on our last date, you got spaghetti sauce everywhere.’
        Her marefriend laughs. ‘Oh yeah. That was funny.’
        ‘We were at a Neighponese restaurant. You had gyoza.’
        Pinkie stands and marches to the door. ‘I can be proper. You’ll see. I’ll help Mare-tha put on the most properest birthday party you’ll ever see!’
        The upset mare slams the door as she leaves. The others groan.
        ‘Don’t worry. I’ll calm her down,’ Twilight sighs.
        Applejack rises, adjusts her hat. ‘Well, yeah.’
        ‘She is your marefriend,’ Rainbow adds, flying to the door.
        The other ponies laugh at the growling princess as they leave.

        Pinkie Pie hops around Ponyville train station. The Friendship Express arrives at it regular time with travelers from Canterlot. A light blue unicorn with a short yellow mane trots off the train.
        ‘Mare-tha! Mare-tha!’ Pinkie calls. ‘Over here!’
        Mare-the rolls her eyes and approaches the pink pony. Pinkie grabs the guest’s hoof and shakes it violently.
        ‘So great to meet you! I am Pinkie Pie! I’m a huge fan of yours!’
        ‘Indeed.’ Mare-tha reclaims her hoof. ‘If you’ll excuse me, I have a party to start planning for the mayor.’
        ‘That’s what I’m here about. I want to help you.’
        ‘You? Help me?’
        Pinkie nods enthusiastically. ‘Yes indeedy! I will do anything you ask. I just want to make sure your party is the perfectest, most proper party ever thrown!’
        ‘A proper party...’ Mare-tha thinks. ‘Very well. You may assist me, but you must do everything I say.’
        ‘My body is ready!’
        ‘Good. First thing you must do is stop that bouncing.’
        Pinkie instantly snaps to attention.
        ‘Excellent. Next, we should do something about your attire. We can go over the party plans at my hotel. Come along.’
        Mare-tha calmly trots away. Pinkie follows, stepping in the most regal manner she can muster.

        Pinkie leads Mare-the through Ponyville’s marketplace. The pink mare’s normally poofy mane is tied back in a very professional-looking ponytail. The two ponies make notes on what they see. Applejack sees her friend and waves her over to her stall.
        ‘Howdy, Pinkie,’ Applejack greets. ‘Out shopping fer the party?’
        ‘More or less,’ Pinkie replies, affecting an accent. ‘Mare-tha is looking for materials for the centrepieces she is making.’
        ‘Centrepieces? Ya mean like the gift baskets ya always give out? Ya always fill em with the best treats.’
        Pinkie laughs. ‘Oh, Applejack. You’re such a silly pony. You don’t eat centrepieces.’
        ‘Ya ate three at yer last party.’
        ‘That was a younger, less wise, less refined Pinkie Pie.’
        ‘That was last week.’
        ‘Anyway, we might need some of your apples for our displays. What are your most formal apples?’
        Applejack stares at her friend. ‘We have red, yellow and green. Apples are apples.’
        ‘Maybe to the untrained, informal eye. You just need a broader palette.’
        ‘Oh, yeah?’ her cousin scoffs. ‘What’s a palette?’
        Pinkie looks around nervously. ‘It is a special time in every filly’s life when… Well, if you haven’t had it yet, then it is your loss.’
        The pink mare turns her nose up and trots away. Applejack rolls her eyes and returns to her stall. Mare-tha makes some notes in a journal.

        Pinkie stands under Rainbow Dash’s cloud. The pink pony is now wearing a tie in addition to her already changed appearance. She has a notepad out as she talks to her friend.
        ‘Mare-tha wants a cool breeze to surround the party to best accentuate the choice in potpourri,’ Pinkie reads.
        ‘Got it.’ Dash nods. ‘I’ll station my crew around town to give you the Breezy treatment for your party.’
        ‘Also, we want as much daylight as possible, so try to delay full sunset for as long as possible.’
        ‘Uh… Pinkie, we’re only pegasi. You’ll have to talk with Princess Celestia for that one.’
        ‘Oh, Miss Rainbow Dash. One does not simply walk into Princess Celestia’s chambers and ask her a favor. It would be unladylike.’
        ‘Didn’t you once spend an entire day begging her for some chocolate imported from griffin lands?’
        ‘That was the old Pinkie Pie. I am the new, ladylike Pinkie Pie.’
        ‘Old Pinkie Pie? Lady Pinkie Pie? Have you been sleeping under Rarity’s bed or something?’
        ‘Oh, Rainbow Dash,’ Pinkie laughs. ‘A lady doesn’t sleep under the bed. She sleep on top of it.’
        The pegasus snickers. ‘So, you’re joining Applejack on top of Rarity’s bed, huh?’
        ‘Hmpf! I do not like what you are insinuating and will not take it.’ She turns her nose up and spins around. ‘Please make the arrangements I asked for, and try to be professional about it.’
        ‘Hey! I am super-professional!’ Dash shouts at her leaving friend. ‘Maybe if you weren’t pretending to be prissy, you’d see that!’
        ‘Hopefully, you flap your wings better than your gums when it comes time for you to attend to our party’s needs.’
        Rainbow Dash growls and stomps the cloud she is on, causing lightning to shoot out.

        Fluttershy stands on a podium while Rarity works on a dress for her friend. The unicorn uses her magic to attach an fringe to the dress when somepony enters Carousel Boutique.
        ‘Welcome!’ Rarity calls. ‘I’ll be with you in a moment.’
        ‘No need to stop what you are doing, Madam Rarity,’ Pinkie replies, trotting over. She is wearing a grey suit as part of her continually changing attire. ‘I am just here to drop off your and Fluttershy’s invitations to the mayor’s party.’
        ‘Are you going to sing?’ Fluttershy asks hopefully. ‘I always like your songs.’
        ‘Dear Miss Fluttershy. It would be quite improper to sing a song at a time like this.’ Pinkie sets a pair of envelopes on Rarity’s counter. She looks at her unicorn friend. ‘I assume Applejack would be your “plus one” so I included her invitation with yours.’
        ‘Thanks for the consideration,’ Rarity responds. ‘When can I schedule a fitting for you, Mare-tha or the mayor?’
        ‘A fitting? What for?’
        ‘Well, for your dresses for the party, of course.’
        ‘Oh. Mare-tha has us covered,’ Pinkie says, heading to the door. ‘She is calling in a designer from Manehattan. Hope you don’t mind.’
        Pinkie leaves before Rarity can respond. The unicorn fumes.
        ‘She must have called in Suri Polomare. I know it,’ Rarity growls. ‘I will destroy her!’
        ‘Um… Which her?’ Fluttershy asks.
        Rarity yells and storms off, leaving Fluttershy in the center of the room, still wearing the dress prototype.

        Twilight’s friends, minus Pinkie Pie, gather in Golden Oak Library. Everypony is upset, except for Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash flies around the room with her hooves crossed. Rarity draws crude remarks over a sketch of an orchid mare. Applejack tries calming her marefriend, staying out of range to avoid potential markings of her own. Twilight motions for her friends to settle.
        ‘Calm down, everypony,’ Twilight sighs. ‘Tell me what is wrong one at a time.’
        ‘Are you kidding me?’ Rainbow Dash replies. ‘Have you seen the way Pinkie has been acting?’
        ‘She may have changed her mane style and has a new suit, but that shouldn’t be cause for concern.’
        ‘Ya heard the way she’s been talkin’?’ Applejack counters. ‘It is proper this, and ladylike that.’ She puts a foreleg around Rarity. ‘We already have a pony like that.’
        ‘Rarity doesn’t have a copyright on her personality, Applejack.’
        ‘She hired Suri!’ Rarity shouts. ‘I know it. She is out to ruin my reputation and embarrass me in front of Mare-tha!’
        ‘Why would Pinkie want that?’ Twilight pauses for a second before turning toward Fluttershy. ‘Has Pinkie done anything to you?’
        Fluttershy sighs and tilts her head. ‘Well… She did tell me it would be unladylike to show up to the party smelling like animals...’ -- she eyes Rarity -- ‘but I am used to hearing that thanks to somepony.’
        ‘In Pinkie’s defense, that is good advice,’ Rarity laughs, avoiding her friend’s gaze.
        Twilight sighs and shakes her head.
        ‘Oh, come on!’ Dash groans. ‘Isn’t that enough proof that Pinkie is acting weird?’
        ‘More than enough,’ Twilight replies. ‘In fact, I called in a specialist before you even came to see me.’
        ‘Wait. How did you know about this already?’
        ‘My original letters to Celestia were just summaries of twenty-two to twenty-four minute short films taken by hidden camera,’ Twilight explains. ‘Thirteen to twenty-six of those films were made every year. I’m surprised you never noticed.’
        The princess’ friends stare at her in shock.
        Twilight’s eye dart. ‘Uh, princess humor! It is not like that really happens… Anyway! I was telling you about a specialist I called in to help us get our Pinkie Pie back.’
        Applejack shakes off the bad joke. ‘What kinda pony would be a specialist in Pinkie Pie?’
        ‘Is it Maud or one of Pinkie’s other sisters?’ Fluttershy asks.
        ‘It is a pony who is coming out of his whey to help prove we are not alone,’ Twilight answers, snickering at her joke.
        The other stare at their friend, confused. The library door opens. The silhouette of a pony wearing a poncho is seen. A rubber chicken flops on his back.
        ‘I heard one of you… cut the Cheese?’ Cheese Sandwich says, entering and hanging his hat and poncho on a coat rack.
        The mares sniff. Applejack scooches away from her marefriend.
        ‘It wasn’t me, darling,’ Rarity huffs.
        ‘She who denied it, supplied it,’ Cheese states, trotting over. ‘And you, princess, no more puns.’
        Twilight snorts and looks away.
        Cheese sits at with the others. ‘Now, you said Pinkie was in trouble. How can I help?’
        The mares start explaining the situation to Cheese.

        Pinkie meets with Mare-tha in the guest’s hotel room. The two mares go over the plans for the party. There is a knock at the door. Pinkie gets up and answers. Cheese stands on the other side wearing a hooded, brown robe. Boneless 2 is dressed like to his owner.
        The stallion waves hoof. ‘You will come with me, Pinkie Pie.’
        The mare stare back. ‘Huh?’
        ‘I’m Cheese Sandwich. I’m here to rescue you.’
        Mare-tha looks over from the table. ‘Aren’t you being a little short for a party crasher?’
        Pinkie shakes her head. ‘Cheese, I’ll talk to you later. We’re in the middle...’
        Cheese pushes past his friend. ‘Wait. Are you Mare-tha Sherbert?’
        ‘In the flesh.’
        ‘They didn’t tell me Mare-tha Sherbert was in town. I can’t believe I get to be in the room with two of my idols.’
        Mare-tha smiles. ‘Would you like to help us with our party?’
        Cheese tosses aside his robe, revealing business casual attire for himself and Boneless 2 underneath. ‘Would I!’
        Pinkie closes the doors, and the three ponies go back to planning the party.

        Pinkie trots into Sugarcube Corner. Mrs Cake is playing with the Cake twins.
        ‘Hi, Pinkie!’ Mrs Cake greets cheerfully. ‘How may I help you today?’
        Pinkie bows slightly. ‘Hello, Mrs Cake. I’m here about the party I’m helping Mare-tha with.’
        ‘Oh! I was expecting you. Are you here for your usual order?’
        Pinkie shakes her head. ‘No. Mare-tha sent me with a specific order for you to fulfil.’ She sets a slip of paper on the counter. ‘Can you get this done for us?’
        ‘S-sure...’ Mrs Cake replies, heading to the counter. ‘Can I get you anything else? We just made a batch of raspberry danishes. I know how much you like those.’
        The pink pony glances at the display and hold back her salivation as much as she can. ‘No thanks. It would be improper to eat on the job.’ She bows again. ‘I’ll see you around.’
        Pinkie turns to leave.
        ‘Pinkie!’ Pumpkin cheers.
        ‘Play!’ Pound adds.
        Pinkie lets out a small whimper as she goes to the door. ‘Sorry. Not now. I have lots of work to complete.’
        The twins start crying as their favorite playmate leaves.

        Cheese makes his way through Canterlot’s music district. He checks a map and finds the music house he is looking for. Inside, a grey earth pony practices her cello.
        ‘Excuse me,’ Cheese says, interrupting. ‘I am looking for Ms Octavia.’
        ‘Yes?’ Octavia replies, continuing her practice.
        ‘Ms Mare-tha Sherbert sent me to hire you for an upcoming party in Ponyville.’
        ‘Very well. Just leave the details on the table.’
        Cheese sets an envelope on a nearby table. ‘Thank you, ma’am.’
        Cheese bows and leaves. Octavia stops practicing to lift the envelope with her bow. She reads the note inside and smiles.
        ‘Oh. She is going to love this...’

        A grey pegasus with a yellow mane wearing a mailpony uniform floats down the streets of Ponyville delivering letters and picking up post. She flies into the local hotel. After a couple moments, she flies out, scratching her head as she looks at an outgoing letter.
        ‘Now, how in Equestria am I going to find her?’

        Mayor Mare, Mare-tha and a brown unicorn with yellow hair wearing a turtleneck and thick glasses trot through where the party is being set up. They pass the market on their tour. Applejack and a visiting Rarity glare at the brown unicorn.
        ‘Everything looks so wonderful!’ Trenderhoof compliments. ‘I am certain this will be one of the greatest events ever.’
        ‘Ooo. Another feature piece would do great for our tourism,’ the mayor cackles. ‘Well done, Mare-tha.’
        ‘It would be improper to congratulate me before the event has concluded,’ Mare-tha replies, ‘but I am sure you will like how the party plays out.’
        Cheese trots up to the group. ‘Ms Sherbert, some of the guests you hired have arrived. One of them is...’
        Mare-tha nods. ‘I know who they are.’ She turns to Mayor Mare and Trenderhoof. ‘I have to go set up now. I really hope you enjoy the party I have arranged.’
        ‘I am sure we will,’ the mayor replies.
        Mare-tha trots off with Cheese to greet her guests.

        There is a knock on the front door of Golden Oak Library. Twilight uses her magic to open the door as she trots down to greet her guest.
        ‘Come on in,’ Twilight greets. ‘You know the door is always open.’
        ‘A lady always knocks,’ Pinkie replies. ‘Also, a lady tends to keep her door locked lest an assailant would enter and attempt to have his way with her.’
        ‘Pinkie, I’m a princess. Do you think anypony would be stupid enough to break in here and risk me blasting them with my magic before every royal guard in the area rushed to my “rescue”?’
        ‘There might be somepony like that out there.’
        Twilight rolls her eyes. ‘Anyway, Pinkie, it is good to see you. We haven’t gotten together much recently.’
        ‘Sorry. I have been really busy with helping Mare-tha with her party.’
        ‘That is why I wanted to see you. Aren’t you going a little too far?’
        Pinkie looks confused. ‘What do you mean?’
        Twilight sighs. ‘You have been doing this “prim and proper” act so much, it is starting to make us worry.’
        ‘What act?’ Pinkie counters. ‘I have always been the most regal of all ladies. You must be thinking of Rarity.’
        ‘Pinkie...’ Twilight glances to the side. ‘But I like the wacky, silly Pinkie Pie...’
        Pinkie bites her lip and looks away. ‘Don’t worry, Twilight. We’ll have plenty of  fun at the party tomorrow. I’ll show you how much fun a fancy, ladylike party can be.’
        Twilight takes a deep breath. She gives her marefriend a peck on the cheek. ‘As long as you save me a dance, it will turn out great.’
        Pinkie smiles and nods. She trots to the door. Twilight smiles weakly and waves. Pinkie smiles back as she leaves. As soon as she is out of hearing range, the pink pony lets out a groan.

        The night of the party arrives. Ponies all around Ponyville gather for the celebration. Mayor Mare sits with her friends and Mare-tha at a table beside a stage where Octavia and her quartet are playing calm music. Pinkie and Cheese escort arriving guests to their seats. At a special table near the mayor’s, Twilight chats with Rainbow Dash and Soarin. The Wonderbolt looks nervous as his date brags about their recent accomplishments to the princess. Applejack drags Rarity to the table while the unicorn glares at the mayor’s new dress. Fluttershy paces near an entrance. A bat pony in a dark blue uniform lands and approaches Fluttershy. She nuzzles his cheek before removing his fake eyepatch and joining her friends. Twilight sighs and watches Pinkie. A pony approaches the table.
        ‘Um, excuse me, Rarity?’
        ‘Yes?’ Rarity snaps, turning away from her glaring. She gasps when she sees the pony cowering before her. ‘Coco?!’
        ‘H-hi, Rarity.’
        ‘What are you doing here?’
        ‘I was asked to create a dress for the mayor. When I saw you arrive and staring at it the whole time, I wanted to hear what you thought of it.’
        ‘Oh, deary, we’ll have to make some time later to catch up.’
        ‘I hope we can.’ Coco smiles and returns to her table.
        ‘Looks like yer fears got the better of ya,’ Applejack snickers.
        Rarity blushes and looks away. Mare-tha breaks from her conversation to step on stage. Octavia slows her playing.
        ‘Thank you for coming out tonight,’ Mare-tha greets. ‘I hope you are enjoying the party so far. For those wondering, the cake should be here...’
        ‘Excuse us!’ Cup Cake shouts.
        ‘Coming through!’ Carrot Cake joins.
        The two bakers push carts full of cakes of all flavors to the tables. They start setting out two cakes per table. Pinkie and Cheese stare in shock.
        ‘Sorry we’re late,’ Cup apologizes.
        ‘Took a little longer than expected to ice all these,’ Carrot explains.
        ‘Thank you,’ Mare-tha says. ‘They look wonderful.’
        ‘Oh, I am sure of it. We used the recipe you gave us,’ Cup replies.
        ‘That a lotta cakes,’ Pinkie gapes.
        ‘Feel free to dig in,’ Mare-tha invites. ‘And if the cake is too much for you, the band will be more than willing to give you a reason to shake your rump on the dance floor.’
        Mare-tha nods to Octavia. The other mare nods in return, turns to the back and whistles. Her quartet leaves the stage as a turntable and massive speakers are moved to the front of the stage.
        ‘Let’s turn this mother out!’ Vinyl Scratch shouts, putting on her music.
        Loud electronic music starts blaring from the speakers.
        ‘Such horrid music,’ Trenderhoof snorts.
        ‘Oh, stop being such a stick in the mud,’ Mayor Mare taunts, standing. ‘Now, shut up and dance with me.’
        Before Trender can react, the mayor drags him to the dancefloor. Pinkie’s friends grab their dates and take to the dancefloor. Twilight remains at the table as the others leave. Fireworks start shooting off over the party.
        ‘Ha ha! Behold the awesome firework display of the Great and Fireworky Trixie!’ Trixie boasts as she casts more firework spells.
        Pinkie and Cheese approach Mare-tha, who is enjoying a slice of cake.
        ‘What is going on?’ Pinkie asks. ‘All the cake and Vinyl and… Why the hay is Trixie here?!’
        ‘She does such wonderful firework displays,’ Mare-tha replies.
        Trixie cackles madly as more fireworks explode overhead.
        ‘But they are so improper,’ Cheese argues.
        ‘And definitely unprofessional,’ Pinkie adds.
        Cake hits the party ponies in the face.
        ‘Pinkie Pie, I am ashamed of you,’ Mare-tha snorts, licking excess icing from her hoof. ‘Have you forgotten the first thing about throwing a successful party?’
        ‘Frilly invitations?’
        ‘No! Having fun! You were so concerned about throwing the type of party you expected me to throw that you forgot to take into consideration the type of party that needed to be thrown.’
        ‘But, the mayor hired you!’ Pinkie argues. ‘You’re the most proper and professional party planner in Equestria. I thought she wanted the type of party only you could create.’
        Mare-tha shakes her head. ‘That is what is expected at a Canterlot party. This is a Ponyville party. And Ponyville parties are famous for being wild, crazy, loud and exciting. In other words, Pinkie Pie parties!’
        Pinkie looks around. Everypony is eating cake, playing games and dancing. Even Cheese has left to dance with Boneless 2.
        ‘I hope I have lived up to your standards,’ Mare-tha says.
        Pinkie smiles and laughs. ‘Yeah. You did a pretty good job.’
        ‘Thank you, but there is one pony only you can show a good time.’
        Pinkie scans the party. She sees Twilight sitting all alone, looking like she really wants to get out a book. The pink mare gallops to her marefriend and drags her to the dancefloor. The couple starts dancing with their friends. Twilight uses her magic so they can dance above the others.
        Mare-tha smiles and laughs. ‘Friendship: It is a good thing.’ She then screams and dives out of the way as one of Trixie’s fireworks goes astray.