Full Friendship's Magic #2 (A Pie's white lie)

Modesty Chapter 11.5: The New Pizza Pie

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The next day

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The ponies and the Cutie Mark Crusaders gathered at Sugarcube Corner, huddled together to discuss their plan regarding Pizza Pie's missing cutie mark. They hoped that Pinkie Pie would cooperate, but the usually bubbly mare sat silently in the corner, her mane flat and colorless.

Twilight Sparkle stepped forward, trying her best to sound optimistic. "The girls and I talked last night about how to solve both your problems, Pinkie."

Pinkie Pie responded with a dull, lifeless, "Uh-huh," barely acknowledging her friend's words.

"We've agreed to let the Cutie Mark Crusaders help with Pizza Pie's cutie mark problem," Twilight continued, glancing nervously at the dejected mare.

"Uh-huh," Pinkie muttered again, her eyes unfocused.

Twilight pressed on, determined to get through to her. "Based on their experience helping other ponies discover their destinies, I'm confident they're perfect for the task. Once Pizza Pie has her cutie mark, the two of you can live up to your promise, just like it was meant to be. Doesn't that sound great, Pinkie?"

"Uh-huh. . ." The same monotonous reply, Pinkie barely moving as she sat in the corner of the bakery.

Rainbow Dash, hovering above the group, groaned in frustration, unable to take it. "Uuuggghhh!!" She facehoofed, glaring down at Pinkie. "Hey, Pinkie! Didn't you hear what Twilight said?!"

"Rainbow, please," Twilight interjected softly, tugging at Rainbow Dash's foreleg. "We have to approach this gently."

"She's not even listening!" Rainbow Dash threw her hooves in the air, exasperated. "Just look at her!"

Pinkie Pie sat in the corner, unresponsive, her once bouncy mane hanging straight and lifeless, her coat duller than usual. She barely reacted to anything around her. Mr. and Mrs. Cake entered the room, carrying trays of cookies and hot cocoa, their faces heavy with concern.

"Oh dear, what are we going to do with our Pinkie Pie?" Mrs. Cake sighed, setting the tray down on a nearby table. "Without her focus, we're falling behind on our orders. She usually handles all the decorating, delivering, and helping with Pumpkin and Pound Cake."

Pumpkin and Pound Cake, the Cake twins, tugged at Pinkie's tail, giggling as they tried to cheer her up. Pinkie managed a weak smile, patting their heads before sighing and turning back toward the wall.

Twilight gave them a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Mr. and Mrs. Cake. We'll get her back on her hooves."

Sweetie Belle, who had been quietly watching from the side, tugged gently at Twilight's wing. "Um, excuse me, Twilight? How are we supposed to help Pinkie Pie?"

Twilight knelt down to the filly. "Actually, Sweetie Belle, your task is to help her cousin, Pizza Pie, with her cutie mark."

"Her cousin?" Sweetie Belle's eyes widened. "I haven't even met her yet. What's she like?"

Scootaloo rolled her eyes and gave Apple Bloom a playful nudge. "You don't remember? Pizza Pie's the mare who slipped and knocked over the punch table at the party."