The coming of a new year.by QuickScriptChaptersThe Return to PonyvilleA bond created.The rescuersGenerosity's sisterSweetie's Bell stops ringing.The Return to PonyvilleAs I walked into my sister's boutique I was met by an onslaught of falling fabrics and gems. "This is the WORST possible thing that could've happened. Twenty dresses in 3 weeks?! I'm going to be working non-stop to make this deadline!" I heard from the back of the shop. As I moved further into the shop I noticed a pile of bills that looked like they'd been stacking up for weeks now. 'What's happened since I left?' I wondered to myself. I looked around at the various disrepair the shop was in. The curtains looked like parasprites lived in them, the tables were starting to rot at the base, and the kitchen was full of take-out and dirty dishes. "Rarity!" I shouted into the back room. "Is that you Sweetie?" I heard Rarity ask. "Yeah!" "Oh I'll be right out dear I just have to clean up my inspiration room a bit. Go ahead and make yourself at home!" I walked over to one of the tables and flipped through the stacks of bills and letters. 'Hmmm.' I thought to myself. "Oh Sweetie don't bother yourself with that." Rarity says walking over and taking the papers from the table and putting them in her inspiration room. "You know if you're having financial troubles I could help? Lyra and Octavia wouldn't mind lending their singer a few extra bits." "No no, I'm fine I actually just got a huge commission today from the very famous Sapphire Shores." "Are you sure?" "Yes yes don't worry yourself with me I'll get by." "So how has ponyville been since I left?" "Oh it's been such a bore. Twilight finally managed to graduate from being Celestia's apprentice and now teaches at the Canterlot University, Rainbow became a wonderbolt as you know and Pinkie opened her own party agency, Applejack is still at the farm although after Granny Smith passed sales dropped slightly because of the zap apple jam never being the same. But she gets by. Fluttershy opened a sanctuary down in Appleloosa but even with her best efforts the buffalo are still declining in numbers. And myself isn't doing as hot as I used to." Rarity said walking around rolling up the cloth rolls and picking up fallen gems. "Why didn't you ever tell me what happened?" "I didn't want you to worry about me while you were touring with your group." I sighed. "Your generosity is getting the best of you sis." "I know, I know, but I just feel so bad about the ponies who come in for a dress and it's just sometimes some of them can't get the funds for their dresses and I can't just say no." "If you keep doing this you're going to go bankrupt. I don't want to see your life's dream just waste away because you couldn't say no." "Listen, why don't you go visit Applejack while I clean up? I'm sure she'd love to see an old friend." "Alright, but don't think this topic has been dropped." "Yes yes we'll talk about it later now go see Applejack." As I left the shop I noticed a small tear in my sister's eye. About ten minutes later I walked up to the old red farmhouse of Sweet Apple Acres. "APPLEJACK!" I yelled. "Now Whatcha goin' yellin' about now?" I heard from inside. "Is that you Applejack?" "Now who's askin'?" "It's me Sweetie Belle." "Sweetie? Hmmm lemme think. Oh yes! Apple Seed let young Sweetie Belle in." 'Apple Seed?' As the door creaked open it revealed a small filly around 8 or 9 years old. She looked remarkably similar to Granny Smith in her young age except without the strange hairstyle. "Howdy!" The filly said with a huge grin on her face. "Good morning young one could you take me to Applejack?" "Sure 'nuff! Follow me!" The filly said scampering into the house. I noticed a slight deterioration in the old farmhouse but nonetheless it looked as good as ever. "Sweetie Belle!" Applejack said standing up from her matriarchal chair. As we embraced in a good old Apple family style hug I noticed Apple Seed run off to another room. "How are ya then?" Applejack said in her usual drawl. "I've been doing brilliant since Hoity Toity signed my group onto one of his labels." "Ain't that good." Applejack groaned as she sat back down and grimaced. "So how has the farm been doing? Rarity said you were having a little trouble keeping up lately." "Well I obviously can't applebuck anymore and Big Mac is out on the animal preserve with Fluttershy so I'm left all by my lonesome except for Caramel. Not many ponies buy zap apple jam since Granny died. I still miss her. We all do." "I'm sorry I couldn't make the funeral." I said with downcast eyes. "Now don't you be gettin' all sad Granny knows ya would've been there if ya could but ya have yer own life to live. She wouldn't want ya dwelling on hers." "I know. But I feel bad about leaving you guys to grieve." "Our grievin' is over. We all moved on and so'll you." "Thanks Applejack. Well I would like to stay longer but I should probably get back to Rarity seeing how she told me give her ten minutes and it took me that long to get here." "Alright but make sure ya come back now ya hear?" "Yes Applejack. Goodbye for now." As I left the farm she couldn't help but have a bad feeling about what was to come. A bond created.As I walked into the old club I noticed a certain gray mare standing by the turn table along with a memorable electric blue mane. "Rarity," I said getting her sister's attention, "That's Octavia!" "Really now? In this club? Oh well we must go meet her." As we wandered through the pulsing crowd of ponies I noticed a group of stallions in particular sit at a table and watch our progress. "Octavia!" I said as we approached the classical gray mare. "What are you doing back in ponyville again?" "Oh my Sweetie? Why I'm just here to meet my wife Vinyl for a night on the town." "Oh you two finally got married? I'm so thrilled for you both!" "Right? Tavi here was all this and that about it because we're fillyfoolers but we got the princesses to sanctify it for us!" Vinyl Scratch said squeezing between us. "And why didn't I get an invitation?" Rarity thundered in. "Er, uh, TAVI!" Vinyl said shoving the mare in front of her. Even Octavia, the endlessly cool cellist, cowered under Rarity's glare. "Well um, I would have sent an invitation but I guess it slipped my mind while me and Sweetie were traveling." At this Rarity stormed off to the bar to go get a drink still muttering about 'unthoughtful ponies' and 'made their dresses'. "So. Where are you two going for the honeymoon?" I asked to break the tension her sister had left. "Oh we're just going to stay in ponyville. Maybe expand our home since we're going to have an addition to the family soon." "You're kidding me?" "Not at all, while our ensemble was last in Canterlot I went and saw Twilight at the magic university and she gave me a potion formula that allows me or Vinyl to turn into a stallion for a year." "Really? Who's going to be the stallion?" "We've decided Vinyl since I have to run off and play all the time." "Hey I play too!" "But not in broad daylight." "True." "Alright well my sister's been by the bar quite some time so I'll see you guys later?" "Sure 'nuff." "Indeed." As I walked over to the bar I noticed the strange men still watching me warily. "Hey sis you alright?" "Urghhhh." "Hmm maybe not." I suddenly noticed a very familiar person from my filly days. "SPIKE!" "Huh?" The purple dragon said before being tackled by the white mare. "Spike it's so good to see you!" I said hugging my childhood crush. "Sweetie Belle? Is that you?" The dazed dragon asked. "Yep!" "Still got those lungs huh?" "Oh please it's not like you hated them during our private times" I said flicking her tail on his nose. Spike blushed deeply at that. "So uh why are you in Ponyville? I thought you were touring with Lyra and Octavia." "I was. But the tour's over and I'm back home to check up on everypony." "Oh. So how've you been?" "Oh you know. Been dealing with typical stuck up ponies in Canterlot." Suddenly from behind her Sweetie heard a loud snoring. "Oh um would you mind taking Rarity home?" Sweetie said sheepishly. Spike groaned and stood up. "I may as well. VINYL! I'M TAKING THE REST OF THE NIGHT OFF!" "ALRIGHT!" They heard from up front. "Thanks." "No prob." As Spike lifted the sleeping Rarity and headed towards the boutique I walked back in to say goodbye to my fellow musician and friend. After saying my goodbyes I set off for the Carousal Boutique. As I walked along the lonely road I felt another presence behind me. Twirling around I shouted "Who's there?!" Seeing no one I continued my walk to the boutique. Suddenly I felt something heavy grab me from behind and stuff a bag on my head. "HEY! LET ME GO!" I shouted until something heavy hit me on the back of the head. After I slumped down in unconsciousness one of the thugs clicked out a phone. "We've got her." 2 hours later I groaned as she managed to stand up. "Where am I?" "You're still in ponyville. No one's going to hear you though." A voice from the corner said. "Who're you?" I asked. "I'm surprised you don't recognize me." The voice said as it stood up and walked into the lamplight to reveal a thin and gaunt Silver Spoon. I gasped in surprise at her old rival's condition. Quickly I ran over to her to look her over. "Hey, what the, huh?" Silver shouted out inconsistently between the random prods and pokes I was giving her. After giving her a complete and thorough check up I threw Silver into a hug and started sobbing. Recovering from the shock of what had just happened Silver hugged her back and softly stroked my mane. "Why are we here?" I asked through my tears. "I don't know yet." Silver said with an unknowing look towards the door. Suddenly a loud bang came from outside along with a stream of cursing. After the cursing stopped they heard some very loud snoring. "What're we going to do?" I asked. "Wait I guess. We don't have much strength between us." Silver said poking me in my squishy forearm. "Hey! It's not like you have much upper body either." I said pouting. "Never said I did." After about 2 hours a slot in the door opened and food was pushed through. "Don't eat it. It's drugged to bog your mind." Silver said quietly. I looked longingly at the food but resigned to not eating it. 12 hours later "I'm so hungryyyyy" I whined. "Wait. Aren't you able to use magic?" SIlver said realizing her friend's abilities. I facehoofed so hard a rock would've hit me lighter. "Yeah. I can." I said before concentrating. "AHHHHHHHHHH" I yelled as I felt a strong electrical current course through my body. "STOP CONCENTRATING!" I heard Silver yell through my pain. After I stopped and slumped over Silver ran over and flipped my hair off my horn revealing a metal device glowing with residual energy. "They put a dampener on you. Don't you dare do that again." Silver said hugging me close and sobbing. "Don't worry I don't want to really feel like that again." The next time food came through Silver pushed it closer to me. "I thought you said it bogs my mind?" I asked through the pain. "It does but you need to eat so you don't hurt as much." "Why are you being so nice to me? We used to hate each other. What changed?" SIlver sighed and started on her story. "After you crusaders left to follow your dreams me and Diamond Tiara stayed here in Ponyville. After a while our friendship started falling apart because Diamond went off to university while I stayed here to tend to my parents. She'd write every so often to tell me about how she was but I could tell the strain the distance was causing. Eventually she came back to visit but we sort of had a falling out after I told her I was going to become a Silver smith. She hasn't talked to me in years and it's just nice to see a familiar face that doesn't hate me." I had tears silently streaming down my face when she finished and all I could do was just lean forward and hug her. "Thank you Sweetie but I'm fine." Silver said. "No you're not. I know what it feels like when a friend drifts away. I haven't talked to Scootaloo or Applebloom in about 5 years and I'm thrilled to be touring but it's so lonely without real friends. I mean Lyra and Octavia are nice ponies but they're like 15 years older than me and the only thing we have in common is our talents. When I heard that Applebloom was going on to Equestria Global Construction I was thrilled for her but I knew that I wouldn't be able to see her so I made an excuse to not see her off." I had to stop here so I could calm myself and stop the tears. "I didn't even say goodbye to her. She never got to see me wave goodbye." I couldn't hold it anymore and just broke down at this point. "Shhh. It's not your fault. It's not easy to say goodbye to somepony you love. I know that because I couldn't even face myself to attend my mother's funeral. If I had I'd probably be in the ground with her because I would never be able to see her alone in that wooden box." Silver said soothingly. "I guess I might as well tell you what happened to Scootaloo too. When she left for Wonderbolt initiation camp with Rainbow Dash I realized it would be awhile until I saw her again but it's still strange not going with her on her scooter anymore. It's like I lost a piece of myself when they left. I wish the days could be like they were. When all it was was you picking on us and us trying to stop you." Silver was silent for a second before saying, "I don't." Suddenly the door exploded inward and a familiar voice said, "Miss us?" The rescuers"Miss us?" a familiar voice said. "It can't be." I said with wide eyes when I recognized the voice. "Who're they?" Silver said in surprise. "They're some really old friends." In walked Hawk Hooves, Ex-Captain of the Canterlot Special Forces. Along with Kryptchild, famed for his ability to make his drawings come to life and assist him in battle. "Krypt seal the perimeter. We don't want the diamond dogs getting in now do we?" Hawk barked at Krypt who went about drawing a few simple designs which then went off to do as they were instructed. "Hey there Sweetie long time no -UMPH!" Hawk started before being walloped in the stomach by my hoof. "THAT'S for not talking to me for 3 years." I said simply. "3 years later and you can still somehow manage to pack a wallop with that marshmellow body of yours." Hawk said with a grimace. "WHAT WAS THAT?" I thundered. "Er, nothing." He whispered. Silver just stared at me as if I'd just launched a nuclear explosive. "What?" I asked. "You know the two most infamous military ponies? The two who single handedly diffused the great griffon war? The ones that even the princesses recognize as equals? AND THEY JUST LET YOU PUNCH THEM?!" Silver said in shock. "Well yeah. Hawk is my uncle twice removed. And Krypt was my foalsitter. He's a prevert though." I whispered. "HEY! I HEARD THAT!" I heard from Krypt. "AND IT'S COMPLETELY TRUE! DON'T THINK I DIDN'T NOTICE YOU LOOKING AT MINE AND SILVER'S BUTTS!" I shouted back while Silver blushed. "HEY! Would you two like to get out of here or not?" Hawk shouted over mine and Krypt's squabble. "Yep." I said as I trotted past Krypt sticking my tongue out at him "Please." SIlver said exasperated and tired. "Here, have some specially made reenergizers." Hawk said handing us pellets of food. After we ate them he turned around to Krypt. "Alright Krypt are we clear to move out?" "Yes sir!" Krypt responding after looking over his map. "Alright slow and safe. Again we don't want anymore diamond dogs coming after us then need be. Silver Spoon correct?" Hawk said pointing to Silver. "Um, yes sir." She said in a tiny voice even Fluttershy would be proud of. "You're in charge of getting Sweetie out safely while we keep back the diamond dogs. Why they would even want you two in the first place is a mystery to me." Hawk wondered to himself. As we moved through the tunnels to the way out we kept hearing bangs and scuffles telling us Krypt's art was keeping us safe. Occasionally a diamond dog would manage to get past the killer art but would only be met with a quick demise at the flash of Hawk's 9mm. We were moving quickly but more and more of Krypt's drawings were falling and at a quicker pace too. "Krypt hurry up!" Hawk yelled over his shoulder. "I'M TRYING!" Krypt yelled back. "Hawk!" I yelled. "Get this dampener off me!" "Alright." Hawk quickly set to work on the dampener as the diamond dogs got closer and closer. *SNAP* "COVER YOUR EARS!" I screamed as I powered up my horn and activated a spell I thought I would only use on late night clubbers and druggies. Letting loose a powerful screech strong enough to stun an ursa minor I saw several diamond dogs collapse and all of Krypt's drawings dissipate into ink. The last thing I saw before passing out was Silver running up to me and yelling at me to 'hang on!' About 16 hours later. *Beep* *Beep* *Beep* I awoke with a start in a plain white room with machines everywhere. I was in pain and I quickly started getting up and ripped out a few cords doing so. As I stumbled down a hallway screaming about my missing friends doctors started rushing in on me and taking and clamping me down to the bed talking about 'needing to keep me still' and 'heart rate rising.' The more and more they talked the more freaked out I was getting until I felt a sharp prod on my left flank. "Hey perv! watc..h..whe..r.e..y..ou...st-" I stuttered passing out. Another 8 hours later. "Ooohhh my head." I awoke immediately sitting up and freaking out again. "SILVER! HAWK! KRYPT! WHERE ARE THEY?!" I started screaming. It took about ten minutes and another light sedative for me to calm down enough to allow visitors. As Silver Spoon walked in I was relieved to see her looking much more healthy then when we were in the diamond dog's dungeon. "I'm so glad you're alright." I said getting up. "Sweetie please stay down. I have something that I need to tell you." Silver said soothingly lowering me back down into the bed. Silver walked to the door and said something to a doctor outside that I couldn't make out. As she came back I was eyeing her with an extreme interest because of the secrecy. "Sweetie. About 2 days ago your sister was found dead in a back alley. Right now we're trying to figure out who did it but they haven't got any leads. One of the doctors wanted to tell you but I'm sure you'd rather hear it from me." After she finished I didn't know how to react. So I did the first thing I could think of. I slapped her. "How dare you. HOW. DARE. YOU. You think that just because we were forced to sit in that cell for 3 days together that I would rather hear about my sister's death than from a doctor?!" I shouted at her. "You think that just because I told you about how I felt after Scoots and Applebloom left that you have the right to inform me of the only family member I had left dying?!" I shouted at the mare in front of me who was just taking it and for some reason that just made me more angry. "Just go. Before I do something we'll both regret." I said with blank eyes. After I said that I strode back to my bed and just stared at the wall. Eventually I fell asleep after hearing the door close shut with a click. Generosity's sisterReturning to the boutique I was met by an intense smell of cleaning agents and my sister's signature hair sprays. "Rarity what have you been doing?" I shouted at her over her Beethoofen music playing. "Oh dear do refrain from yelling in the shop Sweetie. It's unbecoming." Rarity said shutting off the music. "Ok I'll ask again what have you been doing?" "Oh just some simple cleaning and reorganization." I looked around and noticed that the kitchen was sparkling now along with the cloth curtains being repaired. Among other things I noticed the various papers gone. "Rarity about earlier-" I was interrupted by my sister starting to tremble and cry. "I know Sweetie, I'm never going to be successful at this rate but how could I say no to anypony? It's in my nature to be generous to those who can't help themselves." "I could stay here and help out if you need me too." "I couldn't possibly ask that but I might just take up your offer for a few more bits. I know I'm going to be needing them soon." "Of course Rarity. Let me just send a letter to Lyra and then we can go out to dinner." "Sounds like a plan." Outside a shadowy pony clicked on his interdimensional transceiver. "The target has arrived." Sweetie's Bell stops ringing.As I sat there the next day in the hospital furious at myself over the stupid reason I had screamed at Silver for I heard a bell tinkle nearby. I stood up and walked to the window and saw outside a balloon vendor that was selling those silly balloons shaped like dogs... "Mommy can I have one? Please please please please please please?" I said to my mom as we walked through the zoo and I noticed a balloon animal vendor selling giraffe balloons. "Honey you know that those last no more than a few hours. Do you really want one?" She responded with a sigh. "Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!" I said bouncing around on tables and other objects. As she walked off to go buy me a balloon time seemed to slow down as I watched a pony dressed in a black cloak go up to her and stab her. Suddenly I was swept up in an avalanche of screaming and running. "MOMMY!"... "Why did you have to die mom? You'd be understanding of what I've just done." I sighed returning to the bed. Hearing a small click I looked up to see Applebloom walk in. As my eyes widened in surprise I noticed the small amount of redness and puffiness in her eyes, "Applebloom? What's wrong? Where have you been? How are you? Where's Applejack?" At the last question Applebloom just put up her hoof to stop me. "Sweetie. Applejack is dead. She was murdered. Big Mac and Fluttershy are on their way down from Appleloosa and the funeral is in 3 days." She said without a single hint of her signature accent.
The Return to PonyvilleAs I walked into my sister's boutique I was met by an onslaught of falling fabrics and gems. "This is the WORST possible thing that could've happened. Twenty dresses in 3 weeks?! I'm going to be working non-stop to make this deadline!" I heard from the back of the shop. As I moved further into the shop I noticed a pile of bills that looked like they'd been stacking up for weeks now. 'What's happened since I left?' I wondered to myself. I looked around at the various disrepair the shop was in. The curtains looked like parasprites lived in them, the tables were starting to rot at the base, and the kitchen was full of take-out and dirty dishes. "Rarity!" I shouted into the back room. "Is that you Sweetie?" I heard Rarity ask. "Yeah!" "Oh I'll be right out dear I just have to clean up my inspiration room a bit. Go ahead and make yourself at home!" I walked over to one of the tables and flipped through the stacks of bills and letters. 'Hmmm.' I thought to myself. "Oh Sweetie don't bother yourself with that." Rarity says walking over and taking the papers from the table and putting them in her inspiration room. "You know if you're having financial troubles I could help? Lyra and Octavia wouldn't mind lending their singer a few extra bits." "No no, I'm fine I actually just got a huge commission today from the very famous Sapphire Shores." "Are you sure?" "Yes yes don't worry yourself with me I'll get by." "So how has ponyville been since I left?" "Oh it's been such a bore. Twilight finally managed to graduate from being Celestia's apprentice and now teaches at the Canterlot University, Rainbow became a wonderbolt as you know and Pinkie opened her own party agency, Applejack is still at the farm although after Granny Smith passed sales dropped slightly because of the zap apple jam never being the same. But she gets by. Fluttershy opened a sanctuary down in Appleloosa but even with her best efforts the buffalo are still declining in numbers. And myself isn't doing as hot as I used to." Rarity said walking around rolling up the cloth rolls and picking up fallen gems. "Why didn't you ever tell me what happened?" "I didn't want you to worry about me while you were touring with your group." I sighed. "Your generosity is getting the best of you sis." "I know, I know, but I just feel so bad about the ponies who come in for a dress and it's just sometimes some of them can't get the funds for their dresses and I can't just say no." "If you keep doing this you're going to go bankrupt. I don't want to see your life's dream just waste away because you couldn't say no." "Listen, why don't you go visit Applejack while I clean up? I'm sure she'd love to see an old friend." "Alright, but don't think this topic has been dropped." "Yes yes we'll talk about it later now go see Applejack." As I left the shop I noticed a small tear in my sister's eye. About ten minutes later I walked up to the old red farmhouse of Sweet Apple Acres. "APPLEJACK!" I yelled. "Now Whatcha goin' yellin' about now?" I heard from inside. "Is that you Applejack?" "Now who's askin'?" "It's me Sweetie Belle." "Sweetie? Hmmm lemme think. Oh yes! Apple Seed let young Sweetie Belle in." 'Apple Seed?' As the door creaked open it revealed a small filly around 8 or 9 years old. She looked remarkably similar to Granny Smith in her young age except without the strange hairstyle. "Howdy!" The filly said with a huge grin on her face. "Good morning young one could you take me to Applejack?" "Sure 'nuff! Follow me!" The filly said scampering into the house. I noticed a slight deterioration in the old farmhouse but nonetheless it looked as good as ever. "Sweetie Belle!" Applejack said standing up from her matriarchal chair. As we embraced in a good old Apple family style hug I noticed Apple Seed run off to another room. "How are ya then?" Applejack said in her usual drawl. "I've been doing brilliant since Hoity Toity signed my group onto one of his labels." "Ain't that good." Applejack groaned as she sat back down and grimaced. "So how has the farm been doing? Rarity said you were having a little trouble keeping up lately." "Well I obviously can't applebuck anymore and Big Mac is out on the animal preserve with Fluttershy so I'm left all by my lonesome except for Caramel. Not many ponies buy zap apple jam since Granny died. I still miss her. We all do." "I'm sorry I couldn't make the funeral." I said with downcast eyes. "Now don't you be gettin' all sad Granny knows ya would've been there if ya could but ya have yer own life to live. She wouldn't want ya dwelling on hers." "I know. But I feel bad about leaving you guys to grieve." "Our grievin' is over. We all moved on and so'll you." "Thanks Applejack. Well I would like to stay longer but I should probably get back to Rarity seeing how she told me give her ten minutes and it took me that long to get here." "Alright but make sure ya come back now ya hear?" "Yes Applejack. Goodbye for now." As I left the farm she couldn't help but have a bad feeling about what was to come.
A bond created.As I walked into the old club I noticed a certain gray mare standing by the turn table along with a memorable electric blue mane. "Rarity," I said getting her sister's attention, "That's Octavia!" "Really now? In this club? Oh well we must go meet her." As we wandered through the pulsing crowd of ponies I noticed a group of stallions in particular sit at a table and watch our progress. "Octavia!" I said as we approached the classical gray mare. "What are you doing back in ponyville again?" "Oh my Sweetie? Why I'm just here to meet my wife Vinyl for a night on the town." "Oh you two finally got married? I'm so thrilled for you both!" "Right? Tavi here was all this and that about it because we're fillyfoolers but we got the princesses to sanctify it for us!" Vinyl Scratch said squeezing between us. "And why didn't I get an invitation?" Rarity thundered in. "Er, uh, TAVI!" Vinyl said shoving the mare in front of her. Even Octavia, the endlessly cool cellist, cowered under Rarity's glare. "Well um, I would have sent an invitation but I guess it slipped my mind while me and Sweetie were traveling." At this Rarity stormed off to the bar to go get a drink still muttering about 'unthoughtful ponies' and 'made their dresses'. "So. Where are you two going for the honeymoon?" I asked to break the tension her sister had left. "Oh we're just going to stay in ponyville. Maybe expand our home since we're going to have an addition to the family soon." "You're kidding me?" "Not at all, while our ensemble was last in Canterlot I went and saw Twilight at the magic university and she gave me a potion formula that allows me or Vinyl to turn into a stallion for a year." "Really? Who's going to be the stallion?" "We've decided Vinyl since I have to run off and play all the time." "Hey I play too!" "But not in broad daylight." "True." "Alright well my sister's been by the bar quite some time so I'll see you guys later?" "Sure 'nuff." "Indeed." As I walked over to the bar I noticed the strange men still watching me warily. "Hey sis you alright?" "Urghhhh." "Hmm maybe not." I suddenly noticed a very familiar person from my filly days. "SPIKE!" "Huh?" The purple dragon said before being tackled by the white mare. "Spike it's so good to see you!" I said hugging my childhood crush. "Sweetie Belle? Is that you?" The dazed dragon asked. "Yep!" "Still got those lungs huh?" "Oh please it's not like you hated them during our private times" I said flicking her tail on his nose. Spike blushed deeply at that. "So uh why are you in Ponyville? I thought you were touring with Lyra and Octavia." "I was. But the tour's over and I'm back home to check up on everypony." "Oh. So how've you been?" "Oh you know. Been dealing with typical stuck up ponies in Canterlot." Suddenly from behind her Sweetie heard a loud snoring. "Oh um would you mind taking Rarity home?" Sweetie said sheepishly. Spike groaned and stood up. "I may as well. VINYL! I'M TAKING THE REST OF THE NIGHT OFF!" "ALRIGHT!" They heard from up front. "Thanks." "No prob." As Spike lifted the sleeping Rarity and headed towards the boutique I walked back in to say goodbye to my fellow musician and friend. After saying my goodbyes I set off for the Carousal Boutique. As I walked along the lonely road I felt another presence behind me. Twirling around I shouted "Who's there?!" Seeing no one I continued my walk to the boutique. Suddenly I felt something heavy grab me from behind and stuff a bag on my head. "HEY! LET ME GO!" I shouted until something heavy hit me on the back of the head. After I slumped down in unconsciousness one of the thugs clicked out a phone. "We've got her." 2 hours later I groaned as she managed to stand up. "Where am I?" "You're still in ponyville. No one's going to hear you though." A voice from the corner said. "Who're you?" I asked. "I'm surprised you don't recognize me." The voice said as it stood up and walked into the lamplight to reveal a thin and gaunt Silver Spoon. I gasped in surprise at her old rival's condition. Quickly I ran over to her to look her over. "Hey, what the, huh?" Silver shouted out inconsistently between the random prods and pokes I was giving her. After giving her a complete and thorough check up I threw Silver into a hug and started sobbing. Recovering from the shock of what had just happened Silver hugged her back and softly stroked my mane. "Why are we here?" I asked through my tears. "I don't know yet." Silver said with an unknowing look towards the door. Suddenly a loud bang came from outside along with a stream of cursing. After the cursing stopped they heard some very loud snoring. "What're we going to do?" I asked. "Wait I guess. We don't have much strength between us." Silver said poking me in my squishy forearm. "Hey! It's not like you have much upper body either." I said pouting. "Never said I did." After about 2 hours a slot in the door opened and food was pushed through. "Don't eat it. It's drugged to bog your mind." Silver said quietly. I looked longingly at the food but resigned to not eating it. 12 hours later "I'm so hungryyyyy" I whined. "Wait. Aren't you able to use magic?" SIlver said realizing her friend's abilities. I facehoofed so hard a rock would've hit me lighter. "Yeah. I can." I said before concentrating. "AHHHHHHHHHH" I yelled as I felt a strong electrical current course through my body. "STOP CONCENTRATING!" I heard Silver yell through my pain. After I stopped and slumped over Silver ran over and flipped my hair off my horn revealing a metal device glowing with residual energy. "They put a dampener on you. Don't you dare do that again." Silver said hugging me close and sobbing. "Don't worry I don't want to really feel like that again." The next time food came through Silver pushed it closer to me. "I thought you said it bogs my mind?" I asked through the pain. "It does but you need to eat so you don't hurt as much." "Why are you being so nice to me? We used to hate each other. What changed?" SIlver sighed and started on her story. "After you crusaders left to follow your dreams me and Diamond Tiara stayed here in Ponyville. After a while our friendship started falling apart because Diamond went off to university while I stayed here to tend to my parents. She'd write every so often to tell me about how she was but I could tell the strain the distance was causing. Eventually she came back to visit but we sort of had a falling out after I told her I was going to become a Silver smith. She hasn't talked to me in years and it's just nice to see a familiar face that doesn't hate me." I had tears silently streaming down my face when she finished and all I could do was just lean forward and hug her. "Thank you Sweetie but I'm fine." Silver said. "No you're not. I know what it feels like when a friend drifts away. I haven't talked to Scootaloo or Applebloom in about 5 years and I'm thrilled to be touring but it's so lonely without real friends. I mean Lyra and Octavia are nice ponies but they're like 15 years older than me and the only thing we have in common is our talents. When I heard that Applebloom was going on to Equestria Global Construction I was thrilled for her but I knew that I wouldn't be able to see her so I made an excuse to not see her off." I had to stop here so I could calm myself and stop the tears. "I didn't even say goodbye to her. She never got to see me wave goodbye." I couldn't hold it anymore and just broke down at this point. "Shhh. It's not your fault. It's not easy to say goodbye to somepony you love. I know that because I couldn't even face myself to attend my mother's funeral. If I had I'd probably be in the ground with her because I would never be able to see her alone in that wooden box." Silver said soothingly. "I guess I might as well tell you what happened to Scootaloo too. When she left for Wonderbolt initiation camp with Rainbow Dash I realized it would be awhile until I saw her again but it's still strange not going with her on her scooter anymore. It's like I lost a piece of myself when they left. I wish the days could be like they were. When all it was was you picking on us and us trying to stop you." Silver was silent for a second before saying, "I don't." Suddenly the door exploded inward and a familiar voice said, "Miss us?"
The rescuers"Miss us?" a familiar voice said. "It can't be." I said with wide eyes when I recognized the voice. "Who're they?" Silver said in surprise. "They're some really old friends." In walked Hawk Hooves, Ex-Captain of the Canterlot Special Forces. Along with Kryptchild, famed for his ability to make his drawings come to life and assist him in battle. "Krypt seal the perimeter. We don't want the diamond dogs getting in now do we?" Hawk barked at Krypt who went about drawing a few simple designs which then went off to do as they were instructed. "Hey there Sweetie long time no -UMPH!" Hawk started before being walloped in the stomach by my hoof. "THAT'S for not talking to me for 3 years." I said simply. "3 years later and you can still somehow manage to pack a wallop with that marshmellow body of yours." Hawk said with a grimace. "WHAT WAS THAT?" I thundered. "Er, nothing." He whispered. Silver just stared at me as if I'd just launched a nuclear explosive. "What?" I asked. "You know the two most infamous military ponies? The two who single handedly diffused the great griffon war? The ones that even the princesses recognize as equals? AND THEY JUST LET YOU PUNCH THEM?!" Silver said in shock. "Well yeah. Hawk is my uncle twice removed. And Krypt was my foalsitter. He's a prevert though." I whispered. "HEY! I HEARD THAT!" I heard from Krypt. "AND IT'S COMPLETELY TRUE! DON'T THINK I DIDN'T NOTICE YOU LOOKING AT MINE AND SILVER'S BUTTS!" I shouted back while Silver blushed. "HEY! Would you two like to get out of here or not?" Hawk shouted over mine and Krypt's squabble. "Yep." I said as I trotted past Krypt sticking my tongue out at him "Please." SIlver said exasperated and tired. "Here, have some specially made reenergizers." Hawk said handing us pellets of food. After we ate them he turned around to Krypt. "Alright Krypt are we clear to move out?" "Yes sir!" Krypt responding after looking over his map. "Alright slow and safe. Again we don't want anymore diamond dogs coming after us then need be. Silver Spoon correct?" Hawk said pointing to Silver. "Um, yes sir." She said in a tiny voice even Fluttershy would be proud of. "You're in charge of getting Sweetie out safely while we keep back the diamond dogs. Why they would even want you two in the first place is a mystery to me." Hawk wondered to himself. As we moved through the tunnels to the way out we kept hearing bangs and scuffles telling us Krypt's art was keeping us safe. Occasionally a diamond dog would manage to get past the killer art but would only be met with a quick demise at the flash of Hawk's 9mm. We were moving quickly but more and more of Krypt's drawings were falling and at a quicker pace too. "Krypt hurry up!" Hawk yelled over his shoulder. "I'M TRYING!" Krypt yelled back. "Hawk!" I yelled. "Get this dampener off me!" "Alright." Hawk quickly set to work on the dampener as the diamond dogs got closer and closer. *SNAP* "COVER YOUR EARS!" I screamed as I powered up my horn and activated a spell I thought I would only use on late night clubbers and druggies. Letting loose a powerful screech strong enough to stun an ursa minor I saw several diamond dogs collapse and all of Krypt's drawings dissipate into ink. The last thing I saw before passing out was Silver running up to me and yelling at me to 'hang on!' About 16 hours later. *Beep* *Beep* *Beep* I awoke with a start in a plain white room with machines everywhere. I was in pain and I quickly started getting up and ripped out a few cords doing so. As I stumbled down a hallway screaming about my missing friends doctors started rushing in on me and taking and clamping me down to the bed talking about 'needing to keep me still' and 'heart rate rising.' The more and more they talked the more freaked out I was getting until I felt a sharp prod on my left flank. "Hey perv! watc..h..whe..r.e..y..ou...st-" I stuttered passing out. Another 8 hours later. "Ooohhh my head." I awoke immediately sitting up and freaking out again. "SILVER! HAWK! KRYPT! WHERE ARE THEY?!" I started screaming. It took about ten minutes and another light sedative for me to calm down enough to allow visitors. As Silver Spoon walked in I was relieved to see her looking much more healthy then when we were in the diamond dog's dungeon. "I'm so glad you're alright." I said getting up. "Sweetie please stay down. I have something that I need to tell you." Silver said soothingly lowering me back down into the bed. Silver walked to the door and said something to a doctor outside that I couldn't make out. As she came back I was eyeing her with an extreme interest because of the secrecy. "Sweetie. About 2 days ago your sister was found dead in a back alley. Right now we're trying to figure out who did it but they haven't got any leads. One of the doctors wanted to tell you but I'm sure you'd rather hear it from me." After she finished I didn't know how to react. So I did the first thing I could think of. I slapped her. "How dare you. HOW. DARE. YOU. You think that just because we were forced to sit in that cell for 3 days together that I would rather hear about my sister's death than from a doctor?!" I shouted at her. "You think that just because I told you about how I felt after Scoots and Applebloom left that you have the right to inform me of the only family member I had left dying?!" I shouted at the mare in front of me who was just taking it and for some reason that just made me more angry. "Just go. Before I do something we'll both regret." I said with blank eyes. After I said that I strode back to my bed and just stared at the wall. Eventually I fell asleep after hearing the door close shut with a click.
Generosity's sisterReturning to the boutique I was met by an intense smell of cleaning agents and my sister's signature hair sprays. "Rarity what have you been doing?" I shouted at her over her Beethoofen music playing. "Oh dear do refrain from yelling in the shop Sweetie. It's unbecoming." Rarity said shutting off the music. "Ok I'll ask again what have you been doing?" "Oh just some simple cleaning and reorganization." I looked around and noticed that the kitchen was sparkling now along with the cloth curtains being repaired. Among other things I noticed the various papers gone. "Rarity about earlier-" I was interrupted by my sister starting to tremble and cry. "I know Sweetie, I'm never going to be successful at this rate but how could I say no to anypony? It's in my nature to be generous to those who can't help themselves." "I could stay here and help out if you need me too." "I couldn't possibly ask that but I might just take up your offer for a few more bits. I know I'm going to be needing them soon." "Of course Rarity. Let me just send a letter to Lyra and then we can go out to dinner." "Sounds like a plan." Outside a shadowy pony clicked on his interdimensional transceiver. "The target has arrived."
Sweetie's Bell stops ringing.As I sat there the next day in the hospital furious at myself over the stupid reason I had screamed at Silver for I heard a bell tinkle nearby. I stood up and walked to the window and saw outside a balloon vendor that was selling those silly balloons shaped like dogs... "Mommy can I have one? Please please please please please please?" I said to my mom as we walked through the zoo and I noticed a balloon animal vendor selling giraffe balloons. "Honey you know that those last no more than a few hours. Do you really want one?" She responded with a sigh. "Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!" I said bouncing around on tables and other objects. As she walked off to go buy me a balloon time seemed to slow down as I watched a pony dressed in a black cloak go up to her and stab her. Suddenly I was swept up in an avalanche of screaming and running. "MOMMY!"... "Why did you have to die mom? You'd be understanding of what I've just done." I sighed returning to the bed. Hearing a small click I looked up to see Applebloom walk in. As my eyes widened in surprise I noticed the small amount of redness and puffiness in her eyes, "Applebloom? What's wrong? Where have you been? How are you? Where's Applejack?" At the last question Applebloom just put up her hoof to stop me. "Sweetie. Applejack is dead. She was murdered. Big Mac and Fluttershy are on their way down from Appleloosa and the funeral is in 3 days." She said without a single hint of her signature accent.
