2: A Super Nice, but Kinda Shy Pony Comes to Town:
Pinkie Pie didn't dash home like she normally did. No, she felt a bit too strange inside to do that. Not like those disgusting worm cakes she once ate, but not like eating marble cake either. More like consuming something she couldn't quite decipher the taste of, but really wanted to. Yeah, that one worked.
Her trot home was slow, and she could feel the sun above slowly go down to reveal a night. Her shadow gradually began to disappear in front of her, and her eyes lost the brightness they had in the day.
She noticed as ponies began to close their shops, and shut off their lights. The feeling she had was only complimented by the day ending, and the stores going to a doormat state, closing their doors until tomorrow. That didn't bother her MOST of the time, but today, it was kind of a bummer.
After walking for what should have been, but wasn't hours, she finally reached the slightly illuminated, yet bright compared to like everything else in Ponyville, home of the Cakes.
"I'm home,"
She mustered up as cheerful of a greeting as she could when she entered the house.
"Oh, good evening Pinkie Pie," A surprisingly cheerful, yet hesitant Mr. Cake returned the gesture as she came in. "How did the party go?"
"Oh, it went okay." She smiled. "Twilight actually came to the party this time, can you believe it? I didn't think she was actually gonna get to come!"
"Well, that's great. Say, ya don't have to worry about the cake incident earlier, alright? Mrs. Cake and I got it all covered, okay?"
"You sure? I can still help you if you need it."
"No problem at all, Pinkie Pie. Don't worry about it. If you want, you can head to bed early if you'd like."
"Yes, I would like that. Thank you," Her cheerfulness started to sound worn out, tired. She knew any minute Mr. Cake would pick up on it.
"Are you alright, Pinkie Pie?"
He did.
"What do ya mean?" She said, sounding incredulous.
"Well, you seem kinda… Well, how should I put this… I don't know… Sad. That's not like you, especially right after a party. Are you really alright Pinkie Pie?"
"Yeah, I'm just worried about a friend of mine, that's all. Don't worry, I'll figure it out."
"Well, if you're sure," That reluctant sort of answer left his mouth again before he moved back to the kitchen. Sighing, Pinkie Pie descended to her bedroom.
Although only somewhat lit by the risen moon, she didn't feel like turning on the lights. Oddly enough, she preferred the dark right now.
Calling over her pet alligator Gummy, she sat up at the bed, staring straight up at the moon.
"If only this could all change. I thought the party would make Fluttershy happy, but she seems even more super duper sad. She'll probably be even less likely to talk about things." She felt a numbing, yet not painful, sensation at her hoof as Gummy bit his toothless jaws heartily into her hoof.
"Oh, I've done all I can think of, but the only solution I can think of is impossible." She leaned down flat against her pillow. "Well, I'll think of something. Who knows," A ginormous yawn left her wide open mouth. "Maybe that new pony comin' to town will cheer her up a bit."
Ignoring that weird sensation on her hoof, Pinkie Pie slowly began to doze off to sleep as her cupcake filled, peppermint coated dreams began to take over. But that wasn't the center piece, no not this time. This time, she knew what would happen.
Inside the dream, she was staring straight at something she knew would make her happier than anything at that moment.
Fluttershy, her bunny Angel sitting on her back, smiling.
The Next Morning
Awaking from her dream's calming embrace, Pinkie Pie dashed downstairs, even with no dates to specifically plan for.
Seeing the Cakes still asleep, Pinkie Pie decided to fetch herself some breakfast, and start on her walk through town.
A few stores were opening up, but it was duhhly obvious that the place was still waking up. Grey clouds, darkness still streaking through them, hung above, and the ponies around looked tired and asleep. Pinkie Pie felt about as clashing as Luna and Celestia did standing next to each other.
Gasping, Pinkie Pie remembered something important she'd forgotten yesterday.
"I forgot Applejack was having a super huge sale on her apples later today. How the hay did I forget that..?"
No… It's something else, I'm pretty sure."
Reaching farther back into the corners of her mind, she abruptly took in her air again.
"That's right, that super mysterious new stallion's coming to Ponyville. Sweet!"
Preparing the supplies of her party cannon near Ponyville's entrance, she watched in marvel as she waited for the anticipated stallion to show his face.
She found it so super exciting, not setting of the cannon prematurely, and rushing to find him was the hardest thing in the world for her.
She thought that one over for a second, remembering many things had been 'the hardest thing in the world for her', but soon forgot as she saw a figure walking in the distance.
Another pull in of atmosphere's warm gift, and she left that spot.
As fast as she could, she made plans with the Cakes, her PFFs in Ponyville, and other friends to prepare a stupendous party for the new guy.
Fluttershy didn't seem too upset that day, which made her feel she could forget that sadness for JUST a little while.
She promptly determined ten minutes had passed, and she started to freak out. Running back to her spot, she noticed her brand new pony friend had escaped the inescapable party cannon, and her awesome party diddy.
A remedy she was going to solve as quick as molasses.
Rainbow Dash. She corrected in her head, remembering molasses didn't move.
Her path finally found the pony she didn't recognize. An earth pony, a stallion with a gentle, yet firm coat of orange, his mane a lighter shade of the color; his face, however, seemed kinda worried, his blue eyes Pinkie Pie couldn't help thinking were handsome darting left and right at a nervous pace. His flank was adorned with a fancy looking scroll, a quilt in a tube planted right next to it.
It was time for action.
A stream of confetti flew at a zillon miles per hour, straight at the new pony, coating his fur in wrappers and other goodies. She leaped over him, landing in front of him, and began to give her best rendition of the 'Welcome' song she could think of, poking and hugging him from all sides.
After finishing the song, the stallion's face looking thoroughly disturbed… No, that couldn't be it; he was probably just frozen by pleasant surprise.
"Wow… Thank you,"
"And to sum it all up, WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!" A wide echo raged through the town, but no one reacted much. Pinkie Pie figured they were used to it by now.
"Thanks again. I-it sure seems like a nice place." Pinkie couldn't help noticing persper-something falling down his neck.
"Oh, but it's gonna get even BETTER! Just you wait 'till later today!"
"Yeah, I can't… Wait." His eyes continued that little darting thing they did, and Pinkie Pie felt confused. Was it like her friend Cranky? Annoyed at her bothering him? She shook that thought away almost as fast as she thunk it. His eyes didn't look like that, just worried, shy, as if there was something he was worried about everypony finding out…
He wore colored contact lenses. Yup, definitely.
"Would you like me to give you a tour of the place? I could show you to all of my spectacular, awesome, wonderful places to hang out!"
"Thanks for the offer, but…"
"Well, of course you don't have to," She said, recalling her manners. "Only if you'd LIKE to."
"Is it alright if I settle in first?" He asked. Pinkie Pie felt uncertainty penetrating her heart.
"Of course! Just remember, if you'd like that tour, I'm ALWAYS open!"
He chuckled nervously. "I'll keep that in mind." He glanced at her for a moment. "You look really pretty."
"Aw, thank you," Pinkie Pie hopped up in down in rhythm with his words. She was surprised that this pony could say something so bold, even if she felt it was probably platonic. Even so, she couldn't help feeling her heart bounce a bit at his words. "You're handsome to. 'Course, my friend Rarity would be the one to ask about asking somepony out, ya know?"
"Sure, see you later," Waving slightly, Pinkie Pie returned a fully fledged shake of her right hoof before he disappeared into town. For the third time that day, a gear in her mind suddenly connected with another.
"Wait!"
"Hm?" His eyes turned back to her.
"What's your name?"
"Areson. Areson Gaeon.[1] What's yours?"
"Pinkie Pie."
"Okay, see you later…" He started to leave again.
"WAIT!" She cried out, remembering something else.
"What?" His eyebrows narrowed further down his face.
"Are we friends?"
"No, we're ponies."
"No, I mean, I know we're ponies, but, are we really friends?" She asked her voice straining slightly as she yelled.
He smiled slyly at her response to his kinda obvious comment. I mean, wasn't she right? Pinkie checked her legs, and face, just to be sure. But his smile then mellowed out into a normal one, his confidence slipping slightly.
"Y-yeah… I think we're friends."
"Okie dokie lokie," She could hardly control herself. "See ya later!" He nodded, and continued his trot.
"YAHHOOOOOOO!" Thrusting herself up 50 feet into the air, she projected herself from building to building until she landed on the firm, solid dirt road. "Another friend to add to the list!" She said, jotting down a name on a worn out piece of paper. A pleasant image in her mind caused her mouth to curve upwards.
"This guy seems like the type Fluttershy would like. Oh, I hope he shows up for the party!"
Her mind filled to its meta… meta… to the brim with ideas (She couldn't quite figure out the word Twilight would use), she zoomed back to home to give the Cakes specific directions on how to set up the party.
"Now, remember, it's gotta be roomy. Look lively, but not crowded; it'd probably make him feel uncomfortable. Oh, make sure those tables stay in the corner. After all, we wouldn't want an unfortunate punch accident, right?" She smiled at the goofiness of her own last statement, and continued to examine the in-construction site. Nodding, Pinkie found another location.
Carousel Boutique: Pinkie Pie knew exactly the type of gift the new stallion would appreciate on his first time living in Ponyville.
"Pinkie Pie?"
A small, little filly voice to her side distracted her briefly from her task. Recognizing the voice spot on, Pinkie locked eyes with Sweetie Belle, and her fellow CMC (Cutie Mark Crusader) buddies, Scootaloo and Applebloom. "Wow, what a coincidence running into you here, heheh," Her chuckle seemed odd to Pinkie Pie, but she didn't care to notice.
"Hi girls, would you happen to know where your big sis, Rarity is, Sweetie Belle?"
"Upstairs working on some new designs, I'm pretty sure." Their gold lined capes making small drifts in the wind, Pinkie made a typical inquiry.
"What kinda Cutie Mark Crusader task stuff are you working on today, girls?"
"Well, um…" Well, that was sure a strange response. Pinkie knew that for certain. Although, she didn't feel cause to be suspicious. "It's like you said, hehheh, it's Cutie Mark Crusader stuff, so it's… Top secret!"
"Yup," Scootaloo added. "Top secret. Can't be letting that top secret… business get out, ya know?"
"Yeah, even my own sister doesn't know about this, haha," Applebloom finished the trio of cover-ups. Each chuckle and pause she knew was nervous, but Pinkie Pie knew they were probably just up to mischief again. Giving a laugh of her own, Pinkie Pie winked.
"Well, see you later today at the PARTY!" She enunciated her last word before leaving into the boutique, wholly confidant in her party making abilities for the first time since Twilght was a plain-ol' unicorn.
She crept into Rarity's room, the door wide open, and covered in commotion. Sweetie Belle had done organization she'd liked in the past, but Pinkie Pie understood Rarity wasn't the kind to stay like that for long. Her mane looked frazzled, a few pieces of fabric and hair clips stuck inside.
"No… That doesn't quite work, but… I have to conserve resources for today… Yes, I…"
"HEL—LLOO, Rarity!" Her normal cheer brought Rarity out of her concentrated state. In fact, it practically caused her to jump into the ceiling.
"Oh, haha, Pinkie Pie. You scared me, darling."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
"No, it's perfectly alright. I needed a bit of a jolt for the day." Her horn began to float several pieces of fabric to the various mannequins. "What can I do for you?"
"Well, I think you remember about that super cool pony Twilight talked about yesterday, right?"
"Mmmhmm," Pinkie continued her talk, even though she could tell Rarity's attention was starting to divert.
"Well, I met him today, and told him we were having a super awesome party at that Cakes, but I think it could be set off with some really cool gift, ya know? So I was thinking maybe you could make a snazzy outfit for him, ya know, a 'Welcome to Ponyville' gift, right?"
"Of course… Wait, what?" Adjusting her glasses, her half-closed eyes turned to face Pinkie Pie.
"That pony guy Twilight talked about is here, and I'm throwing a party for him." She made her explanation as concise as she could. "But… I think it would be even more super duper amazing if he could get a great birthday present. So, if it's all right with you, could you make him a snazzy outfit as a gift."
Her eyes went up in shock, but retreated just as fast. An uneasy laugh like the Cutie Mark Crusaders demonstrated escaped her mouth. "Of course I can do it, darling. Anything for a friend. It may take me some time, but I have until evening, right?"
"Yuup,"
"Then I'll do everything I can to make something gorgeous for tonight." She giggled. "Oh, this is going to be quite an interesting day."
"Huh?" Pinkie's eyes flared with confusion.
"Nothing, nothing, don't worry about it, darling. I'll be there."
"Okie dokie lokie!" Shaking her head excitedly, she made her escape from the boutique. On her way to meet up with Applejack, she heard hushed noises close by.
"…Did you hear about that?"
"Yes, I did. Is it really true?"
"I heard it from a friend in Canterlot. Who would've thought someone could be so bold?"
For a moment, Pinkie Pie wanted to learn more. But the inclination disappeared straight from her memory as she re-focused on the task at hand. Her blue radars turned to Sweet Apple Acres.
Soon, everything would be ready.
When Pinkie Pie had given her the invitation, it made Fluttershy forget about Twilight, if only for a little while.
Pinkie Pie passed a written invitation to her.
"It's an invite to the super awesome party we're having for the cool new guy in town."
"That sounds… nice." She smiled.
"Oh, it will be a LOT more than nice after we're done! You wanna come?"
"Of course I will,"
"YAYY! Alright, card says when it starts, but there's no rush; you can come any time!" Giggling all the way, Pinkie eagerly left as she talked to herself of the party's festivities. Fluttershy could only smile. Those melancholy feelings of angst were still present in her heart, but the party gave her some hope.
Although Fluttershy determined to herself she definitely loved seeing Twilight again, having to part was just as painful as that was heart wrenching. A party might actually cheer her up.
She decided to take a casual stroll through Ponyville, her pet Angel on her back, and began to search for a different breakfast.
If Angel was picky, she'd know what to do.
The streets were about as lively as usual, but something was different. It looked like to her that the mood besides the shops wasn't as cheery; more morose, as if something unusual with questionable meanings had abruptly decided to show its face.
Her interest faded when she noticed a radish stand nearby. The shopkeeper was grizzly looking; probably older middle aged, a scar over his right cheek, and dark brown fur. But his eyes didn't seem antagonistic at all. This erased her initial averseness.
"Hello sir,"
"Hello, ma'am. What can I get ya today?" His speech patterns were relaxed, casual. For someone of his appearance, he was quite friendly.
"Two of those radishes, please." She said, keeping her kind voice to match his.
"Alright, here you go, four bits." Although somewhat averse to the price, Fluttershy had no trouble paying him. She had plenty of money. "'Sorry about the price check, I've been kinda low on funds lately."
"That's alright, thank you." Waving goodbye, she looked towards two other stands; grapes and oranges. One was run by two, average looking ponies, with a pink and purple coat respectively. The other was run by another pony, average looking like the others, but he appeared to be in some distress; like something was bothering him.
She started out at the grapes cart.
"Can you believe the kinda fashion that's coming out of Canterlot lately?"
"I know, it barely looks like fashion anymore. Like there are two watermelons on my front hooves, even."
"Um, excuse me," Instantaneously, the two ponies shifted their eyes towards her. Clearly irritated by her interruption, Fluttershy was eager to finish this payment quick. "Those grapes over there please."
"Alright, here ya go, three bits."
"Okay," She paid the amount, and finished at the last counter. This time, the pony was staring with a sentimental look at the ponies at the grapes counter.
"Hm… I remember when things were that casual… Oh," He realized Fluttershy's appearance. "Would you like to buy some oranges?"
"Yes, three if you don't mind."
"Not at all," He packed the oranges in a bag for her. "Two bits,"
Her shopping was done, and Fluttershy still had some money left. That relieved her.
"It's kinda sad, though. With all the strange talk goin' around, I'm not really sure what is gonna happen, you know?"
"Well, now that you mention, the mood does seem kind of downcast."
"You can say that again, and I don't blame 'em. No pony's ever done that before, and who knows what the Princess might do." He quickly nodded away the conversation, and shrugged. "Well, whatever happens it happens. Thanks for buying,"
"Oh, you're welcome," Fluttershy felt like the conversation as stopped too short, but the stallion clearly did not want to discuss the development he vaguely referred to. Still, she felt it was time to return home.
"Come on, Angel. Let's head back."
She was surprised to find out Angel ate her food rather willingly. He didn't even complain, although he may have been restraining himself a bit.
Her mind started to wander as she sat with her animals in the house. She didn't feel like visiting anypony, and the party wasn't until later that evening. She felt completely bored.
A knock at the door woke her up.
"Coming," Her sweet voice sang through her house as she opened the door. She found it slightly unusual Rainbow Dash was at her door. "Oh no, don't tell me it's that time of year again."
"Don't sweat it, that isn't gonna happen for a while now." She chuckled. "But I do have something to ask."
"Of course,"
"Apparently, there setting up some kinda party at Sugar Cube Corners, Something about a new guy showing up. Anyways,they wanted me to help set up, and I was wondering if you could come. It'd be easier to work with two ponies, and ya know, we'd get to talk some."
She was awfully bored. At home, alone with her animals, she didn't have much to do. It didn't take long for her to say:
"Yes, of course I'll come."
"Awesome. Alright, come whenever you're ready, and we'll discuss super party making ideas." She laughed. "Okay, see ya later, Fluttershy." She flew away at lightning speed, and Fluttershy sighed jovially.
"Alright, I guess I'll head out early." She turned to Angel. "Keep the other animals happy, okay Angel?"
He nodded enthusiastically, surprising Fluttershy somewhat. Making sure he was serious, she began her trek outside towards Sugar Cube Corners.
The gossip she'd heard earlier had died down somewhat, probably because of the party invitation. Instead, the conversations seemed more relaxed, casual; it almost made her forget about the mysterious words ponies had been exchanging earlier that day.
With no other tasks in front of her, her trip was fairly short. However, Fluttershy felt worry about the amount of party guests. She never did do very well in large crowds of ponies, no matter what the occasion.
As she walked towards the doors, Rainbow Dash popped into her vision, startling her slightly.
"Whoa. Where did you even come from?"
"Oh, I have my ways," She shrugged indifferently, in an almost eerily way like Pinkie Pie would. "So, you came pretty quickly, huh?"
"Yup,"
"Couldn't wait to get to the party?"
"Well, there wasn't much for me to do at home. I figured I might as well help with the preparations."
"Eeeyup, makes perfect sense to me." She looked up at the top of the Sugar Cube Corner. "Alright, here's the skinny. Pinkie Pie wants us to hang up this banner thingie for the 'heart of the party' at the top of the building. 'Thing is, I can't hang it up by myself. Without another pony, I'd have to be in two places at once while I nailed it in, and, ya know, even for me that's not possible."
"Oh, of course I understand. I'm glad to help."
"Great," She dragged out an immense white banner with two balloons on its right and left sides. A stallion silhouette stood in the center. "I know, interesting décor. But as long as you got help, movin' it ain't too bad, ya know?"
"Mmhmm," Fluttershy responded casually as she picked up one side of the banner with her teeth.
"So, do you know anything about this guy?"
"Not much, but I think that he's the pony Twilight said was coming today."
"Yeahh… I shoulda guessed that. Thing is, I'm not sure what could be all that awesome about 'em. I mean, c'mon, this isn't the exactly the first time we've had a party for some new pony."
"He might be really special, though. I mean, Twilight wouldn't have mentioned him otherwise, would she?"
"Yeah, 'guess you're right. Still, there's no way I'm holding my breath."
Taking both sides of the banner, they stuck it into the roof of Sugar Cube Corners, being careful not to make any sudden movements. After hearing a story about a blonde, gray furred pony causing quite a bit of destruction while hanging decorations with Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy knew she had to be careful.
"What do you think he'll be like?"
"Noooo idea. Maybe he's someone kinda like Pinkie. Ya know, since she was so excited and all. But, Pinkie Pie's the kind of girl to get excited over EVERYTHING, so… who really knows?" She adjusted the banner they'd just placed, giving it a small kick with her hoofs. "Alright, I think this does it. Thanks a lot, Fluttershy."
"Your welcome, I'm always happy to help." She smiled warmly. Rainbow Dash returned the motion, and flew back down to the ground. Fluttershy followed. "Is there anything else I can help with?"
"Um… I wouldn't know. You could ask the Cakes. They probably have TONS of things to do, hehe."
Fluttershy glanced over at Sugar Cube Corner. Meekly, she walked inside.
Activity was everywhere. Ponies left and right were walking to and fro carrying supplies, placing decorations and food at various tables, and figuring out the layout of aforementioned tables. She noticed the Cakes in the center, jotting down something in a notebook Mr. Cake was holding in his right hoof.
"Good morning Mrs. Cake, Mr. Cake. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Good morning Fluttershy," Mrs. Cake greeted, a warm friendly tone in her voice.
"Huh… Oh, good morning Fluttershy. You said you wanted to help?" Mr. Cake was still nice, but he looked like he had been working for weeks. His mane was a mess, and his eyes looked half-dazed. Fluttershy sympathized. After all, more than one of her animals had kept her up late in the past.
"Yes, I'm willing to do anything you want me to do."
"Alright then. Why don't you start by organizing those dining articles over there onto that table in the right of the room? The cups should be spread in a circle on the right side, while the forks and knives should be organized together on the left…"
Fluttershy made careful note of Mr. Cake's directions, and for the rest of the afternoon worked at getting the party ready for the newcomer. She felt herself distancing from her melancholic state, but couldn't help her feelings knowing that Twilight wouldn't be there. She insulted herself inside for not being satisfied with anything that happened. Is this really what being this sad is like? She asked herself more than once while working.
Even so, she had fun. Talking to other ponies, hearing about funny stories from around town, made her feel included, and part of the group; something she had never obtained when she was a filly.
"Wow, this looks amazing!"
Pinkie Pie said quite loudly when hours later, she saw the finished décor.
Fluttershy had to admit it was a thing to behold. The tables were perfectly outlined with high quality tablecloths, the walls covered in bright blue banners with 'WELCOME!' planted directly in the center. The cups and dining materials were set up perfectly, and there was one bowl of punch at each table. A cake, dimly lit in order to keep the element of surprise, stood in the back of the room.
"Wow, this is so super duper completely ooper, AMAZING! I still can't believe it looks this awesome!" She looked towards Fluttershy, and some other ponies in the room. "Thank you SO much for helping me with this.
Scattered acceptance and returning of Pinkie's thanks echoed through the room. Fluttershy stared at her friend's happy face, and couldn't help feeling joy inside her own heart.
"When do you think he'll be here?" She timidly said to the now silent Pinkie Pie.
"Well, I know for sure he'll be here. Probably in another fifteen minutes or so. But really, who knows for absotutley sure, right?"
The lights flashed off, and Pinkie Pie began to prepare for the 'surprise' part of the surprise party. Fluttershy felt a twinge of hesitation in getting ready for it. She knew such a loud sudden, out-of-the-blue surprise would probably give her a heart attack.
"Rarity, do you have the super well-groomed suit ready?" Pinkie Pie inquired, checking last minute to see if important arrangements were made.
"Of course I do, darling. I always make sure to make parties with my friends' top priorities."
"Okay, just checking. Alright everypony, let's get in our places." Ponies ran to various sections of the room, while Pinkie Pie stood near the middle, still slightly visible in the dark. It's almost as if she emanated some type of pink, cheery glow around her, even in the dark.
"Fluttershy?"
She hadn't even realized Applejack was standing right next to her.
"Yes?"
"You sure you doing okay after yesterday? I mean, you seemed kinda sad, and, if it's because of Twilight, I'm sure she didn't mean it."
Applejack didn't have to remind her of that. No, that's something she would never, ever have to remind her of. Fluttershy knew Twilight just wanted to hang out with her friends like they always had before. Her feeling wasn't entirely bitter; no, there was much sweet to go with it. But, lately, all Fluttershy could focus on was the bitter.
"Oh, I know she didn't mean to. I liked her coming to visit. I just get down kinda easy sometimes, that's all."
"Well, just remember we're here for you, sugar cube."
Twilight had actually visited quite recently. On her quest to find more about the mysterious box they discovered after saving Ponyville from the Everfree forest, she ended up staying in Ponyville for a long amount of time. In the process, they got stuck in a haunted castle, helped Daring Do fight creepy, scary creatures, and even got stuck in a comic book world (that was something Fluttershy would never forget). But, eventually, after fixing up Celestia and Luna's old castle, she had to go back. It's something Fluttershy never completely adjusted to. She thought she'd prepared herself for such a separation, but she'd underestimated her own sensitivity.
"Of course. I always know I can come to you guys with everything."
Not a single speck of untruth in that statement. The only issue was while Fluttershy knew she could, she didn't want to. She felt bothering her friends with her bouts of cynical feelings she often tried to hide from them would just make them sad as well. Even so, Applejack's statement was a happy reminder, nonetheless.
After several minutes of waiting, the Cakes coming in and out to give the babies' some early food before the party began; there was a knock on the door.
No response. Pinkie Pie motioned for the others to wait.
Another knock. No answer.
Fluttershy noticed a small shadow creep left and right. She assumed he was checking for a light to confirm the store was open.
Then, slowly yet surely, the door creaked open. The voice promptly spoke;
"Hello..?"
[1] Pronounced "Air-ree-son Gee-on"