Pinkamena paced back and forth across her room standing on her hind legs. A Generals Hat with three gold stars sat on top of her head, a pipe in her mouth and a riding crop was griped in her right fore hoof. “Alright team we have a job to do! It won’t be easy, it won’t be glamorous, some of you may even lose your lives but in the end the sacrifices are worth it.”

A pile of rocks and a baby alligator wearing army helmets sat motionlessly in front of their pacing commander. Pinkamena marched up to a two sided swiveling Blackboard tapping a crude drawing of Rainbow Dash with the crop. “Our goal troops is to turn this,” she moved the crop tapping a picture of a cupcake. “into this!” Any questions?

Pinkamena put her arm around the pile of rocks and in a deep voice said “If Rainbow Dash keeps avoiding you, how will we capture her?”

Pinkamena walked back to the blackboard. “Good question First Lieutenant Rocky. We cannot grab her at her home because it is made of clouds.” She tapped a drawing of a cloud home. “We cannot get her on the ground because she flies away whenever I get near. I don’t think she trusts you two ether.” Gummy blinked one eye followed by the other. “Your eyes are too shifty Sergeant Gummy sometimes even I don’t trust you” Pinkamena said giving the gator a suspicious look.

Pinkamena collapsed on her haunches and sighed. “This is going to be the hardest one yet.”

At that moment the door to Sugarcube Corner opened and a cyan pegasus walked in.

---

Rainbow Dash awoke early that morning ready to tackle the day with vigor and vitality. She rolled herself gracefully out of bed “Gah!” she exclaimed from her upside down position on the floor. Now fully awake she looked to the beeping clock above her on the nightstand next to the bed. 12:45 PM “Why am I up so early!” she yelled. Dash brought her hoof down on the off button on top of the clock. Oh yeah I have to help Pinkie Pie today. Rainbow thought as she set about getting ready for the day. She went through her normal morning ritual of not grooming, not making her bed, not tidying up her room and cooking herself an extravagant breakfast of dry cereal. Getting all her essentials done with only a short break for a light nap she was out the door at 3:35 PM.

Taking a diving off her cloud porch she spread her wings and let the current take her up into the skies. She looked down over Ponyville as she glided across the sky. As she reached town center she whispered to herself nervously “Here goes.” and folded her left wing slipping into a free fall. Spreading her wings as she reached the surface she gave them a couple of small flaps touching down outside of Sugarcube Corner. Her hooves shook as she stared up at what was now a tall and imposing building. She is not going to want to see me. thought Dash. Well what’s the worst she can do. she pondered as the wheels turned in her head. Thinking about how she was going to save her friendship Rainbow Dash opened the door and stepped inside.

Sitting behind the counter was an older blue mare with a pink mane styled in an up manedo. She glanced over at the door as the new customer walked in. The mare grimaced at the sight of the cyan pegasus for a second before putting on her business smile.

Rainbow flinched and uneasily started “Hi Ms. Cake… how’s it goin?”

“Oh fine dearie. Can I get you anything?” Ms. Cake replied.

Dash noticed a hint of agitation in her voice but pressed on. “Is Pinkie here?”

A look of surprise crossed Ms. Cakes face. “Why she is almost always here.” Ms. Cake said with faux sweetness.

“Oh… yeah… right.” Rainbow muttered quietly. “Can I speak to her?”

“Why would you want to do that” Ms. Cake replied coldly as she dropped the polite pretenses. She stared down at the nervous cyan mare that had driven her employee and tenant into hiding.

“I just want to talk to her” said Dash “I want to apologize. Can I speak to her?”

Ms. Cake put on a neutral expression and said “You will have to ask her yourself, we don’t talk anymore”

Rainbow Dash felt sick to her stomach at the thought of Pinkie even being withdrawn from the Cakes. They had kept her on their staff even though she was a drain on business and could not even work the counter anymore. Rainbow Dash looked away from the older mare that now had a more solemn look as she returned to her duties. No doubt she was thinking of the predicament of her isolated employee. Dash began to make her way up the stairs where Pinkie’s apartment was located.

---

Pinkamena sighed as she sat on her haunches staring at the two soldiers she had mocked up. All games aside she had a serious problem. How could she get Dash alone so she could catch her new and soon to be favorite party guest? Ideas passed through her head and were shot down one by one. A cloud walking spell wouldn’t work; she knew nopony who would agree to cast one on her. Her Peddle Power Pinkamena Copter was in the shop after that rude Griffon smashed it. She was running out of options. Why couldn’t Dash just live on the ground like Cloud Kicker… had. Pinkamena smiled at the fun memory. Come on think she is not just gonna come prancing through the door.

*Knock, Knock*

“Pinkie it is Dash. I know we haven’t spoken in a while but can I come in? I think we should talk.” came the voice through the door.

Pinkamena picked her jaw up off the floor and stared at the door for a moment speechless. Looking around at the mess her room had become and her own wacky outfit she started to panic.

“Pinkie? Are you there?” came the voice.

“Just a second Dash” Pinkamena replied.

Pinkamena opened her toy box throwing the Generals Hat, Pipe and Riding Crop in. She plucked the helmets off of Gummy and Rocky and threw them in, soon followed by Rocky himself. She placed Gummy into his bed. She then turned to her Blackboard which had a drawing of Rainbow Dash on it with an arrow pointing to a drawing of a Cupcake. Above it is big letters were the words *How to Catch Rainbow Dash and Bake her into a Cupcake* Pinkamena rushed over and flipped over the board to the other side and quickly turned her head to the rest of the room. It seemed all clear. She walked over to the door to let in the impatient pegasus.

Pinkamena opened the door and stared at Rainbow Dash mustering up the biggest sweetest fake smile she could manage for the pegasus. “Hi Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash stepped into the room made uneasy by the grimace on the pink mares face and said “Hey Pinkie it’s been a while. How are you doin these days?”

Pinkamena stifled a twitch and swallowed her resentment. In a forced cheery voice she said “I have been busy, you know how it goes.”

Rainbow Dash expression didn’t hide her guilt. She whispered to herself solemnly “I know how it goes alright.”

Pinkamena was about to respond when she noticed the Blackboard she had just flipped over sitting behind Rainbow Dash. On the other side of the flipped blackboard was her drawing from last night. She had forgotten to erase before going to bed. On the board was a picture of Dash strapped to a table with her stomach cut open. Depicted standing above her was a drawing of herself holding a butchers knife. Below the drawing was a list titled *Different Tools I am going to use to Torture Rainbow Dash to Death with in my Basement Tomorrow.* Pinkamena’s eyes widened in shock as she stared at what must be the most incriminating thing she could have possibly written and then placed right next to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash stared at Pinkie’s shocked expression and exclaimed “What’s wrong Pinkie?”

Pinkamena had to distract Dash anyway she could. Suddenly an idea struck her. Years of watching Sitcoms had told exactly how to distract Dash. Jumping towards Dash she reached out her fore hooves and puckered her lips ready to plant a kiss on Rainbow Dash. A move Pinkamena thought that would obviously leave the cyan mare seeing stars while the pink mare sauntered over to the board and erased her drawing. Landing her hooves on Dash’s shoulders she was about to press her lips against…

*Bang!*

As their heads collided at an impressive speed Pinkamena toppled over Rainbow Dash and into the Blackboard knocking it to the floor in an explosion of chalk dust. Little stars floated around her head as the powdered Pinkamena tried to work out what had just happened.

---

Rainbow Dash having moved her head to the side of the oncoming Pink Missile missing most of the blow. Dash stared at the splotchy pink and white mess lying on top of the smudged Blackboard. She heard the mare mutter “Never kiss the Rainbow” in a daze. Pinkie Pie is still so random. she thought rolling her eyes.

Rainbow watched Pinkie Pie try to stand up on her shaky hooves only to step on her long mane and fall right back down. Dash moved towards the mess of a mare to try and help her. Placing her head under Pinkie’s belly she lifted her to her feet. Rainbow looked down at the smudged Blackboard whatever was written there was ruined.

“Pinkie your Blackboard… everything on it” Dash started.

Pinkie’s eyes shot open and she yelled “Gummy drew it, I mean because he… I, umm, pictures and the lottery and I don’t have anything in my basement!” Pinkie’s fore legs flailed wildly as her ranting became more and more incoherent. “There are no bodies and my cupcakes are vegetarian only!”

“Pinkie calm down!” Dash said grabbing her weird friend in her fore legs and shaking her. “You’re talking crazy!”

Pinkie looked down at the smudged board which was completely illegible. “Oh…” she said. A blush crept over her face as she stared at the blackboard. “Never mind then” she chirped with a big smile.

Rainbow Dash sighed in relief but soon the tension started to come back full swing. Suddenly she was very aware that she was standing in the room of her former best friend whose life she had destroyed. Rainbow noticed Pinkie had a faraway look in her eyes as she recollected herself. Having no idea what to do or expect next Dash just started talking. “Hey Pinkie I know it has been a while but umm I think we could be friends again.”

“Pinkamena” Pinkie said under her breath.

“What was that?” Dash replied.

“My name, it is Pinkamena. I don’t go by Pinkie anymore” Pinkie or Pinkamena now said giving a cold look to Dash.

Rainbow Dash felt like a Sea Pony out of water staring at her old friend and her very new personality. “How have you been since… I last saw you” Rainbow asked. She received only a cold glare in return from a now twitching pink mare. Rainbow continued “I’ve been fine, been working the extra at weather patrol since Cloud Kicker left.” She noticed a smile grow on Pinkamena’s face. Finally something we could talk about. thought Rainbow Dash. “A lot of ponies leaving town these days, huh?”

---

Pinkamena smiled as Dash mentioned one of the ponies that had met the same fate Dash was about too. Snapping out of her revelry she clued into her surroundings. Dash was standing right in front of her ripe for the cupcaking. She just had to incapacitate her. She knew what she had to do next and was eager to get through with it as fast as possible. Feeling sick to her stomach she put on the best smile she could, stared into the eyes of the pegasus that ruined her life and said “I would be glad to be friends with you again.”

“That’s great!” replied the cyan mare as a look of relieve crossed her face. “You’ll see things will be back to normal in no time.”

“Would you like a snack? I baked some great new cupcakes.” Pinkamena said.

“Sure cupcakes would be awesome” replied Rainbow Dash as she watched Pinkie set the table in her room with plates and napkins.

Pinkamena opened her dresser where she kept her midnight snacks and removed two cupcakes and a small vial. After pouring the contents of the vial onto the icing of one of the cupcakes she carried them over to the table and set the drugged one in front of Rainbow Dash. Pinkamena leaned in close to Rainbow Dash and whispered “bon appétit” in Dashes ear. Chalk dust scattered off her coat spilled onto the cyan mare causing her to cough. “I will be right back with a juice box. To clear up that dry cough.” Pinkamena said walking towards her snack filled dresser.

Rainbow jumped up and yelled “You don't have too I am fine” bumping the table sending the cupcakes rolling. Dash dived after them grabbed them both, turned around and tossed them back onto the plates before Pinkamena returned.

“Nonsense” Pinkamena said returning and placing a Juicebox next to Dash. She sat down watching Rainbow Dash intently. Realizing that Dash was returning her stare she grabbed up her Cupcake and tossed it into her mouth. Dash soon followed her example.

“This is really good” Dash exclaimed. “What do you want to do now?”

“Now Dashie?” Pinkamena said with a hint of venom. “Now you take a nap.”

---

Pinkamena stared at her unconscious prize strapped to the table with glee. Pinkamena looked to the tray table at her side. It had all of her favorite instruments placed on it. She began to take mental note of each one. Scalpel, Hacksaw, Icepick, Serrated Knife, Hatchet, Nails, Curling Iron (She had found a new use for that one), Pliers, 20" of Chains, Kerosene Blowtorch, Ballpeen Hammer, Battery / Jumper Cables, Sheers, Choke Pear, Blackjack, Cat-O-Nine Tails, and an assortment of medical supplies including drugs, bandages and sutures laid upon her three level table. Each and every tool collected in the months since her social exile. Some of them purchased from shops or mail ordered while the more elaborate devices were made with her own mouth and hooves.

Pinkamena was going to drag this one out. She was almost saddened that it came so early. She wanted to dominate every inch of her captive. To soak in every look of shock, every flinch of pain, every tear that fell and scream of agony. This was what she lived for now, what she breathed for. Making them all suffer. She reveled in her sadism, taunting her prey and laughing at their pain. Now she had the pony responsible for her both her sad life and her awakening, this was going to be the best party yet. She took a moment to worry that her future games would be dull by comparison but she didn’t have long to ponder that thought.

“Mmmm.”  Rainbow had started to stir slowly lifting her head.

“Hi Dashie” Pinkamena chirped. “Was your rest peaceful?”

“What is going on Pinkie Pie? Where am I?” Rainbow asked nervously. Her eyes darted around the darkened room unable to see the 100% pony made "party decorations." She had started to struggle against the straps of the inclined party table.

“I was so excited that we were going to be friends again that I threw you a very special Pinkie Party.” Pinkamena replied. She picked the Blackjack off her tray with her teeth and walked towards Rainbow Dash.

"What is that thing for?" Rainbow Dash said in a panicked whisper.

Pinkamena pressed the jack lightly against the base of Rainbow Dash's throat. She moved the tip of the club slowly down Rainbows cyan coat. Reaching Rainbow's belly button Pinkamena looked up at the speechless Dash taking in the both the terror and confusion in her eyes. "It's for this." Pinkamena said. She swung it connecting the club against Rainbow’s bare stomach.

Rainbow let out a cry of agony as her head flung forward. The wind left her body and she gasped loudly for air. The gasping led into a coughing fit. Pinkamena waited patiently until it died down. Soon the coughing stopped and Rainbow Dash began to speak. “Pinkie I’m sorry, I didn’t mean… cough… for this to happen.” She looked desperately at the pink mare.

“I did.” replied Pinkamena swinging the jack.

“Ahhhhh!” Dash screamed as the weighted club hit her kneecap. Her head writhed around in agony and she bit down on her lip. “Mmmph” her teeth cut into lower lip as Pinkamena bopped the jack under her jaw. A few drops of blood trickled down her chin.

Pinkamena placed the Blackjack back on the tray and giggled at the sight of the suffering mare. “This is a surprise party but I still don’t think it has enough surprise for you Dashie.” She picked up a length of cloth wrapping it around Rainbow Dash’s eyes. Pinkamena paused for a moment and placed a hoof under Rainbow’s chin. She brought her muzzle close and gave Dash's lips a small lick, lapping up some of the blood from the pained mare. Rainbow Dash squirmed at the invasive touch. Pinkamena pulled her muzzle back from the fearful looking Dash. "That's not the right attitude to have Dash, you and I are going to become very... close before this is over." she said running a forehoof down Dashes cheek.

"What do you mean by that?." Dash whimpered.

"That's the least of your concerns" Pinkamena said as she turned around and slowly returned to the tray. She gripped an icepick in her foreleg and turned to Rainbow Dash. "I think you would look better with a few... piercings." Pinkamena said.

The room gave a small shake like a mini earthquake had hit it.

“Wake up!” Dash shouted.

“This isn’t a Nightscare silly your not sleeping.” Pinkamena replied.

“Wake up Pinkie!” Dash shouted.

“Dash this is rea…” Pinkamena said before being cut off.

“You’re really out of it Pinkie aren’t you? I’ll just put you to bed.”

The party room started to shake as the walls and ceiling crumbled around Pinkamena. Her tray hit the floor and the now empty table collapsed. She screamed as everything came down around her.

---

Rainbow Dash just woke up from her nap. What a great suggestion Pinkamena had, I was feeling tired. Rainbow thought. She looked across the table at her sleeping friend. “You awake she whispered?” She prodded her friend with a hoof. “Wake up! Wake up Pinkie!” she shouted. Pinkamena lay their motionless in her drug induced haze. “You’re really out of it Pinkie aren’t you? I’ll just put you to bed.” Rainbow said. She lifted the pink pony onto her back. Pinkamena was jostled back and forth as Rainbow carried her over and then lifted her onto her bed.

Pinkamena gave a soft moan.

I hope you’re not having nightscares. Rainbow Dash thought. Dash walked towards the door giving one last look to her depressed friend. She gave a small smile and allowed herself to believe things would be alright. “See you later Pinkamena.” she whispered then took off out the door.