Off to the side of the frantically busy market, under the shade of the oldest naturally growing oak tree in town, was a bench. Its sturdy cast iron legs, once painted a rich black, now flecked with rust. Its white pine runners were once stained and polished, now weather beaten and distressed. It was a sorry site. The same could be said for the two fillies who sat upon it.

The youngest of the duo, Applebloom, sagged against the peeling and rusted rail of the bench. Her head propped up with her right fore-hoof which was scrunching her cheek, while her left idly picked away at more of the chipping paint on the iron bench rails. Her thoughts occupied by the absence of the third member of the Cutie Mark Crsaiders, Sweetie Belle.

On the opposite side of the bench sat Scootaloo, defiant of the chilly weather. The oldest of the two fillies, in her boredom, managed to prop herself upside down. Her hind-hooves hooked over the back of the bench, tail dangling between her legs and over her belly. Her torso and head curved at an almost painful angle to meet Applebloom's left hind-leg. Her front left fore-leg crooked behind her, supporting her body weight to relieve the pressure her odd position was creating for her wings. Scootaloo's other fore-hoof hung casually off the bench and was tracing circles in a small puddle, using her innate Pegasis magic to form tiny ice crystals on its surface.

"Just because Sweetie Belle isn't here, doesn't mean we have to sit around and do nothing." Scootaloo fumed. "I'm board, let's go do something!"

Scootaloo unhooked her hind-hooves from the bench, grunted and pushed herself off with her wings. Using her previously dangling hoof as a pivot point, and a little effort, she did a tight back-flip and landed on all fours. If anypony had been watching it would have earned her applause, but her only audience was still occupied by flaky paint.

"You coming, AB?"

With a silent knod of agreement, Applebloom slid off the bench and onto their hooves. Scootaloo face broke into a grin. "We should totally head to Sugarcube Corner. When I was talking with Rainbow Dash this morning, she said that Pinkie Pie got herself a new pet!"

"It's not another critter with no teeth, is it?"

Scootaloo fluttered her wings. "I'm not sure. Rainbow was busy with weather stuff so she couldn't talk for long. All I know is it's something Dash had never seen before, probably from the Everfree."

"So long as it ain't dangerous or nothin'. I ain't look'n ta get bit by some mystery wassit lookin' for a quick meal." Applebloom returned as she plodded past.

"I'm sure it's totally fine, otherwise why would Pinkie be keeping it at Sugarcube Corner, right?" Scootaloo replied.

The two started off to the confectionary store that closely resembled a gingerbread house.

The walk to Sugarcube Corner less than eventful. Normally they would hitch a wagon to Scootaloo's scooter, but it neither wheeled device had managed to survive the daring attempt of "Cutie Mark Crusaiders extreme dare devils, yay"  revene jump in less than two pieces. The wagon had to be completely rebuilt, while the scooter awaited a new wheel.

The two fillies had made the short trot across the market square, down Apple Avenue, past 'Sofas & Quills', and had arrived at their destination. Only a few paces ahead the normally busy store was quiet. Sugarcube Corner's lunch rush having passed almost an hour ago and even now there were still at a few other ponies coming and going. The gingerbread-looking confectionery was was busy as ever. Baring a ninja attack or vampony swarm, nothing was impeding them from entering, so they did.

The cheerful jangling of the chime above the door announced their entrance. Dispite the nearly empty store the huge plate glass windows and the afternoon sunlight streaming in gave the inside of the shop a cozy feeling.

Scootaloo stole quick glances around the room. Save for a few in front of the window, the tables were mostly empty. The polished wood floor was spotless and scuff-free. Every shelf and display was teeming cakes and pastries of every description. Even all the colorful decorations, awards, and pictures adorning the walls were straight and aligned.

The fillies moved together, their hooves in-step, toward the counter holding the overly large brass call bell. Applebloom gave the button on the top of bell a quick tap, sharp clang echoed in the nearly silent shop.

"Welcome to Cugarcube Corner, the sweetest place in all of Equestria!" A voice called out from behind the swinging double doors just as it's owner stepped through the opening. Pinkie Pie cantered up to the counter, perched her fore-hooves on its edge and leaned over to look at her customer on the floor. "Hey there girls! What can I do ya for?"

The duo shuffled where they sat, stealing glances from each other. Scootaloo spoke up first, "We were hoping to Next Chapter: Chapter 6: Conversation Estimated time remaining: 14 Minutes