Silent Ponyville: Fracture

The mind is a strange and sometimes frightening place. Even in this age, it is still not fully understood. While the science of the mind has progressed far, there is still much that science has not, and possibly may never, be able to explain.

Perhaps one of the most prominent examples is in the case of abnormal psychological condition and one's perceptions; the way the mind perceives and interprets events has a tendency to be directly linked to an individual's mental stability and integrity. In cases of abnormality, perceptions can be altered or warped. In the majority of cases, this is typically limited to simply adding positive or negative connotations to situations or circumstances where they do not normally apply. However, in very rare cases, a mind can suffer such trauma that it is broken beyond mere abnormality. Severe trauma, of any sort, can cause lasting psychological damage if no help is sought. In most cases, help comes eventually. But, this is not always the case. For some, help isn't an option. For one reason or another, it is beyond their ability.

And so they repress. Repression gives them comfort, allows them to forget and persevere. They can move on with their lives. Perhaps their personality will be altered, perhaps they exaggerate their positive traits as a means of coping, perhaps they come off as odd, or unusual, or random, but for the most part, they are able to function normally for a time.

However, repression does not erase the trauma. The memories lie deep inside, hidden from view where they can do no immediate harm, but still they lurk there, festering, eating away at the victim's psyche – and over time, the memories begin to resurface.

Recall that an individual's perceptions are directly tied to their psychological stability. Recall that in cases of abnormality, perceptions can be warped. Now, what then would happen in these rare, extreme cases? What happens when the buried, forgotten, and shattered memories claw their way to the surface once again?  When the broken mind, long blissfully-veiled in amnesia, is forced to recall the trauma that broke it to begin with? When the illusion of happiness and normalcy begins to falter, when the mental barriers finally begin to fail, and the nightmares begin?

And what if it doesn't end at nightmares? The inner workings of the mind are still not fully understood, and it is entirely plausible that severe enough damage could go beyond mere nightmares. What happens when the individual's fears begin to become her reality? When the world around her begins to take the shape of her night terrors, when the things she has long trusted to be safe and comforting begin to lose their friendliness, when the twisted, unnameable horrors born of a fragmented mind begin to stalk her from the shadows of her own home, and the stares of the ones she cares for most, even the one she loves, seem to be forever upon her, silently accusing her of things they could not possibly know, waiting for the moment to drag her out of the safety of ignorance and thrust her face-to-face with the fears rooted deep inside her?

What happens when the real world and the inner world collide, and she is trapped in the living hell of her own fractured psyche?

1st Scene

“Awake”

(Scene: Pinkie is walking up a grassy hill at night, a lantern in her mouth illuminating the dark path. Her expression is one of solemn anxiety, somewhere between anticipation and fear. On the crest of the hill in front of her, lit by the moon, is Dash, sitting facing away from her and looking out towards the moon. Pinkie carefully but steadily walks up towards her.)

Pinkie: Dashie...? Is that you...?

(As she approaches, Dash turns around to face her...and appears completely normal. Dash smiles warmly at her.)

Dash: Hey, Pinkie. I was wondering when you'd get here.

Pinkie (lets out a sigh of relief): Dashie...

(Pinkie walks up and sits next to her, looking at the full moon hanging over a dimly-lit ocean, spread as far as the eye can see. The two sit there and watch the ocean waves for a time.)

Pinkie: Dashie? Why are we here?

Dash: I like coming here. It helps me forget.

Pinkie: ...forget?

Dash: Yeah. Forget what happened.

Pinkie: Why? What happened, Dashie?

(Dash is silent for a panel, then turns to look at Pinkie, Dash's face wearing a small, but warm, smile.

Dash: Hey Pinkie...why'd you do it?

Pinkie: Why did I...(terrified realization) oh, no...Dashie, please don't...

Dash (Never losing that small smile): Why?

(Pinkie's eyes go wide and fearful, and three panels zoom in on one of them. In them, Dash's reflection is visible the same as it was in the previous panels; however, in the final panel, Dash's reflection in Pinkie's eye has the appearance of a corpse, her coat matted with blood and her eyes milky white, and a knife blade buried in her head. Her mouth is open in a cry of anguish. The word FORGIVE appears in harsh, blunt, widely-spaced lettering and no punctuation at the top third of the panel.)

(Scene: Pinkie darts awake in her bed at Sugar Cube Corner. Her eyes are dark and bloodshot, as if she hasn't slept well in a long time. Her expression is at first terrified, but soon settles into a mixture of pain and sadness, as she curls up on the bed, tearing softly. FRACTURED: BALLAD OF PINKAMENA is imprinted on the final panel in stylized font.)

Pinkie (mentally): Why won't they just stop...?

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2nd Scene

“Concern”

(Scene: Pinkie is in the kitchen of Sugar Cube Corner, washing her face in the sink. She looks exhausted. The entire room is a mess; there are dirty dishes and the remnants of baking ingredients everywhere. Despite this, there isn't a single baked good on any of the shelves; it looks as if they've all been hastily thrown out. Dash and Twilight approach from outside, their voices audible.)

Dash: I hope so...she's getting worse.

Twilight: Sounds like she's awake already...either that or she didn't sleep again.

(The two enter and Pinkie walks clumsily over to greet them. She's a wreck; her steps are awkward, her smile weak, her usual vibrant energy all but absent.)

Pinkie: Hi Twilight, hi Dashie. Sorry the place is a mess; I haven't really gotten around to cleaning up yet. Just been a little busy, I guess! (she beams a withered smile at them. Dash and Twilight exchange looks of concern.)

Dash: Pinkie, we...

Twilight: We're really worried about you. I know you keep telling us not to, but...you're not getting any better.

Pinkie: Oh, don't be silly, Twilight! I'm still Ponyville's premiere party pony! I've just had a little trouble sleeping, that's all! (she forces out a weak, hollow chuckle. Dash and Twilight both seem sad.)

Twilight: Pinkie, listen...I know whatever it is, you don't want to talk about it, but...

Dash: Pinkie, I – we – all care about you a lot. If something's wrong, you gotta tell us. We can help you!

(Pinkie shakes her head softly.)

Pinkie: Nothing's wrong, Dashie, really! I just need some sleep. (She forces another empty smile. Twilight and Dash look at each other again.)

Twilight: Pinkie...Dash and I have been talking, and-

Dash (interrupting): Pinkie, why don't you come live with me for a while? Twilight still knows the cloudwalking spell an-

(Pinkie's eyes go wide with fear again.)

Pinkie (panicked): NO!

(Dash looks visibly pained by this.)

Pinkie: I mean, I'd like to, but...I promised the Cakes I'd watch the store for them! (she looks sullen) Sorry, Dashie...

(The other two look unconvinced. This obviously sounds like an excuse. Dash hangs her head lower.)

Twilight (resignation): Well...if you say so...

(Twilight starts to leave, but Dash lingers.)

Dash: Pinkie...I love you. You'd tell me if something was wrong...right?

(Pinkie looks away.)

Pinkie: Dashie, I love you too...I...

(Silence. Dash turns and follows Twilight, her eyes closed.)

(Overview panel of the room, with Pinkie laying depressed on the floor of the now-empty Corner.)

Pinkie: I'm sorry...Dashie...

(A moment later, a shadow is seen next to Pinkie.)

? (coldly): Well, well...alone again, are we...?

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3rd Scene

“Secrecy”

(Scene: Dash and Twilight walking back towards the library after the previous scene. It's daylight out.)

Twilight (sighs): I guess there's nothing to do but wait. Pinkie has her reasons for keeping her secrets. I'm sure she'll tell us when she's re-

(Interrupted by Dash angrily kicking a mailbox. Twilight looks at her in alarm.)

Twilight: Dash! What are you doing?!

Dash (angered): Why won't she tell me anything, Twi? I love her, for Celestia's sake...and she still won't tell me anything! How the hay can I help her if she just won't...(fighting back tears)

Twilight (comforting): It's not your fault, Dash. You know she loves you too. Whatever her reasons, I'm sure she'll ask for our help when she needs it.

Dash (hurt): She needs it now, Twi! Didn't you see her back there? No hyperactivity, no bouncing around, no constant stream of chatter...something's wrong and she won't tell us what it is!

Twilight: I know you're worried about her, Rainbow Dash, we all are, but we have to respect-

Dash: To hay with your respect! If she won't tell us what's wrong, then I guess she doesn't care about us enough to tell us anymore!

Twilight: Dash, that's insane! Don't you remember everything you two went through? Everything all of us went through? You know Pinkie cares about all of us, especially you!

Dash (quietly, pained): Yeah, well...she's doing a pretty poor job of showing it.

Twilight (under her breath, with an edge of concern): She's not the only pony...

(They walk in silence to the library, where they part wordlessly.)

4th Scene

“Reminiscence”

(Scene: Nighttime. Pinkie is trudging up the stairs to her room in Sugarcube Corner, a lantern in her mouth. She nudges the door open and heads inside.)

? (false warmth): There you go. That's a good little pony. Come on in, get some rest. We're looking forward to seeing you back here again.

(Pinkie wordlessly climbs onto the bed but doesn't lay down, instead simply sitting there in silence.)

? (condescendingly): Aww, is the poor little heartbroken mare sulking again? You really should stop that, you know, it's bad for your health...

(No response. A form begins to materialize in the shadows of Pinkie's mirror, across the room.)

?: What would Dashie think if she could see you now? I don't think she'd be so keen on being seen in public with a big crybaby like you-

(Pinkie snatches a brush off her nightstand and angrily hurls it at the mirror)

Pinkie (angry): SHUT UP!

(The mirror shatters, the shadow dissipating as the shards of glass spill out onto the table and floor. Pinkie stares down for a time, her face semi-obscured by her long mane. A moment later, a figure appears beside her on the bed.

The figure is the spitting image of Pinkie, looking identical right down to the color, cutie mark, and even the long, flat mane and tail. Her voice was Pinkie's, there was no mistaking it. However, where Pinkie's cheerful smile would be, the doppelganger wore a thin, sinister smirk. Her eyes were icy and unforgiving. Her expression was one of cruel amusement, as if she was privy to some horrible joke at the expense of whoever she was speaking to. Her voice was devoid of anything resembling kindness or empathy.)

Pinkie?: Congratulations. You broke the mirror. (She leans in close to the real Pinkie, speaking more softly but no less menacingly in her ear) Does that make you feel better? Does it make you feel strong? Like you actually have some kind of control over me? (She lets out a frigid chuckle.) Well, I'm still here, aren't I?

(Pinkie lays down and covers her face with her hooves.)

Pinkie (sadly and desperately): Please, just...just go away...

Pinkie?: Oh, no, Pinkamena. I won't 'just go away.' I'll be right here with you, all night, until you finally drift off to sleep and join us once again...(her voice dripping pure venom) we've got SUCH a great party planned for tonight, I'm just positive you'll love it...

(Pinkie flings herself off the bed and snatches up the lantern again, desperately fumbling to light it.)

Pinkie? (right behind her again): And here we go again. Honestly, Pinkamena, you're becoming so predictable...but then again, I know you better than anyone else, don't I?

(Ignoring her, Pinkie finally gets the lantern lit and rushes out of the room and down the stairs as fast as she can. She flies out the front door and locks it behind her, heading off down the path with as much haste as she can muster.

The alternate Pinkie appears in front of a bush as Pinkie approaches it.)

Pinkie?: So where is our little mare running off to tonight, hmm? Going to go pout outside the library again? Or maybe Fluttershy's lake? (As Pinkie leaves the bush behind, alternate Pinkie now appears reclining on a bench ahead of her.) Or, maybe you'll just go and stare up at Dashie's home again. I wonder what runs through that pretty little head of yours whenever you see that gorgeous coat of hers...oh, wait, I already know. (Now she appears again in front of Pinkie, leaning against a lightpost.) Seeing that coat, those wings, and that wonderfully-perfect cutie mark...I bet it gives you some ideas that would put Rarity's fashion to shame...doesn't it?

(Pinkie is practically running now, fighting back tears, the lantern shaking around wildly with her haste. Some time later, she is on a path leading outside of town, her pace slowed now, her breathing hard as she exhausts herself trying to flee her ever-present tormentor's verbal assault. She trots along now at a slow, winded pace. Alternate Pinkie stands just off the path ahead of her, watching her approach with an expression of mock-realization.)

Pinkie?: Oh, Pinkamena, the ravine again, is it? You so desperately cling to your old 'happy' memories. It makes me retch.

(A short while later, Pinkie is standing on the edge of a deep ravine, staring into its depths. This is the ravine where, so long ago, Rainbow Dash saved Pinkie's life, first igniting the spark within Pinkie that would later bloom into love for the technicolor mare.)

Pinkie (tearing up softly): Dashie...

(Alt. Pinkamena stands beside her, her expression as cold as before.)

Pinkie?: You know it can't last. Even though you try to hide it, you just know one day she'll be gone, off with another stallion or mare. And why wouldn't she? She's one of the most athletic and beautiful pegasi in Cloudsdale; in ALL of Equestria, really.. She could have anypony she wanted; why would she settle for a weak, annoying, obsessive, and obnoxious little earth pony?

Pinkie (softly): ...you don't know Dashie...

Pinkie? (fake strain): I'm sorry, what was that? Pinkamena, how long will you keep deluding yourself? This “love” you keep clinging to is finite, and it's running out of steam. Face it: someday Dashie's going to meet a pony who's just as athletic and strong and brave as she is, and then it's over. You? You're just a go-between, a temporary fling to pass the time.

Pinkie (softly, but with more determination): Shut up...

Pinkie?: Oh please. You know how much she loves the Wonderbolts; just wait until she joins. Spending so much time with those ace fliers? Doing stunt shows with them, earning fame throughout Equestria? How long do you think it'd take before she starts getting a little 'close' with some of the other 'Bolts? Before she runs off with one of her fillyhood heroes and leaves you in the mud, where you belong?

Pinkie (more forcefully): Shut UP.

Pinkie?: Not to mention the throngs of fanponies that would give anything to have a chance with such a fit and beautiful mare like her...and why wouldn't she play the field a little? She can have any pony she wants, so why would she settle for a sad, pathetic, clumsy, irritating,worthless little-

Pinkie (loudly): SHUT UP! (she covers her ears and closes her eyes.) YOU DON'T KNOW DASHIE!

Pinkie? (with dim anger): Yell all you want, Pinkamena. I know you, remember? This love of yours is living on borrowed time. Deep down, you know I'm right...even if you won't admit, you know I'm right.

(Pinkie is silent. She stares into the ravine sadly. Alt. Pinkie smiles cruelly.)

Pinkie?: You could, you know. Just fix the mistake Dashie made in saving you back then. Nopony would stop you. Hay...nopony would even care.

(Pinkie just looks down and turns away, walking off. Tears fall out of her eyes as she trots softly back towards Ponyville. A chilly breeze begins to blow, and Pinkie shivers, though whether from the cold or her own suffering is unknown.)

Pinkie? (with faked disappointment): But of course you don't. You never do. But that's okay, Pinkamena. (whispering in her ear as she matches Pinkie's pace) Know why...?

(The scene pans out to show the wooded path as Pinkie begins the slow trek home, Alt Pinkie following closely.)

Pinkie?: Because we get to have another wonderful party tonight.

5th Scene

“Dejection”

(Scene: Dash is laying on her back on a cloud, staring up at the night sky. Her expression is distraught and slightly pained, yet pensive.)

Dash (mentally): Stupid Pinkie...why the hay won't she just come out and spill whatever's bugging her?

Can't even fly without worrying about her...

(She closes her eyes and thinks for a minute.)

Dash (mentally): Every time I've seen her like this, I got her to open up and we fixed things...Vinyl's party, that nightmare she had...but now she just won't tell me anything! (She grumbles.) Maybe she doesn't trust me or something...but that's stupid, why wouldn't she?

(She rolls onto her side and her expression takes on an extra tone of sadness.)

Dash (mentally, a bit worried): Maybe...maybe she doesn't love me anymore? (She shakes her head) No, no, that's stupid too! After everything that we've been through, I KNOW she loves me. Besides, I'm too awesome NOT to love! But then what the hay is wrong with her?!

(She remembers the events of earlier.)

Dash (mentally): She freaked out when I offered to have her live with me...did she get afraid of heights or something? Or...is she afraid of ME? (She shakes her head again.) But that doesn't make any sense. Why would she be afraid of me...? Maybe she's just intimidated...

(She feels a quick surge of pride.)

Dash (mentally): Yeah, that could be it. And why wouldn't she be? I'm THE top flier in Ponyville, hay, in Equestria, period! (A quick flash of indignation crossed her.) She's LUCKY to have me! If she can't appreciate that and just up and TELL me what her problem is, then...!

(Dash sighed, knowing her self-protests were pointless; it was just her injured pride talking.)

Dash (mentally, with sadness.): Oh, Pinkie, what's wrong with you? What's going on in that bubbly little head of yours that's so bad you can't even tell me about it?

(She sits up, with renewed determination.)

Dash (angrily): That's it! Forget Twi's little nice-nice way of doing things, I'm going to find out what's wrong with Pinkie if I have to kick it out of her!

6th Scene

“Morning”

(Scene: Pinkie lays on her back under the blankets. It's early morning. Her eyes are wide open and bloodshot, and she's staring blankly at the ceiling. Alt. Pinkamena is seen in the doorway to her room.)

Pinkie? (with a wide, evil smile): Well, good morning, dear, sweet Pinkamena. (No response.) I have to admit, you got pretty creative with that scalpel. Just a shame you remembered to gag her this time...it's just not as enjoyable without the screaming and sobbing and begging for her life... (Still no response. Alt. Pinkie lets out a hollow, sinister chuckle.) And that thing you did with the skull? Priceless! She was so far gone by then she thought she was talking to the real thing! (The chuckle dies down) Pity she didn't last very long after that. Oh well, you've got plenty of time to work on preservation, hmm? (She lets out a soft sigh.) See, Pinkamena? Deny it all you like, but you've got a real talent for this sort of thing. I can't WAIT to see what you come up with tonight...(Pinkie just rolls over to face away from her, bundling up under the blankets. She'd cry her eyes out, if she hadn't already done that throughout the night.)

(A loud rapping comes from the window. Alt. Pinkamena looks, but Pinkie does not move. Rainbow Dash is in the window, her face stern, looking all over the room and tapping on the window loudly. Alt. Pinkamena's smile widens.)

Pinkie?: Well, well! Look who came by for a visit. You can stop being mopey now, little miss sad-sack. (With notable disappointment) She's still alive.

Dash (muffled through the window, looking around inside): Pinkie Pie! You in there?! (raps on the window again)

(Pinkie just wraps the blanket around herself. Alt. Pinkamena sneers.)

Pinkie?: You're not even going to answer her? How rude. After everything you did last night you could at least-(Pinkie interrupts by grabbing a vase of flowers off her nightstand and hurls it at Alt. Pinkamena, who merely sighs. It passes right through her and shatters against the doorway. Dash looks at it in shock through the window.)

Dash (worriedly): Pinkie?! What's going on?! Pinkie! Let me in! Pinkie!

Pinkie? (deadpan): Smooth. Now you've got her riled up. At this rate she'll never go away.

(Dash flies back from the window, rears up, and charges through it, shattering the flimsy glass and getting her inside. Pinkie barely reacts, while Alt. Pinkamena scowls at Dash.)

Pinkie? (even though Dash can neither see nor hear her): What is wrong with you?! She didn't even bother to lock the door last night! Did you even bother to check it? Boneheaded little...

(Dash picks herself up off the floor, a bit cut-up but otherwise fine. She looks around the room; Alt. Pinkamena is nowhere to be found. Only Pinkie is lying in her bed, facing the ceiling and unmoving. Dash rushes over to her.)

Dash: Pinkie! Are you okay?!

(Pinkie just glances blankly at her for a moment and then turns away from her.)

Dash (grabbing her): Oh, no you don't, miss grumpy! (Pinkie struggles weakly, but quickly gives up. Dash drags her to the side of the bed and sits her up. Pinkie just stares downwards, her mane obscuring her face.) I'm through doing this the easy way! You're gonna tell me exactly what's going on, and I swear I'm not leaving until you do! Got it?! (Pinkie doesn't respond.) Look at me, Pinkie, I'm talking to you!

(Dash grabs Pinkie's head and forces her to lift it up, giving Dash sight of Pinkie's bloodshot, sleep-deprived face. Dash is momentarily thrown to how much worse she looks but quickly recovers with even stronger fury.)

Dash (furious): Okay, that's it! You're a wreck, Pinkie, and you're going to tell me EVERYTHING that happened last night to do this to you! So start talking!

(Pinkie is silent. Her eyes refuse to meet Dash's. Dash has no choice but to use her last resort.)

Dash (solemnly): Pinkie, if you ever really cared about me at all, if you ever really loved me, you'll tell me what's wrong.

Pinkie (barely audible, with deep sadness): ...I can't...

Dash (shakes her violently): WHY NOT?!?!

Pinkie: I just...I just can't...I'm sorry...Dashie...

Dash: Was it the nightmares again?! Answer me!

Pinkie: …

Dash: Pinkie!

Pinkie (softly): Dashie...

Dash (irritated): Yeah?

Pinkie: ...they won't stop, Dashie...

Dash (furious): Who cares?! Remember how desperate you were to keep them from coming true?! You fought them so-

Pinkie (interrupting, desperately): They're getting worse, Dashie!

Dash (even angrier): Pinkie, this is crazy! We both know you'll never be like that! You fought then and you're still fighting now! It doesn't MATTER how bad the dreams get, you'll NEVER be like that, because you're always fighting!

Pinkie (with deep resignation): Dashie, there's....there's more...

Dash (sighing agitatedly): What is it?

Pinkie (hesitantly): ...there's...another me...

Dash (disbelieving): 'Another you?' Just what the hay is that supposed to mean?

(Pinkie starts to sob a bit and leaps off the bed, hugging Dash tightly)

Pinkie (crying): She's everywhere, Dashie, and she keeps saying the meanest, nastiest things, and she keeps dragging me back into the nightmares and saying that they're going to come true, and...and-

(Dash hushes her and holds her tightly. Pinkie rests her head on Dash's shoulder.)

Dash (gently): She's not real, Pinkie. Whoever she is, wherever she came from, she's not real and she's wrong.

Pinkie (sobbing into Dash's shoulder): She just won't go away...I keep telling her she's lying and she's not real but she just doesn't-

Dash (cutting her off): It's okay...it's okay. Everything's going to be fine, Pinkie Pie.

Next Chapter: a pinkie centered project part 2 Estimated time remaining: 34 Minutes