Pinkie Pie... or rather Pinkamena sat silently in a chair that she pulled up to the wall in Rainbow's room. She was in the hospital, her wings bandaged and her burns treated and wrapped. Pinkamena had dropped her off at the hospital, but the nurses wondered why "Pinkie Pie" would have something else to do instead of sitting around, worrying about her friend and watching her sleep. So she just inched a chair to the farthest corner of the room, so when the Pegasus woke up she wouldn't be scared half to death of Pinkamena lingering over her like a serial killer, and it wouldn't be creepy.

Pinkamena had dismissed the rest of her friends, and they all departed with a spine-breaking hug. Leaving her to sit and watch the clock tick and the Wonderbolt to breathe softly in her bed, as she looked towards her noticing her sweaty mane and dampened fur. Her rainbow colors were duller, and her wings missing several feathers as Pinkamena puffed out air in frustration... what an idiot.

She would never get to gloat about selflessly throwing herself in the path of a lightning bolt, saving her life in the nick of time, and fighting off Death but it didn't really matter. Pinkie Pie would still have her lovable "Dashie" once Cozy Glow figured out a way to render the tree defenseless by draining all Equestrian magic. Then Pinkamena could split Pinkie Pie from her, and they could live as separate beings; which was harder to do then she originally thought.

First of all, she would be hacking off a hefty chunk of her soul and reshaping it into a whole other pony. Again this sort of ritual was forbidden because it "played God" a phrase that meant it was something mortals shouldn't be touching.... ever. Dr. Hooves had told her that Rainbow Dash would need to be monitored, and she quickly looked away before the doctor could volunteer her. He seemed to pick up on it and sent a nurse to fetch Rainbow's friends in the middle of the night. It was now about six in the morning, and she was extremely bored and wanted to leave, but she had to act like Pinkie Pie.

The scent coming off of Rainbow Dash was of sweaty body odor after a workout, she really worked herself hard out there for such an idiotic prank! She literally fought off Death to save her life, like no shortstops, hoof-to-hoof combat straight up smashing him to pieces, and she couldn't even BRAG about it! Totally not fair, what she did was way more impressive than what Dash Hole ever do, Sonic Rainboom her butt...she could do a triple Sonic Pinkamenaboom or whatever WHILE saving her life. Not... Not that it mattered, she was not going to start turning this into a pride thing, she just hated Dash's arrogant behavior.

Once this was all over, she'd rub it in her face, assuming she would get that chance. She heard the Pegasus whisper in her sleep, and she tried ignoring her but when she started to twitch and kick she couldn't. Pinkamena held her ears, this stupid situation she was in was annoying as heck. When she heard the mumbles get more clear, she just got so darn curious she had to listen so perhaps she could blackmail Rainbow Dash one day..... if it were one of THOSE dreams.

She hoped to God Rainbow Dash woke up with amnesia, because if there was one thing she knew... she completely blew her cover trying to be the hero. Even though she looked exactly like Pinkie Pie, it wouldn't hide the fact that she had dragon-like wings, caught a freaking lightning bolt in her hoof, and could fly with such skill. Perhaps there was a medical term she could blame this on? Septic shock, causing hallucinations? Pinkie Pie would know what that was right...? No, she wouldn't her brain is just full of party plans and every pony's birth date.

"Pinkie... Pie," Rainbow Dash whispered, her wings twitching as if she were dreaming about being mid-fight. Pinkamena slid out of her chair and leaned her chin on the bed while perking her ears up to totally invade Rainbow's privacy. "Please.... don't leave me."

Don't leave her? That's stupid, why would Pinkie Pie want to leave her best friend, was she afraid the loving pink pony would die? No, she might be saying that because she felt like their friendship was growing apart, but why would she care? Didn't she call her "Stinkie Pinkie" last time they spoke, a name that Pinkie Pie's schoolmates called her which whipped her into a very long state of depression? Yeah, she did.... but to be fair Pinkamena did the same thing, calling the Pegasus "Rainbow Crash" which was equally as stinging as the name she was given.

"I'm sorry..." her voice trailed off before her muzzle wrinkled as if she were in some severe pain. Yikes, the face she was making looked like she got her hoof caught in a tree grinder. Perhaps it was the position her wings were in? Pinkamena slowly adjusted her wings, to where she thought she would be more comfortable but her pain still remained. The confused mare cocked her head, where was her pain coming from?

Pinkamena was curious, a little too curious. She brought her hoof up gently, brushing the mane off of Pinkie's best friend's forehead before her forelimb started to glow. She looked around hesitantly, before flicking her hoof and allowing her magic to lock the door securely as she continued on. The spell she was summoning would sync Rainbow's feelings those being emotions, and nerves; Shadowbound had taught her this trick a while back. Her village would often do this to each other to feel closer and understand the pain of another if it happened to be physical pain they would know how uncomfortable it was and how to fix it.

It was used on Pinkamena a lot because she was bad about expressing her physical pain. She would shrug off injuries and say she was fine, once she just about cracked her head open and refused to tell any pony of it. So Shadowbound had to tackle her and find out where she was hurting before he realized how painful it was and then treated her even though she tried to bite him the whole time. Also, it exposed her emotions, that was the embarrassing part, but this was Rainbow Dash... she didn't have emotional distress.. so it was not like she was going to feel anything private.

Pinkamena stretched out her hoof, hesitating for a moment, before lightly touching her forehead. As soon as they were connected, it was as if she were seeing her entire village burning once more. The despair and the heartache welled up inside her heart as if it were being filled with massive amounts of heavy cement. She felt something leaking out of her chest like something had torn a hole in her heart, and it was slowly pumping out blood from the puncture wound. She felt her hoof shaking, as tears pricked her eyes, this was painful.... so painful she almost wanted to let go for it was too much! Her chest felt like the world was sitting on it, slowly crushing her lungs and making it near impossible for her to breathe as she bit her lip to endure it. She felt this once, a long time ago, and she would never forget the devastating feeling of losing some pony she cared about... in this case, she was feeling Rainbow Dash's heartache over Pinkie.

In no way would she have ever imagined how heavy this was on her, it was painful enough to make the toughest mare around produce tears of agony. She had been shocked by lightning, hit by the Elements of Harmony, stabbed by armies of soldiers, but yet none of those injuries could compare to the emotional one she was experiencing. It must have been so hard to hide this, she didn't know how it was possible. Rainbow Dash was stronger then what Pinkamena gave her credit for because she was walking around with all this pain and still able to pull off that life-threatening stunt!

She couldn't hold on anymore and had to let go. She pulled back her hoof, and let out a breath of relief as the pain immediately released itself from the tightness of her muscles. She didn't even feel physical pain from what knocked out the Pegasus, it was all one hundred percent emotional... and she was pretty stunned over it all.

She still didn't like Rainbow Dash, but she had respect for her efforts to make it up to Pinkie Pie, and because of that, she was willing to help repair their friendship. Pinkamena's ears caught onto hasty hooves advancing towards the door, and she made a smooth trot towards her seat as soon as the door came swinging open. The wind from the door opening was so fast it blew the little curl from her mane back, as Pinkie Pie's best friends came rushing into the room.

"Oh my... oh my... this looks really bad!" Fluttershy said, gently floating down on one side of her friend's bed.

Twilight had her nose stuck in a book about Pegasus biology, "she survived a lightning strike? With hardly any injuries? This is impossible, her wings would at least have endured thirty thousand kelvins and no creature or Pegasus even could endure that much heat!"

Pinkamena hid her swollen hoof that still felt sizzled from stopping the lightning. Her poor cracked and singed keratin making up her chipped hoof was almost cracked down to her flesh, throbbing every time she put weight on it. Twilight was right about the heat part, it was as if she stuck her hoof right onto a bubbling pool of lava in the Dragon Lands just about a thousand times hotter and much more intense.

A nurse poked her head in and shushed the girls, before walking in with a clipboard and a messy mane from running the night shifts. "We did not say she was exactly hit by lightning, we think the charge from the bolt she was near shocked her and caused her to black out."

"Oh my, I am so thankful she's alright!" Rarity said, before squinting at her bandages, "I-I mean sort of alright... white bandages are so.... outdated. Do you happen to have any in royal blue?"

Applejack gently bumped her hoof with an annoyed look, "Honestly now ain't the time Rarity."

"Well, I am sorry that I am trying to avoid a fashion catastrophe!"

Twilight put her book down, as Pinkamena squirmed in the corner trying to avoid attention. Suddenly Rainbow Dash popped up with panicked breaths, as her wings flapped furiously and her blanket was thrown off, "PINKIE PIE?"

Her friends came to her as her wild eyes swept the room, and her trembling body was shaking vigorously as her mane stuck to her forehead from nervous sweats. Her hooves were flailing, and her wings flapped anxiously as if she were about to start flying, while her friends kept her from shooting out of her bed! They restrained her, Applejack holding her down to avoid her best friend from injuring herself as Twilight used her magic to steady Rainbow's tattered wings. Her eyes were blood-shot, as she looked at all the familiar faces around her and suddenly started to understand slowly that she was safe and a helpful nurse was stroking her head.

"She is in a state of confusion and shock, I ask that one of you care for her until her injuries heal. I know how Rainbow Dash is, and she will not listen to reason and stay on the ground for very long unless one of you were to keep her from flying off. Her feathers need to grow back, and straining them too much will cause them to grow out strangely instead of naturally." The nurse said with a hint of a warning, as the girls looked at each other.

Twilight nodded her head, "Yes of course! We will keep her off of the skies, after all, it's the least we can do."

Fluttershy carefully stroked her friend's cheek, she seemed to be in so much pain.... but Pinkamena knew it was a lot deeper than what her friends could see on the outside. The shy Pegasus spoke, "so who will take Rainbow tonight? I would..... but I don't think she would want to watch me guide the bunnies to their new forest homes all night."

"Shucks, 'ah got to deliver in a load of fresh apples tonight, I could perhaps deliver tomorrow if none of y'all are free." Applejack said, watching as Twilight scratched her head.

"Rainbow usually hates it when I rearrange the library, and Starlight is off with Trixie to see some magician. I don't think it would be enjoyable for her at my castle, but I can still take her."

The group looked towards Rarity. "Oh no, last time she came over she used my silk sapphire encrusted dress that I paid with all the bits I made last summer on, as a cape! It was vintage, and she ruined it! I can take her, but she will have to stay with Sweetie Belle and away from my clothing!"

Pinkamena was slipping out of the door before the creak caught the attention of Rainbow Dash who seemed to have recovered from her hysteria. "Pinkie Pie? W-Wait.... please!"

Curses.... she spotted her.

The group of friends were quite surprised by her outburst, as they turned to see Pinkamena lower her hoof from the door and turn around to the nervous gazes of them all. They all still seemed pretty ticked at her, when they realized she was here after what she said to them last time. Pinkamena didn't really care though, as she straightened her back to give the impression she was not intimidated... and she wouldn't be.

"Umm.. sure Dashie, what can I do for you?" Pinkamena chirped, her bubbly voice imitating Pinkie's perfectly as she fluttered her eyelashes in an attempt to look oblivious to the glares in the room.

"Can... we talk? Please... I-I really need to," Rainbow Dash said quietly, almost begging as she insecurely glanced over to the floor in an attempt to avoid Pinkamena's bright sky-blue eyes.

Applejack seemed to soften her gaze, as she gave silent commands to the mares in the room. They all looked like they knew it was time for Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash to make up, and so they decided to give them privacy. Without much talking they one by one gave each other glances before Rarity spoke up, "We all have... things we must attend to so we will get going if you need anything darlings don't hesitate to ask."

Fluttershy gently rested a hoof on Pinkamena's shoulder making her squirm, as Twilight gave her a reassuring smile. Applejack tipped her hat and nudged her chest affectionately and encouragingly before following Rarity out the door with one last glance at the fiddling Pegasus. Pinkamena flinched when she heard the door slam before it was just the two of them. She gave Rainbow Dash a big overexaggerated smile, with a fluttering jump clicking her hooves together as she continued to prance in place trying to mock Pinkie Pie the best she could.

If her acting was anything at her best, it was in this moment!

Dash gave her a stare, it was soft but almost as if she were searching for something. Her rose-colored eyes lowered, glancing towards Pinkamena's disguised legs, sweeping her gaze across every inch of her body. She bit her lip, this was a bit strange, seeing Rainbow Dash look at her like this... so gingerly. Her heart quickened as she stopped her prancing, beaming up at the Pegasus in an attempt to throw off her peculiar behavior.

Something shot up painfully throughout her leg, once she put weight on her right hoof. She was able to hide her shock, as she shifted onto her left in an attempt to give her throbbing wound a break. Rainbow's ears tucked, and Pinkamena held her breath as she hoped that she didn't see her flinch because it would bring up some odd questions that she wanted to avoid.

She almost broke character when she saw Rainbow Dash sliding out from her bed, landing on her hooves softly before approaching her. Umm.. alright this was getting nerving! Rainbow came closer, her eyes unmoving as they stared straight into hers, forcing Pinkamena to look at literally anything else. Then... she stopped, inches away from her still heavily staring at her face without speaking, or moving, which made Pinkamena's spine crawl.

She almost wanted her to say something, the silence was tense making her shoulders stiffen. Pinkamena was a bit skittish, wanting to just bolt out of there because this was awkward as heck! Pinkie Pie was good under pressure, so she had to fake it, and she did just that... and turned her head to where her muzzle was inches away from Rainbow's.

They just stared at each other.

Suddenly the Wonderbolt wrapped her hooves around the disguised mare's neck, and she was pulled into a very desperate embrace. Pinkamena chomped down on her tongue to keep from yelling and throwing Rainbow off of her, but she allowed her to rest her blue chin on the furry pink shoulder of Pinkie Pie. Dash's hoof carefully rested on her puffed out mane, flattening the soft hairs under her forelimb as the warmth spread from their embrace. Pinkamena could sense the nervousness in the Pegasus, but her muscles relaxed when her hug was returned. The beating of Rainbow Dash's heart was almost like that of a hammer slamming into Pinkamena's chest that rested against hers, as she clutched her "best friend's" back while Dash rested her other hoof around her ribcage.

"Why... Why did you save me? I thought... you hated me." Rainbow asked, her voice cracked as she choked down several emotions that Pinkamena could tell were bringing up tears.

She remembered... this was going to be difficult.

"Silly, all I did was bring you to the hospital! Your super amazing skills that got you into the Wonderbolts is what saved you! You dodged a bolt of lightning, and I saw you fall from the sky! I took you here, but the nurses did the rest you goofball!"

Her sing-song and happy tone were pretty convincing, but when she felt the body pressed against hers shudder and Rainbow's wings twitch, she knew her words were not taken seriously.

"Pinkie.. you are an awful liar, I have known you... for a long time, I would be a bad friend if I didn't notice when you were trying to hide something." Her voice was unnaturally soothing but broken as if she were trying to hide how much hurt was behind her words, "Please... just tell me what's going on. I won't tell the others, it can just be our secret kay?"

How was she a bad liar? She isn't even PINKIE PIE! Well she was, but not at the same time, they had some characteristics they shared and apparently being a bad liar was one of them.

Pinkamena detached her body from Rainbow Dash's, and her eyes seemed to flash with a bit of hurt, before melting back to the worried expression she had. Pinkamena tipped Dash's chin up playfully, "Nothing is going on silly goose! You should be worried about recovering, those wings kind of look like Rarity's hat once Applejack ran over it!"

Rainbow didn't seem convinced as raised her hoof, but seemed insecure so she put it back down before speaking a bit frustratingly, "I-I saw you Pinkie Pie, you... you flew! You had wings, and... and... you stopped the lightning from hitting me! B-Before I blacked out... you were reaching out your hoof.... and you grabbed me! I-I was not seeing things, I am not crazy! You were in that sky with me, you were there!"

Her eyes were now prying, but Pinkamena responded back once more denying what the Pegasus saw last night, "Hee-hee, Dashie you've got to stop reading all those Daring Do books! An Earth Pony can't just magically sprout wings, or can they? Wait, you mean you knew this was possible and you never told me?"

Playing the clueless card... worked like a charm!

Rainbow Dash squinted, before throwing out her hoof and beckoning for her to do something, "Give me your hoof."

Pinkamena dodged the question, lightly brushing Rainbow Dash's mane out of her eyes making the mare flinch at her sudden touch, before smiling at the Pegasus warmly. "Looks like you're all snuggled up tight in your bandages like a bug in a rug! It's a nice color on you, but I think royal blue bandages would fit you more like Rarity said, after all, blue seems to be your thing Dashie!"

She leaned forward lightly caressing her nose against Pinkamena's as she poked out her hoof once more, "Let me see it Pinkie, I have been seeing you limp."

Pinkamena gave Rainbow Dash her left hoof, as the mare gave her an annoyed look.

"You know which one I am talking about, your right hoof Pinkie."

Pinkamena stuck out her lip, "This is my right."

"No it's not Pinkie Pie, that's your left hoof."

Pinkamena annoyed her once more, "Do you mean my right or your right?"

Rainbow Dash flattened her ears, but her irritated scowl melted when she looked into Pinkamena's bright eyes that fluttered innocently. The Pegasus warily touched her right hoof, tenderly trying to take it up in her own but Pinkamena backed away avoiding Rainbow's careful touch. Her unplanned movement caused the pain to jolt up her spine, but she chewed the inside of her mouth to prevent any cries of pain.

Pinkamena pranced around Rainbow Dash even though her excruciating pain made her chest cave in, making her have ragged breaths before she spoke to her once more. "Well I better get going, those tasty morals in Sugarcube Corner aren't going to taste themselves! Mmm, I can't wait to start baking some of those delicious pastries! Get some rest Dashie, I will come back to check on you to make sure you don't go doing Sonic Rainbooms even though they are super cool!"

She rubbed the top of Dashie's head affectionately, before blowing out air in frustration and trying to depart from this whole thing... but she felt a hot sensation from a pony's breath on her rump. She flicked her tail, before turning around and seeing Rainbow Dash following her with a tantalizing gaze, smirking at her knowing Pinkamena couldn't escape her even though she tried desperately. Pinkamena watched her blink her eyes, giving her a clueless expression, teasing her and almost making a game out of it.

"You know... I will be making pies... lots of them... all day," Pinkamena said with a bat of her eyelashes, to plague Rainbow Dash's mind with the memory of how much she hated pies. She saw a flicker of distaste, but still, the Pegasus didn't back down as she squinted with a grin, knowing fully now that she was trying to stop her interest.

"Well I guess we better get started, I am sure I could lend a hoof."

Pinkamena nearly snarled, but she took a deep breath. Her teasing snicker and her vain gaze made her spine burn with the intensity of wanting to win. She wanted to play a game? Oh-ho, she had no idea what she was getting into! She had to make her day sound as boring as possible, and she had to mean it! Rainbow hated being grounded and unable to fly, but even more so doing stuff that made her want to tear out her mane!

"Fantastic Dashie!" Pinkamena purred, as Rainbow Dash studied her poker face with a haughty gaze knowing she had her hooked. The Pegasus knew she was trying to hide something, even more so knowing she was trying to get away from her, and she was not going to allow it. Pinkamena continued. "We can roll around in the grass together, and then go through hundreds of apples to see which ones would go perfectly with my apple pie recipe.... then we will eat it... the whole thing, all in one sitting doesn't that sound fun?"

She leered at Dash, leaning in almost to taunt her to break. Unfortunately, her hidden smirk under her Pinkie Pie smile was returned, and Rainbow stuck her head up pridefully, "Sounds great Pinks! I would love to spend that time with you."

No... NO! She was losing... Pinkamena never LOST! Who was this mare? Definitely not Rainbow Dash, she would never in her right mind volunteer her time to go... rolling around in the grass! Even less, shove a whole apple pie down her throat after making it very clear pies made her want to vomit! No.. she was just being stubborn, she was bluffing... a big huge bluff!

Apparently, Pinkamena was not good at hiding her shock, and Rainbow Dash's little giggle broke her out of her thoughts as her injured wing wrapped around her back. The feathers ticked her body, as the Pegasus's warmth from her body heated up Pinkamena's side. Her mane swept against her neck, as Rainbow's eyes looked into hers with them both stopped halfway out the door.

Her lips came closer to her ear, her kittenish and soft laugh making Pinkamena clench her teeth angrily, "I know you are trying to get rid of me Pinks, and it's not gonna work. I am going to just keep following you until you tell me what's going on, all day and all night if I have to. So ya better get used to me, I am sticking to you like glue."

Rainbow laughed, as Pinkamena swallowed the urge to trap her in another dimension... perhaps the Underworld? The feathers brushing against her stomach almost made her jump, for they were a bit ticklish and she was not used to any creature being brave enough to embrace her. Rainbow Dash nudged her chin, as Pinkamena held back her attitude and instead nuzzled into her friend's neck lovingly in a way to shove in her face that she wasn't bothered... even though she was.

"Alright Dashie if you insist, but I must warn you... today isn't very fun for me, you'd have a lot more fun with the Wonderbolts... I even heard that Soarin is in town, and they are all planning to put on a show tonight, which I am sure you didn't forget about." Pinkamena cleverly taunted, hanging her voice in the air to mock the thing that would catch Rainbow Dash's attention above all else.

Her wings fell, now she remembered. The Wonderbolts were something she would never miss... never! Pinkamena had her hanging on the ropes now, as she licked her lips excitedly when she saw the options running throughout the Wonderbolt's mind. Nah.... she wouldn't miss this for the world, but just to make sure...

"Scootaloo can't wait to see her favorite fliers perform, but... I wonder what she will miss without the star flying beside them? It will be really sad without you there Dashie, you are like the best Wonderbolt there is!"

Rainbow's wings fell even more, as she chewed her lip. Pinkamena almost wanted to laugh out loud, but she knew she won and that was enough for her... she was defeated. She watched Dash hang her head, but suddenly she jerked upwards with a confident smile as she turned her head to look into Pinkamena's eyes.

"They will have to do it without me this time, I-I am sure I can give Scootaloo some time instead of napping to make up for it." Rainbow Dash said, without one hint of uncertainty in her voice.

Pinkamena shattered, "Umm... The Wonderbolts! Hello! Best fliers in Equestria... a chance to show off... You would never miss something like that... no... never! You would give all that up to freaking make PIES?"

She noticed her un-Pinkie Pie behavior and immediately calmed her raging eyes. Rainbow laughed and put a hoof on her shoulder, "I told you Pinks you can't get rid of me. I don't know what's going on, or why you keep lying to me, but I am going to figure it out... because I am your best friend!"

Her eyes were sincere, almost needy and longing for answers as Pinkamena shifted in defeat. Rainbow gave her a cheeky smile, but she was just so angry! This stupid pegasus wouldn't give up, and it was annoying! She assumed she would have to put up with Rainbow for the rest of the day, and this was going to be a challenge not losing her temper... but she would manage.

"Alright then, if you reaaaaally want to spend time with me, who am I to complain?" Pinkamena said mirthfully, as a small smile spread across Rainbow's cheeks.

Something seemed to brighten her look, as her wings popped out and flapped excitedly. Pinkamena watched not breaking her role as Rainbow Dash spoke, "I almost forgot, I had something for you."

Before she could say anything in response, her body was being pushed throughout the hospital until they were both outside. The morning sun was friendly, warm but not hot, but she didn't get a chance to enjoy anything really since Dash was pushing her rather harshly through Ponyville. Sheesh, not very gentle for a pegasus is she? Entirely opposite of Fluttershy, yet in some ways, she has seen Rainbow be rather gentle natured. Like when she gave her that strange hug or tried to look at her hoof, those were soft sides she has not seen from her... practically ever.

It was not like she was trying to be rough, she was just excited. She was a powerful mare, muscular and fit from flying and working all day and night. She could rival Applejack, and that said something. Pinkamena never expected for Rainbow's gentle side to come out, it was unnatural, and she didn't understand why she let it show. If she were to bring it up, Rainbow Dash would probably get heated and deny it, so she would just tuck this little mystery in the back of her mind... for now.

Once Rainbow Dash stopped pushing her forward, Pinkamena sat down and turned her head to glance at her friend who was panting. She didn't say anything but was curious as to what all the fuss was about and why she had to push her all the way out here.

"Stay here Pinkie Pie, don't get any ideas about running either I will only be gone for a minute." Rainbow Dash said as Pinkamena gave her an innocent smile with a dash of mischief, but the pegasus was serious as she pressed her nose against hers before speaking once more, "I mean it Pinks. If you run, I will catch up, you know you can't outrun me."

Pinkamena smiled, but this grin was a little more revealing of her nature. Rainbow seemed to notice the sudden dark twinkle in her expression before she responded wickedly, "I wouldn't ever want to outrun you Dashie, that wouldn't be very fun now would it?"

Rainbow Dash gave her an odd look, before trotting away and taking off even though she was told not to fly. Pinkamena didn't care if she wanted to ruin her wings, have at it, because either way it didn't matter much to her anyway. The mare giving off her Pinkie illusion pawed at the dirt, this was embarrassing.... being a mare-sitter. Oddly, her client didn't seem to mind; actually it looked like she wanted it to be this way. She could have chosen any other friend to watch her, but latched onto Pinkie Pie instead, not even wanting to leave her side for a minute.

If it was because she wanted to find out the truth, she would be very disappointed. Pinkamena would never reveal who she was, and her disguise would continue until she could safely take a breath of air knowing that every pony was safe. Her senses caught onto a strange little reptile waddling her way, his purple eyes blinked groggily as his tail swished floppily to both sides of his body.

"Gummy... what are you doing out here? How did you get out of the house? I am pretty sure I fed you, I think." Pinkamena said, towards the alligator who flicked his thin tongue out.

"Well now that you mention it, I could go for a bite to eat, the alligator food you set out is gross. I ate three cans before spending the morning over the toilet, not doing that again."

Pinkamena lurched back, her spine slamming on the ground as she kicked herself away from the talking alligator. The reptile seemed confused as the mare stared wide-eyed at him, "Dear God Pinkie Pie was right... she has a possessed alligator!"

"Oh I am sorry, I didn't realize that my form can be really convincing. My apologies Pinkamena." The alligator said, before morphing into a green light that formed into a hardened body of a changeling. Chrysalis looked back at her relaxing friend, as she offered a hoof to help her up.

Pinkamena accepted it, before being pulled up onto all four hooves, "Please... don't sneak up on me like that."

Chrysalis grinned, her sharp fangs being revealed from under her lip, "I should probably change my form into something more your speed... a handsome stallion perhaps?"

The changeling morphed into a brawny white pony, his elegant mane long and spiky with a deep rose-colored tint running all the way down his head and tail. Pinkamena ripped her gaze away, "Chrysalis stop, that's just... really weird."

She changed back as she poked Pinkamena's rump making her jump, "Oh come on... I am just messing with you. We are best friends now, so naturally, you have to open up about your love life at some point."

The mare coughed, clearing her throat to avoid the creeping blush from spreading across her cheeks, "Wha.. why are you so interested in my dating history all of the sudden?"

"Because Luna and I were talking and we are rather curious about it. Shadowbound refused to speak about it, and Tirek told us he didn't get involved with mushy mare stuff... but you know I am a changeling, and we kind of are obsessed about love. I need the details, what kind of stallions are you into?"

Pinkamena was VERY uncomfortable talking about dating, she was fine messing with other mares about it, but when it came to her... nope! She avoided Chrysalis's gaze, dragging her hoof along the ground as she flattened her ears in annoyance. She didn't talk about it because it was stupid, overrated to be honest, and she was glad she didn't have a heart to open up towards any special pony... because it was idiotic!

"Let me guess you aren't a believer in love are you?"

Pinkamena bit her lip, "Was it that obvious?"

The changeling sat next to her and nudged her shoulder with her own affectionately. "It is obvious because I am the same way. Haven't you seen the other changelings? Have you ever wondered why I have never changed my form like Thorax?"

"I just thought it was because you were stubborn," Pinkamena giggled, as Chrysalis gently bumped her over. The mare fell onto the ground but picked herself up slowly as they both shared a small laugh.

"No... it was because I don't believe in any kind of love, especially not romantic love. I thought having my subjects fear me, instead of love and respect me was a better path to go on. So I ruled that way, ignoring their feelings, their pain, and hoped I would be happy. I was never happy, I just grew colder and colder until all I could think about was power and feeding off of the love I knew I could never have."

Pinkamena put her hoof on the queen's shoulder, "I am sorry that sounds really tough."

Chrysalis sighed, "It was. I lost my hive, I lost my status and pretty much everything. I thought living that way was my only purpose, the only way to survive and that is why I tried so hard to get it back. It's not, there is another way."

She cocked her head towards the changeling, "What would that be?"

The queen flicked her tongue playfully, "I told Luna I would share all the details with you guys later. Sorry about my rambles, you are just weird and understand me... so I am comfortable speaking to you."

Pinkamena snorted, "Oh I am weird? You ate three cans of raw alligator food."

"Umm... you were gone for like six hours, did you want me to starve?"

The mare flicked Chrysalis's horn humorously, "Sugarcube Corner is a bakery, you were literally in a building full of food... you dummy!"

Chrysalis seemed to open up her mouth to say something else but quickly closed it, as she scratched her head and wondered why she didn't think about that option.

"Even though you amuse me Queen Chrysalis, Rainbow Dash is coming back soon. You might need to go back to Sugarcube Corner until I return." Pinkamena said as the queen shook her head.

"Oh no, you need my help more than ever! Rainbow Dash is... a rare gem, so to speak... an acquired taste, and I know she annoys you. You need to keep in character, especially after pulling off what you did."

Pinkamena shrugged, "I won't stop you from following us around, it just might be boring that's all."

Chrysalis shrank her form with green light before Gummy peered back at Pinkamena with a gummed smile, "Nothing can be worse than waiting for six hours staring at the door wondering when you would come back... I was lonely."

Pinkamena sensed Rainbow Dash's wing flaps, her heightened senses noticing every movement her feathers made as she quickly put Gummy on her back and hushed him. The alligator nodded, putting his claw to his mouth and grinning at his owner as he snuggled in Pinkie Pie's soothing mane. The Pegasus landed, holding a white box in her left hoof as she approached "Pinkie Pie" with a shy gaze.

"I uh... know you like sweets, so I kinda made you some. I know I am not the best baker, even though I am pretty awesome at everything I do... I hope it looks good to you." Rainbow dash said sheepishly, as she handed Pinkamena the box.

The way she was looking at her, it looked like she was.... nervous? Pinkamena slowly opened the box and had to bite her tongue to keep herself from falling on the ground it a fit of laughter. It was a cake.... or at least, it was supposed to be. The icing was slathered all over the base, messily but she could tell Rainbow Dash spent a lot of time trying to smooth it over even though she failed horribly. It was lopsided like the cake mix was baked by some very inexperienced pony that didn't know when to take it out of the oven. Half of it was risen, the other half was lowered as if the cake didn't cook together evenly, while a shaky hoof printed the words "I am sorry, please forgive me?" in pink icing.

Chrysalis was trembling under Pinkamena's mane, her laughter stifled as she tried very hard to keep it in. Wow... this entire thing was extremally pitiful it looked like a deformed creature, and she was debating whether to kill it before it laid eggs. Was that a face? She didn't know for sure, but it looked like a little Pinkie Pie was drawn in icing on the front... it looked like a Diamond Dog! Should she be insulted?

"Oh my Celestia Dashie, I..... love it!" Pinkamena felt herself choking down a laugh, as Chrysalis chortled a loud alligator hiss that sounded throaty... apparently that was how gators went into mass hysterics.

"R-Really?" Rainbow Dash asked, her eyes glowing adorably.

That seemed to make her whole day, and Pinkamena went against her nature and nodded to confirm what she said was true. The pegasus seemed very happy, almost giddy, but she tried to hide it last minute.

"I mean of course you do, it was made by me! You're welcome by the way, I got it done in ten seconds flat... well the preparing and icing part, the baking took forever!"

That was a lie... Judging by the looks of it, she tried erasing the icing several times. It was smeared in some places before she dumped a big glob of icing to cover it up. She spent eons on it and was probably self-conscious about giving it to her, fearing she wouldn't like it. She was so brash, but it was sweet that she spent such a long time trying to do something that Pinkie enjoyed, but she hated. She made her this cake, and because she was going to repair their friendship... she was going to eat it... all of it. Dear God.

She smacked her lips faking hunger, as she stared at whatever this... thing was. Gummy came out of her mane and looked at her with a warning, which she had to ignore. Pinkamena smiled nervously, before throwing her head into the cake and taking the biggest bite possible. Rainbow Dash seemed incredibly pleased, as she chewed and tossed around the revolting morsel in an attempt to pretend she was savoring it.

Do it for Pinkie Pie, do it, so she does not hate you one day! God... it tasted like burnt rubber, chewy but wet and sticky like it was still cake batter in the core! How was it possible that she was able to burn it, but still not cook it fully? What kind of icing was this... blueberry? Does she even remember that Pinkie's least favorite flavor is blueberry? That was Rainbow's flavor... ugh.

She swallowed, before looking at Gummy who was laughing. He seemed to notice her struggle and hopped down to where the box surrounding the cake was. He seemed awfully conflicted, but he scooped up a massive mouthful of Rainbow Dash's cake and swallowed it in one gulp. They both felt like they were going to blow chunks, but they continued to eat it, finding strength in their struggle together, during this suicide mission.

Once the entire thing had been consumed, Pinkamena gave a weak smile to Rainbow Dash who giggled heartily, "I know that you liked it, but you didn't have to eat the whole thing Pinks!"

Pinkamena panted, her stomach rumbling and telling her it was starting to reject whatever she just ate. Gummy seemed bloated, his tongue sticking out painfully as his webbed forelimbs rested on his bulging stomach. She gently used her teeth to scruff him, before placing her immobile companion on her back in an effort to spare him from walking. That was pretty brave of Chrysalis, selfless really, knowing how terrible the cake was but generously helping her finish it. Strange... very strange behavior for her.

"So Pinks, I had this idea." Rainbow Dash said as Pinkamena gave her an attentive stare. The pegasus continued, "Since I am hanging out with you all day, I was wondering if you wanted to go see your sisters at the rock farm."

Pinkamena squinted, "Why would you want to go there?"

She squirmed, "I dunno, I just haven't really seen your family or where you grew up. I thought it would be kind of fun going there and hanging out... I guess."

"It's a rock farm Dashie.... like, they farm rocks. That sounds just as fun for you as watching other pegasi fly."

Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head, "Well I know if I am going with you it will be fun no matter what. I also know you love your sisters and haven't seen them in a while... so I just thought we could go there together."

Pinkamena looked towards Gummy, who seemed to shrug his shoulders. "Okay, I guess we can go there. I don't see why not, I love my sisters, and I am sure they would love to spend time with you!"

"Really? Awesome!" Rainbow Dash said, making Pinkamena jump at how enthusiastic she was. She was somewhat surprised by Dash's eager and cracking voice, along with her flurry of feathers flapping excitedly.

Pinkamena lead the way, as her partner Gummy clung onto her back watching Rainbow Dash trail behind happily. They both didn't say anything, but Pinkamena bounced happily along trying to hum like Pinkie would during a road trip. Her pegasus companion was kind enough to pay for her train ticket... which was strange since usually, Rainbow Dash would have others pay for her and themselves... hmm.

When they boarded and had been on their way for quite some time, Pinkamena just glanced out the window tucking her tail under her unaware of Dash staring at her. Gummy slapped her flank, making her break out of her trance and catch the Wonderbolt's focused gaze.

"Are you alright Dashie?" Pinkamena asked carefully, watching as Rainbow Dash quickly realized she was staring and brought her head back down.

"Oh yeah, I'm fine... I just sort of was wondering why you haven't bought any snacks on the train. If I remember correctly you've always loved their snacks."

Pinkamena's stomach felt queasy, twisting in knots from the last time she ate something. She didn't think she could consume anything else, or she might pop! "Well Dashie, your delicious baking seemed to have gotten rid of my sugar tooth! You should be proud! I don't think I have ever had something so tasty before! So I just had to eat the whole thing!"

"But... you always have a sugar tooth Pinkie, one cake usually isn't enough to make you stop eating them."

Pinkamena laughed to cover her churning stomach, "I guess in this case it did!"

Gummy was still on his back, looking at the ceiling of the train with his webbed claws hanging over the side of their seat. Pinkamena gently rubbed his stomach to help soothe the disguised changeling, noticing he was in a lot more pain thanks to those three cans of alligator food he ate earlier. He seemed to relax under her touch, as she brought her hoof up to his head and gave him a little scratch.

Rainbow Dash was fiddling with the luxury cream colored seats, as Pinkamena continued to soothe her friend Chrysalis who seemed to be feeling much better now. She could hear just about every heartbeat on this train, their breaths, she could sense their magic, all of it due to her Black Magic. She couldn't help but focus on Rainbow's body language, her heart was quickened and her breaths shaky, unaware that Pinkamena could hear everything.

Why has she been so antsy this entire time? Perhaps because she knows something is going on with her best friend Pinkie Pie, or she was afraid Gummy would bite her again. Pinkamena had a feeling there was something else entirely that was causing her to be nervous, but she couldn't quite put her hoof on it. She wasn't sure Rainbow Dash could either, she seemed to be battling with conflicted feelings.

"Hey Pinkie Pie," Rainbow Dash softly spoke, almost so quietly she didn't catch it at first.

Pinkamena looked at her with a forced smile, which Rainbow Dash seemed to pick up on. "What's up Dashie?"

"Do you just... totally hate me? I-I mean after all that's happened... I feel like you haven't been yourself lately. You don't hug me anymore, you hardly talk to me, I just... feel terrible okay? I didn't mean to yell at you like that, I was just angry and upset... and I feel like you don't want to be my friend anymore because of it."

She turned her head, and Pinkamena wouldn't bring it up, but she knew she was wiping away a tear. Her wings hugged her body, and she refused to look into her eyes as her colorful mane fell over her muzzle hiding her unique eyes from view. She was really hurting, and what Pinkamena said must have really cut her deep, while her actions being less lovable looked like they were damaging Dash.

Pinkamena scooted closer, swallowing the urge just to tell her to suck it up. "If you wanted a hug Dashie you could have just told me, believe me when I saw everything is A-Okay! Sure we said things we didn't mean, things we can't take back, but that's why we are best friends because real friends can forgive each other!"

Rainbow Dash didn't seem convinced, as she kept her face hidden from view. Pinkamena could almost hear the wound throbbing in her heart, it was so deep and was aching while pouring out emotions that the pegasus tried so hard to hide. Nothing got to her that is what they said, it was a lie, she had things that bothered her, but she didn't understand why this one did so much.

Pinkamena spoke up, "I just thought you've always disliked my hugs. Every time I give you one, you always seem uncomfortable and try to squirm away. I assumed you didn't want them or thought they were annoying... or I was annoying you."

Rainbow Dash suddenly popped out her wings with a loud voice, "NO! I mean.... no, you aren't annoying. I just guess I never realized how special they were to me until you stopped doing them. When we first met, I thought you were a little much... but then I started to wonder what my life would be like if you did stop talking, and now that I experienced it... I don't like it, I hate it actually."

Pinkamena didn't like this, and she would feel weird about it all day... but she pulled her friend into a warm hug. She rested her chin on the top of her head, as Rainbow Dash rested against her chest. Her wings seemed to relax, her hoof placed gently on Pinkamena's arm as she listened to the disguised mare's heartbeat. She held the Pegasus close, letting her get her fill of the hugs she was deprived of, even though Pinkamena didn't understand the need of it.

When the train whistle blew, she nearly jumped out of her skin while accidentally pushing Rainbow Dash off of her. The moment of reconnecting their friendship was over, as Pinkamena started to remember.... her sisters. She has not seen them in eleven years, yet they have seen Pinkie Pie millions of times. They knew Pinkie inside and out, especially Maud, her acting had to be flawless, or they would know something was up.

Even if she erased their memories... of that day, and the times after... they would still recognize a Pinkie Pie imposter when they saw one.

Rainbow Dash seemed disappointed but was overlooked as Pinkamena picked up Gummy with her teeth and trotted nervously out of the train. No big deal, she just had to say hello to a few of them, jump around and say some nonsense and hit the road. Maud lived in Ponyville so she wouldn't be here, that only left Limestone the brute and Marble the shy. Pinkie Pie's parents would be oblivious as ever, and Marble wouldn't really say anything so that left... Limestone.

Limestone could read her like a book... it gave her shivers every time she gave her that demeaning stare of hers. By the time she realized her walking speed while she was lost in her thoughts, Rainbow Dash was yelling at her.

"Pinkie Pie wait, I can't get away from this... crowd!" Rainbow Dash yelled as she tried squeezing herself out from behind ponies flooding out of the train. Gummy hung loosely from her mouth, as he twitched lazily looking like he wanted to just take a long nap. When her pegasus friend caught up, they both embarked on the pathway towards the rock farm that rested far from other ponies in a dry and stony wasteland.

This would be the first time in over a decade she stepped foot here, where she had been freed of her imprisonment. Even though the magic from the Elements of Harmony still sizzled out from under the dirt, its remains no longer have power over the tomb she was sealed in. The permanent scar from her last battle with Celestia was the reason this place never healed, why it was covered in rocks and why nothing green grew. Also, it was why storm clouds always hung overhead, and why it looked so gloomy, lonely and depressing nearly all the time.

The wind tugged at her mane, memories of her banishment echoing throughout her mind. Being stuck to wander alone under the earth, surviving off of mushrooms deep within the crystal caverns beneath the surface. She never saw sunlight for thousands of years, until that one day...

She was living like an animal, no pony expect Shadowbound to talk to. Voices ran rampant through her mind, the darkness her only guidance for so long, while the silence caused her to go mentally insane. There were no sounds, no talking, no laughing, nothing... under the surface unable to get out for thousands of years. Her sanity was quickly driven up the wall, she remembered clawing at the crystals that provided the only light in certain areas.. screaming, tearing at the rock and dirt her voice raw from begging to be freed. The worst punishment a pony could have was being forced to live alone never feeling the warm sun, eating the same things every day, just wanting to be free of the nightmare that she experienced every day... or night... she couldn't ever know the time!

Her survival was painful, and Shadowbound did his best... but her mission was clear. She remembered all those days and nights left wasted and left for dead, knowing Equestria was being built on top of the graves of her family. Her rage only burned more intensely while her powers were left to marinate under the magic that sealed her prison. She tried to get out, but the Elements were stronger than her own power. They kept her locked there, her hooves were split and fleshy from striving with all her strength to put herself out of this misery. Her heart ached from the loss of her family, her friends, the life she could of had... and then left to rot along with the village she once knew.

She then made a promise, one day while drinking from the muddy water that was collected from the surface and brought to her dungeon. She promised, she would take down Celestia... one day she would get out of there, she didn't know how and she didn't know when... but she would.

Then one day she did.

The rugged wind blew at her hard, as she looked up to see the farm for the first time in the flesh after eleven years. Her heart pounded, as Rainbow bounced up next to her giving her a sweet smile.

She saw a familiar pony staring intensely at a smaller rock before her heart leapt out of her chest along with her stomach falling to her gut. Maud!

What was she doing here? Why... Why is she here? Rainbow Dash noticed her stiffness and instead decided to push her towards her sister, to break the ice.

Maud blinked lazily, as she picked up her head to look at Pinkamena being pushed towards her. She had no emotion, as her eyes remained solemn during her greeting, "Hello Pinkie Pie, hello Rainbow Dash. Boulder wanted to see his friends, that is why I am here."

"Oh, hiya Maud, we just came over to see you guys!" Rainbow Dash greeted with way more enthusiasm than the dull mare that poked at Boulder her pet rock, surrounded by other larger rocks.

"That's great and if you can Rainbow Dash, do you mind getting Boulder some oats he is hungry." Maud asked, without one hint of anything expressive.

"Totally, anything to help out Pinkie's sister, I will be back in a sec!" She responded, and with a powerful gust of air her body was gone along with most of the rocks Maud was playing with.

Pinkie Pie gave her the most "Pinkie Pie" esque smile she could muster, before bouncing happily and throwing her hooves around the resting mare's neck, "Maud! I am so happy to see you and Boulder, it has been so long!"

She looked into Maud's eyes, praying she wouldn't sense something wrong, but her expression as always was unreadable as her eyes gave her that toneless stare.

Maud turned her head before poking at Boulder once more, "Hello Pinkamena."

Pinkamena's mouth dropped open, as she released Maud with her ears flattened while she fell back onto her rump. Maud didn't react as she continued glancing at the unmoving objects in front of her, "Wha.. what do you mean Pinkamena I am Pinkie Pie silly! Who's Pinkamena?"

Maud blinked once before replying, "Pinkamena is who you are. The one who I freed from that cave over there," she said dully as she pointed at a cave far out before continuing, "You aren't Pinkie Pie, you've always been a bad actress and Boulder could even tell it was you."

What... HOW? She... erased their memories! Nothing could... could... reverse the spell she put on them! How does Maud remember her... how did she see through her disguise? This... this couldn't be! It was a trick! She didn't even flinch, she just straight out of the blue called her Pinkamena! How was she so calm about all this?

Suddenly hoof-steps emerged, and a snarling Limestone came into view, as she stomped up to Maud, "If you are staying here you've gotta work sis. You know the rules, so get your plot into gear and-" She stopped, as she glanced over to her sister 'Pinkie Pie' before Pinkamena waved at her with a fooling cheeky smile, "-Hey Pinkamena. Anyways as I was saying-"

Pinkamena exploded cutting Limestone off, "Can every PONY see through my DISGUISE??"

Marble gently stroked her head making her jump at how silent she was, and how she didn't hear her approaching while she spoke softly, "Mm-hmm!"

"But... I... erased... how?" Pinkamena stammered as Gummy tugged at her ear playfully while laughing.

"Save the shock for later, we will explain it all over dinner... now quit being rude and get on out of that disguise!" Limestone commanded gruffly, as Pinkamena hung her head in defeat before letting a green light overtake her form.

Pinkamena stood in front of her sisters before her flattened mane blew in the breeze. Her Cute Mark was exposed, as she fiddled with her left forelimb and gently stroked it nervously with her hoof. Gummy took that as his queue, as he bounced off her back and prepared to expose himself as well.

"Hey... guys," Pinkamena said softly, glancing at the dirt.

She was shocked when she felt hooves of all sorts grab her and pull her into a tight hug, Maud, Limestone, and Marble all smiled softly as they squeezed her close nuzzling their noses into her mane.

"We missed you, big sister," Maud said plainly.

"Oh whatever, I guess I missed you too... a little." Limestone retorted.

"Mm-hmm!" Marble said happily as she rested her cheek against the blushing Pinkamena's.

When they released, Limestone peered up at her with hard eyes. "Now you better buck up and tell us what's been going on, what's your plan.. and don't you go on again about doing it alone this time!"

Pinkamena rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment before responding. "Well I guess I could use a little help... do you happen to know much about the Crystal Heart in the Crystal Empire?"

Maud flicked a rock with her hoof, "We live on a rock farm... we know everything about rocks... I have a home in Ponyville in a cavern of crystals, I think I could help."

"Yeah, Maud is right, if any ponies know about rocks it's us, Pinkamena." Limestone said nudging her side a bit roughly as she grinned at her sisters.

"Alright then, I might as well start explaining... we've got a whole lot of catching up to do." Pinkamena said with a giggle, as her sisters forced her into another loving embrace.

Author's Notes:

Cute little interaction between Pinkamena and Rainbow Dash, her words really hit her hard, and thankfully they are back onto the path of friendship! Well, she thinks so... since it really isn't Pinkie Pie she is hanging out with... but you know, close enough! I will warn you the next chapter does have something to do with the Crystal Heart... and what powers it? L-O-V-E and that's something Pinkamena does NOT like to talk about hee hee! Yep, my friends its time to start talking about some romance... this time I was teasing you for a reason, I promise *cough cough* Crimson Dawn *wink* hahaha! Await the next chapter my friends, for it will be worth it! Cheers!