Pinkie's always been childishly over-the-top. However what happens when she is perceived to have taken it too far?
Learning of all the stressed ponies who find peace in being 'Forever Foals' has really given the childish party pony a new way to feel accepted for who she is along with tons of ideas for helping the mares and stallions of Equestria unwind without fear of judgment for taking a break from the stress of everyday life.
Unfortunately a mix-up in sending out party invitations brings her family to discover her 'foal' side and they aren't too happy about it.
Then there is a Pinkie Pie Clone who is mistaken for Pinkie Pie herself by a more-than-eager family believing their actual daughter has forsaken her odd behavior because they told her to.
This story picks up where "Pinkie 'Swaddle' Pie" left off in showing the importance of loving yourself while being understanding of others. Diapers and foal behavior are not the highlights of this tale as much as self-discovery and keeping an open mind. The "Teen" rating is for how 'Forever Foal' concepts are mentioned along with family drama.
“Whee!” gleed Pinkie Pie as she fell backwards into a gathering of bean bags. “Two parties are definitely better than one!”
“You said it!” agreed a baby-pink colored stallion who was clad in a white disposable diaper. “Your super-duper secret party cave is perfect for having an ultra big party for all us littles!”
Pinkie bounded up from the bean bags as her own diaper, which was covered in balloon designs, gave out audible crinkles. “I’m so happy you and Dr. Dummy helped me to discover how abso-super-posi-duper fun it is to feel like a foal!” she cheered. “Who knew so many stressed out ponies could turn out to be so happy when all they need to think on is having fun and not being all workied out?”
Swaddle Puff blushed as he took in all the effort Pinkie put into decorating the super-secret party cave for the occasion. There were shiny streamers of every color hanging from the roof, stick-on prints of baby animals, party supplies, and celestial bodies around the walls, and spinning mobiles with ponies, dragons, bunnies, stars, and all sorts of nifty designs hanging around the track-lighting. “Well,” he said. “It’s not easy to let our guard down. We need to know we are safe from any pony who’d try to make us all out to be many awful things that we’re not just for needing some time to escape the stresses of being grown-up.”
Nurse Redheart, with her mane in ribbon-like loops, came running by with Dr. Dummy himself in tow. “Impressive party,” he remarked as he faced Pinkie Pie. “Your little haven here certainly gives the ‘foals’ a new place to express that part of themselves that otherwise may have been totally lost.”
“Mister!” whined Nurse Redheart. “I need to go potty!”
Dr. Dummy nodded. “Well, I got this ‘little one’ to take care of,” he said with a smile. “Great party and what a wonderful idea to mix things up from the Day And Night Care.”
***
Since meeting Swaddle Puff and discovering the top-secret Day And Night Care operated by Dr. Dummy, Pinkie Pie had grew to appreciate the joys of ‘foalin’ out’. The hot-pink party pony was very nervous to start making regular visits to the top secret location where many citizens of Equestria came to refresh themselves after having endured difficult times in their lives, feeling they were missing out on something, or just in need of a chance to throw responsibility to the side in lieu of some truly carefree fun. However she gradually discovered how delightfully diverse each pony who came was, how they all just wanted to feel safe and loved, and that her childish antics were even more welcome than when she’d go all crazy throughout Ponyville.
As time grew closer to her birthday, which was definitely one of Pinkie’s favorite times of the year, an idea grew in the blue-eyed mare’s mind that was so awesome that she could barely contain herself. This was to not only have a massive bash over at Twilight’s to party with the entire town for her special occasion but also set up an extra special foal party down in her extra special party planning cave she had hidden beneath Sugarcube Corner.
***
Plans for both parties took weeks of effort. However it was all worth it with Dr. Dummy and Swaddle Puff helping to decorate the party planning cave for the foalishly fun slumber party as Pinkie set up for having a small carnival surrounding The Castle of Friendship for the one she’d share with Twilight, Fluttershy, rainbow Dash, and all the other Ponyville citizens who had come to know she’d not skimp on a single detail of her own special day.
Pinkie felt extra exhuberant as her ‘regular’ birthday went on. It was loads of fun while only being one part of two epic celebrations. She had even come up with a ‘Code Word’ for those attending her daytime party to share with her to let her know they’d be at the ‘Foal Of Fun Party’ once everything wrapped up outside of Twilight’s.
“See any cute ducklings today?” a pony would ask while passing by.
“Down by the bridge?” Pinkie would answer with a wink. This wink would usually get a nod followed by a smile of knowing all was set for that pony to attend the special party that night. It was a slumber party set up but Pinkie’s many tunnels made it possible for guests to exit very discretely to wherever they needed to whenever they needed to so they didn’t attract any unwanted attention to themselves or the group.
***
FWISH!
“Whee!” another mare gleed as she found herself going down the slide into the party planning cave that had been all decked out like a giant nursery and playroom. “Where do we change?”
“Follow me!” greeted one of the volunteer caretakers from Dr. dummy’s D&N. “Just give me your name and I’ll take you right to your things.”
The violet-colored mare was awestruck by the bubbles that floated past her as quacking sounds and gentle chirping filled the air from a series of enclosed ponds that included little fountains and toy duck parents and their babies making circles in a bubbly basin. “Ooh,” she awed.
“This way, little one,” the caretaker cooed as the relaxed mare allowed herself to be calmed by all that Pinkie had set up to make optimal fun for ‘littles’ of all age preferences. “There’s even a tub we can let you play in if you’d like to do that before padding yourself up?”
“I like that…,” trailed the mare as she allowed her guard to drop and simply take in the moment.
“Good girl,” the caretaker happily replied. “Off we go.”
***
It truly was ingenius. For weeks those who received invitations from Pinkie at the D&E and Milk bar were given instructions to mail ‘Party Supplies’ to Pinkie. These ‘supplies’ were actually whatever clothes, toys, and accessories the given pony wanted to have during the nursery-style slumber party. However no pony thought a thing about it. Especially since they all knew Pinkie’s birthday was coming up and she was almost always getting ‘Party supplies’ in the mail anyway. The only difference, which Pinkie knew, was that opening the box would reveal a letter with a name, a RSVP, and the odds-and-ends that pony wanted to have for the party. It was ‘foal’ proof.
***
Pinkie slipped a pacifier in her mouth and lounged back into the bean bags. “Perfect,” she sighed. “I just can’t help but think I missed something.
FWISH!
“Whoa…,” a deadpan voice said while gliding down the slide. “Pinkie?”
Pinkie’s eyes bulged. “Maud?” she asked after spitting out the pacifier.
“Umm,” the grey-colored Earth Pony said plainly. “I’m not one to judge but mom and dad are here for the party.”
Pinkie’s face grew wide with shock. “Mom? Dad?” she gasped.
Maud nodded. “And Marble,” she dully added. “Also Limestone who said she had better things to do but I told her she should come.”
The guests were beginning to take notice of Maud and how she wasn’t exactly in the mood associated with everyone else in attendance.
“It’s okay, every pony!” called Pinkie as she began to sweat. “Just keep having fun-fun-fun and I’ll be right back!”
Without another word the pink party mare slid herself back up the slide. She totally forgot to take off her diaper and still had the pacifier hung like a necklace around her neck. Not to mention her mane and tail were covered in glitter and bows.
“Oh, my,” deadpanned Maud. “I better get up there.”
“Mom!” called Pinkie as she flew up to the counter that housed the secret switch leading down into the party planning cave. “Dad!”
“Pinkamena?” Mr. and Mrs. Pie questioned as their daughter vaulted over the counter to greet them.
“What are you doing here?” Pinkie blushed. “I thought you weren’t able to make it and that I’d have to just plan another super-duper party back home with all of you?”
Limestone Pie, the headstrong overseer of activity on the family rock farm, moved ahead and produced an envelope. “This ‘was’ the time you told us to show for your party,” she grumped. “We’ve been looking for you for over an hour after already wasting precious sunlight getting here by train when we could’ve been getting work done on the farm!”
Maud made her way slowly up the slide and casually came to Pinkie’s side. “We looked all over for you,” she said simply. “Then I remembered your party planning cave and found you there.”
“Pinkamena…,” trailed her mother. “What does thou wear?”
Marble Pie, the bashful younger sister, blushed and turned her head to the side.
“Strange jewelry,” stated Pinkie’s father while eyeing the pacifier necklace. “What of it?”
Pinkie blushed. “Oh…,” she nervously replied while pulling up the pacifier. “Costume party…?”
The elder Pie’s exchanged looks.
“Pinkamena!” Mr. Pie commanded with a stomp of his forehoof. “This is not acceptable attire! Take it off at once.”
“What’s the deal, Pinkie?” scowled Limestone. “You have always been ‘strange’ but this is outright insulting!”
“Thou are an adult,” stated Mrs. Pie. “We’ll not have you looking as you are.”
Maud took a step back as Pinkie sat her padded rump upon the ground. This action released a cloud of foal powder in which its scent quickly found itself in the noses of every pony in the room.
“That smell!” stomped Limestone. “What is that?”
Pinkie scrunched nervously on her diaper. “Foal powder,” she giggled nervously.
“Foal powder?” baffled Mr. and Mrs. Pie as Limestone appeared aghast while Marble only continued to blush and look away.
“Is this how thou conducts yourself when away from home?” inquired Mr. Pie as he stared straight into Pinkie’s eyes.
The pink party pony was in a pinch. She could lie and say ‘no’ but that would betray the ‘Pinkie Promise’ she made all her friends at the party downstairs when she decided to be a part of their comforting fun. However saying ‘Yes’ would likely not please her family who, as she thought on it, accidentally received the wrong party invitation.
“Don’t you really not like situations like this?” she asked no pony in particular in a concerned whisper. “I must’ve been so busy writing invitations that I flip-flopped the one for my family to have the date for the ‘foal party’ instead of for the super-duper castle carnival party. But how to fix this…?”
Then she got an idea.
“Hey!” she perked while taking to her hooves. “How about we look at this a whole different way?”
Pinkie pulled a harmonica out of her glittery mane and gave it a blow.
--- Every pony is different No pony is the same Things may seem a little awkward But I’m oh-so happy you came
---
Pinkie started to get into her song as she bounced on her hooves and tail while throwing confetti by the hoofful from her diaper
--- The world is filled with wonder If we open up our eyes It’s perfectly alright To be a foal again sometimes
--- The only pony who seemed amused in the slightest was Marble Pie. The others , except Maud who appeared indifferent, just grew more upset.
Pinkie took notice of this and started to visibly sweat as she continued her song, dance, and confetti tossing.
---
Come on mom and dad Everything’s alright I’m still your lovable daughter And that’s what matters, right?
---
“Stop this nonsense!” boomed Mr. Pie. “You shame the family through your actions!”
“Shame?” gasped Pinkie as she fell hard on her diaper as a result of having a very immense feeling of sadness.
“Yes!” Limestone stomped angrily. “You defile the honor that Holder inscribed on Holder’s Boulder! That being ‘Thou shalt ever respect all within the house of Pie’!”
“But…,” Pinkie trailed as tears welled in her eyes. “I love you. All of you. I do respect the house of Pie.”
“Not like that,” spoke her father while turning his back. “We wish not to see thou again until thou changes your disrespectful ways.”
“Ma-mom…?” Pinkie pleaded.
Mrs. Pie lowered her head and turned her back.
“Let’s get out of here,” stated Limestone. “We should be able to get a train back home in time to get a fresh start on the farm tomorrow.”
“Marble…,” hoped Pinkie.
“Umm,” she blushed.
“We’re leaving!” announced Limestone. This caused Marble to make a sad face as she turned to follow her sister and parents.
“I better go talk to them,” stated Maud. “You should get back to your party.”
Pinkie’s face trembled as a frown and tears dominated her features. Soon her family was gone and she was alone.
Luna’s moon shined bright as some pony made their way out of the Everfree Forest. “The night time is when this Pinkie Pie will shine!” she squeaked while bounding playfully out into Ponyville. She had been fortunate enough to escape Twilight’s banishment spell and went about exploring Equestria to avoid detection. There was a close call in Manehattan when she happened upon her original in a diner but even the real Pinkie didn’t think much on it. Even if she did it would just be attributed to one of Pinkie’s moments where things just happened because she willed or wanted them to.
“Still trying to figure that one out,” pondered the clone as she styled her mane and tail so they appeared no different than any other pony working a night shift at the train station. “Though I’ll figure out that ‘Pinkie Sense’ one day so I will know if I’m ever anywhere near any pony who can send me back into that dreadful pool.”
The clone had come to be known as ‘Cotton Candy’ by those who rode the Friendship Express at night. She took tickets, talked with traveling ponies, and-
“Learned how many ponies look alike except for changes to their Cutie Marks and whether they were Earth Ponies, Pegasi, or Unicorns,” finished the clone. “I’ve got the ‘Fourth Wall Breaking’ down pretty good along with not arousing suspicion. Working at night helps as I make lots of traveling pony friends who can’t make the connection and the real Pinkie is not often out and around Ponyville Station at night.”
***
“I don’t like wasting time,” grumbled Limestone as she, her parents, and sister arrived at Ponyville Station. “Good thing this runs all the time.”
“Heading for the Friendship Express?” asked the clone of Pinkie Pie as she made her way to work. “Where are you heading?”
Although the clone had fooled many ponies up to this point by her appearance she couldn’t fool her own ‘family’.
“What do you mean!” exclaimed Limestone. “You know exactly where we’re going! Home!”
“Oh,” sunk the clone. “I’m sorry if I offended you.”
“’Offended’ is putting it lightly!” barked Limestone.
The clone was at a loss. “Well…,” she trailed. She, as her original, liked to make every pony happy and was definitely willing to do whatever it took to make these unhappy travelers hap-hap-happy. “I’m really sorry that I offended you. Perhaps we could talk this out over coffee and donuts at the station café?”
Limestone was about to go into another tyrade when her mother stepped forward. “Thou truly are not as we just saw,” she said. “Are thou forsaking your shameful ways?”
The clone was confused but didn’t want any more attention brought to her than was already known by her boss and those traveling ponies she spent time with. To drag this out much longer could result in being discovered as the copy she was. “Of course!” she chimed merrily. “I’d never do anything to make any pony unhappy!”
***
Maud was very suspicious of what she was both seeing and hearing. It didn’t seem likely that this was her sister. She didn’t just look different but she also didn’t seem, well, like Pinkie Pie. However her parents and Limestone were happy and something in her thought it worth further investigation before chiming in her concerns.
“…We got time before the train,” stated Mr. Pie. “Let us here of your coming to your senses while partaking in some tasty vittles.”
Maud pulled Boulder from her pocket as her family followed ‘Pinkie Pie’ towards the nearby café. “What do you think, Boulder?” she asked. “I agree. It’s like how iron pyrite makes ponies believe they’ve found true gold. It looks the same but really isn’t. We should investigate.”
Maud moved to join her family as the clone used her highly-developed interpersonal skills to learn more-and-more about the parents she never knew she had while convincing them even further on how she ‘was’ the the real deal.
Mr. and Mrs. Cake had overheard a bit of a ruckus going on in the business part of their home. This brought the proud parents to come down towards the desk where Pinkie Pie was now lying on the floor against the front of the counter as she tried to hold back the sound of her crying with the pacifier.
“Pinkie…?” asked Mr. Cake. “Aren’t you supposed to be enjoying your slumber party downstairs?”
Pinkie allowed the pacifier to slip out of her mouth. “I was,” she sniffled. “But my mom and dad came by and said I was a disgrace to the family for, well, this.”
Pinkie gestured to her foalish attire and returned to sobbing.
“There-there, deary,” comforted Mrs. Cake. “I’m sure they don’t really mean that.”
“They do,” muttered Pinkie. “Limestone was really, really mad at me, too. I don’t know if I could ever make things right without making some pony really-really unhappy with me forever-and-ever.”
“Where are your parents and Limestone now?” asked Mr. Cake. “Perhaps we can help you talk with them?”
Pinkie wiped tears from her eyes. “They went home,” she sighed. “They don’t want to see me. They don’t approve of me. I’ve always been different and have tried so hard to make my family happy but I never feel I am able to do so. Maybe they’ll find another Pinkie Pie to replace the one they feel is so terrible.”
The Cakes could tellPinkie was distraught. However they also knew she had guests downstairs waiting for her. Guests who counted on her to help them feel good and, in their opinion, could help her feel better, too.
“Pinkie,” calmed Mrs. Cake. “Why don’t you go back downstairs to your party? Perhaps Swaddle Puff and your other little friends can help you?”
Pinkie looked up with watery eyes and a bit of snot coming out of her nose. However she did appear a bit better. “You’re right,” she said simply. “I owe it to my friends to keep the party going. Even if I do feel super-duper sad.”
Mr. Cake offered her a tissue that she used to blow her nose. “If you need anything, Pinkie, we’ll be back up in our room,” he said.
“We’re always here for you, Pinkie,” assured Mrs. Cake.
Pinkie hugged both of the Cakes before heading back downstairs.
***
Every pony in the foaled-out party planning cave had become worried with each passing moment Pinkie Pie was absent.
“Do you think something bad happened?” asked a stallion guest as he nervously fidgeted with a plush caterpillar.
Dr. Dummy saw this as a chance to bring every pony together. “Now, every pony,” he said confidently. “We all know the fear we live with knowing that we could be misjudged for how we escape our day-to-day struggles. We must stay strong in our belief in what ‘foal therapy’ can do and truly represents. So, when Pinkie Pie does return, make sure to show her how we are a family of caring ponies who stand by love, acceptance, and how being vulnerable does not make us weak.”
The guests all appeared very determined just before Pinkie came flying down the slide.
“Hey, Pinkie!” gleed Gemstone Bangle with a massive hug. “We missed you!”
Pinkie felt herself feel better from her old friend, who would sometimes go by the name of Cooing Cuddles, embrace her so warmly. How could being an adult foal be so bad when you got so much love and support from those who enjoyed being this way to just feel better despite the troubles they may have, or had, in their lives?
“We got the balloons ready!” gleed Swaddle Puff while waddling forward. Between his front hooves and back hooves were inflated balloons designed to better simulate a foal-like waddle. Wearing diapers did help but Dr. Dummy figured out how a balloon could simulate that true feeling of playfully learning to trot.
“We also used the helium!” cheered another party guest as she breathed in one of the extra balloons. This made her voice high pitched as she stated, “Now we really sound like foals!”
Pinkie couldn’t help but smile. “So…,” she said with lifting spirits. “Is every pony ready for the great waddle race?”
Cheers erupted from the crowd.
Cooing Cuddles ran off and grabbed a balloon. She then inhaled some of the helium from it before passing it over to Pinkie, also known as Silly Filly in the group, to make her voice sound youthful and silly. “No worries!” giggled Cooing Cuddleswhile helping Silly Filly get the baloons between her legs. “All fun!”
“Right,” giggled Pinkie. “Let’s play!”
The ‘foals’ went about their party game as some of the other guests used toy pianos and xylophones to make music for the game. Some even took advantage of the pots and pans to drum a beat that got all the players excited and into the spirit that the party was truly intended to have.
“Hmm,” thought Dr. Dummy while observing the way every pony was able to forget the tense moment from before. “This is certainly the sort of positive I had hoped from starting the Milk Bar and D&N. However I definitely need to make sure some guests stick around to make sure that Pinkie is okay after foal time is over.”
“I volunteer,” replied Swaddle Puff. He had been close enough to hear Dr. Dummy’s outspoken observations. “It’s the least we can do. Truly, if not for Pinkie Pie, I wouldn’t feel as good as I do living here in Ponyville.”
“Thanks, Swaddle,” stated Dr. Dummy as he brought Swaddle Puff in for a hug. “It’s the love we show for each other both in, and out, of our safe places that truly defines what being ‘littles’ is all about.”
Swaddle Puff cooed before deciding he was in need of a drink. Fortunately an assortment of bottles and sippy cups were all being managed by the cow from the Milk Bar who was always ready to serve. “Don’t drink too much, deary,” she noted. “The feed and burp contest is coming up and I want to see you win.”
Swaddle smiled as he watched ‘Silly Filly’, Pinkie Pie, getting back into the spirit of the party. “No worries,” he assured. “Being able to be here with every pony already makes me a winner. Especially knowing I can be there for our friends in the most troubling of times.”
***
Pinkie continued to enjoy her party that was filled with plushie fort fights, ball rolling contests, mud pie making, and a wet diaper competition that was designed to use a hose to fill the diapers of those playing to maximum capacity before they had to try and walk an obstacle course before their heavy padding fell off. It was all fun and even soothing when the caretakers from the D&N read them bedtimes stories while they all cuddled on little cots with pillows and stuffed animals before turning on the night lights. However, try as she might, she couldn’t shake what her mom, dad, and Limestone had said and was eager to do something about it first thing in the morning. Even if that meant heading all the way to the rock farm to do so.
“How scary-citing!” gleed the Pinke Pie clone as she took a moment to herself in the Friendship Express’ restroom. “I’m going to go to ‘my’ home!”
The discussion at the café went beyond what the replica could have ever hoped. She not only got to meet ‘her’ parents but also get out of Ponyville to spend time where her original had grown up. All the traveling across Equestria learning to be her own pony never stopped her from doing what most clones come to do. This being to rise above their creator to affirm their identity. Most clones would go about this by banishing the original and taking their place. However this one was more interested in gaining all the knowledge she could while acquiring so much trust from the parents that no pony would ever dare try and banish her.
“Plus I’m not big on banishments and making ponies sad,” the clone thought aloud. “All I want is to show why I should exist as much as she does. I’m a pony not a phony.”
***
Pinkie Pie awoke the next morning snuggling up with Cooing Cuddles in her hooves. Both didn’t really want to get up but Pinkie had no choice as her tail went between her legs and tapped her nose three times.
“Whoa!” gasped Cooing Cuddles. “What was that?”
“My ‘Pinkie Sense’,” the party pony replied. “Though I never had it do that before.”
Other guests had already been up or were in gradual phases of awakening.
“Thanks for the party,” a Pegasus Stallion beamed while strapping a pair of saddlebags to his side. “Would love to play more but duty calls.”
Dr. Dummy was up and helping the caretakers in getting their ‘foals’ ready to return to their everyday responsibilities. “Don’t forget, every pony!” he announced. “All your things will be either mailed to your houses discretely or transported with me and the staff back to the D&N!”
“Guess its time to get back to Gemstone Bangle,” Cooing Cuddles remarked while slipping herself out of the diaper she was wearing. “Though I do hope we can share milk and cookies soon.”
Pinkie smiled as she stylishly wriggled out of her diaper and shook off the bows and glitter in her mane. “I’ll stop by the jewelery store to let you know when we can meet up,” she replied. “But I have something I need to do first.”
“What’s that?” asked Gemstone despite having an idea it had to do with what Dr. Dummy had brought her aside for the night before.
“I just need to see some pony,” Pinkie sighed. “Need to spread some cheer.”
“Is it anything I can help with?” her friend inquired. “It’s no problem for me to call off if you need a hoof.”
“Hey, Pinkie!” greeted Swaddle Puff. Well, he wasn’t ‘Swaddle Puff’ now because he was no longer dressed as a foal. He was back to his everyday self, ‘Shining Ash’. “I’ve got some time today if you needed help cleaning up after the party.”
Dr. Dummy soon approached with an Earth Pony stallion, who had an orange coat and brown mane, at his side. “Yes,” he said. “Anything we can do to help?”
The warmth Pinkie felt from her friends made her feel better despite having some butterflies in her belly over not knowing how today would go. “Thanks, every pony,” she said. “Perhaps you could help me with something after we get the place all cleaned up?”
Every pony responded in agreement.
“Our community is always there to care,” noted Dr. Dummy. “We’re with you, Pinkie.”
The party pony smiled as she got into the spirit of thanking every pony for coming while aiding the D&N staff in safely preparing everything for discrete transport back to the D&N or to the homes of the guests themselves.
***
“…So this is rock farming?” wondered the clone while moving one of the stones. “How fun!”
Mr. and Mrs. Pie smiled at each other as they observed, who they believed to be their daughter, helping out on the farm. “It’s nice to see her come to her senses,” Mr. Pie stated happily.
“It is,” added Mrs. Pie. “Though I can’t help but feel that something isn’t as it should be.”
“Do not fret, my wife,” Mr. Pie assured. “Pinkamena Diane just needed to think on her Pie heritage and remember the importance of respecting her family line.”
“Hey, Pinkie,” Maud asked. “What about your party? It’s not like you to abandon a party.”
“What party?” inquired the clone as she quickly realized she was on the verge of being found out. “Oh… That party… They all understood I had to go home for a, uh, family emergency…”
“Uh, huh…,” replied Maud with a very slight nod. “Well, I’d love to stay but I need to get back to my research in the Everfree Forest.”
“Leaving so soon?” Cloney Pie asked. It was a relief to here as, ever since boarding the train, Maud had been acting suspicious of her. The plan wasn’t going as well as she had hoped because of Maud. Having her gone would give her a better chance of solidifying her purpose for existing.
“Yes,” Maud replied. “Have fun during your visit. I look forward to seeing you back in Ponyville.”
The clone only nodded as she thought on just how much she didn’t think through this plan. Fortunately she appeared to have the trust of Marble, Limestone, and the parents. She only needed to keep from making anymore mistakes. “Stay calm, Pinkie,” she self-assured. “I’m not written out of this story yet.”
The real Pinkie Pie arrived at Ponyville Station just a bit before noon. She would’ve gotten there sooner but she wanted to make sure all her guests were okay, had a good time, and felt safe as they headed back to their respective foal-free activities. Only Gemstone Bangle, Shining Ash, and Box Trot, were able to join her on her quest to make everything right with her family.
“Here comes the train!” called Gemstone playfully. “I always like riding the ‘choo-choo’.”
Ash and Box Trot nodded their heads in agreement while Pinkie felt herself be flipped on her backside as her tail booped her nose yet again.
“That felt a lot better with padding,” the party pony stated bashfully.
“Are you okay?” Gemstone asked. “You’ve been doing that a lot this morning.”
“I’m not sure…,” trailed Pinkie as she considered the question. “My ‘Pinkie Sense’ does all sorts of things to me when I need to know something. However it’s never done this before. So I’m not sure if this is a big deal or a little deal or a so-so deal.”
Shining Ash and Box Trot chuckled as they thought on how ‘foal-like’ Pinkie was naturally. She was always so free and jovial. They also remembered tales of how she was told her wedding receptions were sometimes thought of being birthday parties for five year olds. “I wish I could feel as free as she does at being little,” Ash remarked to his friend.
“Perhaps it’s her ‘little’ side that makes her such a success at planning parties?” Box Trot replied.
“It’s just sad how her family doesn’t understand her like mine did,” Ash sighed. “Nothing hurts worse than being told horrible things about who you are by friends and family.”
“Well…,” considered Box Trot as he nervously rubbed his hoof upon the ground. “To be fair, I haven’t told any pony outside of our group about our ‘little’ adventures.”
The train finished coming in and its passengers got off.
“Maud?” wondered Pinkie as she noticed her sister getting off the train. “What are you doing on the train!”
“I thought so,” the grey pony stated very matter-of-factly. “I have something important I need to talk to you about.”
Pinkie and her ‘foal friends’ all looked nervous.
“It’s not what you think,” Maud assured. “But we may need to ask Twilight, or Starlight, for help.”
Pinkie’s tail flipped and booped her once more. “Whatever it is,” said Pinkie. “I think my ‘Pinkie Sense’ is trying to tell me about it.”
***
“So…,” glared twilight towards Starlight. “When were you going to tell me you opened the seal to the mirror pool?”
“Uh…,” the periwinkle Unicorn chuckled nervously. “I meant to tell you but, well, got so caught up with Sunburst and how I felt like we were no longer friends and then the Pony of Shadows came….”
“Actually,” Maud stated. “I think this one has been around for awhile.”
Starlight seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as Twilight turned her attention towards Pinkie, Maud, and their friends. “How so, Maud?” she asked.
“Well,” the grey pony continued. “She didn’t look at all like the Pinkie I visited before heading home for the night. Her mane was simple, her personality was, well, less ‘Pinkie’, and I noticed her talking to the night manager at the train station and it looked like she was asking for time off.”
“Really?” wondered Pinkie. “How could you tell? How did mom and dad not notice she was working at the train station when I’ve been working for Mr. and Mrs. Cake at Sugar Cube Corner for years!”
Maud pulled Boulder out of her pocket. “You may wonder how I understand Boulder,” she stated. “But my talent is rocks. Knowing what is coming from the inside even if you can’t tell it from the outside. This also works for ponies. She clearly was telling the manager she needed time off to visit the rock farm. Plus I ‘heard’ him call her ‘Cotton Candy’.”
Every pony was in awe as Pinkie embraced her sister. “So it’s like you’ve always had this ‘Maud Sense’ that I never knew about?” she asked with enthusiasm. “Maudileena Daisy Pie! You are always surprising me!”
“There is more to every pony just like there is more to every rock,” she said plainly. “But we should probably get to the rock farm and straighten things out with every pony before something bad happens.”
“Something bad?” panicked Pinkie. “Like what?”
“Well,” stated Maud. “She doesn’t know anything about rock farming and I worry your clone could get hurt not knowing how to dig or chisel herself out of trouble if she encountered a problem on the farm. Not to mention how Boulder thinks she doesn’t have your ‘Pinkie Sense’ to warn her of trouble.”
“Oh, no!” gasped Pinkie. “She could get really hurt if she doesn’t know when a rock slide is coming! We need to go now and save her!”
“We’d like to come, too!” insisted Ash. “Just in case any additional moral support is needed.”
Pinkie blushed upon remembering the real reason she was heading to the rock farm. “Would you?” she asked with pleading eyes.
“You bet!” proclaimed Gemstone. “Friends are always there for each other!”
Twilight smiled as she took in the warmth of Pinkie’s new friends. Well, they were new to her. “We can use the train ride to get to know each other more,” she stated. “But I think we better get going before we miss the next train out to Rock Farm Country.”
“Agreed,” added Starlight. “I’m sure I can be of help in making this situation better.”
“You know,” Twilight thought as she felt a stroke of genius enter her mind. “I believe you will be the key to making this all work out for the best!”
“Really?” beamed Starlight.
“We’ll talk more on the train,” stated Twilight. “Spike! Can you handle things here while we’re gone!”
“Sure thing, Twilight!” he cheered while running into the throne room where the Friendship Map was kept. “You can count on me!”
Twilight giggled from her Number One Assistant’s eagerness to be sucha help. “Thanks, Spike,” she said. “We’ll try to be back by the time Luna’s moon is just coming over the horizon.”
“No rush,” assured the purple dragon. “Even if you stayed overnight, you know I got this.”
“Right,” agreed Twilight. “No time to lose! Let’s get going!”
Every pony got off the train and proceeded down the road that would lead them to The Pie Rock Farm.
“Every pony know what they’re doing?” asked Twilight.
“I think so,” replied Starlight. “I wait by the reservoir with these two buckets filled with water until you give the signal. Then I teleport in to drop them on both Pinkie Pies.”
“Ooh-ooh!” bounced Pinkie. “Then my ‘Pinkie Sense’ goes off and I get out of the way while the phony-cloney gets all wet which shows mom and dad how I’m the real Pinkie and she’s playing pretend Pinkie!”
“What about afterward?” asked Ash. “Your family ‘likes’ this Pinkie because she isn’t, uh, so ‘different’.”
“That’s what we’re here for,” assured Gemstone. “Our support will see everything through.”
“Are you sure we need to banish the clone?” worried Starlight. “It kind of seems unfair as, well, she doesn’t seem to be pretending to be Pinkie for any other reason than to feel loved.”
“I wish there was another way,” sighed Twilight. “However we can’t have clones of any pony running around. My research says clones can become quite unstable and may try to do awful things to the original to get what they want if they are left to roam free.”
Pinkie sighed. “I’m sorry I’m causing so much trouble,” she said apologetically.
Maud moved alongside her sister. “We love you, Pinkie,” she replied. “No pony is perfect but I think I know how to help make everything alright with Mom, dad, and Limestone.”
“How’s that?” inquired Box Trot as he nervously stroked at his goatee. Pinkie was living his worst nightmare of being found out for being an adult foal. He really wasn’t sure at all about coming along with Shining Ash on this mission but he felt it could help him to prepare himself for when his ‘secret’ was discovered.
“That line on Holder’s Boulder,” stated Maud. “There’s something about respecting those in the House of Pie that may be going misunderstood.”
“Really?” wondered Pinkie.
“Really,” Maud answered. “I won’t know until I look it over. I’ll do that while you work things out with the clone.”
“Well,” Starlight said nervously. “We’re by the reservoir. I guess I’ll just be waiting for the signal?”
“Right,” nodded Twilight. “Thanks for your help, Starlight. I really believe this is the best course of action.”
Starlight shrugged. “If you say so,” she acknowledged.
***
Limestone was beginning to lose patience with ‘Pinkie’ for how many things she had to remind her ‘sister’ how to do. ‘Pinkie’ was super-excited to learn and be a part of the daily efforts of ‘her’ family but was definitely not on par with her original.”
“It’s only a matter of time,” Cloney Pie panicked while moving a piece of alabaster to a nearby cart. “I may need to just make a run for it before…”
The clone trailed off as she suddenly spotted her original, along with Twilight, approaching the quarry. “Too late,” she gulped. “But I won’t be banished. I refuse to be sent away. I can’t be sent away.”
The Pinkie clone did what she needed to do. She called for the family to join her just before Pinkie, Twilight, and friends got within hoof step of the quarry.
“What is it?” Mrs. Pie asked.
“Can’t you see we’re working?” grumbled Limestone upon seeing Princess Twilight Sparkle and… “Pinkie Pie?”
Box Trot, Shining Ash, and Gemstone Bangle stayed back as Twilight and Pinkie drew closer.
“Sorry to bother you,” stated Twilight. “However the Pinkie Pie that is with you isn’t the real Pinkie Pie.”
“What’s the meaning of this!” boomed Mr. Pie.
“Sorry every pony,” the clone stated. “It appears some pony made a copy of me and the copy is trying to make you not think I’m a part of this family.”
“Hey!” the real Pinkie whined. “I’m the real Pinkie Pie!”
Marble appeared concerned. However she didn’t say anything.
“I expected this,” stated Twilight. “So I propose a test.”
“What kind of test?” the false Pinkie asked nervously. She had heard of the ‘Watching Paint Dry’ method that got the other clones and hoped she wouldn’t be put through that. Especially since the original had won while she wasn’t even there for it.
“Rock farming!” announced the real Pinkie. “Looks like we’re doing alabaster today. Let’s see who does it the best?”
The fake breathed a tiny sigh of relief. Sure she was no rock farmer but she definitely had learned how to work with the alabaster over the course of the day. “Okay,” she agreed. “I’m sure Limestone will appreciate the extra help.”
“It’ll make up for the lost time we’re making now,” Limestone stated.
“You can do it, Pinkie!” cheered Gemstone.
“Yeah!” added Shining Ash. “You’ve got this!”
Both Pinkie’s nodded and smiled. “Thanks!” they cheered in unison.
***
Mr. and Mrs. Pie watched as both Pinkies loaded the alabaster cart. Both were hard working, talkative, and playful as they went about their work. The only real difference was one appeared less ‘poofy’ in the mane and tail than the other.
“Okay,” Twilight said to herself while lighting her horn. “You’re up Starlight.”
Starlight Glimmer felt her Unicorn horn tingle. However, as a result of her emotions not being entirely into the plan, she accidentally teleported herself and the rock she was standing on back to the farm instead of the buckets of water.
The real Pinkie Pie’s tail began to twitch wildly.
POOF-POOF
Pinkie Pie looked up to see Starlight Glimmer appear above her and a giant rock that was angled towards her clone. “Look out!” cried Pinkie as she leapt to save her copy from being crushed.
Twilight only had a split second to react and chose to assist Starlight through use of her levitation magic. However the giant stone was still looking to make impact dangerously close to the two Pinkies, Limestone, and Marble.
ZOOM! CRUNCH! KRISH-KRISH-KRISH!
Maud had returned from Holder’s Boulder and promptly worked to reduce the dangerous stone to rubble.
Pinkie, knowing she could help, immediately joined her sister in reducing the falling stone into little more than a grey dust.
With the shock of what happened leaving her, the clone sat on her haunches and sighed. “There’s no use now,” she sighed as tears formed in her eyes. “I’m the pretend Pinkie.”
Mr. and Mrs. Pie were shocked at hearing some pony had genuinely tried to pretend she was their daughter.
“Wretched creature!” scolded Mrs. Pie. “Thou certainly disrespects the Pie family through such treacherous deception!”
“Stand back!” called Twilight as she powered up her horn. “I’m going to send her back to the Mirror Pool.”
The pretend Pinkie closed her eyes as tears streamed down her face. Her time had come and now she would cease to exist.
“Wait!” cried Maud.
Twilight lost her concentration upon hearing Maud speak so loudly. “Maud?” she wondered.
Maud moved alongside the tearful clone. “I have an announcement,” she said. “And it’s about Holder’s wisdom of ‘Thou shalt ever respect all within the house of Pie’.”
“Maudileena Daisy Pie!” snapped her father. “What is the meaning of this!”
“Allow me to explain,” she said calmly. “Boulder and I researched the writings of Holder and learned that the wisdom of ‘Thou shalt ever respect all within the house of Pie’ does not mean what we thought it does.”
“Then what does it mean?” scowled Limestone while crossing her fore hooves.
“It’s like how we learned to get along with the Apples during Hearth’s Warming,” Maud replied. “Holder wanted us to not look poorly upon any member of the Pie family for being different.”
There was silence.
“Mom. Dad,” continued Maud. “You supported me in getting my rocktorate and never questioned my ability to talk to Boulder. Pinkie is the same. She may not seem like she follows in our family heritage but she is still a Pie. She’s loved. Respected. And does a lot for ponies throughout Equestria. So, as Holder intended, we should not look down on her for being ‘different’.”
“That’s right!” agreed Shining Ash as he stepped forward. “I don’t know how my life would be if Pinkie hadn’t been there for me!”
“Me, too!” Gemstone added proudly. “She’s a wonderful friend and a pillar of our community.”
Box Trot nodded in agreement. The whole situation made him anxious but also made him realize how, when the time came, he wouldn’t be alone getting through it.
Mr. and Mrs. Pie appeared in deep thought as Limestone stepped forward. “So what are you proposing, Maud?” she asked.
“It’s not me,” Maud replied. “It’s what Holder’s Boulder said.”
Limestone huffed impatiently. “And that is?” she pursued.
“That we respect every member of the Pie family for who they are instead of what others may expect them to be,” she answered. “However, in this case, we apologize to Pinkie for what happened yesterday and not banish the clone.”
Starlight appeared happily surprised by Maud’s statement.
“But,” said Twilight. “She’s a clone and, well, clones can do really bad things.”
“Not this one,” Pinkie said while helping the copy to her feet. “Don’t you work the night shift at Ponyville Station and have lots of friends of your own, Cotton Candy?”
Cotton Candy looked towards Pinkie. “Yeah,” she said nervously. “But I’m still just a fake.”
“No you’re not, silly!” gleed Pinkie. “You’re Cotton Candy! You’re a special pony who is also the latest addition to our family!”
Every pony appeared surprised.
“I am?” the clone asked hopefully.
Pinkie wrapped her hooves around Cotton Candy. “That’s right!” she cheered. “Cotton candy Pie!”
The clone smiled as a magical warmth spread over her body.
“Look!” awed Starlight.
Everyone watched as the clone changed to slightly different shades of color from her original as her Cutie Mark went from three balloons to a moon with a suitcase.
“Wow!” gleed Pinkie. “I think you just became a whole new pony!”
Cotton Candy turned to see her new Cutie mark and smiled. “I am!” she cheered with a leap. “I’m not just a copycat pony anymore!”
“I wish Spike was here,” stated Twilight. “I have so many notes I’d like to make on what just happened.”
Marble made her way over to Cotton Candy and offered her a hug.
“I love you, too,” Cotton said while tears of joy ran down her face.
Pinkie turned towards Gemstone, Box Trot, and shining Ash, smiled, and gestured them over to where Maud, twilight, and Starlight were at alongside Cotton Candy Pie. “Every pony, I’d like you all to meet our newest friend and member of the Pie family, Cotton Candy Pie!,” she cheered before pulling her party cannon out and shooting out a blast of streamers and confetti. “Three cheers for Cotton Candy!”
Mr. and Mrs. Pie came over and offered a welcoming hoof to Cotton Candy.
“Seems Holder is still teaching us to welcome change,” stated Mr. Pie.
“I knew Pinkie’s birth wasn’t a curse,” stated Mrs. Pie. “She is truly a boon for our family.”
“What do you mean by ‘curse’?” asked twilight.
The parents appeared embarrassed.
“Her color,” Mr. Pie sighed. “She wasn’t, well, right.”
“But she truly was meant to be,” added Mrs. Pie. “We are proud of our Pinkamena Diane Pie.”
“D’awww,” cooed Pinkie as she appeared behind her parents and hugged them both. “And I’m super-duper happy to be your daughter.”
***
After having a brief party to celebrate Pinkie’s belated birthday / Cotton Candy’s new birthday, every pony helped out around the rock farm. No pony seemed to be thinking nor doing anything unkind to any pony. All were quite happy and accepting until the time had come for all those not working the farm to return to Ponyville.
Cotton Candy returned to work at Ponyville Station and found herself thrilled over how she no longer felt a need to hide from Pinkie Pie and her friends. She became more outgoing along with a genuine part of the community.
Starlight went to work with Spike and twilight writing a report to Princess Celestia about what they learned about the former clone of Pinkie Pie. They also made sure to use their combined magic to ensure no pony ever found their way back to the Mirror Pool again.
Gemstone Bangle, Shining Ash, and Box Trot shared what happened at the Pie Rock Farm with Dr. Dummy and every pony else at the D&N. It was reassuring that Pinkie had been so warmly welcomed back in the family despite having been caught being a little. The fact she was a little didn’t quite get resolved as it was forgotten in lieu of her other qualities. However it was definitely reassuring to all ponies who ‘foaled out’ that they could be valued even though their way of finding peace and relaxation was considered taboo by most ponies.
“As for me,” said Pinkie as she rested on a pile of pillows while clad in a diaper and licking a giant lollipop. “I know it’s okay to be me even if the me that I am may not always be the me every pony wants to see. But I really-truly know that I’m not a bad pony for being different and how there times, places, and ponies to feel okie-dokie-lokie in being Pinkie ‘Silly Filly’ Pie.””
