Berry Pinch is… different. Ms. Cheerilee says she’s gifted. Aunt Bon-Bon says she’s mature for her age. Lyra calls her “abnormally intelligent”. She can act like a normal filly when she’s playing, but beyond that she’s very serious, very careful, and very smart. You have to wonder what forced her to be here tonight.

From Berry Pinch’s perspective, it must look like you’re working with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, instead of for them. You try to explain, but she interrupts you.

“It doesn’t matter now; it’s too late for you to back out.” Berry Pinch stops what she’s doing to look you in the eye. “But you’d better get away from them as soon as possible. You might think everything is sorted out. That it’s fair. But all they’re doing is gaining more and more clout to hang you with. And once they have enough,” She turns back to her clipboard and resumes writing, “You’ll never be free again.”

You gulp hard with a shiver. It suddenly feels a lot colder outside than it did before.