Far From the Light

Chapters

Dawn of Darkness
The Pain brings us Together
These Walls
It's not too late

Dawn of Darkness

“What happened?” Rarity asked the purple alicorn who stood in the middle of main room of the Carousel Boutique. Twilight was carrying Sweetie Belle with a shroud of magenta magic and deposited her smoothly on the floor.

Sweetie Belle ran quickly through the main room without stopping to greet or even look at Rarity. She just ran to the stairs as fast as she could, as if to avoid being seen. Rarity could hear her sister's hooves echo as she went upstairs, followed by a door firmly shutting.

Rarity couldn't understand why her sister, who had always been very kind, could do something as rude as pass in front of her without at least offering a greeting.

Twilight approached and placed a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Rarity, we need to talk.” The look on her face indicated that something had happened and the fact that Sweetie Belle ran to her room, completely avoiding Rarity, was not a good sign.

“Just give me a moment, please.” A blue glow appeared on Rarity's horn; the curtains were closed and the sign of the boutique was changed to “Closed”. She then walked towards Twilight and asked again. “What happened to my sister, Twilight?”

Twilight looked up the stairs where the little filly had run and then back to Rarity with a dark expression; it was a look that was a mixture of worry and fear. The fear of having a problem with no known answer. “It is Sweetie Belle... She, had her first wave of magic.”

“Oh my. Well, that is to be expected. Sweetie Belle is growing up after all.” Rarity's expression went dark while she wondered what had happened. She should be happy that Sweetie Belle is growing up, but by the way she behaved told Rarity that something is wrong.

“Normally I'd be really excited about her first magical manifestation, but...” Twilight stared at the floor and remained silent for a few seconds. For her it was something hard to say because even she hardly believed it. After taking a slow breath, Twilight continued in a voice barely above a whisper, “She used her magic to hurt Applebloom.”

“What!?” This took Rarity by surprise and she stepped back, mouth agape in horror.

“I know it is hard to believe.”

“Are you sure? My darling Sweetie wouldn't hurt a fly, less of all one of her best friends.” Just the very thought was appalling. But how could it be possible that she hurts Applebloom? That was unthinkable.

“I also wouldn't believe it myself, but... I saw it with my own eyes.” Twilight took a deep breath and began to tell what happened.

***

I was returning from Canterlot with Spike on way to the library when I saw a green glow coming from one of the alleys.

Scootaloo ran from the green light and looked desperately over her shoulder. She was about to return to the alley when she realized that I was there and she quickly ran towards me. “Twilight, quick! You have to stop it, she's hurting Applebloom.”

I ran as fast as I could and when I turned in the corner, I couldn't believe what was happening. Applebloom was lying on the floor, seized by magic. She wasn't screaming but I could tell she was suffering. Standing in front of her, was Sweetie Belle with a green brightness emanating from her horn and eyes.

It's hard to describe the feeling that Sweetie Belle's magic gave me. It was a magic, both unknown yet familiar at the same time, as if I had already felt it before. But there was one thing that I could be sure of, and that was that something was terribly wrong.

“What's going on?” Spike asked when he arrived.

“I don't know.” said Scootaloo. “We were playing and Sweetie Belle got really mad.”

I wasn't sure what was happening, but there was no time to think. I had to do something! Quickly I used my magic to interrupt her. Sweetie Belle stepped back and dropped to the ground.

Applebloom began to cry, asking, “Why?” She shakily got to her hooves, frightened and confused by what just happened. She ran away as quickly as her hooves could manage, and bolted from the alley.

“Wait! Applebloom!” Scootaloo ran behind her followed by Spike.

I grabbed Sweetie Belle and came here as quickly as I could.

***

“But... She...” Rarity had trouble accepting the idea that Sweetie Belle had hurt Applebloom. “I... I don't know what to say. Thanks for stopping her and bringing her here, Twilight. I will talk to her.”

“No need to thank me. I just wish I could have gotten there sooner, that way I could have prevented it from happening.” Twilight trotted to the door.

“Thanks anyway, Twilight. I'll take care of Sweetie Belle; you should go to see how Applebloom is feeling..”

“Give her some time. Sweetie Belle was in shock too.” Twilight left the boutique, extended her wings, lifted off from the ground and flew towards Sweet Apple Acres.

Rarity thought for several minutes. “There must be a reasonable explanation for why Sweetie Belle had hurt Applebloom,” she said to herself as she walked to her work table.

It was silent in the Carrousel Boutique, Rarity did not reopen the store. Instead, she tried to occupy her mind by working on her latest ensemble, but it was useless. She couldn't concentrate no matter what she did. Her mind still could not fully believe that Sweetie Belle was responsible of hurting Applebloom.

Twilight's warning about the filly's suffering certainly didn't ease her nerves. Rarity just wanted to run into the room and comfort her little sister. But she stopped herself. Sweetie Belle was in a delicate mood and if Rarity didn't approach it properly, she could cause the situation to escalate.

She walked to the door of the room and knocked softly. “Sweetie Belle, dear, I know you're going through a difficult time, but I want you to know that you can trust me. I just want to know what happened. ” Rarity turned and stepped away from the door.

“Sis...” The door opened and Sweetie Belle ran to Rarity. The two sisters embraced as tears ran down her cheeks. “She hates me. she must hate me right now.”

“Oh Sweetie, I am sure that you didn't intend to hurt her.” Rarity broke the embrace and began to caress Sweetie Belle's mane lovingly. “I am also sure she will understand if you explain what happened.”

“But... It wasn't an accident.” Sweetie Belle started to cry again.

Rarity tried to dry her tears. “What do you mean, dear? I am sure that you would never hurt one of your friends on purpose.”

“You don’t understand!” Sweetie Belle separated a bit from Rarity and she wiped her tears. “ I really wanted to hurt her!”

Rarity was shocked into a stunned silence, surprised to hear Sweetie Belle saying that. She always knew her sister to be a good filly. Sweetie Belle has never shown any intention to hurt anypony. She's the type of pony who was kind, not aggressive. For this reason, Rarity didn't know how to react.

“I don't know what happened to me, but now I am afraid it might happen again. I don't want to hurt somepony.” She backed away a little, curled up on the floor, and started to cry again.

Rarity walked over, hugged her again and said softly and lovingly, “Don’t cry, Sweetie. I may not know what happened, but what I do know is that you can always count on your sister. Together we will overcome this dreadful turn of events.” She looked her sister in the eye. “We will get through this, Sweetie."

The two stood together holding the embrace for a long time. Sweetie Belle seems to calm down, and she stopped sobbing. Although she still shook in mild trepidation with every breath.

Sweetie Belle was the first to separate from the hug. “Thanks sis, I'm glad that you're here.” She stood and turned to the room. “I want to be alone for a bit. I have a lot to think about.”

“Of course, take all the time you need. But remember, you are not alone. When you need to talk about something or if you just want some company, I'm always here.”

Sweetie Belle nodded and headed into the room. Rarity just stay and watched as her little sister slowly walked into the room. She usually always wants to spend time with me, even though sometimes I don't have time for her, Rarity thought. Although it seems that Sweetie Belle calmed a bit, Rarity couldn't help feeling that she was distant. I hope she's okay, it is unusual for her to be so introverted.

Sweetie Belle remained at the Carousel Boutique for several days, Rarity asked her parents if she could stay but avoided mentioning the incident. Not that she wanted to hide things from them, it was just that she wanted to take it slow. She decided it was best to wait until have more information before tell their parents.

The days turned into nights and before they realized a week had passed. Sweetie Belle refused to go to school or even leave the boutique for fear of what others would think of her.

“Sweetie, dear, your teacher is here!” Rarity shouted from the main room.

Sweetie Belle didn't want to talk with anypony, but she knew that Miss Cheerilee was worried about her.

Sweetie Belle slowly walked into the main room. “Hello, Miss Cheerilee...” she said in a voice somewhat sad and unwilling.

Quickly Cheerilee approached her. “Sweetie Belle, I was worried. You haven't gone to school in a week and I thought something bad had happened to you.”

“I'm sorry. It's just that I did not feel like going out anywhere.” Sweetie Belle’s gaze sank to the ground.

“Tell me what happened.” Cheerilee seemed to notice that Sweetie Belle wasn't acting like herself. “In the school there is a horrible rumor that you've hurt your friend, Applebloom. I tried to talk with her but refuses to tell me.”

“I don't want to talk about it.” Sweetie Belle distanced herself a little.

“I just want to know if it is true, Sweetie Belle.” Cheerilee edged a little closer.

“I said that I don't want to talk about it now!” Sweetie Belle shouted. Almost immediately she realized that she had yelled at her teacher and cringed.

“Well...” Cheerilee turned and headed to the door. “When you feel that you want to talk, you can come to see me. And try not to miss more school.” She bade farewell to Rarity and left the boutique.

“That was very rude, Sweetie! What would make you snap at her like that?” Rarity approached Sweetie Belle but stopped when she saw that she was crying. “Sweetie, why are you crying?” She trotted to her sister and stroked her mane.

Sweetie Belle calmed down a bit and dried her tears. “It happened again.”

“What happened again, dear?”

“I almost lose control and I yelled at Miss Cheerilee.” Sweetie Belle looked down and a tear fell to the ground.

Rarity hugged Sweetie tightly. “Oh Sweetie, it's ok, it was just a little shout. I'm sure she will forgive you once you apologize.”

“Do you think she is mad at me?” Sweetie Belle calmed down a bit.

“Of course she is not upset with you, only worried.” said Rarity trying to cheer her up. “But she is right. you can't be missing school more.”

Sweetie Belle nodded. “Tomorrow I will go to school and I'll apologize to Miss Cheerilee.” Rarity still heard some insecurity in her words.

Rarity broke the embrace. “Good. Do you want to help with my new design?” She wanted Sweetie Belle to forget, at least a little, her concerns and cheer up.

"You mean it!?" Sweetie Belle leaped eagerly at the thought of working with her sister.

“Of course.” Rarity took a step toward her work table. “Let's see if we find your Cutiemark.”

“Yeah! Cutiemark Crusaders... fashion... designers...” Her enthusiasm plummeted again. “Tomorrow I should go to apologize to Applebloom also.”

“About that, dear.” Rarity glanced away from her sister. “Applebloom... she–”

The boutique bell rang indicating that someone has entered.

“I'm sorry but right now –” Rarity paused upon seeing her friend enter. “Oh Twilight, it's you.”

“Hey Rarity, excuse me if I interrupt something.” Twilight glanced toward the little filly. “Hello, Sweetie Belle. Do you feel better?”

“Um... Hi, Twilight...” Sweetie Belle turned her head to the side trying to avoid looking at Twilight in the eyes.

Rarity approached Twilight. “Hello, Twilight. What brings you here today? Coming for a dress or just to visit?”

“I... I think I better go to my room.” Sweetie Belle turned and took a few steps. “I have a lot of homework to do after all.”

“Wait Sweetie!” Rarity implored. But it was too late. The little filly had already gone up the stairs to her room. She turned back to Twilight. “Sorry, she's been very sensitive since the incident.”

“It's ok, let her go. And that is what I came to talk to you about.”

“Well, let me prepare tea and we can talk more calmly.” Rarity went to the kitchen.

Twilight followed Rarity and enter the kitchen too. “Let me help you.”

“Oh no, I wouldn't dream of it, darling.” Rarity said while searching for tea cups. “A princess should not bother to make tea.”

“Rarity!” Twilight shouted, a bit upset, “You know I don't like being treated differently just because I'm a princess now. I'm still the same as always and I always will be.”

Rarity let out a small laugh. “Oh Twilight, of course you're the same. That was just a little joke.”

Twilight blushed and then began to laugh too. Rarity finished preparing the tea and the two sat down to talk better.

“Is Sweetie Belle better now?” Asked Twilight after taking a sip from the cup.

“She is better, but still a bit sensitive and she doesn’t want to leave the boutique.” Rarity lifted the cup with her magic and took a sip of tea. “I think she's afraid of hurting somepony again.”

“Did you tell her about Applebloom?”

“I haven't done it yet.” Rarity stared at the cup on the table. “I'm afraid of how she would react if she knew... ”

Twilight reached a hoof across the table to recover Rarity’s attention. “It won't be easy and you have to be careful, but you have to tell her.”

“I know I have to.” Rarity lifted the cup and took a last sip of tea. She remained silent for almost a minute contemplating the empty cup. “Twilight, did you find out why Sweetie Belle acted that way?”

“Sorry, not yet.” Twilight placed the now empty cup on the table. “I haven't found anything anywhere that explains what happened to Sweetie Belle. But I keep having this feeling that her magic seems very familiar.”

“That's strange...” Rarity put her head on her forehooves on the table. “But what I want to know is why it is happening to my poor little sister.”

“I'm not sure, Rarity. But I will keep doing my best to find out what is going on.” Twilight said as she stood up. “But don't worry. just take care of Sweetie Belle and leave to me the rest.”

“Thanks Twilight.” Rarity also stood up. “And thanks for keeping it just between us and Applejack.”

“No problem, that's what friends do.”

“You're a great friend, Twilight.” Rarity went with Twilight to the door.

Twilight was about to leave when Sweetie Belle approached. “Twilight, wait!” she said.

Twilight stopped and turned, waiting to hear what the little filly needed to say.

“Twilight, I...” Sweetie Belle looked down searching for the words with which to begin. She lifted her head and continued with more certainty. “I want to thank you for stopping me.”

“That's not necessary–”

“Yes it is!” Said Sweetie Belle interrupting Twilight, “If not for you, who knows what would have happened. And I know you're doing your best to help me, so I will do my best and try to prevent something like that happening again.”

Twilight smiled. “I know you will. And do not forget you're not alone, you have a great sister by your side and many friends.” She turned and walked out of the boutique.

Sweetie Belle smiled, turned around and ran toward Rarity's work table. “Let’s make lots of dresses, sis!”

The two spent the rest of the day happily designing and making dresses. Not all were very nice but that wasn't important. What really mattered was that they were having fun and that Sweetie Belle was happy.

“Sweetie, look out!” Sweetie Belle quickly bent down. The pan on the stove exploded filling the kitchen with smoke and scattering pieces of pancake everywhere.

When the smoke cleared Rarity approached. “Are you –cough– okay, dear?” Rarity said while choking on the smoke.

“Yes –cough– I only fill –cough– with smoke, that's all.”

Rarity walked over to the kitchen and watched the pan. “How is it possible that the pancake exploded?”

“I don't think I'll get a kitchen Cutiemark after all.” Sweetie Belle sighed as she shook the dust from her coat, “Maybe if I try again this time I'll succeed!”

“No!” Rarity shouted quickly. Obviously the idea of leaving cooking to Sweetie Belle wasn't the best. “I mean, let me prepare the breakfast or you'll be late for school.”

“Okay, then I clean.” Sweetie Belle walked toward the broom that was leaning on the wall and stopped in front of it. “Maybe if I...”

Sweetie Belle closed her eyes and focused on the broom. For a few seconds nothing happened until and a small green glow began to appear on her horn.

“Sweetie Belle?” Rarity turned and watched what her little sister was doing. “What are y–?”

Suddenly a green glow appeared in the center of the broomstick and it broke in two pieces with a small explosion, burying one piece in the wall right next to Rarity.

Sweetie Belle gasped in alarm, closed her eyes and lowered her head. After a few seconds she opened her eyes and looked at Rarity who was gaping at the broomstick embedded into the wall not far from her head. “Sorry! Just wanted to lift it.”

“It's fine, dear.” Rarity forced a smile, but her eye twitched crazily. The wooden shard was mere inches from becoming a second horn. “But to lift you have to focus on the entire object, not on a single point.” She used her magic to pry the broomstick piece from the wall.

“Oooh, I get it. Let me try again!” Sweetie Belle closed her eyes and prepared to try again.

“Wait!” Rarity interrupted Sweetie Belle's concentration. “Why don't you draw something? You can use all the gems you want.”

“Okay.” Sweetie Belle pranced out of the kitchen smiling.

“No magic!”

“Aaaaw... Fine!” Sweetie Belle groaned from the main room.

Rarity grabbed a towel and cleaned the kitchen a bit before preparing breakfast. “I'm glad she is back to normal, but does she have to make such a mess?”

She put the towel aside and started making toast. While cooking she look to the side and saw the piece of broomstick. “She managed to cut it in half without any difficulty. That sort of precision should be much too complicated for an untrained filly who is just discovering magic,” she muttered to herself.

She finished preparing the toast and placed them on a plate on the table. Maybe I should ask Twilight to teach her magic. Mmm... But she is now busy being a princess, Rarity thought.

“Sis, look!” Sweetie Belle came running into the kitchen holding a drawing in the air with a green glow.

Rarity looked up at the picture of a pony in the sheet. It looked like it was drawn quickly and wasn't even colored. Seems like she didn't put much effort into the drawing.

“How beautiful Sweetie, but you didn't use any gem, I told you... Wait! You're levitating the sheet? I thought I told you to draw without using magic.”

“But I didn't use magic to draw.” Sweetie Belle moved the sheet in the air, showing off her levitation skills. “Isn't this great!?”

“That's... pretty amazing, Sweetie. Now, let's eat or you'll be late to school.” Rarity approached the table and took a seat. Sweetie Belle did the same.

The two ate quietly. After finishing Sweetie Belle helped Rarity wash the dishes and take out the trash. There were no more explosions but she used every opportunity to practice her developing magic.

“I'm going to school,” said Sweetie Belle from the main room. “I've got to apologize to Miss Cheerilee and also to Applebloom.”

“Wait, Sweetie!” said Rarity preventing Sweetie Belle from leaving the boutique. “There's something you need to know... about Applebloom... she's not going to go to school today.”

Sweetie Belle stopped and walked toward Rarity. “How can she not go to school?”

Rarity closed her eyes, took a deep breath and continued, “She can't go to school because she was in a delicate state... she is recovering at home.”

“What?” Sweetie Belle took several steps backward “Wait! Don’t tell me that...”

“Calm down, dear. She's better now. You don't have to worry.”

“It was my fault, right? I did that to Applebloom, right?” Sweetie Belle dropped to the ground.

“Don't be sad.” Rarity walked to Sweetie Belle. “I tell you, you've nothing to worry. She's fine and is getting better at home.”

Sweetie Belle looked down at the ground and stayed that way for several seconds.

“Come on darling, you have to cheer up.” Rarity used one hoof to lift Sweetie Belle's face. “How about if after you leave school we go to Sweet Apple Acres. I'm sure she'll be happy if we go visit.”

Sweetie Belle nodded and stood. “You're right, I have to apologize. But first I have to go to school and apologize to Miss Cheerilee.”

“That's my sister, hurry or you'll be late.”

“Oh, right!” Sweetie Belle ran out the door and headed for school.

Rarity walked to her work table, grabbed some fabric and started working. After several minutes she stopped and looked toward the door. “Maybe I should go to Sweet Apple Acres to tell Applejack that we'll be coming over once Sweetie Belle finishes school.” She grabbed her bag, closed the boutique and headed towards Sweet Apple Acres.

On the way to school Sweetie Belle took her time and walked slowly, thinking about what she would say to apologize to her teacher. She also thought about how she was going to apologize to Applebloom. She was afraid that Applebloom hated her and that she would lose one of her best friends.

“No! Don't think about it Sweetie Belle!” she shouted to herself as she walked. “I'll apologize and everything will return to normal. She's my friend and I'm sure she would forgive me. Right?”

Sweetie Belle walked slowly towards the school, but couldn't take her mind off the thought that Applebloom hated her. She was so lost in her thoughts that she wasn't paying attention to where she was walking. She bumped into something and fell to the ground. Standing up she realized that there were three colts standing in front of her.

“Look what we have here! It's Sweetie Belle, we thought you weren't coming back,” said the colt standing on the far left.

“Um... Hey guys, how are y–”

“Shut up monster!” shouted the unicorn that was in the middle of the three. Sweetie Belle shuddered at the shout.

The unicorn stepped forward and pushed Sweetie Belle. “We saw what you did to Applebloom and we don't want you to go back to school.” An orange glow appeared on his horn. With a flash he pushed back Sweetie Belle and she fell to the ground.

Sweetie Belle stood. ‘They hate you!’ a dark voice echoed in her head.

“You're a monster, so we'll make sure you don't come back to hurt anypony else.” Again an orange glow appeared, pushing Sweetie Belle again towards the ground.

“Please don't.” Sweetie Belle tried to stand up, but he refused to relinquish his magical hold on her. ‘Destroy them!’

“Stay away and never come back.” This time the unicorn didn't use his magic, just ran and pushed Sweetie Belle with his own body.

Sweetie Belle stood up again, but this time her legs trembled. “Please stop, I don't want to hurt anypony.” She closed her eyes and a tear fell down her cheek to the ground. ‘They hate you. Are you going to let them treat you like that?’

“Just disappear, monst–”

“Shut up!” A wave of magic left from Sweetie Belle's horn hitting the three foals abruptly. “I will not allow you to treat me like a fool!”

Sweetie Belle lifted the unicorn off of the ground with her magic and strongly pressed him against a wall. The other colts tried to run. One managed to escape, but the other fell to the ground and was caught by Sweetie Belle's magic.

“Stop it... please.” Begged the unicorn while he was being pressed against the wall. The fear could be seen in his eyes, and he wished he had not bothered her.

A grim smile appeared on Sweetie Belle face. “Oh, now you want me to stop? But the fun is just beginning.”

“Luna!” Princess Celestia quickly ran up the stairs of Canterlot Castle and entered Luna's room. “Sister…”

“I know…” Princess Luna was sitting on the balcony looking out, she wasn't looking at anything in specifically, just looking out. She stood up and walked through the room to her sister. “I know. Things aren't good, I can feel it. I can't let that happen to anypony again.”

The Pain brings us Together

“Howdy, Rarity! How's it goin'?” Applejack said as she walked through the apple trees. She had finished the morning gathering and was heading back to the farm carrying a basket full of apples.

“Good morning, Applejack.” Rarity approached and the two began to walk together. “I've been better.” Applejack knew that Rarity was looking for somepony to talk to.

The two walked to the farm without saying another word, just walking next to each other enjoying a companionable silence. The pair soon emerged from the orchard and trotted toward the barn. Applejack set the basket on the ground and sat down next to it with her back leaning against the barn.

Rarity wanted to sit down with her friend, but she couldn't find the way to do it without getting dirty. With a dainty hoof she attempted to clear away as much dirt as she could, but she still didn't seem to like the idea of sitting on the ground. Finally she pulled a cloth from her bag, placed it on the ground close to Applejack, and sat on it.

Applejack rolled her eyes and laughed at the fact that Rarity never changes, no matter what happens. After a few seconds she asked more seriously, “How is Sweetie Belle?”

“She is doing better, today she finally went back to school.” She paused for a moment, looked up at the sky and stared for several seconds. Then she continued in a sad tone, “But she is still very unstable emotionally, and I fear that she can't take it anymore and she…”

“I feel really bad for 'um...” Applejack looked down at the floor and placed her hat on her forelegs. “It's gotta be really hard, what they're goin' through.”

“And how is Applebloom? She is getting better? Twilight told me that the worst has passed.” Although Rarity knew that Applebloom was feeling better, seems like she couldn't shake the worry from her voice.

“She's better now, but she still spends most of the day sleepin'. Twilight reckons that's normal considerin' what happened...” Applejack stopped and a few tears began to emerge in her eyes, for a moment it looks like she was going to cry, but she did her best to avoid it. “Twilight said she didn't know what kind of magic Sweetie Belle used, but... she broke Applebloom's mind.”

“I… I'm sorry.” Rarity couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

Applejack couldn't take it anymore and let out several tears. She tried to look to one side and cover her face with a foreleg to prevent Rarity from seeing her that way.

“It's ok, I know it's a difficult time.” Rarity used her hoof to lower the leg that Applejack was using to hide her tears and gently turned her head so she could face her. “That's why you don't have to act strong in front of me. You can cry if you want.”

Applejack broke down. She let out all her sorrow and frustration as tears streamed down her face. She had been strong in front of her friends and family, bottling up all of her pain. But this time Rarity was here to support her, she didn't have to suffer in silence because Rarity was here for her.

Rarity scooted closer and offered a hug, which Applejack didn't hesitate to accept. Applejack leaned her head on Rarity's shoulder and poured out all the tears that she had been holding since the incident.

“Thanks, sugarcube. I needed that.” she calmed down a bit but didn't want to separate from Rarity. She wanted to hold on to her as long as possible.

Rarity said nothing, she simply hugged her tighter. She didn't want to break their embrace either. Even though she wanted Applejack to feel better, inside she needed it too.

The two remained together for a long time without uttering a word; just enjoying each other's company. Applejack ended up sitting on the cloth and leaning on Rarity's shoulder.

Applejack was the first to say something but kept still, without leaving Rarity's shoulder. “I don't blame Sweetie Belle for doin'– for what happened... I know her. And I know how good of a friend she is. I don't think for one apple-pickin' second that she did it by herself. Somethin' has gotta be wrong for her to be actin' like that.”

“Yes, I know, but I...” She stopped to think for a moment, to think about everything that had happened, trying to find something that would explain what had happened to Sweetie Belle. But nothing came to mind. “Twilight is giving her best to look for a cause, but... I... can't help feeling that I've failed Sweetie Belle. That I can't do anything to protect her, except wait. I feel so useless.”

“Yer not useless. I know it's hard, and I feel the same way, but we still have important responsibilities. We need'ta be by our sisters' sides now more than ever.”

“I know, I know...” Rarity looked up at the sky again, waiting for the solution to all their problems to come down from the clouds. But she knew it wouldn't be so easy. “It's just that I wish I could do more for her. I wish that I could look into her eyes and tell her that she didn't need to worry, that nothing bad will happen. But I can't... I can't be sure that nothing bad will happen, that the worst has passed.”

“You... I...” Applejack couldn't find a way to answer. She knew that she needed to comfort her sister, but she couldn't help feeling the same way Rarity did. “Look, I know how ya feel. Right now I'm scared as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rockin' chairs, but all we can do is be there for 'um until Twilight finds an answer. 'Til then all we can do is wait.”

Rarity took a deep breath and leaned her head on Applejack. “I guess you're right...”

For a moment the two wished to stay like this forever, enjoying the other's friendly presence. But that wasn't possible now, both had work to do and couldn't stay any longer. Although it was tempting to stay there and forget everything else, they couldn't.

After saying goodbye and thanking Applejack, Rarity went back to Ponyville. On the way to the boutique she stopped and took a small detour. I think I'll stop by the school and see how Sweetie Belle is doing, she thought.

Rarity went through the crowded market, where customers were already lining up at the newly opened stalls. She thought of buying something for Sweetie Belle but then realized that Cheerilee probably wouldn't let students eat in the classroom. She stopped to greet some ponies and then continued to Sweetie Belle's school.

Rarity paused as she approached the schoolhouse door. She decided to peek through the window to make sure she wouldn't interrupt an important lesson. Rarity looked through the window and observed each one of the little ponies in search of her sister, but after scanning the room several times still couldn't find her. She panicked and hurried to the door.

Rarity stood in the doorway and looked again for Sweetie Belle, but still couldn't find her. After a few seconds Cheerilee realized that Rarity was there and approached her. “Good morning, Rarity. How is Sweetie Belle now?”

“Good morning, Cheerilee– Wait! You haven't seen Sweetie Belle?!” Realize that her sister never made it to school terrified her. “She left the boutique this morning and came here!”

“What?! But she never came, I thought that she had stayed home today.”

Rarity's concern became despair at the thought that something bad may have happened to her little sister on the way to school. She began to imagine the worst possible scenarios. “I should never have left her alone!”

“Calm down, Rarity. Let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe she was just afraid. Maybe she changed her mind and didn't want to come to school.”

At first Rarity continued to panic, but then she remembered her visit to Sweet Apple Acres. “Right, I need to calm down and not jump to conclusions. I stepped out for a while, maybe Sweetie Belle returned.”

“I'm sure she's fine. Sweetie Belle is a smart filly.”

Rarity nodded and was about to return to the boutique when a shout for help caught her attention. She heard the shout again, recognizing Rainbow Dash's voice and looked skyward.

“Help! They're hurt!” Rainbow Dash dropped down from the sky with another pegasus, Cloud Kicker. The two were carrying two colts and they didn't look to be in good condition. They landed near Rarity and Cheerilee placing the two unconscious colts carefully on the floor.

“Oh my–” Cheerilee was terrified seeing the two colts. “What happened?!”

“Calm down, Cheerilee,” said Cloud Kicker, “It may look bad but they aren't going to die. The one who worries me is the unicorn...”

Of the two, the earth pony colt was the least injured. He only had a few bruises, nothing serious. The unicorn was a different story. He had bruises as well, but the real terror was his horn. It looked like it had been brutally ripped from his head. All that remained was a uneven stump dripping with blood.

“What happened, Rainbow?!” Rarity asked. She was desperate to know if Sweetie Belle was involved and if she was hurt.

“I don't know. We were working the clouds when Cloud Kicker saw the two foals unconscious on the ground.” Rainbow Dash's voice quivered with fear and concern.

“You saw Sweetie Belle there?”

“She never came to school,” added Cheerilee while she checked the two colts.

“I haven't seen her.” Rainbow rose a few feet in the air. “But if whatever did this is still around, then we have to find her!”

“Rainbow is right,” Cloud Kicker added, “we can't leave her alone with some unknown danger lurking in town.”

“Thanks, Rainbow and Cloud Kicker, thank you both.” Rarity was relieved to know that she could count on them now especially since two pegasi could help search from the sky.

“No need to thank me, protecting others is what I do best.” Cloud Kicker prepared to take flight.

“Wait Cloud!” Rainbow Dash stopped her before she raised off the ground. “I know you want to help find Sweetie Belle, but it's better for you to stay and help Cheerilee with the two injured foals.”

“It is true. I appreciate your help but you should stay, I don't think Cheerilee can take care of the two colts alone.” Although Rarity knew it would be faster searching with two pegasi, they couldn't leave Cheerilee alone.

Rarity secretly was happy that Cloud Kicker was staying behind. Not that she didn't want her help, but she wanted as few ponies as possible to know the truth. Although she didn't want to admit it, she knew deep down that Sweetie Belle was somehow responsible.

“Yes... I guess it's better if I stay.” Cloud Kicker approached Cheerilee and the two foals. “I hope your sister is alright, Rarity.”

“Thanks for the help, Cloud,” said Cherrilee, “We must hurry and take them to hospital. You should also hurry and find Sweetie Belle, I don't want anything bad to happen to her.” Cheerilee carefully lifted the unicorn and placed him on her back. Cloud Kicker followed her and did the same with the other colt.

“What are we waiting for?! Let's go, Rarity!” Rainbow Dash rolled several times in the air and then went to find Sweetie Belle. Rarity nodded and started looking too.

While Rainbow Dash flew over Ponyville in search of Sweetie Belle, Rarity first went to the Carousel Boutique. She still hoped that Sweetie Belle had returned and that all this worry was in vain.

After several minutes galloping while she looked everywhere in search of Sweetie Belle, Rarity finally reached the boutique. She came in and quickly shouted for her little sister, but without getting an answer. She tore through the boutique, but every room she checked was empty. Her bedroom, the kitchen, the laundry room, her design room, all empty. Sweetie Belle certainly wasn't here.

Rarity looked in every room of the boutique one more time before going outside. She began to despair but she forced herself to stay calm. She needed to figure out where Sweetie Belle would have gone, and losing her composure wouldn't help.

When Rarity left the boutique, Rainbow Dash was returning from searching from the sky over Ponyville. It seems she didn't have any luck in finding Sweetie Belle either.

“Rainbow! Did you find her?!” Rarity asked while Rainbow Dash landed next to her.

“I haven't found her yet. But don't worry, I'll keep looking until I find her!” Rainbow Dash wouldn't accept that she could not find her. She can be lazy and uninterested sometimes, but when it came to helping a friend, she always gives more than one hundred percent.

“Can't you think of a place where Sweetie Belle might have gone?” Rainbow Dash added.

“I'm not sure... Wait! I think there's one place that we haven't looked.” There was one place Rarity thought she could be. Although, after all that has happened she wasn't entirely sure.

Rarity galloped off quickly and Rainbow Dash followed closely from the sky. Even with their destination in mind, they still kept their eyes open just in case.

After a few minutes they came to Sweet Apple Acres.

“You think we ought to tell Applejack?” Rainbow Dash asked as they passed near the farm.

“I don't think we should. She has been working hard and taking care of Applebloom,” said Rarity. She knew that Applejack would be more than willing to help look for Sweetie Belle, but Rarity didn't want to cause her more trouble.

“Oh right, Applebloom is sick,” said Rainbow Dash and the two continued their way through Sweet Apple Acres.

Rainbow Dash didn't know the truth of what had happened to Applebloom, but after all the concern and loyalty she had shown, Rarity knew that she deserved to know the truth.

After walking through the apple trees they finally arrived at the Cutiemark Crusaders's clubhouse. Rarity stood near the tree house and shouted, “Sweetie Belle! Are you there?!” but she got no response.

After a few seconds Scootaloo leaned out from a window. “Rarity? Rainbow? What are you doing here?”

“Oh, hey kid. You haven't seen Sweetie Belle?” Rainbow Dash asked as she flew close to the window.

“I haven't seen her since... well you know.” Scootaloo left the tree house, down the stairs and went to Rarity. “Something happen?”

For a moment Rarity felt bad for Scootaloo. She forgot that without Applebloom and Sweetie Belle she must be alone and depressed.

“Rainbow, Scootaloo, I... I'll tell you what's going on.”

It was getting late and the sun began to set over the horizon. Sweetie Bell was wandering aimlessly through the forest. Tears streamed down her face. When she realized what she had done, she bolted off without looking back. Now she was lost in a forest that seemed to grow thicker the longer she walked.

“I... I am really... a monster.” Sweetie Belle sobbed as she walked. She didn't care at this point where she was walking, she just wanted to get away as far as she can, to never hurt anypony again. She didn't realize that she had walked into the Everfree Forest.

“They were right... I hurt Applebloom and now... I–” She didn't notice the root that was protruding from the ground. She stumbled and fell onto the ground. Sweetie Belle didn't try to get up after falling, preferring to stay on the ground. I can't go back to Ponyville, not after everything I did.

She stayed on the ground and her mind went back to earlier that day. She remembered what she had done, how she had hurt those colts. They must really hate me now, she thought. Sweetie Belle never wanted anyone to hate her. She has always tried to be good and the other ponies had always loved her. She was terrified of the idea that others hated her.

After a few minutes, Sweetie Belle decided to get up and walk.

The sun had set completely and the moon was beginning to appear. It was becoming difficult to see where to walk because of the thickness of the forest and the low light.

Sweetie Belle stopped, looked around and finally realized where she was. She began to worry since every tree seems to look at her. The sound of the forest creatures could be heard through the trees and the fear threatened to tear her heart from her chest. This wasn't a good place to be... much less alone... much less at night.

She heard scratching in the trees close to her, followed by a branch breaking. Sweetie Belle jumped and launched herself through the forest as quickly as she could. She tried to dodge the trees she could see, but it was difficult with so much darkness. While dodging a tree, she didn't see where she stepped and fell down a hill.

“Ouch!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed after rolling down the hill, fortunately it wasn't a very big hill. She stood on all four legs carefully, but when she put her left foreleg on the floor, she felt a sharp pain in her ankle and almost fell to the ground again. A tear fell down her cheek as she tried to start walking again because she was afraid of staying there for too long.

Limping with an injured leg, Sweetie Belle managed to walk to a place where there weren't many trees and she could see the moon in the starry sky. “It hurts, I need to stop,” she told herself as she searched for a place to lie down.

After searching around, Sweetie Belle found a flat rock where she could lie down. She walked slowly to the rock and sat carefully trying to avoid putting weight on her wounded leg. “Sis... Help me...” Sweetie Belle began to cry in despair. She was scared, cold, and alone. The only thing she wanted at the moment was to have her sister by her side.

Suddenly, a cold breeze blew from between the trees and a blue light appeared a few meters in front of her. The brightness blinded her for a few seconds and then, as the light fades, she began to see the silhouette of a pony.

“Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked trying to see the silhouette.

“Good night, Sweetie Belle. I came here for you.” The pony took a few steps towards Sweetie Belle revealing Princess Luna.

“Prii-princess?! What are– You came for me?” Sweetie Belle gasped in surprise. Of all ponies, she never expected that Princess Luna would come for her.

Sweetie Belle quickly tried to stand to respectfully greet the princess, but she forgot her injured leg and tumbled to the floor, causing the pain to come back.

“Carefully, my child. I do not want you to get hurt,” said princess Luna. She went to Sweetie Belle and stood beside her. “Do not be afraid, stay still.”

Luna lowered her head and she placed her horn near Sweetie Belle's wounded leg. Gently Luna's horn began to emit a blue glow and it spread to Sweetie Belle's leg.

“What are you doing... Oh.” Sweetie Belle began to feel a cold but pleasant sensation in her wounded leg. Slowly the pain began to disappear leaving only the cold from Luna's magic.

“I hope you feel better now,” said Luna.

Sweetie Belle shook her leg and touched it gently with her other leg. She stood up and was surprised that the pain was completely gone, as if it had never been. “Wow, what did you do? It was incredible!” Sweetie Belle said as she ran and jumped testing her now healed leg.

“That was nothing,” Luna said as she let out a small laugh when she saw the little filly running around. She extended her right foreleg, stopped Sweetie Belle as she ran in front of her and asked more seriously, “But what I want to know is what a young filly like yourself is doing alone in the Everfree Forest?”

“Oh, that...” The momentary happiness that Sweetie Belle had faded when she remembered why she was here. “It's a long and complicated story.”

“The night is still young,” said Luna. She walked to the rock and sat on her haunches to get comfortable. “Come here, my child. I have time to listen to it.”

Sweetie Belle walked slowly towards Luna. She was going to sit but she hesitated a bit, she was a little intimidated by being with Princess Luna, and it seems that Luna noticed.

“Do not be afraid, my child,” said Luna as she smiled towards Sweetie Belle, “by my side you'll be safe.”

With a little more confidence, Sweetie Belle sat next to Luna. She took a few minutes to feel more comfortable when sitting next to one of the princesses and Luna, who apparently could feel her insecurity, waited patiently for Sweetie Belle to feel comfortable.

“Good. You mind telling me the story now?”

Sweetie Belle nodded and proceeded to tell her what happened. “It started a week ago...”

At first Sweetie Belle hesitated to tell her the whole story. She was afraid that Luna would judge her when she knew what she had done, but after seeing how Luna was careful listening to her, she continued telling the story with more confidence. The way that Luna watched her as she spoke, was like she could understand her, more than any other pony with which she had spoken.

“I never wanted to hurt anypony...” Sweetie Belle said after she finished her tale. A small tear fell from her cheek when she remembered all the suffering she has caused. “I... I'm a monster.”

“You are not a monster, my child,” Luna said trying to remove that idea from Sweetie Belle's head.

“Yes! I am! I hurt so many ponies and... that colt...” Sweetie Belle almost began to cry at the thought of what she did. She lowered her head and tried to cover her ears with her hooves. “I can still hear his screams... how he begged me to stop... but I didn't stop, not until I had already done enough harm.”

“Maybe you haven't done the right things,” said Luna, “but you are not a monster. You just have to learn to control your darkness.”

“My darkness?” Sweetie Belle asked. She didn't understand what Luna meant by this.

“In this world there are three types of energy,” Luna explained, “light, dark and a third neutral energy. Normally the ponies and nearly all living creatures in Equestria are born in the neutral, unaware of the other two. But on very rare occasions a pony is born into the light or the dark.”

Luna paused for a moment and looked to see if Sweetie Belle was following her. Then she finished, “Sweetie Belle, you're one of the very few ponies graced with this distinction.”

Sweetie Belle remained silent for a few seconds, trying to understand what Luna had said. “Why... why me?”

“Life is unpredictable. Sometimes we do things and don't know why. What matters is that this is what you are, your destiny.”

“But... this means that I'm evil?” Sweetie Belle said uncertainly. Fear grew inside her at the thought that she would be bound to hurt and she couldn't do anything to avoid it. “I don't wanna have this destiny.”

Luna gently placed her hoof on Sweetie Belle's shoulder. “I know how you feel. But I assure you, you do not have to worry. Darkness can be something overwhelming, but you are not going to be evil. All depends on what you choose. Will you control the darkness or will it control you?”

“But...” Sweetie Belle was still unsure of what to think.

“Let me tell you a story, my child,” Luna looked up at the dark sky, to the moon. She smiled and continued.

“A long time ago a young pony, like you, was born in the dark. She had a beautiful and kind big sister who loved her a lot, who unlike her, was born in the light. For a long time both sisters lived together happily looking after each other. The young pony admired her big sister, always wanting to be like her.

“But eventually things changed. The elder sister got the admiration of all the ponies, everyone wanted to be with her. So great was her glory that she cast a long shadow over her little sister.

“The young pony began to envy her sister and wish that it was she whom everypony admired. With the passing years the envy within the younger sister grew up. Fed by her inner darkness, envy turned to hate, a hatred against all that did not admire her.

“With hatred in her heart the young pony tried to do awful things, she tried to harm all the ponies in Equestria. But she was stopped by her own sister. With time and with a little help the younger pony realized that what she had done was wrong and decided to change. She told herself that she would never allow that to happen again and that she would do well for all ponies, even those who did not admire her.”

Luna glanced again at the moon and with a smile looked to Sweetie Belle. “The young pony did not let the darkness control her anymore. She decided to take control and shape her own destiny.”

Sweetie Belle remained silent as she listened the story. She didn't understand why Luna was telling this or why Luna was so interested in it. After a few seconds she realized something. “That young pony... is you, right?”

“You are right, my child,” Luna answered, “I am, like you, a creature of darkness. That is why I can understand what you are going through.”

For a while Sweetie Belle felt happy to meet someone like her, but there was still something bothering her. “But... what will happen if I can't do it. What if the same thing happens to me.”

“You have got the future on your side, you are going to be fine now,” Luna said trying to make her feel better, “you have a family and great friends, and now you have me. Trust me when I tell you, that is not going to happen.

Sweetie Belle was about to say something when she felt something around her. She was surprised to see that Luna was hugging her, and not a simple hug. She was embracing her in a way that made her feel safe and calm. Sweetie Belle didn't say anything; she just let Luna hug her.

“I'm not going to let that happen,” Luna said and embraced her tighter.

It was nearly midnight when Rarity returned to the Carousel Boutique. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were with her, because they couldn't leave her alone after having heard all that had happened.

“You think Sweetie Belle's okay?” Scootaloo asked worriedly. “We should have kept looking.”

“Don't worry Scoot, we'll get the others and keep looking in the morning. I'm sure Twilight can use her magic to find her. Or Pinkie Pie can do whatever it is that she does,” said Rainbow Dash.

Rarity was quiet, she was too worried to speak right now. Though she wanted to keep looking too, she knew Rainbow Dash was right.

“But we can't let her spend the night alone, we don't know what monsters can be outside.”

“I'm sure Sweetie Belle can stand on her own. She wasn't the scared filly after all.” Rainbow Dash let out a small laugh. It seems that she can't avoid making a little joke.

“Yes I know, but... Hey!”

Suddenly someone knocked on the door. “Sweetie Belle!” Rarity exclaimed as she slipped to the door. She reached the door and opened it. “Sweetie, are you– Oh.”

To her surprise Princess Luna was standing at the doorway. “Good Night, Rarity. Can we come in?”

“Sis...” said Sweetie Belle slightly hidden between Luna's legs.

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity cried when she saw her little sister. All her worries finally disappeared along with the fear of having lost her.

Sweetie Belle quickly left Luna's legs and ran to her sister and the two embraced tightly.

“Oh, Sweetie Belle, don't do that to me, I was very worried. I thought I would lose you,” Rarity said, trying not to cry.

“Sorry! I'm sorry.” Sweetie Belle was sobbing, partly because she was happily back with her sister and partly because she was guilty for making her worry.

Luna stepped inside the boutique. “Good night, Rainbow Dash and you too Scootaloo.”

“Hey, princess!” Rainbow Dash greeting.

“Princess Luna!” Scootaloo leaped over to Luna, tiny wings buzzing excitedly, and cheered, “You saved Sweetie Belle?”

“Thank you, Princess Luna,” Rarity said as she hugged Sweetie Belle. “Thanks for bringing back my little sister.”

“You do not have to thank me. It was something that I needed to do. Now if you will excuse me, I must guard the night.” Luna looked at Sweetie Belle who still clung to her sister. “I will see you tomorrow, Sweetie Belle. Do not forget what I have told you.”

Sweetie Belle nodded. “I won't.”

Luna took a few steps and left the boutique. She kept walking until she vanished into the darkness of the night.

Rarity separated from Sweetie Belle and walked toward Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash. “It is late, why don't you stay here tonight?”

“Sure, why not?” said Rainbow Dash.

“Yeah, of course. Sleepover with Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo said as she jumped and fluttered her wings.

“Sorry, Scoot, I'm very tired. Maybe tomorrow,” Sweetie Belle said as she yawned. She has had an exhausting day and all she wanted now was to sleep.

These Walls

Come on, you can do it. Just open the door and apologize, thought Sweetie Belle. She opened the door and slowly eased into the room. “Applebloom...” she muttered as she walked toward the bed.

Stopping at the foot of the bed, Sweetie Belle said, “Applebloom... are you awake? I... I want to...” She hesitated for a moment and looked down as she drew circles on the floor with her hoof. “I want to apologize for what I did... for having... hurt you...”

Sweetie Belle closed her eyes tightly, trying to hold back her tears and waited a few seconds for the answer. All she heard was the sound of her own breathing. Maybe she is asleep, Sweetie Belle thought.

She opened her eyes and carefully removed the sheet that covered her friend, “Applebloom... I want you to know– Uh? Applebloom?” To her surprise, she wasn't on the bed. The only things under the sheet were a couple of pillows. Sweetie Belle moved the pillows and looked around in confusion, but couldn't see her friend.

“Are yah lookin' fer me, Sweetie Belle?” Applebloom called behind her.

Quickly, Sweetie Belle turned around and saw her friend standing in front of her. “Applebloom! I... I want to say that–”

“What? That yah feel bad about what yah did?” Applebloom said angrily. Something flashed in her eyes. Sweetie Belle didn't know what it was, but it made her feel a bit intimidated.

“I... I never meant to hurt you...” Sweetie Belle said tearfully, “You are my friend.”

“After what yah did to me? How can yah say we're still friends?”

“Never... Applebloom, I never–”

“No!” Applebloom yelled, “Yah said we'd be friends forever. How could yah hurt me and lie to mah face?!”

Sweetie Belle cringed. Tears glistened in her eyes. She tried to speak, but only choking sobs left her mouth.

Applebloom stomped fiercely with her right foreleg. “Ah'm sicka yer hypocrisy! Just go away! I don't wanna see yah ever again!”

Sweetie Belle felt as if her whole world was falling apart. She was devastated, broken inside. All she wanted was her friend back, but now it seemed that she would be losing her forever.

“What're ya waitin' for? Get outta here!” Applebloom shouted.

Slowly, her vision blurred and the light bled from the room. Slowly, limb by limb, Applebloom faded into the darkness.

Sweetie Belle threw herself to the ground, covering her face with both hooves as a flood of tears streamed from her eyes. “Get outta here!” echoed in her head as everything around her disappeared.

The room and Applebloom vanished completely, and Sweetie Belle became submerged in infinite darkness.

“Sweetie Belle...” a voice called in the distance.

“Sweetie Belle, wake up!”

Sweetie Belle gasped sharply as she woke up. Her heart was thumping wildly. She was still disoriented and confused. She rubbed her eyes with her hooves and saw Scootaloo sitting in front of her.

“Are you okay?” Scootaloo asked, “You're crying.” She couldn't help but show some concern in her voice.

Sweetie Belle tried to dry her tears and remember what had happened. I was with Applebloom, then she... she...

“Sweetie Belle! Are you okay?” Scootaloo repeated when she saw that Sweetie Belle was beginning to cry again.

“Yes... I think it was just a nightmare...” Sweetie Belle said as she wiped her tears. A horrible nightmare, she thought. Sweetie Belle could hardly believe it was just a nightmare, It was so real, and she really... hated me, she thought as she wiped the last tears that ran down her cheeks.

Scootaloo approached Sweetie Belle and awkwardly tried to hug her. “Em... Well, you'll be fine,” she said. Even though she did her best the little filly wasn't used to showing displays of affection.

Sweetie Belle calmed and accepted the awkward hug. “Thanks, Scoot. I think I feel better now.”

“Hey, don't mention it,” Scootaloo said. She broke their hug as a shade of red appeared on her cheeks. “Seriously, don't mention it to anypony.”

“Oh Scootaloo, I didn't know that you could be so sentimental,” said Sweetie Belle and she began to laugh.

Scootaloo blushed completely, but after a few seconds stated laughing with her.

“I'm sorry, Your Highness, but how can you say that my sister is like you? I beg your pardon if I have offended you,” Rarity said, sitting on a cushion.

“I am not offended. In fact, I understand your concerns. But I want you to know that I want to guide her. To make sure that nothing bad happens to her,” answered Luna, who was sitting in front of Rarity.

“That makes sense,” said Twilight, “That's why her magic seemed so familiar. She has the same kind of magic that you have, Luna. I wonder why I didn't notice it before.”

Luna arrived at Carousel Boutique early in the morning to explain to Twilight and Rarity exactly what was happening to Sweetie Belle. She had explained that Sweetie Belle was like her, a pony born in the darkness. The three were talking in the living room while Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were asleep. Rainbow Dash had left early.

“I don't understand, Princess. How can Sweetie Belle be like you, while my parents and I are perfectly normal unicorns?” Rarity asked. She didn't quite understand the concept of light and dark energy, or why Sweetie Belle was born in darkness.

“Yeah! And how is it possible that I didn't know anything about this? Nor could I find anything in any book, not even in Canterlot,” Twilight added.

Luna closed her eyes and admitted, “I do not even know why Sweetie Belle was born as she is. Throughout history, only four ponies, counting Sweetie Belle, were born in the dark. And only one is known who was born in the light.”

“Then it is an extremely rare event,” Twilight said. A glint appeared in her eyes. “This merits an investigation!”

“But why now?” Rarity asked, a bit of frustration crept into her voice due to the lack of a satisfactory answer. “Why did this 'darkness' have to show up right now?”

“I think I have a theory,” Twilight said catching her eye, “I think the darkness within her is directly connected to her magic. As you know, a unicorn's magic is the manifestation of their inner energy. Most likely, when her magic awoke it also awakened her inner darkness.”

“Interesting. I think you are right,” added Luna, “This must be the reason why Sweetie Belle hurt her friend, Applebloom. She was not able to control both the awakening magic and her inner darkness.”

Rarity was a bit relieved to hear this. “That means that Sweetie Belle did not intentionally hurt Applebloom.”

“Nopony was at fault for the incident,” answered Luna, “Applebloom just had the misfortune to be near Sweetie Belle when it happened.”

“First Stella dies three months ago and now this. I wish Sweetie Belle could have a break from all these horrible things,” said Rarity. The room fell silent for a few seconds. The three ponies stared at the floor and said nothing.

“I'm sorry about Stella,” said Luna, “Even though it was for a short time, I know your sister and her were good friends.”

“What will happen to Sweetie Belle now?” Twilight asked. This caught Rarity's attention. She also wanted to know what was going to happen.

“As I had told you, I would like to be with her so she could learn to control her emotions.” Luna suddenly stopped and looked at the stairs heading to the bedrooms as if she noticed something. Then she looked back towards Rarity and continued, “Emotions such as hatred, envy, and fear will be fed by her inner darkness if she cannot control them properly.”

“So you you're going to take her to Canterlot to teach her?” asked Rarity. She knew it would be best for her sister to be taught by Luna, but she couldn't help feeling uneasy about her sister living so far away.

“It would be easier to teach her, but the last thing I want is to take her away from here. Being away from her family and friends is the last thing she needs,” said Luna.

“You're right, but that means you're coming to Ponyville to teach her?” asked Twilight.

“I will try to spend as much time with her as possible. But before I can begin to teach her there is still something that Sweetie Belle has to do, a fear that she has to overcome,” said Luna.

“What kind of fear do you mean?” asked Twilight.

“You mean... Applebloom?” said Rarity. She knew that Sweetie Belle was scared of losing her as a friend. This was one of the things that most worried Rarity. If she hated her, Sweetie Belle would be devastated.

“Yes, she has to face her fear. If she does not, she could lose control,” said Luna. She looked up the stairs again and smiled. “But no matter how big her fears may be, she will always have somepony by her side to support her. She is fortunate to have so many ponies to call her friends.”

“She will always have me beside her no matter what happens!” Rarity said proudly.

Her smile faded and Luna's gaze dropped to the floor. She whispered, “If I had had friends and family as kind and understanding as she does, maybe Nightmare Moon... she might have never emerged.” Then she fell silent.

Twilight seemed to notice the change in Luna's mood and changed the topic. “What is going to happen with the two colts, those who Sweetie Belle... well, you know... those she hurt? If anypony found out what Sweetie Belle did to them, there would be many more problems.”

Luna looked up to answer, “Do not worry. At night, as I watched them dream, I made sure that they did not remember anything of what happened that day.” She paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and continued, “I do not like to get too far into the minds of ponies, but that was best for us and for them.”

“Still, I can't believe that she did that,” said Rarity.

“Sweetie Belle told me that they were bothering her for hurting Applebloom. She was afraid and still troubled by everything that had happened,” said Luna, “Her fear and anxiety were empowered by her inner darkness, making her do things she normally would not.”

“I... I want to do something to make it up to them. Something to show how sorry I am,” Sweetie Belle said, poking her head sheepishly from the top of the stairs. “I really hurt them.”

The three ponies in the living room cast their eyes towards Sweetie Belle, surprised by her presence. They had been talking for so long that they lost track of time.

Sweetie Belle slowly walked down the stairs and over to them.

“Good morning, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said as she stood up. She walked over to her little sister and nuzzle her cheek. “Oh, dear, I forget to make breakfast. I'll be back with something to eat. I don't want you be late for school.” She headed to the kitchen.

“I'll help you and I will not take no for an answer,” Twilight said as she stood up and followed Rarity into the kitchen. She smiled at the little filly. “Good morning, Sweetie Belle.”

“How do you feel, Sweetie Belle?” asked Luna. Her concerned face cracked into a smile as Scootaloo followed Sweetie Belle down the stairs. “It is good to have company after a nightmare.”

“Yeah, I'm better,” Sweetie Belle said as she smiled at Scootaloo, making her blush.

“Hey, Princess Luna!” Scootaloo said. She walked to Sweetie Belle's side and asked, “How do you know that she had a nightmare?”

“Because it is part of my job,” said Luna , “But I'm glad that Sweetie Belle had somepony by her side at the time.”

“Oh, yeah, I remember,” said Scootaloo. She forced a small smile as she blushed a little more. “What are you doing here so early, Princess?” she asked trying to get out of that embarrassing conversation.

Luna let out a little chuckle seeing Scootaloo so flushed. She looked at Sweetie Belle and said, “I came here to talk to your sister and Twilight about your training, Sweetie Belle.”

“My training...? Oh right... You'll teach me to control my emotions...” Sweetie Belle sounded discouraged. She didn't like to remember what she could do if she loses control.

“Yes, my child. But I will show you more than just how to control your emotions. How would you like to study magic under my wing as my personal student?”

“Learn magic from you!?” Sweetie Belle squeaked in surprise. Being taught by one of the princesses, one of the most powerful ponies that has ever existed, was something that really thrilled the little filly. “That's–”

“Amazing!” shouted Scootaloo, cutting off whatever Sweetie Belle was going to say. “Your going to be the student of one of the princesses! You're going to... your going to be like Twilight! And Twilight is amazing in magic.”

“I think you have a talent in magic, so I would like to help you discover that potential,” added Luna.

Scootaloo slid in front of Luna, flapping her wings in excitement. “If Sweetie Belle has talent and will be your student, does that mean that she will be an alicorn like Twilight?!”

“Mmm...” Luna led her hoof to her chin and thought for a few seconds. “Perhaps. Only time will tell.”

“Seriously?!” Sweetie Belle's eyes gleamed with excitement. “You really think I'm going to be a Alicorn?!”

Luna chuckled as Sweetie Belle trembled with excitement. “Calm down, my child.” She walked over to Sweetie Belle and put a hoof on her shoulder. “First you must learn to control the darkness within you. Then, with enough study and practice, you may join us as Twilight has.”

Sweetie Belle was about to speak, but Rarity interrupted. Peeking out from the kitchen, she called, “Sweetie Belle? Scootaloo? Come have breakfast. Hurry or you will be late for school.”

“Um... Are you okay, Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked. Even though she tried to hide it, she couldn't keep the concern out of her voice.

They were walking down Ponyville's streets. When both fillies left the Carousel Boutique they were cheerful, animated, and talking about normal things. After walking for a while, Sweetie Belle began to speak less and walk slower.

“Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked again as she turned to face Sweetie Belle.

Lost in thought, Sweetie Belle trudged slowly onward. She thought about the day before, and she couldn't help but think about the two colts. She didn't notice that Scootaloo had stopped ahead and she nearly collide with her.

Surprised to see her friend so close, Sweetie Belle jumped back. “Um... what happened?” she asked as she tried to force a small smile.

“Nothing, it's just... Are you feeling alright?”

Sweetie Belle didn't respond right away. She saw the concern in Scootaloo's eyes. “Um... yes. It's just... I was thinking... But I'm fine.” Sweetie Belle said, then began to walk again.

“Okay...” Scootaloo said as she began to walk alongside Sweetie Belle, though she was not entirely convinced.

The pair resumed their walk to school, but they walked slower and spoke less.

Sweetie Belle was lost in thought once again when Scootaloo spoke, “Hey, what about your cutie mark?”

“...uh, what do you mean?” Sweetie Belle asked, surprised by the question.

“If you're going to be a princess, because you'll be one, right? What kind of cutie mark will you have?”

“Well duh, we can't know yet. First I have to find my special talent,” Sweetie Belle said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “No! What I mean is... Princess Celestia has a sun and Princess Luna has a moon with black things. Even Twilight has some things like sparks or stars!”

“And in what way does that have to do with me?” Sweetie Belle asked, arching an eyebrow.

“Well, all the princesses have amazing cutie mark. I say, if you're going to be a princess, you should also have an amazing one.”

Sweetie Belle stopped walking, held a hoof to her chin and began to think. “Mmm... You know? I think you're right.”

“Yeah, I know!” Scootaloo said.

“But...” Sweetie Belle said, thinking a little more. Her eyes widened in terror as she realized, “What if I don't get a cutie mark amazing enough?”

“Mmm... That could be a problem...” Scootaloo lifted a hoof to her chin and pondered. “Well, all that we need to do is increase the amazingness level of our quest, right?”

“Wouldn't that be dangerous?” Sweetie Belle asked as she began to walk again.

Scootaloo walked beside Sweetie Belle. “Nah, the only thing we have to do is stop doing little things. Make more epic things!”

“What's on your mind?”

“I don't know. Maybe we could try something like hunting dragons or something like that.”

“I'm sure that's dangerous!”

“So what do you suggest?”

“Mmm... Maybe something a bit safer, perhaps if we try to take care of animals again.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “That way we'll never get an epic cutie mark. But hey, maybe before planning a new quest, we should wait for Appleblo–” She stopped abruptly, but it was too late.

“You're right...” Sweetie Belle said as she walked. She didn't noticed that Scootaloo had stayed behind.

“Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked a couple of steps behind her.

“I'm fine...” Sweetie Belle said bleakly, but she set her face in determination. “I'm fine! I know what to do!”

Scootaloo sighed, she didn't want have to resort to public displays of affection again. She returned to Sweetie Belle's side.

“Scoot...” Sweetie Belle asked hesitantly, “You... will come with me to see Applebloom?”

“Course! the Crusaders have to be together!”

“Thank,” Sweetie Belle muttered. A small smile appeared on her face. “Well, we better hurry or we'll be late!”

“Oh, that's right. Let's hurry!”

The two fillies began to gallop towards the school. A quick glance at the clock tower reminded them that class was about to begin. Ten minutes later, they arrived at their school.

“You think she is going to be mad because we showed up late?” Sweetie Belle whispered as the two walked slowly to the door.

“I hope not,” Scootaloo said, “but what scares me most is what she will tell us for missing so much school.”

“Umm, what?” Sweetie Belle said as she stopped a few steps in front of the door.

“Yeah, I know she will understand your reasons but I... Well, I've skipped class too. It's just that... you and Applebloom weren't coming to school, and I didn't want to go alone."

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes and chuckled. “Of course, because you don't have anypony who will help you with homework without us.”

“Hey, I'm perfectly capable of doing homework on my own!”

“Yeah, sure” Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes again.

Scootaloo frowned and started walking back toward the door. “Come on, let's get this over with.”

Miss Cheerilee instructed her students to take their seats, but they were still buzzing with early morning energy. The room roared chaotically with the chatter of young colts and fillies, but it was instantly silenced as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo entered the classroom. All eyes turned to the pair.

For a couple of seconds, which seemed like hours to Sweetie Belle, everything was silent. “Well, let's start with class assignments that we had for today. Everypony please be seated.” Cheerilee said, trying to ease the tension. She turned back to the two fillies in the door and said, “You too, and I hope you brought your homework.”

Scootaloo winced as she walked to her seat. “Hey, you did your homework?” she whispered to Sweetie Belle.

“Of course. Why do you ask?” Sweetie Belle said as she walked by Scootaloo's side.

Scootaloo winced again. “This is gonna be a long school day.”

“See you after the weekend and do not forget to do your homework!” Cheerilee said while all foals left the classroom. Sweetie Belle was about to leave when she was stopped by a hoof on her shoulder. “Wait, Sweetie Belle. I would like to talk with you for a while.”

“Um...” Sweetie Belle turned and looked towards Cheerilee. She knew that sooner or later she had to confront her teacher and apologize for treating her badly, but she would rather have waited a bit longer.

“I'll wait outside,” Scootaloo said as she walked towards the classroom door. She carefully avoided looking at her teacher. She didn't want to be reminded of the extra work she had to do to make up for the week she had missed.

“Are you okay?” Cheerilee asked Sweetie Belle, “Yesterday you had me worried. What happened?”

“I... I...” Sweetie Belle hesitated for a moment. She looked down and drew circles on the floor with her hoof as she tried to think about what to say.

“Sweetie Belle, you know you can trust me,” said Cheerilee, “You can tell me what happened.”

“I know, it's just... a bit complicated.” Sweetie Belle said, keeping her eyes to the ground, trying to avoid looking at her teacher.

Cheerilee lifted her right foreleg, and in a smooth movement stroked Sweetie Belle's mane. “I'm not going to force you to tell me if you don't want. But I just want to know if everything is fine.”

Sweetie Belle looked up at Cheerilee and was greeted with a warm smile. For a moment she felt the need to tell her teacher everything. But the fear of what she might think wouldn't let her do it. “I... I'll tell you what's happening, but... not now. Please... give me some time and I promise I'll tell you everything.”

Cheerilee's smile faded. She didn't like the idea that Sweetie Belle was evading her questions, but she didn't want to force her to talk if she wasn't ready. “Alright, but would you please answer one question? Is everything alright now?”

“Um... Yeah...” Sweetie Belle said anxiously. She knew that things were getting better but still weren't quite right. “Well, there is still something I have to fix... but I think everything is better now.”

“I'm glad to hear that,” Cheerilee sighed and continued, “I'll be here whenever you are ready to talk. You can go home now if you want.”

“Thanks,” Sweetie Belle said as a small smile appeared on her face, relieved at not having to say anything at the moment. She turned and took a few steps toward the door, but stopped before reaching it and turned back to her teacher. “Um... and I'm sorry.”

Cheerilee looked at Sweetie Belle and raised an eyebrow, taken by surprise by the apology. “Why are you sorry, Sweetie Belle?”

“I'm sorry for yelling at you when you came to visit me at Carousel Boutique.” Sweetie Belle lowered her head but kept looking at Cheerilee. “I know you were worried about me and I didn't have to treat you that way.”

“It's fine,” Cheerilee said with a smile that made Sweetie Belle feel better, “It wasn't a good time, and I shouldn't have tried to force you to talk if you weren't ready.”

“But still, I shouldn't have yelled at you,” said Sweetie Belle.

“I assure you that it is fine,” said Cheerilee, “I am not bothered by something as trivial as that. Now get going. I believe you have something to fix.”

“Thanks!” Sweetie Belle beamed. She left the classroom and walked towards Scootaloo.

“Now to Sweet Apple Acres?” Scootaloo asked.

Sweetie Belle nodded and the two fillies started walking.

Both fillies took their time walking. Sweetie Belle walked slowly, while Scootaloo followed closely. After a few minutes they came to Sweet Apple Acres.

With every step, Sweetie Belle wanted nothing more than to run away, but she forced herself to keep moving forward. When walking through the apple trees Sweetie Belle felt extremely anxious. She was finally about to apologize to Applebloom, but she was afraid that she would reject her apology. She couldn't live thinking that her best friend hated her.

“Sweetie Belle! Scootaloo! Boy am Ah glad'ta see you two,” said a voice from among the trees.

Sweetie Belle turned her head and found a smiling Applejack carrying a basket full of apples on her back. “Um... Hello, Applejack...” Sweetie Belle said said, unable to look directly at Applejack.

“Hey, Applejack. Can we see Applebloom?” said Scootaloo.

Applejack laid the basket on one side, and walked towards the two fillies.

Sweetie Belle kept her gaze on the ground as Applejack approached. She must hate me for hurting her sister, Sweetie Belle thought as Applejack stopped in front of her, but what she did took Sweetie Belle by surprise. Applejack wrapped her hooves around her shoulders and hugged her tightly.

Sweetie Belle remained motionless, still surprised by the unexpected hug. After a few seconds she started to hug Applejack back. “I thought you were going to hate me.”

“Ah couldn't hate one of mah sisters best friends. In fact, Ah was worried about ya,” said Applejack, “and Ah'm sure Applebloom doesn't hate ya neither.”

“I... I'm not sure about that...” Sweetie Belle said as she pulled away from Applejack. She knew that she had really hurt Applebloom, and she didn't blame her if she didn't want to be her friend again. “But at least I want to apologize to her.”

“She's in her room,” Applejack said as she began to walk towards the farm house. “Come on, let's go see her.”

Sweetie Belle nodded and started walking behind Applejack. After an awkward silent walk they arrived at the door. “Big Macintosh's out workin' in the east orchard and Granny Smith's at the market,” Applejack said as she motioned the fillies through the door.

Sweetie Belle walked inside the house and stopped in front of the stairs leading to the second floor. I hope she isn't too upset with me, Sweetie Belle thought as she watched the stairs.

“Ain't nopony in the house but Applebloom. Nopony's gonna bother ya,” Applejack said as she stood by Sweetie Belle's side, “Go on, you two. Ah'll wait here.”

Sweetie Belle hesitantly lifted one leg and placed it on the first step. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Scootaloo was still with her. To her relief, she was waiting expectantly to follow her up the stairs. Feeling slightly relieved, Sweetie Belle climbed the stairs.

On the second floor, Sweetie Belle walked through a hallway and stopped in front of her friend's bedroom door. Applebloom... Images from her nightmare flashed through her minds as she reached for the doorknob. She must hate me...

Sweetie Belle glanced at Scootaloo, searching for anything to giver her confidence. Scootaloo nodded and said, “I'll be by your side.”

Come on, you can do it. Just open the door and apologize, thought Sweetie Belle. She opened the door and slowly entered the room. Scootaloo stepped into the room behind her.

Applebloom was fast asleep. Sweetie Belle's heart began to beat faster at the sight of her friend lying on the bed. I... I can't do this...

Scootaloo slowly walked to Sweetie Belle's side. “Look, I think she's waking up,” she whispered when she noticed some movement in the bed.

Sweetie Belle froze when she saw Applebloom's eyes slowly opened and fix on her. “Swe... Sweetie Belle?” Applebloom muttered as she stared at her.

“A... Apple... Appleboom...” Sweetie Belle said, she tried to say something else, but a lump of fear rose in her throat and choke the words she wanted desperately to say. “I... I want...”

Applebloom tried to get out of bed but stopped abruptly. She winced in pain and put a hoof on one side of her head. Scootaloo was about to run and help her but was stopped when Applebloom lowered her hoof and seemed to calm down.

This is my fault, Sweetie Belle thought, I am the cause of her suffering. She stepped back, looked at the door and then returned her gaze to Applebloom. She doesn't deserve a friend who hurt her as I did.

“Sweetie Belle?”Scootaloo asked. She had never seen Sweetie Belle so scared.

I don't ever wanna hurt her again, Sweetie Belle thought as she took another step backward.

“Sweetie Belle, it's–” but she was cut short as Sweetie Belle bolted from the room.

“Sorry!” echoed down the hallway as she ran. As the echoed faded, Applebloom and Scootaloo were left with nothing but confusion... and silence.

It's not too late

“Ugh, I can’t believe it. This gotta be a mistake.” How is it possible that Scootaloo get a better score than me on the test!?

“Are you still upset about that, Applebloom?” Scootaloo groaned. Yes, Scoot, and asking doesn't help. I know I'm not the best student, but I'm definitely a better one than you.

“Ya sure ya didn't cheat? I have a hard time believin' ya got a better score than me.” To be honest, everypony in class got a better score than me. It isn't fair though! I've been busy on the farm picking apples. Winter's coming and I didn't have time to study.

“Hey! I don't need to cheat to get a good score!”

I rolled my eyes as I walk behind Scoot to the door. “Sure, whatever ya say.” I still think that she cheated.

“Well, what should we do to get our cutie marks today?” Scoot asked as we walked out of the classroom and into the schoolyard.

“I don't know. Any idea, Sweetie Belle?... Sweetie Belle?” I asked, but received no answer. What happened? Why she doesn't answer me. “Sweetie Belle, are you listening?”

I looked over my shoulder and saw Sweetie Belle trailing behind me. She looked distracted and moved slowly. “Sweetie Belle! Hello, Equestria to Sweetie Belle! Are you with us!” Scoot shouted, snapping her out of her trance.

“Sorry, do you said something?” Sweetie Belle asked. What could be on her mind that would distract her like this?

“Yeah! Applebloom was wondering if you had any idea to get our cutie marks?” Scootaloo cried in exasperation.

“Oh, sorry. It's just... I don't know, I feel... a bit distracted,” Sweetie Belle said with a small smile, but she still looked a little distant.

“Are ya sure yer alright?” I wouldn't mind holding off on our crusading if Sweetie felt bad. Okay, I would be a mite bothered, but it could wait.

“Yeah, I'm fine. I just need to stop thinking so much and focus a bit more,” Sweetie Belle said as she caught up to us.

“If ya say so. Got any ideas?” I asked as we walked away from the school.

“Mmm... I don't know. Haven't we already tried everything?” Sweetie Belle asked as she looked blankly into the distance.

“There must be something we haven't done yet,” said Scootaloo, who ignored Sweetie Belle's distraction.

“Oh, I know!” Sweetie Belle screamed next to me, loud enough to make my ears ring. “Why don't we try something different?”

“Like what?” Scootaloo asked in confusion. That's exactly what I wondered. What could be different that we haven't already tried?

Sweetie Belle paused. “Well, what if we try...” she pondered for a moment, “something... psychic. Like telepathy.”

“Psy what? Isn't that what unicorns do to move things?” Scootaloo questioned. Come on Scoot, even I know what that means... I think.

“No, that's Telekinesis. What I'm saying is try to talk to each other with our minds.”

“Ooooh, and we can try to predict the future, like Pinkie does,” Scootaloo said.

“How're we gonna do that?” Thoughts of seeing the future ran through my mind. I wonder what Applejack is getting me for my birthday.

“Maybe if we focus on each other. Let me try...” Scootaloo say as she tried to focus. I don't think closing your eyes and squirming like you have to go to the little filly's room helps, Scoot.

“Maybe we should go somewhere else. Other ponies are lookin' at us weird.” I turn my head to the side and see a group of ponies watching us, and I'm sure one of them is laughing.

I give Scootaloo a gentle shove to make her stop. “Cut it out, Scoot! I don't want everypony lookin' at us like that.”

“Fine, but how will we know we can't do it if we don't try?” Scootaloo said. She looks a bit frustrated, probably for having been interrupted.

“What if we try in that– agh!” Sweetie Belle said, lifting a hoof and massaging her head as if she had been hit. “...alley there.”

“Are you okay, Sweetie Belle?” Scoot asked, noticing Sweetie's grunt of pain.

Sweetie Belle lowered back her hoof to the ground and looked back toward the alley. “I'm fine. It's just a little headache, nothing serious.”

“Are ya sure yer alright? Ah mean, we can take ya ta the hospital if yer feelin' bad. Then we could tell Rarity,” I said as I took a step closer to Sweetie Belle. She had been acting weird ever since we left school. Maybe she wasn't feeling well.

“I'm fine, I told you that it was nothing serious,” Sweetie Belle said as she walked toward the alley, “Come on girls, let see if we can get our cutie marks.”

“Y'all stay here. Ah'll go look for her.” Applejack said as she trotted toward the door.

“But...”

“No, Applebloom! Ah know ya wanna look for her, but yer in no condition ta go out right now.”

“We... we should wait here... if she comes back...” Scootaloo said, standing by the bed where Applebloom was sitting upright. She looked worried, and her gaze shifted between the door and the bed. As if she was debating whether to go after Sweetie Belle or stay to take care of Applebloom.

“Fine! But Ah told'ya Ah'm better now!” Applebloom said as she crossed her forelegs in front of her chest and leaned back on the bed.

Applejack sighed and looked to Applebloom with a sad smile. “Ah know, sugarcube. Just let me do mah job as yer big sister and protect'ya.” She turned toward the door and left the room without saying any more.

Scootaloo kept looking toward the door for a couple seconds. When Applejack's hoofsteps faded she turned toward Applebloom. “I guess you won't stay here and wait for her?”

“Nope,” Applebloom replied as she slid down off the bed.

Scootaloo watched as Applebloom trotted to the door. After a brief hesitation she followed after her, calling, “Hey, wait up for me!”

“I... I'm a bad friend,” Sweetie Belle murmured between sobs as she galloped through the fields of Sweet Apple Acres. “I... I hurt one... of my best friends, and now... I couldn't even apologize to her.”

Sweetie Belle stopped for a moment to catch her breath and looked behind. “A coward and a bad friend like me doesn't deserve to have friends as good as them.” She returned her gaze forwards and started to walk.

Sweet Apple Acres was huge, and Sweetie Belle just wandered aimlessly through it. Part of her wanted to return to her friends. She had a feeling that Scootaloo and maybe even Applebloom would forgive her, but the guilt of her actions paralyzed her. She didn't deserve their forgiveness.

“What will happens if I lose control again? If I hurt somepony again? What If I hurt Scootaloo or Applebloom again? I don't want that to happen,”Sweetie Belle said to herself. She walked to a little apple tree and lay down in its shadow.

“Ah don't think this is gonna work, Scoot,” Applebloom said skeptically. Scootaloo had been trying to read her mind for almost ten minutes now.

“Come on Scoot, let me or Applebloom try now,” I said as I walked to her side, “Do you want to go first, Applebloom?”

“Ah, c'mon! I was really close this time!” snarled Scootaloo. She took a few steps back to give us some space. “Fine, but you both should work with each other. I don't think you could handle my mind's sheer awesomeness.” Apparently Rainbow Dash was teaching her more than just flying.

We both rolled our eyes in unison. Apparently Applebloom was thinking the same thing that I was.

“Ah still don't think it's possible,” Applebloom said.

“Oh, come on, Applebloom. This won't work if you don't show interest. I think that if you... you...”

“Sweetie Belle. Are you sure that you are okay?” Agh, I feel it again. Like something is calling me, and I feel kinda numb.

“Yes, I’m fine.” I said and Applebloom withdrew her hoof from my shoulder. When did she put her hoof on my shoulder? Agh! It felt like something was trying to claw its way out of me and drag me in at the same time. Why did I keep saying that I was fine?

“Are ya sure? Ya look tired.” I told you already I'm fine. Though I'm not fully sure that's true. Why do you kept insisting?

“I didn't noticed it before, but you really look beat. We can put off our quest until you feel better.” Now you too, Scoot!? I told you that I'm fine! And now why I feel so upset?

“I told you that I'm fine. Now, can we get this over?” I thought that my voice was normal, but their concerned looks told me that I may have shouted. Scootaloo stared at me for a few seconds, then she resumed her position a few steps away. When did she move to my side?

“Alright. Ah'll give it a try,” Applebloom said as she concentrated. Well, at least she didn't look like she has to pee like Scootaloo.

Should I do something? Maybe if I think about AppleBloom. Maybe if I... I... Argh! Is happening again. It's like if my... thoughts are... fading. I think we should stop and rest for awhile, but...

“Sweetie Belle, I don't think this is gonna work. After five minutes it's obvious that it ain't gonna happen.” Five minutes? That couldn't be right. It only felt like a few seconds had passed.

“Sweetie Belle, are you going to try it?”

“Yes, just be still.” I closed my eyes and tried to focus, but what should I focus on? Should I focus on Applebloom? But what about her? How she looks, how she acts, her personality, or maybe just how annoying she is being today...

“I still don't believe that it's possible for a pony to read minds.” Oh, shut up. I know you think it's impossible. Even I'm starting to think it's impossible, but I want to at least give it a try. Just give me a minute to focus.

“Sweetie Belle? Ah think that'cha should stop.” Oh c'mon! it hasn't even passed two minutes, let me try a bit more.

“Umm, what are you doing Sweetie Belle?” I think is obvious what I'm doing, Scoot. Now, if both could be quiet I could focus. “Sweetie Belle, I think that your horn is shining...”

“I think that... you... should stop... I am starting to... feel... weird...” And I'm getting tired of hearing you.

“Sweetie Belle, Seriously, stop! I think you're hurting Applebloom!”

“Oh, shut up both of you! I'm trying to focus!” Why did they keep bothering me? I just want them to be still and not speak.

“Stop! you're hurting her, Sweetie Belle!”

High in the clouds above Sweet Apple Acres, a team of weather pegasi were organizing a cluster of clouds for a light drizzle.

The pony in charge of the weather team was a pegasus mare with a pale greyish-blue coat. Her name was Cloud Kicker. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted something moving near a tree below. She descended to investigate and warn whoever it was about the rain.

When she was close to the ground she saw the familiar form of a little filly. Though Cloud Kicker never had the time to meet her properly before, she recognized Rarity's little sister, Sweetie Belle.

Cloud Kicker landed near Sweetie, relieved that she was alright. She remembered the panic that had gripped the town when she had gone missing. Then she noticed that something wasn't quite right. Sweetie Belle was crying.

“Sweetie Belle,” said Cloud Kicker, walking slowly toward the filly, “Are you okay?”

She was so lost in thought that she didn't even notice Cloud Kicker was there until she placed a hoof on her shoulder. Sweetie Belle squeaked at the unexpected touch. She turned her head away and attempted to dry her tears. “Uh, hello... emm... Miss Cloud Kicker.”

“Hello, Sweetie Belle. Are you okay?” asked Cloud Kicker again.

“Umm... Yeah, I'm fine,” said Sweetie Belle as she tried to dry her eyes and force a smile.

Cloud Kicker knew that something wasn't right and that the filly was forcing herself to hide it. “Sweetie Belle, I know that something is wrong. I can see the pain behind your smile.”

“Well, I...” Sweetie Belle didn't want to bother Cloud Kicker, but she couldn't lie. She needed to talk to somepony. A tear ran down her cheek while she contemplated what to say. “I... I'm scared, and... I don't know what to do.”

Of all ponies, Sweetie Belle never thought that she would speak about that with Cloud Kicker. She only knew Cloud kicker as one of Rainbow Dash's friends and for some things that Rarity warned about her. But in that moment she just wanted to talk with anypony who would listen to her.

The same way, Cloud Kicker only knew Sweetie Belle as Rarity's little sister and as the mischievous crusader, but she knew that she had to do something to help her. She sat by Sweetie Belle's side and said, “Tell me what happened, maybe I can help you.”

Sweetie Belle tried to think carefully about what she was going to say while wiping her tears. She looked to her hooves and sighed. “I... I'm afraid of lose my friends... I... I hurt Applebloom and now, I didn't even... apologize to her. I... I'm scared of hurting her again.”

For almost half a minute the silence remained between the two. Cloud Kicker thought about how to answer. “Sweetie Belle, I'm... I'm probably not the best pony to give this kind of advice, but at least I know what it's like to fight with a friend.”

“But I really hurt Applebloom! And... when I went to apologize her, I... I panicked. I... didn't knew what to do. When... when I saw her in the bed, I... I...” A few tears fell to the ground as Sweetie Belle remembered her friend in bed. “I knew that she... was there because of me. That she... she must hate me...”

A tiny smile formed on Cloud Kicker's face, one that Sweetie Belle noticed and made her frown. “Oh sorry, it's just... Well, you reminded me a little bit of me,” said Cloud Kicker when she noticed the expression on the filly's face.

“What do you mean?” Sweetie Belle asked, wanting to know why she thought that she resembled her.

“Well, you don't exactly reminded me of me. You remind me of something that happened to me. You know that Rainbow Dash and I are good friends, right?” Cloud Kicker asked. Sweetie nodded in response so she continued, “Well, what few know is that Rainbow and I almost killed each other back in flight camp. We were good friends before, and we are still good friends now.”

Sweetie Belle looked up in surprise at Cloud Kicker, how can that be true? They seem to get along very well, she thought. Sweetie Belle thought for a few seconds until she decided to ask, “How... how did you become friends again?”

Cloud Kicker smiled but after a few seconds that smile lost its strength as she remembered. “Well, it wasn't easy, I can assure you that.

“At first I didn't want to see her, far less talk to her. But Rainbow kept insisting and you should know how stubborn she is. Well, I finally decided to give it another chance and we became friends again.”

Cloud Kicker's smile back, this time with more force. “There are no friendships that aren't worth the fight, Sweetie Belle.”

A small glimmer of hope appeared in Sweetie Belle's eyes, but was overshadowed by doubt as she looked towards the barn in the distance. “What if I hurt her again? I don't want to see her suffer.”

“Sweetie Belle, no pony is perfect,” Cloud Kicker said as she put a wing over Sweetie Belle's shoulders, “I can't tell you that you aren't going to hurt her again. I can't predict the future. But if you really care about her you should do everything possible to prevent that happen. Even though you hurt her, you should stay by her side to let her know that you really care about her and that you're willing to do whatever it takes to keep her friendship.

“Believe me, the worst thing you can do is run away. Thats doesn't fix anything. I'm telling you from experience, Sweetie Belle. Who knows, maybe she isn't upset.”

Sweetie Belle thought for a moment while she looked at the barn in the distance. well, she didn't look upset when she looked at me in her room. She felt bad for leaving the room without saying anything.

Sweetie Belle turned to Cloud Kicker with a big smile on her face. “Thanks, Cloud. I think you're right! I should stop complaining so much and make things right with Applebloom.”

Cloud Kicker answered Sweetie Belle's smile with a smile too. “Yeah, I wish I could solve my own problems that easy. Anyway, you don't have to thank me and, if you need anything else you can always count on me,” she said as she stood on four legs.

“Oh and thanks for not prying. I'm still not comfortable talking about that,” said Sweetie Belle as she stood by Cloud Kicker's side.

“It's ok. We all have things that we prefer to keep secret, but don't let those things stop you from being with the ponies that you love.” Cloud Kicker stepped forward and prepared to take flight.

“Good to know that not everything that Rarity says about you is true,” said Sweetie Belle just before Cloud Kicker rise in the air.

Cloud Kicker grimaced and turned her gaze to Sweetie Belle. “What does she say– You know what? Better not tell me. See you later, Sweetie Belle!” She opened her wings and soared into the air towards the others pegasi.

Come on, Sweetie Belle. Let's go back. It's not too late, Sweetie Belle thought. She began to gallop back to the barn with more self-confidence.

Argh! Why is everything... dark? My head... hurt... What... what happened? I was... I was with... Scootaloo and... with... Sweetie Belle, then... I was... I... I can’t remember... I... I was running? Why I... why was I... running?

Sweetie Belle... She... she... did something... I... she... hurt... me... She hurt me? But... why? She... was... upset? No, she... she felt... different... so... distant...

“But why? Why did this happened, Twilight?” Who... that is... that is Applejack's voice... But... I can’t... see her... I... I need see her...

“I do not know, Applejack. Sweetie Belle has always been good. I have no explanation for why she acted that way.” Twilight... is... is here too... Where I am? I can... I can’t see...

“It's hard'ta believe that Sweetie did this.” But... wasn't her.... It didn't... feel like... her...

“I'm not sure that she did it, at least not voluntarily. I have to do some research.”

Sweetie Belle... she really... hurt me... But... she... I... I don't think that... she... Something must be... happening to her. I need... see her... I need to know... what... happens to her... I... Argh! My... head... hurt...

“We should... Princess Celestia... she must... how... Applebloom!” Argh! I can’t... hear them... My head is... starting to... hurt... again...

“No! I mean, I... handle... on my own...”

“Twilight, Ah know y'are... but... Applebloom... If we do not... quick...”

“Please, Applejack... trust... just... some time...” Sweetie Belle... I need... be with... her... Something... happens... to her... I felt like... she... fades...

“Okey, Twilight... Ah trust ya... help mah...”

Sweetie Belle...

I am... losing... you?

...

“Are you sure about this?” said Scootaloo as she followed Applebloom, “I think it's going to rain. Applebloom I think that–”

“Oh come on, Scoot! Yer the one who's always tryin' dangerous stuff, and now yer tellin' me that we should go home?”

“But...” Scootaloo sighed and gave up on trying to convince her. She knew how stubborn Applebloom could be. “Where do you think she went?”

Applebloom stopped to think for a moment. As she thought she felt a little headache but ignored it and concentrated on looking for her friend. “Ah dunno. Ya think she went'ta the clubhouse?”

“I don't think...” Scootaloo knew that something was bothering her, but she chose to ignore it. She already knew how Applebloom would respond if she asked. “I think it's a very obvious place. She must have gone somewhere else.”

“Yeah, yer right,” said Applebloom as she began to walk again, “Applejack said that she didn't see her leave the farm, so she should still be around.”

Both fillies walked through the fields of Sweet Apple Acres looking for Sweetie Belle. They searched around for several minutes but couldn't find her.

“Applebloom... Can I ask you something?” said Scootaloo, walking behind Applebloom.

“Sure, but make it quick. We gotta find Sweetie Belle,” said Applebloom without stopping or looking back.

“Do you... do you hate Sweetie Belle?”

Applebloom stopped mid-step, taken off guard by the question. She looked at Scootaloo and answered, “'Course Ah don't hate her. If Ah hated her Ah wouldn't be lookin' for her.”

“I guess, but... she hurt you...” said Scootaloo, lowering her gaze a bit toward the ground.

Applebloom opened her mouth but then closed it without saying anything. She looked down and stayed that way for a couple of seconds until she was sure what she would say. She looked up at Scootaloo again and said, “Ah'm... scared. Ah don't know how'ta describe it. When Sweetie... attacked me, there was somethin' different about her. Like it wasn't really her.”

Applebloom looked away for Scootaloo for a few seconds and looked toward the fields. “Ah'm scared...” she said as she returned her gaze to Scootaloo, “Ah'm scared of losin' her.”

The silence remained for nearly a minute. Scootaloo wanted to say something but couldn't think of anything. After a while, Applebloom began to walk again and Scootaloo followed her closely.

“You know, she's also afraid of losing you,” said Scootaloo as she passed by Applebloom's side and stopped in front of her, “she's afraid that you hate her.”

“Really?” said Applebloom.

“Yeah, but I think that everything is going to end well in the end, because we're all still friends, right?” said Scootaloo with a smile.

“Ah hope so, but Ah'm still worried about her. Somethin' might'a happened to her.”

“Well, I don't know the details,” said Scootaloo as she began to walk again, “but I think that she is going to be ok.”

“What makes ya say that?” Applebloom asked, walking beside Scootaloo.

“It seems that Princess Luna is going to teach her.”

“Wow, really? Sweetie Belle's gonna be Princess Luna's student?” Applebloom shouted in surprise, “Then she's gonna be like Twilight, and Twilight is awesome at magic!”

“I know, Right?” said Scootaloo with a smile even bigger than the last.

A light drizzle fell upon Sweet Apple Acres as Sweetie Belle made her way back to the farmhouse. She didn't mind being in the rain, all that she cared about was what she would tell Applebloom. “What should I say? Oh, hey Applebloom, sorry I put you in a coma. Can we still be friends?” she said to herself. With a shake of her head she discard that idea, No, I can't just show up and say that. I need to say more.

Sweetie Belle approached the barn, then she suddenly froze. Taking shelter under a nearby tree were Scootaloo and Applebloom. Sweetie instinctively recoiled, frightened by the thought of confronting Applebloom.

After a second step back, Sweetie Belle frowned. Come on Sweetie Belle! You can’t chicken out now!

With trembling hooves, Sweetie Belle managed to take a couple of steps forward. She was about to take another step when she froze in place, her gaze crossing Applebloom's. They both stood still, looking at each other for nearly a minute. Sweetie Belle was starting to tremble and insecurity began to grow within her.

Slowly, Applebloom left the protection of the tree and walked towards Sweetie Belle, not caring that she got wet. She walked slowly until she was only a few feet in front of Sweetie Belle. She said nothing. Neither did Sweetie Belle. The two just stood there watching each other.

Scootaloo stayed behind under the tree. She saw Sweetie Belle, but she didn’t move. Scootaloo knew that this was something that the two should resolve alone, and she would probably only get in the way. She never liked this kind of cheesy stuff.

Come on, say something. She must be waiting for you to say something, Sweetie Belle thought. With more effort than she thought it would take, Sweetie Belle took a step forward. She was about to burst into tears, but she used all the strength she could to hold back. “Applebloom... I... I... I'm sorry!” she said with tears welling in her eyes, “I hurt you and I'm so sorry!”

Sweetie Belle wiped a tear running down her cheek and tried to calm down a bit. “Applebloom, I don't expect you to forgive me, but... I want you to know that I'm sorry. Even if you don't want to be my friend again; I want you to know that I really care about you. That no matter what happens, you'll always be one of the most important ponies in my life.”

Applebloom remained silent, listening to what Sweetie Belle said. She took a few steps and stopped right in front of Sweetie Belle, their noses almost touching.

What happened next came as a surprise to Sweetie Belle. With a flick of her right foreleg, Applebloom slapped her on the cheek. Sweetie Belle was shocked but didn't resist. She looked away as tears sprung from her eyes. But what really caught Sweetie Belle by surprise was what Applebloom said.

“Do ya have any idea how worried Ah was!?” Applebloom cried. She tried to sound angry but tears running down her face. “And who said Ah didn't wanna be friends no more!?”

“But... I hurt you... I'll understand if you're upset at me...” Sweetie Belle said, slipping her gaze to the floor.

“Yeah, Ah'm upset,” said Applebloom, placing a hoof under Sweetie's chin. She lifted her face to look her in the eye. “Ah was upset because I knew you were hurtin' and I couldn't do anythin' about it.

“Sweetie Belle, Ah don't hate ya, and the last thing Ah wanna do is lose yer friendship,” said Applebloom as she returned her hoof to the ground with a smile on her face.

For a few seconds, Sweetie Belle remained silent. She had expected Applebloom to be angry. Though she was happy to be wrong, she couldn't help but think about her problem. “But... what if I hurt you again? I don't want to see you suffer.”

“Ah... Ah don't want that ta happen again,” said Applebloom as she closed her eyes and shuddered. Images from that day raced through her mind. She opened her eyes and looked back at her friend with determination. “But if that's the price I gotta pay to be yer friend, Ah'm more than willin'ta take the risk.”

“I... I...” Sweetie Belle tried to say something, but the words were drowned out by a blend of different feelings within her. She collapsed on the ground as floods of tears sprang from her eyes.

Applebloom couldn't contain himself and rushed to hug Sweetie Belle as she too let out her tears. Both stood for a long time together, maintaining their embraced while one wept over the other. Tears mingled with the continuously growing rain, but neither of the two cared. The only thing that mattered at that moment was that they were together.

After venting, they broke their hug, but now they each had a broad smile on her face. “Friends?” said Sweetie Belle offering a hoof.

“Best friends!”

Sweetie Belle got up and hugged Applebloom but this time with a smile instead of tears. They separated and and looked to one side. Scootaloo was by their side with a hoof close to her eyes. “Are you... crying?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Ermm, no! I'm not crying, it's... is rain,” Scootaloo said in defense, “Yeah, it's the rain. A drop must have fallen near my eye.”

“Sure Scoot,” said Applebloom as she rolled her eyes.

“Hey, Applebloom,” said Sweetie Belle with a mischievous smile, “I think Scootaloo needs a hug too.”

Applebloom looked at Sweetie Belle and a similar smile formed on her face.

“Don't you dare,” said Scootaloo as she stepped back. She turned and was about to start running, but was trapped by her two friends who jumped on her. “Help!”