Cutie Mark Protectorby Bass CanonChaptersA Spell in the NightSinging Under PressureLegal IssuesA Spell in the NightThe night descended upon Ponyville, and a familiar sound of paper flipping and whispering coming from the town library gently pierced the dead silence. That sound however did not seem to be coming from the usual royal suspect, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Instead, three distinct filly voices could be heard whispering as papers and books were ransacked. “I told you this was bad idea!” Applebloom whispered, the tone of her voice conveying her desire to leave the library. “Quit being such a scaredypony! Ah, here it is!” Scootaloo replied, and pointed to a paragraph in the book in front of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. “Here goes…” said Sweetie Belle, as her little horn began to glow with magic. “Once this spell finishes, we will have our cutie marks for sure!” Scootaloo smiled proudly, her plan coming into fruition. “What is this number Scoots?” Applebloom asked, pointing to the end of the paragraph. “It says Spell Difficulty Quota: 17… didn’t Sweetie Belle just finish her SPQ 6 test with Twilight…” As the other two crusaders contemplated what that meant, Sweetie Belle struggled to hold the incantation afloat. Only her resolve to prove to her best friends and the desire to finally get a cutie mark of her own did push her onward. In the bed above the library, a alicorn was slowly waking up, the sounds and the magical energy taking away her sleep. She had not left an experiment over the night, she was certain. She opened her eyes with a stern look into the ceiling. “It’s bad enough that I have not figured out how to sleep with the wings yet. Now somepony has the nerve to steal from my own private collection!” she grumbled. This inner monologue woke Twilight fully and she was running into the main hall, sprinting right next to the still snoozing Spike, who always found a way to avoid Twilight’s rambling, even if they were important or not. The mare made it just in time to see Sweetie Belle finish the spell, and her screams to stop were subdued by a magical bubble around her and the Crusaders. A strong force knocked the mares against the walls of the library, knocking them into unconsciousness. It would take the whole night for the four mares to recover from the spell, and wake up with the first rays of sunshine. Twilight was the first to wake up, with groan and cough due to the dust she swallowed, she surveyed the scene of the crime. To her amazement, the library seemed to not have a scratch on it. Even though the intense magical energy knocked them out, nothing was damaged nor changed from the spell. Her sense of relief would come crashing down, as she walked by the reading table, and the three mares that had cast the spell were laying on the floor, slowly coming to their hooves. “Oh Celestia… this is going to give me such a headache!” Twilight placed her snout into her hooves, and her wings sloped downward in defeat. “What are you talking about Twil… my voice, what happened to it?” asked Applebloom, whose voice gained a sterner tone. It was still feminine, but more mature and distinct. The fact that Twilight seemed shorter to her only made her resolve to look at the mirror behind the alicorn even stronger. She nearly slammed into it, as it took her way less steps to get there. All this and the mare in the mirror proved to her that the spell had worked, but maybe not as they intended. Her fur was still the color of cream, and her mane was red, but the manecut was distinctly different. The back part had grown out, and her usual bow was gone, leaving it to curl around the side, complementing her more adult snout. The upper part of it was reminiscent of the old manestyle, but the twirls in it gave her a more country gal look then the working pony she had before. This was also evident by the twirls on her tail as well. Her physique was that of a young adult, and the sleek but muscular frame indicated that this mare was working hard on the farm for as long as she remembered. Applebloom was in awe, but the small symbol on her thigh made her squeal like it was the Apple Family Reunion. It a chug of cider with a small apple on it. Quaint, ordinary, but hers. She had her cutie mark, and this time it was no strange disease or painted on. It was there and she knew it. Her high pitched scream of joy made the rest of the Crusaders wake up as well. Scootaloo opened her eyes, and was greeted by a sight of somepony familiar, or so she thought. As the white unicorn stood up, it was obvious she was taller than before. Her fur shined brightly in the morning sun, and her mane was absolutely wonderful. It seemed to flow even with the fact no wind was blowing, somehow capturing motion as the two colors in it twisted and turned. She instinctively flicked it over her larger horn, as she still tried to stand up. Her large green eyes were seemingly endless and Scootaloo could only utter: “Wow…” as her wings slowly began to rise. This burning sensation continued attack the unicorn as she saw four waving lines fit with a large note on Sweetie Belle’s thigh. Sweetie Belle wanted to ask this strange mare that was red in the snout what is going on, but then she realized how eerie familiar she seemed. The manecut was more distinct, but the purple mane and the orange fur were clear sign of who she was looking at. The erect wings seemed teeming with power, and the body build befitting of a Wonderbolt made the question if her assumption was right. The cutie mark of a wheel fly as a comet made her even more intrigued. “Scoots, is that you?” she asked, her voice simply musical, as if birds coming from Fluttershy’s cottage had passed by. “Sweetie Belle?” the pegasus replied, her snout covered by wide smile. As the two mares hugged, so did Twilight regain her composure. “At least you are still okay, somewhat. Now, can you please explain me why I should not just send you to the Moon?” Twilight asked sarcastically, even though her new position in the kingdom did give her that privilege. “We are sorry, Twilight. But we wanted to gain our cutie marks, and we thought some spell in your library might help us, and it did! Look!” Apple Bloom said, and flexed her plot in Twilight’s direction, much to the discomfort of the alicorn. “Please, Applebloom, put that… just sit while I look at what you actually casted.” Twilight scolded the new young adult, and the other two Crusaders followed suite, sitting down behind the purple mare. “Wow, a level 17 spell! Even though I am very angry you did not ask me first, I must applaud your magical capabilities, Sweetie Belle.” “Uh...thanks?” “Now, the spell is called Cutie Mark Protector. Figures why you chose it. Let’s look at the incantation: Give me strength to not yield For I wish only a mark to wield. So that I may protect the ones I love As they cannot bare to be the one To whom I look for protection And guidance to seek perfection. “What does that mean?” asked Scootaloo. “If you had asked me before, I would have done the research!” Twilight snapped back, still grumpy from the lack of sleep. “Sorry…” the three mares replied in unison, cooling off Twilight. A yawn and the creaking of the steps, followed by a small purple dragon froze the four mares, as Spike walked to the bathroom. “Good morning gals!” he simply said, and closed the bathroom door. “Wow, he is even more sleepy than usual. “ Twilight commented. “But what are we going to do now? I can’t simply go back to the farm and pretend like nothing happened!” Applebloom said, fear and the realization of being grounded coming to her. “I don’t know, but we must not let anypony see you. I have a cloaking spell that…” Twilight’s suggestion was cut short as white filly ran into the library, completely out of breath. Her mane was purple and twirled up. Her eyes glowed and she yelled: “Big sis, big sis, come quick! There is a producer from Manehattan coming to the studio! He says he wants to give you a part in his movie!” As the young filly tried to push the stunned Sweetie Belle into the door, Twilight asked the obvious question: “Rarity?” “Yes, Miss Sparkle?” she replied. As this idea began to sit in, Twilight nodded to Sweetie Belle it was okay to go, as if to pretend nothing had happened. The two sisters were out quickly, and disappeared into the direction Rarity’s boutique is located. The other three mares simply looked at each other, only for Twilight to break the silence once again. “At least we know there is no need to hide anything. Applebloom, I will accompany you to the farm. Scootaloo, please go to Cloudsdale check up on Rainbow Dash.” “But she is not my real sister…” Scoots replied, a sliver of regret at the truth of that statement. “I have a hunch this spell does not really care about direct bloodlines, and if something has happened to her, better to know sooner, right?” “Understood.” Scoots said as she walked to the door. “Why not try and fly, Scoots?” Applebloom suggested. Scootaloo was about to grumbly say no, but the idea was begun to seem not a cruel joke. She flexed the large wings she possessed now. They seemed to be bigger than the usual pegasus, somewhere between Dash and Celestia’s. With one powerful swoosh, Scootaloo was airborne, and hit her head against the celling. The pain was overpowered by the joy of flight she had, and she laughed as she ran circles inside the library. With grace she stood back on the ground proudly, as the two mares were left gobsmacked. “See you later gals!” she yelled, and flew to Cloudsdale via the large oval window up top, much like her idol before her. “So fast…” the two mares said in unison. “That leaves only us, Miss Applebloom.” Twilight said jokingly. “Very funny. I just hope big sis and big brother are okay. I could never forgive myself if something happened to her.” “I think she will be alright, albeit somewhat smaller in stature.” “You think?” “I know so.” Twilight lied, hiding her insecurity behind Applebloom’s. The two mares closed the door behind them, and went to Apple Acres. “I made pancakes!” Spike yelled, only to be greeted by silence. “Oh great, they already left. It’s not like I enjoy when somepony notices my existence. Might as well go to Soprano Studio. Sweetie Belle is usually practicing in this hour, and I am in the mood for some quality singing. Plus, Rarity might be there…” the dragon contemplated, as he devoured the pancake pile he meant for him, and locked the door of the library. Author's Note I hope you enjoy the premise, it took way too long to get an idea that did not seem to cliche, while still fun and leaving space for some romance and sweet situational comedy. In the next chapter we get to see what is going on in the Studio. Hope to see you there! Editing done by http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Barnabi Thank You! Singing Under Pressure“Sis, would you please stop dragging me around the main square like this?” Sweetie Belle complained, as the little white filly pulled her with her magic by her horn, dragging her feet into the dirty road that would usually lead to their home, Rarity’s famous boutique. “But dearest sister, we must hurry! And besides, it is too much fun to stop!” replied Rarity, her face resembling more of a begging little puppy than that of a filly. With a long sigh, Sweetie Belle nodded in defeat, and Rarity smiled wide. But the newly adult pony eyes grew wide, and her grumpy expressing changed into that of wonder once she gaze upon the building standing in the boutiques place. It seemed three floors high, with a large record slicing the upper two in half at a diagonal, and every edge was covered in neon lights. The sign, bright and colorful as well, read: “Bass Cannon Records” with large grinning neon Vinyl Scratch next to it. Right on the entrance door, Sweetie Belle could see her, on what seemed to be an album cover. As she came closer to the cover art itself, she blushed, as behind strongly stylized letter that spelled her name stood her adult self, laying on her plot suggestively, with shiny cyan socks that went all the way to her cutie mark. Even the look the unicorn on the picture was carrying seemed alien to the dragged mare, as it oozed seduction and a deep desire. The name of the single seemed to be “Ring the Belle” which gave her another long gulp as the sisters entered the record label. “Well if it isn’t little Miss Sexiest Mare Alive!” said a familiar raspy female voice, followed by the sunglasses that were her trademark symbol. Vinyl stood up from behind the large controls and took of the extra-large headphones, only to jump up and hug the perplexed Sweetie Belle. “What, no kiss? Oh I get it, still cranky from the jet lag. Serves you right for going to photo shoot for Ponies Magazine in old Manehattan!” Vinyl said with a coy smile with a hint of pride for her biggest star. “Manehatten Miss Scratch?” “Miss? Aren’t you cute? I thought I told you no title in the studio. Anyway, how did the shoot for the number one on the “Next Big Thing” list go?” Vinyl replied, still ecstatic. Things began to fall into place for Sweetie Belle. Not only she was a singer, she was popular! Vinyl would have to explain what sexy means, sister would only blush somepony would bring that word up. “Photo Finish sent me the masters this morning, and the combination of your fur and the black background is killer! Almost enough to make me jealous as now everypony gets to see how beautiful you are. “Vinyl continued as her mind seemed to drift to a memory. After a few moments of silence in which only Vinyl’s sighs could be heard, she got back down to Equestria. “Okay, no more playing around, ready for the session?” “A session?” Sweetie Belle replied, still not fully on the same page as the two other ponies. “Oh please sister, I love it when you sing!” Rarity pleaded and tugged at her bigger sister’s tail. Belle looked at her, and smiled. Her voice was not pretty at all, too high and squeaky. Why would her sister want to hear such whiny voice anyway? But if Rarity wanted her to sing, well she would try and wing it. “Cutie Mark Singers go!” she yelled and quickly shoved a full hoof into her mouth. “Eh, sure whatever makes you sing honey?” Vinyl said, slightly confused by her stars unusual outburst. “Yay!” the white filly cried, and began to hop in place, as Sweetie Belle entered the isolated room. As Vinyl pointed, so did Belle place the large headphones onto her pony ears. She was rather surprised how easy magic seemed in this older body. She made a mental note to show off to Scootaloo how much better she was now. “Okay, today we are doing a session for the single. You can find the text in front of you. And one, two…” Sweetie Belle was about to protest how she does not know the song, but as the R’n’B’ beat began to pump through the whole studio; her body began to dance to it. Every bass and every crescendo flew through her, and soon enough she began to sing the text in front of her, in an alluring and wonderful tone. I know you like me I know you do That’s why whenever I come around she’s all over you And I know you want it It's easy to see And in the back of your mind I know you should be home with me She even managed to stop right as a rap by Vinyl changed the tempo of the song. Soon enough everypony in the studio was bobbing their heads to the beat Vinyl had designed. Sweetie Belle was feeling the groove, and pushed her voice harder now, not afraid it was ugly or unbearable. Don’t cha wish your mare was hot like me Don’t cha wish your mare was a freak like me Don’t cha, don’t cha But just as the next part of Vinyl’s rap was to begin, the sound stopped. Sweetie Belle opened her eyes, and a bunch of tall figures were above Vinyl, who was on the floor injured. She ran out of the room and yelled: “Stop, please!” “Anything for you dollface!” the biggest pony in the crowd said, and stopped the others from punching the unicorn DJ while she was on the ground. The grey stallion was dressed in immaculate suit, with his henchcolts wearing similarly expensive suits as well. “I already told you, we had a deal! If I beat you in poker, you would wipe our dept, and I did!” “But you cheated Vinyl, I can’t let that slide.” “No I did not, you did!” “True, but if I cheated and you won, you must have cheated, right guys?” The brutes nodded in unison, and Sweetie Belle stood in front of the stallion and Vinyl. “Don’t you touch her, you monster!” “Please Sweetie Belle, no need to insult ol’ Cosa Nostra. I am just here to remind Vinyl that if you mares don’t pay up until Monday, this studio might become a warehouse of broken equipment.” He closed in on the trembling Sweetie Belle. He was a unicorn, his horn hidden under a fedora. His magical aura gripped Belle by the head, and held her against his. His calculative eyes were cold and serious. “Three million bits, by Monday.” He let go of Belle and pushed her into the turntable. “Let’s move. Hope your single paves out mares! Come on colts!” As Cosa Nostra exited, so did his goon follow, leaving the two shaking mares on the floor. Only after a few tense minutes with Belle hugging Vinyl and crying silently did Rarity run out of her hiding place inside one of the closets. “Sister, are you okay?” “I’m fine Rarity, but they hit Vinyl!” “No need to worry your pretty face, it’s just a few bucks to the ribs.” Vinyl tried to calm the mare down, but a faint trace of blood coming from her mouth told otherwise. “Come on sis, we must get Vinyl to the doctor. Go and call the hospital while I get her to the entrance.” Sweetie Belle said to Rarity, herself quite surprised how quickly she formulated a plan. Seems although she did not remember anything from this adult Sweetie Belle, she did gain her power of deduction. She made a mental note to praise herself because she knew what deduction meant. Rarity ran quickly to the phone and dialed the emergency services, while Sweetie Belle got Vinyl in a more comfortable position. “There we go!” she exclaimed, forcing a smile upon Vinyl’s face. “Thanks honey, I feel better already.” “Of course, what are friends for!” Belle replied and gave a childish grin in return. “Oh come now, your sister is not here, no need to play the old friend card.” “Friend card?” “Yeah silly mare! Today you really seem all over the place.” Belle gulped for a moment, but Vinyl was so comfortable that her suspicions faded in the sweet embrace of the one pony she fell in love with. “You know this only means one thing, right?” “Of course! Eh, what thing again?” “The talent show you crazy mare! You know, the big contract with the record label worth TEN million bits!” Vinyl said with some annoyance. “Ten million bits?! That is like... hundred thousand lunch monies!” “Oh Luna, did they give you some crazy pills on the plane?” “No, no! I’m just thinking out loud!” Belle tried her best to dodge the question, although she would have to ask Twilight what kind of pills Vinyl was talking about. As the two mares sat, the door of the studio open once more. With his usual skip, Spike entered the studio. “I am here Sweetie Belle! Sorry I took so long, had to stop by at Sugar Cube Corner and pick up some…” The box of cookies dropped on the floor as Spike ran to the injured Vinyl. “Oh no! Don’t tell me, it was Nostra again, wasn’t it. You two can’t keep hiding his extortion only because you… you know…” Spike said, making somewhat lewd hand gestures that made Vinyl blush. “Spike! Just because you are cool with it, doesn’t mean everypony is! I don’t want Rarity to go through school with her sister a fillyfooler.” Whispered Vinyl into Spikes ear. Luckily, he managed to stop just before Rarity entered the room again. “The medics are on their way big sister!” “Hear that Vinyl, the good doctors are on the way!” “Good to hear. But I fear if you don’t win that contest, the only pony we will need is the gravedigger pony.” Vinyl said with a grave tone. Sweetie Belle looked with fear at Vinyl, the idea somepony might die if she failed drowning out even the high pitch sirens of the emergency carriage. Being adult was getting complicated way too fast. Author's Note Just when Sweetie Belle thought singing is harmless, leave it to the pony mob to prove otherwise. That beggs the question, what is going on on Apple Acres? Well, we will find out soon enough, With editing by http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Barnabi Thank You for reading! Legal IssuesIt did not take Scootaloo too long to return to her home in Cloudsdale, with her new found aerial prowess and instincts giving her the chance to enjoy the view and power that only yesterday seemed to be reserved only for one Rainbow Dash. “Oh, that’s right!” Scootaloo snapped mentally, as she recalled the details of the spell that they had stolen from Twilight not so long ago. A big cheesy smile was one her face, as the foal inside of the mare’s body began to dive to her house, only to see a small cyan dot right next her front door. It was a ball of uncombed rainbow hair, fit with petite wings that were flapping ever so enthusiastical, seemingly always on the brink of getting out of sync, making the little foal take a nose dive in to the dirt below. “Scoots! Over here!” she shouted out of the top of her lungs, somehow still having slight raspiness in her voice. “Dashie!” Scootaloo yelled in kind, as the two mares hugged as soon as Scootaloo landed on the front yard. Their tender moment was cut short by a unapologetic intentional cough right behind the new mare. As Scootaloo turned, she saw a stallion. He was well dressed, with suit, tie and the rest. His expression was so lifeless that it gave her a right cold shiver like seldom before. “Good day, Miss Scootaloo. I am here to inform you that your trial over the custody of Miss Rainbow Dash will conducted in three days from now in the Court of Cloudsdale at 18:00. Your attendance is mandatory, unless you wish to forfeit your chance and give Miss Haut Monde the rights to be her caretaker.” he said in cold monotone voice as he gave her a fancy letter that had the crest of the town of Cloudsdale stamped as a seal. Scoots tried to open the letter right there and now, but the ever energetic Dash, pulled her by the wing. “You have to win big sis, I don’t want auntie to take me away from you! After daddy and mommy left, you the only pony I have left!” she pleaded with small tears in her eyes. “Left... Oh no!” Scoots realized. She and Dash have switched, but since they are not really related, that means the fate of their parents have also changed, and that could only mean one thing. They were the ones that went into the storm that night, and not her parents. She began to hug the little tyke stronger then before, realizing that this cyan filly has to live trough what she had been trying to cope with for as long as she can remember. “Look Jeeves, it is out little heir, along with some hoodlum.” “I believe her name is Scootaloo Milady.” What followed was a very distinct noise of a hoof to the back of a pony’s head, followed by a cough. Scoots looked up, only to be greeted by an older couple of ponies, one obviously in pain, but somehow keeping a professional demeanor. He looked like one of those butlers in Twilight’s mystery novels, fit with the comb-over and everything. The mare next to him was a lot interesting to behold. Her fur seemed to be green, almost like a pistachio core after you just opened it and are eager to eat. She wore some sort of silky red garment, making her brown bonnet stuck out even more. Her face was that of disgust as she looked towards Scootaloo, almost as she was trying to drown her in acid right there and now. But as soon as Dashie looked over as well, a forced smile came on her face. “Ah there you are Dashie. You made old Jeeves and me quite worried, running off like that with no warning. You know I told you to stay away from... her.” ”No auntie, leave me alone! I don’t want to go to the scary mansion!” the filly yelled back at her. “But Dashie dear, it is your mansion, there is now need to be afraid of it. And after Thursday, I will be there to help you fill it!” the old mare said with a sly smile “Leave her alone, she does not want to be with you, don’t you see it?” Scootaloo pleaded as she stood in front of Dash. “I suggest you move away from there Miss Scootaloo, or I would be forced to accuse of child kidnapping, and I think Mister Jeeves will make a good witness. Wonder how that fact would go over the Judge...” Haut Monde said with menace on her mind. With a growl, Scootaloo moved back, knowing whatever she was going to do about this situation, she would need the guidance of Twilight first. Jeeves grabbed the little mare quickly, making sure she could not escape, but still not hurting their golden duck. “No, sis stop them!” Dash pleaded to her hero, only for her to look back helplessly. ”I will find Twilight and get you back, I promise!” she shouted as the three ponies went into the posh part of town, leaving her alone, lost and looking for context, and more importantly, a way out. Then she remembered that Twilight and Apple Bloom had gone over to the Apple Family Acers. It seemed to her that the solution to this subject was there, and she soared to the farm with impressive speed. It was a easy gallop for the two mares to the farm, with the new strength for Apple Bloom, and with Twilight in peak form, and the whole “save the world” campaigns she was involved in on a weekly basis. But when they got there, they were in for a surprise. Instead of the usual barn and cozy house, a large factory was in it’s place. In front of the entrance, fit with burly security stallions, was a over-sized picture of none other that Apple Bloom herself, holding a large keg of cider, and text under her that read: “AppleBloom Cider - From the Heart of the Land”. After a long pause, the two mares just looked at each other, and went to the gate. ”Oh snap, here comes the Boss, stay sharp!” one of the security ponies whispered, as the gate opened. ”Good day Boss!” they said in unison, showing military level of discipline. ”Good day, eh men. Hmm, at ease?” Apple Bloom replied, remembering some of the Shining Armor’s phrases. Twilight was busy having a laughing fit behind her. “Let’s go inside general, before they notice anything weird.” Twilight whispered to her young friend, and the two mares rushed inside. The main door opened automatic, and the inside of the factory revealed itself, with big machines, and ponies placing cider into bottles with breakneck pace. Each pony greeted them with a mixture of nervousness and eagerness that was hard to replicate. Those ponies were genuinely afraid of Apple Bloom, and Twilight could notice it from a mile away. They managed to get to the main office unscathed, with none of the workers noticing that their Boss sweating buckets. But as soon as the door of her office opened, a magenta colored unicorn fit with a big checklist jumped onto the unsuspecting Apple Bloom. “Thank Luna you are here Boss! The Saddle Arabia market just took a tumble, and we need to act fast! Do we stick with the stocks or do we bail out?! Also, the Manehatten branch just reported the lawsuit because some idiot fell on our floor. Do we pay him out front like that last buffoon or do we go and counter-sue?” the young mare said quickly, almost fumbling over her own words, only stopped by her lung capacity. “I think we will asses the situation in a few minutes, Miss...” Twilight interrupted the situation, as Apple Bloom was being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information that was being flung at her face. “The name is Status Report, and I don’t see your ID Miss...” the mare said with sass oozing from her voice. “Twilight Sparkle, at your service.” the librarian replied quickly, not giving an inch to Status Report. “Only if Boss agrees. Otherwise I will have to call security.” “It’s fine Status, give us a few minutes please.” Apple Bloom manged to utter, regaining some of her composure. “... Of course Boss.” Status said, leaving them alone, albeit somewhat taken aback. And after a few more long breaths, the two mares looked at each other. ”So, it seems you are a economic wunderkind. Who knew?” Twilight said, as she pointed to a copy of a economic magazine that was framed in the office, with Apple Bloom smiling and a big red sign saying: “The New Face of Money”. “The oddest part is that I know what wunderkind means. And that I could have answered Status’s questions right there and right now if I was not so shocked.” “Well the spell did give you all the tools to be who you are in this version of Equestria, even the loosing of the accent. You saw how Scootaloo had flown, not to mention the body on Sweetie...”, Twilight explained, only to end up red-faced about her last comment, even though it was a fact that Apple Bloom agreed on reluctantly with a small nod. “Ahem, but the memories are a different story though.” the librarian finished her thought and giving more insight to her now fellow young adult. ”Yeah, I sound more Manehatten that a farm mare, don’t I?” Apple Bloom said with a smidgen of melancholy in her voice. “I wonder where your sister is though, we need to find her and fix this mess.” Twilight wondered, placing her hoof in front of her mouth. “... I think she is in jail in Manehatten for repeated public indecency.” At that moment Twilight’s mind crashed, only to reload some ten seconds later. “Say what?” Apple Bloom pointed to a newspaper in front of her, as the big tabloid sign read: “AppleJacked on cider again! The younger sister of super successful Apple Bloom in jail again! Will she be bailed again?” The young mare in the picture looked like a slightly younger Applejack, but her hair was flash pink, she seemed to be wasted, and behind bars. “We need to get to Manehatten.” They said in unison. And as they were to open the door, a familiar pegasus crashed trough the office window that was overlooking the vast orchard. “Guys I need your help! I am going to a trial to keep Dash away from a evil relative, and I don’t know a zilch about the pegasi legal system!” Scootaloo said as fast as she could, not really caring for the fact that she almost scared the life out of the two other mares. “We have to get my somewhat younger sister out of jail!” Apple Bloom replied, as if she was trying to one-up the plea coming from her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders, leaving Twilight to grab her head in disbelief and ponder what else might go wrong. “Boss, it’s Sweetie Belle on the phone, she says both she and Vinyl are in the hospital. She begs you to come to see her!” Status barged in, similar to Scootaloo moments ago, albeit trough a more traditional way on entering her office. “I guess that counts something else.“ Twilight muttered inwardly as she teleported the four mares to the hospital front door. The door was half opened, so that any potential emergency pegasi could just push it inside. A purple dragon was standing there, only to jump up to the just teleported mares. ”Come quick gals, Sweetie Belle need your help. Vinyl is at the operation table, and she is about to lose her head from worrying!” Spike said, pulling her closest friend into the waiting quaters. The mares found Sweetie Belle there, crying in fear of what might happen to her marefriend. She was scared, but also confused. She never loved somepony before, and now her love interest is having a critical operation? She needed guidance, comfort, something! A white filly was sitting next to her, leaning on her, a chocolate bar in her mouth. “Miss Twilight, thank Celestia you are here!” Rarity yelled and jumped to greet her. “Rarity... How nice to see you, my dear.” Twilight responded, albeit a bit taken aback. She knew what had happened to her friends, but seeing a filly Rarity was still jarring. “Want some chocolate?” she said, the childish innocence not lost on the town librarian. “Generous as ever old friend.” Twilight murmured,smiled and ruffed up the little tyke’s mane, much to Rarity’s discomfort. “They hurt her, those fiends hurt my... My lover!” Sweetie Belle yelled in rage and tears. While the two CMC’s were processing that sentence, Twilight came closer to the singer and looked into her eyes with conviction. ”Whoever did this, we will find them and bring them to justice, I promise you!” And as Sweetie Belle tried to explain what had happened in the studio, the nurse came out of the operation room. She seemed tired, but stern, a large red cross on her flank dominating an otherwise white coat of fur. “Is she alright?” Sweetie Belle pleaded. “Yes, mam. She has two broken ribs and several swellings, but she will be alright. She wishes to talk to you. Alone.” the nurse said in a warm voice, not hiding her own joy over the outcome of the operation. Sweetie Belle ran inside, leaving her friends to ponder as to what to do next. Author's Note I am alive. Yes, I am. How? I don't really know myself. After a year I came back to write, only to be reminded why I love ti so. It is like a drug, really. To make your ideas and bring them to the paper, and to those characters you enjoy as well. Here is hoping I stick longer this time! As for the story itself? Well the CMC's have an uphill battle from now on. Plus, the next chapter might be interesting, just saying. She said alone for a reason folks.
A Spell in the NightThe night descended upon Ponyville, and a familiar sound of paper flipping and whispering coming from the town library gently pierced the dead silence. That sound however did not seem to be coming from the usual royal suspect, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Instead, three distinct filly voices could be heard whispering as papers and books were ransacked. “I told you this was bad idea!” Applebloom whispered, the tone of her voice conveying her desire to leave the library. “Quit being such a scaredypony! Ah, here it is!” Scootaloo replied, and pointed to a paragraph in the book in front of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. “Here goes…” said Sweetie Belle, as her little horn began to glow with magic. “Once this spell finishes, we will have our cutie marks for sure!” Scootaloo smiled proudly, her plan coming into fruition. “What is this number Scoots?” Applebloom asked, pointing to the end of the paragraph. “It says Spell Difficulty Quota: 17… didn’t Sweetie Belle just finish her SPQ 6 test with Twilight…” As the other two crusaders contemplated what that meant, Sweetie Belle struggled to hold the incantation afloat. Only her resolve to prove to her best friends and the desire to finally get a cutie mark of her own did push her onward. In the bed above the library, a alicorn was slowly waking up, the sounds and the magical energy taking away her sleep. She had not left an experiment over the night, she was certain. She opened her eyes with a stern look into the ceiling. “It’s bad enough that I have not figured out how to sleep with the wings yet. Now somepony has the nerve to steal from my own private collection!” she grumbled. This inner monologue woke Twilight fully and she was running into the main hall, sprinting right next to the still snoozing Spike, who always found a way to avoid Twilight’s rambling, even if they were important or not. The mare made it just in time to see Sweetie Belle finish the spell, and her screams to stop were subdued by a magical bubble around her and the Crusaders. A strong force knocked the mares against the walls of the library, knocking them into unconsciousness. It would take the whole night for the four mares to recover from the spell, and wake up with the first rays of sunshine. Twilight was the first to wake up, with groan and cough due to the dust she swallowed, she surveyed the scene of the crime. To her amazement, the library seemed to not have a scratch on it. Even though the intense magical energy knocked them out, nothing was damaged nor changed from the spell. Her sense of relief would come crashing down, as she walked by the reading table, and the three mares that had cast the spell were laying on the floor, slowly coming to their hooves. “Oh Celestia… this is going to give me such a headache!” Twilight placed her snout into her hooves, and her wings sloped downward in defeat. “What are you talking about Twil… my voice, what happened to it?” asked Applebloom, whose voice gained a sterner tone. It was still feminine, but more mature and distinct. The fact that Twilight seemed shorter to her only made her resolve to look at the mirror behind the alicorn even stronger. She nearly slammed into it, as it took her way less steps to get there. All this and the mare in the mirror proved to her that the spell had worked, but maybe not as they intended. Her fur was still the color of cream, and her mane was red, but the manecut was distinctly different. The back part had grown out, and her usual bow was gone, leaving it to curl around the side, complementing her more adult snout. The upper part of it was reminiscent of the old manestyle, but the twirls in it gave her a more country gal look then the working pony she had before. This was also evident by the twirls on her tail as well. Her physique was that of a young adult, and the sleek but muscular frame indicated that this mare was working hard on the farm for as long as she remembered. Applebloom was in awe, but the small symbol on her thigh made her squeal like it was the Apple Family Reunion. It a chug of cider with a small apple on it. Quaint, ordinary, but hers. She had her cutie mark, and this time it was no strange disease or painted on. It was there and she knew it. Her high pitched scream of joy made the rest of the Crusaders wake up as well. Scootaloo opened her eyes, and was greeted by a sight of somepony familiar, or so she thought. As the white unicorn stood up, it was obvious she was taller than before. Her fur shined brightly in the morning sun, and her mane was absolutely wonderful. It seemed to flow even with the fact no wind was blowing, somehow capturing motion as the two colors in it twisted and turned. She instinctively flicked it over her larger horn, as she still tried to stand up. Her large green eyes were seemingly endless and Scootaloo could only utter: “Wow…” as her wings slowly began to rise. This burning sensation continued attack the unicorn as she saw four waving lines fit with a large note on Sweetie Belle’s thigh. Sweetie Belle wanted to ask this strange mare that was red in the snout what is going on, but then she realized how eerie familiar she seemed. The manecut was more distinct, but the purple mane and the orange fur were clear sign of who she was looking at. The erect wings seemed teeming with power, and the body build befitting of a Wonderbolt made the question if her assumption was right. The cutie mark of a wheel fly as a comet made her even more intrigued. “Scoots, is that you?” she asked, her voice simply musical, as if birds coming from Fluttershy’s cottage had passed by. “Sweetie Belle?” the pegasus replied, her snout covered by wide smile. As the two mares hugged, so did Twilight regain her composure. “At least you are still okay, somewhat. Now, can you please explain me why I should not just send you to the Moon?” Twilight asked sarcastically, even though her new position in the kingdom did give her that privilege. “We are sorry, Twilight. But we wanted to gain our cutie marks, and we thought some spell in your library might help us, and it did! Look!” Apple Bloom said, and flexed her plot in Twilight’s direction, much to the discomfort of the alicorn. “Please, Applebloom, put that… just sit while I look at what you actually casted.” Twilight scolded the new young adult, and the other two Crusaders followed suite, sitting down behind the purple mare. “Wow, a level 17 spell! Even though I am very angry you did not ask me first, I must applaud your magical capabilities, Sweetie Belle.” “Uh...thanks?” “Now, the spell is called Cutie Mark Protector. Figures why you chose it. Let’s look at the incantation: Give me strength to not yield For I wish only a mark to wield. So that I may protect the ones I love As they cannot bare to be the one To whom I look for protection And guidance to seek perfection. “What does that mean?” asked Scootaloo. “If you had asked me before, I would have done the research!” Twilight snapped back, still grumpy from the lack of sleep. “Sorry…” the three mares replied in unison, cooling off Twilight. A yawn and the creaking of the steps, followed by a small purple dragon froze the four mares, as Spike walked to the bathroom. “Good morning gals!” he simply said, and closed the bathroom door. “Wow, he is even more sleepy than usual. “ Twilight commented. “But what are we going to do now? I can’t simply go back to the farm and pretend like nothing happened!” Applebloom said, fear and the realization of being grounded coming to her. “I don’t know, but we must not let anypony see you. I have a cloaking spell that…” Twilight’s suggestion was cut short as white filly ran into the library, completely out of breath. Her mane was purple and twirled up. Her eyes glowed and she yelled: “Big sis, big sis, come quick! There is a producer from Manehattan coming to the studio! He says he wants to give you a part in his movie!” As the young filly tried to push the stunned Sweetie Belle into the door, Twilight asked the obvious question: “Rarity?” “Yes, Miss Sparkle?” she replied. As this idea began to sit in, Twilight nodded to Sweetie Belle it was okay to go, as if to pretend nothing had happened. The two sisters were out quickly, and disappeared into the direction Rarity’s boutique is located. The other three mares simply looked at each other, only for Twilight to break the silence once again. “At least we know there is no need to hide anything. Applebloom, I will accompany you to the farm. Scootaloo, please go to Cloudsdale check up on Rainbow Dash.” “But she is not my real sister…” Scoots replied, a sliver of regret at the truth of that statement. “I have a hunch this spell does not really care about direct bloodlines, and if something has happened to her, better to know sooner, right?” “Understood.” Scoots said as she walked to the door. “Why not try and fly, Scoots?” Applebloom suggested. Scootaloo was about to grumbly say no, but the idea was begun to seem not a cruel joke. She flexed the large wings she possessed now. They seemed to be bigger than the usual pegasus, somewhere between Dash and Celestia’s. With one powerful swoosh, Scootaloo was airborne, and hit her head against the celling. The pain was overpowered by the joy of flight she had, and she laughed as she ran circles inside the library. With grace she stood back on the ground proudly, as the two mares were left gobsmacked. “See you later gals!” she yelled, and flew to Cloudsdale via the large oval window up top, much like her idol before her. “So fast…” the two mares said in unison. “That leaves only us, Miss Applebloom.” Twilight said jokingly. “Very funny. I just hope big sis and big brother are okay. I could never forgive myself if something happened to her.” “I think she will be alright, albeit somewhat smaller in stature.” “You think?” “I know so.” Twilight lied, hiding her insecurity behind Applebloom’s. The two mares closed the door behind them, and went to Apple Acres. “I made pancakes!” Spike yelled, only to be greeted by silence. “Oh great, they already left. It’s not like I enjoy when somepony notices my existence. Might as well go to Soprano Studio. Sweetie Belle is usually practicing in this hour, and I am in the mood for some quality singing. Plus, Rarity might be there…” the dragon contemplated, as he devoured the pancake pile he meant for him, and locked the door of the library. Author's Note I hope you enjoy the premise, it took way too long to get an idea that did not seem to cliche, while still fun and leaving space for some romance and sweet situational comedy. In the next chapter we get to see what is going on in the Studio. Hope to see you there! Editing done by http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Barnabi Thank You!
Singing Under Pressure“Sis, would you please stop dragging me around the main square like this?” Sweetie Belle complained, as the little white filly pulled her with her magic by her horn, dragging her feet into the dirty road that would usually lead to their home, Rarity’s famous boutique. “But dearest sister, we must hurry! And besides, it is too much fun to stop!” replied Rarity, her face resembling more of a begging little puppy than that of a filly. With a long sigh, Sweetie Belle nodded in defeat, and Rarity smiled wide. But the newly adult pony eyes grew wide, and her grumpy expressing changed into that of wonder once she gaze upon the building standing in the boutiques place. It seemed three floors high, with a large record slicing the upper two in half at a diagonal, and every edge was covered in neon lights. The sign, bright and colorful as well, read: “Bass Cannon Records” with large grinning neon Vinyl Scratch next to it. Right on the entrance door, Sweetie Belle could see her, on what seemed to be an album cover. As she came closer to the cover art itself, she blushed, as behind strongly stylized letter that spelled her name stood her adult self, laying on her plot suggestively, with shiny cyan socks that went all the way to her cutie mark. Even the look the unicorn on the picture was carrying seemed alien to the dragged mare, as it oozed seduction and a deep desire. The name of the single seemed to be “Ring the Belle” which gave her another long gulp as the sisters entered the record label. “Well if it isn’t little Miss Sexiest Mare Alive!” said a familiar raspy female voice, followed by the sunglasses that were her trademark symbol. Vinyl stood up from behind the large controls and took of the extra-large headphones, only to jump up and hug the perplexed Sweetie Belle. “What, no kiss? Oh I get it, still cranky from the jet lag. Serves you right for going to photo shoot for Ponies Magazine in old Manehattan!” Vinyl said with a coy smile with a hint of pride for her biggest star. “Manehatten Miss Scratch?” “Miss? Aren’t you cute? I thought I told you no title in the studio. Anyway, how did the shoot for the number one on the “Next Big Thing” list go?” Vinyl replied, still ecstatic. Things began to fall into place for Sweetie Belle. Not only she was a singer, she was popular! Vinyl would have to explain what sexy means, sister would only blush somepony would bring that word up. “Photo Finish sent me the masters this morning, and the combination of your fur and the black background is killer! Almost enough to make me jealous as now everypony gets to see how beautiful you are. “Vinyl continued as her mind seemed to drift to a memory. After a few moments of silence in which only Vinyl’s sighs could be heard, she got back down to Equestria. “Okay, no more playing around, ready for the session?” “A session?” Sweetie Belle replied, still not fully on the same page as the two other ponies. “Oh please sister, I love it when you sing!” Rarity pleaded and tugged at her bigger sister’s tail. Belle looked at her, and smiled. Her voice was not pretty at all, too high and squeaky. Why would her sister want to hear such whiny voice anyway? But if Rarity wanted her to sing, well she would try and wing it. “Cutie Mark Singers go!” she yelled and quickly shoved a full hoof into her mouth. “Eh, sure whatever makes you sing honey?” Vinyl said, slightly confused by her stars unusual outburst. “Yay!” the white filly cried, and began to hop in place, as Sweetie Belle entered the isolated room. As Vinyl pointed, so did Belle place the large headphones onto her pony ears. She was rather surprised how easy magic seemed in this older body. She made a mental note to show off to Scootaloo how much better she was now. “Okay, today we are doing a session for the single. You can find the text in front of you. And one, two…” Sweetie Belle was about to protest how she does not know the song, but as the R’n’B’ beat began to pump through the whole studio; her body began to dance to it. Every bass and every crescendo flew through her, and soon enough she began to sing the text in front of her, in an alluring and wonderful tone. I know you like me I know you do That’s why whenever I come around she’s all over you And I know you want it It's easy to see And in the back of your mind I know you should be home with me She even managed to stop right as a rap by Vinyl changed the tempo of the song. Soon enough everypony in the studio was bobbing their heads to the beat Vinyl had designed. Sweetie Belle was feeling the groove, and pushed her voice harder now, not afraid it was ugly or unbearable. Don’t cha wish your mare was hot like me Don’t cha wish your mare was a freak like me Don’t cha, don’t cha But just as the next part of Vinyl’s rap was to begin, the sound stopped. Sweetie Belle opened her eyes, and a bunch of tall figures were above Vinyl, who was on the floor injured. She ran out of the room and yelled: “Stop, please!” “Anything for you dollface!” the biggest pony in the crowd said, and stopped the others from punching the unicorn DJ while she was on the ground. The grey stallion was dressed in immaculate suit, with his henchcolts wearing similarly expensive suits as well. “I already told you, we had a deal! If I beat you in poker, you would wipe our dept, and I did!” “But you cheated Vinyl, I can’t let that slide.” “No I did not, you did!” “True, but if I cheated and you won, you must have cheated, right guys?” The brutes nodded in unison, and Sweetie Belle stood in front of the stallion and Vinyl. “Don’t you touch her, you monster!” “Please Sweetie Belle, no need to insult ol’ Cosa Nostra. I am just here to remind Vinyl that if you mares don’t pay up until Monday, this studio might become a warehouse of broken equipment.” He closed in on the trembling Sweetie Belle. He was a unicorn, his horn hidden under a fedora. His magical aura gripped Belle by the head, and held her against his. His calculative eyes were cold and serious. “Three million bits, by Monday.” He let go of Belle and pushed her into the turntable. “Let’s move. Hope your single paves out mares! Come on colts!” As Cosa Nostra exited, so did his goon follow, leaving the two shaking mares on the floor. Only after a few tense minutes with Belle hugging Vinyl and crying silently did Rarity run out of her hiding place inside one of the closets. “Sister, are you okay?” “I’m fine Rarity, but they hit Vinyl!” “No need to worry your pretty face, it’s just a few bucks to the ribs.” Vinyl tried to calm the mare down, but a faint trace of blood coming from her mouth told otherwise. “Come on sis, we must get Vinyl to the doctor. Go and call the hospital while I get her to the entrance.” Sweetie Belle said to Rarity, herself quite surprised how quickly she formulated a plan. Seems although she did not remember anything from this adult Sweetie Belle, she did gain her power of deduction. She made a mental note to praise herself because she knew what deduction meant. Rarity ran quickly to the phone and dialed the emergency services, while Sweetie Belle got Vinyl in a more comfortable position. “There we go!” she exclaimed, forcing a smile upon Vinyl’s face. “Thanks honey, I feel better already.” “Of course, what are friends for!” Belle replied and gave a childish grin in return. “Oh come now, your sister is not here, no need to play the old friend card.” “Friend card?” “Yeah silly mare! Today you really seem all over the place.” Belle gulped for a moment, but Vinyl was so comfortable that her suspicions faded in the sweet embrace of the one pony she fell in love with. “You know this only means one thing, right?” “Of course! Eh, what thing again?” “The talent show you crazy mare! You know, the big contract with the record label worth TEN million bits!” Vinyl said with some annoyance. “Ten million bits?! That is like... hundred thousand lunch monies!” “Oh Luna, did they give you some crazy pills on the plane?” “No, no! I’m just thinking out loud!” Belle tried her best to dodge the question, although she would have to ask Twilight what kind of pills Vinyl was talking about. As the two mares sat, the door of the studio open once more. With his usual skip, Spike entered the studio. “I am here Sweetie Belle! Sorry I took so long, had to stop by at Sugar Cube Corner and pick up some…” The box of cookies dropped on the floor as Spike ran to the injured Vinyl. “Oh no! Don’t tell me, it was Nostra again, wasn’t it. You two can’t keep hiding his extortion only because you… you know…” Spike said, making somewhat lewd hand gestures that made Vinyl blush. “Spike! Just because you are cool with it, doesn’t mean everypony is! I don’t want Rarity to go through school with her sister a fillyfooler.” Whispered Vinyl into Spikes ear. Luckily, he managed to stop just before Rarity entered the room again. “The medics are on their way big sister!” “Hear that Vinyl, the good doctors are on the way!” “Good to hear. But I fear if you don’t win that contest, the only pony we will need is the gravedigger pony.” Vinyl said with a grave tone. Sweetie Belle looked with fear at Vinyl, the idea somepony might die if she failed drowning out even the high pitch sirens of the emergency carriage. Being adult was getting complicated way too fast. Author's Note Just when Sweetie Belle thought singing is harmless, leave it to the pony mob to prove otherwise. That beggs the question, what is going on on Apple Acres? Well, we will find out soon enough, With editing by http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Barnabi Thank You for reading!
Legal IssuesIt did not take Scootaloo too long to return to her home in Cloudsdale, with her new found aerial prowess and instincts giving her the chance to enjoy the view and power that only yesterday seemed to be reserved only for one Rainbow Dash. “Oh, that’s right!” Scootaloo snapped mentally, as she recalled the details of the spell that they had stolen from Twilight not so long ago. A big cheesy smile was one her face, as the foal inside of the mare’s body began to dive to her house, only to see a small cyan dot right next her front door. It was a ball of uncombed rainbow hair, fit with petite wings that were flapping ever so enthusiastical, seemingly always on the brink of getting out of sync, making the little foal take a nose dive in to the dirt below. “Scoots! Over here!” she shouted out of the top of her lungs, somehow still having slight raspiness in her voice. “Dashie!” Scootaloo yelled in kind, as the two mares hugged as soon as Scootaloo landed on the front yard. Their tender moment was cut short by a unapologetic intentional cough right behind the new mare. As Scootaloo turned, she saw a stallion. He was well dressed, with suit, tie and the rest. His expression was so lifeless that it gave her a right cold shiver like seldom before. “Good day, Miss Scootaloo. I am here to inform you that your trial over the custody of Miss Rainbow Dash will conducted in three days from now in the Court of Cloudsdale at 18:00. Your attendance is mandatory, unless you wish to forfeit your chance and give Miss Haut Monde the rights to be her caretaker.” he said in cold monotone voice as he gave her a fancy letter that had the crest of the town of Cloudsdale stamped as a seal. Scoots tried to open the letter right there and now, but the ever energetic Dash, pulled her by the wing. “You have to win big sis, I don’t want auntie to take me away from you! After daddy and mommy left, you the only pony I have left!” she pleaded with small tears in her eyes. “Left... Oh no!” Scoots realized. She and Dash have switched, but since they are not really related, that means the fate of their parents have also changed, and that could only mean one thing. They were the ones that went into the storm that night, and not her parents. She began to hug the little tyke stronger then before, realizing that this cyan filly has to live trough what she had been trying to cope with for as long as she can remember. “Look Jeeves, it is out little heir, along with some hoodlum.” “I believe her name is Scootaloo Milady.” What followed was a very distinct noise of a hoof to the back of a pony’s head, followed by a cough. Scoots looked up, only to be greeted by an older couple of ponies, one obviously in pain, but somehow keeping a professional demeanor. He looked like one of those butlers in Twilight’s mystery novels, fit with the comb-over and everything. The mare next to him was a lot interesting to behold. Her fur seemed to be green, almost like a pistachio core after you just opened it and are eager to eat. She wore some sort of silky red garment, making her brown bonnet stuck out even more. Her face was that of disgust as she looked towards Scootaloo, almost as she was trying to drown her in acid right there and now. But as soon as Dashie looked over as well, a forced smile came on her face. “Ah there you are Dashie. You made old Jeeves and me quite worried, running off like that with no warning. You know I told you to stay away from... her.” ”No auntie, leave me alone! I don’t want to go to the scary mansion!” the filly yelled back at her. “But Dashie dear, it is your mansion, there is now need to be afraid of it. And after Thursday, I will be there to help you fill it!” the old mare said with a sly smile “Leave her alone, she does not want to be with you, don’t you see it?” Scootaloo pleaded as she stood in front of Dash. “I suggest you move away from there Miss Scootaloo, or I would be forced to accuse of child kidnapping, and I think Mister Jeeves will make a good witness. Wonder how that fact would go over the Judge...” Haut Monde said with menace on her mind. With a growl, Scootaloo moved back, knowing whatever she was going to do about this situation, she would need the guidance of Twilight first. Jeeves grabbed the little mare quickly, making sure she could not escape, but still not hurting their golden duck. “No, sis stop them!” Dash pleaded to her hero, only for her to look back helplessly. ”I will find Twilight and get you back, I promise!” she shouted as the three ponies went into the posh part of town, leaving her alone, lost and looking for context, and more importantly, a way out. Then she remembered that Twilight and Apple Bloom had gone over to the Apple Family Acers. It seemed to her that the solution to this subject was there, and she soared to the farm with impressive speed. It was a easy gallop for the two mares to the farm, with the new strength for Apple Bloom, and with Twilight in peak form, and the whole “save the world” campaigns she was involved in on a weekly basis. But when they got there, they were in for a surprise. Instead of the usual barn and cozy house, a large factory was in it’s place. In front of the entrance, fit with burly security stallions, was a over-sized picture of none other that Apple Bloom herself, holding a large keg of cider, and text under her that read: “AppleBloom Cider - From the Heart of the Land”. After a long pause, the two mares just looked at each other, and went to the gate. ”Oh snap, here comes the Boss, stay sharp!” one of the security ponies whispered, as the gate opened. ”Good day Boss!” they said in unison, showing military level of discipline. ”Good day, eh men. Hmm, at ease?” Apple Bloom replied, remembering some of the Shining Armor’s phrases. Twilight was busy having a laughing fit behind her. “Let’s go inside general, before they notice anything weird.” Twilight whispered to her young friend, and the two mares rushed inside. The main door opened automatic, and the inside of the factory revealed itself, with big machines, and ponies placing cider into bottles with breakneck pace. Each pony greeted them with a mixture of nervousness and eagerness that was hard to replicate. Those ponies were genuinely afraid of Apple Bloom, and Twilight could notice it from a mile away. They managed to get to the main office unscathed, with none of the workers noticing that their Boss sweating buckets. But as soon as the door of her office opened, a magenta colored unicorn fit with a big checklist jumped onto the unsuspecting Apple Bloom. “Thank Luna you are here Boss! The Saddle Arabia market just took a tumble, and we need to act fast! Do we stick with the stocks or do we bail out?! Also, the Manehatten branch just reported the lawsuit because some idiot fell on our floor. Do we pay him out front like that last buffoon or do we go and counter-sue?” the young mare said quickly, almost fumbling over her own words, only stopped by her lung capacity. “I think we will asses the situation in a few minutes, Miss...” Twilight interrupted the situation, as Apple Bloom was being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information that was being flung at her face. “The name is Status Report, and I don’t see your ID Miss...” the mare said with sass oozing from her voice. “Twilight Sparkle, at your service.” the librarian replied quickly, not giving an inch to Status Report. “Only if Boss agrees. Otherwise I will have to call security.” “It’s fine Status, give us a few minutes please.” Apple Bloom manged to utter, regaining some of her composure. “... Of course Boss.” Status said, leaving them alone, albeit somewhat taken aback. And after a few more long breaths, the two mares looked at each other. ”So, it seems you are a economic wunderkind. Who knew?” Twilight said, as she pointed to a copy of a economic magazine that was framed in the office, with Apple Bloom smiling and a big red sign saying: “The New Face of Money”. “The oddest part is that I know what wunderkind means. And that I could have answered Status’s questions right there and right now if I was not so shocked.” “Well the spell did give you all the tools to be who you are in this version of Equestria, even the loosing of the accent. You saw how Scootaloo had flown, not to mention the body on Sweetie...”, Twilight explained, only to end up red-faced about her last comment, even though it was a fact that Apple Bloom agreed on reluctantly with a small nod. “Ahem, but the memories are a different story though.” the librarian finished her thought and giving more insight to her now fellow young adult. ”Yeah, I sound more Manehatten that a farm mare, don’t I?” Apple Bloom said with a smidgen of melancholy in her voice. “I wonder where your sister is though, we need to find her and fix this mess.” Twilight wondered, placing her hoof in front of her mouth. “... I think she is in jail in Manehatten for repeated public indecency.” At that moment Twilight’s mind crashed, only to reload some ten seconds later. “Say what?” Apple Bloom pointed to a newspaper in front of her, as the big tabloid sign read: “AppleJacked on cider again! The younger sister of super successful Apple Bloom in jail again! Will she be bailed again?” The young mare in the picture looked like a slightly younger Applejack, but her hair was flash pink, she seemed to be wasted, and behind bars. “We need to get to Manehatten.” They said in unison. And as they were to open the door, a familiar pegasus crashed trough the office window that was overlooking the vast orchard. “Guys I need your help! I am going to a trial to keep Dash away from a evil relative, and I don’t know a zilch about the pegasi legal system!” Scootaloo said as fast as she could, not really caring for the fact that she almost scared the life out of the two other mares. “We have to get my somewhat younger sister out of jail!” Apple Bloom replied, as if she was trying to one-up the plea coming from her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders, leaving Twilight to grab her head in disbelief and ponder what else might go wrong. “Boss, it’s Sweetie Belle on the phone, she says both she and Vinyl are in the hospital. She begs you to come to see her!” Status barged in, similar to Scootaloo moments ago, albeit trough a more traditional way on entering her office. “I guess that counts something else.“ Twilight muttered inwardly as she teleported the four mares to the hospital front door. The door was half opened, so that any potential emergency pegasi could just push it inside. A purple dragon was standing there, only to jump up to the just teleported mares. ”Come quick gals, Sweetie Belle need your help. Vinyl is at the operation table, and she is about to lose her head from worrying!” Spike said, pulling her closest friend into the waiting quaters. The mares found Sweetie Belle there, crying in fear of what might happen to her marefriend. She was scared, but also confused. She never loved somepony before, and now her love interest is having a critical operation? She needed guidance, comfort, something! A white filly was sitting next to her, leaning on her, a chocolate bar in her mouth. “Miss Twilight, thank Celestia you are here!” Rarity yelled and jumped to greet her. “Rarity... How nice to see you, my dear.” Twilight responded, albeit a bit taken aback. She knew what had happened to her friends, but seeing a filly Rarity was still jarring. “Want some chocolate?” she said, the childish innocence not lost on the town librarian. “Generous as ever old friend.” Twilight murmured,smiled and ruffed up the little tyke’s mane, much to Rarity’s discomfort. “They hurt her, those fiends hurt my... My lover!” Sweetie Belle yelled in rage and tears. While the two CMC’s were processing that sentence, Twilight came closer to the singer and looked into her eyes with conviction. ”Whoever did this, we will find them and bring them to justice, I promise you!” And as Sweetie Belle tried to explain what had happened in the studio, the nurse came out of the operation room. She seemed tired, but stern, a large red cross on her flank dominating an otherwise white coat of fur. “Is she alright?” Sweetie Belle pleaded. “Yes, mam. She has two broken ribs and several swellings, but she will be alright. She wishes to talk to you. Alone.” the nurse said in a warm voice, not hiding her own joy over the outcome of the operation. Sweetie Belle ran inside, leaving her friends to ponder as to what to do next. Author's Note I am alive. Yes, I am. How? I don't really know myself. After a year I came back to write, only to be reminded why I love ti so. It is like a drug, really. To make your ideas and bring them to the paper, and to those characters you enjoy as well. Here is hoping I stick longer this time! As for the story itself? Well the CMC's have an uphill battle from now on. Plus, the next chapter might be interesting, just saying. She said alone for a reason folks.
