My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic © Hasbro & Lauren Faust
Story Written by: TOOS0BER
Episode 1: Phyre in Ponyville
Heart Phyre felt the exhaustion as she hauled the cumbersome wagon full of supplies and personal belongings. The sun, nearing its noontime apex, bearing down on her without mercy in the middle of summer. While the dirt roads weren't all that smooth, it beats asphalt. Back in the big city she had originated from, Buckson, the paved roads would be hot enough to cook a five star Canterlot breakfast this time of year.
Ugh, what I wouldn't give for a cool glass of cider right about now. Heart Phyre thought miserably, the mental image of an ice cold apple cider haunting her, wiping sweat from her brow. She scratched at her neck, where her fiery orange mane stuck uncomfortably to her neck. Oh dangit, I'm definitely hitting the shower as soon as we get set up.
Speaking of we, Heart slowed to a halt and scanned the nearby horizon for any sign of her little sister. The green and grassy hills bore no sign of the orange little filly, and no silhouette framed in the clear blue sky. Instead of fear, which Heart would have felt in a massive city like Buckson, she would be frantically hollering for her sister. Instead feeling only slightly annoyed that the younger filly had disobeyed her...again.
Then again, it wasn't a surprise.
She'll turn up eventually, sighing as she continued the journey through the elegant hills. She was only a short distance away from a grove of trees, but it seemed to take an eternity to get there in the dry summer drought. Of course there wasn't really a drought, exaggerating the circumstances somehow made misery a bit more bearable.
Heart rejoiced as she finally arrived at the grove. The trees were beautiful, not because they were healthy and green, but because their plump leaves provided precious shelter from the blistering heat. Heart eagerly unstrapped her body from the yoke and trotted under the nearest branch. Allowing her Pegasi wings, which had been crushed under the unforgiving strap for many long hours, to decompress and relax. She collapsed on her stomach, her screaming muscles tamed.
"Ah," She sighed, her eyes closed. "That's nice..."
"Well it's about TIME!" The shrill voice from nowhere made Heart Phyre jump half out of her skin, high enough to bop the lowest branch, and crash back down in a heap.
When the dizziness passed, she glared up to the source. A creamy orange skinned filly with an unkempt reddish-orange mane smiling impishly down at her from the canopy of the tree, very pleased that her scare tactic had worked.
"Halo Phyre!" Heart grumbled. "How many times have I told you not to wander off like that. I know we're not in Buckson anymore, but it's still very dangerous out here in the wild!" Chastised the older sibling, rubbing her sore head with one hoof. "What if you got hurt?"
The spirited filly just rolled her eyes and sighed. "It's only a bit of fun!" Halo let herself drop from the tree, gracefully catching herself on her wings just two feet from the ground, and hovered a safe distance from her disgruntled sister. "Besides, what could possibly be dangerous out here?" She gestured with a hoof at the surrounding meadows, grassy green hilltops, and in general the most beautiful countryside ever.
"Well," Heart Phyre struggled to find a reason why she was right. Giving in, she shrugged and said apologetically. "I guess nothing is that dangerous out here, but still you should stay within eyesight." Heart made her point.
"Yeah okay," Halo landed softly next to her sister.
Suddenly, Heart lunged at the surprised filly and reeled her in close. Halo yelped, trying in vain to escape.
"Gotta pay you back for the new lump on my head!" With a devious smile, Heart starts rubbing her joker of a sister on the head, giving her a hoofy nuggie.
"Nuggie, nuggie, nuggie!" Evil mocking laughter as the assault continued.
"Ow! Stop that! Hahaha!"
"Come on now! That's your payback!"
"Yeah? Haha, I want a refund! Owwwww, hahaha!" Halo flailed back and forth, but the older sister had a firm hold on the little filly.
Another several seconds of intense nuggying go by before Heart finally releases her little sister, satisfied. Halo, scrambled and sprawled on the ground, desperately putting distance between them before lifting herself into the air. She tried to grimace, but the grin stayed present.
"Oh you know I hate that!" Even though she is smiling broadly, a mock glare in her eyes.
"Don't do the crime if you can't do the time! Hah!" Heart jumps up and points in triumph, enjoying Halo's discomfort. "Or maybe you should stay out of the kitchen if you can't take the heat!" Heart laughed at her own crude pun while Halo readjusted the yellow bow tied in her mane.
"So, are we there yet?" Halo asks semi-innocently. Pretending that she hasn't been annoying her big sister with that very same question ever since they left the Buckson city limits. Heart didn't dignify that question with an answer. Instead, she rolled her eyes while shaking her head.
"We'll be there soon." Heart Phyre walked slowly toward the wagon and began searching the contents. After a few moments of intense searching, she returns with a large rolled parchment in her mouth. Heart sits down on the grass under the protective shade of the tree, rolling out the map when Halo lands in front and sits between her sister's hind legs.
"Okay," Heart studies the map intensely, then looks around at the horizon. "If I am reading this thing right, that should be Sweet Apple Acres over there." She points her hoof towards a long stretch of land with a grove of trees in a neat and tidy grid pattern, glistening with apple fruit. "And Ponyville should be over this next..." Heart grimaced as she looked in the right direction. The next hill was by far the largest in the valley. "...hilltop.
"Oh darn it..." Sighing with exhaustion. "How am I going to drag that cart over that..." Heart lets the weakness in her legs get the best of her, falling down over top the map, Halo escapes narrowly from being pinned.
"Can't you fly the cart over?" Halo asks, perplexed that she hadn't considered this option.
Heart Phyre's reply is a downtrodden glare. "You know I can't do that." She says, despite being a Pegasus like her little sister.
"Oh," Halo covers her mouth with a hoof for a moment, forgetting her sister's condition. "Oh yeah, sorry I forgot."
Heart sighs and groans as she sits back up. "Well, that cart won't move itself." She slowly gets up and heads for the wagon. She's stopped when Halo zips down and blocks her path mid hover. Halo rarely actually traverses on the ground.
"You rest okay?" She says adamantly, hooves outstretched. "You've been working hard all day."
"No," Heart slowly shakes her head. "We need to get to Ponyville, I can handle-" She's interrupted by an intense rumbling from her stomach. She looks down in surprise, then back at Halo, who has now crossed her hooves and simply stares at her.
"Halo..." She starts, but she falters under her sister's stare.
"I'll fly over to the orchard and get you some apples," Halo suggests. "I'll be back lickity split."
Heart sighs and smiles warmly at her sister's generous offer. "All right." She concedes.
The two share a quick hug before Halo darts off in the distance with a small pouch of coin tied around her neck. Heart Phyre waits until she disappears in the distance before sitting down with the maps again. She sighs again and thinks about the loving friendship Halo and herself share, hoping it never ends.
_-**-_/(o)\\_-**-_
The world looked so much better from above. So much more was visible for miles in every direction. From the grassy knoll hilltops and the flowery meadows, to the snowcapped mountains and even the glistening blue lakes, truly a marvel for the scale of the Equestria. Was it even possible to appreciate this from the ground? Halo didn't think so, not one bit.
Flying had come natural to her, from the day her wings were strong enough. Even so, Halo couldn't help but feel a twang of regret every time she took to the air. Halo has never seen her older sister fly. When Halo first asked about it some time ago, she didn't get a straight answer, and never has. Asking Heart Phyre why she didn't fly the cart was the latest in a mile-long rap sheet of attempts to convince her that flying was the best thing ever.
Halo sighed, "Someday..."
Letting the renewed promise fall to the curbside, Halo refocused on finding the nearby orchard. It wasn't hard to spot. Rows upon rows of near perfectly straight trees dotted several hilltops for what seemed like miles, all of them packed full with plump, delicious apples. Perfect.
A short distance away, the ocean of fruit bearing trees gave way to a clearing and several farm buildings became visible. Barn, house, silos and many other buildings that most likely belonged to the owners of the magnificent orchard. There didn't seem to be anyone nearby as Halo Phyre made her approach, touching down quickly but gently.
"Wow," She said. "there's so many apples." Glancing back and forth at the dozens and dozens of trees.
"Well of course there are!" Came a melodious voice, heavy with country hospitality. Halo half jumped out of her skin. "It's an apple orchard ain't it?" Halo glanced behind her and was greeted by the warm smile of a blond-maned pony wearing a cowpony hat approaching from the tree line; two heavy baskets of, naturally, apples on her back.
The pony paused and looked quizzically at Halo. "Ah don't believe ah've seen you 'round here my little filly." She paused, holding out a slightly dusty hoof. "Name's Applejack. Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres."
Halo reached out in kind, grasping the larger hoof. Halo's small body vibrated as Applejack vigorously shook her hoof. "H-hello, I'm H-Halo Ph-Phyre. I'm n-new!"
Applejack finally let go of Halo's hoof. The little filly, dizzy and disoriented, fell back on her backside before the world got back on its feet.
"Pleased to meet ya."
"I'd hate to be rude, but could I buy some apples?" Halo went straight to the point, aware that Heart would be waiting. "I don't want to keep a hungry mouth waiting."
"Oh of course!" The cowpony set down the basket of apples, revealing the three small red apples on her flank. "Not ta be nosy, but where ya from? Any family? Been a while since anypony new passed through these parts."
"Yeah, I'm moving to Ponyville with my older sister."
"Moving huh? Whereabouts from?"
"Oh, just some boring big city..." Halo said casually, no real desire to discuss home.
Applejack stopped just in front of the massive farm barn. The barn itself seemed in good shape, it was likely recently painted as the coat was pristine. The cowpony entered the barn and returned moments later with a gift sized basket of apples. "Consider this your welcome to Ponyville present form the Apple family." Applejack said after putting the bowl of luscious fruit at Halo's feet.
Halo couldn't believe her ears. Nopony in Buckson ever just gave away gifts that weren't for a holiday or special occasion! She couldn't help but gasp and grin from ear to ear.
"Wow! Really?"
Applejack simply nodded, that warm smile ever present. "Awe shucks, it ain't nothin'...really."
'Ain't nothin'? Was she serious? Halo thought in disbelief.
Halo hesitated for a moment and glanced back at Applejack. The pony tilted her head, patiently waiting.
"Um," The shock hadn't quite worn off yet. "Thanks a bushel!" Was the lame pun Halo came up with. Surprisingly, Applejack chuckled rather generously. A rare, warm feeling developed inside Halo's chest. One that she felt very solemnly, and only around her big sister.
Deciding she had overstayed her welcome, probably an over-exaggeration if this pony was genuinely this kind, Halo took the woven grass handle in her mouth and turned to leave. Halo paused, conscious of the suspicious habit that had developed while she lived in Buckson, and feeling disappointed in herself for not being more trusting. She flapped her wings and began takeoff.
Halo was already a distance away, but not far enough to not hear Applejack's short goodbye. There was that warm feeling again. The little orange pegasus waved a hoof back at the cowpony, but doubted she had seen it.
Things are going to be awesome, Halo thought, smiling to herself. From now on...I can feel it!
_-**-_/(o)\\_-**-_
"Oof!" Heart Phyre jumped up from her dreamless slumber underneath the trees. "Ugh, how long was I out." She rubbed her sleepy eyes with her arm, trying to gauge the time. It couldn't have been long, the sun's position was essentially the same. A half hour, maybe. Obviously the cat nap wasn't enough, as a massive yawn forced it's way from Heart's maw. The journey was taking a serious toll on her, but it would soon be over.
Heart admired the scenery until, off in the distance, a spec made itself known on the blue horizon. Since the spec was not moving across the horizon, it was likely headed straight towards her. Heart narrowed her eyes, she smiled as she recognized the large yellow bow tied atop Halo's fiery orange mane. Heart staggered up onto all four hooves, the exhaustion still present as her stomach repeatedly begged for food.
Moments later, Halo landed next to the cart and skipped the rest of the way to her waiting sister. Heart was surprised to see a basket in her maw with probably a dozen apples inside.
"You bought a whole basket's worth?" Heart Phyre asked, a little surprised but definitely pleased.
"Mo ma mphony mamed-" Halo paused, forgetting the basket was still in her mouth, promptly setting it on the ground before continuing. "No, a pony named Applejack gave them to me!" She finished, a large grin plastered on her face.
"She just gave them to you?" Heart asked in disbelief.
"I know right? Kind of weird huh?"
"I'll say."
Heart Phyre stared awkwardly at the apples. Not sure what to think of this odd gesture of kindness. Back in Buckson next to nopony showed such generosity and friendliness. It was considered lucky just to get so much as a hello from a random pony walking down the street, let alone a generous gift. For a moment, Heart's suspicion dictated her imagination, coming up with various sorts of nonsense and paranoid warnings. She sighed, closing her eyes, letting the world disappear for a moment; an inward look at herself. Did her life in Buckson really make her this distrustful, so much so that fear and paranoia could surface so easily?
Heart banished the thought from her head. Ponyville wasn't Buckson, but could the change from a massive city to a small town make that much difference? She certainly hoped so.
Rumble...
That grumbling again. Heart's eyes jumped open to look at the apples again, and then at her sister. Halo's expression had changed from carefree joy to a look of confusion and uncertainty; likely trying to figure out what was going on in her head.
As if to read her mind, Halo said plainly. "Applejack was very nice."
That would have to be good enough. Heart smiled at her sweet sister, and then at the apples she had went through the trouble to get for her.
"I'm sure she is," Heart said. "we'll have to visit and thank Applejack properly when we get settled down. But for now..." Staring at the apples again, with an intense hunger. "Let's eat."
_-**-_/(o)\\_-**-_
If the countryside around Ponyville was beautiful, Ponyville itself was amazing. True, the small town was nowhere near as big as Buckson, but what it lacked in size it made up for in beauty. The classic wooden structures painted in various colors and sheens outdid even the fanciest buildings in Buckson; which weren't fancy at all, being nothing but brick and concrete. The streets were decorated with trees, flowers and other stunning shrubbery. Even the faces of everypony was different. Everypony had some degree of a smile on their faces. Ponies were laughing and talking merrily, while they shopped in the open markets. There was also a total absence of vehicular traffic; since Ponyville was so much smaller than Buckson, the need for massive taxi workforce was practically nonexistent.
So much contrast, so much difference, it was staggering.
Heart Phyre couldn't help but gaze this way and that as she waded her way through town. Even though it was just after mid day, the streets were not packed with ponies. As it would have been this time of day in Buckson. Still, Heart had to concentrate on steering; one pony could maneuver easily, but a pony with a large, four wheel cart was another story.
Once or twice she had almost run somepony over because she was taking in the scenery. Much to Halo's enjoyment, who laughed at her every time. Even Halo was greatly enjoying the sight of Ponyville. Exclaiming multiple times that it was going to be "awesome". Heart assumed she meant living here.
"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" Halo screamed as she zipped this way and that, examining everything from daisies on the ground to the golden hay roofs of the various shops and houses. "I can't believe we get to live HERE!" She exclaimed, briefly hovering around her sister on the ground, a joyful grin on her face.
"Yeah it's-" Halo zipped away to guffaw at a colorful fruit stand before Heart could finish. Smiling and continuing to herself. "-unbelievable."
It truly was unbelievable. She had heard good things about Ponyville, but this was beyond her wildest imagination. Heart Phyre sighed in contentment, her heart warm with excitement of a new life.
Heart cut the moment short as she thought about the task before her. She needed to locate the house she had purchased, and turn it into their new home. No easy task.
Ponyville wasn't hard to navigate either, despite the lack of street signs. Every corner was unique and different, therefore it was easy to know where you were. Finding the correct street and finally the matching house, took no time at all. In truth, it was two buildings in one. The bottom floor had a double door, with large clear window panes in the front, perfect to set up her dream shop; it even had a nice wooden patio and some elegantly carved benches to rest on. The second and third floors were to be their real home; simple windows with artistic wooden shutters on both floors, and the roof ending with a stonework chimney. That was possibly the best part, and what made it such an appealing choice. No distance to travel from work and home.
"Worth every bit," Heart Phyre said as she gazed at their new home.
Heart unstrapped herself from the yoke again, going against her gut feeling to leave the cart unattended, something she wouldn't do in Buckson. She started off towards the house, eager to see the interior, when movement caught her eye. She looked to her left and was greeted by a pink pony...a very pink pony, with perhaps the most spontaneous mane style she had ever seen. Strangest of all, was that she was hopping.
Heart Phyre just stood there until the pony came to a stop in front of her, wearing a bright smile.
A few moments passed and neither said anything. Heart Phyre felt her ears fold back and the air grow heavy, the feeling of awkwardness swelling in her chest. She looked around, trying to find some distraction or escape; something, anything.
Heart Phyre gulped, and was about to say hello when the strange pony suddenly leaned back and pointed a hoof at her. The joyful smile replaced by what seemed like a screaming, open mouth expression. Phyre's heart skipped a beat, and before she could comprehend what was going on, the pony dashed away, leaving Heart Phyre very, very confused...and disheartened.
I'm here for less than a day and I'm already disliked, like a spear through the heart, that thought was. The scenery may be different, but the ponies were still the same. Heart Phyre bowed her head, suddenly very interested in the ground, wishing she could disappear into it.
"What was that about?" Halo had seen the whole thing, and now hovered next to her with a quizzical look on her face .
Heart wanted to say something, but she couldn't find the words. Instead, she lowered her head even more and closed her emerald eyes, grateful that the world was gone. Even if only superficially.
"Oh, don't do that," Heart felt a hoof patting her shoulder. "Just because one pony acts..." a short pause as Halo tried to find the right word. "...weird, doesn't mean everypony will."
Heart lifted her head and looked at her caring sister, a slight smile creasing her mouth.
"Right," Heart said, feeling a bit better. "I guess-"
Heart was interrupted again when Halo suddenly zipped off with that impish grin reappearing on her face, and screaming something about apples. She turned to see Halo hovering near a pony with a cowpony hat on. They chatted enthusiastically for a few moments, then the pony started towards her.
"Well howdy!" The pony said as she approached, wearing a warm smile. "You must be Heart Phyre. Pleased to meet ya!" She held out her hoof.
"Uh, hello," Heart Phyre thought her arm was going to dislocate, so vigorously the pony shook her arm.
"This is Applejack, she's the one that gave me the apples!" Laughing as Heart recovered.
"Oh shucks, it was nothing." Applejack said, seemingly embarrassed; crossing her forelegs.
"It wasn't nothing." Heart said sincerely, her smile returning. "It was very thoughtful of you."
"The least ah can do," Applejack grinned. "Do ya need help unloadin'?" She gestured at the wooden cart full of their stuff. "Where ya from?"
"Well, we're from Buckson, and we-" Another interruption. A squeal of excitement from her left. Another pony was trotting up to her now. Well, not really a pony, a unicorn. A beautiful white coat with an elegant, curly purple mane and matching tail. Three shimmering jewels decorating her flank.
The mystery pony gasped, "Did you say you were from Buckson?" Getting a little too close for Heart's comfort.
"Umm, yes?" She replied nervously.
The white pony fainted, then immediately got back up.
"Please, allow me to introduce myself," She slightly bowed her head, giving Heart a clear view of her manicured horn. "I am Rarity." Striking an elegant pose to finish.
"Uh, I'm Heart Phyre."
"Yes, yes, of course you are," Rarity said almost dismissively with a wave of her hoof. "You simply must tell me all about Buckson! What's the fashion trend there right now? What's the quality of the salons there? How many models are in that area, and who are they?" Rarity advanced while Heart Phyre retreated step by step.
"Uh," Heart couldn't give an answer. She was never into the whole fashion scene, with the exception of the yellow bow and matching collared vest she wore. Truth be told, if she were to get more into clothes, she'd go after more simpler fair than dresses and gowns. The thought of wearing such attire made her a little...queasy.
Then she started on Heart's clothes.
"Oh my what a darling little bow, and it matches your vest! How delightful!" Rarity weaved this way and that, looking at her from every conceivable angle. "Hmm, perhaps a nice gown or cape that could go with that? Oh the possibilities with your lovely coat. Oh and perhaps a new mane style! You simply must stop by my boutique."
"Uh, maybe I can-" Heart stopped mid-sentence as she bumped into something, or rather, somepony. A yellow coated Pegasus, with a flowing light pink mane partially covering her face and obscuring her half closed, almost sleepy cerulean eyes.
"Hello..." The new pony squeaked meekly.
"Uh hi," Heart's pulse slowed. For once somepony wasn't in her face asking questions...
"Hi!" Halo appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. "We're new here, from Buckson!"
"Ohh," The new pony perked up. "Buckson? I've never been there before. Is it green and beautiful and filled with cute fuzzy creatures just like here?" She asked, her voice squeaky and small.
"Well, no," Heart Phyre stated, easing up. "There's very little greenery inside the city, just sidewalks and bricks. There aren't really any animals...other than rats." Heart finished with a nervous smile.
The other pony, after hearing this, lowered her own head, downtrodden. Her ears now folded behind her head, and she scratched at the ground a couple times with her hoof. She weakly replied, "Oh," while backing away slowly.
Did I say something wrong? Heart thought, sincerely believing she had somehow hurt the other pony's feelings...somehow. If she was disheartened before, she definitely was now. If her ears folded back anymore, they'd disappear into her head.
Before she could even attempt an apology, a strong wind interrupted, almost blowing Heart Phyre off her feet. She searched the sky, there wasn't a single ominous storm cloud to be found, a perfect day. Which made sense, most of the settlements in Equestria had a contingent of Pegasi adhering to a strict weather schedule. But then...where did that sudden gust come from?
As she was gazing up at the empty blue sky, a multicolored blur streaked across her vision, disappearing just as quickly. Then it went by again, and again, and again. Whatever it was, it was fast and agile. Heart must be hallucinating, as she could have sworn that the little rainbow colored blur was shouting woohoo!
The dash disappeared again. Heart squinted, trying to spot the anomaly in the direction she last saw it. A small blue spec materialized, growing larger, and larger...and larger still. She could make out wings, bright red eyes, and a rainbow colored mane. It was a Pegasus, performing some stunt or something...and heading straight for them!
Her eyes went wide, and as far as she could tell, everypony else, hit the deck. As she shut the visual of the world from her mind, another gust of wind tugged at her body. As quickly as it came, it was gone; replaced by the sudden sound of destruction.
Heart jumped up, the rest of the group recovering somewhat quicker – they were apparently used to this kind of thing while Heart was a little unsteady on her hooves. Her jaw dropped as she made out the carnage. The blue Pegasus had crashed into the cart loaded with the Phyre's possessions and supplies. One wheel was completely in pieces, the other three straining under the imbalance. The whole cart began yawning to one side, some items already falling out from under the weather-proof tarp.
Yet, there was no sign of the blue pegasus.
Heart followed as the group headed for the other side of the cart, where they found the clumsy stuntspony. She had crashed into the wheel, bounced off the ground under the cart, and landed in a large bush, kicking her hind legs trying to dislodge herself.
"Hold on honey!" Applejack rushed over. "Ah'm a comin'!"
Applejack took the pony's rainbow colored tail in her mouth, and pulled for all she was worth. Two tugs later, she was free.
"Phew!" She said, shaking the leaves and twigs from her mane. "Thank AJ. I guess my new routine needs some work, hehe." She smiled sheepishly.
"Ah'll say it needs work," Applejack said, somewhat annoyed. She pointed towards Heart Phyre and the damaged cart.
"Oh, sorry." She said, rubbing the back of her head embarrassed. Heart Phyre didn't mind the cart so much, but she could tell a half-hearted apology from a genuine one. Apparently this pony has broken stuff before. "The name's Rainbow Dash; best flier in Ponyville." Dash soared into the air, striking what was supposed to be a heroic pose. Despite the damage to her property, Heart Phyre couldn't help but admire Dash's spunk. Apparently Halo did too, since she was ooohing in awe.
"Oh, oh, oh!" Halo Phyre flew up to Rainbow Dash's altitude. "I've got a few moves I've been working on! Wanna see?" Halo didn't wait for an answer, but Heart noticed that Dash had nodded. Halo began zipping this way and that, doing barrels rolls and other such stunts. Heart smiled, proud of her sister.
Halo finished with her last few tricks, and stopped a few feet above the ground...slowly descending. That routine had taken a good bit out of the small filly, her chest heaved and her tongue lulled out.
"Hey, not bad kid." Dash applauded, as did the rest of the ponies. "Maybe one day you'll be the best flier in Ponyville."
Halo beamed at that. "Really!?"
"Hehehe, yeah," Dash replied. Heart must have missed something, as Dash seemed slightly worried. Was Dash concerned about being bested? "So, do you have any awesome tricks?" Dash turned her gaze earthward to look at Heart Phyre.
Uh oh, came the panicked thought. This was the inevitable conversation she had been dreading. The smile she had vanished, replaced by a nervous frown. Just behind her, Halo was frantically trying to signal. Waving her hooves and shaking her head as if to say, don't! DON'T! Dash didn't seem to get the message. She hovered there, the impatience growing on her face as she waited for Heart's answer.
"Well you DO fly right?" Dash said flatly, crossing her front legs mid-air. "All Pegasi can fly." She added matter-of-fact.
"I...um...well..." Heart Phyre stammered. She wanted to explain, but the memories that came back prevented the words from coming. She broke out into a nervous sweat, a slight twitch in her wings; something that happens commonly when she is nervous. She glanced at the faces of the other ponies. To her dismay, even more ponies, attracted by Rainbow Dash's crash and Halo's stunts, had gathered loosely around. Some were shrugging and looking at each other, while most were staring at her with a puzzled look. Heart's pulse skyrocketed.
_-**-_/(o)\\_-**-_
What a lovely day, Twilight Sparkle thought as she cantered her way through the market after picking up a large order of quill ink. Using some to check off yet another check list. "Remember to check off the market order checklist checklist. Check." She smiled as the floating pen etched into the enchanted paper.
"Oof," She grunted as she bumped into one of a large crowd of ponies. "Sorry. Maybe I need to make a check list to look out where I'm going." Twilight chuckled nervously at the awkward statement, only half joking.
The other pony shrugged and turned back to the crowd.
Twilight blinked. There weren't any scheduled events that she was aware of. Besides, this location was neither the town hall nor the center of the market.
"Um, excuse me." She poked a different nearby pony. "What's everypony so interested in? I didn't miss-check a party or award ceremony did I?" Twilight felt a light panic coming on at the thought of leaving something important out of her master schedule.
"Oh, just Rainbow Crash again. She destroyed somepony's cart." The pony answered simply.
Twilight groaned. When was Dash going to learn that she needs to be more careful. Oh who was she kidding, it's Rainbow Dash we're talking about. Twilight humphed, assuming she would need to play the roll of peace keeper and assuage an upset pony.
As Twilight got closer, she studied the nearby building. It used to be an old restaurant, but it closed down when the owner decided to retire and move to Manehatten. The building has been vacant ever since. Then a thought occurred to twilight. While examining and recording the financial records at the bank, they always asked her for help, Twilight remembered that there was a sizable transaction involving the deed to said house. Perhaps somepony new was finally buying the place. Twilight smiled at the thought of getting to know somepony new. It was always a pleasant adventure.
Twilight reached the center, surprisingly all her other friends were here too. Likely they all were just attracted to the recent crash as she was. Then Twilight saw not just one new pony, but a new filly as well, flying just a few feet above the ground. She couldn't help but admire their matching yellow bows and vests.
Something seemed off. Instead of casual conversation, as there should have been, everypony was looking nervous and/or muttering under their breath. Twilight perked her ears up, trying to catch snippets to get a better sense of the situation.
"Wait, she can't fly? But she's a Pegasus."
"Very odd."
"Maybe she just doesn't want to."
"Nah, she's just upset about her cart."
"I've never seen her before."
"Muffins..."
Twilight then looked at the new pony. She looked like a nervous wreck. Ears back, cold sweat, twitchy wings, eyes darting; she looked like she was about to pass out. She glanced at the filly, still flying. She was making several gestures to Rainbow Dash, who was looking very impatient. Gestures like shhh and don't. She facehooved when Dash spoke again.
"Oh come on," She said, rolling her crimson eyes. "What do you mean you can't fly? I don't see any bandages." Twilight sighed, Dash being her usual self. She probably couldn't see how uncomfortable she was making the new pony.
Twilight decided to make her move. Maybe if she diverted the conversation away from this flight problem, she could ease the tension. That, and she'd get to meet her new neighbor. Wasting no time in closing the distance, she weaving her way through the last few ranks of ponies.
"Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle, and I–," The new pony screamed.
Twilight, in shock, only caught something about not being able to take it again, before she charged through the ranks of ponies, who quickly got out of her way, and headed straight out of Ponyville. Many gasps and whispers of shock followed her as everypony simply watched, unsure what to make of this emotional outburst.
"Heart!" The small filly yelled, concerned. "Wait! Come back!" She sighed.
"Um, what was that about?" Twilight asked, confused.
"Pssh," Rainbow Dash scoffed. "She's just melodramatic like Rarity."
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Rarity shot Dash a look...and so too did the new filly.
"Didn't you see me?" The filly confronted Dash. "I was trying to warn you not to ask about her wings!" She zipped off in the same direction as the other pony, not giving Rainbow Dash a chance to defend herself.
"Well how was I supposed to know she has a problem?" Rainbow Dash said after her.
"Uh, ah think that was exactly the point, ar-dee." Applejack replied.
Dash sighed. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But her wings looked okay to me. I don't get it." Rainbow Dash was stumped. Twilight knew she wasn't trying to be rude, she just lacked subtlety.
Twilight picked this one up. "It must be something else then. If it's not a physical condition or problem, then it could be any of a hundred different reasons. I think it'd be best if we simply don't pry."
The others nodded in agreement.
Then, from the crowd of ponies gathered around, a mass of balloons and party trinkets clumsily waddled into the center of the gathering. The mountain suddenly avalanched as the pony carrying them tripped on a rock. The ponies, with the exception of Dash, gets buried under a pile of balloons, party hats, confetti and baked goods. Twilight bursts her head from the surface, taking a massive breath, once again able to breath. The rest follow suite, along with the delivery pony; Pinkie Pie.
Pinkie smiles and says cheerfully. "Oh hi Twilight!"
She looks around at the rest of her best friends, then at the rest of the ponies gathered around.
"Oooh, you're all early for the party! Wait, where'd they go? Are they hiding?" Pinkie looks around, apparently seeking for the two newcomers.
"Uh, not exactly." Twilight said.
"Oh, oh, another guessing game?" Pinkie asks, her cheer ever present. "No, no, let me guess! Um, she's buying a toaster? No, wait, she's going to freshen up, or, or, or, she's going to make punch! Or maybe – mmphd!" Twilight put a hoof over Pinkie's mouth.
"I don't think a party would be a good idea right now dear," Rarity answered solemnly while she brushed confetti and streamers from her mane.
"Mpwat? Mpwy mpot?" Pinkie sputtered, saliva dripping down Twilight's hoof.
Twilight recoiled, disgusted. "Pinkie! That's seriously gross!" Shaking off the drool.
"Ahm 'fraid she's right Pinkie," Applejack said grimly. "She, uh, ran off. Seems somepony didn't mind her manners." Glancing at Rainbow Dash, hovering just above the carnage.
"Me!?" Rainbow Dash started to argue, but after seeing everypony glaring at her, she gave up. "Fine, I'll go apologize..."
"I don't think that's a good idea either," Twilight used her magic to freeze Dash in mid air before she could take off.
"Wait wuht?" Applejack asked, confused.
"The wings are apparently very sensitive subject matter, but I hypothesize that the enormous amount of attention she was getting from everypony all at once is what made her freak out." Twilight methodically explained, finally releasing Rainbow Dash. "Give her space, give her time, and take it slow. She'll come around."
Everypony nodded in agreement.
"Well, um, excuse me." Fluttershy spoke up softly for the first time, blowing her mane out of her face. "Maybe we could help in a different way?" She gestured towards the broken cart, the belongings spilling onto the ground. "Well, if everypony thinks that's okay..."
"Hmm," Twilight said, thinking. "Yeah, let's do it!"
_-**-_/(o)\\_-**-_
It had been hours since the journey had come to an end, the sun well passed its apex, and retreating down to the far horizon. What few clouds were scheduled for the afternoon decorated the sky with the waning light; turning it into a beautiful collage of oranges, yellows and purples. Such a sight was far from rare, but still it was treasured by all who could see it. However, one anxious little filly didn't have time to.
Halo landed on a nearby roof, exhaustion setting in. She had been searching Ponyville and a good chunk of the surrounding countryside looking desperately for her distraught sister. Heart Phyre had simply vanished.
"Dang it Heart Phyre," Halo sighed, not for the first time and definitely not the last. "Where are you!" She let her body collapse on top of the roof, staring sadly at the sun as it went down. A small jingle caught her attention.
Halo now looked longingly at her right rear hoof; around the ankle was a pair of golden bracelets. A gift her big sister had given her for her third birthday. It was both the saddest, and the happiest birthday she had ever had.
Back in her hometown of Buckson, Halo had a pretty ordinary life. The exception was that not many ponies or fillies wanted to be her friend. Other fillies in school teased her because she was so active. Calling her a spaz, and shunning her for her spirited nature, misunderstanding it as being hyperactive. Adult ponies didn't care much for her either. What was in truth just honest friendliness, they took as her desperate attempts for attention. Despite this, she had invited many ponies to her third birthday party at Hoof-e-Cheeses.
Well, as the days counted down, pony after pony called in saying they couldn't make it. With unconvincing reason this, or flimsy excuse that. On her special day, Halo sat at the set and decorated party table all by herself; not another pony had come, not one. Halo's heart plummeted and she sobbed into her hooves, ripping off her pointed party hat.
A few moments later, she felt a hoof gently caressing her mane.
Halo lifted her sorrow heavy head and looked through tear streaked eyes to see who it was. It was her big sister, Heart Phyre, smiling ever so warmly at her. She placed a colorful paper crown on her head.
"I think you dropped this," She said in a soft, warm tone. "birthday girl..."
Halo smiled, it didn't last long, she still felt so very sad. She just stared at the crown, sniffling; the empty chairs a painful reminder of how empty she felt on the inside. Then, a blue box tied with a golden yellow ribbon dropped gently in front of her.
"This is for you..." As she tenderly set the present down.
Halo, despite her teary eyes, read the tag: To my favorite filly, from her caring big sister. She managed a weak smile, glancing up at Heart, her own expression unchanged. Halo began unwrapping the package, untying the bow and lifting the lid. Inside were two pairs of matching golden bracelets, their bright sheen glowing as the radiant light reflected off their pristine surface. Halo's jaw dropped.
"But," She said, flabbergasted. "How did you...?"
"Afford these?" Heart finished her sister's question. "It was a good year and I easily got enough money to throw you a great party." Heart paused as she glanced at the empty seats and quickly said. "I had a lot left over, and used it to get you an extra special gift." She smiled warmly as she finished.
The abysmal pit that Halo's heart had sunk into became a lot less dismal. She picked up one of the bracelet pairs examining it, feeling the cool metal. She paused as she felt indentations; turning the shimmering ring over, she read the engravings.
Together forever, I will always be there for you...
The birthday filly smiled, brighter than she had since the first calls trickled in. Tears streamed down her cheeks, not of sorrow, but joy and love. Her sister cared about her so very much.
Heart continued. "The other pair you can give to somepony who is your best friend. It's not engraved, so you can put different words on." Halo put the first pair on her hind leg, and held the final pair, already knowing what she would do with them. She leaped from the party chair, embracing Heart Phyre.
"I already have the best friend I could ever ask for..."
Shortly thereafter, Halo got the other pair engraved with the same words, and gave them to Heart Phyre, her best friend forever.
"I will always be there for you..." Halo said as she re-read the words from the bracelet on top of the roof in Ponyville. "Together forever..." She sighed deeply, gazing at the sunset.
"No," She stomped her hoof. "I can't give up, I won't!" She jumped up, defiant with renewed hope and energy.
Halo launched herself from the roof, sweeping over Ponyville for the dozenth time. Determined to set things right and make her big sister happy; like Heart had done for her those years ago when everything seemed so bleak. She flew along the outskirts of town, checking benches, fountains, shopping stalls, anywhere Heart Phyre might hide. That was the hard part about searching for somepony in a strange, new place. Even in a city a big as Buckson, Halo knew where her sister went, and could almost always find her at any number of places; but in Ponyville she didn't have a clue where to even start looking.
Halo was banking for another pass when everything went yellow for a moment. Startled, she halted mid air to rub the blindness out of her eyes. When it was over, she started looking around.
What in the world was that? She thought, whipping this way and that, trying to find the source. After several moments of twisting in circles, nothing happened.
Just as Halo was about to continue her search, she was assault again by the blinding glint. This time though, Halo forced herself not to blink, determined to know what it was. The direction was coming from the countryside, in the direction of the setting sun. Then it happened again, closer than she had first believed, drawing her eye near the main road that led out of Ponyville.
"Well, here goes nothing!" Halo darted straight towards the glint.
As she closed on the source, she couldn't help but notice the area was familiar; more familiar than it should have been. The distance dwindled and a small grove...Halo paused. A small grove, the same grove that Heart Phyre had rested in when they were traveling. Halo couldn't help but smile, smacking her forehead with her hoof. Why didn't she think of this before? Where else could Heart Phyre have gone.
As she approached with only a few yards to go, Halo decided that she should approach by hoof instead of dropping in. She didn't want to make things worse by startling Heart. Trotting slowly, but actually making an effort to make noise.
Even so, Heart Phyre didn't look up. She was laying down underneath the trees, her face buried in her arms, sobbing slightly. Halo paused, was this how she looked on her birthday? She frowned, an intense feeling of sadness and pity overtook her.
Halo walked slowly over to her distressed sibling and put one hoof on her shoulder. Heart Phyre's body froze, and for a moment, she wasn't moving. Her emerald green eyes, streaming with hot tears, peaked out from underneath her arm; to see who had disturbed her. When she realized it was Halo, she lifted her head a bit more, a deep frown making itself known. Halo smiled, so far so good.
"What's wrong Heart Phyre?" Halo asked, trying to be as sympathetic as possible – which wasn't hard, since she genuinely was. "Why did you run away like that?"
Heart closed her eyes and sighed. "I don't know."
Halo waited, trying her best to guess what the emotional state Heart was in. It had been a few hours since she ran away, she seems to have calmed down quite a bit. Still, she should tread lightly, lest she make things that much worse.
"I know they don't like me." Heart started with a sob. "The way that first one just...ran away like that." Heart sniffed and choked, resting her chin on her crossed arms again. Halo remembered; the odd pink one with the crazy hairdo. "At least in Buckson ponies just ignored you if they didn't like you."
"Yeah," Halo couldn't help but agree. Most simply went along their own business, keeping their feelings to themselves. Not out of politeness, but because they simply didn't care. "I know that was rude, and she should not have done that to you, but what's the opinion of one pony? Everypony else was being very friendly, weren't they?"
"No," Heart said miserably. "That one with the pink hair, I hurt her feelings. Did you see how she reacted? She must hate me!" She covered her head with her hooves, embarrassed.
Halo visibly recoiled at that word, but managed to keep her hoof on Heart's shoulder. Unfortunately, Halo didn't know exactly what was said between her sister and the pale yellow Pegasus with the pink mane, but it couldn't have been that bad...could it?
Halo sighed, and considered what to say now. "I'm sure it wasn't that bad right? And if you're genuinely sorry, I'm sure she'll forgive you." Halo smiled warmly as Heart looked directly into her eyes, searching for the truth.
Sniff. "I guess so..." Halo beamed. She was getting through! One more push ought to do it.
Heart Phyre sat up a bit, sniffling slightly less now. "Oh," She started, looking up at the dwindling skylight. "I must be a joke to them. A Pegasus that can't fly, must be hilarious, especially to the one that wrecked our cart." Uh oh, Heart was agitated. "I'm surprised you two didn't stay together..."
Now that hurt, Halo did remove her hoof at that point. Heart Phyre turned away, and practically slammed her chin onto her arms. Halo fought back against the tears at hearing her sister's absurd statement.
"I must be such a lame sister," Heart continued, her tone changing from sorrow and self-pity, to one full of such loathing. Not towards Halo or even Rainbow Dash, but to herself. "all because I'm too scared to fly." She started cracking up, new tears flowing, creating mini rivers down her face. "Maybe you'd be better off with Rainbow Dash..."
Halo's jaw dropped.
She didn't want to believe the words assaulting her ears. How could Heart say such a thing? Did she already forget the unbreakable bond they shared? Halo did nothing; she just sat there, in shock, a single tear making its escape. At that moment, Halo too wanted to just run away from it all; from the hurt and the pain.
Halo stood her ground though, staring at Heart, her eyes landing on her cutie mark; a golden heart with a golden halo just above it. It represented the good-hearted nature that Heart Phyre possessed, and the devotion that came with it.
Devotion...
Never give up. She sighed and shifted uncomfortably on the grass, hearing the familiar clank of the bracelets. Halo smiled at her most treasured possessions. Even if there was no more hope, she had to tell her.
"Heart Phyre?" No response, her sister brooded in silence. Either ignoring or not hearing her. Yet, Halo continued anyway. "Rainbow is a cool, awesome pegasus, that much is true. But she, nor any other pony in the world, could replace the pony closest to my heart." Halo stressed the emotional bump in her chest. At the same time, she poked Heart's cutie mark for emphasis. "If you really need to remember that, just look at your wrist." Halo paused for a moment, then slowly retreats.
Halo tried the best she could, if that wouldn't snap her sister out of it, then nothing would. Halo didn't fight the new tears that formed at the corners of her eyes, just letting them out. She glanced back at the sun, scoffing. If a beautiful sunset was supposed to bring happiness, why did she feel so sad. For the first time in her short life, Halo did not want to fly.
Every step down the hill felt so very heavy, every inch was a mile as Halo's mind just went blank. While the shock had worn off a short time ago, now she had to figure out what to do with herself...and without her sister.
Halo stopped, without the will to go on she just knelt on the grass, suddenly very tired. Then, she thought she heard hoofsteps, shaking her head as she dismissed them as her imagination. It had been a long day. It wasn't until a hoof touched her shoulder did Halo look up; Heart Phyre looking down at her. Halo looked into Heart's eyes, emotions carefully hidden. Silence eternal, the two shared the still quiet night time air for what felt like forever, then finally Heart Phyre spoke up.
"I'm sorry for what I said," Apologizing. "I...I lost touch with what was really important. It doesn't matter what those other ponies think of me...because nopony could replace the pony closest to my heart." Heart mimicked her sisters words, emphasizing as she had done.
At that point Halo jumped into the air, soaring as high and fast as she could, before descending and tackling Heart Phyre, knocking the breath out of her. The two rolled down the nearby hill, embracing one another. The two stopped near the base, Halo sitting on top.
"I knew you'd come back!" Halo gleefully shouted, hugging her sister.
Halo couldn't tell whether or not Heart Phyre said anything in response, she was too busy being happy. After a few more moments, Halo let go of her, who promptly breathed out loud. Now hovering next to her, she watched Heart smile, never so happy in her life to see it.
"Well, I guess we better get back to the house," Heart said. "We got unpacking to do."
Halo nodded, and simply followed as they headed back into town.
_-**-_/(o)\\_-**-_
Heart Phyre was glad it was after dark, the cool night air was refreshing and made her feel alive. The marketplace, once busy with dozens of ponies, had fallen silent as everypony went to bed for the night, leaving the streets barren. Being alone felt good right now, exactly what she needed. But in truth, it was Halo's sincere words that made her feel like she could canter on cloud nine.
"I think it's just up ahead." Heart announced when she felt like she was getting close to where she last left the cart. Just like everywhere else, finding out where you were in the dark proved to be a challenge. Shortly afterwards, the two found their new house, but the cart was mysteriously gone.
"Oh no..." Halo cried, a hoof to her mouth. "All our stuff..."
"Oh dang it." Heart moaned. She glanced at Halo, remembering the hard work she had put into bringing her out of her stupor, and put on a confident face for her sake. "It's okay, there wasn't anything in there that wasn't replaceable."
Halo sighed, then nodded, realizing that she was right. Still, it was a massive loss for them, and it showed regardless.
"Well, we'd best get to bed then. It's late." Heart Phyre moved to the double door, eager to put this day behind her.
The door swung open, creaking under its own weight. She expected dust bunnies, cobwebs and dark spacious emptiness. But the room had a glow about it, several candles had been lit, casting their light around the room. What she saw caused her, and Halo's, jaw to drop.
The room was full, occupied, decorated, etcetera. Bookshelves brimming with all manner of titles, as well as hand built models; many of which Heart recognized as ones she had put together and brought with her. Several round, varnished wooden tables and matching chairs dominated the central space, each sporting a manner of different board games; their various pieces and rule books organized neatly, ready for use. In the windows at the front, mannequin displays had been dressed with costumes. Popular fiction figures such as Daring Do and Star Swirl the Bearded stared sightlessly into the empty street, their matching book and board game titles displayed spectacularly next to them. The cashier counter sported what looked like a brand new, yet old fashioned, register; the antique buttons and display in pristine condition. As well as several complimentary candies and small baked goods. A glass display box had been set up on the far wall with the collectors items Heart had brought with her, proudly displaying the unique items for all to see. Even the ceiling had been adorned with model Pegasi and fictional crafts from comic books and other media.
Heart Phyre couldn't believe her eyes. The place was amazing, better than she had imagined!
"Who, what, how," Heart stammered out, looking this way and that. "How is this possible? Halo did you-?" Her younger sister was still recovering from the sudden jaw drop; so it could not have been her.
Then, six heads appeared from behind the cashier's table. All of them smiling warmly, some apologetically, and all very familiar.
"You?" Was all Heart could say, blinking several times.
"Yep," The middle pony, a purple unicorn with a deep purple mane. "after you ran off, we all felt like we needed to do something to apologize for smothering you earlier."
"So we fixed up yer place for ya." Said the pony she recognized as Applejack.
"Your cart is around back," Rarity spoke up this time. "Good as new. I even painted some fabulous designs on the side."
"It was the least we could do to help make you smile!" Came the pink, messy haired pony. Heart flinched as she spoke.
"We hope everything is ok..." The yellow pony quietly added.
"And, hehe, we just want to make amends, and, ahem, start over?" Rainbow Dash finished, embarrassed. She held out her hoof.
Heart stood her ground, almost speechless. "So you all...I mean, none of you are mad at me, or dislike me?" She looked at them, particularly at Rainbow Dash, and the pink and yellow ponies.
"Oh, I'm sorry if I made you feel that way." The yellow one spoke first. "I was just sad that your old home didn't have any animals or forests...I wasn't mad at you..." She finished, her low, soothing tone reassuring Heart.
"Oh, and I didn't mean to be so rude earlier." The pink one started now. "I didn't recognize you, and I know everypony in town! So if I didn't recognize you, then you must be new! And you looked so sad and tired, the saddest I've ever seen! Well at least since Twilight came to Ponyville, so I left as quick as I could to get stuff for the "Welcome to Ponyville" party! Because Pinkie Pie likes to make friends!" Heart barely followed what Pinkie Pie said, she was talking so fast...and moving, everywhere. But she got the gist of it.
Heart looked back at Rainbow Dash, who still held her hoof outstretched. "And I shouldn't have pushed you about something you were obviously not comfortable with. So, what I'm trying to say is...," She took a breath. "I'm sorry." Dash finished with a sheepish grin, and then turned to look at Halo. "And I apologize to you too squirt, I should have paid more attention, sorry."
Halo beamed at Dash and lunged her hoof forward. "Hoofbump!" Dash obliged.
"Awww yeah!"
Heart couldn't help it anymore, several tears formed up around her eyes. The other ponies saw this, and braced for the worst, but it was in vain as Heart explained.
"And I'm sorry for overreacting," She said. "Ponyville is new in a great many more ways than I expected, and I was ill prepared."
"Apology graciously accepted." Rarity elegantly bowed once more .
"Well, there is still time for proper introductions." The purple pony said suggestively.
Heart nodded her head and waited.
"My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I welcome you to Ponyville." Twilight then introduced the others, Rainbow Dash, the town's primary weatherpony and incredible acrobat. Rarity, who owns Ponyville's fashion boutique. Fluttershy, the one that watches over the forests and is caretaker of the small animals. Pinkie Pie, the most happy and fun loving pony of the bunch, and works at Sugar Cube Corner. And Applejack, a hard working and dependable pony that works Sweet Apple Acres.
"Thanks everypony," Heart said. "My name is Heart Phyre, and this is my little sister, Halo Phyre. We decided to come to Ponyville to open up a hobby shop for games."
"That's right," Halo added, hovering merrily.
The whole group smiled.
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie jumped up. "And it's party ti-mmph!" Pinkie's declaration was interrupted when Twilight put her hoof to her mouth. "Uh, I think it's a bit late to have a party. The Phyre's have traveled a long way and I'm sure they're exhausted." Twilight looked to Heart and Halo for help. She was likely hinting that they were all tired from so generously setting up the shop for her. That, and when Pinkie said "party" everypony else groaned.
"I'm afraid so," Heart played along only in part, she was pretty tired. "We can party tomorrow Pinkie. I promise."
"Mpdo moo mphinky phromish!?" Pinkie slobbered all over Twilight's hoof.
"Ewww," Twilight groaned. "Pinkie!"
"Sorry," Pinkie smiled again. "Anyway, do you Pinkie promise?" Pinkie got closer to Heart, perhaps a bit too close, but Heart was over that. She looked at the others. They awaited her decision with smiles, except Twilight who was busy disinfecting her hoof.
Heart laughed. "I Pinkie promise."
Pinkie jumped up in the air, clacking her ankles together. "Hooray!" Pinkie danced, and danced, and continued dancing.
Everypony said their goodbyes as they filed through the doors, with trailing promises of a smashing party in the morning, and wishes of good luck to the grand opening of their game shop. Heart had never felt so many butterflies in her stomach...and enjoyed it. She felt like she could do anything, felt like any obstacle could be overcome, she felt happy.
There was a poke at her side, she looked down and saw Halo. She was gesturing just ahead of her at a peculiar sight. Pinkie pie was still here, and still dancing merrily.
Heart rolled her eyes. "A-hem" She coughed, then smiled nervously. "Good night Pinkie, as in we go to bed now...in our own homes..." She hinted heavily.
Pinkie stopped dancing. "Oh, okay, see ya tomorrow, bye!" And she zipped through the door into the night.
Halo laughed, "You see? Didn't I tell you nopony was mad at you?" She hopped with glee, enjoying the moment she was proven right.
Heart smiled and rolled her eyes a second time. "Yes, you were right. Just don't get used to it!"
"Pfft. Don't be jealous." Halo dashed up to the second story, eager to see how the others decorated her room.
Heart walked slowly around the room, admiring the work they had done. From that moment, she could tell they were going to be good friends. She chuckled as she recalled her irrational reactions back at the market. Thinking that maybe you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, and that while trying to make a new friend is always good, there is such a thing as over-doing it. And over-doing it can have drastic consequences, not just for the new pony, but for their closest loved ones too.
Heart shook her head, dizzy for a moment. Where had that long lecture of a thought come from? Before she could contemplate it further, a massive yawn told her it was time for bed. Glancing one more time behind her, she grew excited. An awesome new life awaits, and it begins tomorrow.
