A Sugarcube Around The Corner Part 1

A Sugarcube Around the Corner Part 1

The scenario for Memoire Lane will take place with Pinkie Pie. Just what hijinks will ensue for our stallion with a hyperactive and happy pony?

Hmm...Well I do feel hungry at the moment, after that long trip of course...and the building is really close. Maybe I can get a job and a free meal to go along with it! Great thinking Memoire! They probably wouldn't like the idea of me eating their house, however, so there goes that feast. I started making my way towards the delicious building. Say...is that a boinging sound I-

"OOF!" I was knocked down and I heard another pony say the same. Everything started...feeling...swirly...is that bubblegum?

"Oooh I'm SO SO sorry about that are you- Oooh! A new friend to make! I never seen you around here before!" Said the pink pony as she got up. I got up as well, shaking my head. Before I could apologize, she just interrupted with another sentence. I looked at her...and for a pony here so far in Ponyville, she sure stands out with that curly bubblegum hair and her girly pink fur.

Getting back to the topic, I responded (without even apologizing. Hope she forgets that!). "Err...yes. I'm new here in Ponyville and-"

"I kneeew it!" She jumped and bounced around me. "Hah I got it right! I always do because I know everypony here in Ponyville and even everydonkey and everycow! Well, everygriffon if you count that one time that snobby griffon visited Ponyville."

With all her talking, I hadn't completed a single sentence already. I sighed and continued talking with her. "Yes, I'm new. I was just on my way to that building over there and-" As I pointed my hoof, she interrupted AGAIN. "Oh that's Sugarcube Corner! A lot of delicious treats and goodies in there! Come on! I'll bring you there!" She hopped away...which was weird for a pony to do...in fact the only pony I've seen doing that! And has any other pony thought of her being rude for interrupting repeatably like that? Even when I didn't need an escort, since the building was right there, I followed her.

While following her, I took a look at the building. The roof looked like it was covered with a cookie sheet with whipped cream around it. It was also bordering the stairs. On top of the house was a cupcake with candles on top. The pillars by the door looked like candy canes. Did anypony ever think of making a cake or gingerbread house with that design? It would definitely work!

As I looked away from her, focusing on my surroundings and the small stands, I lost sight of her. I suppose she went inside. Before I took my first step on the stairs, my curiosity has peaked me. I walked on the side of the stairs and looked at the building. The whipped cream area looked almost real...I decided to touch it with my left hoof.

"You were gonna eat that house if it were edible, we're you, huh?" she giggled as she popped up from a bush of pink flowers, startling me. "Err...to be honest, it did look real-" Pinkie Pie then interrupted. "Hah! I knew it! You were gonna eat it if were real! I saw it in your eyes!" she bounced around and ended up going inside the building. Finally!

As we walked in, a bell jingled. "Oh a customer!" another voice I heard. "Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! May I help you?" a much older pony stood at the counter with the register. She had a beautiful blue sky fur and a pink-blended mane like bubblegum...like mother like daughter I suppose?

What caught me by surprise was the inside of the bakery...the inside looks just as delicious as the outside! There were pillars and corners of wood bordering some areas of the room and...a delicious toffee-looking wood laced with a butterscotch color. The pillars had twists in the middle, red and white intertwining, looking like a candy cane! On the ceiling, there was a bubblegum-like borders on the top with holes. Noticing some shelves open to public, there were jams, preserves, biscotti, scones, candy, chocolate, and even icing and cake mix! If someone said 'Help yourself' to this place and if it were edible, don't mind if I do!

"Oh! Hello there, Pinkie Pie. Had fun with Plumsweet?"

"I sure did! She even gave me a party-theme suggestion I should try out next time! Ooh and a new punch recipe too! Rainbow Punching Pineapple!" the other pony said-...her name is Pinkie Pie? I figured it had to be something with 'Pink' in her name.

The adult pony looked at me with a smile. "Is this a new friend of yours, Pinkie Pie?" Friends? Hold on, ma'am, we're actually strangers to each other! Though Pinkie Pie is feeling more of a stalker so far...

"Uh-huh! I bumped into him without even looking and we both went "OOF!" and I fell with a thump on my bump and I was all "SO SO Sorry!" and he was all "I was on my way to that delicious house!" and I was like "Let's go! I'll take you there!" Pinkie Pie bragged and bragged...now I feel like I'm being stalked.

Pinkie Pie continued, excited as always for the past minutes. "Mrs. Cake, I want you to meet my new friend-...." An awkward pause came. Wait...Mrs. Cake? Is this how civilians refer to their parents? Great...it's Canterlot all over again. "Hey! You never told me your name! Oh my-haha! How silly of me! Let's start over-" PLEASE! A voice cried inside of me. "-I'm Pinkie Pie! Everypony's friend in Ponyville! What's yours?"

It looked like she wasn't going to interrupt me again, so maybe I can finally say a whole sentence this time. "My name is Memoire. Memoire Lane." Pinkie Pie looked at me with a smile, but as if she was going to laugh. "Memoire...Lane? Hahaha! That's a girly name!" I took that as an insult. "I beg your pardon?!" Pinkie Pie bounced. "Yeah! Where are you from? You're not from out of Equestria or anything are you? Are you?" She asked with a nosy voice. "Well...I'm from Canterlot-"

"Canterlot? Oh my, you must have had a long trip! Here, come into the kitchen. I'll make you a nice meal." Mrs. Cake interrupted me and headed into an area which looked like a kitchen. Actually, at least it was a friendly interruption this time. At least this time, a meal for me! Hooray! I must say, other than Pinkie, her hospitality is so far so good! Although rude of me, I quickly followed Mrs. Cake into the kitchen.

For the kitchen, it was pretty simple with a few improvements here and there. A long table, sink, some stove tops and a couple of ovens. I decided to take a seat. Hopefully, the two won't mind. Then again, so far the hospitality has been great. The hospitality from Pinkie Pie? Err...maybe too much.

"Here you are! I figured I would whip up something filling and simple for you."

"I thought this was a bakery..." I said as Mrs. Cake placed a sandwich with grass, tomato, and lettuce on a plate, as well as a helping of hay. Pinkie Pie appeared by me from the side of the table. "Of course! But we do more than cupcakes,-muffins,-pies,-strusels,-cobblers,-baked-dralaskin-,upside-down-anything, aaannnnd..." She paused and threw some candy by my sandwich. "Even make our own rock candy!" Even hiding from sight from the table? Everywhere I go, she tends to pop up right by me or follows me closely...hello, personal space?!

"Yes," Mrs. Cake laughed because of Pinkie Pie. "We do sometimes make other foods, but we're mostly famous for our sweets, If I do say so myself!" She said proudly with a hoof on her chest. "I have a couple of bits, how much will this-"

"Oh, no need dearie. It's on the house. Think of it as a "Welcome to Ponyville" meal." She approached closer, facing me from the right side of the table. "So, Mr. Lane-"

"Memoire is fine, ma'am." I humbly said. "So, Memoire, what brings you to the town of Ponyville?"

I could start with my story, but it's for the best for me to keep it simple. Plus, they know I am from Canterlot, so they will get the picture. "You see, I came here to Ponyville to find a job. Since I'm here,-"

"I'm home, honeybun! Whew...let me just unhook the cart and-" BOOM! I heard a crashing noise, not to mention another pony-err...stallion as it seems, entered the building. Pinkie Pie jumped and ran to where the noise was: at the entrance. "Oh, that must be my husband, back from the grocery store. Let me go see if he needs a hoof." Mrs. Cake got up and walked to the entrance. It would be very rude of me to stay put...but would it be rude of me to follow, making them think I'm nosy? Well, the delicious meal will have to wait a bit longer, so I got up and followed the two.

"I told you we should have bought that new cart that was on sale! You know that ol' thing is going to give out!" I heard Mrs. Cake's voice.

"Nonsense, dear, it's still in good condition after ten years!" I walked in and took a look- WOAH! Is-is he a gangster or a ruffian?! Oh, man, I hope I can fight well! Okay, on count of-...wait...I examined him more. I noticed his bow tie and his bakery hat he was wearing...and his cutie mark is a couple of tiny cakes. He has a stand out yellow fur color...but...just his posture and...that face! Has anyone ever thought of him being a bad guy? Well, it looks like they know each other well...so I'm okay and-...they're okay.

"Watch, all it needs is just a little bolt here and there and just some adjustment." Assuming he is Mr. Cake, he hit the bottom wheel of the cart with his hoof.

CRACKLE-CRASH!

The cart was in pieces. Mrs. Cake looked with an icy glare. Mr. Cake gave an embarrassed smile. Pinkie Pie laughed and glanced at me. "You okay, Memo? You were about to go all karate and stuff, I think!" Pinkie commented...wait...Memo?! Giving me a nickname already? How rude! "Uh...yeah...I'm fine...and it's Memoire, by the way."

"Naaah...that's too girly. You will have the little fillies going "That's a girly name!" So I did the honor of giving you a nickname! Neat, huh? Do you like it?" Pinkie Pie said as she stood straight in-front of me. Actually...no I don't...

"Oh, a customer? I err...wasn't interrupting anything was I?" Mr. Cake laughed nervously. Mrs. Cake lifted a bucket of icing with her head and put it on the desk with the register. "Ugh." She said being worn out from lifting it. "...No dear. This is Mr. Memoire Lane. He's from Canterlot and new to Ponyville."

"Ooh, Canterlot! Well, Welcome to Sugarcube Corner and Ponyville, Mr. Memoire Lane!" Mr. Cake stated happily. "You must have had a long trip, would you like us to make you-"

"A MEAL!" Mrs. Cake jumped and realized that I hadn't eaten my simple meal yet. "Oh my you didn't have to get up! Go on, go back!" She pushed me with her hooves back into the kitchen. "I-it's alright!" But then again, I still am starving! Time to hit that meal!

...

My stomach was satisfyingly full...Wow, I could eat more, but I don't want to pester them too much. "Thank you so much, Mrs. Cake. That trip on hoof was very long. The meal hit the spot!" I said. Mr. Cake was standing straight ahead and Mrs. Cake to my right.

"You're quite welcome. So...what was it that you were here for again?" Mrs. Cake asked. Mr. Cake is now in the conversation, so back to the same basic sentence.

"You see...I came from Canterlot to find a job. I was wondering if you had any job openings in Sugarcube Corner. Well, since Pinkie Pie welcomed me in and...anyways, whatever job it is that is opened, I'm willing to take!"

Mr. and Mrs. Cake looked at each other with a serious look. Oh no...No job openings. Great-

"Mr. Lane...the thing is..." Mr. Cake started. "No one has ever come into Sugarcube Corner, requesting a job!" Mrs. Cake added. No one...ever went inside to request a job? What kind of town is this? Maybe it's family owned? Oh no...Looks like it's disappointment around the corner rather than Sugarcube Corner. "Oh no, how do these things work? I mean, do we give out tests or something? Do we write a letter?" Mrs. Cake looked worried. "We're not professionals!"

"Oh dear, don't worry! I'm pretty sure everything is simple!" Then they went into huddle mode. I hear whispering back and forth, also's and but's, even if's and...wait that's pretty much what I heard. My bad. They then looked at each other and stopped whispering.

"Well...we could always use an extra hoof in some areas." Mrs. Cake said.

"And...we were stuck with an idea to start delivering..." Mr. Cake said. They then looked at me with a huge smile, as big as Pinkie Pie's I might add!

"YOU'RE HIRED!" They both yelled excitedly. Well...that was quick and easy. But...something just jumped in my mind...the most important thing of staying in Ponyville! There's no other way unless I make a makeshift tent...I...need to find a hotel...I just hope the rates are fine...

With a small smile, I responded. "That's great. I'm excited...just...do you know where the nearest hotel is?" Mr. Cake then responded. "The last one I saw on the way here was closed for the day." I sighed. Well, looks like it's camp time. I felt rather disappointed...what kind of pony or stallion camps out while having a job? Before I spiraled down into more sadness, a voice came. "Well, we do have the nursery. I'll roll the crib into our room for the night, until you get a hotel room tomorrow." Mrs. Cake happily offered. "That's a relief. Thank you so much-"

Pinkie Pie then came into the picture. "Yay! That means we can stay up late, tell ghost stories, even snack late! I'll tell you how to-" Mrs. Cake then glared. "Pinkie! What did I tell you about eating extra sweets?!" Pinkie Pie gave an embarrassed smile. "Whoopsies. Well, there goes that secret between you and me! Hehe!" she hoofed me on the side. Wait...what secret? The only secret I see is...something with sweets...hmm...

"Hey Pinkie, do you like sweets?" I asked. At the very least escorting me to this place...and maybe acting like a stalker, I could ask some questions and get to know her...and understand her! "Sweets? I LOVE SWEETS! Not to mention throwing parties with sweets. Oh-and-the-confetti-and-the-music-and-the-dancing-and-meeting-new-people-and-saying-funny-jokes-and-telling-funny-stories-and-bobbing-for-apples-and-even-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey!"she pauses and yells out the window. "No offense, Mr. Stablehooves!" and a voice yelled back. "None taken, Pie!" Wow...she definitely knows everypony err...donkey here.

Okay...well, there sacrifices my 'Try to get to know her' moment.

"Um...Cuppy dear? Did you remember to deliver those eclairs to Miss Rarity?" I noticed Mr. Cake was away, hence the yelling voice. We both walked out and went to where he was. He was looking below the register where there was clear, pink glass below it. It was housing a white box with a red ribbon. "Oh dear, I got caught up in things and forgot to tell Pinkie about it!"

"Rarity ordered eclairs?" Pinkie Pie looked confused. "I didn't know that!" Well, duh...Mrs. Cake forgot to tell her about it...she looked a bit nervous and frantic, pacing back and forth. "Oh...I hope she won't be mad for this late delivery. I really hate to lose a dear customer and make Pinkie's friend mad-"

"I'll deliver it-"

"I'LL DELIVER IT!" I blurted out, interrupting Pinkie Pie. They looked at me with a confused look...and I couldn't help but give an embarrassed smile. Mrs. Cake gave a wide smile. "Oh, Memoire, on the job already? Very honorable of you! Dearie, please help Memoire get situated to deliver the eclairs to Miss Rarity." Drat...well looking on the bright side of things, at least I can show them that I'm willing to take whatever jobs they give me for this place. Mr. Cake picked up the box with his mouth from below where the register was, and placed it on my back.

"W-woah..." I said silently, trying to keep my balance on the eclairs. "You got that?" Mr. Cake asked me. "Yeah...I'll be able to handle carrying this. Just a refresh of reflexes I needed!" I proudly said. "Alright dear, it's not that far from here. It's called Carousel Boutique. It really stands out from all the buildings of Ponyville. You can't miss it!" She smiled.

"Alright. I understand! I'll be right back!" I said. Before I headed outside, I noticed Pinkie Pie was rummaging in a box of things...things I couldn't see. Well...it's probably just one of her random acts she does as always. With that, I headed outside.

It's sunset. The shading from the beautiful sky really brings out the village-style buildings in this neighborhood, giving them an orange-pinkish look. Stepping away from the stairs of Sugarcube Corner, it made the building even more attractive with the sunset. Looking at all of the ponies, heading home it seems, it seemed peaceful. No loud noises, just some simple talking, pointing, and 'how was your day' here and there. This really contrasts to Canterlot, where I lived. Yes...I think my father was right about this place after all, and not only for the jobs part.

Well, I better speed up my walking a bit. Mrs. Cake said the building really stood out. I took a good look around and apparently, my destination must be straight ahead. Far away, I could see a couple of tents, flags, and a fancy-looking building as if it were a doll house! In my point of view, it really does stand out. The sun is coming down, so I decided to change my walking into a jog. I pray that the customer is happy!

I crossed the bridge that was over the creek and was almost intimidated...that building looks like something that would be from Canterlot! There's just a few things and styles around here that make it look like it actually is Canterlot! The color, the ribbons in some areas, the texture of the house...either the customer is from Canterlot or it is some huge coinceidence. I placed my hoof and banged on the door. At least the eclairs are safe and-

"Well it's about time!" I heard a voice and I gulped. Oh man...here it comes-

"Pinkie Pie why are you late? It's not normal-" the door opened to reveal a white unicorn with a beautiful velvet-like purple mane. She must be from Canterlot...I knew it. This is bad.

She looked at me awkwardly. "Hey...you're not Pinkie Pie. Who are you? If it is anything you are selling, then I'm definitely not interested, as I'm waiting for an important package for the night!"

Being intimidated...I stuttered. "Um...y-you're Miss Rarity?" She looked a bit annoyed. "Yes that is my name. At least you're a gentleman to call me 'Miss' on our first meeting." She then smiled a bit.

"Yes, I...brought you the box of eclairs you wanted." I tried to force a smile from my fear. Oh man...I hope I won't get yelled at or request for it to be free or anything. Was I too late? I thought the store was based on quality over speed!

"Oh, the eclairs for Sweetie Belle's and I tea party! You just came in the nick of time, as we finished brewing the tea!" I leaned forward, letting the box slide off my neck and off my head. "Where is Pinkie Pie though? And who are you? I have never seen someone like you here."

"Well, there was some mix up and forgetfulness...so I insisted on delivering these eclairs to you. Heh, my first job of the day. I'm Memoire. Memoire Lane. I came here and took a job in Sugarcube Corner. Is that all you need, ma'am?" I tried to be as gentle-mane-ly (Heh get it? Great...trait from being around Pinkie Pie today. I don't want to make lame jokes.)

While I was talking, she was busy looking in the box, lifting the top with her hoof. "One...two...three...four. The eclairs seem to be delicious and perfect as always. For your first delivery, I must say, you did very well Memoire! I see they decided to make the delivery service official?"

I just started working...so I tried to answered with the best of my knowledge. "Well, it was a thing being talked about...so I guess you could say it's a testing phase?" I smiled. Rarity gave a big smile. "Well, please send my regards to Pinkie, Mr., and Mrs. Cake if you please! I am really satisfied for you bringing these eclairs right on time!"

Score! I couldn't help but lift my front hooves up in the air. Realizing a lady was right there, I put them down and continued my forced smile. She gave a slight giggle. "Well, thank you again Memoire, and welcome to Ponyville!" I then responded. "Thank you, and have a nice tea party!" With that, I turned away, and the door was closed. I could hear a fading voice. "Oh Sweetie Belle! The eclairs are here!"

I looked up at the sky. The sunset was about to end and it seemed night was on its way. If I had the power, I would have requested Luna to pull the moon out a little later, but that would be selfish. With a satisfied customer, and a satisfied duty done, I made my way back to Sugarcube Corner. The lights were on and there seemed to be some ponies in there. It must be some night special of sweets. That's pretty new to me if that's the case. Anyways...when I swung the door open...

"SURPRIIIISE!!!" Pinkie Pie jumped in front of me with confetti. I jumped and it felt like my eyeballs were going to fall out from the shock of my surroundings. "P-Pinkie?! What's all this?!" I noticed around me there were ponies and stallions dancing, some sweets put out, and music playing. There was even balloons and party favors all around!

"Well, when you left to deliver those eclairs, I had a super fantastic idea! I decided to throw a "Welcome to Ponyville, New Friend" party just for you! Isn't it great? Huh? I knew it would be! What kind of pony wouldn't throw a party for their new friend and their first time ever being in Ponyville, huh Memo?"

Pinkie Pie jumped around me. "Wait 'til I introduce you to my other friends, Memo!" Friends?! Party?! I couldn't help but just feel so...invaded and so uncomfortable with all this! This isn't natural! "There's Twilight Sparkle, Plumsweet, ooh and Big Macintosh, Applejack, Fluttershy, you already met my friend Rarity, how was she? Did you two get along? Anyways, there's Rainbow-Dash,-Blossomforth,-Mochaccino,-Meadowsong,-Cotton-Cloudy,-Roseluck-,Holly-Dash-"

"STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!" I waved my hooves around. The music was loud enough that the ponies and stallions around me didn't hear...yet Pinkie Pie was right by me and heard. "Stopping." She said in a low voice and smile. "Pinkie Pie...this is too much!" I said. It's time I put my hoof down! Enough is enough with this...friend-stalker thing! "Too much? Hmm is it the confetti? Maybe I should have used less, or is it the balloons? Maybe too much. Maybe-"

"No, no, and no!" I interupted her. "This friend thing...it has to stop!" Pinkie Pie's eyes turned from the happy to the sad and shocked eyes. "W-what?"

"Ever since I stepped into Ponyville, you've been nothing but a stalker and a nosy pony! You rudely said my name was girly, gave me a nickname automatically-my name is Memoire-not Memo! You never left my personal space, and you stated you were my friend when we are complete strangers! That's enough Pinkie! In fact, you don't even feel like a friend to me! You feel like...like...a stalker! That's what you are to me!" I breathed heavily, letting all my annoyance and anger out. I could say even more, but I think that just about sums it up! It's too much!

A peculiar thing happened...out of all the things I expected. I expected her to cry, to whimper, to yell back at me maybe, or maybe run away...instead...her curly hair fell to the sides as I heard a balloon go off...her hair became straight flat...and a frown came upon her face. Oh no...did I break her? I don't know if that was too much...did anypony ever say something like that to her? Maybe...I'm the first.

I shook my head, unable to even start a topic. "L-look...I'll head to bed early. Good night." I flatly stated and went up the stairs as the music was still playing, the ponies and stallions dancing and playing games, and me...feeling emotionless going up the stairs.

But...before I was away from the hearing point of her talking...I heard her whimpering voice. "I just...just wanted him to be my friend." Then Mrs. Cake's voice faded as I continued walking. "Oh honey...he just needs some space. Give him time..."

The hallway was kind of bleak...comparing to the outside and inside of the bakery. It was all gray and blue. I guess it really suits my mood so far. I could hear the booming of the drums from the soundbox below. Maybe...I just need some rest. I hope they don't mind me using their tub for the night-

"Memoire?" Mrs. Cake was right behind me. Oh man...what to say. I can expect her to say 'You're fired' for disrespecting their daughter. I can understand that. Before Mrs. Cake said anything, I responded. "I-I'm sorry about that Mrs. Cake. It was...too much. I didn't mean to make her get that upset."

"I understand, dearie. That's just Pinkie Pie. It's normal for her to be like that to people. She always wants to make friends with others and throw parties for them." She said. Wow...that's normal Pinkie Pie? And she makes friends with everyone and throws parties for them? Now...I almost feel like a complete jerk. I wish a few ponies and stallions heard that, just to know how much I was. I then looked at Mrs. Cake with a straight face. "Maybe I'll go apologize to her-"

"No...no...it's too soon. Why don't you wait until tomorrow? You had a long day, travelling from Canterlot and doing your first delivery. Feel free to use the bathroom and go to sleep after. Things will be better tomorrow." Mrs. Cake gave a small but concerning smile. "I-I will...thank you Mrs. Cake...may I ask one question if I may?" I asked...I hope it wasn't too much. "Of course, dearie. What is it?" that smile never seemed to fade. "In Ponyville...this...hospitality...is this normal?"

Mrs. Cake then looked at me, as if she were my mother. "It's always like that. We always welcome everypony that's in need, no matter how they look or where they are from." I closed my eyes and looked down...trying to understand why. At Canterlot, no one ever is like that. Why...here? And why with me that acted like that? "I...see...Thank you again, Mrs. Cake...and good night."

"Good night, Memoire. Just be sure to be up at seven o'clock." I nodded in agreement. With that, she walked away and back downstairs. The booming from the music started to fade away. Well...I better freshen up before I head to bed.

...

After freshening up, I went and head to my temporary bedroom. I saw a mattress on the floor with two blankets and two pillows. The walls and flooring seemed to almost be the same as the hallway, except there seems to be cloud swirls on the wall within the dark. There were some toy boxes that seemed to be stuffed with toys...and a netted play place that is still up. Well...for a sudden guest for the night, I appreciate to have a decent sleeping space. Then again...do I really deserved this right after what I said to Pinkie Pie? Either way...I slowly walked to the mattress and lied right on it, laying on my side.

...What was Canterlot like before I came into Ponyville? Memories started flashing back towards me with my previous jobs and my settlement in the city. I could hear the voices...

"Oh! Look on the newspaper! Gustave LeGrand is doing an amazing cooking show this weekend!" it was the voice of a female unicorn.

When I was serving tea to them, I placed the tray on the table. "Gustave LeGrand! I heard he won first prize with his sauteed snail recipe last year!" the female unicorn and male unicorn made a glare at me that time, as if I was sort of nosy.

Then...there was that one time a rich senior earth pony tripped when he walked out the door of the linen marketplace. "Are you okay, sir?" That time, I ran to him and offered a hoof. "Get your filthy hooves off my cuffs!" he shoved my hoof away and held his head up high in disgust and walked away.

Then...when I was delivering pipes to a train station. "Here you go! You ordered two long ones and four medium-" a loud response came from the construction worker. "You're three minutes late! Don't you realize we're losing bits each second?!"

...This was the reason...that was why I left Canterlot. How could the ponies there be so rude, cruel, and taking things for granted? And...and this whole time...I was shown nothing but hospitality and an eager pony to be my friend...That was all on the first day...and I blew it, just by saying those horrible things to Pinkie Pie. I feel sick...so sick...what have I done?

I couldn't help but feel a bit dead inside. Just saying those things...made me feel I was like everypony from Canterlot! I...I have to do something tomorrow. I have to make it up to the Cakes and Pinkie Pie. I have to apologize to Pinkie Pie...and not only because of what I said...it's what I took for granted!

But...Mrs. Cake said to wait tomorrow. If what she says is true, then it's for the best I get some sleep. I closed my eyes and waited for the next morning...

Author's Notes:

Before anyone comments about the story starting abruptly...isn't Pinkie always abrupt?:P

"Well, everygriffon if you count that one time that snobby griffon visited Ponyville." - *Gilda...nuff said. I don't think Gustave counts as a resident...does he? Nah...*

'She had a beautiful blue sky fur and a pink-blended mane like bubblegum...like mother like daughter I suppose?'
'Wait...Mrs. Cake? Is this how civilians refer to their parents? Great...it's Canterlot all over again. ' - *Memoire still thinks Mr. and Mrs. Cake are the parents of Pinkie Pie...lulz.*

"Of course! But we do more than cupcakes,-muffins,-pies,-strusels,-cobblers,-baked-dralaskin-,upside-down-anything, aaannnnd..."She paused and threw some candy by my sandwich. "Even make our own rock candy!" - *Baked Dralaskin is a take from the desert, Baked Alaskan. Wouldn't make sense for Alaskan to be in there, so I made it up...there are ice dragons I bet! And the rock candy? Well they might end up making candy treats in the future...or are they already?*

"There's Twilight Sparkle, Plumsweet, ooh and Big Macintosh, Applejack, Fluttershy, you already met my friend Rarity, how was she? Did you two get along? Anyways, there's Rainbow-Dash,-Blossomforth,-Mochaccino,-Meadowsong,-Cotton-Cloudy,-Roseluck-,Holly-Dash-" - *homage to the existing other ponies and pony toys.*

A Sugarcube Around The Corner Part 2

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A Sugarcube Around the Corner Part 2

The second part of parties and fun! Will Pinkie be able to get past Memoire's outburst?

RRRIIIIIINNNNG!!!

My eyes flipped wide open with the clock that was by the door. I gave a huge yawn and got up. First things first...got to stop that annoying clock. I knocked the side with my hoof and it stopped. I wish I could sleep longer, but then I realized that yesterday night I was told to be up at this time.

I walked to the window and looked outside. The sky was a beautiful violet with the brilliant orange appearing above it. The birds started tweeting. A few early ponies are taking a stroll...maybe going to work or doing their errands. I walked out of the room and headed straight to the bathroom.

The bathroom was empty. I walked in and closed the door and flipped the light on. I looked at my reflection...ugh...I look terrible. My mane is all messy, and my eyes have some wear too. I flipped the faucet on, took a rag from below the sink, dunked it in the filled sink, and wiped my face.

"Brrrrrr!" I shook my head to get all the water off. That feels so much better. My mane was still messy...I flattened it out the best I could with my hooves, and my style started looking normal. Yeah...that will do. I flipped the switch off and walked out of the bathroom, heading downstairs.

It seemed a bit different yesterday...maybe because only a few lights are on. There was nopony around. "Uh...Mr. Cake?" I started walking around, heading to the register. I looked behind and even by the entrance. No pony there... "Um...Mrs. Cake?" No response either. I went into a huge empty room...the lights were off, but I could notice some catering tables here and there. "Pinkie Pie-"

PINKIE PIE!!! I NEARLY FORGOT! NO, I TOTALLY FORGOT! All those things I said to her yesterday! What if she hates me now for it? What if she'll be sad forever because of what I said? Oh man...hope she didn't run away or anything...what would her parents say?! They would put the blame on me, of course!

I could picture the grim scenario that would come..."Memoire! This is all your fault! We can't find Pinkie anywhere!" Mrs. Cake was yelling at me. "Get out of here! You're not welcomed into our store anymore! In fact...you're not welcomed to Ponyville!" Mr. Cake walked towards me with an angry look.

My puff of imagination was gone. I ran around panicking. I didn't yell for her name or anything. I don't know if they're still asleep or anything and-...Hey, the kitchen is fully lit...I walked in and there was a smaller table in the back...and a figure sitting there. It looked like Pinkie Pie...only her hair is straight...wait...

That is Pinkie Pie...An awkward chill filled inside of me. My heart sank, feeling guilty. It doesn't seem right...ever since I came here, I'm so used to her bouncing around and her gleeful attitude. I walked slowly to her, hoping not to make a sound. She was just facing the wall...hiding her face.

With the long table and kitchen counter they have, it felt like an eternity walking to her. It felt like each second took five. It’s even hard for me to walk to where she is. I couldn't even feel my hooves walking...

I'm scared...what should I say? I'm sorry I was a complete jerk? I'm sorry for you being so nice to me? All these thoughts...it's killing me, like I could feel something stabbing me in the back.

The tablecloth was a beautiful yellow, which could describe just about what kind of pony she is: an always happy one and making it a sunshiny day...and I blew it. I was right behind her...Well...here I go...I took a deep breath.

"Pinkie Pie...I-"

Pinkie suddenly turned around and was still having that sorrowful smile. "I'm so sorry, Memoire! I didn't mean to make you feel that way! I noticed you were new to Ponyville and-"

"Pinkie..."

"And I just wanted to be sure you at least had a friend! I don't like seeing any pony alone!-"

"Pinkie Pie..."

"And I wanted you to feel welcomed to Ponyville! I know how awkward it can be in a new place and-"

"PINKIE!!!" I yelled. Pinkie then backed away with the chair, in shock. "I'm sorry too." Pinkie Pie looked at me, confused, and still with those watery-looking eyes. "What?"

Wait...I started that wrong. "No...you don't have to be sorry. I'm the one who should be sorry...I take back what I said to you last night." My words were starting to stutter a bit. I just feel so guilty and scared...and I don't want her to be sad, mad, or even scared of me. "Pinkie... I... I was wrong. Ever since I came into Ponyville, you welcomed me with open hooves...open hooves to a complete stranger! No one has ever done something like that for me. I admit the party was too much and you were different than the other ponies... but back in Canterlot, no pony was ever like that!"

"R-really?" A smile was about to form. I smiled back. "Yeah, Pinkie. I admit you do a tad bit much welcoming a pony like me into Ponyville and suddenly become my friend...but back in Canterlot...I had no friends. What you did, even without my permission, you became my friend. Just like that."

Her smile got bigger. "F-friend?" I nodded. "Yeah... I hope you will forgive me for what I said...and...in fact, I hope you can be my friend! Can we...start over maybe? I mean...we are going work together in Sugarcube Corner, aren't we?"

I could see her teeth showing with that big smile of hers, and for some weird reason, her hair popped up to be all curly again. "Yaaaay!!" she bounced around. "I'm SUPER-DUPER happy you’re my friend again!" and she peeked at me from behind. "And why would nopony want to be friends with you? Well, from this day forward, Pinkamena Diane Pie will show you what it is like to have a friend in Ponyville! Yahoo!" she said and she jumped over me. Pinkamena...Diane...Pie? Is that her whole name? Sounds a little weird to me. I'll stick with Pinkie or Pinkie Pie.

"Are you two going to sit there, or will you come over and have your breakfast?" I heard Mrs. Cake's voice. There she was, on the other side of the long table with her husband. Wait...how long have they been standing there? I noticed extra visitors though...There were two highchairs. One had a baby pegasus...it had a blue bib on it so I assume it-err...is a he. One had a baby unicorn...a pink bib so I assume it-err...is a she. The room I was sleeping in was a nursery, so it must be their children. Heh...I must say they are adorable. If they want something, I wouldn’t hesitate to give it to them!

"'Morning Mr. and Mrs. Cake!" Pinkie Pie bounced to them, ducked, and appeared in between the two babies. "And good morning to you Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake!" they giggled. With Pinkie's head moving while referring to them, I know who is who now. "Pinkie" Pound said. "Pie!" Pumpkin finished, then they giggled again.

"Oh, you two were so sleepy and tired yesterday! I didn't even introduce you to my new friend!" Pinkie said. "Say hello to Memoire Lane!" she showed me off with her hoof.

They just stared at me. I just continued smiling...for a weird five seconds...

"Girly..." Pound said.

"Name..." Pumpkin said. And they both giggled. Them too as well? Great...Pinkie Pie just laughed and appeared right by me. "Hehe...they think your name is girly...my nickname is up for grabs still, if you're ever interested!" I then responded. "I'll think about it." I couldn't help but give a slight laugh.

Mrs. Cake then started to pass down bowls to each of us. I find it weird to have one of my bosses to serve me breakfast...but I guess they understand since I just slept in their own building. I looked down in the bowl...it appears to have some flowers and hay with some milk in it. I couldn't help but looking disgusted with it...I was hoping for a big breakfast. "Oh, I know that look, dearie. Always start with a small, nutritious breakfast! You don't want a stomache ache now would you?" Mr. Cake then responded. "That's right! Plus, we always test our goodies before we package them and put them up for sale! Oh, which reminds me! Pinkie, would you be willing to teach Memoire some of our store's famous recipes?"

Pinkie Pie did a jump. "I’d LOVE to! And I know just the perfect recipe to start with!" THWACK! Ow! A small spoon was thrown to me, right in my face. While rubbing my face, I could hear Mrs. Cake's voice. "Pound Cake! Silverware to yourself, mister!" she scolded. I then looked at him. Looks like that one is a hitter...and Pumpkin Cake? She already finished her breakfast too... even trying to eat the bowl! That one... is, an eater...that's for sure.

"Anyways, speaking of recipes, I would like to see how things are made. Everything you sell looks irresistible!" I said. Oh, and I said that because I was sort of expecting to have their jam, streusel cake, and some savory fruit to go with it. I wonder if I'll be taste testing some of those. Praise Celestia if I do!

...

After finishing our breakfast, we headed to the main part of the shop. I could see Pound and Pumpkin sitting on a rug near an empty shelf, playing with their toys. I couldn't help but thinking that it was adorable. Mrs. and Mr. Cake stood there, about to discuss the things I will be doing.

"Alright then, No deliveries expected so far this morning, so Pinkie Pie will teach you a couple of our recipes. Just be sure not to... uh... burn the building down-"

"HONEY!" Mrs. Cake shoved a hoof on the side. "What Carrot means...is...uh..." I just laughed as Mrs. Cake was embarrassed. "Don't worry. I used to work in a cafe back in Canterlot. Most of the appliances you have are very familiar to me. I'll just need Pinkie Pie to give me a walk through it."

"Speaking of Pinkie Pie, she should be almost done-"

"I'm done!" Pinkie Pie jumped from behind the couple. "...prepping the ingredients and pans..." Mr. Cake finished. "Thank you for doing this for us, Pinkie Pie. We figured you would explain it much better than us." Mrs. Cake said then glared at the nervous Mr. Cake. "No problemo! I love to make and bake treats for everyone!" Hearing Pinkie Pie saying that made me comfortable. With her, I could ace this!

"Alright you two, we'll be managing the storefront while you start making your de-licious treats!" Mrs. Cake said with glee. Mr. Cakes was showing a nervous smile. Pinkie Pie just took my hoof with hers and pulled me, heading into the kitchen. "Well, what are you waiting for? Come on, slowey pokey!" she said. With that, we went into the kitchen.

...

On the long table, I noticed it was packed with a bag of flour, bag of sugar, some small bottles, one big bottle of buttermilk, three mixing bowls with whisks, wooden spoons, and two cupcake pans. I also noticed there was a wooden basket with a bunch of bananas in it. Looks like the recipe will be banana cupcakes. This looks exciting and sounds delicious...but with Mr. Cake just blurting out for me not to burn the building down intrigues me. Someone who seems humble sure seems...very paranoid.

Pinkie Pie was heading to the mixing bowls. I had to fill my curiosity, so I asked. "Hey Pinkie...what was with Mr. Cake back there?" Pinkie Pie looked both ways, and used her hoof as sign language for me to come closer.

I walked closer. She signaled me again.

I walked even closer. Again, she signaled me.

I walked even-

"Oh come on!" I said, showing her I was a tad bit annoyed. She just giggled. "I'm just playing with ya, silly!" Pinkie then began. "You see, before I came into Sugarcube Corner, Mrs. Cake had an accident with one of the ovens. She actually put the temperature higher than normal, a big, BIG mistake! The smoke filled the building so much, you could see it seep out of the windows!"

"Wow...did the building burn down?" I asked worriedly.

She giggled. "Nah, she burnt a razzleberry pie." Whew...thank goodness...but I still can't understand why- "Oh and well...it took a lot of trust for Mr. Cake to give to those who use the ovens and stoves. He even said the same thing to me: "Don't burn the building down." on my first try for cooking! He's always afraid those who use it will start a fire or something...but he's just so silly and worried. That won't EVER happen!"

That seems very understandable. I could imagine that he would have the memory of the smell of the smoke and the watery of his eyes coming back to him. I remember at the cafe I worked at...someone started a fire on the stove. Now, that wasn't a pretty sight. If Mr. Cakes worked- err...owned that place, he would have probably not let a single pony even stare at the stove!

"Come on! Let's get started! We’re gonna make lots and lots of batches of our famous recipe!" Pinkie Pie jumped as she talked. As I walked closer to the table-wait...I just stepped on something. I looked on the floor and saw a worn out chef hat...heh...I don't mind playing dress up in this case! I took the chef hat, put it on, and went to Pinkie Pie. She giggled a bit, "You think you're a chef already? You haven’t even started on the cupcakes yet!" I stated, "Well...would be nice if I were famous just like Gustave LeGrand." She joked, "Just don't get that funny accent!" We both let out a loud laugh.

I looked at Pinkie Pie. "Alrighty then! First, put in two and three-fourths cup of flour." I grabbed a mixing bowl that looked red. I looked for the measuring cup...there was a huge one, so I took that and measured approximately that...maybe it was right below three cups, give or take a couple of grains, but that will do. "Great! Now one and one-fourth teaspoons of baking powder." I kinda missed a part there..."That's one and one-fourth, correct?" She nodded. "Yep! Absolutely tutely!"

"Alright, what's next?" I asked. "One teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt!" I did just that. I figured there would be salt in this...it's a secret ingredient for all sweets. "Okey dokey! Now let's mix the other part!" ...wait there's more? "The...other part?" I asked. "Yup! A stick of butter, and a fourth cup of shortening!" Since it is 'another part', I assumed we had to seperate the bowls, so I grabbed the green mixing bowl and where is that shortening... shortening... yeah there it is. I can see why it's so easy to mix up all this...they're nearly the same shade of white! Good thing everything is labeled accordingly. I could see all the opened containers of stuff all around me.

"Alright now stir all that up! And I'll help you with the next part!"

"The...next part?" My brain was almost wore out...Pinkie Pie went below the table, grabbed a bag of sugar, and dumped it in the mixing bowl with her eyes glittering. I could tell that was one of her favorite parts. It looked as bright as snow! "Why can't snow taste like sugar?" I asked in hopes. She responded. "Well, I had rain that tasted like chocolate milk!" Wait...she did? ...Nah, knowing Pinkie so far, it's probably one of her crazy dreams...crazy dreams I wish I had now since it had chocolate rain! Why does this remind me of a song? Weird...

Then, speaking of songs, I noticed something...Pinkie Pie started humming a song. It's none of the songs I've ever heard on the radio or in Canterlot. It seemed very happy. "Hey Pinkie...what are you humming?" I asked. "Oh, just one of my songs my friends like!" she continued humming as she put some ingredients for icing in a white mixing bowl. "I've never heard of that one, wait...YOUR song?" Pinkie Pie nodded excitedly. "Yeah, you wanna hear it? I always love singing!"

"It's kind of tense here listening to all of what we're doing...so go ahead." I smiled. As we were continuing our recipe, she started singing:

"All you have to do is take a cup of flour! Add it to the mix!"

"Now just take a little something sweet, not sour! A bit of salt, just a pinch!"

"Baking these treats is such a cinch! Add a teaspoon of vanilla!"

"Add a little more, and you count to four, And you never get your fill of..."

"Cupcakes! So sweet and tasty! Cupcakes! Don't be too hasty! Cupcakes! Cupcakes, cupcakes, CUPCAKES!"

...

DING!

It actually went pretty fast for just having one cupcake as a test in the oven. I took a hoofmit, opened the oven, and pulled out the cupcake pan that held a lonely cupcake. I shook the cupcake on the counter and it flopped off cleanly from the pan. Pinkie Pie then took a knife and split the cupcake between us. We both took a bite...

To me, it tasted decent. I could taste the banana and the slight sweetness of the sugar, but there was something missing..."Hmm..." Pinkie Pie went. I think she had the same idea. "It's just...something is missing. Weird, but I never experienced a cupcake like that!"

"Maybe we need to add the icing to it?"

"No! Icing is just an add-on flavor, not a blending flavor!" Pinkie Pie stated. Right...of course. It's like ice cream and apple pie. Each taste what it's suppose to on their own, but it is superb when joined together. Pinkie Pie was holding a different cupcake. Must be one that was made a day ago or so. She took a bite of it. She took a piece of it on the other side and threw it at me. I caught it with my mouth and tasted it.

Then a light bulb clicked on for me. It was obvious! "What's missing, what's missing, what's missing? I just can't put my hoof on it!" Pinkie Pie said as she was in thinking mode. I ended her thinking mode by saying "Moistness!"

"Huh?"

"The moistness of the cupcake! Maybe the extra bits of flour made it dry up a bit." I stated.

"Yeah...you really, really need to be careful on the flour!" She said. "Well, at least we agreed on making only one cupcake first, huh?" I gave a proud smile. Pinkie Pie laughed. "Hey, when you first mentioned it, I thought the same thing!"

"Sure you did...sure..." I rolled my eyes. "No time to gloat, you shmoat!" Shmoat? Is that even a word?! "We gotta figure out what to add to help with the moistness! I'd hate to add more butter...it would be too buttery! I'd hate to add more milk...it would be too milky!" I then continued after her. "Yeah, and adding more banana would just make it taste like eating a banana..." Pinkie Pie opened the top cupboards to see if she could find anything. I decided to assist her just to see if we had any ideas.

I walked to the huge fridge in the kitchen. Wow...look at all the butter, buttermilk, milk, cream-...cream...maybe that will help! "Pinkie Pie, how about adding some cream to it?"

"Nooo, then it would be too creamy!...Wait...that's it! You're a genius! Well, I'm a genius too because I said "It would be too creamy" and that would be perfect!"

"Yeah, the batter seems to be at a perfect liquid, so maybe two or three tablespoons?" I turned to Pinkie Pie, who was inspecting the batter in the pink bowl. "Hmm...okey dokey! Three should just be enough and no more!"

...

DING!

The lone cupcake came out of the oven as I took the pan while wearing my hoofmit. As before, I plopped it on the counter and Pinkie sliced a half for each of us. We both took a bite...

..."Ahhh"...and fainted from the deliciousness of the cupcake. It was divine...Pinkie Pie then jumped "It tastes perfect! That was a super, duper, awesome idea, Memoire! I'll add it to memo-err... a note." Pinkie gave an embarrassing smile, as I noticed she was joking with my name again. "Yeah, that's actually a good idea...PinkaMEANa." I countered. She laughed and I laughed as well.

I just realized as I looked at the kitchen clock at the exit: two hours passed after we joked around and perfected the batter! "Err...I think we should hurry up and put all of the batter in the cupcake pans." I said as I grabbed the cupcake pans. Pinkie Pie nodded. "Alrighty!" she grabbed the pink bowl and I held the cupcake pan steady. She poured the batter evenly in each hole. As I can tell from her tongue and the stare of her eyes, she's really passionate about baking treats!

"Hey, Pinkie Pie. What made you start baking treats in the first place?"

"Well, I love the taste of them, and each time I eat them, I feel all warm and fuzzy and happy! I always like to feel that way!" She replied, continuing her concentration on the batter. Weird...I figured it would probably because it was either fun or just the taste. Then again, everything seems 'fun' to Pinkie Pie so far, even if I only saw her do a few things. She is right though, there is always a nice, comfortable feel when you eat something so delicious and it feels like you're welcomed with open hooves to the place. No one likes to feel the opposite...okay you got me from before with me thinking she was a stalker... but now I know better!

Alright, we have the batter in the pans. I passed them to her from the table and into the oven with the closed door. She started setting the timer and now...we wait.

"That was actually pretty fun. Wish my other jobs were as fun as that." I sighed. "Yeah, you never told us about the places you worked at, Memoire! What were they like? Oh, you said they weren't as fun as this. What made you say that?"

"Well..."

...

Time passed and we took the cupcakes out of the oven to cool before we were going to ice them. "No way! I thought it was some sort of ninja skills for you to pop up at random places like that!" I stated as Pinkie was telling me her secret to popping up at random places. She giggled. "Nah, that's all there is too it! You better not tell anyone though, it's my Pinkie Power! Well, one of them." I laughed.

During the next hour, while the next batch of cupcakes was baking, I told Pinkie Pie how things were in Canterlot, as well as my boring and stressful jobs. She also talked to me about her other good friends. Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity, who I delivered the eclairs to. They seemed to have great times together. Although they're girls, I would like to meet them sometime. Finally, I asked her how she was able to pop up in the unexpected places. I was shocked to find out the answer. As we were icing the cupcakes...

"Hello, dearies! Are the cupcakes done? You two took quite a while!" Mrs. Cake came in, with her always cheerful attitude. She then looked at me, holding her laugh. "Where did you find that hat, Mr. Lane?" I just noticed that I was still wearing the old chef hat! I took it off and hid it behind me...I think my face even started turning red. "Ahem, we're done. Pinkie and I are just finishing icing the cupcakes!" Pinkie and I split up icing the cupcakes and also placing one banana slice on top of each.

"Good job! I bet, thanks to Pinkie, you've already gotten the hang of it!" Well, it was my first try. I think one or two more times would have me ace at it like Pinkie. "Yup, and we both had a super fantastic fun time making them!" Pinkie hopped.

I noticed Mr. Cake walked in, and as he looked around, he sighed in relief. At least for now he trusts me, I hope. "Memoire, after you and Pinkie are finished with the cupcakes, I'm going to the carpentry store to find a new cart for our delivery service." he said as he walked up to me. "I would like your opinion since you may be doing most of the delivery."

I nodded. "Of course, sir. We're almost finished." I said as Pinkie and I continued our icing job. I then heard his voice. "Hey...is that my old hat?" Well, that explains everything.

...

It was the afternoon. It took half an hour to get there, since the carpentry shop was in the outskirts of Ponyville. It was a bit bigger than the other local businesses. I suppose they house the huge stuff, such as carts. We noticed outside they had some loose wood, farm tools, and some used products. One of the used products being a cart.

"Hey, there's one!" Mr. Cake pointed. I then stated. "Mrs. Cake wanted a brand new one. As I quote:"

"No ifs, ands, or buts about it Carrot! I'm not having another cart drag splinters inside our home!" Mrs. Cake said as my flashback spoke.

"Right...Of course. Heh, didn't forget that!" He said and we both headed inside.

There we're only a few stallions inside, looking through separate areas of the store. It was surprisingly quiet, saved for a small voice I heard from ahead, where I noticed some newly built bird houses and two birds flapping around. There was a pegasus there, with long pink hair that contrasts to Pinkie's puffy bubblegum style and bright yellow fur.

"Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Songswirl, these are the best bird houses in all of Ponyville." Said the pegasus. "Now, why don't you take a look inside of each and see which one is just right for you?"

What gets me is how low she talks and how gentle she was. And communicating with the birds? That's a first I've seen... "Oh, that's Fluttershy over there. I'd never seen her come in this store." Mr. Cake stated. "Let's go over and see her." Actually I was thinking of just passing her by-...wait...Fluttershy? That's one of Pinkie's friends! I followed Mr. Cake to her.

"Hello, Fluttershy. What brings you in this store?" Mr. Cake said. The pegasus looked up with a smile. "Oh, hello Mr. Cake. Well, it was on short notice. You see, Mr. and Mrs. Songswirl's bird house fell off of the tree and it was destroyed. I couldn't build one that fast for the night...so I decided to bring them here to find their perfect home."

I watched the birds, specifically a pair of robins, going into each bird house that was around. It looked like it might take a while. I'm sure birds have specifics as well as us ponies! Then, she looked at me. Her smile became a little, shy frown and she backed away. It looked like she wasn't going to start a conversation with me, and she looks really sensitive...so...

"Hi. Pinkie Pie told me about you. You're Fluttershy, right?" I asked. She then looked at me. "Y-yes? Oh, you're friends with Pinkie Pie too?"

It looks like the conversation started smoothly. It's a good thing I mentioned Pinkie Pie. "Yes. My name is Memoire. Memoire Lane. I came into Ponyville and found a job at Sugarcube Corner. We're actually here to find a cart to start the delivery service." Her smile showed. "N-nice to meet you Memoire! Pinkie Pie is a great friend. She always puts a smile on everypony."

I heard the birds made a loud tweet. "Oh, is this the one you decided on?" She said and the birds tweeted back. "Yes, I think it looks beautiful as well. I'll make sure to hook it up to the tree very well this time." She grabbed the perch of the bird house with her mouth and flipped it onto her back. "We'd better get going. It's very nice to see you again Mr. Cake-oh, and nice to meet you Memoire." She gave that sweet smile again. "Bye, Fluttershy. Hope the birds will have a pleasant stay in the new bird house." I waved as Mr. Cake waved and Fluttershy waved back, heading to the register that was at the front of the door.

"Hm...now where were those carts again..." Mr. Cake looked around. I looked to the ceiling, and straight ahead, there was a sign with a picture of a cart on it. "The carts must be over there." I pointed with my hoof. With that, we headed to the back of the store.

There were seven carts: three small ones that were the size of a little filly, two medium ones which were the size of me and a bit smaller than Mr. Cake, and two large ones...wow they're big as a griffin or the tallest stallion in Ponyville!

"Oh, this one will be great!" Mr. Cake pointed at one of the large ones, which was painted white and had a roof over it. "Err...no offense, but I won't be willing to pull that huge thing." I stated. My eyes were mostly sighted on the medium-sized carts.

"If you ask me, I think this size would be perfect. It could hold enough even on a busy day." I said, giving my opinion on the carts. I continued inspecting the two carts. One cart was painted white and the other was not painted, but beautifully furnished. The white cart had no roof, but the furnished one had one. This would be perfect in case the sun would be too bright. It wouldn't be able to melt the sweets, and since it is in a plain wood color, there's room to customize it.

"Hmm, I think the one with the roof would be perfect." Mr. Cake said, pointing his hoof on the one I was agreeing with. I nodded. "I agree. That's perfect!"

...

We walked outside and the sun began to set. Ah, the sunsets of Ponyville are always beautiful. It feels like I'm forgetting something though. Mr. Cake hooked the cart to himself to take back to Sugarcube Corner. There was a stand ahead that was serving some fruit. Some cherries, apples, blueberries, and bananas. He was kind enough to treat me to the stand for supper. I grabbed two apples, three cherries, and five blueberries into one pouch the pony and stallion provided. I took the pouch and put it on my back. As he started heading back, he reminded me of something that I forgot.

"Memoire, why don't you check out the two hotels that are in Ponyville and see if you can get a room this time? I'll just head back to Sugarcube Corner with this cart." He said. The hotels! That's true! I can still make it this time!

"I almost forgot! Thanks Mr. Cake!" I ran off heading to the opposite direction of Mr. Cake.

"Uh...the first one is that way." He pointed with his hoof. I looked back and heading to that direction. "Right! Of course! Thanks!"

"Oh, and come back to let us know how it went!" Mr. Cake said. I didn't respond to that because my mind was filled with what would happen if I couldn't get one in time! Great, I think I dropped one of my cherries...As I ran far, I could hear a fading voice. "Such a nice young stallion."

...

At the desk of one hotel, I looked at the stallion who was wearing a monocle and had gray fur and a white mane. Sadly...I got these last words.

"Sorry. No vacancy...and we don't know when we will have room." He stated.

"No vacancy...okay...thank you..."I sighed and walked out.

...

I walked to the other hotel of Ponyville, thanks to some kind ponies who gave me directions. I saw a building like the others, only bigger...and sort of torn apart...I then noticed the sign on the door:

Closed for remodeling. Opening in winter.

...

The night was approaching as the sun's light was diminishing. I sighed...feeling depressed. I don't know if I can find another place to stay. Though, for a place much smaller than Canterlot, I can't really complain. I should just camp out. I'm sure I can find some shack or something...Ugh I can't even get my hooves to move onto the steps of Sugarcube Corner!

I decided to sit down a bit and just collect my thoughts. I forgot I had a pouch of fruit on my back hooked to me. I decided to treasure my last meal and ate slowly. It just looks like regular dinner, but if I were out on my own, I'd call it a feast.

...I'll just tell them I came to check on the cart and I'll be on my way...somewhere. I don't want to mooch even more from them. They gave me a free meal after my trip from Canterlot, Pinkie Pie threw me a welcoming party, even though I messed that up, they let me stay for one night, and they even gave me free breakfast. Most importantly, they gave me a job. That's really all I wanted and...oh I just can't take it. I don't want to ask...but I can't stand outside of Sugarcube Corner any longer.

I walked in and noticed some night time customers. I saw Mrs. Cake at the register, waving. "Oh, Memoire! Your and Pinkie's cupcakes were a sudden hit for the afternoon shoppers!" I then noticed two ponies eating the cupcakes they had purchased.

"Ah..." they fainted. Heh, couldn't help but snicker at that. That was the same reaction Pinkie Pie and I had!

"Memoire, why don't you come here? I have something to give you." Mrs. Cake asked. I approached her, and then she handed me a small, blue velvet pouch. I could hear some jingling in it. "What is it?" I asked.

"Your first paycheck of course, dearie!" Mrs. Cake smiled. I looked into it...there were bits in it...I counted exactly five. "I hope a daily paycheck is suitable for you. I wasn't sure if you wanted weekly or monthly." I smiled, yet the smile I showed had some sadness in it. "Daily is fine. Thank you very much Mrs. Cake."

"Oh no, thank you! I'd never had cupcakes sell out that fast in one whole afternoon! This makes business even greater!" she said excitedly. I never expected that one change in a recipe could make those cupcakes be THAT delectable. I watch the ponies leave with a wave. I guess that's my cue to get out. I turned my back.

"Well, I better head to sleep. Good night."

I then heard some hoofsteps...that could hold two ponies. I heard Mr. Cake voice.

"Oh Memoire! You're back! Did you find a room in one of the hotels?" He asked.

I quivered and turned around. I could feel sweat trickle down from my mane, and I tried to hide my nervousness with a smile. I also saw Pinkie Pie right there by Mr. Cake. I suppose she was helping him with the cart. "Memoire, are you okay? You look kinda...jumpy..." Pinkie Pie said. Thanks, Pinkie. Couldn't have described it better. Mrs. Cake went and stand by the two, all of them looking concerned.

I don't want to take advantage of them! I don't want to be a moocher! They...they've been so kind...then again...it's best to pay the kindness with honesty. I'm sure they do not like lies...and so with a sigh...

"No...there wasn't any room, Mr. Cake. One hotel was full, and the other was closed for remodeling. The sign said it would be opened again in winter." I paused after that and turned my back again.

"Now, where are you going, mister?" I heard a stern voice. I turned around and Mrs. Cake glared at me. Oh no...she will think I'm a moocher and she'll just...I don't even want to think? I don't even think what she is thinking and I think...okay that's too many thinks, Memoire.

"I...was...going to find some place to sleep."

"Now Memoire, you don't expect us to kick you out like that do you?" Mr. Cake looked concerned as he spoke. Pinkie looked concerned as well. Wait...I don't want Pinkie sad again! Or maybe she's following them...not sure.

I sighed and looked at them. "Mr. and Mrs. Cake...Pinkie...You gave me so much when I came from Canterlot. Mrs. Cake...you gave me a free meal and a stay for the night." Mr. Cakes then smiled. I continued. "Pinkie...even when I messed up, you threw a welcoming party for me. You forgave me and became my friend anyway...that was a lot to me!" Pinkie Pie smiled as well. I continued. "Mr. and Mrs. Cake...you gave me free breakfast...and to cover all that you ponies did for me, I have a new job! That's...that's too much to take! I don't want to take advantage of you ponies!"

They looked at each other...and Pinkie laughed. "Hehe! He thinks we're gonna kick him out! He's silly!"

"Pinkie's right, Memoire." Mr. Cake said. "Honey, you can stay here as long as you need to, job or not. We don't want to leave anypony behind, and not even you since you are starting to become a part of our family." she smiled.

"F-family?"

Mrs. Cake fanned herself with her hoof. "Ah heh...What I mean is, I know you have a family back in Canterlot and we don't want to change that at all. To put it short...let us be your family in Ponyville while you are here."

Family.

That was the one word I never expected them to consider me as. Employee, guest, and stranger could be those words...but family...wow. No pony ever considered me like that...well...except for my father. They do look family material...picture perfect, except for the little ones who are probably asleep. I felt a tear come out of my eye and rubbed my eyes with a hoof.

Pinkie Pie jumped behind me. "Are you crying?"

"W-what? N-no! I'm not crying!"

"You're crying! Haha! Why are you crying! There's no need to cry, silly!" Pinkie hopped around me. "I'm gonna make the face that you're making now if you don't stop crying! One...two...here it comes-" I playfully pushed her away before she did and couldn't help but laugh. Fluttershy was right...she sure has a way of putting a smile on anypony in any situation.

"Well, you know the drill, Memoire. Go on upstairs and get some well-deserved sleep, and be sure to be up at seven o'clock!"

"R-right...good night everypony...and thanks again." I headed upstairs and Pinkie Pie was hopping by my side with a huge smile. I stopped and rolled my eyes, with a smile of course, noticing how silly she was. Pinkie Pie just laughed and backed away. "Good nighty-whitey!"

"Good night, Pinkie." I said and headed upstairs...

...

After freshening up, I headed into my temporary-err...possible permanent room which was the nursery. The mattress was still there, the pillows were placed like before, and the blankets were neat. I could be embarrassed right now that my room could permanently be the nursery, but I was thankful at least to have a room to sleep in. I lied down on my side and covered myself up with the blankets.

Speaking of family, I should write a letter to my father back in Canterlot. I'm sure he is curious, or at least worried, about how things are going in Ponyville. At least the letter will be a happy one. To me in two days, well...one and a half day...a lot has happened. Finding a job, finding a friend, and finding even a family to welcome me in their own home!

Since Mr. Cake and I brought that new cart, I think the delivery service will start tomorrow. I better not slack off and I'd be sure to put my best hoof forward!

...But now...I wanna sleep...

A Sugarcube Around The Corner Part 3

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A Sugarcube Around the Corner Part 3

The third part of the unexpected again! How does Memoire deal with foalsitting, even when a huge storm is coming through?

'Dear Father,

Let me start off by saying you were absolutely right about Ponyville, being a town full of opportunities! The trip to it took all day, but I actually made it before sunset even came (and turning out fine of course). I just couldn't afford that train ticket to there! I know you will be saying that you could have paid for it, but I still wanted to try to go on my own.

Anyways, it was a crazy mess of events on the first day of arriving at Ponyville. I decided to apply for a job at a bakery...until Pinkie Pie, my first friend in Ponyville, bumped into me and met me. She really turned me off when she kept interrupting me on everything I said and was real nosy. At least she was nice enough to escort me to Sugarcube Corner (that's the bakery's name by the way), even though it was just a few hoofsteps away. Oh, which reminds me, if you do come to Ponyville, that house is not edible! Trust me!

Anyways, back to what happened...Surprisingly, Mr. and Mrs. Cake gave me a job right off the spot (those are the owners of Sugarcube Corner). They told me no one has ever applied for a job there. Due to the forgetfulness of Mrs. Cake to deliver eclairs, I took that job and delivered them quickly...

...To my surprise, when I came back to the bakery, Pinkie Pie threw me a party! At first, I thought 'The nerve of her!' I ended up snapping at her for invading my personal space, being nosy, and just being a stalker...but after that I felt guilty.

The next morning, I apologized to her. The reason I did that was because of the reminder of how other ponies treated me and each pony in Canterlot: rude, hasty, and taking things for granted. I know you experienced that too. Pinkie Pie pretty much contrasts possibly every pony that lives over there. I wish Canterlot would be more like Ponyville...but who knows? Maybe it's for the best it doesn't change.

Getting to know Pinkie Pie, she threw me a party because she wanted me to feel welcomed and not to be alone. It was actually sweet of her, though I was perfectly honest with her that it was too much. Anyways, she taught me how to make one of their famous cupcake recipes! Although it took half a day making them, we had a lot of fun! They came out irrAHsistible! (Heh...sorry. Hanging out with Pinkie Pie made me say more puns and jokes than usual.)

Pinkie Pie's family, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, gave me so much hospitality to me. I couldn't find a hotel for two days. One of the hotels was booked up and didn't know when they had a room available, and the other one was closed for remodeling until winter. They let me stay in their home while working at Sugarcube Corner. (They said they would let me stay even if I didn't have a job, but I don't want to be a freeloader; so I'm still working hard!)

Speaking of working hard, I was planning on sending you the letter after the day of baking cupcakes with Pinkie, but suddenly the delivery service became booked up. As I'm ending this letter, it's day four in the town of Ponyville.

I hope things are going well for you, Father, because you don't need to worry! I'm doing well and fine, and I'm not alone since I have Pinkie assisting me when I need it.

Your son,
Memoire

...

As I continued delivering the sweets, I took out the envelope from the cart with my mouth and gave it to a gray pegasus with a blonde mane. Her eyes are sort of droopy, but I think it's a condition she has. Paying no mind to that, she grabbed the letter with her mouth, saluted me, and flew off, heading to the direction of the post office. With that, I continued my delivery.

"Hey! Mornin' Memoire!" Meadow Song shouted to me. He was a stallion with a blonde mane and brown fur. "Good morning, Meadow! Your father doing well in Appleloosa?" He nodded as we passed ways. "More than better!" he said.

My brown, furnished cart was full of boxes of sweets, from cupcakes to turnovers. Pinkie Pie put a logo with a light blue lollipop and a pink cupcake bordering the words 'Sugarcube Delivery' with a red ribbon underlining it. She wanted to decorate it more, but I told her it would be for the best to keep it simple. To make her feel better, I told her to put it on both sides. I call it a win-win situation. It is enough decoration to her satisfaction and enough simplicity to my satisfaction. The Cakes even agreed on it!

"Morning Plumsweet! The drink recipe still being perfected?" I yelled as a pony with white fur and red-pinkish curly mane with white in it passed by. "Still a secret!" She laughed as she walked. I'd like to think she's a calmer one than Pinkie Pie.

Yesterday was a huge rush of delivery. Mr. and Mrs. Cake officially announced that they would do delivery. I guess that sparked a lot of ponies to request delivery to their homes. I think I was so busy, that I think I only talked to her about the cart! Hope she won't be too down about it...

"Hey, there's Memoire! Alright!" A gruff stallion said, who had light brown fur and a rugged chin. He was wearing a hard hat and a construction vest. Speaking of that, I was in the construction area. There were three stallions and a pony there too. The small crowd gathered around me. I unhooked myself from the cart, grabbed a big box which contained some sweets and bread with my mouth, and placed it on the ground.

"Good morning, Lumberjack. Hopefully you ponies didn't start without a good breakfast!" I said.

"Nah, you kidding me? Can't start building up the day without those famous Espresso Cupcakes there!" He laughed. "Oh, oh! And the strawberry cream cheese turnovers are in there too?" A pony with a pink hardhat, white mane, and very light brown fur asked me. I gave a small laugh. "Yes, Ambrosia. I didn't forget those either." She squealed with glee and opened the box quickly, and grabbed one with her mouth.

"Oh, I was told by Mr. Cake to include a jar of fruit preserves to go with the toast in there. He said "Compliments to those making Ponyville better each day!""

"Aw jeez...miss him already. Ever since he that those two foals, he doesn't stroll here by much!" Lumberjack said. He then looked at my cart. "Well, don't want to hold you up on the rest of the deliveries. Have a good morning, Memoire!"

"Thanks, Lumberjack! Same to you as well!" I said. I hooked myself up to the cart again and went on my way.

Thanks to Pinkie Pie, I was able to warm myself more to the citizens of Ponyville.

Meadow Song was my first stallion friend I met. He and I shared some common happenings. He told me his father lived in Appleloosa, and was saying both his home was there and in Ponyville. He walked with me yesterday while I was delivering goods and both talked about our reasons in Ponyville. He sang some good old fashion songs that reminded of his childhood in Appleloosa. To those live in Canterlot, they would call it fillbillies. To me, I call it the simple life.

Lumberjack and I met on accident...literally. After finishing up my delivery yesterday, I walked by the construction site and I heard a huge snap that came from a chain. I looked up and a huge piece of lumber was on its way to falling on me. Thankfully, Lumberjack pushed me out of the way. I was hurt physically because of his strength...but I bet I would wound up in the hospital if it weren't for him! He apologized and stated that accidents like that hardly happen. He noticed the cart's name and asked if Mr. and Mrs. Cake started that delivery business...and with that, it looks like we had a customer.

Well...looks like my last delivery for the morning ends with Roseluck, one of Pinkie's many friends. I knocked on the door with my hoof, unhooked myself from the cart, and grabbed the box with my head. The door opened. The pony had peach fur and a rosy mane with a dark pink streak on the side.

"Oh, hey Memoire! Got the cherry cupcakes?" she asked. I gave her a nod. "Yeah. They came out fresh of the oven before I left to do delivery for the morning. They should still be delicious for your 'Welcome Back' party for your sister!" I said. "Great!" As I gave her the box and she held it with her back, "Oh! I almost forgot!" she held out her hoof which had one bit on it.

I was confused...and didn't know why. Was it suppose to be payment? I was told that payments were done when walking into the store and ordering. "Uh...what's this?"

"Your tip of course!" She rolled her eyes while smiling.

"O-oh! Of course! T-thank you very much!" I grabbed the bit with my mouth and threw it to the back of the cart. "Thanks, Roseluck! Have a good day!" I said. With a wave of her hoof, I hooked myself up to the cart and started heading back to Sugarcube Corner. How embarrassing! How long has it been since I received a tip? I think I turned red in embarrassment.

Ponies and stallions in Canterlot hardly tip workers. I think it was only twice at my stay there I was tipped! It was actually an achievement to the workers to get tips. Tipping was more of a donation than a 'Thank you for the service' thing. So far I asked myself: Was it worth it getting a job in Ponyville other than Canterlot?

My answer is a wholehearted yes.

...

"I'm back!" I said as I walked in. As usual, I parked the cart on the side of the house. I looked around. "Anypony home?" I yelled. No response of course. Hmm...I wonder where Mr. and Mrs. Cake are? Where is Pinkie Pie as well? Then, I heard some muffled voices and one perky voice. It looks like they're in the party room. As I walked closer, I could make out there conversation.

"I can't believe on short notice too..." Mr. Cake voice spoke. "We really can't miss this, Carrot! You know we're so well known on hosting parties for those people! After all the gossip, he wants to taste all of our famous creations!" Mrs. Cake spoke.

"I can help!" I heard Pinkie hopped. I heard Pound and Pumpkin Cake giggling in the background.

"I know, honeybun...but we'll be gone all day. I just wonder what Memoire's reaction will be, leaving our children with him."

"I can do it on my own!" I heard Pinkie Pie hop again. Another laugh came from the two.

"Alright...well...we'll just ask him...we do have to leave immediately, and we do have Pinkie Pie doing it for us. If he says no, we have to respect that."

"Say no to what?" I asked as I walked in.

The party room was well lit, with a couple of tables with white cloth over it. There was a little bit of confetti and ribbons scattered around to accent the room. In the middle, there was a huge rug. Pound and Pumpkin Cake were sitting on it with their little toys. Pinkie stopped hopping and she looked at me. I suppose she was entertaining the two with her signature hopping. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were in front of me, giving me a saddening look. Err...I hope they aren't sad for me snooping up on them like that. I couldn't help it...

"Oh, Memoire. We apologize for this." Mrs. Cake started out. "We have to leave for a meeting at the town hall. Hors D'oeuvre is coming to Ponyville to taste test our recipes in a couple of days! It looks like it will take all day...even some ponies will come in and deliver their recipes here to have him taste test them too!"

Hors D'oeuvre...I remember him now. He's from Canterlot. He started out as a server and then became a well known taste tester in all of Canterlot- no wait...maybe in all of Equestria! Okay, maybe that Equestria part was too much. Due to his reviews, it either made a restaurant or bakery a well-known place, or to a avoid-at-all-costs place. I have confidence though...I tasted most of their cooking and it was delicious, even better than all the treats in Canterlot! I shook my head and realized that they were talking to me.

Continuing the conversation, Mr. Cake said "Yes, and we weren't sure if Pinkie could do this all on her own for a whole day...or even our little foals! If it isn't too much trouble, Memoire, if you could-"

"If it's helping Pinkie Pie foalsit, I'd be glad to!" I said excitedly.

"Oh, Carrot, honey...see? That wasn't so hard to ask. We understand Memoire that he has other things to do and-...wait what?!" Looks like Mrs. Cake just realized I said yes.

"I'd be glad to assist Pinkie Pie! Besides, they look so adorable!" I walked to Pumpkin Cake to pat her on the head...then she opened her mouth and put my hoof in it. I felt kind of disgusted as drool started coming out. "Yes! Very adorable! Heh!...could you let go please?" I asked Pumpkin Cake and Pinkie laughed.

"Whew! What a relief! Thank you, Memoire!" Mr. Cake said. I shook my hoof frantically as Pumpkin Cake let my hoof go.

...

We were all at the front of the store. Pound and Pumpkin Cake were sitting in a small area with a rug, playing with their little rattles and stuffed animals. Mr. Cake was helping Mrs. Cake put bags on the side of her back. Mrs. Cake was looking on the floor at a paper with a couple of notes on it. With her mouth, she took a pen from her ear and checked off some things. She then looked at me.

"Okay, Memoire. You should have no trouble at all thanks to Pinkie. She should be able to help you through in some areas, from feeding to changing them to bathing them."

"That's right, Memoire! No trouble to it but to do it!" Pinkie Pie said. "You've got me on your side!" she put her hoof around me. I smiled back in confidence. I think this will be a fun job to do.

Mr. Cake responded. "We also made you two a couple of sandwiches to have for lunch and dinner, so you will have enough to eat. They're in the small refrigerator, as well as their foal food." I noticed Pound Cake was almost there to his dad from crawling. I guess he wasn't able to start flying yet...speaking of flying, I realized he was a pegasus. Looking at Pumpkin Cake, she's a unicorn. The parents are just regular earth ponies, like me. Well...it happened to me in my family, as my mother was a unicorn; and my father is an earth pony. There's really no reason to ask a question about it...

"You little foals be good for Memoire and Pinkie Pie, okay?" Mr. Cake bent down to look at Pound Cake and giggled as he put his hoof on him. Mrs. Cake walked over to Pumpkin Cake and gave her a kiss, as well as to Pound Cake when she walked back.

"We'll do our best to be back as soon as possible!" She said. I noticed the foals were reaching out with their hooves, both of them having a sad look. Poor little ones...it's understandable how they will miss their parents. At least Pinkie Pie does fine without them. I still find it weird how she refers them to Mr. and Mrs. Cake.

The parents walked out of the door. I walked towards them, just to get a peek at their faces, but before I could...

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!" They turned around, and the crying ensued. I knew this would happen! Great, just great. Okay, where are the little toys? Ah, over there on the rug by that shelf. I ran to grab a rattle, ran back, and shook it in front of them. "It's okay! Look at the shiny, shaky rattle!" They looked at me and stopped crying. Whew, well that was easy-

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!" ...and the crying is back. Of all the possible jobs I had in Equestria, foalsitting is actually new to me! What other reasons could they be crying? Well, their diapers are clean, I probably scared them, or it's just the plain fact that they miss their parents. What am I going to do?!

POP! Fizz...

Pinkie Pie jumped behind the two with a party popper. Some of the confetti from it fell on her, and the foals started laughing. After the crying spell ensued, I forgot that Pinkie Pie is with me. Whew! What a relief having her here with me! I wondered how did Pinkie Pie know that it was their favorite thing?

"Hey, Pinkie. How did you know it was their favorite toy?"

"It isn't!" She started. "You just have to give them something that takes their minds off the problem! I always have spare party supplies; so I figured whenever I babysit, I just have to try using them when I need to!"

Pinkie Pie must have experience in foalsitting. It's actually surprising from an upbeat, hyperactive pony like her. I figured she would want to only play with them and not do the hard stuff! I figured she was more of the irresponsible type, rather than responsible.

As Pinkie Pie started entertaining the foals, I looked back at the party room which was open. When not in used, it's a huge empty space. This could be good for the foals to play in...and even Pinkie and I!

"Hey, Pinkie. Let's go to the party room and play in there! It's not in use, so there's plenty of space for us to play in!"

Pinkie looked at me. "Good idea, Memoire!" Pinkie Pie then lifted the foals with one in each hoof and put them on her back. I figured since we knew each other more, she could call me that nickname she wanted me to have the whole time. Just hearing "Memoire" from her doesn't sound right for a pony like her. So I smiled and said. "You can call me Memo if you want now."

Her signature big smile showed up. "I knew you were gonna pick that nickname!" She hopped to the party room, and with each hop, "I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!"

That's Pinkie Pie for you. For some reason, she always knew the impossible will always be possible. She makes a job seem fun and not a painful chore. Another thing for sure is when you feel alone, she'll show you in her own way that you aren't. This foalsitting...will be a piece of cake. Speaking of cake, I could go for a slice...but I already ate breakfast. Well, there goes that idea.

...

We were all sitting around in a circle in the party room. Pinkie was across from me, Pumpkin Cake was on my left, and Pound Cake was on my right. I took a red ball and rolled it to Pinkie. She rolled it to Pound, he rolled it to Pumpkin, and she rolled it back to me. The little foals were having a blast with such a simple and safe game. Although, it seemed to start getting quiet. So to break the silence, I started a conversation with Pinkie.

"So Pinkie, how long have you foalsitted these two?" I said as I rolled the ball to her. "Oh, just a year so far, or maybe including a couple of months!"

"You? Foalsitting that long? You're joking." I said in ridicule. Pinkie rolled the ball to Pound Cake. "Hey! Are you calling me a liar? It's not easy work you know and not fun and games when it comes to foalsitting!"

I couldn't help, but stare in shock. Looks like she was telling the truth. I never expected her to say something like that! That definitely confirms that she is responsible for this and understands the needs for these foals. It makes me wonder what else she's experienced in other than throwing parties, baking treats, singing, and foalsitting. She looks like she can do anything!

"Hellooo? Memo!" Pinkie said as my dazing stopped. She was glaring at me. I just realized I have the ball. I rolled the ball back to Pinkie. "Heh, sorry Pinkie. I was actually shocked you said something like that!"

"What? Was there something wrong with that?"

"Not at all. It's actually a good thing to take a job seriously. I just expected from you to just have fun with the foals and not taking care of them." I said honestly. Pinkie glared again. "Are you saying I'm not responsible?"

"I thought of that before, now I don't." Her glare got sharper. I think she's starting to take offense to what I said. I didn't mean to judge her sharply like that. I was actually getting scared of her...I never seen her glare like that. "S-sorry, Pinkie. I didn't mean it as an insult. I shouldn't have judged you like that."

Pinkie's smile came back. "Hehe, that's okay. I was waiting for you to take that back!" So she expected me to apologize and she was going to forgive me anyway? I think she was just trying to scare me. One thing for sure, don't try to make her angry. Although, I did deserve it for judging her. Putting that aside, I just laughed at her. "Oh, now that's just mean, PinkaMEANa!"

"You know, Twilight almost thought of the same thing like you did!" She said as she rolled the ball to Pound Cake. "Really?" Pinkie nodded. "Yeah! At least before, I knew that foalsitting wasn't really all fun!"

I looked around for the ball...say, wasn't it my turn to have it? I looked to my right where Pumpkin Cake was, and I couldn't believe my eyes. She was lifting the ball with her unicorn horn! "W-what the?!"

"Hey, Pumpkin! No cheating! I thought we've been through that!" Pinkie Pie raised her hoof at Pumpkin. The ball dropped and I caught it with my hooves. "You mean-I mean-...You knew she could use the horn of hers?!"

"Uh, duh! Ever since my first day of foal sitting!" That's funny...I thought it took three years or more for a unicorn to be able to use the magic of their horn! Then again, you hear there are lucky and gifted ones. I suppose she is one of them, and from earth pony parents no less! If she understood me, I would say congratulations!

"See, whenever they are around, you always-ALWAYS set a good example for them! No cheating, notburping, always listening, and always finish their meal! That's all you have to remember about foalsitting! Oh, and maybe some other stuff, but it'll come to mind later!" Pinkie smiled. Other stuff? Judging from the foals still wearing their diapers, I can see where that is going.

I started hearing some faint crackling noises. I looked around to see where the noise was coming from. Nothing around us seemed to have fallen or shaken, except for the ball that is bouncing around the room. I noticed the foals looking around as well, and Pinkie Pie after. It's best for me to go try and check it out.

"What is that sound?" I asked. I went out of the party room and walked to one of the counter areas of the store. There was a huge window, and the outside looked dark. "That's funny...there wasn't suppose to be any rain today!" Pinkie Pie remarked. I noticed that the foals and Pinkie were behind me.

I could see all of Ponyville outside was shaded because of the huge storm cloud filling the sky. No ponies were outside either. I feel all gloomy inside, even though Pinkie walked to my side to take a look. A rumble started shaking the house a bit...and then...

CrrrrAAAACKOOOOM!!!

A lightning bolt came from the sky, and the room flashed. All the lights in the house went off. I jumped from being spooked from the lightning bolt. I looked down to the little foals, their bodies cringing in fear and their eyes starting to fill with tears. Oh dear, this doesn't look good.

I figured that maybe it was just a stray cloud that just grew and had one lightning bolt, but I started to doubt. I don't understand how Pegasi work with the clouds. I could see some more lightning far away, and the thunder noises from it.

CrrrrAAAACKOOOOM!!!

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Both foals started screaming and crying. What caught my attention from the storm was Pound Cake flying around frantically. He knows how to use his wings already?! Oh wait, he is old enough to use them! Silly me! Pumpkin Cake was standing on a stack that was hidden under a rug, crying. How do I console them like this?! Wait, Pinkie might know! I'll ask her and-

...Wait, where is Pinkie?! I looked around. She wasn't by the party room. She wasn't near the entrance of the store. It didn't look like she headed to the kitchen. Then, I noticed. Under where Pumpkin was sitting, Pinkie was hiding under the rug with her hooves over her eyes. I looked at her, feeling weird about this.

"Uh...Pinkie, aren't you suppose to set a good example?!" I asked.

"This IS setting a good example! You're suppose to ALWAYS be afraid of stormy weather like this!"

Please don't tell me she is easily scared from storms. Although the noise is loud, there is one thing I realized. Even how bad it looked outside, we were safe and sound inside. I understand Pumpkin and Pound being afraid and scared to death in this situation. What would a parent do in a situation like this?

I started to zone out...and I saw an image of my mother, who had the same fur as me...but was a unicorn.

I was real young. I remembered when Canterlot had a storm almost like this. I was looking out the window out of my parent's apartment. I was about to cry, even though big colts don't cry. My mother was right by me and closed the curtain. She hugged me and secured me in her hooves.

"Memoire, you know we're safe here. It's okay. Your mother is here to protect you."

Even when the storm went on, it felt like a sunshine day being with her.

I shook my head and I was back in Sugarcube Corner during the storm. The loud thunder noises were back, as well as the huge bolts of lightning outside. I noticed Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake were in the middle of the room, both laying down and crying. I walked towards them, and hugged them with my hooves. Their loud crying became low whimpers.

"It's okay. You're safe as long as we're here. Nothing bad will happen." They stopped whimpering and looked at me. I tried consoling them the best I could. Though for little foals like these, it's best to do it in a funny way as well. I figured I should make something up to make them laugh. Hey...this gives me an idea.

"You know that big, old nasty weather out there is actually small don't you? It just looks big!" I said and they looked at each other then back at me. "That's right! You know what we do when that nasty weather is here? You scare it away! You just have to show you're not afraid of it! Watch!"

I walked slowly to the window, but was very close to it. Another lightning bolt came, which made me a bit spooked, but I stood my ground. I took a deep breath, and...

"ROOOOAAAAAR!!!"

I hope a gryphon's roar would do. Grant you, it's not the best sounding one, but it will do. Another lightning bolt came, and I just repeated myself.

"ROOOOAAAAAR!!!"

I kind of feel embarrassed doing this, but I guess sacrifices have to be made in foalsitting. I then heard some giggles and turned around. Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake were laughing. Pound even tried mimicking my roar! "Roar..." he waved his hooves. I have to say it's cute.

"Wow! That was super-duper fantastic! The lightning bolt was all "KABOOM!" and you were all "ROAR I'M NOT AFRAID OF YOU!" Where did you learn that?! My parents never did that or my Granny Pie!" The usual hyperactive Pinkie was right behind me, after coming out of her hiding. Finally, she referred to Mr. and Mrs. Cake the right way. Granny Pie, however? It must be her grandmother.

"I just thought what my parents did during a storm like this. I figured I would do something similar. Also, I figured the roar would be a nice touch." I smiled. Pinkie Pie then jumped, "Awesome!"

Except for the storm outside, at least things calmed down a bit. I looked back at Pumpkin and Pound Cake. It looks like they are having a roaring contest of their very own. I suppose it is who can roar the loudest and scare the storm away! Good job, Memoire! You're a genius when it comes to things like these! Mother, you'll get credit too as well if you're reading my mind.

CRASH!

"Eep!" Pinkie jumped. It sounded like somepony barged in from upstairs, but how? It could only be a pegasus, or a pony who decided to sneak in and get away with things while this hectic storm is going on! How dare they! I stood in front of Pinkie and the foals. It looked like the foals thought it was another lightning bolt, and continued their roaring. I can tell the difference between somepony deciding to crash in and a loud thunder noise!

I headed towards the kitchen. "Pinkie! Wait here with Pound and Pumpkin Cake! Don't go upstairs until I say it's fine!" Pinkie Pie blinked. "Uh...okey dokey lokey!" She looked confused. When you're foalsitting, you're suppose to protect the foals in worst-case scenarios! Of course I never foalsitted, but instincts kicked in. Wait...does foalsitting have instincts or whatever? Doesn't matter!

I ran inside the kitchen. Thanks to one of the lightning bolts, it gave me enough light to see the closest frying pan. I grabbed it with my mouth, ran out of the kitchen, and started running upstairs. Just who could it be doing this?! I don't know, but I won't go down without a fight!

I started walking in the hallway, since it felt like walking into pure darkness. The lightning bolts gave me some light to guide me. Then, I noticed a light heading to the rooftop. It was up in Pinkie's room. I walked up, and looked at my surroundings.

I noticed water all over the place. Her bed, her carpet, her table, and anything you can think of. To my right, it looks like the wall over there is almost gone as well as the window. I noticed something moving under the pink cloth which used to be the curtain. That must be the pony I'm looking for! I gripped the frying pan with my teeth and walked over to it, being cautious.

"Ugh...oh man...that feeling will stay there for a while." The pony spoke under the curtain. I yelled through the grip of the pan.

"Hurf arf yuh anf fwut duf yuh fwat?!"

"Uh...say that again? I think my ear popped from the lightning." The pony responded.

I spat out the frying pan and yelled. "Who are you and what do you want?!"

"What? What's going on?!" The pony said. I glared. "You tell me! You think you can crash inside and try to harm me and my friends, or you think you'll get away by stealing something from this place?! Well, you're wrong! Get out of here or I'll make you!"

"Woah, woah, woah!" The curtain moved and I started seeing hooves, then it was off the pony and she held the curtain. "I didn't mean to crash in or start any trouble at all!" The pony, err pegasus, seemed to have a rainbow-style mane and tail. It looks like she has some bruises too. She looked behind her with the crack in the wall. "Yeah...that's really going to leave a mark." She flew right towards me to get away from most of the rain.

"Wow...are you okay?" I asked. She really didn't look too good.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Was trying to control that storm cloud with the other pegasi and lost my balance." The pegasus said. I noticed outside that the pegasi were flying around below the storm cloud, trying to gather most of it with their velocity. Then I noticed somepony was behind me...

"Hello!"

There was Pinkie Pie, popping up randomly as usual, even when you don't want her to. "Pinkie! I told you to stay with the foals!"

"They're right here, silly!" I noticed Pumpkin and Pound Cake clapping with their little hooves. Well, that remark is out of the way. "I told you not to come up here until it was safe!"

"I know, but then I was going upstairs a bit, then heard Rainbow Dash's voice! So I figured it was safe since it was just my friend! I didn't want to leave Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake on their own, so I brought them with me!"

Wait...Rainbow Dash? Friend? Oh...I guess I understand now. My argument is invalid. The rain continued to come in. It's for the best we don't continue the conversation here.

"Let's go downstairs into the kitchen." I said. "Okey dokey! Let me just check up on Gummy! I'll meet you there!" Pinkie said. Gummy? Must be some special quality taffy or something.

"Yeah, Rainbow. Let's head down. I'll make some hot cocoa for us." I stated. I picked up the foals with my mouth to put on my back. Then, we both made our way to the stairs.

...

A cup of hot cocoa was placed on the long table of the kitchen with a candle in the middle. I pulled out a chair for Rainbow Dash to sit on and relax. She took a big whiff of the aroma, and laid back on the chair. "Aw yeah...that's what I'm talking about." Hmph. Maybe a 'Thank You' or something would be appropriate. I poured myself a cup on the table as well. On the other side of the table was Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake, in their high chairs eating their late lunch of pureed fruit and hay.

"So Rainbow Dash, what's the deal?" I asked. It's about time I get some answers or an excuse for that type of storm outside. At the very least, I'm thankful that most of the thunder and lightning is gone.

"Huh? What deal?" She took a sip of hot cocoa with her hooves.

"Well...what's the cause of all this weather?"

"How am I suppose to know? Maybe some idiot accidentally switched on the rain cloud generator in the rain factory! By the level of it, looks like it was an overload!" Rainbow Dash eyes widened and slapped her hoof on her head. "Great...that means more rain wasted, and having to gather more water this year! This stinks!" She whined.

She then looked outside of one of the windows. I looked into her direction too. We saw different pegasi flying around, trying to break the dark clouds outside. It looked like a slow process, since some holes were patched their selves with the huge cloud. Then, I looked at Rainbow Dash.

"Maybe I better go-"

"If you're thinking of doing that, you shouldn't." I interrupted her. I knew what she was going to say.

"What?! Why not? I still have some energy left in my wings!" I saw her wings flap repeatably. I hated to be rude, but she has to get the picture. "Look, Rainbow Dash. Did you see what happened? You crashed into Sugarcube Corner when you lost control! You're lucky to only have bruises from it. If it happens again, you might not be so lucky!"

Rainbow Dash frowned. I guess I was a bit too harsh...She sighed. "I...don't want to bail out on them! What if they call me lazy? What if they fire me or something?"

"I know that is not going to happen." I said.

"Hey! You don't know anything! You're not a pegasus!" Rainbow Dash started getting defensive, as she jumped and hovered over the chair. "What are you? Trying to be a funnypony or something?!" She pointed her hoof at me. "Rainbow Dash, I didn't mean it that way!" I sighed and looked at her. "Look...To be honest, I really don't know how things or the weather is handled in Cloudsdale; but I know one thing for sure; you won't lose your job or lose your friends and fellow employees because of this."

"What are you getting at?" She asked. She still looked almost angry. "What I'm trying to say is, you did your part like every pegasi did for stopping this storm cloud. If you go back now, and if something else happens to you, your friends and fellow employees will feel sad and, not to mention, feel guilty about what happened to you! It's almost suicide if you continue to force yourself!"

"How would you know?" She said being snobby.

"Because...of what I've been through, I know." I started having flashbacks of the times working in Canterlot, from my fellow employees helping each other during times of need to one of my bosses being sad due to a stallion breaking his hoof. I shook my head and looked back at Rainbow Dash. "Well...just put yourself in their hooves. How would they feel?"

Rainbow dash frowned and looked away. "Yeah..." she sighed. "You're totally right about that. I'd hate to see the looks on their faces if something else happened to me, not to mention how pitiful I would look!" Actually, I didn't think anything of the pitiful part.

"Hey! Anything new?" Pinkie Pie jumped from under the table. I decided to update Pinkie Pie with the news. "Rainbow Dash thinks it has something to do with the rain cloud generator in Cloudsdale. Last time I looked outside, the Pegasi were doing really well in getting rid of the storm cloud."

"Oh! Maybe next time I could get on my flying bicycle, and help out!" She jumped. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "You wish! Your bike wouldn't be fast enough! Talk to me once you're able to match the speed of the fastest Pegasus in Ponyville!"

"Okay!" I saw Pinkie Pie stand right in front of Rainbow Dash...for a good while, as if she wanted to start a staring contest. Rainbow Dash glared. "I don't mean RIGHT NOW!" Pinkie then gave a laugh. "Oh, right!"

THWACK!

"OW! HEY!" Rainbow Dash yelled as a spoon hit her eye. The culprit was none other than Pound Cake. "HEY! SILVERWARE TO YOURSELF MISTER!" Surprisingly, Pinkie yelled out the same as me. We couldn't help but give out a chortle.

"While you two have your little staring contest, I'm going to clean up some of the mess in Pinkie's room and freshen up after." I said as I headed up. "Okie dokie!"

"I guess I'll lend a hoof if you need it, Pinkie." I heard the rainbow pegasus talking from a distance.

...

What a mess! I was able to dry off what I could in Pinkie's bedroom. Huh? Why did I have to do it you ask? It wasn't that I had to; it was just stallion's work that's all! Well, at least that is out of the way. Now I can hit the bathroom and wash up.

With the faucet on and the bubbles forming, I hopped into the tub. It's great to finally have some privacy from staying with Pinkie Pie for the whole day and through that terrible weather. No, don't get me wrong. I like Pinkie Pie's company. I just want...well...what do these little colts and fillies say? It's time for quiet time. Yes...quiet time.

Ahh...this is the life. Being alone, with no pony around, and just me relaxing. I turned off the faucet...and after a minute or so.

"Um...Memoire?"

Ugh...not this again. We already had this.

"Pinkie, I thought we talked something about having privacy..." I rolled my eyes.

"I know, I know! It's just that when I went to check upstairs for a moment and looked for him, he wasn't there. Oh by the way, thanks for cleaning up my room! So I looked all over the house, except here...and well...the thing is...um-"

"Pinkie...please get to the point..." I slapped my hoof on my face.

"Gummy's in the tub."

"What? What type of Gum-" Then I noticed an alligator's eyes perking up. "AHHHHH!!!!!!!" I shook the tub and the alligator jumped out of the tub. He headed under the sink. Oh man...what if I could have been wounded by him?! At first, I thought it was some sort of candy, even though I find it weird making candy in the bathtub! An alligator in the tub? T-that's a first...

"Gummy! I told you to stop hiding in the bathtub!" I heard a sigh and Pinkie's steps, walking away. By the looks of him hiding under the shadow of the sink, he's harmless. Well...that's a relief, and since Pinkie walked away, I think she'll get him after I'm done.

I...don't think I can relax anymore after that shocking moment. I'll shorten this bathtub since my solitude barrier is broken.

...

As the sun started shining and mostly all of the dark clouds were gone, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, Gummy, and I walked outside. We decided to get out after putting the foals in for their nap. As supper time nearly approaches, we saw the Cakes walking to us.

Mr. Cake surveyed the building and noticed the crash. "Wow...the storm wasn't THAT terrible was it?" he asked and I saw Rainbow Dash rubbing the back of her head. "Uh...heheh..." she laughed silently.

"Hey Rainbow Dash, you know Lumberjack?" I asked. Rainbow responded positively, "Yeah, I know him! That big stallion at the construction site, right? I'm on it!" And with a powerful dash, she flew off with everypony around us feeling the velocity.

Mrs. Cake walked up to Pinkie and me. "How did the foalsitting go?" I responded honestly. "It was unexpected with the storm, but we managed through it." She sighed with relief. "That's great. We really appreciate what you did, Memoire!"

"Heh...It's nothing. I couldn't say 'no,' not after what you guys did for me so far!" I laughed.

I saw Rainbow Dash coming back slowly with Lumberjack, as if she was guiding him. He looked up and surveyed the crash. "Woah...that's one crash over there! That should be no problem to fix, though. We'll get right on it!"

"Yeah, you guys don't worry about the payment. It's on me." Rainbow Dash said humbly. Lumberjack looked up at her. "Really, Rainbow Dash? Aww...I was hoping to barter with some of those sweets."

Mr. Cake walked up to him. "I think we can all set some sort of agreement, after I finally catch up with my old friend here." Lumberjack laughed. "Of course, stringy Carrot!" He said as he shoved a hoof onto Carrot Cake, which made him shake a little. They both laughed.

Seeing the foals being happy, seeing Rainbow Dash satisfied, seeing Pinkie Pie as her usual self (even through all that weather), and Lumberjack finally catching up with Carrot Cake, I say this day has been excellent. Each day has been a new day and a new adventure in Ponyville. I couldn't imagine what could come next.

"Hey Memoire, didja have fun today? I totally did with you around, especially when you were all "ROOOAAAR!!!" at the storm!" Pinkie Pie said aloud and everypony looked at me.

"Shh, Pinkie...It's between you and me..." I nudged her.

These Happy Golden Oaks Part 1

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These Happy Golden Oaks Part 1

The scenario goes off with a rough start meeting Twilight Sparkle and Spike. Will Memoire shine and truimph, getting a job in the library?

I better take a good look of Ponyville, so I decided to take a stroll even more within the area...wow! It isn't as crowded as Canterlot, but enough ponies to make such a striving area! There's just so much you can do at first sight! There are flower stands, fruit stands, and even some souvenir stands! At least I could say less 'excuse me's' and go to most areas in a heartbeat!

As I sat near the water fountain, I gazed on my map of the library. Golden Oaks Library huh...Sounds like a fancy name. It must be really upscale like the one in Canterlot. With that in thought, I headed straight ahead to its building form. I feel...sort of nervous requesting a job at the library. I remembered I lost an important scroll at the library in Canterlot Castle. That's a memory I hope won't repeat itself! Then again...this should be a much smaller library; this could be something that can be easily handled.

...

A tree house library, huh? It's a nice touch, actually! Okay, Memoire. I have to make a good impression. What? Is it because of what happened at the previous library? Nonsense! Nonsense I say! "Well...here I go." and with that said, I opened the door and I heard a bell jingle.

It's actually much smaller than I thought it was...it seemed just like a home somepony could live in! Wait...since it's that small...ugh...disappointment is heading my way. Since it's so small...why would anypony hire another pony? Well...let me enjoy the scenery in here. It actually is well sorted and beautiful! There was a wall area where it was carved into, like shelves, to fit all the books in. There is are two tables set out with lanterns for light, and an open area which had a green rug set out. The atmosphere felt like living in an old-time house. I really like what this building was going for!

To my right ahead, there was something under the blankets, where snoring noises were coming out. Hah...must be a little dog...wow it sure snores pretty loud. To my left, I noticed a unicorn with a dark purple mane striped with pink, and she had light purple fur. I noticed an owl on its perch, sleeping. Well...owls do only come out at night.

"Hoo..."

Who? I mean owls!...Oh wait, it's sleeping. Heh...I kinda jumped a bit there. My mind, so far, is being so used to talking to myself. Although, even if it seems she may not need any help managing the library, it wouldn't hurt to ask. I lowered the bag that was settled on my back and went up to her.

"Um...excuse me-"

The unicorn, without turning, spoke to me. "Finally you're awake, Spike! Could you go grab the Equestrian Symbols encyclopedia? I'm so close to debunking this legend!"

Spike? Why did she call me 'Spike?' Is that some sort of lingo they go by in Ponyville? Anyways, I guess the job starts now. I ran up to the book shelves and looked around. The books seem to be in alphabetical order, so this should be easy.

I looked at the first shelf. At the near end, I noticed the binding on the book called Equestrian...well...it had a weird symbol at the end, so this must be it! I grabbed it with my mouth and walked towards her.

"Hrf ur a-"

"Thanks, Spike! I appreciate it!" The unicorn, who still didn't turn around, grabbed the book with her magic and flipped through the pages. She really seems to dwell within those pages! "Hmm...no, this symbol isn't in here...but then...what does it mean? Okay, change of plans, Spike. Go grab me the Ponyglyphs book."

Again, I headed to the bookshelves. Can't she make up her mind on what books she would need? I know we're probably not fortune tellers but seriously now... Alright, it doesn't look like it's on the first shelf, since it ended with a book starting with 'F,' so let's try the second shelf.

Right in the middle, I noticed the books starting with 'P.' Para...Pi...Po...okay here we are: Ponyglyphs. I grabbed the book with my mouth and headed back. The dog was still sleeping...it would be nice for it to lend a hoof, er...paw here!

"Great, Spike! This should do it, since the writings are starting to look ancient." Finally! That should be able to help her. After that, I could introduce myself!

"No...the writings don't match to these...okay. Please go grab me Equestria's Known Languages: Volume 1." Or not...

I'm back at the shelves. This is starting to feel like I'm exercising, which I had enough while heading to this place! Wait...this book isn't within the first shelves. This is strange. Maybe since it is in a set, they are sorted differently? I noticed a ladder right by me. I tried to climb it, and on the top shelves, I noticed some books that were sorted into volumes. This must be the shelf I need to look in. I nearly lost my balance by moving the ladder with its set of wheels.

"Woah..." I steadied myself. Okay, let's start from left to right. 'A'...no...I rolled to the next part. Hey...I could get used to this. It's pretty fun moving on the ladder this way! 'C'...nope not this area...ah! 'E,' which made me noticed Equestria's Known Languages: Volume 1. I reached to grab the book with my mouth, while steadying myself on the ladder. The ladder lost its balance...

"WOOAH!" I fell down on the wooden floor. Ow...that's going to leave a mark...because I feel it already. "Spike, I told you not to play with the ladder! You'll get hurt!" Gee, thanks for concerning the one who didn't show his face to you! This had better be the last book, because this is becoming the last straw! I walked slowly towards her, and she grabbed the book with her magic- SHE DIDN'T TURN AROUND?! WHAT'S THE DEAL?!

"Hmm...hey! Now I recognize this! Okay, Spike go grab the-"

"EXCUSE ME!!!" I yelled angrily.

"Wah?!" the unicorn turned around while bumping back to the desk, and the owl jumped and flew away. "Hey...you're not Spike." she pointed with her hoof.

I feel agitated. "Does my hair look spiky to you?" I couldn't help but let a painful sigh after. "No, I mean Spike, my assistant!" She then looked at the bed with the buried creature. "Ugh...still asleep?" she said as she slapped her hoof on her forehead. She then realized and looked at me. "H-how long have you been there?"

"Ever since you requested Equestrian Symbols." I said while groaning. "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean that! I was expecting Spike to be behind me, and I got drawn into this paper that kept me up all night, and I didn't hear you come in, and now I'm saying things out of order!" The unicorn did look a bit tired...and she seems really guilty...

"It's alright...I didn't mean to yell. I thought this 'Spike' word was some sort of slang in Ponyville!" I gave out a laugh. The unicorn giggled. "No, Spike is my assistant. I should have known better anyway...he takes naps out of order! It messes up my schedule sometimes." She then looked down onto my hooves, which were sported with dirt. I spoke out apologetically. "Oh sorry! I was so nervous about making a first impression, and I forgot to wipe-"

"Wow...how far did you travel today?" She looked concerned. I guess this could be a start..."I started traveling early morning from Canterlot."

"Canterlot?! Oh I apologize- I didn't mean to make you work! Please, have a seat- the dirt will be cleaned up anyway." Wait...she didn't mean to make me work? That means...she isn't looking to hiring anyone. Bummer...well she welcomed me to have a seat, so I decided to walk to one of the tables and sat at a chair.

I noticed the unicorn disappeared, but I could hear her rummaging through some stuff. Typical. I think she's just going back to her studying! I heard some magic sounds, and noticed a plate of pastries being passed to me on the table, as well as some tea. The unicorn sat on the other side of me.

"I didn't mean to start on the wrong hoof. You came a long way- from Canterlot! Why didn't you take the train to Ponyville?" She asked me.

"The train was expensive, and I couldn't afford it. I figured if I left Canterlot early, I could make here in good time!" I said as I put one of the pastries in my mouth and chewed it up hungrily.

"Huh? The prices went up? That's a bother...but I'm sure the council and engineers have their reason." If you count pollution and economy as some reasons, yes; they are good reasons.

"Anyways, let me introduce myself. I'm Twilight Sparkle. I work in the library and spend my days studying here."

After she introduced herself and I finished my pastries, I heard a big yawn and a couple of steps. "Hey, Twilight. You would not believe what I was dreaming about. It started with a statue who wouldn't shut up, and it ended with something about being spiky. It was pretty-"

I turned around and- WHAT IS THAT CREATURE?! "Ahh!!!" I ran behind Twilight and peeked from hiding. "Wha-What are you?! What is that thing?!"

"'Thing?' I don't like him already..." it-err...maybe a he said. Seriously, what is that thing? He had purple scales with pointy green ones adorned on his spinal area, weird green ears, and his teeth-HIS TEETH! They look as sharp as knives!

"Why are you so afraid? He's just a dragon." My eyes widened. "D-DRAGON?!" The unicorn sighed. "Baby dragon to be more specific."

"I'm no baby!" the dragon-err baby dragon said. "Anyways, since you're too angry to introduce yourself to our guest, Spike, I will do the honor." Twilight Sparkle rolled her eyes. "This is Spike, and he is my assistant I was telling you about."

"Angry? I have a right to be angry! He's hiding behind you, he called me a 'thing,' and most importantly...uh...actually, I think that's it." This dragon must be named Spike, and he doesn't look dangerous. Though, I am still a bit freaked out. I never seen a dragon before! I always heard they are out to kill ponies and every other living creature! I stopped hiding behind Twilight and moved away.

"Uh...right. Sorry for acting like that, Spike." I said, but he continued to glare at me. I think we started on the wrong hoof, err...claw...however you put a dragon meeting a pony.

"Anyways, I'm Memoire. Memoire Lane. The reason I came here was...well...it looks like my question was already answered."

"Already answered? What were you going to ask?" Twilight asked.

I sighed. It's for the best not to look on the bright side of things when it seems obvious. "The reason I traveled from Canterlot was to find a job. I was told that Ponyville was a land of opportunity, so I came here. I figured to try here first..." I looked at Spike and then the owl at the perch near the desk. "...but it seems you have enough help."

Twilight blinked and her expression changed from concerned, to blank, and in thinking mode (by the looks of it). I wonder if she is coming up with another good excuse. There is one already! Just get on with it so I can be on my-

GRRRUUUUMMMBLLLEEE...

...way. Wow, my stomach sure was noisy right there. Twilight just giggled. "Why don't we go grab something to eat? I'm pretty hungry myself." She stepped off from the stool. "There is a cafe just a couple of blocks from here."

I slowly stepped off the stool. "S-sure...that would be great." I said. I'm still embarrassed from my stomach!

"Wait...not 'that' cafe is it?" Spike asked with hope in his eyes. Twilight just rolled her eyes and her horn glowed. "Don't worry, Spike. I know you don't like the food there, so I have some spare gems from Rarity for just this occasion!" She picked up a very small wooden basket with a cover and handed it to Spike. The size was just enough for that dragon to go on a picnic. He slowly opened it. "YES!!! Lovely Rarity, you never disappoint me..." I wonder what was inside of it. His expression seemed...lovey dovey with a side of excitement. Heh. Great...I'm talking in food terms now. I better follow Twilight.

...

The table was just right outside the cafe. It was a glass, transparent table along with stools for seating. The inside of the cafe seemed casual with a home-style flair. It feels great to be here because of the atmosphere. I feel like I'm getting the best of both worlds!

My eyes were mostly on the menu. Wow! I could order everything off of it, but it's best to be humble about it. The waiter came up to us. To be honest, I didn't pay attention to what Twilight was saying. The waiter looked at me and asked, "What will you be having?"

"I'll have the super-acre flower sandwich-eh, loaded, please. I would like a large side of the fruit salad with the cherry syrup topping. For my drink, I would like two glasses of milk."

"Banana, Blueberry, Strawberry, Chocolate, Cookies-n-Cream, or cherry?"

"Wow...that many flavors? I'll take blueberry for both then!"

"Alright then, your order will be here as soon as possible." The waiter said and walked away into the store. He didn't have a notepad, so he must have a good memory! That's one of the traits to have when you're a waiter, not to mention he took his time with telling me the flavorings of milk. I looked across Twilight and she let out a laugh.

"M-maybe I shouldn't have looked at the menu that long." I said, feeling embarrassed. Twilight waved one of her hooves. "No, that's okay. That trip must have been draining for you!"

Yeah...I did travel most of the day. I only had an apple for lunch today while on the road! I guess I should have brought more snacks with me. "So, let's talk about the job you were asking about." She began as I heard crunching noises from below the table. Spike must be enjoying his meal. Now, for me, it's onto business...

"To be honest, I was used to studying and working on my own. Spike and Owlowiscious-"

"Owlwiscious?"

"Owlowiscious!" Twilight corrected. "He's my nighttime assistant while Spike is sleeping. Anyways, they only just assist getting materials and books when I need them. When you're in a train of thought, you can't lose it by doing something else!" That statement I understand, but I can't understand where she is getting at.

"So, what do you basically study?" I asked. She never did state what she studied for.

"Oh, just assignments created by me and other things." Other things? I suppose it's not for talk. She continued, "I usually study myths and the creatures of Equestria. There are still some things out there not discovered! I know the scholars of Canterlot do that type of work, but...I guess you can say I can do that work for Ponyville."

"Did you ever think of applying to be a scholar for Canterlot?" I hate to go off-subject, but this seems interesting. She is doing scholar-type work, but she isn't one. "Me? No! Haha! I prefer to be here in Ponyville...I don't think I'm qualified for that type of work anyway!"

Really? With that much dedication to her work earlier, she seems to be pretty fit for the job. I really want her to get to the- "Anyways, I think you would like for me to get to the point." ...exactly.

"Sort of. I'm even more curious on that work!" I said. The waiter came back with a tray on his back, holding Twilight's juice and my two blueberry milk glasses. "Sorry about the wait. It looks like the food will be a bit longer." He lowered his head to let the tray travel onto the center of the table and walked back inside the cafe. With no delay, I took both of my hooves, grabbed the first glass, and started chugging it down.

"Anyways, I could use some assistance in studying. Not just for retrieving materials and books, but for you to study alongside with me to speed up the process. What do you say?"

SPPLOOOOOT.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" I heard Spike's voice after I noticed pieces of sparkly rocks were on the side of the table. At least I can keep my mouth closed while eating and drinking, unlike him so far.... "Aren't two assistants enough for you? I can understand Owlowiscious, but another one?! What are you aiming to have- a full house?!"

"Spike, you're being paranoid. You're thinking he is living in the library like us. That's not happening. Besides, all you and Owlowiscious do is fetch me books and materials for writing." Living with her? That would be awkward, especially for a first meeting! "I would just like someone to help along with all my studies."

"I can help you with your studies!" He said.

"Okay then, what was the myth I was trying to debunk last night and today?" Twilight asked, which left Spike stumped.

"Um..."

"Point exactly." Twilight pointed with her hoof. I turned my head to Spike and then back to Twilight Sparkle. I really don't want any bad blood between that dragon and me. I think I can get along with Owlow...Owloy...I'll just call him Owly. It's too much of a tongue twister on that name. Anyways, I think I can get along with Owly, due to his limited vocabulary. But Spike? From the first sight, it seemed he didn't like me at all. I wonder why...

"So, what do you say?" Twilight asked again. "And don't mind Spike," she spoke with a whisper, "he should get over it once he gets to know you." She's right. I shouldn't let anypony, even a dragon, stop me from getting a job that is at the right opportunity!

"I'd be happy too!" I said with a gleeful smile. A job...a job on the first try and on the first meeting! Thank Celestia! Before anything else was said, a huge tray appeared on the table. The waiter has brought our food. Quickly, he took the tray with his teeth and only the plates remained on the table. Nice trick he did. "Enfoy." I took that as 'enjoy.' After his word, he left the table. My stomach started growling as I looked at my fruit salad...and the sandwich in front of me looked huge! Without further ado, it's time for me to dig in!

...

"I can't believe I ate the whole thing..." I muttered to myself. I was satisfyingly full. It was the best meal I ever had since I left Canterlot. I looked at the sky and it looked like nighttime was coming. There was some orange and yellows left in the sky, but it looks like it's Luna's night to shine.

"Enjoyed yourself?" Twilight asked with a smile.

"Very! Thanks for showing me this place! I loved the milk too! Didn't realize there was so many different flavors." It's funny for her to ask that because earlier, the waiter asked if everything was delicious- and indeed it was!

"Yeah, they really have a diverse menu. Even my friends enjoy coming here." She said.

Friends, huh? I didn't expect her to have friends. Err, don't get me wrong. She looked like a bookworm, and I figured bookworms don't have time for friends. Twilight finished her refill of her juice while lifting the glass to her mouth using her magic. The waiter trotted to our table.

"We're about to close soon, but we have a couple of pies and cakes left to serve. Any room for desert?" He asked.

I was full, and I didn't want to have Twilight wait on me either. "No, it's fine." I said. "Same. I'm full myself!" She said. The waiter placed the receipt on the table with the writing facing towards me. Well, it is only polite for a stallion to pay for the meal. Plus, I'm thankful for the job. The cost isn't bad...let me just reach into my...

...saddle...bags?

MY SADDLEBAGS! "Oh man, I forgot my saddlebags with the bits in them!" I said to myself. Great...just great! What kind of stallion would let the mare pay for the bill?! What an idiot I am! There goes my job! There goes my opportunity! Before I made a dash heading back to the library, a claw grabbed my hoof. I looked down towards Spike, with a jealous, angry look on his face. He pointed back to Twilight. I looked towards her and...

"Here you go, sir. You can keep the rest as your tip." Twilight placed the bits in the pouch the waiter was holding out. The waiter closed it. "Thank you very much, ma'am." He left the table...and that was that. SHE paid for the meal rather than me! How embarrassing!

"Twilight! I'm really, really sorry! I forgot all about my saddlebags, and I thought I had them on me! I was going to pay, but-"

"Calm down." She said calmly. "It's okay. I was planning on paying the bill anyway. I figured I could treat you to a meal after what I did to you. No need to get worked up..."

Even with those calming words, my dignity sort of shredded away. Well...it's over now. It's best to not get worked up, as she said. "Thanks...I appreciate it."

As we stepped down from the table and Spike on Twilight's side, I asked "Where is the nearest hotel by the way?"

"Oh, the first one is just down this street. The second one is in the next street on the right at the very end."

"I'm glad it isn't far. I'll walk along with you to the library, since I have to get my saddlebags anyway." I said. With that, we headed towards the library.

...

"That's how things are in Canterlot with the job market." I said. "Wow...never realized how hard it was for you to find one back there. You made a big decision coming here!" Twilight said. We had mostly small talk, with Spike butting in with a sigh in some areas. I just finished talking to Twilight Sparkle about why I couldn't get a job in Canterlot and decided why I came to Ponyville.

We were in front of the library. I opened the door and grabbed my saddlebags with one of my hooves and placed it on my back. "Well...see you tomorrow. Thanks again, Twilight Sparkle. I appreciate it, and I will do the best I can."

"No thank you! It's great to have someone to study alongside with me. Just come early in the morning, alright? I always get up bright and early!"

Early to bed, early to rise. Can't go wrong with that motto. I nodded and we parted ways. Now that I have my saddlebags, it's time for the next challenge: finding a room to stay for the night.

...

I opened the door to the hotel room, and a stallion unicorn was dusting a desk using his magic. "Can I help you, sir?" He turned and asked me.

"Yes, do you have a room for the night?" I answered. I figured the lobby wasn't too crowded, so there should be some room at least.

"No vacancy. Sorry." He stated flatly.

Or not...darn. "I see. Thank you, sir." I finished with those words and walked out.

...

I figured I'd give it another shot at the other hotel, even if it was a long walk...unfortunately, it didn't look good as no lights were on and the windows were closed. There was a sign outside the door.

"Closed until winter."...I sighed.

I never knew finding a place to stay could be so tough. Most of the houses I pass by have their windows closed or lights off. It wouldn't be right of me if I randomly knock on a door and asked to stay for the night. Looks like it is a nullified score for me. Plus one point for Memoire scoring a job. Minus one point for Memoire for not finding a place to stay.

I found myself wandering back to Golden Oaks Library. The lights were on for a moment, and then turned off. It looks like they are turning in for the night.

I would ask Twilight if I could spend the night...but that would be too much to ask. She gave me a job and a great meal. I don't want to mooch anymore!

I yawned. She said she wanted me to be here bright and early...well the only possible way would be sleeping outside of the library. I just hope she won't be angry about it. I'll be sure to move away from it once I hear ponies coming out in the morning.

I moved to the side of the tree library and placed my saddlebags against the trunk. Too bad I don't have a blanket...but at least these bags have a decent softness to them to use as a pillow.

"Hoo!" I noticed Owly flying out of the building and going somewhere. I guess since he isn't needed for the night, he goes out to do his own owl things...whatever owls do...

For now, the sandpony is coming for me...and it's off to sleep...

These Happy Golden Oaks Part 2

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These Happy Golden Oaks Part 1
Twilight solves Memoire's problems for finding a place to stay, but can he come to terms with a jealous dragon? Plus...it seems the job will be more than studying in the end...

Just five more minutes...

I could hear the birds chirping and feel the sun shining through my closed eyes. Ugh...it was hard getting comfortable. During the night, a chilly wind came through, and it didn't make sleeping any easier. Now I really wished I bothered somepony for a place to stay...

Just five more minutes...just to rest my eyes...

"Howdy, Twilight! Here ta return your book ya lent ma Granny Smith."

"Thanks for the early return, Applejack! Did she find any useful tricks to cleaning any of her antiques?"

Apple...five more minutes...jack...

"She sure did! I think Applebloom and I did enough pesterin' on a restorin' some lovely teapots and teacups. I recon Rarity will be jealous once she takes a gander on 'em!"

"Achoo!" I sneezed; Excuse me. I don't know if a minute passed...but...three more minutes...

"Eh? What the hay?"

I told you. Three. More. Minutes...

"Twilight, did they have any hobos back in Canterlot?" Jackapple said. "Maybe a few or so...why do you say that?" I heard Twilight's voice. Ugh...I'm having weird dreams aren't I?

"I think they are a spreadin' ta over here."

"What?...Memoire!"

"Five more minutes!"I yelled and opened my eyes. I noticed Twilight and mare standing together. The mare had a hat on with a beautiful blonde mane to match her golden orange fur.

I nervously smiled. "Uh...good morning? Oh, good morning Twilight! Well, I'm here bright and early like you said!" I got up while laughing nervously and stepped on the dewy, lush grass. Twilight looked worried at first, then she stroke an angry glare at me. The other pony smiled nervously and looked both ways.

"Well, look at the time! Gotta walk little Applebloom to school! Have fun with...err...whatever you- and whatever you hobos do- had planned ta do!"

"But Applejack, school is-" She then made a dash for it. "...out..." Twilight finished her sentence.

I don't like the looks of this. Did I do something wrong? I...I couldn't have. I'm here early like she said. Twilight continued staring at me until I stroke the first word that came out of my mouth. "Uh..."

"Come inside." She said sternly. I followed her inside.

The dawn of the sun shone through the windows, making the library brighter and beautiful than ever. I noticed Spike was standing near the leftmost and closest bookshelves to the entrance. He was throwing a ball, the size of his hand, up and down by one of the bookshelves. He looked at us at first with an angry look, but noticing Twilight's expression, he then smirked as if he was hoping something bad would happen to me. Oh no...something bad is about to happen to me!

I noticed Twilight was using her magic to reach a pillow from upstairs. It looked like she was fluffing up the pillow...but why? Housework, this early? I looked at Spike, who was still smirking and let out a grin. Oh no...what if...what if...

WHAT IF I'M GOING TO BE FIRED!?

Of course! It makes sense! No wonder with the expressions! Twilight is trying to be so casual and nice about it! That is why she is fluffing up the pillow, so she can't focus on my reaction while doing housework!

"Twilight, I'm so sorry! I don't know what I did wrong!" I followed her as she continued hovering the pillow, and she floated a blanket to her. She didn't respond. Oh no, she doesn't think I'm serious about the job! "Twilight, was it because I was sleeping outside?! I didn't know it was taboo here in Ponyville as well!"

"It IS taboo in Ponyville. Everypony knows that..." Spike said grinning with pride. Is Twilight even listening? She walked to a different door on the first floor. Judging from her expression and her glances, she must be...she must want me to step in her office and formerly fire me! I galloped, fell on purpose, and skidded to her hooves and hugged her. "I know you're mad! I'm sorry! I'm SO sorry! Please don't fire me, I'll do anythin-"

"MEMOIRE!" Twilight yelled. I looked up at her from the floor. "I'm not mad." She stated.

"Huh?" I got up and looked at her clueless.

Spike dropped his ball in surprise and it bounced away. "What?"

She sighed and her expression changed to a worrying one. "I wasn't mad. I was concerned! Memoire, was there any vacancy at any of the hotels?"

I looked away, unable to keep a straight face. "...No..."

"Then why didn't you come back and tell me?"

I rolled my eyes. She doesn't see the awkwardness does she? Good idea, Twilight. Invite a stranger to stay in your home for the night, not to mention a stallion! Nothing could possibly go wrong! I noticed she gave another glare after I rolled my eyes. I shook my head after. "Because...well...I didn't-"

"I would have happily let you stay until you found a place to stay!" Twilight said.

"What?" I was shocked.

"Huh?!" I heard Spike saying.

"Yeah, what? What else did you think I was doing other than trying to set a bed for you with a pillow and blanket?" She looked at me with a smile. I noticed Spike was coming to stand by Twilight with a smug face. It looked almost obvious to me. She was casually doing housework with the pillow and blanket, or taking out her frustration on those. I never went inside that door before, so I assumed it was her office or something similar.

"Just...uh...heheh-maybe like Spike said I'm stupid?" I said, with some emphasis on the last word. "Took the words right out of my mouth." Spike crossed his arms with a prideful smile.

"Ugh..." Twilight rolled her eyes at Spike's reaction. "Memoire, with all that aside, you can stay in the basement. I can bring out a spare bed down there until there is a room in the hotel."

"Really? It seems that it's too much to ask of you...I mean, you gave me a job-"

"That's right, Twilight! He is very, VERY thankful for that." Spike interrupted as he jumped in front of me and tried pushing me away from her. He didn't have the strength to move me, but I just moved myself as he pushed me. "There's no need for him to stay. He would feel SO guilty renting your place out. In fact, I bet the hotel has a room right-"

"Spike, don't you have to go feed Peewee his breakfast?" Twilight interrupted with a serious, angry glare. Wait...Peewee? Is that a name of a colt named after somepony? "I fed him already! You know I am responsible and mature enough of a dragon to take care of a-"

"Then, PLEASE, be mature about this! You have been very rude to Memoire. I know why, and it's because of your first meeting with him, but he already apologized for that!" Twilight continued as she stomped closer to Spike. "Until he finds a place to stay, he will be staying in the basement. From now on, if you cannot say a SINGLE thing nice to him, then do not say anything to him at all! Do you understand me, mister?!"

Wow...I never saw anypony stand up for me like that, in addition to hospitality too! Seeing Twilight's reaction was shocking. I didn't expect her to raise her voice to that little dragon. I hope the situation doesn't get out of hand. I don't want to be a burden or a moocher!

To be honest, though, I feel a small grudge with Spike; but I couldn't help think that maybe there is a reason for him acting like this. Spike's eyes slightly watered. She didn't make him cry did she?

"But...I...he...too many...ARGH!!!" He yelled and stomped away, heading to the stairs. I guess he's angry now...I don't know if it is better than being sad or not...

Twilight then looked at me with a concerning look. "I'm sorry about Spike. I think he is overwhelmed with the household, even though your stay is temporary. Could you continue being patient and nice with him? He'll come around...I know it..." She gave a sigh and looked away with concern.

"I'm still trying to come with terms with Spike, so of course. I know my reaction gave our meeting a bad vibe." I responded. I don't want to make any enemies in Ponyville...believe me...in Canterlot, fifty percent of the population can be your enemy.

"Thanks, Memoire. I appreciate it." She started to open the door with her magic, and my voice stopped her mentality. "Actually, could I ask some questions?"

"Yes? What is it?" The door was released from her magic and left a dark crack. I think right now would be the best time to ask some questions about Spike, since he is out of sight and hopefully from hearing range.

"Wha-" No that would be wrong to start with 'what.' It would sound like I would refer to him as a thing. "Who is Spike, anyway? Could you give me a summary?"

Twilight took a deep breath with a smile. Oh no...long dialogue up ahead!

"Spike was my assistant ever since I was a filly...well...an assistant once he wasn't a newborn anymore. Even though he does some of the work for me, I treat him like a part of my family. He has trouble warming up to other ponies and creatures sometimes, but once you get to know him, he is a great friend to have."

I blinked...I didn't expect it to be short. For a bookworm pony, I was expecting an epic tale!

"What's wrong?" She gave me a confused look. "Oh, nothing! Just didn't expect that summary, that's all! Anyways, thanks for telling me. It will help me out a lot to get to know Spike."

"No trouble at all. Come on, I'll show you your temporary room." She walked to the door and opened it with her magic. Twilight walked in and I followed her.

The light flickered on with the nearby switch she used with her hoof. The basement was really, REALLY huge! The downstairs seem endless as they gave a slight curve onto the floor. There were long counters and many wall cabinets that were high up above them. The room still retained the same atmosphere of the library, but it was almost spooky since it didn't have any windows and especially any natural light.

"I may need to come downstairs time to time to work on some experiments, just some potions and what-not. So please leave the room when I need you too. Oh, also don't touch anything in the cabinets. There are many glass tubes and flasks, and I don't want them to fall. Most of them are either borrowed or expensive. There are also some herbs and incenses that can be dangerous; but just as long as you don't touch them or open the cabinets with them, you'll be fine. Also, we use the basement to keep safe from any tornadoes and weather that is out of control. Spike hardly comes down here anyway since the last incident lead his scales overgrowing, which I told him there was nothing to be afraid of."

I blinked at the long sentences and few of the complex words she gave me. Now that was a long dialogue...

"Any questions?" She turned to me with a smile.

"Ah-no! None at all! I understand completely." I gave out a nervous laugh. She stared at me suspiciously, as she looked like she thought I wasn't listening. "Okay, list most of the things I just said then."

Where to start..."Well, you were talking about experiments and needing solitude when you need it, not to touch the cabinets because of the glassware and other things, coming down here during bad weather, and something about Spike's scales-"

"Alright, I'm convinced you listened. I just wanted to be sure you had a good memory." Twilight laugh.

"That's why I was named 'Memoire'" I stated proudly and laughed with her.

...

I appreciated what Twilight has done for me so far. I couldn't thank her enough! A job and a room-it seemed like it was my lucky day when I met her yesterday! However, I can't slack off. I'm willing to study with her on whatever she needed help with, since it's my job after all.

After Twilight and I worked together to move the spare bed into the basement, it was time to hit the books. She and I took our saddle bags and scanned the bookshelf on the main floor. Which reminds me...what were we studying anyway?

"Hey Twilight, what did you need help to study?" I asked. Twilight turned around from the book case with an excited smile. "There is an ancient creature called the Hippogryph, that was said as a result of an offspring from a pony and griffon! Last night, I had a scroll which was dated back to a thousand years ago, which I was trying to translate. The separated history books of ponies and griffons only described it as a mythology."

Hippogryph...what an awkward name. I would assume the creature was part hippo and part griffon! I was picturing a gigantic hippo with feathers and wings. Would the myth be busted? Maybe only when hippos fly...

"So...does the actual creature exist? Is there any proof?"

"There is a lot of supporting evidence with the Hippogryph not being mythological, but I still don't have enough. I rather have it be one hundred percent than ninety-nine percent. So..." Ninety-Nine? Wow she really wants it to be perfect...

Twilight used her magic to hover two books into my saddle bags, one on each side. "I need you to look in one of these books. The book has eyewitness reports in the past as well as depictions of it. I want you to see if any of them match this scroll, even if it has little resemblance." She then put a rolled up scroll in my bag.

"And the other book?" I eyed at her.

"Oh, I think it would be something for you to read on your free time that would help you with a current predicament you have." Her smile turned sneaky. Hopefully, this wouldn't be a joke book or something to catch me off guard; however, she did say it was a 'current predicament' I have. Could she be talking about-

"What current predicament?" Spike walked and approached us. "Nothing at all, Spike." Twilight responded. Spike gave a glare and crossed his arms. "As long as you two aren't playing any funny games against me!"

"It isn't that, Spike. Trust me."

Spike moved his questioning head to the side of Twilight, noticing our saddle bags."Hey, you ponies have your saddle bags on...where are you going?"

"Wait a minute...you didn't even tell me. Where are we going?" I butted in, and Spike glared at me. "Hey! I was curious too!" I responded. What does he think I'm doing? Trying to be like him? Want me to put some scales on for you?

"I figured since it was a nice day, we could go out in the park and read under the tree on the hill. You want to come, Spike?"

Spike looked at me with disapproval. "Nah, no thanks." I suppose he's denying it because of me...he hates me that much?

"Oh come on, Spike. It's a beautiful day and you can't pass it up. Besides, it looks like Peewee is wanting to learn how to fly!" Twilight pointed her hoof at the stairs. I noticed there was a orange-glowed small bird with red feathers and beady yellow eyes. How cute...I guess I figured out what 'Peewee' meant earlier.

The chick's wings were flapping...wait...it's not thinking of...

It jumped a bit.

IT IS THINKING OF IT!!!

Twilight and I gasped as the little bird jumped off the railing of the stairs.

I could hear Spike's voice yelling "Peewee!" The bird was floating slightly but did not have enough strength. Oh no...Spike started running to catch it, but his little legs could only go so far! I hate to show off to him, but a bird's life could be at stake! I galloped, skidded on the floor, and reached my hooves out to catch it...

And it made a slightly hard, yet soft landing. I looked on my hooves and saw a standing little bird, who was jumping and still happy. It wasn't scared? I guess it's always lollipops and rainbows in the minds of little ones.

"Whew...Peewee don't do that again!" Spike grabbed Peewee out of my hooves and he gave it a warm embrace. I noticed Twilight from the other side of the room, wiping her forehead with her hoof. "That was a close one, Memoire. Always better safe than sorry, am I right?" She stated.

"Heh...Well I wasn't sure if it-"

"HE!" Spike corrected me sharply.

"Err...he was going to make it or if Spike would catch him in time." I corrected myself. I wasn't sure of the gender, yet I think 'it' seemed even more insulting to Spike. Another reason for Spike to hate me...is that three reasons so far? I cannot even care to count...

"Well, that's over at least. Do you have someone to thank, Spike? Even a little?" Twilight smiled down at Spike, holding Peewee. He was holding him dearly like a son. Spike must care for Peewee a lot. I never realized how soft of a heart was under all those scales. He sighed and looked at me. His expression showed that he still didn't like me...but...

"...Thanks." he flatly stated. His tone showed me he doesn't hate me that much now, though I can still see the grudge.

"No need to thank me, Spike. I did it just for Peewee." I smiled. After all, we have to watch out for each other from time to time right?

...

"Perfect! Not even an arthropod on the grass!" Twilight stated and pointed to a tree on the hill. A what now? Whatever she meant, there is nothing under that tree.

The park was a quiet place. I expected it to be a playground or a place where colts and fillies act up, but it was more of a grown-up place where everyone could get a little quiet time. The benches were clean and the grass was green. There was a dirt trail surrounding the area, but not even a spec of dirt was out of place! I guess they treasure this place just like any other area of Ponyville.

Twilight, Spike who was holding Peewee, and I walked up to the hill with the tree, "So you just study on a day like this?"

"Well, I learned not to be cooped up all the time in the library while studying. I figured why not go outside and do your studying on beautiful days? When I need to look away from a book for a second, I could enjoy the breeze and the smell of nature around."

"Hopefully, you didn't mean the gross side of nature." Spike snickered. Twilight groaned with a smile. "Very funny, Spike."

Twilight and I sat down under the tree, facing the park, and Spike sat on the other side with Peewee. Is she really a bookworm? All she talked about was studying, books, and studying. Did I mention studying?

"But is studying all you do? That sounds like wasti-..err that you could do other things." I better watch my choice of words or she'll take it the wrong way.

Twilight laughed. "No. I do other things, like hanging out with my friends, participate in Ponyville activities, and go to different stores now and then."

Okay at least she isn't that bad of a bookworm. I guess it's one of those things she does mainly, but at least she has a life! Forgive me for that comment, but for a moment there, I thought her life revolved around books, studying, and books! I mentioned books right?

I remembered what she said though. Friends? Probably most of them are mares. Ponyville activities? I bet they're even more fun and friendly than Canterlot. Stores? Ten bits say one of them is a bookstore.

I grabbed one of the books with my mouth on the side and the scroll to set out as well. Huh? This doesn't seem like the book I was suppose to study.

Life of an Average Dragon

Wait...this must mean the book Twilight gave me for my 'predicament.'

I noticed Twilight was already using her magic to flip the pages on the book. I could hear Spike's voice behind the tree.

"Okay Peewee. Just exercise your wings. You don't REALLY have to fly." I heard a flutter after. Spike isn't a dummy when it comes to taking care of a bird. I guess he isn't physically fit for it...but mentally?

"You're floating! Good going! Keep at it! Keep at it!...Aww, it was a good try at least!"

Yeah, he fits well with it.

I opened the book I had with my mouth and started turning the pages by sliding my hoof. The book's first chapter started with origins. It seemed like a long, detailed history of it, but I paid no mind to that. Let's see...

Growth cycle...yeah right. Like I would talk to Spike about that.

Food...I already know he eats gemstones.

Aha! Temperament!

An average dragon's temperament is mostly 'dominant,' although the attitude can change from the parenting; it could be either a gentler dragon or a deadly one. A dragon prefers to be the top above all, which is why it is common to see them sparring with each other. Any possession, whether big or small, for a dragon is important to him or her. It would attack or warn the creature if it tried to take his or her possession.

A normal dragon usually does not like change, except its usual instincts like initiations or fending for themselves. This chapter covers common scenarios with fellow explorers, but in summary, dragons can be unpredictable.

I see now. Spike was afraid of the changes being made in the library. He was afraid he would be left out even more since he wasn't dominant. Twilight Sparkle seemed to try to ease things with Spike as much as she could...

...but no matter what, it's a dragon's own battle to deal with; and I think it's a battle Spike and I will have to go through.

...And I think I know where to start.

"So, Spike...how did you find Peewee? You seem to be one lucky dragon to have someone loving like that little bird."

"A phoenix." he muttered. Ah, so that's the type-... A PHOENIX?! THAT IS LIKE ONE OF THE RAREST- okay, okay take it easy Memoire. Remember on your first encounter with Spike. Play it cool.

...

I was able to get to know Spike more when he told me the story about how he found Peewee. I overacted and even mentioned 'it' when it, err...he was an egg. He even still feels guilty when he stole him; I even overreacted on that part too. He was pressured by those dragons...talk about peer pressure.

He told me he took care of Peewee for a while and returned him to his family...however, Spike still hasn't filled the hole of that story yet. He returned Peewee back...but why is he still here? I really want him to finish the story of Peewee and him.

"What happened next? Peewee is with you now..." I asked gently.

Spike took a deep breath. "I couldn't believe that either, but here he is. A week after I returned him, I heard a knock on the library door...I opened the door...and..."

"Peewee was there, wasn't he?" I smiled.

"Yes! He was so happy to see me! I couldn't believe it too! Peewee...it looked like he chose me over his parents. I noticed some huge phoenix feathers left behind too. I guess his parents loved him so much..."

"...That they let him stay where he felt he belonged." I couldn't believe Spike and I said that at the same time.

I let out a laugh and Spike let out a soft one.

"Twilight must be proud of you, Spike. What was it like hanging out with fellow dragons by the way?"

"Terrible! They were just bullies and attacking defenseless creatures and taking what they want! I never want to be like them! That day...ever since I got Peewee...I swore I would never do anything like that and I wanted to protect Peewee ever since!"

"I'm always proud of you, Spike. No matter what." Twilight jumped in the conversation.

I guess that story helped me know about Spike even more. He may be jealous at times, but he can really be a good friend-and father too!

"Psst...I hope that book helped a bit." Twilight whispered to me. "Huh?" I wondered, but then I remembered. "Oh that...well...it helped me out in one area."

"Yeah, usually when I don't know how to do some things, I read a book related to it to find out!" She said. I snorted after, saying "Even on how to fluff up a pillow?" Twilight just laughed and waved her hoof. "Not easy stuff like that!" She then looked at her book again and her eyes widened in interest.

"By the way, come take a look..." Twilight signaled me to come closer. I got up and sat by her. She showed me a picture that seemed...like fantasy...

The picture showed a creature with a beak like a griffon. The head was covered with feathers and the eyes were beady. The feet, instead of being claws, were hooves that looked like they weren't taken care of properly. The rest of the body was covered in fur and the tail was long like a regular griffon's. It was only a sketch, so there weren't any colors to describe the picture. One thing for sure...it isn't a hippo.

"That's the latest drawing done on a Hippogryph. Amazing, isn't it?!" She said with excitement. "If the legends are true...then I can't wait to have a conversation with one!"

Wow, that's going a bit too far right there. "Conversation? What are you going to ask him or her?" I felt weird talking about that.

"I don't know...'What do you eat?,' 'Where do you live?,' 'What do you like?,' 'What book do you like-' There are so many things I could ask a Hippogryph!"

A figure popped out of the tree from below. "Is it a hippo? That's what I want to ask it first!"

"GAH!" I stumbled from shock. I looked up and the pony dropped down. It had a pink, bubblegum mane with pink fur. She gave a wide, happy smile at us. Spike came to join us with Peewee. "A hippo, huh? I called that on what she thought it was!" He said.

"Hi Pinkie Pie! No, nothing to do with hippos at all. Just-"

"Oh. MY. GOSH!!! You made a new friend!" Her expression changed from happy to angry and she pointed her hoof at Twilight. "YOU MADE A NEW FRIEND WITHOUT TELLING ME!"

"Uh...hello to you too?" I said nervously. "Sorry Pinkie. He arrived in Ponyville late at night...and well...he's been through a lot." Twilight stated. Yes, she's right. Thank you, Twilight!

"Aww...but...he didn't get his traditional welcome in Ponyville- not even a party!" She looked down with a quivering lip. Is she really that disappointed? Then her expression changed, as if she had a lightbulb hovering above her head. "Oh, I know! I can do a quick welcome! What do you say to thaaaaaat-" I guess she's waiting for my name.

"Memoire Lane." I said, rolling my eyes.

"Memo-lane! Okay! Here we go!" Then she did something I'd never seen any pony do: Took some weird looking box contraption that had a party-like design, and it started playing music...then...she burst into some weird song.

"Welcome to Ponyville, we hope you enjoy your stay! Welcome to Ponyville, we hope you'll stay with us. HEY!" She jumped and-

"Oh no!" Spike yelled

KABOOM!!!

The box exploded in confetti and...is that cake batter? Anyways, it exploded all over her. Peewee had some batter on his beak. He just jumped on Spike's hand and licked it off happily.

"Uh...Okay that wasn't suppose to happen, but since it was so awesome, it WAS suppose to happen! Haha!" She burst into laughter and licked all the cake batter off of her.

"That seems...different, Pinkie Pie. Trying something new for once?" Twilight asked with a smile.

"Yeah! I figured if every pony gets the same greeting, it would be TOO obvious. So, I decided to create something new each time I greet somepony in Ponyville! A super, unique greeting for everypony!" Pinkie Pie, who seems to be covered in 'Pie,' shook and all the cake batter disappeared. Her mane and fur were crystal clear of the batter.

She turned and gasped, looking at the clock in the center of the town. "Oh no, gotta meet Rainbow Dash! I promised her I would watch her aerial trick for the contest!" She zipped like a lightning bolt and I heard her echo. "See ya, Memo-lane!"

"That's...Memoire...ugh never mind." That moment right there was TOO random. I mean seriously, she popped out of nowhere-and was she spying on us? That's a bit of a stalker to me! I could hear Twilight's laugh.

"That was...actually different." Spike said.

"You'll get used to it, Memoire. She isn't a bad pony. She's one of my friends."

"That's one of your friends? I find it...shocking."

...

"I noticed in the book that a Hippogryph can live twice as long as a gryphon! Amazing!"

"Twice as long? That can't be right...usually when two different types of creatures get together, the offspring lives at least half of a griffon's life span."

How could a book lie? Well...I guess anypony can write anything and it would become the truth. Wait...I think I just described a newspaper.

We were back at the entrance of the library late afternoon. The sun was going to start setting in a couple of hours. I was telling Twilight about a chapter in the book she gave me about the eyewitness reports. Eyewitness reports...wait...ugh face-hoof!

Then, it hit me. "Well, aren't we considered magical creatures? Maybe something in the magic gives an astounding effect."

Twilight and I walked in the library, continuing the conversation. The room emitted an orange glow from the sun, giving the library a cozy, yet headache-inducing atmosphere. "You raise a good point, but there are always two types of sciences: one with magic, and one with biology."

"I suppose they don't get along?"

"Just like you and Spike in a way."

We both laugh. I could hear a laugh from Spike, but when I turned around, his expression turned sour. I think we'll get along soon.

"I always weigh in on both sides of the argument. It's almost like I'm stepping in feral territory, however. Too many pointing hooves and arguments if you're with critics." She said. That must be tough for her.

Then I heard Spike speaking from where the tables were.

"Hey Twilight, you got a book in...oh, a note from Pinkie Pie too!"

"A book?" Twilight trotted over. "I wasn't expecting any books until tomorrow...let me see that note." Twilight's horn glowed and a small piece of paper was hovering towards her. She began reading aloud.

"Hi Twilight!
I noticed somepony left a paper bag at your door, so I wanted to be sure it wasn't something dangerous in it. It wasn't, so I just went into the library and put it on the table, so nopony from outside could steal it!

Friendship Friends Forever,
Pinkie

P.S. Don't show the book to Rainbow Dash or she'll want to borrow it right on the spot!"

"Wait...then it would...how could it be...ugh." My mind jumbled just thinking about it. She went into the library, which was locked, to put a book in there, so it would not be stolen.

I paused..."Does this pony have any logic?!" I shouted.

"If you asked that to Pinkie Pie, she would say 'What Logic?'" Twilight laugh then rolled her eyes. "Typical Pinkie." She used her horn to lift something from the bag. Her eyes lit up just by looking at it. It appeared to be a book, which is typical for somepony who likes reading books. However, once she spoke the title, it wasn't just any book.

"Daring Doo and the Caverns of Illusion! Oh my gosh! I'm going to read it right now!" Twilight trotted in the middle of the green carpet with the tables, and sat down to open the book.

"Wait...right now? We just did a lot of studying...shouldn't you take a break?" I asked, being concerned.

"Are you crazy? This book is the continuation of the series after three years! Can you imagine what it's going to be like?! The character progression! The story! The reason why the book took so long!"

"Well...it is Daring Doo..."

"What do you mean?"

"I stopped reading it...the endings are always the same! Someone betrays her, she gets in a trap, and somehow, MAGICALLY gets out of it and the traitor is no where to be found..."

Twilight looked at me with a frown...I guess she knew I was right. Then...it looked like she wasn't going to read it. Wow...three years of anticipation and not deciding to read it? That didn't seem right. When I first read about Daring Do, I remembered how excited I was while reading the first book. Then the second book was great. The third book...was...the same like the others.

But...there are other reasons to read it.

"Aw come on, you still want to read about all the action and adventure she goes through!" I said.

"Huh?"

"The mysteries, the relationships, and the purpose of the adventure! I'll read along...besides I would like to see if the author did a different turn on things. You did say it was three years since it was released."

"Now that you mention it...me too! Want to as well Spike?" Twilight asked.

Spike shook his head. "Nah, no thanks. I'm going to feed Peewee his supper and eat mine. How about you two?" Spike turned as he was heading into the kitchen.

"Don't worry about us. We'll fix up something for the both of us later."

"Us...later?" I asked her.

"Yeah...we'll both be finished at the same time."

Going through the whole book under the rest of the evening? I...doubt it...I saw Spike going into the kitchen with Peewee hovering up and down. I guess the little guy is almost at the point of flying.

...

As the fearless Daring Do walked through the blue aura-like tunnels of the caverns, something did not seem quite right.

"....I've been going down this same tunnel the whole time! But...how?"

Daring Do then eyed at the aura, and she looked behind her. Both tunnels looked the same. However, she remembered one of the old fillytales she heard about as a foal.

The fillytale took place in a forest. No matter how far you go in one direction, you always end up back where you started. Daring Do smirked, solving the mystery.

"Then...I'll just go backwards for a while and go back the same way again!" She flapped her wings and flew the opposite direction. She wanted to be sure she went long enough, so she counted five seconds while flying as fast as she could.

She took a sharp turn around and...

She ended up at a temple-like area. It wasn't the same narrow, cramped cave she was traveling. It was spacious...and not to mention spooky. Daring Do looked up at the torches that were keeping the temple lit. It was no ordinary fire...it was a spooky blueish-green color that gave it a weak atmosphere, as if it was a place for ghosts.

"Daring Do."

She looked straight ahead. Were her eyes deceiving her? Was it another trick by the so-called Caverns of Illusion?

She thought that earth pony was dead...yet before her eyes, he was there.

"Four-eyes! Thank Celestia you're alright! I thought that trap made you a goner!" She shed a tear. She remembered seeing him being crushed by the rocks that fell in the cave.

The sky-blue stallion just gave a small smirk. "Of course I'm fine. This is the 'Caverns of Illusion' after all."

"Hah...looks like this place doesn't get old with deceiving us, huh?"

"Or...deceiving you." His eyes narrowed and his smirk became a cruel, wicked smile. "W-what?" She stepped back. This wasn't the Four-eyes she knew.

"I called it! You owe me bits!" I raised my hoofs in victory. I knew there was something suspicious about that pony!

"What?! How?! They didn't use that ploy since the second book!...And since when do I owe you bits?" Twilight said as her eyes were in shock and changed to a glare when she mentioned bits.

"Yeah...he was a traitor all along. I sensed the irony since he was introduced!"

"Wait...what if it is somepony else and using an illusion on somepony she knew?" Twilight became skeptical. She doesn't see it, does she? As she mentioned, it is the same ploy by the book.

When Daring Do met him for the first time, he was slightly shy, yet it was made up by his intelligence and explaining things in easier terms. He was happy finding the clues about the caverns and mystical places in all of Equestria.

That Four-eyes...changed?

"What are you talking about?! We were finding a way through this together! You were helping me find the entrance to the Scepter of Necromancy!"

"Oh...you mean this?" A silver scepter adorned with a blue topaz on top was floating in a green aura. "Wait...magic? Four-eyes, how are you able to use magic?! You don't have a horn-you aren't even a unicorn!"

"I believe you don't understand the situation you are in, Miss Do." Four-eyes began as the next aura that appeared was around him.

"You see, Miss Do, the Caverns of Illusion was created by a spider. In order to maintain the illusions in this cavern, he created this Scepter of Necromancy. He used the spirits of his ancestors, whom were spiders, to keep the magic flowing. There was a catch though. In order to make the magic everlasting, it would only activated once a living creature enters it."

"That's interesting...so it activated once we entered, right?"

"It activated once YOU entered."

Daring Do's eyes were in shock. The walls seemed to be making skittering sounds, as if bugs were crawling on them-but there were none on them.

"In order for me to use this magic to take over the insects in Equestria for my bidding, I needed a foolish pony who would dare enter this place. Once I heard your name, Daring Do, I figured it was the needle in a haystack. Your name says it all-DARING DO! Hahahaha!"

"So you're actually the spider that created this place?!" She yelled.

A large creature appeared behind her. It looked like a spider with a stallion physique! She noticed how there were more than two eyes, and how they were bulging out like golden beads. "They don't call me Four-eyes for nothing!"

"Hah! I even called that one coming! See? That's why the book is...uh...Twilight?"

I saw Twilight standing up and heading into the kitchen slowly. Her head was down in solemn. Was she...really disappointed? Was her hopes real high for that book she's been waiting to come out for three years? I got up.

"Hey...we didn't finish reading it." I said, hoping she would come back.

"I already know the ending. Like you said, it was the same ploy they used in the second book of the series." She let out a sigh. I've never seen her this sad...

"But...don't you wanna see how she gets out of the situation?"

"What's the use? She gets out of every situation. She's Daring Do!"

I couldn't believe what I was hearing and seeing. Even it was for a short time, I knew Twilight Sparkle was a lover of books, fiction or non-fiction. I never seen her being so disappointed in a book-especially a release being waited on so long!...Well...I'm not going to let her be disappointed! I think I know how to cheer her up about the story!

"Since we're done reading, you want anything from the kitchen?" I noticed Twilight trying to fake a smile.

"We're not done with the story." I stated firmly.

"What? Yes we are!"

"No were not...I'm going to tell a better ending to that story. Something original...and it will be that same atmosphere you feel as you read the series!" I galloped around, blowing out the candles to make the room dark.

"You're kidding...right?" I heard Twilight letting out a degrading chuckle. I'll blow her mind...err...once I blow out this last candle.

"Nope! Just sit down and listen. That's all you have to do!" I said. The only light that was in the room was from Luna's night sky outside.

"That's a laugh...guess it'll help me finish my popcorn." Spike said as he was throwing a piece into his mouth. You're not really encouraging me...

"Alright then! Let's get back to Daring Do, when she was in the tunnels!"

Daring Do continued on passing through the same blue tunnel, without even knowing it was the same. A thought raced through her head. 'I have to find Four-eyes. I have to make sure he's okay! I never wanted him to be in danger.'

Then, it clicked her like a clock striking the hour. She knew the whole time she was passing through the same tunnel. This enraged her, and she glared straight ahead. "This cavern...it thinks it can hold me down?!" Her wings were flapping, as if they were ready to get it on. "Try me!"

Daring Do ran as fast as her feet could go, with the help of her wings, her speed increased faster than the fastest running pony in all of Equestria! Sweat trickled down her face and her breathing was heavy. That didn't matter to her, though. She wasn't going to let the tunnel stop her! She had to find Four-eyes, even if he seemed like a goner!

Then, in a flicker of a moment, she ran through-what seemed to be a ghost.

A ghost?

Nonsense! Daring Do then slowed down and skidded her hooves to stop. She blinked. Did she really see a ghost? It couldn't be...Although, the cavern seemed to be a trick all to her. She couldn't let this make her look weaker like the other visitors in the cavern.

"Show yourself!" She yelled. "I know I ran through you! I'll continue the same thing until I am out of here!"

Daring Do purposely sounded intimidating. The ghost reformed in front of her. She looked solemn. Her long hair seemed to fade in the air as well as her back hooves. "You're fast...I can't believe my illusion couldn't keep up with you."

"Hah! So you're the one causing the avalanche on Four-eyes and all these tricks in here! Where is he? Why are you hiding the Scepter of Necromancy?!"

"He's fine..." The ghost turned away.

"You're lying...you've done something with him!"

"No! I'm telling the truth! He is just...knocked out and he's outside of the caverns. I just...had to...but I couldn't let him become a part of the cavern..." Most ghosts would sound like they have lost their mind. This particular one...seems to have all senses intact.

"Become...a part? Huh?"

The area around Daring Do started to fade away. She used to be in the tunnel...but for some reason, she seems to be in a temple-like area. Looking straight ahead, the treasure stood before her.

"The Scepter!" She dashed for it, yet the Scepter of Necromancy disappeared into thin air. It was the same fading technique done by that ghost.

"Hey! What gives!?"

"Please understand...I never wanted him to get near it..." The ghost said solemnly.

"Four-eyes?" Daring Do said as an important pony raced through her mind.

"Yes...if you could give me a minute to explain, you would change your mind."

"Why should I?"

"Well...you would be back at the entrance, after all that hard work getting here." The ghost gave a sly smile, trying to speak Daring's language.

"...First choice seems better." Daring Do sighed and sat down to listen.

"This scepter was once part of the Changeling Monarch line. Only the most knowledgeable of that line could wield it and gain it's powers...You see, once one pony gets near this scepter, and is part of that heritage, they will wield its power and the scepter will drive them mad..."

"Are you saying I'm part of that heritage?" Daring Do looked on one of the reflective walls. "Ugh...I don't even like insects."

"No. You're not a part of it...but somepony you know. Somepony you were with a moment ago."

"...No...there's no way." Daring's eyes widened with a tear falling down her cheek.

"Daring Do...It's Four-eyes."

"How the hay can that pony be part of that heritage?! It makes no sense! He doesn't even look like a Changeling! He doesn't even sound or act like one!"

"Over thousands and thousands of years, it started with one Changeling who fell in love with an earth pony...it was then they bore a half and half. Then bore one-fourth. Then one-eight...until..."

"Until the offspring just looked like us..."

The ghost nodded.

"But...after all those years, there's no way that the Scepter could affect them-even Four-Eyes!"

"Even a speck of that blood is enough to resonate with the Scepter-"

"How do you know all this?" Daring Do interrupted the ghost. "How do I know you're not some loony pony ghost spreading some weird spooky story? What if you're one of those "If I can't have it, nopony can!"?" She said at the end with an evil laugh.

"Because...I was the latest user."

"You? Liar! How? You're dead! Wouldn't it give you immortality?!"

"Perhaps you didn't fully discover the process onepony of that heritage goes through..."

"Process? You mean it isn't a one-step program?"

The ghost then revealed a portal on a wall, and it scried to the past.

"No...You see, The Scepter of Necromancy was originally a cruel tool created by a Changeling Prince, who was a magician. The prince was stopped...but that didn't stop the tool's influence. He put a spell on it. Once he was dead, his soul would infuse with the tool. His goal was to overrule his own ponies and all of Equestria. With his soul inside the Scepter, so too is his ambitions."

"And the immortality?"

"The only immortality is within the Scepter. If the pony used the Scepter of Necromancy long enough, the prince would become you, and therefore, immortal."

Daring Do was close to believing her and trusting her. "You...you said you were the last user...what happened?"

"I was just like you, Daring Do. I was the one who wanted to solve the mysteries of Equestria and the universe. One mystery I was solving was my own heritage. Rumors told of a Scepter that was once own by the ancient Changelings. I figured with the Scepter, I could find my answers."

The ghost turned away. "I was a complete fool not to know the consequences."

"What happened?"

"My ambitions changed from my desire of finding my family mystery to the desire of overthrowing every town in Equestria. I felt it was my destiny-I couldn't control it! Memories, which weren't mine, flooded in my mind! I felt like my purpose was revealed! I was fated to be the dictator of everypony and every creature!"

The ghost revealed the Scepter. "Then...after countless slain and towns ruled...I felt myself...leaving...as if I was fading away. I felt my identity, body, and soul leaving Equestria. I didn't know what was happening! It was that short moment I was sane! The voice...the voice of the prince filled my mind..."

"...He said..."You thought those memories were yours...you accepted them long enough for my reign to finally continue! Your existence...is mine!""

"Reality hit me. I saw what I have done...I saw what the Scepter-no...the prince used me for! All I could think of at that short moment...I couldn't let it happen to anypony, or the next pony to find this thing...so..."

"So you did away with your own life just so..." Daring Do began.

"Just so the prince couldn't continue what he intended to do...and I sealed myself along with the Scepter." The ghost finished.

"You sealed yourself with it?! Why?! It wasn't your fault! You probably had a great position in the afterlife!" Daring Do put her hoof gently on-no...through the ghost's body.

"I didn't want the next pony to go through the same fate or lose everything they were to others." She looked away. She was sad for all she did under the prince's influence. She was sad for her life being wasted. She was sad for not being able to find the real answer to her question. Deep in the ghost's mind, what started her search was to find her parents.

The cave rumbled. "Oh no..." The ghost said as she looked up.

"What? What's wrong?!"

"You have to go now! I can't keep the caverns running! I revealed myself too long to you!" The ghost started to fade within the temple.

"Wait! What am I suppose to tell everypony?! What am I suppose to tell Four-eyes? I promised we would leave out of here with the Scepter of Necromancy! I promised him we would find it together!" Daring Do's voice yelled through the crumbling of the cave.

"Some mysteries in Equestria..."The voice and ghost started to fade. "...aren't meant to be revealed..."

Daring Do's vision went black. The story echoed through her mind during her unconsciousness...then...a familiar voice tried waking her up.

"Daring Do! Wake up already! We can't stay out any longer or-"

Daring Do's eyes shot wide open and her mouth with a gasp. "Four-eyes!" She hugged him tightly. "Thank Celestia you're alright! I had the craziest dream! First, I was trying to find you through the tunnel in the cavern and-"

"Daring...what the hay you're talking about?"

"Huh?" The fearless mare turned around, only to be shocked that there were only plains of the land shown. No cavern...not even a speck of rock.

"The cavern was fading out and I panicked...them...some disfigured ghost was hovering you and placed her right near me. I was about to run away...but then I saw you."

"So...it wasn't a dream..." Daring Do sighed. It was too sad to be true to be a dream...

"Where's the Scepter? What happened? What did the ghost do to you?"

"Hah...well it sounds like a fillytale...and an especially long one." Daring laughed nervously.

"What are we going to tell the Scholars?" Four-eyes questioned.

"Four-eyes...I learned something new, and it's best for me to tell you what I know...some mysteries in Equestria...aren't meant to be revealed."

"The end!" I took a match and relight some of the candles close to me. "Whew! Actually, I'm kind of hungry right now, anypony up for..."

I turned and looked at Twilight and Spike, both mouths wide open in shock. I even noticed Spike dropped his popcorn bowl with a few kernels left...Was I...that terrible?

"Sorry...I know it was corny. I'll make it up to you guys-"

"MEMOIRE, THAT WAS GREAT!!!" Twilight jumped in front of me.

"Wha...really?"

"Yes, really! That ending was the most unique ending ever in the series of Daring Do! I couldn't believe how you stayed true to the story and even added explained reasoning to Four-eyes and the scepter! You are an amazing storyteller!"

"It couldn't be that great!" I turned away in embarrassment.

"Don't flatter yourself...you know what we need to do? We need to write a story together! With your unique ideas and my writing skills, we could have our own book!"

"Own...book?" Is she crazy or just a little TOO excited? "Twilight...that's a bit too much!"

"No way! It's been my dream to write my own book! Now, with you, I could-no...we could make it happen! Come on, Memoire! Please-please-please-"

"Twilight, chill!" Spike started to get worried. I guess he never seen her that excited.

Own book? Own story? Well...I always had these ideas and thoughts running through my head. I won't be writing it either-since a unicorn writes faster than an earth pony! Some of the ideas though...seem a bit weird. My mother also even made up stories of her own just to tell me.

Then...a memory popped up...

"That's the end of the Silent Timberwolf. Now, off to bed!" I heard my mother's voice.

"That was so awesome! You are better than what the storytellers write!" I said as I was a little colt just about to go to bed.

"Oh," She laughed in pride. "I'm honored. I better come up with another story by tomorrow then!"

"How about right now?" I said with a big, wide smile.

"Nice try, mister. It's already past your bedtime. I'm spoiling you too much." My mother walked to me and gave me a kiss on the forehead. Ugh...too embarrassing if anypony was watching. "Goodnight, mom!" I said

"Goodnight-"

"Memoire? Memoire!" The memory of my mother's voice faded to Twilight Sparkle's. "You zoned out a bit...I didn't mean for it to be THAT big of a deal." she looked almost guilty.

"No, no! Let's give it a shot! You did need help with studying, so...I could help you write a story alongside that!" I said excitedly.

"Great! We could get started right-"

DIIING!...DIIING!

The clock in the library dinged....midnight? We were up that long?

"...Eheh...maybe tomorrow." Twilight said nervously. "I'll head to bed, and I think it's time for you to sleep too Spike-...Spike?"

I noticed a little bed was pulled out near where the popcorn dumped. Spike was already in his covers sleeping. He thought ahead for sure.

I yawned. "I'm gonna hit the hay-err...figuratively."

"Hey, exercise your puns for tomorrow. We may need them!" Twilight giggled.

"Yeah, goodnight Twilight!" I headed into the basement.

"Goodnight, Memoire...and thanks for the awesome ending." She smiled. With that, we parted to get ready for bed.

...

I'm too tired to even take a bath...too tired to think what I just agreed to.

I lied in my bed, tossing and turning somewhat during the first minutes of trying to sleep. Why did I agree to this? I felt like somepony was nudging me towards doing this. Sometimes I wonder if my memories make me make rash decisions.

I sighed, and just hid my head under the pillow...

"Mom, you forgot to tell me a story!"

"Oh, Memoire, I'm sorry. I just had a rough day...Besides, I don't have any new stories to share or make."

"Hmm...Hey! What if...what if I point something out in my bedroom, and you tell me a story related to that?"

My mother held a tired chuckle. She was tired, but didn't let it get her down. "Okay, but it might not be great like the other ones I told you about!"

"Yeah!" I punched my hoof in the air. I looked around. "Hmm...hey, what about that toy in my toybox, the one that's sticking out?"

"You mean your Daring Do action figure? I'm not sure I can tell such an awesome story related to Daring Do..."

"Come on! I'll help! Pleaaase?" I begged.

"Heheh...alright." She sat by my bed..."

Own book...own story...now I see it...

Maybe deep down...I wanted to share the stories I heard from my mother. Her imagination always entertained me...it was like we had the same mind! Then again...did they really mean that much to me? It was almost tradition that she told me a bedtime story every night. She said a few were passed down from family to family as well. Maybe I could tell one of those stories too.

I guess using some ideas from my mother's stories and my imagination could work. As much as I'm scared to even try, I want to tell my story.

Story of how I met a jealous dragon.

Story of how I was called a hobo.

Story of how I came across that weird pink pony.

Story of how I met a bookworm who just loves reading exciting stories just as the next pony.

My story...even ours...Twilight's story, Mother's story, my story, everypony's story. I want to tell our story! A story that can strike fear! A story that could touch hearts to even the one made of stone! A story that could feel like a pony was going through an adventure!

Twilight, Mother, and even myself. I won't let you down!

My Little Pony: Memories are Magic

by MaronaPossessed

Introduction

A Sugarcube Around The Corner Part 1

A Sugarcube Around The Corner Part 2

A Sugarcube Around The Corner Part 3

These Happy Golden Oaks Part 1

These Happy Golden Oaks Part 2