The Cakes wrote back right away. They planned on coming to the farm the fourth day after the party. They also stated that hopefully when they arrived, the Pies would have changed their mind.

The moment Clyde told his daughters was terrible. With a worried look on her face, Pinkie asked if they were being punished for anything. He couldn't bring himself to speak any word after hearing that. Clyde was completely heartbroken. The farmer pony just went over to his daughters to hug them, never wanting to let go.

The dreaded day came. Mr. and Mrs. Cake arrived in a big carriage, ready to take the three fillies away.

Mr. Cake came over to Clyde, making on last attempt to talk him out of it: “You know, if this is just about money, we'd be glad to give you some. Our bakery is going extremely well...”

Clyde stopped him. “It's not about the money. Just... look at this place! This is no place to raise a kid. This wasteland has been sucking the life out of them, out of all of us, this entire time. We just can't do this to them.”

“Then come with us. I'm sure we can make room for you somewhere around the house. Or the store for that matter.”

Clyde shook his head. “I'm afraid I can't do that. Even if it is just a barren wasteland, this is still our farm. And I know Martha will stay by my side no matter what I tell her. I can't leave the farm. I...” Clyde hestitated to provide the reason, but then decided against it. “I just can't.”

“Well, if you change your mind, you know we'd be happy to help.”

At this point Clyde just wanted to get it over with. He went over to his three daughters, hugging them one last time and telling them to take care of each other. Martha quickly babbled as much good advice as she could think to them. Then, the three sisters got into the carriage and were slowly dragged off the farm. Both Clyde and Martha silently gazed after them, even until the carriage had long gotten out of sight.

*  *  *

Ponyville was completely different from anything Pinkie had ever experienced. Even with how little she noticed her surroundings, she could tell as much. The entire trip the Cakes had tried to reassure and cheer up the three fillies, but of course to no avail. Not even Pinkie could hold back her sadness, even though she would have given anything to raise her sisters' spirits.

They arrived at Sugarcube Corner at last. Under other circumstances the three sisters would have felt like foals in a candy store, since indeed they were foals in a candy store, but all of them simply went straight to their room and started unpacking. Every one of them was unsure what to say or do. Eventually they could talk about their biggest fears and decided that tomorrow might be a good day as any, to get acquainted to their new home.

*  *  *

It had been three days since their children left. It had been very painful, but Clyde and Martha managed to support each other to a point, where they would still function as ponies.

Whenever the longing was too much, Clyde decided to sit down in the silo and play the Pony Polka on the old phonograph. It had been his daughters' favorite song. Especially Pinkie would always be overwhelmed with excitement, whenever she heard it. Bittersweet memories filled Clyde's head. Memories of the five of them sitting around the dinner table. Memories of him and Martha playing with their children around the strawberry fields. Memories of Pinkie's first day of school – he had been so proud. Even memories of the party, just one week ago. He was so lost in thought, he didn't notice the little Parasprite landing on his hoof.

*  *  *

The next morning things didn't look so glum. At breakfast, Pinkie and her sisters were even able to smile again. It was a quick, timid smile at some silly antics Mr. Cake was pulling off, but it was a smile nonetheless.

The three sisters decided to take the stroll around Ponyville they had talked about the previous day. They walked by the town hall, not being particularly impressed. They quickly passed by the market place (the sight of all the market stands made them very homesick) and got to what, as of tomorrow, would be their new school. It didn't seem all that bad to the three fillies. Maybe they could get used to this place.

Eventually their walk took them to Sweet Apple Acres. Their mood rapidly declined. With hanging ears, Pinkie shared a depressed look with Inkie and Blinkie. In silent agreement they trotted back to Sugarcube Corner. Despite her best efforts, Mrs. Cake and her cupcakes couldn't perk up the girls.

*  *  *

As soon as he recognized that thing on his hoof, an immense amount of hatred built up inside of Clyde. Everything had started with those pesky flying furballs, and he would make that one pay for daring to come back.

He quickly grabbed a broom and tried to strike at the Parasprite. The tiny creature backed of in fear. Clyde continued to swing the broom around, but to no avail. The Parasprite was too high up to be hit. The farmer pony angrily tossed aside the broom and let out a frustrated scream. At this point, he was sure the critter was a demon spawn, sent specifically to torment him. He could only lie on the floor and weep.

When he more or less regained his composure, Clyde bothered to look up again. He noticed the Parasprite was still there, now hovering directly above the record, performing what seemed to be a little dance. All his anger and frustration where now replaced by curiosity.

*  *  *

The first day at a new school was always hard. If there was anypony who could handle a situation like this well, it would be Pinkie Pie. But in her current condition she didn't feel like talking to anypony.

Recess came and the pink filly decided to meet up with Inkie. Inkie was the only pony she would currently feel comfortable around.

She found her sister in the corner of the schoolyard, glumly looking at the ground. Before Pinkie could reach her sister she was already approached by two colts, about the same age as Pinkie.

“What do you think you're doing? This our side of the schoolyard!” the slightly taller colt stated.

“I'm sorry,” Inkie replied anxiously, trying to leave.

“Now hold up!” the second colt demanded. “You don't just get to ruin our day with your dumb frown and expect to get away with it.”

Inkie was now reduced to nothing but a frightened mess. Pinkie quickly rushed to her sister's side, standing up to the two bullies. “Leave her alone!”

“And what if we don't?” the first colt asked.

“Looks like somepony is looking for a fight,” the second one added.

Pinkie would have hated nothing more than to get into a fight. She didn't like confrontation of any sorts and physical confrontation was the worst kind. But Pinkie didn't know any way to get out of this. She prayed for some kind of miracle to save her from this mess.

Any kind of miracle...

“What in tarnation do ya think yer doin'?” The two bullies instantly froze in place. “Ah'm gone for a single month and suddenly ya two start ta act like ya own the place.” Pinkie managed to catch a glimpse of the orange filly speaking those words.

“We're sorry AJ, we didn't want to...”

“Darn right yer sorry!” AJ interrupted. “Now get out of here, unless ya want another meetin' with Bucky McGillicuddy and Kicks McGee.”

The two colts left without another word.

Her savior came over to Pinkie to introduce herself. “Ah'm awf'ly sorry 'bout all the trouble those two caused. The name's Applejack. What's yours?”

Pinkie only managed to answer in a startled voice. “I'm Pinkie Pie and this is my sister Inkie.” The frightened Inkie, still hiding behind her sisters, only allowed herself one quick look at Applejack.

“Pleasure ta make yer acquaintance!” Applejack replied. Next Chapter: Chapter 7: Lack of sleep Estimated time remaining: 17 Minutes