That was a new record. Only half a phrase was enough for Rainbow Dash to stop Pinkie Pie on her tracks.
“But, I haven’t asked for anything yet!” Complained the hyperactive girl pouting and hopping around as her fluffy pink hair danced in the air.
“I don’t care. I already know you well enough to be wary of any favours you might ask. And I could see your intentions for a mile! Whatever it is… It won’t be cool! Not at all!” The multi-colour-haired girl crossed her arms. There was no way she could be convinced to change her mind. Nonetheless, if Pinkie was known for something, apart from her unlimited energy, her enthusiasm, her love for parties, her drive to make everyone smile; apart from all that insignificant stuff, she was obstinate.
“C’mon, Rainbow. It’ll be fuuuuuun!!” Convincingly said the happy-going girl jumping over her friend’s back.
“I said no! And to stretch words like that doesn’t make you any more convincing!” Rebuked the sportive girl.
“But we only need a third person. Look, Fluttershy is on board with this.” Pinkie somehow managed to climb over Rainbow and was forcing the girl to piggyback her around. She then pointed at the introvert lady dressed in a simple green dress who hid one eye behind a curtain of soft pink hair.
“Yeah, what an achievement.” Sarcastically said Rainbow as she attempted to get rid of the pink leech perched on her back. “Fluttershy will join you in anything you ask her. She can’t say NO!”
“That’s a bit…” Softly said the aforementioned, twiddling with her fingers insecurely.
“Oh yeah? Why don’t you all of my chores for a month?” Inquisitively asked Rainbow getting at an intimidating short distance, meeting her eye to eye.
“I had some plans and doing that would be a bit of a problem… But… If you insist… I could…”
“See?! That’s what I told you! Fluttershy just does whatever you ask!” Interrupted the sportive girl puffing in exasperation. “Don’t count me in your silly stuff. Go ask somebody else to be your third partner.”
“But Twilight said she was busy with some task Princess Celestia gave her.” Explained Pinkie messing with her friend’s hair.
“Applejack has to help in the farm…” Softly said Fluttershy looking away.
“Then you are just missing Rarity. Go pester her.” Suggested Rainbow.
“She was the first we asked.” Said the shiest girl taking a preoccupying long stare at a particular spot on the ground.
“She beat you at declining our request. I couldn’t open my mouth at all. Can you believe it? She can be a bit rude at time. But since she’s my friend I won’t mind.” Despite her complain, Pinkie did not lose the smile on her face.
“Figures.” Said Rainbow unabashed. “Anyway, I have things to do. Good thing with whatever it is you are doing.”
“Do you want to know about it? It’s…” Pinkie was ready to deliver her trained speech when gravity inexplicably worked on her. The result? Pinkie’s rear had a quick and forceful meeting with the floor. How did she end up there? What a mystery. Maybe Rainbow shoved her?
Nah.
And if she did, Pinkie immediately forgave her.
“Rainbow flew off…” Explained Fluttershy stating the obvious.
“I see. I’m sure she has something important to do.” Replied Pinkie dusting her skirt off.
“What should we do now? Unless we find a third person we won’t be able to participate in that charity…” The soft girl voiced her preoccupation and started to fidget with a lock of pink hair between her unsure fingers.
“Don’t give up. I’m sure we’ll find somebody in need for some laughing.”
Pinkie brought a hand over her eyebrows and began to scout the area.
“I’m sure someone is bound to appear soon. In any minute. My guts tell me. I’m sure we are bound to have a meeting. This person will bump into us. Any. Second. Now.”
What a terrible day at work. Derpy Hooves was not feeling up. Who would after what she had been through? First she had to deliver twenty crates of apples, all by herself! Then, she got a return query about a book that had a corner slightly bent. She was not supposed to comment on clients’ requests. But the spectacled girl, Miss Celestia’s protégée, could be a little picky. And better not talk about the snob in charge of the town’s tailoring shop! An entire hour of listening to her complains would have exhausted anyone.
Definitively it was time to go back home. However, something caught her attention: two girls were near a corner; one had climbed over a lamppost and was looking to the distance quite dramatically, while a second was seated on the ground, fighting not to fall asleep.
She wanted to go home and relax for a bit. But curiosity took the best of her.
“What are you doing?” Asked the tan-skinned girl examined at best as she could due to her slight ocular deviation the duo.
“We are waiting for someone to appear.” Explained the one at the lamp. Derpy knew her; she was friends with her latest troublesome client. Pinkie Pie, if she remembered well. She was famous for her parties. And Derpy, like anyone, loved parties. And muffins.
Great. She felt an urge for one.
“We’ve been waiting for one hour.” Said the girl at the ground yawning. She was another from that group of six friends. Fluttershy. A nice girl, even though a bit quiet.
“Why do you need that person for?” Asked an intrigued Derpy.
“We need three people for a charity event.” Explained Pinkie, still focussed on her quest.
“It’s a double-goal enterprise.” Derpy did not expect Fluttershy to spring on her sandal-clad feet and hold her hands strongly. There was a spark of determination in her eyes. “We will raise awareness of the benefits of laughter and, with the money gathered we will be able to buy sweater for penguins at North Pole. Poor thing, they must be freezing out there!”
“I guess so…” Said Derpy puffing at a nasty strand of blond hair that got on her nose. She had no idea about what they were talking about. Although one thing had caught her attention. “I wouldn’t mind laughing a bit. Today wasn’t the best of…”
Before she could realise what was going on, two pair of hands grabbed her by the wrist and pulled at her while dragging her body at ludicrous speed. All the while, she heard incoherent praised and thanks.