Starbloom Chronicles II

by L_Wolf

Rating: everyone
Tags: Original Character, Spike, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Twilight Sparkle, Diamond Tiara, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe
Length: 42183

The sequel to Starbloom Chronicles, this story follows the new adventures of Starbloom and her friends.

As promised a while ago, sorry it's late. This story is follows Starbloom and her friends as they try to get cutie marks, and deal with everyday life growing up in Ponyville as the school year closes and summer break approaches.

Proofread and edited by APoeticHeart
Idea for Starbloom checking out the death of Applejack's mother from rainbowscoot677

Squeal to Starbloom Chronicles

Published 2013-09-01 03:30:03 UTC
Last updated 2014-05-22 08:08:01 UTC

Chapter 1

~*{Chapter One}*~

Starbloom trots down the path leading to Sweet Apple Acres and the Cutie Mark Crusaders' club house. She was excited to get started on crusading for cutie marks today, because Scootaloo mentioned something about doing some cave exploring, but she hoped it was just an off-hooved remark, and not what she had planned for today.

She reached the clubhouse and made her way up the small ramp going to the building. She opened the door to go inside and looked around. "Must be early, none of the others are here," she said softly to herself going over to her cushion near the window and took a seat the crystal on her headband lighting up and she removed her saddlebags setting it aside.

She opened the saddle bag and took out a book reading it quietly as she waited. She didn't have to wait too long, because she heard hoof steps coming up the ramp. She looked up from reading her book over at the door. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom entered the clubhouse with Scootaloo trailing behind.

"Howdy Starbloom, been waitin long?" Apple Bloom greeted with a smile as she walked over.

"Not that long Apple Bloom, maybe twenty minutes." She said putting her book away. Scootaloo headed to a corner and sat down with a huff, Starbloom glanced over at her tilting her head. "What's the matter Scootaloo?"

"She's just upset cause Rainbow Dash found out bout the idea for cave explorin and told her she can't" Apple Bloom said and Scootaloo just sulked more.

"Oh I see," she was a little relieved about that, but also slightly disappointed, cave exploring would've have offered a chance to find some interesting geological formations. "Well, we'll just have to find something else to do then."

Sweetie Belle finally spoke up grinning. "I know, we can go swimming and maybe earn our cutie marks as divers!" Sweetie Belle said excited by the idea, mostly because it was early summer and she wanted to swim to cool off.

"We did that already," Scootaloo said rolling her eyes a bit. "Remember? It was one of the first things we tried and we got chased by a squid."

"Oh yea," Sweetie Belle said sighing and sat down next to Starbloom.

The group sat quietly and tried to come up with ideas to get cutie marks, while they was thinking up ideas Sweetie Belle looked over at Starbloom, "What were you reading when we came in?" She asked curious about the book.

Starbloom blinked and looked at Sweetie Belle before smiling. "Oh, the newest Daring Do book. It came out a few days ago." She said nodding at Sweetie Belle.

Scootaloo jumped up causing the other crusaders to gasp and look over at the sudden movement from the little pegasus filly. "Really?! Me and Rainbow Dash has been looking everywhere for that book and it's been sold out." Scootaloo said excitedly.

"Yea, the library has a few copies of them. I'm surprised you and Rainbow Dash haven't come to borrow a copy." Starbloom said smiling. "Twilight saved a copy back for you two, the rest have been checked out."

Scootaloo shuffled from hoof to hoof trying to decide if she should stay for the crusaders meeting or go to the library to get the book. "Ummm, ummm.... meeting over!" She suddenly said before galloping out of the club house and down the ramp getting onto her scooter and took off down the path leading back to Ponyville.

The three crusaders left just sat quietly staring at the door for a few minutes, unsure what to do now. "Well... can we just go swimming now?" Sweetie Belle asked finally breaking the silence.

Starbloom and Applebloom looked at each other before looking at Sweetie Belle. "Sure Sweetie we can go swimmin at the lake here." Apple Bloom said, the three moved to their hooves and headed out of the clubhouse following the path leading to the lake. Starbloom used her magic to put her saddlebags on her back before following them out.

"So, what are we gonna do for the talent show on the last day of school?" Starbloom asked as they walked through the grove of trees to the lake. The last couple of years they had been doing different acts together with varying degrees of success.

"Well, I thought I might try my hoof at singing again. Rarity said if I get over my stage fright I might earn a cutie mark at it." Sweetie Belle said looking over at the two before adding. "But if I do we can't perform together."

"I think, that would be a good idea Sweetie Belle," Starbloom said smiling at her before looking over at Apple Bloom. "What do you think Apple Bloom?"

Apple Bloom nodded in agreement smiling at her, "Yea, we been performin together all the time maybe we should give separate acts a try."

Starbloom smiled at Apple Bloom then nodded at Sweetie Belle. "Yea, I think that might be good. I can perform some tricks with my magic or something."

The group got to the lake they was surprised to find Diamond Tiara there sitting on the dock looking at the water. "Hey Diamond, whatcha doing here by yourself?" Apple Bloom asked as they got to the lake. They walked over to Diamond Tiara on the dock.

Diamond Tiara looked up and over at the group walking over to her and smiled. "Hi, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Starbloom. I'm waiting for my dad to finish some business here at the farm."

"Oh, well do you want to go swimming with us?" Sweetie Belle asked the three reaching the edge of the dock and sitting down. "No crusading today, Scootaloo went to check out a book at the library and find Rainbow Dash."

The crusaders had been on much friendlier terms with Diamond Tiara since Family Appreciation Day two years ago. Though the bullying hadn't stopped, Silver Spoon persisted in bothering them and teasing as well as other students in the school.

Diamond Tiara thought about the idea for a few moments before smiling. "Sure that sounds good I just need to let my dad know."

"I'll let him know, I need to get some towel anyways." Apple Bloom said smiling before trotting to the farmhouse to grab some towels for them and tell Diamond Tiara's dad that she's gonna be joining them.

Starbloom removed her saddlebags and sat them on the dock before looking over at Diamond Tiara smiling, then glancing at Sweetie Belle who was by the edge of the dock. Starbloom grinned and Diamond Tiara giggled softly as Starbloom went over to Sweetie Belle and gave a push with her shoulder knocking Sweetie into the water.

"Eep!" Sweetie Belle squealed as she fell into the water. She swam up and peered up at Starbloom. "Why you!" She said before giggling, Diamond Tiara was laughing pretty hard as she watched the playful teasing. Sweetie's horn light up and she pulled Starbloom in with her which made Diamond Tiara laugh even harder.

Starbloom yelped as she fell into the water next to Sweetie Belle with a splash and splashed around getting her bearings and floated next to Sweetie Belle the two giggling and looked up at Diamond Tiara. Diamond Tiara blinked before getting lifted in Starbloom's magic, Sweetie used her own to carefully put Diamond Tiara's tiara with Starbloom's saddlebag before Starbloom dropped her into the water with them.

Diamond Tiara splashed around getting herself situated in the water looking at the two with a mock frown. "Such rude behavior," she said before grinning at them and splashed both. Sweetie Belle and Starbloom splashed her back and soon a splash fight erupted between the three.

Apple Bloom got back to the dock and heard the splashing. She put the towels by the saddlebags before charging down the dock and jumped "Cannon ball!" She yelled before hitting the water splashing all three of them. She swam up an breached the surface in the middle of the three.

All three looked at Apple Bloom with a frown before the started to giggle and started the splash fight again this time all three splashing at Apple Bloom. The group spent the better part of an hour playing in the lake, before Applejack came down and watched the fillies for a few minutes smiling.

"Alright ya'll come on out." Applejack called to them and they swam over to the dock and climbed out of the water. Once they had gotten out of the water Applejack smiled. "It's time fer lunch Sweetie, Starbloom, Tiara yer welcome to join us if you want."

The group smiled at Applejack nodding as they dried off, Diamond Tiara putting her tiara back on and Starbloom put her saddle bags on. "Alright sis, that sounds good." Apple Bloom said and they all headed to the farmhouse. But instead of going in they went around to the side where a picnic area was for outdoor gatherings like the Apple family reunions.

They took a seat at the large table, Applejack too the towels and hung them up to dry before going inside to get the lunch for the fillies. The group sat at the table and talked quietly as the heat of the sun finished drying them off. Granny Smith, Big Mac and Applejack came out shortly after with lunch placing the food on the table and joining them.

Once lunch had been completed and the dishes taken into the kitchen the group said goodbye. Starbloom, Sweetie and Tiara walked back to Ponyville together before they split each going to their own homes. Over the past year Sweetie had been staying with Rarity more and more since their parents retired and took more trips.

Starbloom walked to the library and went inside. "I'm home mama," She called after going in looking around, Twilight looking up from scroll and smiled over at her.

"Welcome home dear, did you have fun today?" Twilight asked putting the scroll away. "Since Scootaloo dropped by earlier no dangerous stunts to get your cutie mark?"

Starbloom smiled at Twilight, "Yea I had fun, we didn't crusade today just swam in the lake at Sweet Apple Acres. Saw Diamond Tiara there as well and she joined us. Then Applejack made us all lunch." Starbloom told her mom as she removed her saddle bags and placed them by the stairs. She'd take them upstairs later.

"That does sound like a lot of fun, I'm glad you and your friends decided to take a break from crusading to have a little fun." Twilight said smiling at Starbloom, she got up and went to the kitchen. Starbloom followed her watching as Twilight made them some tea.

Starbloom smiled and nodded taking her cup of tea sipping it, she followed Twilight back out and they sat on some cushions in a corner of the library. "Where is Spike?" Starbloom asked tilting her head faintly.

"He went into town to the market to do some shopping. We're running low on groceries, parchment and ink. I offered to go with him but he said he could handle it on his own." Twilight said smiling at Starbloom as she relaxed sipping her tea.

"Ah," Starbloom said smiling at Twilight taking a sip of her tea relaxing. "Me and the crusaders decided to perform separately at the talent show this year. Sweetie Belle is gonna sing, not sure what Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are going to do.... not sure what I'm going to do myself."

"You're a smart filly Starbloom, you'll figure something out. So will Apple Bloom and Scootaloo." Twilight said sipping her tea.

Starbloom nodded at Twilight and gave her a smile as she sat on her cushion considering what she could do as she sipped her tea. "I'll think of something still have plenty of time before the talent show."

They heard the door and looked over seeing Spike as he came into the library with two large bags in his arms. Starbloom got up and went over to help carry everything inside. "I got these Spike, kitchen right?" She asked taking the bags he had in his arms in her magic.

"Thanks Starbloom, yep in the kitchen." Spike said smiling at her before going back outside to get the last of his purchases from the wagon. Two smaller bags with the ink and parchment which he put on Twilight's desk. "That's the last of it."

"Thank you very much Spike," Twilight said smiling over at him. "How was the market today?"

Spike went over and joined Twilight in the sitting area. "It was good, prices of tomatoes went up again though." Spike said settling onto a cushion. "I swear Roma just raises the prices when she feels like it."

Twilight smiled at Spike as he sighed. "It's alright Spike, but maybe I should have a talk to her about her pricing." Twilight said as she finished her tea. She got to her hooves and went into the kitchen. Spike getting up and following after her.

"You really think it'll work talking to her?" Spike asked going over to help Starbloom put away the groceries.

"I'm sure once it gets explained to her she'll change her ways." Twilight said refilling her tea cup. "If not, we'll just get our tomatoes from another vender."

Starbloom smiled at Spike as he helped and soon everything was put away. Starbloom got her tea from the seating area and joined Twilight at the table. "But we been getting tomatoes from Roma for years." Spike said looking at Twilight. "Her crop is always the best."

"Maybe so Spike, but that doesn't mean she can keep raising prices like that. Last time we went there they was five bits for five tomatoes. The going price on tomatoes is one bit for three, that's a huge increase in price." Twilight said sipping her tea.

Spike sighed again but nodded, she was right this time he went it was six bits for five tomatoes. "Alright Twilight, that might be a good idea." Spike said taking a tea cup and sipped. "Thank you Starbloom."

"You're welcome Spike," Starbloom said giving him the cup of tea. "I'm sure Roma will come around once mama explains it to her."

Spike nodded at Starbloom smiling at her. "Yea, I'm sure you're right."

They spent the rest of the afternoon talking over what they did today, and both Spike and Starbloom helped out around the library. Spike got dinner ready in the evening, with Starbloom's help. After dinner Starbloom got ready for bed and took a shower, she had school the next morning so she went to bed early.

Chapter 2

~*{Chapter Two}*~

Starbloom was standing in the black void of the dream world looking around quietly. She wasn't sure why she was in the dream world like this. She hadn't visited it since Spike's death and she was sent to her new home. "Princess Luna? Where are you?" She called out, she knew only Luna could do this to her.

"Ah, Twilight Sparkle tis good to see you again." Luna said moving out of the shadows tilting her head faintly. "Or should I address you as Starbloom now?"

"My name is Starbloom," Starbloom told her watching Luna quietly. "Why have you brought me to this place again?"

"I came to inform you of events that have transpired in your original world since your disappearance from Canterlot Prison." Luna told her stopping a few feet in front of her.

Starbloom lowered her eyes to the ground closing them for a moment before looking up at Luna. "Very well, I would like to know how everything has gone.... but that is no longer my world, where I am now is my home, and my world."

"Understood Starbloom... after your disappearance, there was of course an investigation as to how you escaped, as well as a search to locate you. Though Celestia and I already knew where you had gone to." Luna said and Starbloom sat down to listen watching her quietly. "The conclusion the investigation came assumed you went overseas."

Starbloom nodded quietly as she listened looking up at Luna but saying nothing so Luna continued, "Trixie, is now the new Element of Magic. An.... acceptable replacement. Your friends have been teaching her the magic of friendship and she is slowly starting to learn the lessons well."

"I'm, happy to hear that....." Starbloom said softly as she listened, "How are my parents.... my brother and my friends?"

"They are, adjusting as best they can. But the loss is hard for them at times, Princess and Cadence and Prince Shining Armor had a foal, a filly unicorn and named her after you. But it is still too early to tell, if she'll have your gift in magic." Luna said looking down at her quietly.

"A foal... what does it look like?" Starbloom asked softly looking at the floor.

"She has a soft pink coat, almost white... a blue mane with pink highlights and purple eyes." Luna said giving her a soft smile.

"How... is Princess Celestia handling things?" Starbloom asked tilting her head as she looked up.

"My sister.... is taking your loss hard, she still has regret over her choice. I believe if she had it to do over again. She would have pardoned you instead." Luna said softly.

"Princess.... tell me why have you come to me now? It's not just to give me an update is it?" Starbloom asked looking up at Luna tilting her head.

Luna was quiet for a moment turning to look away before looking back. "You are right Starbloom. My sister... sent me here to ask if you would like to return, full pardon and restoration of your horn and cutie mark."

Starbloom was quiet for a moment looking down at the ground again folding her ears back as she thought about what Luna had told her. She looked up at her sighing deeply. "Luna.... the magic that sent me to this world turned me into a filly.... what would happen if you brought me back?"

Luna furrowed her brows before nodding slowly. "You... would most likely get younger. Half the age you are now but you would retain all your memories and your magic would be restored. An age up spell would put you back to your proper age."

Starbloom shook her head slowly, "I can't go back Princess Luna, I have made a life for myself here. I killed my friend Spike and that is something I can't wipe away or forget. I'm sorry but please tell Princess Celestia I'm going to stay here. Tell her I'm happy, and I don't blame her for what she did."

Luna gave her a soft smile, "I had a feeling that would be your answer Starbloom, I will inform my sister and let her know. I'm sure it will put her mind at ease, to know you are doing well. Have pleasant dreams my friend." Luna said and her horn glowed before she fade away.

Starbloom sat up in bed looking around rubbing her eyes yawning, looking over at the clock she noticed it was only three in the morning so she layed back down and snuggled into her bed under the covers and drifted back off to sleep. She only managed to get a few more hours before she woke up again.

She looked at the clock and saw it was six in the morning, she sighed before rolling out of bed and stretched herself out going making her way down stairs to the kitchen to get breakfast. She got herself a simple bowl of cereal and a glass of juice sitting at the table she started to eat.

Twilight joined her after a few minutes looking her over. "What's on your mind Starbloom?" Twilight asked sitting at the table with her sipping some juice. "I know it's not nothing I know that look."

Starbloom sipped her juice, "Princess Luna visited me in my dreams last night.... my Princess Luna from my world." She said looking at Twilight quietly.

"Really... after two years why visit you now?" Twilight asked concerned as to what it could mean. "What did she talk to you about?"

"She... told me about how things have gone since I left.... and offered to return me to my world." Starbloom said looking at her half empty bowl. "I told her no, that I like it here and don't want to leave."

"I... I can't say I'm not happy, but is it what you really want?" Twilight asked looking at her the expression in Starbloom's face told her she wasn't sure if she made the right choice. "You can be honest with me I won't be mad."

Starbloom looked up at Twilight, "I... I don't know," she said softly tears stinging her eyes. "I love it here, I love you mama, and my friends. But I miss my old world, my parents, my brother and his wife... my old friends. My brother and his wife have a foal now."

Twilight frowned softly getting to her hooves and moved around putting a wing around Starbloom. "Shh it's okay Starbloom, relax." She said softly trying to sooth her.

"I wish... I wish Luna never came to my dream and told me all that." Starbloom said resting her head against Twilight's shoulder. "Now I have all these confused feelings inside me, I don't want to lose my life here, but I miss my old life and listening to her brought back all those old memories."

"I'm so sorry Starbloom, I know it must be hard" She said softly hugging Starbloom softly with her wing. "Do... you want to stay home today and think it over some more?"

"No.. it's okay mama, I don't want my friends to worry about me missing school." Starbloom said wiping her eyes with a hoof. "I want to stay here, my old life is gone it died with Spike."

Twilight frowned softly but kept Starbloom in the hug nodding slowly. She loosened her from the hug and got up folding her wings at her side moving to her side of the table sipping her juice. She was upset with Princess Luna for what she did, but there was little she could do about it.

Starbloom finished her breakfast quietly before putting her dishes away. Spike came into the kitchen a few moments later looking at the two tilting his head. "Whoa.... what's the matter with you two?" He asked looking at them, he could see they was upset about something.

"It's nothing Spike, don't worry." Twilight said giving him a smile. "Starbloom just had a bad dream." She said glancing over at Starbloom who nodded slowly.

Spike looked at the two again, clearly not buying a word of it. But he let the matter drop knowing he wouldn't get any answers from them. "Alright, if you say so." He said pouring himself some juice. "Better hurry Starbloom or you'll be late for school."

Starbloom blinked and jumped up. "What?!" She yelled running out of the kitchen and checked the time. "It's six thirty already?!"

Starbloom ran upstairs and brushed her mane out quickly as she put on her saddlebags. Once she had her mane brushed she quickly brushed her teeth before rushing down stairs and out the door galloping to school as quickly as she could not wanting to be late for class.

Chapter 3

~*{Chapter Three}*~

Starbloom reached the school quickly after bolting out of the library. She just made it before the bell ring to bring all the kids inside. She fell into line walking in with the rest of the students panting softly trying to catch her breath. She went over to her desk and removed her saddle bag setting it next to her seat. "Phew... just made it in time."

Cheerilee came into the class room as the rest of the students got settled standing by her desk. Once everyone was settled she gave the class her cheerful smile, "Good morning class, I hope you had a good weekend." Cheerilee said as she greeted her class.

"Good Morning Ms. Cheerilee," the class returned the greeting with smiles of their own.

Cheerilee started the her class, Starbloom listened as best she could but she was still distracted by her talk with Luna the night before, she felt she made the right choice in staying. But she was still feeling torn about her choice. She jumped a little when Cheerilee put a hoof on her shoulder.

"Starbloom, are you alright?" She asked looking down at her, the rest of the class giggled softly looking over at her.

"Oh, yea sorry I guess I was thinking to hard." Starbloom said blushing softly looking up at her.

Cheerilee nodding lightly at her, unconvinced. "Can you answer the problem on the board?" She asked looking at Starbloom.

Starbloom looked at the problem, eight divided by four plus four, and nodded. "Yes ma'am, the answer is six," she said smiling at her.

"That is correct, good job." Cheerilee said smiling before going back to the front to continue her class. Starbloom sighed softly and does her best to pay attention more during class. The rest of the class went by smoothly and Starbloom didn't let her thoughts distracted her from them.

When lunch came she got out of her desk getting her lunch bag from her saddlebag and started outside. The rest of the crusaders, Diamond Tiara and Noi followed her out to the table they normally sat at. Starbloom looked at her friends and smiled.

"So, Starbloom ya aint becoming spacey on us again are ya?" Apple Bloom asked looking over at her.

"Huh? Oh no I'm not, I just have a lot on my mind at the moment." She said opening her lunch bag, she blinked and face hoofed. "I forgot to pack a lunch," she said seeing the bag empty and sighed.

"Yea, not spacey at all." Scootaloo teased and Starbloom blushed softly. "We'll share with you of course."

The rest of her friends agreed and placed what they had on the table splitting it between all of them. "Thank you, I guess I am a little more distracted then I thought." She said sighing softly nibbling on a carrot stick.

"It's alright Starbloom, I'm sure you just have a lot on your mind." Noi said smiling at her. "We all get like that."

The rest of the group agreed. "Maybe if you tell us what has you distracted we can help you with it." Diamond Tiara said smiling at her.

Starbloom tilted her head a bit and considered. The only one of her friends who knew the truth was Sweetie Belle, "I... I was offered a choice of staying here or going back to Canterlot." Starbloom said, lying a little but it was the best way she could explain it with out saying she was from another dimension. Though Sweetie Belle picked up on what she meant.

"What... did you decide to do?" Sweetie Belle asked, giving her a knowing look. The rest of her friends just watched and listened curious as to what Starbloom decided as well.

"I, choose to stay here in Ponyville." She said nibbling at a carrot. "I'm not sure if I could go back after making so many friends."

"I know, it can be an easy choice." Noi said nodding at her, "Picking between your friends and family here, or your friends and family back in Canterlot." The others nodded in agreement as well.

"I think, you should go back where you came from you freak." Silver Spoon said coming over having been ease dropping. "A defective unicorn like you isn't wanted."

Starbloom gritted her teeth a bit and the rest glared at Silver Spoon. "Go bother someone else Silver Spoon." Scootaloo said her wings exited threateningly.

Silver Spoon glared back, along with another pegasus filly with a red coat, blue mane and tail and green eyes. The pegasus had a cutie mark of rain drops. "No one is talking to you loser," she said to Scootaloo, "You and Starbloom suit each other, a defective unicorn and a defective pegasus."

Scootaloo glared even more at Silver Spoon, but Diamond Tiara got up and smacked Silver Spoon in the cheek with her hoof. "That's enough Silver Spoon!" Diamond Tiara said sharply. "You've changed and become a lot more hateful," Diamond Tiara snorted at her, "Even when we was friends and teased others we never took it that far."

Silver Spoon looked shocked at being hit, she narrowed her eyes at Diamond Tiara before turning with a huff and left with the other pegasus filly following her. Diamond Tiara just watched her for a moment before sitting back down. "I'm sorry you had to see me do that." Diamond Tiara apologized to her friends.

"It's alright Tiara," Apple Bloom said the rest of them nodding in agreement, "Would of done it myself if I had a chance."

Scootaloo was still scowling as she folded her wings and sat back down as well. Silver Spoon's words hurt her and it showed. "What's the matter Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle asked looking at her.

"I... hate to admit it but Silver Spoon is right, I am a defective pegasus." Scootaloo said sighing softly, looking at her friends. "I haven't told you guys but... I found out last week that my flight glads are defective and I wont be able to fly.... ever." Scootaloo did her best to hide the pain in her eyes from admitting that.

Everyone was shocked, as the looked at Scootaloo, Apple Bloom giving her a hug. "How... did you find out?" Apple Bloom asked looking over at her.

Scootaloo sighed wiping at her eyes with a hoof. "Ever since Rainbow Dash adopted me, we been working on my flying.... but after months of no progress she took me to the doctor and they did some tests. That's when they discovered my glads have a rare disease that prevents a lot of the magic that allows a pegasus to fly. I can hover and glide but not fly"

"I'm really sorry to hear that Scootaloo," Starbloom said lowering her eyes. Her problems seemed less important now. "Maybe me and Twilight can find a cure or something."

Scootaloo shook her head lightly, "I don't think so, the doctors tried everything and nothing worked. It's a defect from birth it's rare but it happens. Specially if the foal doesn't get enough nutrition." She said softly.

The group sighed softly as they listen, but Starbloom wasn't going to give up on the matter. The bell rung and the group cleaned up the table before going inside, Starbloom kept what she heard from Scootaloo in her mind so she could talk to her mother when she got home from school.

Chapter 4

~*{Chapter Four}*~

Starbloom sat quietly in class waiting for the bell to ring at the end of the day. She did her best to keep from getting distracted at what Ms. Cheerilee was talking about. Not wanting a repeat of what happen earlier in the day. But she couldn't get what Scootaloo told her off her mind, she really wanted to help her friend get over her problem and be able to fly.

After the bell rang Starbloom got to her hooves and put on her saddle bags and said good-bye to her friends, telling them she wanted to walk home alone today. Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked concerned but let her go. They knew her well enough to not follow her if wanted to be alone.

She left the school building and started on her way home lost in thought. She was going through the spell books she knew of in her mind trying to remember if any of them would help with Scootaloo's disability. She had been so lost in her thoughts she didn't notice Silver Spoon and her friend following her.

The red-coated pegasus flew over and landed in front of Starbloom. Starbloom stopped and blinked looking at her. "What do you want Crimson Rain?" Starbloom asked glancing over her shoulder seeing Silver Spoon coming up behind her before looking back at Crimson.

"Just to talk Starbloom," Crimson Rain said glaring at her. "Your friends were pretty mean to Silver Spoon today."

Silver Spoon came around to stand next to Crimson glaring as well. "You think, just because your mother is a princess you and your friends can act like that to me?" Silver Spoon said while she and Crimson start to walk around Starbloom slowly. "You and your friends need to learn their place in the school yard."

Starbloom quietly watched Silver and Crimson as they moved around her. She didn't want to start anything with the two. She just sighed quietly rolling her eyes trying to move past them. "I need to get home, so if you don't mind. Move, please." She said when they move to block her path.

Silver reached a hoof up and hit Starbloom across the muzzle with it. "You will stay here until I say yo...." Silver started but was suddenly cut off when an aura formed around her and Crimson Rain. "Hey! Put me down this instant!" Silver protested as she squirmed in the aura.

"I don't think so," Twilight's said as she walked up behind Starbloom looking at the two fillies in her magic. "Starbloom, home I'll deal with this." She said looking at Starbloom who was holding her muzzle small tears of pain in her eyes.

"Yes mama," she said before moving around the two fillies still struggling in the aura of magic and continued on her way to the library.

Twilight looked at the two. "I believe it's time I have a talk with your parents," Twilight said and the two looked at her in fear. Twilight took them home, going to Silver Spoon's place first before flying to Crimson Rain's cloud home to speak with her parents.

Starbloom got home and went to her room putting away her saddle bags. "Starbloom?" She heard Spike calling for her and made her way down stairs.

"Yes Spike?" She asked looking at him trying to give him her best smile. She was still upset about the confrontation with Silver Spoon and Crimson Rain.

"S.. Starbloom?! What happen?" He asked going over to her, she hadn't noticed but her lip and nose was bleeding from the hit across her muzzle. "Your bleeding."

Starbloom sighed a bit, "Silver Spoon hit me, it's nothing to worry about though. Mama is taking care of it."

"Of course I'm going to worry." Spike said as he leads her to the kitchen. He wets a rag and cleans her muzzle with it. "Why would Silver Spoon want to hurt you though? I know you two don't get along but violence?"

Starbloom squirmed at the rag rubbing her muzzle as she sat near the sink. "She said some mean stuff about me and Scootaloo.... Diamond Tiara hit her first I guess she just used me to get her revenge for that." Starbloom said looking up at Spike.

Spike tilted his head as she made Starbloom some tea. "Doesn't she say mean stuff about you guys all the time? Why would Diamond hit her this time?" He asked he had heard about the bullying before from Starbloom and the other members of the CmC.

"She called me a freak and a defective unicorn.... she called Scootaloo a detective pegasus." Starbloom said looking away from Spike sighing softly. "Diamond Tiara said she crossed the line."

Spike clench his clawed fist narrowing his eyes before relaxing when he looks at Starbloom giving her the tea. "She did cross the line. You are not a freak or a defective unicorn."

Starbloom closed her eyes sighing softly. "I am a freak Spike, and with out a real horn I am defective as a unicorn."

"That's not true!" Spike said sharply enough to cause Starbloom to flinch abit. "I'm sorry but it's not true Starbloom," he said with a more softly. "You're just special, and unique. You shouldn't let her words get to you and make you think your anything more then a special pony."

Starbloom gave him a weak smile before sipping her tea looking into the cup. "Thank you Spike, I guess with everything that happen today I let her words bother me more than I should have."

"You mean that talk with Princess Luna last night?" Spike asked looking at her.

Starbloom nodded at him softly as she took another sip of his tea. "Yea, that and what is going on with Scootaloo."

"What's the matter with Scootaloo?" Twilight asked coming into the kitchen after getting home from taking Silver Spoon and Crimson Rain home. "Rainbow Dash said she's been pretty happy."

Spike and Starbloom looked over at Twilight as she came into the kitchen. "Scootaloo recently found out she has a birth defect that keeps her from flying." Starbloom said frowning softly. "They visited doctors and specialist and there isn't anything they can do to help her."

Twilight frowned softly at the news as she joined Starbloom at the table. "I'm really sorry to hear that Starbloom. That must be really rough on the filly. I know she has always wanted to follow in Rainbow Dash's footsteps to be the best flier in Equestria."

Starbloom nodded softly and sighed sipping her tea again. "I know, I feel bad for her. I wish there was something we could do to help her, like a spell we could use to fix her wings and magic gland."

"I know you do dear, but honestly there isn't anything we can do. Even with my magic some problems just can't be fixed." Twilight said putting her wing around Starbloom in a hug.

Starbloom leaned against Twilight softly nodding as she sniped her tea. "I know mama, I just feel bad for her. Poor Scootaloo must be devastated."

"Scootaloo is a tough little filly, I know she'll find away to adapt in some way." Twilight said smiling at Starbloom. "Most important thing now is just to be there for her and supporting her."

Starbloom looked up at Twilight and smiled nodding at her. "Of course your right mama, I will."

Spike got dinner finished for them and placed it on the table. Twilight moved her wing and Starbloom went to her side of the table while Spike got the table ready. "Smells good as always Spike, thank you." Twilight said to Spike and Starbloom nodded in agreement.

After dinner, Starbloom went to the main hall of the library and searched around in the medical books and spell books to see if she could find away to treat Scoolaloo's condition. Seeing what she was up to Twilight helped, though she knew there was little they could do if trained medical unicorns couldn't find any cures.

"Starbloom, we've gone through all the medical books and spell books in the library. I don't think there is anything we can do." Twilight said after a few hours. "It's almost bedtime, go get cleaned up and ready for bed alright?"

Starbloom sighed softly and scuffed a hoof on the floor. "Alright mama, I guess you and Scootaloo are right." She said looking defeated, she really helped she could find something.

She made her way up the stairs to the bathroom and turned on the shower waiting for the water to warm. While she waited she looked at herself in the mirror. "Guess there are some problems you can't fix," she told herself before checking the water and climbing into the shower.

She scrubbed her sides and back with her scrub brush after putting some coat wash on it. She her mind was still going over the issue with Scootaloo in her mind. She closed her eyes and shook her head trying to clear it, "Come on Starbloom, let it go you tried everything."

She sighed again and finished cleaning herself off. She turned the water off and shook herself off before getting out the shower and dried herself with a towel. She rested the towel across her back got her brush to brush out her mane and tail. Once her mane and tail had been brushed she brushed her teeth.

Once she was clean she put the towel in the hamper and left the bathroom going to her room stretching a bit. She checked the time before getting into bed. It was still a bit before her bedtime but she was feeling tired so she went to bed early turning out the lights before snuggling under the covers and drifting off to sleep.

Chapter 5

~*{Chapter Five}*~

Starbloom had a pretty fitful night of sleep and she woke up feeling more tired then ever. She groaned softly sitting up in bed looking around rubbing her eyes with a hoof sighing softly. She got out of bed and went to the bathroom to clean up before heading to the kitchen. Looking around quietly she noticed Twilight and Spike was both still asleep.

She fixed herself a cup of tea and toast looking at the time, she still had about half an hour before school. If both Spike and Twilight was still asleep they must have had a late night. She sat at the table and nibbled on her toast quietly and sipping her tea. She really didn't feel like going to school today. She had a feeling Silver Spoon and Crimson Rain would be waiting to cause trouble for her and her friends.

"No point in trying to stay home and hide like a scared little filly." She told herself quietly, she knew Twilight would let her stay home if she wanted and she was fair enough caught up with her school work for it not to bring her grade down. But she also knew that if she did stay home, Silver Spoon and Crimson Rain would still take out their frustrations on her friends if she didn't show up.

She finished her toast and tea before getting to her hooves and put away her dishes. She went up stairs to brush her teeth then went to get her saddle bags and put them on.

Once she was ready she left the library and started on her way to the school building. Once she got to the building she meet up with her friends. "Morning girls," Starbloom said smiling at the three.

"Mornin' Starbloom," Apple Bloom greeted smiling at her.

"Good morning Starbloom," Sweetie greeted after Apple Bloom.

"Hey Starbloom," Scootaloo greeted nodding at her.

"We heard about what happen on your way home, are you alright?" Sweetie asked going over to her and looking her over. "I can't believe Silver Spoon hit you."

Starbloom shifted on her hooves as Sweetie looked her over. "Yea I'm fine, how did you find out about it?" Starbloom asked tilting her head faintly.

"Noi saw it happen, she was goin' to come and try an' stop them. But yer mom showed up before she had a chance." Apple Bloom answered.

"To bad we wasn't their, we would have given them two a good flank kicking." Scootaloo said bristling her wings. "No one hurts our friend."

Starbloom waved a hoof at Scootaloo smiling faintly. "It's fine Scootaloo, don't worry about it." Starbloom said giving her a nod of appreciation for her concern. "Regardless of what happen fighting with her wouldn't solve anything and it wouldn't make anyone feel better."

Scootaloo settled but still looked upset. "Guess your right, still.... she has been getting more aggressive lately. Knocking her down a peg or two would be good."

Starbloom smiled but shook her head lightly before hearing the bell. "Let's go girls we don't want to be late." Starbloom said and the other three nodded as they headed inside going to their own desks and settled in waiting for the teacher.

Starbloom looked around lightly but didn't see Crimson or Silver in the class room. She started to wonder what was going on before seeing Cheerilee come into the class and address the class. "Good morning class, before we start I have an announcement. Crimson Rain and Silver Spoon have both been suspended for three days. Even though what happen was off school grounds, the incident did start on school grounds. After talking it over with the parents of the parties involved I thought it best to suspend the girls for a few days."

Starbloom tilted her head and heard the rest of the class murmur and gossip about what they thought happen. Starbloom herself had a pretty good idea of what happen, she wasn't sure how she felt about the two girls being suspended. But it was out of her hands and she just hopped the two took the time they had off to reflect on what happen.

"Now, that unpleasant business is taken care of. Let's start class, get out your Equestrian history books and turned to chapter twenty." Cheerilee said smiling, which was greeted with an audible groan from the class and the sounds of books being taken out. Starbloom got her own book out and turned to the chapter in question as Cheerilee started her morning lessons.

The morning lessons passed by quietly and Starbloom managed to stay focus even though she knew everything about the Nightmare Moon incident already. She did her best to keep from getting bored and letting her mind wander. After the morning lessons finished Cheerilee let the kids go for lunch.

The four Crusaders left the school building and settled at their table getting out their lunches. Noi and Diamond Tiara joined with them as well. Starbloom actually remembered to bring her lunch today. Twilight had packed it for her the night before, lettuce and tomato sandwich, slice apples and a batch of Spike's famous cookies which Starbloom shared.

The main topic was how Starbloom was feeling after Silver hit her yesterday but she reassured them that she was perfectly fine. Though the topic of Silver and Crimson still lingered after. "I for one, hope this time off from school does her some good," Diamond Tiara said nodding at her friends. "I felt bad after striking her across the cheek for her mean-spirited comments."

"It is regrettable, I don't ever remember any pony being suspended from school." Noi added trading some of her carrots slices to Starbloom for some apple slices.

Sweetie Belle nodded at them, "I don't think any pony ever has. Not even use three after that whole Gabby Gums fiasco." Sweetie said indicating to Scootaloo, herself and Apple Bloom.

Diamond Tiara flushed softly nodding. "I wasn't either and the majority of that was my fault. I let the power go to my head." Diamond Tiara added remembering how she acted.

"Weren't all your fault Diamond, we knew what we was doing was wrong. We just really wanted cutie marks as journalist." Apple Bloom said trying to comfort Diamond Tiara. "Despite that gossip part, ya did do a good job with the paper."

Diamond Tiara smiled at Apple Bloom, "Thank you Apple Bloom, no matter what I might have said at the time you three did write good articles, I really should have printed them instead of the gossip."

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle smiled at Diamond Tiara. "Thank you for saying so Diamond." Sweetie Belle said and the other two nodded in agreement. The talked a little more before the bell rung and they went inside after clearing off the table.

The rest of the school day went pretty quietly, and soon Cheerilee dismissed the class to go home. "Have a good weekend class, and be careful on your way home." She said smiling at them, the class started to gather their things and leave the school. Starbloom told her friends she'll be fine going home alone and got her saddle bags.

As she started to leave Sweetie Belle caught up with her. "I'll walk with you anyways," she said smiling at her. "Would be nice to have company on the way home."

"Alright Sweetie, if you really want to," Starbloom said smiling at her. She was glad to have company for the walk home, even it would only be part of the way.

The walk home started off uneventful, they made it to the fountain where they would separate, Sweetie would have to take a different direction to get home. Just as they was saying goodbye to each other Crimson Rain landed next to them her wings spread wide.

"What do you want?" Sweetie asked glaring at Crimson her horn glowing until Starbloom put a hoof on her shoulder.

"Look, I don't want trouble." Crimson said looking at Sweetie then over at Starbloom, "I came to apologize for what happen."

Sweetie rolled her eyes and sighed not believing Crimson. But Starbloom just watched Crimson quietly. "I accept your apology Crimson Rain." Starbloom said giving her a faint smile.

Sweetie's eyes went wide, "You can't be serious Starbloom, she's probably only doing that cause her parents told her to."

Starbloom and Crimson both looked over at Sweetie Belle, but Starbloom spoke first. "I know, it's hard to believe but I do think she is really sorry."

Crimson nodded, "I do mean it, I am sorry. But Sweetie Belle is also correct. My parents told me to apologize for what happen, and not to hang out with Silver Spoon anymore." Crimson said looking at the two of them. "I only hung out with her because she let me.... she didn't have to. Her family is famous and rich, and the fact she talked to me and wanted to be friends was a dream come true at first."

Sweetie Belle listened quietly but she wasn't sure if she believed Crimson's story or not. Starbloom also listened quietly to her as she spoke, carefully gauging what she was saying. "Why was it a dream come true?" Starbloom asked.

"My parents, aren't rich... we're not poor either but I'm not really the type of person a rich pony like Silver Spoon would normally hang out with. I always looked up to her and Diamond Tiara.... but even I admit that Silver Spoon is starting to get out of hand. I think I'll listen to my parents and try to find different friends."

Starbloom actually felt bad for Silver Spoon loosing another friend like this, because of her, but she reminded herself. 'Silver Spoon made her own choices, I can't make them for her.'She repeated the words in her mind before nodding at Crimson Rain. "I think that might be for the best."

Crimson Rain nodded at the two. "Thank you for accepting my apology Starbloom." She said before flying off to head back home since she was still in trouble.

After Crimson Rain left, Sweetie and Starbloom said goodbye to each other before they headed to their homes. Starbloom going over Crimson Rain's apology in her head, trying to decide if it was real or not. But ever fiber of who she was told her it was a real apology.

Chapter 6

~*{Chapter Six}*~

Starbloom arrived back at the library and went inside looking around not seeing Spike or Twilight in the main hall. "Hello? Mama, Spike I'm home." She called out and perked her ears listening but didn't hear any reply from either of them. "They must be out," she thought out loud going to her room. She put her saddle bags away before heading back down stairs to the kitchen.

She fixed herself a glass of tea and carried it in her magic to the main hall of the library and took a seat in her spot relaxing. She sipped her tea and took down a book to read quietly to herself, but just as she opened the book she heard the library door and looked over to see if it was her mom and Spike.

Starbloom saw Sweetie come into the library looking around before spotting Starbloom relaxing on her pillow. "Hey Starbloom, when I got home Rarity was gone There was note saying to come here." Sweetie said going over and settling next to her. "I guess Twilight and Spike are out to?"

Starbloom nodded putting the book down. "Yea, they should be back soon. Mama normally leaves a note if she going to be gone long."

Starbloom smiled as she took a sip of her tea. She was about to say something else when a green mist swirled in front of her and a scroll popped into existence from the mist. Starbloom took it in her magic blinking lightly. "Odd, Spike rarely sends a letter to me." She said softly and Sweetie looked at the scroll curiously.

"What does it say?" Sweetie asked looking existed about what the letter could be about.

Starbloom opened the letter smiling at Sweetie but she had an uneasy filling as well. She started to read the letter and her eyes got big the more she read.

Dear Starbloom,

I'm writing this letter to you from Canterlot. Rarity is with me and we have some, troubling news. There is really no easy way to say this. There was an accident with one of air ships. Rarity and Sweetie Belle's father was killed in the accident, her mother is in critical condition at Canterlot Critical Care.

Rarity left a note for Sweetie Belle telling her to go to the library to stay with you. So she should be there now. If you can, ease her into the news about her parents. We will return to Ponyville as soon as her mother is stable enough to be transferred to Ponyville General.

If you feel uncomfortable telling Sweetie Belle about the news we both understand, and she will let Sweetie Belle know when she returns home. Please take care of yourself while me and Spike are away, and take good care of Sweetie Belle while she is staying with you.

Your Loving Mother,

Twilight Sparkle

Starbloom had a look of shock on her face when she finished reading the letter. Sweetie Belle picked up on the look easily. "Starbloom, what is it?" Sweetie asked snapping her out of the shock from the news.

Starbloom rolled the scroll up and put it aside shaking her head lightly. "Sweetie...." She started choking up a bit before clearing her throat and closed her eyes taking a deep breath. She raised her hoof and put it on Sweetie's shoulder lightly. "There was an accident, involving your parents.... your father didn't make it." She said softly looking into Sweetie's eyes.

"M.. my dad.." Sweetie said the news slowly sinking in. "He's dead? That... can't be right... he's with my mom traveling." Sweetie continued her voice cracking a bit as tears stung her eyes. "W... what about my mom?"

Starbloom shifted and put her foreleg around Sweetie's shoulder softly hugging her softly. "Your mom is in Canterlot Critical Care, your sister is with her, until they get back Rarity asked that you stay here with me."

Sweetie sniffled softly looking at the floor before looking at Starbloom, "Is.. is my mom going to be okay?" She asked softly leaning against Starbloom shuddering softly from sobs. "Will she Starbloom?"

Starbloom ran her hoof along Sweetie's back softly trying to calm her, doing her best to keep strong. But seeing her friend so sad it was for her not to tear up. "I.. I don't know Sweetie Belle, but I know the doctors are doing everything they can to make her better." She answered doing her best to be convincing, she didn't want to lie and just say she would be perfectly fine.

Sweetie buried her face into Starbloom's chest and broke down the realization of what happen hitting her hard. Starbloom held her gently and ran her hoof down her back softly trying not to cry herself. She understood how Sweetie Belle was feeling, the lose off anyone close was hard.

After a few minutes Sweetie started to calm down and pull away from Starbloom. Starbloom let her go and sat back herself, her chest was damp from Sweetie's tears. "I.. I want to go lay down." Sweetie said softly sniffling.

"Alright Sweetie," Starbloom said moving to her hooves. She led Sweetie Belle up stairs to her room and let her lay down on her bed. "If you need any just come find me okay? I.... I'm really sorry about your parents," She said brushing Sweetie's mane with her hoof softly.

Sweetie sniffled softly again laying on the bed nuzzling her face into the pillow. She turned her head towards Starbloom giving her a weak smile. "Thank you... Starbloom, I... I will."

Starbloom gave her a soft smile back brushing her mane again before going back down stairs to let Sweetie Belle rest. She was worried about her friend and hoped she would feel better soon. She knew it would take time though, she herself still wasn't over what happen with her Spike, and he passed a couple of years ago.

Starbloom picked up the book again and opened it to start reading. She read quietly for a couple of hours before looking at the time. It was nearing six and she hadn't heard anything from Sweetie Belle. She moved to her hooves and went upstairs to check on her.

Sweetie Belle had fallen asleep, the news about her parents and the crying had exhausted her. Starbloom sighed softly and went over using her magic to cover Sweetie with a blanket. She made her way back down the stairs and to the kitchen. She made herself a sandwich and sat at the table to eat quietly.

Once she was finished she started to clean up the around the kitchen then the library itself. While she was cleaning another letter appeared in front of her. She tilted her head lightly taking it in her magic. She was unsure if she wanted to read it though.

"I hope this one has better news then the last one." She said softly opening it and started to read.

Dear Starbloom,

I know I just sent you a letter, but things have changed. Sweetie Belle and Rarity's mother, passed away ten minutes ago. The injuries she had suffered from the accident was too much for her to handle. I know this news is upsetting and will upset Sweetie Belle if you tell her. I wish it could have been happier news.

Rarity, Spike and I will start on our way home to Ponyville the day after tomorrow. There are some preparations we need to make here in Canterlot before we leave. Please take care of yourself and Sweetie Belle while until we return home.

Your Loving Mother,

Twilight Sparkle

Starbloom sighed softly as she rolled the letter up and put it with the other one shaking her head. "Poor Sweetie, this news will devastate her." Starbloom said softly taking a drink of her tea. She made her way to the bedroom, checking on Sweetie again but she was still asleep. Starbloom got some spare blankets and pillows settling down near the bed relaxed quietly before falling asleep.

Chapter 7

~*{Chapter Seven}*~

Starbloom woke up early the next morning, she felt something warm against her side and turned to look at what it was. She saw Sweetie Belle curled up on the floor next to her. She tilted her head faintly to one side blinking before smiling at her. She moved to her hooves careful not to wake Sweetie Belle up, readjusting the blanket before she went to her bathroom.

She started the shower and climbed taking a quick shower. She still wasn't to sure how to explain to Sweetie Belle her mother passed away as well. But she knew she had to tell her, she would hate to get her hopes up with Rarity, her mother and Spike coming home tomorrow only to have them dashed.

She stood under the hot stream of water letting it wash over her body for a few minutes before turning the water off and shaking herself dry before climbing out and drying herself off the rest of the way with her towel. Once she finished drying herself off she got her brush and brushed out her mane and tail.

As soon as she was clean and dried off she checked on Sweetie before making her way down stairs quietly seeing her still asleep. She was a bit worried about her sleeping so much, but she attributed that to the shock about her parents, so she let her sleep.

She went to the kitchen and looked around for something for breakfast, she didn't feel like preparing anything. She got herself an apple and a glass of orange juice settling at the table. She nibbled at the apple quietly not really having to much of an appetite.

While she sat at the table quietly and nibbled on her apple she heard Sweetie Belle coming into the kitchen. "Morning Sweetie Belle, how are you feeling?" She asked softly giving her a weak smile.

"Morning Starbloom," Sweetie Belle said going over and sat next to her at the table resting her head on it softly. "I don't feel good." She added leaning into Starbloom.

"I understand Sweetie," She said softly putting a foreleg around her shoulder and held her softly. The crystal in her headband glowing as she took down another apple and got another cup of tea for Sweetie placing them on the table. "You should eat something, you missed dinner yesterday. You don't want to make yourself sick."

Sweetie Belle took the apple and nibbled on it quietly, she didn't have much of an appetite either though. Starbloom watched her quietly as she nibbled the apple. She could feel her heart ache seeing the little unicorn looking so upset. Knowing she would have to hurt her more by telling her about her mother.

Starbloom took a slow breath watching Sweetie for a few moments before speaking, "Sweetie, I got another letter from Twilight yesterday after you went to lay down." She started.

Sweetie looking up at Starbloom, seeing the look in her eyes she looked away. "W... what was it about?" She asked softly, but she had an uneasy feeling in her stomach that she already knew.

Starbloom sighed quietly looking away herself closing her eyes. She wished she could just pass it off, let Twilight and Rarity tell her. "Your mother.... she didn't make it... she passed away as well." Starbloom said softly turning to look at Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle sat quietly next to Starbloom looking at the table top. Starbloom could tell she was fighting against her emotions and trying not to break down again. She gave a slow nod that she heard what Starbloom said, "I.... I see..." She said softly sniffling softly.

"Sweetie... don't hold it in," Starbloom said softly, giving her a soft squeeze with her foreleg. "I know it's a lot to take in so soon" She tried to be reassuring and be strong for Sweetie Belle, but seeing her friend so upset was hard. She had a few tears rolling down her cheeks.

Sweetie sniffled softly looking up at Starboom before wrapping her forehooves around her tight burying her face into her shoulder sobbing softly. Starbloom held her close a hoof rubbing up and down her back slowly as she cried softly. "Shhh I know it's hard Sweetie, just let it all out." Starbloom reassured her quietly.

Sweetie cried softly into her shoulder while Starbloom kept trying to comfort her. Starbloom tried to calm herself as well taking slow deep breath as she stroked her back with her hoof and shushed Sweetie softly.

It took a few minutes but Sweetie Belle finally calmed down again after getting the news about her mother. Starbloom softly stroking her hoof down her back for a little longer before letting her go. Sweetie reached up with her hoof and wiped her eyes dry sniffling softly lifting her apple again and nibbled on it softly.

"I'm, sorry Starbloom" Sweetie said softly looking over at her. "For crying so much."

"There is no reason to be sorry Sweetie Belle, what you're going through is hard." Starbloom said sipping her tea giving her a soft smile.

Sweetie leaned against Starbloom softly sniffling nibbling on her apple little more. She was feeling a little better, wiping her eyes with her hoof looking at the table. "Will, Rarity be home soon?"

"She'll be home tomorrow Sweetie," Starbloom answered finishing her apple looking over at Sweetie Belle. "I'm not sure what time though."

Sweetie gave a light nod as she sat her apple down, taking her tea and sipped on it lightly. She was going to say something but there was a knock at the door. Sweetie looked over at Starbloom tilting her head.

Starbloom smiled at Sweetie before moving to her hooves. "Wait here Sweetie, I'll see who it is." She said going to the front door and opened it.

"Hey Starbloom, Sweetie Belle here?" Apple Bloom asked smiling at her. "Went by the boutique but no one was there."

"Yea, she's here. She is staying with me till Rarity get's back with my mother and Spike tomorrow." She answered Apple Bloom thinking for a moment, "She isn't feeling well though."

"Oh, I'm sorry ta hear that. Hope she feels better soon." Apple Bloom said frowning lightly hearing Sweetie Belle wasn't feeling well. "I'll come back later, see if she's feelin better."

Starbloom nodded softly at Apple Bloom, "Alright, I'll see you later Apple Bloom." Starbloom said and Apple Bloom smiled waving goodbye before leaving. Starbloom closed the door going back to the kitchen sitting next to Sweetie Belle.

"Who was it?" Sweetie asked looking at Starbloom.

"Was Apple Bloom, she was looking for you.... I told her you wasn't feeling well." Starbloom said looking back at Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle nodded softly, "I see, I'll apologize to her later." She said lightly nodding faintly to her.

"I know Apple Bloom will understand when you explain it to her." Starbloom said smiling at her rubbing her back softly.

Sweetie Belle smiled back lightly, stretching lightly. "I'm gonna go lay back down.... if that's alright."

Starbloom nodded at her, "Alright Sweetie Belle," she said softly.

Sweetie Belle got to her hooves and started walking up the stairs to Starbloom's bedroom and got back on the bed snuggling down to relax.

Starbloom cleaned up the table and started to work on Spike's chores of cleaning up the library.

Chapter 9

~*{Chapter Nine}*~

Diamond Tiara cleared her throat and composed herself to get ready to tell her story of loosing her mother. While she got herself mentally prepared herself to tell her story Starbloom got to her hooves and went to the kitchen to get everyone something to tea and some plates. Once she got back to the group she set the plates down and divided up the cookies and cupcakes, she also placed the drinks down for her friends.

Diamond smiled at Starbloom, "Thank you very much," she said before picking up her tea and sips it. "Mmmmm, this is very good tea." She took a deep breath settling herself comfortably on her cushion. "Now, let's see, where is the best place to start."

Diamond Tiara was on her way home from school, it was her first day of school. She trotted down the road towards the large mansion she and her parents lived in. She made her way pass the large gates and up the walkway leading to the front door.

"Mom, Dad, I'm home from school!" She called smiling happily, made her way towards the stairs and climbed them to her room reaching up to open the door to her room and goes inside putting her saddle bags away. Once she gets her stuff put away she made her way back down stairs looking around.

"Mom? Dad?" She asked curiously her parents should be home. She started to walk around the large house to find her parents. She didn't even see Ms. Ruby or Mr. Platinum who was supposed to be here taking care of the house. She thought it was pretty odd.

She eventually found Ms. Sapphire in the kitchen and walked over her. "Ms. Sapphire where is everyone?" Diamond Tiara said looking up at the young unicorn mare with a deep blue mane, tail, a dark purple coat and bright sky blue eyes.

Ms. Sapphire looks over at Diamond Tiara, her cheeks wet with tears. "Oh, Ms Tiara I'm sorry to have to tell you. Your mother has taken ill and is in the hospital. Ms. Ruby, Mr. Platinum, and Master Rich is with her now."

Diamond Tiara tilted her head faintly, "Mommy is in the hospital?" She didn't quiet understood what that mean, so she wasn't sure why Ms. Sapphire looked so upset. "Will she be home soon?"

The question made Ms. Sapphire look upset more, "I'm afraid not Ms. Tiara, from what your father said she will be there for a while." she answered softly. "I'll get dinner prepared for you."

"Well, alright Ms. Sapphire thank you for letting me." Diamond Tiara said as she left the kitchen still confused. She went back to her bedroom to, this was before she meet Silver Spoon.

After getting back to her bedroom she got took out her small jewelry making kit and started to work on a necklace. She wanted to give it to her mother when she got better. A short time later Ms. Sapphire came to her room to let her know dinner was ready.

Diamond Tiara went down stairs to the dining room, but it was empty her parents wasn't back yet, neither was the other members of the staff. She thought it was strange, something about it wasn't right but she couldn't put a hoof on the reason.

After dinner she went to the large bathroom and got cleaned up for school the next day. She hoped her parents would be home to see her to bed, but they wasn't Ms. Sapphire tucked her in. She was starting to have an uneasy filling about the situation.

"A week later my mother was dead, I never got to visit her in the hospital. My father felt it best I not see my mother's slow deterioration from her illness. But, I did give her the necklace during the wake. I slipped it in to her coffin." Diamond Tiara said, her voice breaking lightly by the end of her story.

The whole group was quiet after Diamond Tiara finished her story. Diamond Tiara was sniffling softly and trying to suppress her tears. When she finally managed to calm herself down she looked up at over at Sweetie Belle speaking softly. "It took time, but my father really helped me through it, and he said I helped him get through the it as well. Sweetie, your sister will need you when she gets back, as much as you'll need her for support."

Sweetie Belle nodded slowly at Diamond Tiara giving her a soft, sad smile. She took a deep breath before speaking. "I'm, sorry about your mother Diamond Tiara."

Diamond Tiara smiled back at her, "Your welcome Sweetie Belle."

The group was quiet again for a few minutes before Scootaloo spoke up. "I'll go next. You all know what happen with my dad, about his mental break." She said softly looking at her friends before speaking again. "But, I think the reason he declined like he dad was the loss of my mom. It was shortly before we moved to Ponyville."

Scootaloo took a deep breath as she prepared herself to remember what happened to her mother. "We lived in Cloudsdale, my father worked in the weather factory and my mother worked as a mail pony bringing mail between Ponyville and Cloudsdale." Scootaloo said smiling faintly before frowning.

"The weather patrol had set up a thunder head that was suppose to be delivered to Filly Delphia but it got out of control.... while my mom was making a return trip from Ponyville. She got caught up in the storm as it raged out of control.... according to the investigators she got struck by lightning and didn't survive the fall." She closed her eyes a few tears forming as she remembered getting the news.

"They... investigated the cause of the storm going out of control. They concluded it was an accident but my father blamed himself for it since he oversaw its construction. He started drinking and eventually lost his job at the weather factory, we moved to Ponyville a few days after that." Scootaloo took a deep breath after the story finished wiping her eyes with a hoof.

Sweetie Belle got up and went over to Scootaloo putting a hoof on her back softly. "How... how long after that did we meet?" Sweetie Belle asked looking at her. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had known each other longest of the group.

Scootaloo looked over at Sweetie Belle giving her a smile at the hoof. "I meet you, two weeks after I came to Ponyville... my mother was killed a month before we moved." Scootaloo answered. Both looked over at Apple Bloom smiling softly. "Meet you, a week after that Apple Bloom."

Sweetie Belle nodded softly, "So it was still pretty recent then? You never showed any signs that something happen."

Scootaloo nodded at Sweetie Belle smiling faintly. "Ya, I didn't want anyone feeling sorry for me so I kept it to myself. Back in Cloudsdale everyone kept telling me how sorry they were."

The group was quiet again looking at each other, both Starbloom and Apple Bloom looked at each other to see who would tell their story next. Apple Bloom didn't remember her parents that well and Starbloom wasn't sure how best to tell her story about Spike without giving away to much, but she didn't want to lie either.

Chapter 10

~*{Chapter Ten}*~

Apple Bloom looked at the floor before looking up and at her friends taking a deep breath. "Guess I'll go next, but the truth of the matter is I don't know that much bout how my parents passed away or anything. I was still a very young foal when they died." Apple Bloom said looking at her friends shaking her head lightly.

"Ya think that'd be better, but it's not really, I miss my parents and don't even have any memories about them," Apple Bloom said looking at the floor. "I asked Apple Jack, Big Mac and Granny Smith about them but they just look sad and say they will tell me when I'm older."

Apple Bloom kept her gaze to the ground for a moment before speaking again, "It might sound kind of selfish but I'm envious of you girls sometimes.... y'all got to know your parents, but I never did. Does.. that make me a bad pony?" She asked looking up at her friends.

"No of course it doesn't Apple Bloom," Diamond Tiara said speaking up before the others had a chance. "It must be really hard to not know you your parents are, but you do have a family that loves and care about you." Diamond Tiara added, the others nodding in agreement.

Apple Bloom gave them a smile "Thank you, for saying so and you're right. My family does care about me. I just wish I could have met my mom and dad. Maybe when I get home tonight.... I'll try asking about them again."

Starbloom smiled and nodded at Apple Bloom, "That sounds like a good idea, I hope they'll talk to you bout them this time."

The rest of the girls smiled and nodded before looking over at Starbloom, it was her turn now. Starbloom took a sip of tea and closed her eyes. "I, haven't lost my parents.... not really anyway. I did lose someone really close to me though. He was a like a brother when I was growing up." She started, looking over at Sweetie Belle who gave a soft nod of understanding.

The others listened quietly and politely as Starbloom spoke, "Before I moved here from Canterlot, I use to have a horn and I would practice different types of magic and do experiments.... one day me and my friend started to work on an experiment. But something happened, the experiment didn't go right. I was working with a crystal that explode and it...." she closed her eyes and fought back tears as them image of Spike laying on the ground with a shard of crystal in his chest flashed in her mind.

She cleared her throat and took a deep breath wiping at her eyes. "A shard of crystal, hit my friend and killed him. The result of the experiment also caused me to loose my horn. Shortly after that I decided to move to Ponyville from Canterlot."

Her friends sat in stunned silence as they looked at her unsure what to say. Diamond Tiara was the first to speak up, "I'm... really sorry to hear that Starbloom, but you mustn't blame yourself for your friend's death, it sounds like it was an accident."

The rest of her friends nodded in agreement with Diamond Tiara and Scootaloo spoke next. "Yea, it's not like you did it on purpose, it was an accident."

Starbloom smiled faintly nodding at her friends taking a deep breath. "I know it was an accident, thank you for your kind words though. I miss my friend a lot still, but I'm dealing with what happen. You guys have helped a lot, thank you."

There was a knock at the door frame and they looked over seeing Rainbow Dash standing in the open doorway. "Hey Scoots, you ready to go home? It's getting pretty late."

Scootaloo got to her hooves smiling. "Yea, I'm ready to go home Rainbow Dash." She said smiling at her friends. "I'll see you guys later."

Scootaloo headed over to Rainbow Dash and followed her outside, Rainbow Dash stopped and looked over her shoulder at the girls. "Apple Bloom, your sister is looking for you as well." She said before she left.

They looked over at the time and noticed it was getting late in the evening. "I should head home as well, see y'all later." Apple Bloom said looking over at Sweetie Belle, "Hope ya feel better soon Sweetie Belle."

"Thank you Apple Bloom, I'm sure you I will." Sweetie Belle said smiling at her. She was starting to feel better listening to her friend's story and how they dealt with their losses.

Apple Bloom smiled and waved as she started out the door to head back to Sweet Apple Acres. "I should be heading back home myself." Diamond Tiara said moving to her hooves. "I'll see you girls later."

"See you later Diamond Tiara, have a safe walk home." Starbloom said walking with her to the door. Once Diamond Tiara had left Starbloom closed the door and started to close the windows, it was starting to get pretty cold outside. Sweetie Belle got up and helped her close the windows as well.

"Starbloom.... Your story you were talking about Spike wasn't you?" Sweetie Belle asked after they got back to the cushions.

"Yea, I was talking about Spike." Starbloom said softly sitting on the cushion sipping her tea. "He, was and still is like a little brother to me. The Spike here, is a lot like him but I can tell the difference. I do care about him but, he can't replace the Spike I grew up with."

Sweetie Belle nodded softly as she listens to her. "I understand, it must be hard living with a Spike so much like your own."

Starbloom smiled softly nodding, "Yea it can be hard to be reminded of him all the time. But it isn't as hard as I first thought it would be. It's a little strange I guess, Spike acts so much like him and looks like him. But I know it's not the one I grew up with."

Sweetie smiled softly before looking at the floor quietly. "Thank you for what you did Starbloom, it helped but I still miss my parents. I know I have Rarity still and she'll take care of me." She snuggled down onto her cushion. "I just wish I could of seen them and said goodbye."

Starbloom nodded at Sweetie smiling faintly. "I know Sweetie, I feel the same way about Spike... I wish I could of said goodbye and apologized to him but I never got that chance." She said curling up on her cushion. "But you'll be able to say goodbye at the funeral."

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yea, I guess so. I didn't think about the funeral." She said softly yawning softly, she was still feeling tired from the emotional drain. "Will... You go with me, to the funeral?"

Starbloom blinked looking up and over at Sweetie Belle nodding at her smiling. "Yea, I'll go with you. I'm sure all of the crusaders and Diamond Tiara will go."

Sweetie Belle smiled faintly nodding at Starbloom, "Yea, I'm sure they will. Thank you Starbloom."

Starbloom smiled watching Sweetie Belle, she could tell she was starting to fall asleep. "Your welcome Sweetie Belle." She said speaking more softly so not to disturb her.

Chapter 11

~*{Chapter Eleven}*~

Apple Bloom left the library after helping Sweetie feel better, at least she hoped what they did help. She trotted down the street to Sweet Apple Acres sighing softly to herself, the whole thing made her think about her parents and how little she actually knew about what happen to them.

When she got back to the farm she made her way up the path leading to the house looking around quietly. "Applejack, Big Mac, Granny Smith, I'm home." She called as she walked into the large farmhouse. "Anyone here?"

"In the kitchen sugar cube." Applejack replied, "Where ya been all day?"

Apple Bloom walked into the kitchen, "I was with my friends, helping to cheer up Sweetie Belle." She saw Applejack slicing some apples for apple pie. She didn't see Big Mac or Granny Smith though.

"Oh? What's the matter with Sweetie Belle?" Applejack asked looking over at Apple Bloom.

"Her mom and dad died yesterday, she's pretty upset about it. I feel really bad for her." She said softly climbing up on a chair to sit at the table resting her head on it.

"Dear sweet Celestia, that's terrible Apple Bloom.... She must be devastated." Applejack said stopping what she was doing, a look of shock on her face. "Where is Rarity? She should be helping Sweetie Belle deal with this."

"She's in Canterlot with Twilight and Spike according to Starbloom. Starbloom is taking care of her at the library." Apple Bloom said looking over at Applejack. "What, happen to my mom and dad?"

Applejack was about to go back to work on the pie but froze when she heard Apple Bloom's question about their parents. "Oh sugar cube..." Applejack sighed softly shaking her head before putting the knife down and going around to the table sitting across from Apple Bloom. "I guess, I can't keep putting off tellin ya can I?"

Apple Bloom looked up at Applejack, "I'm old enough to know the truth sis. I just want to know what happen them."

"I know ya are sugar cube, I just.... I guess I just don't want to think about it." Apple jack said taking a deep breath looking at the table then back at Apple Bloom. "Alright, I'll tell you what happen them Apple Bloom. Let me get something to drink first." She said getting to her hooves. She goes to the cider cabinet and opens it.

Applejack takes one of the bottles and goes to sit at the table opening the top and takes a drink. "Well, ma and pa was good, decent ponies. They worked hard on the farm." She took another drink of her bottle and closed her eyes remembering the day they passed away. "Y'all was still a little foal when ma and pa passed away. It happen so suddenly, none of us saw it coming."

Apple Bloom sat quietly and watched her sister closely as she listen to speak about her parents, it was the first time she ever heard her speak about them. She could tell it was hard on her sister to speak about them, Applejack rarely drank the hard cider unless it was a special occasion or she had a hard day.

"Maybe if it hadn't been so sudden, it would of been so hard on all of us." Applejack said taking another drink of her cider. "Ma went into town to buy some flour and sugar for granny to make pie with. On her way home, she was hit by a speeding cart the impact killed her. Pa was devastated by the loss, I'm not sure if he ever recovered from it." She shook her head slowly sighing softly taking another drink.

Apple Bloom nodded slowly as she listens to her resting her head on the table again. "What... happen to pa?" She asked softly turning her head to look up at her sister.

Applejack cleared a few tears from her eyes. "After ma's passing pa worked harder than ever in the fields, not taking the time to rest or eat properly... he was out in the north apple field when he suffered a fatal heart attack." She bit her bottom lip closing her eyes tight. "Big Mac found him later that night when pa didn't return when it got dark."

"Really.... Big Mac found pa?" Apple Bloom said lifting her head off the table looking at Applejack.

"Yea, he did, carried him back to the house, that's when he started speaking with just simple words most of the time. Finding pa out there like that affected him." Applejack said before taking a big drink from her bottle. "I'm ashamed to admit it, but shortly after pa's funeral is when I decided to move to Manehattan to live with Aunt and Uncle Orange. But I was still miserable and was homesick for the farm, like I said when I told you my cutie mark story."

"I remember... when you told me that story." Apple Bloom said, tilting her head. "So, the real reason you left was because of ma and pa's death?"

Applejack nodded at Apple Bloom, "I couldn't deal with everything that happened, so I left, tried to escape my responsibilities on the farm. But seeing Rainbow Dash's Sonic Rainboom and the rainbow, I took it as a sign that my place was back on the farm, dealing with my responsibilities. I'm glad I did I wouldn't trade my life here on the farm for anything." Applejack said smiling at Apple Bloom finishing the bottle of apple cider. "Go get washed up for dinner sugar cube."

Apple Bloom nodded getting off the chair, "Alright sis, thank you.... for telling me the truth about ma and pa." She said smiling at Applejack faint tears in her eyes. She head made her way to the bathroom to get cleaned up for dinner. She had more questions but decided they could wait for another time, she had a lot to think about as it was.

Chapter 12

~*{Chapter Twelve}*~

Starbloom woke up slowly the next morning, rolling over to lay on all fours yawning softly looking around. She felt Sweetie nestled up against her again and sighed softly smiling. She moved to her hooves carefully so not to wake her up and adjusted the blanket again. She figured Sweetie was having a hard time sleeping alone after what happen to her parents.

She made her way to the bathroom and started the shower while brushing her teeth. She knew her mother and Spike would be home today with Rarity, though she wasn't sure what time they would get back from Canterlot. She rinsed her mouth after she finished brushing and got into the shower and closed her eyes.

As she relaxed under the hot stream of water from the shower her thoughts drifted back to yesterday, and Sweetie Belle asking if she would go to the funeral with her. Her eyes snapped open and her cheeks flushed red. "Damn it Starbloom stop. She's your friend, and you're at least twenty years older than she is, even if you don't look it." She scolded herself sighing softly.

She couldn't help herself though, she and Sweetie Belle spent the most time together out of all her friends. It was natural they would be close, but she didn't think it was right for her to think herself and Sweetie as more than just friends, especially now. "Besides, it's probably not what I think." She mumbled to herself. "She's been through a traumatic event, it's natural she'd want her friends with her."

She finished her shower and shook herself dry before climbing out and her towel to dry herself off the rest of the way. Taking a deep breath to settle herself. "Just stop thinking about it, it's nothing." She told herself softly before hanging her towel to dry and opened the door leaving the bathroom.

Sweetie Belle was awake, sitting on the floor where she had curled up next to Starbloom to sleep. "Morning Starbloom," She said smiling at her softly rubbing her eyes with a hoof. "Do you know, when Rarity, Twilight and Spike will be home?" She asked.

Starbloom shook her head trying to hide the flushing in her cheek. "No, I don't know when they'll be home. Probably aro..." She squeaks feeling a brush going through her mane and blinked seeing the magic aura around Sweetie Belle's horn.

"You forgot to brush your mane after your shower." Sweetie said giggling softly at her surprise as she worked the brush through her mane. Sweetie Belle had improved a lot with her magic since Starbloom started teaching her, especially her levitation magic.

Starbloom did her best to keep from blushing as the brush worked its way through her mane. "Oh, yea I guess I did. Thank you Sweetie." She said giggling nervously. "As I was saying, they will most likely be home around noon."

Sweetie Belle nodded getting to her hooves and walking over to Starbloom, putting the brush away. "Thank you so much for your help Starbloom." She said putting her hooves around her in a hug. "I couldn't imagine going through this with out your help."

Starbloom smiled and hugged her back softly, "I'm glad I could help Sweetie, I know it's hard but you'll get through it." She said releasing the hug.

Sweetie smiled at her and nods softly as she let go of the hug as well, she moved around Starbloom to go into the bathroom to wash up. She paused before closing the door, "I know I will, thank you again." She said before closing the door.

Starbloom smiled before letting out a soft sigh as the door closed. She turned and made her way downstairs to the kitchen to make a quick breakfast for herself and Sweetie Belle. She was glad Sweetie seemed to be feeling better after everything that happen.

"Hmm, low on milk and flour." She said as she went through the kitchen getting the stuff together to make some pancakes. She wasn't the best cook, but she had learned how to make a few things. She got onto a stool and put her front hooves on the counter to steady herself as she stirred the batter.

By the time Sweetie had finished getting cleaned up she came downstairs to the smell of freshly cooked pancakes. "I didn't know you knew how to cook Starbloom, those smell great." She said smiling as she went over to the table sitting down.

"Thank you, Spike taught me how to make them." She said smiling at Sweetie as she fixed her a plate. "They're not as good as his though." She added looking at the pancakes, they were oddly shaped but none of them got burnt or was runny.

"Well, they smell good and," She paused to test one smiling, "They taste great."

Starbloom blushed softly at the compliment, she never cooked for anyone but herself, Spike and Twilight so she was happy that Sweetie Belle liked them. "Thank you Sweetie, I'm glad you like them." She said smiling at her.

"Rarity always criticizes my cooking, but mom an....." She paused mid-sentence and felt tears swell up in her eyes. She closed her eyes and wiped at them with a hoof settling herself.

"Hey... it's okay Sweetie," Starbloom said getting up and going over to rub her back. "It'll be alright"

Sweetie opens her eyes and looks at Starbloom smiling softly at her. "M.. mom and dad... they always liked my cooking, even if it was burnt most of the time." She said softly.

Starbloom smiled back at Sweetie softly rubbing her back softly. "Yea, I'm sure they enjoyed it, because you made it for them." She said moving her hoof from her back and going to sit back down.

"Yea, they were like that, mom and dad, so caring and polite." Sweetie said softly smiling tears still threatening as she remembered her parents. "I know my cooking was bad, but they still ate it."

Starbloom smiled at Sweetie watching her carefully. "Do you feel like going to the market after breakfast?" She asked, hoping to change the subject. "I need to get some flour, milk and a few other things."

Sweetie considered the question before smiling softly nodding. "Yea, I think some fresh air and sun would be nice. I'd like to come." Sweetie said after a moment.

Once they finished breakfast and got the kitchen cleaned up, Sweetie insisted on helping, Starbloom got her saddle bags and money pouch looking over at Sweetie. "Ready to go?" She asked smiling at her.

"Yea, I'm ready." Sweetie Belle said smiling, both leaving the library and headed to the marketplace. Sweetie enjoying the warm feeling of the sun on her back. She missed her parents, but being with Starbloom kept her from feeling lost and alone. She was determined to accept the lose and be strong for her friends and her sister when she got home.

Chapter 13

~*{Chapter Thirteen}*~

Starbloom and Sweetie Belle spent the early part of the morning in Ponyville Market pickup what Starbloom needed for the library. Starbloom took her time to get find and get everything she needed, she felt the fresh air and sunlight would Sweetie Belle would make Sweetie Belle feel better.

Once she got everything on her list she started on her way back to the library, but as they walked back from the marketplace the familiar green mist swirled in front of her. She came to a stop and caught the scroll in her magic once it appeared; she opened the scroll and started to read it over.

Dear Starbloom,

Me, Rarity and Spike are unable to catch the train we planned to catch today, so we won't be able to return to Ponyville today. Nevertheless, we should be home by tomorrow by the time you get off school. Unless of course you've told Sweetie Belle about her parents, then you have my permission to stay home with her if she doesn't feel up to going.

I know this is a lot to ask of you, but I know you can handle it. Just please don't let yourself be stressed over taking care of everything. I know how you can get wanting to handle everything yourself. Just focus on taking care of Sweetie Belle until I return anything else we can deal with then.

Your loving mother,

Twilight Sparkle

"What does it say?" Sweetie Belle asked softly, she hoped it wasn't more bad news. She didn't know if she could handle more.

"Mom, Rarity and Spike can't make it home until tomorrow. I guess something came up keeping them in Canterlot for an extra day." She said rereading the letter to make sure she didn't miss anything. "She also said we can stay home from school tomorrow if you don't feel like going."

Sweetie Belle tilted her head to one side blinking, she wasn't sure how she felt about going to school tomorrow. Staying home with her sister sounded good, but she didn't want to worry her friends if she didn't show up. "I'll have to think about that." She said after a few moments.

Starbloom nodded at Sweetie as they started walking back to the library again. Starbloom rolling the scroll up and tucking it away in her saddlebags. "I understand Sweetie; take as much time as you need." Starbloom said smiling at her softly. "I'm sure everyone will understand if you stay home though."

Sweetie smiled back faintly nodding, "I know, I just don't want them to worry about me if I don't show up." She said walking with her into the library, "But I'm sure Rarity will need me as well."

Starbloom nodded at Sweetie smiling at her, "Well you don't have to decide right now, take some time to think about it." Starbloom said moving to the kitchen of the library to empty out her saddlebags putting away what they picked up.

Sweetie watched Starbloom put everything away sitting at the table. "I will, I just don't want to let anyone down." She said her horn shimmering as she got down a cup and filled it with orange juice. "Rarity is going to need me at home, but I don't want our friends or Ms. Cheerilee to worry."

"Sweetie, you won't let anyone down no matter what you choose to do. Ms. Cheerilee will understand if you stay home." Starbloom said looking over at her. "So will our friends." She smiled at her, she wasn't sure about Rarity but she was sure Rarity would understand perfectly if Sweetie Belle wanted to go school.

Sweetie Belle smiled at Starbloom nodding slowly taking a deep breath. "Do you think Rarity would understand? If I decided to go to school." She asked taking a sip of her juice.

"I think she would understand Sweetie Belle, she'll have her friends with her as well." Starbloom answered putting her saddlebags away and joining Sweetie at the table. "I'm sure Rarity would be happy to have you go back to school. Not that I think she would force you to go if you don't feel up to it. You understand what I'm trying to say right?"

Sweetie Belle sat quietly for a few minutes as she considered what Starbloom had said before nodding smiling faintly. "I think I understand, Rarity would want me to do what's best for me." She said softly looking at Starbloom who nodded at her smiling. "I just, don't know what that is right now."

Starbloom smiled again at Sweetie Belle, "You'll figure it out Sweetie, you're a smart filly. You just need to some to think about it before you decide."

They sat quietly for a few moments before hearing a knock at the door. "Wonder who that is, the library isn't open on Sundays." Starbloom said as she got to her hooves and went to the from door opening it. "Hello?"

"Hey sugar cube, can we come in?" Applejack asked looking down at Starbloom smiling. Apple Bloom was standing next to her.

"Oh, hello Applejack, of course." She said moving to letting her and Apple Bloom come in, "Mom isn't home though."

"I know, Apple Boom told me what was going on." Applejack said as she came in, she had a basket on her back. "I thought it best to come check up on you and Sweetie Belle."

"Hope it's alright I told my sister Starbloom," Apple Bloom said looking at Starbloom blushing faintly. "Wasn't sure if it was supposed to be secret."

Starbloom shook her head a bit, "It's alright Apple Bloom," she said smiling. "Sweetie Belle is in the kitchen." Starbloom added as she walked back to the kitchen with Apple Bloom and Applejack following her. "Sweetie Belle, Applejack, and Apple Bloom are here.

"Hi Apple Bloom, Hi Applejack." Sweetie Belle said smiling at them, she noticed the basket and the hurt look in Applejack's eyes as well as the sheepish look on Apple Bloom's face and figured Apple Bloom must have told her sister what happen.

"How you holding up sugar cube?" Applejack asked before turning to remove the basket off her back and put it on the table. She removed the towel covering the contents of the basket. Inside was a fresh baked apple pie, bread and a couple of bottles of apple juice.

"I'll be alright; I miss them a lot and wish I could see them again." Sweetie answered Applejack looking up at her. "But... I don't think they would want me to be sad."

Applejack nodded at Sweetie Belle, "I know they wouldn't want you to be sad." Applejack said smiling, "Just remember they loved you and remember the happy times you spent together." She added before removing the items from the basket and placing them on the table.

Sweetie smiled back at Applejack, "I know, thank you." She said looking over at Apple Bloom who walked over and took a seat at the table. Starbloom got down some small plates and forks placing them on the table.

"So, when are Twilight, Rarity, and Spike supposed to get back from Canterlot?" Applejack asked taking a pie cutter and cutting the pie putting a slice on the plates.

"Tomorrow, they tried to get back today but something came up." Starbloom said getting some cups for them. "I'm not sure what time though; she said it would be when we're at school, if we go."

Applejack nodded as she listens using a knife to cut the bread into slices for them. "I see, will y'all be staying home or goin to school?"

Starbloom glanced over at Sweetie letting her answer she filled the cups with the apple juice. "I... I haven't really decided," Sweetie said softly. "I want to be here for my sister when she gets home. But I don't want Ms. Cheerilee or anyone to worry about me either."

"I understand sugar cube, if you stay home Apple Bloom can let Ms. Cheerilee and your friends know what's going on." Applejack said and Apple Bloom nodded in agreement.

Sweetie smiled before looking over at Apple Bloom, "You're being pretty quiet, is something wrong?" Sweetie asked tilting her head to one side. Apple Bloom was never normally this quiet.

"Ya, I'm alright just got a lot on my mind. Applejack finally told me the truth about my ma and pa." Apple Bloom said giving Sweetie Belle a reassuring smile.

Sweetie nodded slowly in understanding, "Oh I see," was all she could really think to say. She herself was curious about what happen but she didn't want to pry either.

Applejack looked over at Apple Bloom and Sweetie, listening. "It's alright Apple Bloom ya can tell em what happen." Applejack said seeing Apple Bloom wanted to say more. Starbloom joined them at the table, sitting next to Sweetie Belle.

"Ya sure it's alright Applejack?" Apple Bloom asked when Applejack nodded in response Apple Bloom looked over at Sweetie Belle and Starbloom. "Well, this happen when I was still a little foal."

"Ma was on her way home from the marketplace with some stuff to make pies with when she was hit by a speeding cart. She... didn't survive the impact from it. Pa was pretty devastated after it happen and his heart gave out while he was working in the fields." Apple Bloom finished her story sighing softly wiping at her eyes with a hoof. Applejack herself was teary eyed but managed to keep herself together.

"I'm really sorry to hear that Apple Bloom," Sweetie Belle said patting Apple Bloom on the shoulder softly.

Starbloom's mind was going over the details she heard from Apple Bloom and her analytical mind kicked in. "Did they ever find out..." She cut herself shaking her head a bit. "Sorry never mind, it's not important." She said blushing softly everyone looking over at her.

"Spit it out sugar cube, what was ya gonna ask?" Applejack asked looking at Starbloom a bit curious about what she was thinking.

"I was just wondering if they ever caught the pony driving the cart." Starbloom said softly unsure if she should bring that part up.

Applejack paused and thought about it for a few minutes. "Ya know, I don't rightly know if they did. Big Mac and Granny Smith never mentioned anything about it."

Starbloom nodded softly at Applejack and took a drink of her apple juice she wasn't sure why that detail stuck out to her. "I'm sure they did. If it's alright to ask, what were your parents’ names?" Starbloom asked looking up at Applejack.

"Ma was Autumn Gold, and pa was Pioneer Apple." Applejack said nodding faintly smiling, for the first time in a while she didn't get too upset over remembering parents.

Starbloom smiled back making a mental note of the names. "Those are very nice names," Starbloom said taking a drink of her juice. She could use the names to check if the driver of the cart was ever caught, thought she doesn't expect to learn too much about it.

The next hour was filled was small talk and encouragement for Sweetie Belle to make her feel better before Applejack and Apple Bloom left to go back to the farm. "What are you thinking Starbloom?" Sweetie Belle asked while they got the table cleared off.

Starbloom blinked looking over at Sweetie Belle, "What do you mean? I'm not thinking about anything." She said unsure what Sweetie was talking about.

"You have that look like something is bothering you." Sweetie Belle said, "I've known you long enough to tell."

Starbloom blinked again tilting her head faintly. "Oh well just something about the story Apple Bloom told us about her parents bothers me is all. It's probably nothing though."

"About the cart driver?" Sweetie Belle asked settling at the table and sipping some more apple juice.

"Yea, just wondering what happens to that pony driving the cart and why he didn't stop." Starbloom said joining her at the table. "Like I said it's probably nothing and I doubt I'll figure anything out about it." Starbloom wasn't sure if she would learn anything but she couldn't shake the feeling she had to try to investigate it and learn the truth.

Chapter 14

~*{Chapter Fourteen}*~

The rest of the day went relatively quiet after Applejack and Apple Bloom left the library. Sweetie Belle seemed less stressed and upset than the day before, though she was still unsure if she wanted to go to school tomorrow or not. Starbloom spent the day doing research quietly on forensics and investigation.

While Starbloom did her research, Sweetie kept to herself either watching, or reading books herself. Starbloom did check on her from time to time to make sure she was doing alright. But every time she did Sweetie said she was fine and not to worry.

Around five in the afternoon there was a knock on the door. Starbloom go up from where she was sitting and went to answer the door. “Hello?” she asked as she opened the door, she saw Aplejack standing at the entrance to the library smiling.

“Howdy sugar cube, I just came by to drop off some dinner for you and Sweetie Belle if that ain't a problem.” Applejack said smiling at her turning to the basket on her back.

“Thank you Applejack, that sounds great I wasn’t sure what to make for dinner today.” Starbloom said moving so Applejack could come inside.

“Your welcome sugar, happy to help out.” Applejack said as she came into the library and headed to the kitchen to set out dinner for Starbloom and Sweetie Belle.

“Are you staying for dinner?” Sweetie Belle asked getting out plates and cups placing them on the table.

“I would sugar cube, but Big Mac is expecting me back at the farm soon.” Applejack said looking over at Sweetie Belle. She saw the look on Sweetie’s face when she said she couldn’t stay and considered for a moment. “But I’m sure I can stay if you want me to.”

Sweetie Belle smiled at Applejack and nodded softly. “If, it won't be a problem if you stay.” Sweetie said softly. She looked at the dish Applejack got out of the basket breathing in the scent. “What’s that?” She asked.

“It’s a sweet potato praline casserole.” Applejack said smiling at her. “One of ma’s old recipes I found in her cookbook.”

“It smells very good, thank you Applejack.” Starbloom said looking the dish over, there was also salad and sliced apples.

Applejack smiled dishing out a serving for them, as well as a serving of salad and divided the apple slices onto separate plates. “Yer welcome Starbloom, ever since telling Apple Bloom about her parents, I felt like a weights been lifted off my back and I can put it behind me.”

“I’m glad to hear that Applejack, I know it couldn’t of been easy.” Starbloom said taking a seat at the table, Sweetie sitting next to her nodding softly in agreement.

Applejack smiled as she joined them at the table. “Guess I been holding it in for so long, about our parents, and everything. Apple Bloom has been asking all kinds of questions about them as well.”

“I can see that, I can imagine she wants to know what they were like.” Starbloom said smiling softly, Sweetie sat quietly next to her and ate as she listened.

“That she does, she’s always been a curious filly. I finally just ended up giving her one of ma’s old journals she kept while growing up and a picture.” Applejack said smiling before starting to eat herself.

Starbloom smiled and nodded as she started to eat as well. The flavor of the casserole was different then she expected, but she did enjoy it. “This is very good Applejack, thank you for bringing it.”

“Yer welcome Starbloom, glad yer enjoying it.” Applejack said smiling looking over at Sweetie Belle. “What about yerself Sweetie do you like it?”

Sweetie looked up from her plate and smiled nodding at Applejack. “Yes I do Applejack, thank you. It’s different but it’s good.”

Applejack nodded and smiled at them, “I guess it is different then what ya can get around here, it’s a traditional settler pony dish.”

Sweetie Belle nodded at Applejack smiling. “Yea, Rarity likes to make more Canterlot dishes.”

Applejack smiled and chuckled softly. “Sounds like Rarity.”

Starbloom nodded faintly smiling, “Mom likes simple and quick, though she does have a taste for Canterlot food, but I guess that’s because she grew up in Canterlot. If it wasn’t for me and Spike though, I doubt the oven would get used here most of the time.”

Applejack chuckled again softly and nodded. “I can see that, sometimes I think she has her head in the clouds more than Rainbow Dash, figuratively speaking of course.”

Starbloom smiled softly nodding at Applejack. “I have to agree with you on that, she does spend a lot of her time thinking and doing research. Me and Spike have to remind her to take breaks and eat. Not as much lately though, since she became princess.”

Applejack smiled, “Ya, guess she ain't under as much stress to study now.”

Starbloom nodded smiling, “Yea, she isn’t though she still spends most of her time researching. She said just because some pony has achieved their goal, doesn’t mean they should stop learning and bettering themselves.”

Applejack nodded at Starbloom smiling, “Wise words, but can’t expect anything less from Twilight.”

Starbloom smiled and nodded at Applejack, they spent the rest of dinner quietly talking about various other subjects. Once dinner was finished the three got the kitchen cleaned up and Applejack packed up the dishes in her basket before leaving the two alone in the library heading back to Sweet Apple Acres.

It was getting late and Sweetie Belle was getting tired. She and Starbloom headed up he stairs to Starbloom’s room. Starbloom started to gather her blankets and pillows before Sweetie Belle stopped her. “You don’t have to sleep on the floor Starbloom, I’ll just end up joining you.”

Starbloom stopped and looked over at Sweetie Belle, “I suppose your right Sweetie,” Starbloom said putting the blankets and pillows back where she got them from. “I have been waking up to find you snuggled up next to me.”

Sweetie blushed faintly and shifted. “I, hope that isn’t a problem… I just, since my mom and dad passed away I don’t like sleeping alone. Guess it’s kind of silly isn’t it?”

“Not at all Sweetie, I understand.” Starbloom said getting into the bed with Sweetie Belle. “You can’t expect to get over something like that quickly.”

“Do you, think Rarity will let me see with her for a little while when I go back home?” Sweetie asked rolling over to face her.

“I’m sure she will, Rarity is probably going through the same emotions and feelings you are.” Starbloom said watching Sweetie quietly. Sweetie yawned softly snuggling under the covers. Starbloom used her magic to turn the lights out smiling.

“I hope so, I really don’t feel like being alone when I go home.” Sweetie said tiredly her eyes drifting shut.

Starbloom smiled again watching her for a moment before snuggling down under the covers herself closing her eyes. It wasn’t long before she drifted off to sleep herself. Before she did she could feel Sweetie Belle snuggle herself in close against her.

Chapter 15

~*{Chapter Fifteen}*~

Sweetie woke up the next morning before Starbloom did clenching her close shivering softly. The clutching and the shivering woke Starbloom up who squirmed a bit. “Sweetie? What’s the matter?” She asked after a moment realizing what was going on.

“S… sorry Starbloom, I had a bad dream.” Sweetie said releasing her grip on Starbloom, “I didn’t mean to wake you up.”

“It’s alright Sweetie, are you okay now?” She asked, rolling over to face Sweetie. The sun was starting to crest over the horizon letting a little light in through the windows of Starbloom’s room.

“Yea, I think so.” Sweetie answered sitting up in the bed looking over at Starbloom. “I’ll be alright” She added getting off the bed and making her way to the bathroom.

Starbloom sighed softly watching her go before getting off the bed herself stretching a bit looking at the time. It was early, just after six in the morning. She made her way downstairs to the kitchen to start on breakfast. She still wasn’t sure if Sweetie was going to go to school.

Sweetie came downstairs a bit later before breakfast was finished, her mane still damp but combed out and fixed up. “Hey Sweetie, breakfast will be ready soon.” Starbloom said smiling over at her.

Sweetie smiled back sitting at the table. “It smells good.” She said smelling the meal cook. “I think, I want to try and go to school today.” She added after a few moments.

Starbloom nodded at her, “If that’s what you want to do alright.” Starbloom said transferring some oatmeal to a bowl and putting it in front of Sweetie before getting herself a bowl.

“It is, I don’t want to stay cooped up in the house all day.” Sweetie said getting a spoon and starting to eat.

Starbloom nodded at her, “I understand, but if at any time you want to go home we can go home. I’ll let Ms. Cheerilee know what’s going on as well.” Starbloom said before starting to eat as well.

Breakfast passed quietly, Sweetie wasn’t really up to talking to much he bad dream still bothering her. Starbloom tried to get her to talk about it but she just told her she was fine and not to worry about it.

Once Starbloom finished her breakfast, she put away her dishes before heading upstairs to the bathroom to shower and get ready to leave for school. Once she was cleaned up she got her saddle bags and headed downstairs where Sweetie was waiting for her.

Once she got downstairs she went over to Twilight’s desk and took down a scroll, a quill and inkwell. She started to write a note to let Twilight know that she and Sweetie Belle went to school and not to worry, she did inform Sweetie about her parents, but she was doing her best to help her cope with the loss.

“Ready to go Sweetie?” Starbloom asked looking over at her smiling.

“Yea, I’m ready… we’ll need to stop by Carousel Boutique to get my saddlebags though.” Sweetie said smiling back. She was still feeling unsure if she was ready but she was also determined.

“Alright we’ll stop by there first before going to school.” Starbloom said leading Sweetie Belle out of the library and they started to walk across town to Rarity’s place. Sweetie opened the door and headed to her room to get her saddlebags while Starbloom waited for her downstairs.

Once Sweetie got her saddlebags she went downstairs and they left, Sweetie closing the door and they started to walk to the school building. It was still pretty early when they got there so there wasn’t too many other students hanging around.

“Wait here Sweetie, I’ll be right back.” She said heading inside to find Ms. Cheerilee. “Ms. Cheerilee?”

“Oh, good morning Starbloom, you’re here early today. What can I do for you?” Ms. Cheerilee answered smiling over at her.

“Good morning Ms. Cheerilee, I was hoping I could talk with you before class started. It’s about Sweetie Belle.” Starbloom said looking up at her teacher.

“Oh? What about her, I hope she isn’t sick.” Ms. Cheerilee said looking a little worried now.

“Oh no, nothing like that Ms. Cheerilee. But she has… well she’s had a tragedy in her life. She’s come to school, but I don’t know if she can handle it so she might want to leave early.” Starbloom said nodding at her softly.

“Oh my, may I ask what kind of tragedy it was?” Cheerilee asked, “And of course, if she needs to leave I understand.”

Starbloom thought for a few moments before answering. “Her parents passed away Friday. Her sister is in Canterlot with my mother and Spike.”

“Oh the poor dear, that is a terrible thing to have happen. But if her sister is in Canterlot, where has she been staying over the weekend?” Cheerilee asked concerned.

“She has been staying with me at the library. I’ve been doing my best to help her cope with the loose.” Starbloom answered.

“I see, well I wish her the best, when will her sister and your mother return?” Cheerilee asked.

“Thank you, I’ll let her know. They should be back today unless something comes up.” Starbloom answered smiling at her.

Cheerilee was about to say something else but the bell rung and the class started to come in, Sweetie coming in with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. “Thank you for letting know this Starbloom, go ahead and take your seat.”

Starbloom nodded and headed to her seat. She paused at Sweetie Belle’s desk, “Everything good, if you feel overwhelmed let me know and we can go.” She said leaning over to whisper in her ear.

Sweetie Belle nodded at her and smiled. “Thank you Starbloom.” She said looking up at her before looking over at the teacher.

Starbloom headed to her desk and took a seat after removing her saddle bags. Once the class was seated and settled Ms. Cheerilee started the class.

Chapter 16

~*{Chapter Sixteen}*~

As the class started everything was fine for Sweetie, she sat quietly and listened to Ms. Cheerilee’s lessons. The morning classes came and went quietly, with everything going well. Starbloom started to relax, she was worried Sweetie might want to leave early, especially since she had a bad dream that night.

Lunch period soon rolled around and Starbloom face hoofed. She forgot to make them lunch that morning. She sighed softly slipping out of her seat and went over to Sweetie’s desk. “Hey Sweetie, how you feeling?” She asked smiling at her.

“I’m alright Starbloom, I think I’ll be fine.” She said smiling back at Starbloom getting out of her seat as well.

“That’s good to hear,” She said smiling at her, “One tiny problem, I forgot to make our lunch.”

“That’s alright, I’ll share with ya.” Apple Bloom said smiling, “Applejack packed extra just in case y’all came.”

“Yea, we got some extra.” Scootaloo said coming up next to Apple Bloom with Diamond Tiara who smiled at them.

“Thank you girls.” Starbloom said smiling at them before looking over at Sweetie who smiled nodding.

The four of them headed out of the school and over to their table taking a seat around it. Noi joined them as well. “Good morning girls,” Noi said as she took a seat next to Diamond Tiara.

“Good morning Noi,” Diamond Tiara said smiling at her, while opening her lunch bag and placing some cookies out in the middle of the table. “Sweetie and Starbloom don’t have lunch today, got anything to share?”

“Of course,” Noi said smiling at Diamond Tiara and opening her bag getting out some carrot sticks and placing them on the table.

“Mornin` Noi,” Apple Bloom said opening her lunch bag and taking out some sandwiches passing one over for Sweetie and another over for Starbloom. She also put some apple slices on the table.

“Hiya Noi,” Scootaloo said opening her own lunch bag and set out some bread sticks in the middle with the apple slices Apple Bloom set out.

“Thank you girls,” Starbloom said smiling and Sweetie nodded her thanks. “Rather embarrassing I forgot to get our lunch together.”

Sweetie Belle giggled softly but smiled at Starbloom, “It’s alright Starbloom a lot has happened over the past few days.” She said reassuring Starbloom it was alright.

Noi tilted her head faintly looking over at Sweetie and Starbloom. “Oh? What happened, if it’s not too personal.” She asked.

Scootaloo, Starbloom, Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom looked over to Sweetie Belle. Sweetie looked back at them then over at Noi shifting a bit. “My parents, they passed away Friday.” She said softly before looking away.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that Sweetie Belle. I know it’s hard loosing a family member.” Noi said nodding at her softly.

Diamond Tiara patted Noi on the shoulder softly. “That’s right, you lost your parents just like Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.”

Noi nodded at Diamond, “Yea, about six years ago. Mugging in Manehattan, my father tried to fight them off but that didn’t end well. I was here in Ponyville with my sister.”

“I’m sorry to hear that Noi,” Sweetie said looking over at her.

Starbloom patted Sweetie on the shoulder softly smiling over at her. The group started to enjoy their lunch while chatting over random topics. Just as they finished lunch Ms. Cheerilee came over to their table.

“Sweetie Belle, Starbloom, your families are here to see you.” She said nodding her head over to where Rarity and Twilight was waiting for them.

“Alright Ms. Cheerilee, thank you.” Starbloom said and both she and Sweetie got up from the table and walked over to Rarity and Twilight.

“Hi mom, is something wrong?” Starbloom asked as they got to close by.

“Hello Starbloom dear, nothing is the matter. But Rarity wanted to come and check on Sweetie.

Sweetie walked over to Rarity and looked up at her, tears starting to form in her eyes before she jumped forward and wrapped her arms around Rarity’s neck tightly nuzzling her muzzle into her shoulder crying softly.

Rarity also had tears forming in her eyes as she hugged Sweetie Belle back one of her hooves stroking her mane softly. “Shh, Sweetie darling it’s alright, I’m here for you.” She soothed softly.

“Oh Rarity, I miss them so much.”Sweetie said between soft sobs.

“I know darling, I miss them too. Would you like to go home?” She asked softly stroking her mane.

Sweetie Belle nodded softly sniffling, unable to say anything more.

“Alright, let’s go home.” Rarity said loosing the hug. Sweetie let go as well wiping her eyes. Rarity looked over at Starbloom, “Thank you so much for taking care of her for me Starbloom.”

“It’s wasn’t any trouble Rarity, I’m glad I could help. I’ll bring Sweetie’s saddlebags by on my way home.” Starbloom said and Rarity smiled nodding at her.

“Thank you Starbloom, that would be nice.” Rarity said smiling softly before she and Sweetie Belle started to walk home.

“You alright Starbloom?” Twilight asked looking over at Starbloom.

“I’m alright mom, I just feel sorry for them loosing their parents like that.” Starbloom said looking up at Twilight.

“I know how you feel dear.” Twilight said looking over as Ms. Cheerilee came over to them.

“Did Sweetie head home with her sister?” Ms. Cheerilee asked.

“Yes, Sweetie decided to go home early with Rarity.” Twilight said looking over at Ms. Cheerilee.

Ms. Cheerilee nodded, “I see, I hope she feels better soon. Are you going to be leaving early as well Starbloom?”

“No, I’ll be staying.” Starbloom said looking up at Ms. Cheerilee.

“Alright, class will be resuming soon if wish to take your seat.” Ms. Cheerilee said and Starbloom nodded heading inside to sit down.

“Thank you for being so understanding during these events Cheerilee.” Twilight said smiling at Cheerilee. “Tragic as they are.”

“It’s the least I could do for that poor filly and her family Princess.” Cheerilee said looking at Twilight.

“Please, just Twilight is fine, I’m still not use to being called Princess.” Twilight said blushing softly at being called Princess.

“As you wish Twilight, still it’s been almost two years.” Cheerilee said smiling at Twilight.

“I know, but it was a rather sudden change and it’s a lot to get use to.” Twilight said smiling back. “I’ll let you get back to class now.”

“Alright Twilight, have a good day.” Ms. Cheerilee said with a faint bow to Twilight who blushed again before turning to head home. Ms. Cheerilee turned and headed back into the school to finish her lessons for the day.

There were a few questions about what happen to Sweetie Belle and questions about if she got sick or not. But Cheerilee reassured them she was fine but had some family issues that came up. Once the class had settled own she started her lessons back up.

Chapter 17

~*{Chapter Seventeen}*~

Starbloom felt as if the day dragged on after lunch and Sweetie went home. She was worried about her, she knew of course that Rarity would keep an eye on her and make sure she was safe and help her feel better. But it didn’t make her feel any better, she was still worried.

When the bell finally rung to let class out she got to her hooves and got her saddlebags resting them on her back before lifting up Sweetie’s saddlebags and rested them over her own saddlebags heading for the exit of the school. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom caught up with her though.

“Hey Starblooom wait up.” Scootaloo called for her. “What’s the hurry?”

“No hurry, just want to drop off Sweetie’s saddle bags for her before going home.” Starbloom replied looking over her shoulder.

“Just seemed like y’all was in a hurry is all.” Apple Bloom said standing next to Scootaloo.

“Oh…” Starbloom mumbled timidly, the truth was she was in a bit of a hurry. “I just want to make sure Sweetie is alright, and everything.” She added smiling faintly.

“Well, I can understand that.” Apple Bloom smiled at Starbloom, “Ya have been taking care of her the past few days ya must still feel responsible for her.”

“Well, maybe a little.” Starbloom admitted as she started to walk towards Rarity’s boutique with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. “Sweetie is a sensitive pony you know. This kind of thing must be hard on her.”

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom nodded in agreement with Starbloom. “Yea, Sweetie Belle is pretty sensitive, but her sister is with her Starbloom. I’m sure Rarity can take care her.” Scootaloo suggested.

Apple Bloom looked over at Scootaloo, “Maybe, but do’n forget, Rarity is also goin’ through the same thing Sweetie Belle is. I’m sure is hard for Rarity as well.” Apple Bloom reminded Scootaloo.

Scootaloo glanced over at Apple Bloom and rolled her eyes. “I was trying to help Starbloom feel better Apple Bloom, I know Rarity is going through the same thing.” Scootaloo grumbled at Apple Bloom.

Starbloom shook her head lightly at her friends arguing behind her and sighed softly looking back over at them. “It’s fine you two, I know Rarity is doing her best to take care of her. But I also know she herself is going through a hard time.” Starbloom grumbled coming to a stop and turning to face them. “Look, if you don’t mind I would like to do this alone.” She snapped, a little harsher than she wanted.

She saw the hurt look in her friend’s eyes and frowned. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. I’m just upset and worried. I know you two mean well and want to help.” Starbloom apologized. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow at school and let you know how she’s feeling okay?”

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo looked at each other for a moment before looking back at Starbloom nodding. “Alright Starbloom, we’re sorry.” Apple Bloom said softly. “We’ll see ya tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow Starbloom,” Scootaloo said as well before the two turned and headed towards Sweet Apple Acres to hang out.

Starbloom watched them for a moment sighing softly before turning to continue to Rarity’s place. She still felt bad for snapping at her friends like she did. She didn’t know why she did that. It wasn’t like she hadn’t been around them when they argued, she was actually use to it. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom argued like that all the time.

She let out another deep sigh and closed her eyes coming to a stop near halfway between the Boutique and Sugar Cube Corner to collect herself. Come on Starbloom, what’s wrong with you. She thought to herself moving to a bench and sitting next to it, with the saddle bags she could sit on it.

“What’s up gloomy head?” She heard the bubbly voice of Pinkie ask her. She blinked and looked over at Pinkie Pie and tilted her head faintly to one side.

“Oh, hey Pinkie Pie, I’m just… I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. I snapped at Apple Bloom and Scootaloo for no reason while we were walking to Rarity’s.” Starbloom mumbled out softly. “I’m just so worried and upset about Sweetie being upset and sad at what happen.”

“I know it’s bad Starbloom, but you can’t make yourself sad about it.” Pinkie said, in one of her rare moments of seriousness. “Sweetie Belle and Rarity need time to bond and grow strong in each other, and they will. Come with me.” Pinkie said in a soft, almost motherly tone that shocked Starbloom.

Starbloom got to her hooves and nodded, “Alright Pinkie,” Starbloom agreed following her across the street and back to Sugar Cube Corner. Pinkie got them some treats before getting them a table in the back away from others for privacy.

Once seated Pinkie smiled at Starbloom, but also looked serious, “Starbloom, what’s really going on with you?” Pinkie asked, “Maybe it’s something I can help with?”

“I don’t think it’s something you can help with Pinkie,” Starbloom answered sighing softly looking at the table. “I am worried about Sweetie Belle…” She looked around before looking, “But her parents’ death also brings back those memories of Spike as well.” She mumbled softly. “It hurts…”

Pinkie’s smiled faded to a sadder version and she reached over to rub her mane softly. “Oh Starbloom, I know it does. The fact it still hurts means you cared deeply for him.” Pinkie comforted softly.

Starbloom fought back to urge to break down at the table, “I thought, I was past this it’s been over two years now.” She said in a shuddering voice crossing her arms on the table resting her head on it, “But here I am, ready to burst into tears.” She added sniffling softly. “I held myself together over the weekend for Sweetie Belle’s sake and just didn’t let myself think about it.”

“Starbloom… have you even let yourself really think about and let yourself experience all the emotion yet?” Pinkie Pie asked looking at her tilting her head softly stroking her mane. “I don’t mean since the news about Sweetie Belle and Rarity’s parents, I mean since… what happen with Spike.”

Starbloom thought about it for a few moments before shaking her head softly. She hadn’t, not since the accidently had she really let herself think about what had happened since that day. She never let herself fully process everything emotionally, Spike’s death, the loss of her magic, her identity, her friends, her family, or her home.

“Pinkie… I haven’t… I haven’t let myself really think about it. I just been pushed it to the back of my mind and got on with my life.” Starbloom admitted to Pinkie.

“I think that’s why you’re having this problem now Starbloom, the death of Sweetie Belle and Rarity’s parents has brought it up and you’re thinking about it again.” Pinkie Pie offered with a warm smile.

“Thank you Pinkie Pie, you’ve given me something to think about.” Starbloom said getting up and putting both saddlebags on. “I need to get going, but you’ve helped a lot.”

“Your welcome Starbloom, think about what I said.” Pinkie suggested getting up.

“I will,” Starbloom assured Pinkie before leaving the bakery and trotted to Rarity’s place to return Sweetie Belle’s saddlebags.

Chapter 18

~*{Chapter Eighteen}*~

Starbloom took a deep breath after leaving Sugar Cube Corner, Pinkie was right she hadn’t really dealt with Spike’s death. She had just pushed it to the back of her mind and buried it along with everything else that happened.

She trotted on her way to Rarity’s boutique trying to decide on the best way to deal with these issues when the voice she wanted to hear the least piped up nearby.

“Going to visit your filly friend?” Silver Spoon teased causing Starbloom to stop and glare over at her.

“I’m taking Sweetie Belle her saddlebags; you know she’s going through a really hard time in her life.” Starbloom grumbled trying to keep her temper in check. She wanted to say more but she didn’t want to antagonize.

“Oh sure I heard all about what happen to her parents, I also heard you and her spent all weekend alone together. You know you two been pretty close since you got here.” Silver Spoon teased some more, “I’ve seen you spend more time with her than your other loser friend.”

Starbloom narrowed her eyes and bit the inside of her cheek a bit take the edge off her temper, “You don’t know anything Silver Spoon, Apple Bloom lives outside of town, Scootaloo lives with Rainbow Dash in a cloud home and can’t fly. Of course, I’d spend more time with Sweetie Belle, besides me and my mom are teaching her magic. Also I go visit Rarity to get my headband adjusted.” Starbloom snapped it was getting harder to keep her temper in check with Silver Spoon.

Silver Spoon rolled her eyes looking at Starbloom, “All really good excuses to visit your filly friend, come on you can tell me… you two playhouse over the weekend?” Silver Spoon teased winking at Starbloom.

Starbloom gritted her teeth before growling. “I helped a friend! One who went through a terrible loss! If you had a heart you wouldn’t be using that to pick on any pony!” Starbloom yelled wheeling on Silver Bloom pushing her face close to Silver Spoon, the gem on her forehead pressed against Silver Spoon’s forehead cutting it. “So back off and leave me alone!”

Silver Spoon was stunned by Starbloom’s sudden outburst, in past few years since she had been teasing and bullying Starbloom and the other crusaders she had only seen Starbloom go off on her like that once before and that was for calling her a liar.

Silver Spoon took a step back feeling blood trickle down her forehead from where the gem had cut her and turned to run off. Starbloom breathed heavily watching her slowly taking back control of her temper. Once she had calmed down enough, she continued walking to Rarity’s Boutique.

It didn’t take too much longer after the run it with Silver Spoon to reach it. She reached up and knocked on the door after a moment Rarity answered the door. “Hello Starbloom d… oh darling are you bleeding?” Rarity asked spotting the blood dripping from the crystal on the headband.

Starbloom blinked reaching up feeling the blood on her headband. “Huh? Oh no, I don’t think so. I had a run in with Silver Spoon… I think it’s her blood though.” She mumbled softly.

Rarity looked confused and concerned. “Come inside and tell me what happen.” Rarity said moving to let Starbloom inside.

Starbloom nodded and walked inside looking around. She didn’t see Sweetie Belle; she figured she was in her room. She lifted Sweetie’s saddlebags off her back and put them on the floor by the stairs. “I brought Sweetie Belle’s saddlebags home for her like she asked.”

“Thank you darling,” Rarity nodded going over to a collection of cushions before taking a seat. Starbloom followed her over and took a seat as well. “Now, tell me how did Silver Spoon’s blood get on your headband?”

Starbloom sighed softly looking at the floor. “I lost my temper,” Starbloom started looking up at Rarity, “I was walking here and she started teasing me, calling Sweetie my filly friend and asking me if we played house while she was staying with me at the library while you and mom was in Canterlot. I just… I lost it…” Starbloom answered her voice growing soft as finished.

“Starbloom… this outburst you had today does it have anything to do with the outburst you had a few years back?” Rarity asked taking on a more serious tone.

Starbloom looked up at Rarity shaking her head lightly, “I don’t think so it was different. Back then, I was upset at accused of lying. This time she was accusing Sweetie Belle and me of being filly friends and using the death of your parents as an excuse. “Starbloom explained letting out a deep sigh. “But I shouldn’t of let myself be goaded so easily though.”

Rarity moved to sit next to Starbloom resting a hoof on her shoulder, “Don’t beat yourself up over it, what she said… I would have had a hard time restraining myself.” Rarity admitted levitating a napkin over and cleaning the blood of Starbloom’s headband and muzzle.

Starbloom sighed softly squirming when her muzzle was wiped clean from the blood that dripped onto from her headband. “How… how are you and Sweetie Belle doing?” Starbloom asked looking up at Rarity.

“We’re coping darling, thanks to your help Sweetie is doing better than I expected but it will take a little time.” Rarity smiled at Starbloom putting the napkin away. “She asked to sing at the funeral, I wasn’t sure at first, but I think it might help her say goodbye.”

Starbloom nodded at Rarity looking up at her. “Yea, I think so too.” Starbloom agreed moving to her hooves carefully. “I should get home before mom starts worrying about me.”

“Alright darling, have a safe walk home.” Rarity said moving to her hooves as well walking her to the door and opening it for her. “Tell your mother hello for me.”

“I will Rarity, thank you. Have a good evening.” Starbloom replied smiling at her before turning to walk home. She set a brisk pace and it didn’t take too long to get to the library, she didn’t want to risk running into Silver Spoon again.

Starbloom stopped outside of the library before going inside taking a deep breath looking at the door. Everything that happened today after leaving school was weighing heavily on her mind. Pinkie was right she needed to deal with what happen with Spike in her world. She just wasn’t sure, if she could, or even how.

She opened the door and went inside looking around quietly. “Mom, Spike I’m home from school.” She called heading for the stairs to go to her room.

“I’m in the kitchen dear.” Twilight called back.

“Okay mom,” Starbloom replied going to her room. She removed her saddlebag and put it in the corner of her room before heading downstairs to the kitchen. “Where is Spike?”

“He went to Sugar Cube Corner to get dessert,” Twilight smiled at Starbloom before tilting her head blinking, “What happen to you, there is blood on your muzzle.” Twilight asked worriedly getting a washcloth and wetting it with warm water and started to clean her muzzle.

Starbloom squeaks and squirms around getting her muzzle washed for the second time. “I got into an argument with Silver Spoon.” She answered sputtering when she finally had a chance to speak.

“An argument I understand, but how did it result in blood?” Twilight asked still concerned but she didn’t see any cuts on her daughter. “You don’t seem hurt though.”

Starbloom sighed shaking her head a bit. “I’m not hurt, I lost my temper and pushed my forehead against Silver Spoon’s in the argument I guess the tip of the horn must have nicked Silver Spoon’s forehead… Rarity was worried about it too when I dropped of Sweetie Belle’s saddlebag on my way home.” Starbloom explained.

Twilight seemed to calm down some, but she still looked upset, “I see, why did you get into an argument with Silver Spoon in the first place?” Twilight asked sitting down at the table.

“Silver Spoon started teasing me about being filly friends with Sweetie Belle, which wouldn’t have bothered me. But she tried to use Rarity and Sweetie Belle’s parents as evidence and I lost my temper.” Starbloom sighed softly resting her head on the table. “She said we ‘played house’ when she was here with me and you and Rarity was in Canterlot.”

Twilight was quiet for a few minutes as she thought over what Starbloom told her, before reaching over and hugging her softly. “I can see why you lost your temper dear, that was a very unpleasant thing to hear especially after such a terrible thing happened to one of your friends.”

Starbloom rest her head against Twilight shoulder softly nodding. “Still… I shouldn’t have lost my temper like that and hurt her, even if it was an accident.” Starbloom murmured softly.

Twilight gently stroked Starbloom’s back smiling at her, “The fact you know that means you’ll think twice before doing it again. Now, go get washed up for dinner.”

“Alright mom, thank you.” Starbloom said getting to her hooves smiling before leaving the kitchen and heading upstairs to wash up for dinner.

Chapter 19

~*{Chapter Nineteen}*~

Starbloom sighed softly after getting to her room, she wasn’t really feeling that hungry anymore. She didn’t eat any of the treats offered to her at Sugar Cube Corner by Pinkie Pie, just didn’t have much of an appetite and after her run in with Silver Spoon she had even less of one.

She opened the door to her bathroom and went inside she took off her headband and dropped it on the counter before getting into the shower and sat down reaching a hoof up she started the cold water shuddering at the cold stream before turning up the hot water but slowly until the water felt more like a summer shower.

She shivered softly sitting under the water, she had tears rolling down her cheeks, but the water from the shower made it hard to see. She let her head drop forward her mane falling over her face covering it as she cried, letting out the emotions she had been holding back for the past few years since Spike’s death in her world.

Twilight knocked the door to Starbloom’s bathroom, “Starbloom, are you alright? You have been in there for a while now your dinner is getting cold.” Twilight asked with concern in her voice.

“I… I’m fine…” Starbloom answered, though Twilight could barely make her voice out through the door.

“I’m coming in,” Twilight stated her horn lighting up as she pushed the door open going inside. She gasped sharply seeing Starbloom curled up in the shower under a cold stream of water. The hot water had long since run out. “Starbloom what are you doing?!” She demanded worriedly quickly turning off the water and floating Starbloom out of the shower and wrapping her in a towel to dry her off.

Starbloom didn’t say anything at first as Twilight got her dried off; she didn’t have any answers about what she was doing. Once she had been dried off, she looked at Twilight, “Mom…” She started softly resting her head against Twilight’s chest softly. “I was thinking, I didn’t mean to scare you… I just needed to think.”

Twilight sighed softly moving to the bedroom sitting Starbloom on the bed removing the towel she wrapped her in a blanket to help warm her up. She was still shivering from the cold water. “You know if you have a problem you can talk to me.” Twilight said softly sitting on the floor in front of the bed.

“I know mom,” Starbloom mumbled softly lying on the bed looking at the floor. “It’s nothing though I’ll be alright I just need some time to think.” Starbloom said looking up at Twilight smiling weakly.

Twilight could see past that, it was obvious something was bothering her daughter. Nevertheless, she knew it wouldn’t do any good to push the matter either. Starbloom would just evade the issue or get defensive about it. “Alright… but if you need to talk you know where to find me.” Twilight offered getting to her hooves leaning over and kissing her on the forehead. “I’ll keep your dinner warm when you’re ready to come down.”

“Alright mom, thank you.” Starbloom said smiling up at her. She watched as Twilight left the room before resting her head on the bed again sighing softly. She tried to pull a pillow over with her magic before remember she took her headband.

She grumbled a bit getting up and moving to grab a pillow in her teeth and pull it over snuggling back down under the covers and cuddled the pillow close to her. For a moment she wished Sweetie Belle was still here but quickly pushed that thought aside. Sweetie had her problems right now, she wondered if this was how Sweetie feeling though.

That though made tears swell her in eyes and she wiped at them with a hoof shaking her head, No, Sweetie would be feeling loss and sorrow… You're just feeling conflicted and self-pity Starbloom she scolded herself in her thoughts. “I really should… just talk with mom about this…”

She sighed again and got off the bed going to the bathroom to get her headband and put it on, she took her brush and fixed her mane and tail wincing a few times at some snags and tangles from rolling in the blanket. Once she was done with her mane and tail she left the bathroom and used her magic to fix her bed before heading downstairs.

“Feeling any better?” Twilight asked seeing Starbloom come downstairs.

“A little mom,” Starbloom answered making her way to the kitchen.

“I’m glad to hear that dear,” Twilight smiled following her to the kitchen using her magic to get out Starbloom’s dinner and warm it backup. Spike was working on his chores in the kitchen; he looked over and smiled at the two.

Starbloom smiled back at Spike before she took a seat at the table and Twilight sat the plate in front of her, “Mom… Pinkie was right; I've never dealt with what happened to me… in my world.” Starbloom said looking up at her.

Twilight sighed softly nodding at Starbloom fixing them a glass of tea setting one down for Starbloom. “I know dear, at the time you seemed to be doing well though. I should have known you were suppressing your emotions.” Twilight sighed softly taking a drink of her tea.

“Mom… how could you have possibly known?” Starbloom asked picking at her dinner she still wasn’t feeling that hungry. “After getting here from Canterlot I had pretty much buried everything.”

“I’m your mother Starbloom, besides that we’re the same pony… it’s something I would of have done.” Twilight admitted shaking her head softly sighing. “I just didn’t want to dig up past and hurt you with it… but I can see now that was a mistake, you’re hurting now.”

Starbloom smiled at Twilight moving from her spot around to sit next to Twilight hugging her softly nuzzling her side, “Mom…” Starbloom murmured into her side and Twilight hugged her back softly

“Ever since you got here dear all I’ve wanted to do is keep you safe and happy. Maybe I took it a little too far though,” Twilight, said wrapping a wing around Starbloom looking down at her smiling.

“You have mom, I don’t think I could be happier then I have been.” Starbloom smiled looking up at Twilight, “This is something… I should have dealt with in Canterlot.”

Twilight smiled at Starbloom hugging her back softly with the wing. “How, do you want to deal with this? Professional counselor or do you want to talk this out just you, me, and Spike?” Twilight asked.

Starbloom nuzzled her mother’s shoulder softly looking up at her. “I think, we just talk this out ourselves… a counselor might have me committed if I told them I was you from another world,” Starbloom suggested looking up at Twilight; she was half joking trying to lighten the mood.

“Good point, we’ll start as soon as you’re ready.” Twilight said smiling as she let go with her wing. Starbloom nodded smiling, moving away she went to finish her dinner.

Once she had finished they went into the living room, Spike included to help Starbloom with her emotional distress over what had happen to her in her world. Talking over what had happen and how she felt about it, both Spike and Twilight offering support.

Across town in Carousel Boutique Rarity and Sweetie Belle were doing the same similar on a more personal level though. They were in Rarity’s bed looking through old photo albums of their parents and reliving the memories.

Chapter 20

~*{Chapter Twenty}*~

The evening was emotional for Starbloom, talking with Twilight and Spike about the accident that resulted in Spike’s death. The trial and judgment Celestia passed on her, the pain she experienced having her cutie mark and horn stripped from her.

Twilight knew most of what happen from her dreams seeing the events unfold, but a lot of the information was new to Spike. “Gosh Starbloom, I didn’t know you went through all of that.” Spike said going to her side stroking her mane softly trying to comfort her. “It must have been a horrible experience.”

Starbloom rubbed her eyes with a hoof softly. “It was… I lost a part of me… no I lost multiple parts of me that day… I lost my Spike, my horn, and my cutie mark. The one thing I can’t replace is my Spike though…” She whimpered softly looking over at Spike. “N… not that I don’t love you like a little brother Spike, because I do I just miss the one I raised.”

“We understand Starbloom, don’t we Spike?” Twilight asked looking over at him, to which Spike nodded in agreement, “You hatched him and raised him like I did. He was special to you like Spike is to me. Nothing in all of Equestria can take his place no matter what.”

Starbloom nodded at Twilight sighing softly looking at Twilight and Spike softly, “Yea, I hatched him and raised him… then I got him killed,” she muttered slumping against the floor, “Because of my ego and arrogance he died, it wasn’t his fault I was so stupid.”

Twilight sighed softly moving over and draping a wing over Starbloom, “Starbloom please you mustn’t blame yourself, it was an accident. You would have helped him if you could have.” Twilight offered softly trying to comfort Starbloom using her wing to pull the filly against her softly. “Even Celestia knew that it was an accident which is why she had Luna send you here instead of keeping you locked up in prison.”

Spike nodded in agreement moving closer and sitting front of the two ponies, “Look Starbloom, if you're Spike is anything like me… he wouldn’t blame you for what happened. His last thoughts would be worried about your safety and happiness and that’s the honest truth.” Spike stated confidently before adding, “I know it was mine when that happen with me and Twilight and I got hit with that book.”

Both Twilight and Starbloom look over at Spike smiling softly, Starbloom nuzzled against Twilight softly before speaking. “Thank you Spike, I just miss him but that makes me feel better.” She sighed softly resting her head on her mother’s fore hoof softly.

Twilight smiled at Spike again before tilting her head kissing the top of Starbloom’s head softly taking a deep breath. She looked up and noticed the time thinking for a moment, “Are you going to school tomorrow Starbloom?” Twilight asked looking down at Starbloom.

Starbloom thought about the question for a moment then nodded softly. “Yes mom I don’t want to miss school if I don’t have to,” Starbloom answered tilting her head to look up her mother.

“Then you may want to go to bed, it’s after your bedtime dear.” Twilight smiled down at Starbloom moving her wing off her back. Starbloom nodded getting to her hooves. “Sleep well.”

“Thank you mom, I will.” Starbloom smiled back looking over at Spike, “Good night Spike.”

“Good night Starbloom,” Spike said watching as Starbloom made her way upstairs to her room to go to bed. “Do you really think she’ll be alright Twilight?”

“I think so Spike, it’s some old wounds and they are bound to hurt… but it’s good that she’s dealing with them. Truthfully though, we should have dealt with this when she first arrived here.” Twilight sighed softly looking at the floor. “Do… you think I’m a bad mother for not taking care of this sooner?”

Spike blinked looking at Twilight, “Of course not Twilight, what kind of question is that?” Spike asked in genuine surprise, “You’re a great mother, granted she appeared out of nowhere and you didn’t know what to do but all things considered you did a wonderful job with her. She’s happy and healthy, smart to.”

Twilight watched Spike for a moment tilting her head, “She’s smart because she has my memories Spike, but thank you.” Twilight smiled at him, “I just worry I’m not doing a good job raising her. I try to make sure she eats right, has friends, and stays out of trouble.”

Spike rolls his eyes looking at Twilight, “Well… that’s what a parent does isn’t it? Other than that, I don’t think there is too much for you to do Twilight. If you’re that worried about it, you can ask Mrs. Cake,” Spike suggested.

Twilight got to her hooves smiling putting Spike on her back, “Sounds like a good idea Spike, thank you.” Twilight agreed heading up stairs after putting out the lanterns. She puts Spike in his bed before getting into her own.

The next morning, after getting Starbloom off to school, Twilight ready and headed to Sugar Cube Corner. Spike elected to stay and take of his choirs and the library while she was out. Twilight thought about dropping by to see how Rarity and Sweetie Belle was doing as well, but she decided not to, at least not yet.

She went into Sugar Cube Corner looking around. “Hello, Mrs. Cake are you here?” Twilight called out.

“Hey Twilight!” Pinkie answered bouncing out of the back. “Mrs. Cake is out right now but she should be back in a little while, can I get you anything?”

“Hello Pinkie Pie, I just had a few questions for her is all.” Twilight smiled at Pinkie watching her bounce in place. “How long do you think she will be out?”

“Oh, I’m not too sure an hour at most though. I can answer questions though.” Pinkie Pie smiled in reply.

“Oh I see, well I did have a question for you as well Pinkie Pie.” Twilight said remembering something Starbloom mentioned yesterday.

“Oh? What’s the question you got for me?” Pinkie asked with a grin bouncing even more wanting to be helpful.

“Well yesterday Starbloom said something about you being correct, in her never dealing in what happen to her I was wondering what she meant by that.” Twilight wondered and Pinkie stopped bouncing and walked over to Twilight.

“Oh that, well she was upset about something and had an argument with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, she told me what happen to Sweetie Belle and Rarity brought back painful memories. I suggested maybe she just hasn’t dealt with them is all.” Pinkie Pie smiled at Twilight, though with a hint of serious to it. “Has she started?”

Twilight nodded at Pinkie Pie, “Yes she has Pinkie Pie, Starbloom has finally started to deal with those memories and emotions.” Twilight answered Pinkie with a soft sigh. “I’m glad she has as well. I just…”

Pinkie tilted her head looking at Twilight, “You just what Twilight?” Pinkie asked her motherly tone back.

“I just wish… I had talked to her about this sooner, it makes me feel like I failed as a mother for not noticing she needed to talk this out sooner.” Twilight admitted to Pinkie over up at her.

“Is that why you came to talk to Mrs. Cake, to ask her about being a good mother?” Pinkie asked moving with Twilight to sit at a table.

Twilight nodded, “Yes it is, being a mother herself I thought she might be a good person to ask.”

“I take care of the Pumpkin and Pound Cake all the time Twilight, I’m not their mother of course, but I help raise them and I’ll tell you what I’m positive Mrs. Cake will tell you, and what Applejack will tell you and any other mother will tell you. You’re doing an excellent job raising Starbloom under the circumstances.” Pinkie Pie proclaimed looking at Twilight with her arms crossed.

“Well… thank you for the vote of confidence Pinkie but… what do you mean under the circumstances?” Twilight asked tilting her head.

“Twilight, you were given a filly around the age of eight years old to take care of, you had no experience and yet you have done a marvelous job with her.” Pinkie Pie smiled at her, “You should be proud of what you’ve done with her, considering what she went through to get here.”

Twilight smiled at Pinkie Pie, “Thank you Pinkie, I never thought of it like that.”

“You’re welcome Twilight; try not to worry so much.” Pinkie said getting to her hooves Twilight arose as well. “I need to get back to work.”

“Alright Pinkie Pie, thank you again.” Twilight smiled, “I’ll talk with you later.”

Pinkie smiled waving a hoof as Twilight left before she went back to work behind the counter of Sugar Cube Corner. Twilight was feeling more confident in her role as Starbloom’s mother after her talk with Pinkie Pie.

Chapter 21

~*{Chapter Twenty-One}*~

Starbloom slept deep after her talk with her mother and Spike last night, she didn’t remember dreaming much of anything though. She felt her mother nudging her and she opened her eyes slowly looking over seeing Twilight standing next to her bed. Starbloom yawned softly sitting up slowly.

“Good morning dear, sleep well?” Twilight asked smiling at Starbloom, thought she was worried for her as well, last night had been emotional for her.

“Good morning mom, I slept alright… I feel rested at least.” Starbloom said rubbing her eyes with a hoof getting out of bed. “I don’t remember having any bad dreams.”

“I see,” Twilight mused, perplexed by that. Nevertheless, Twilight figured that if she didn’t remember having them, it was for the best. “What do you want for breakfast Starbloom?”

“Do we have any raisin bread toast?” Starbloom asked walking towards the bathroom; Twilight followed her to the doorway.

“Mm, yes dear we have some of that left.” Twilight answered smiling at Starbloom.

“I’d like a slice of that please.” Starbloom smiled at Twilight before turning on the shower and getting in to wash up.

Twilight nodded, “Alright dear, toasted, or cold?” Twilight asked by the doorway.

“Toasted please, with just a little bit of butter.” Starbloom replied loud enough to be heard over the water.

“Alright, I’ll make sure it’s ready when you’re done.” Twilight called back before heading down to the kitchen. She got the toast out and ready but waited before starting it. She started the toast when she heard the shower stop.

By the time, Starbloom had dried off and downstairs, the toast was waiting on the table for her, still warm with a glass of orange juice. “Thank you mom,” Starbloom smiled at her sitting at the table and nibbled on her toast.

“You’re welcome Starbloom,” Twilight smiled sipping a glass of hot tea.

“Where is Spike?” Starbloom asked looking around the back towards Twilight.

“Right here Starbloom, good morning,” Spike greeted coming into the kitchen carrying a basket with milk bottles in it. “I was getting the milk delivery.”

“Good morning Spike,” Starbloom smiled at him sipping her juice watching as he took the basket of milk to the ice box and put them away before she noticed the time. “Oh! I need to go, see you when I get mom, Spike, love you both.”

“Have a good day at school dear, if you need to come home early Spike or I will be here.” Twilight smiled watching Starbloom get up; she picked up toasted bread and head out to the library main hall putting her saddlebags on.

“See you later Starbloom,” Spike smiled waving at her.

Starbloom hurried out of the house holding her toast in her mouth as scrambled out of the door, halfway down the street before she slowed down enough to eat. “Hey Starbloom, how are you feeling?” Sweetie asked trotting up next to her.

Starbloom looked over and smiled at Sweetie swallowing her toast, “Good morning Sweetie Belle, I’m feeling alright why do you ask?” Starbloom asked tilting her head.

“Rarity said you came by yesterday, and that you were upset about something. She wouldn’t go into detail about it though.” Sweetie Belle answered looking at Starbloom as they walked together.

“Oh… that yeah I was upset yesterday had a run in with Silver Spoon and I lost my temper with her.” Starbloom said evading the real issue. She felt Sweetie Belle had enough to deal with without adding her troubles on top of it. “I also… snapped at Apple Bloom and Scootaloo as well, I need to apologize to them.”

Sweetie Belle blinked looking at Starbloom, “Why did you snap at Scootaloo and Apple Bloom?” Sweetie wondered, Silver Spoon she understood since she had a habit of bullying and teasing. However, she had never known Starbloom to lose her temper with her friends.

Starbloom shook her head faintly, “It’s nothing really, and I was just having a bad day. More importantly how are you feeling Sweetie Belle?” Starbloom asked trying to shift the subject off herself.

“I’m doing well; me and Rarity talked and went through some old photo albums. I think I fell asleep though, I woke up in her bed.” Sweetie Belle answered smiling faintly. “Rarity is doing well to… the funeral is tomorrow if you still want to go with me.”

Starbloom nodded at Sweetie Belle smiling at her, “Yea, I do I told you I would do my best to help you through this and I will.” Starbloom reassured Sweetie Belle, just as Scootaloo and Apple Bloom caught up to them near the schoolhouse with Diamond Tiara and Noi.

“Hey girls,” Apple Bloom called to them, Sweetie Belle and Starbloom turning and smiled waving at the other four.

“Hello Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara, and Noi.” Sweetie Belle greeted.

Starbloom smiled at them and waved. “Good morning girls.” She greeted before looking over at Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, walking over to them. “Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, I want to apologize for losing my temper yesterday. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that.”

The two look at each other for a moment before looking back at Starbloom, “Its fine Starbloom, ya already apologized for that yesterday. So no worries alright?” Apple Bloom smiled at her.

Starbloom smiled at her and nodded, “Alright, thank you Apple Bloom, Scootaloo.”

“You going to apologize to me for you did?” Silver Spoon growled as she stomped over to the group, Crimson Rain following behind her though less than eager to face the larger group of ponies. She had a bandage on her forehead from where the crystal cut her. “Because of your stupid headband crystal thing I have to wear this thing!” She yelled pointing at the bandage.

Starbloom narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth turning around to face Silver Spoon folding her ears back. “No, I won’t apologize for that… what you said yesterday is unforgivable.” Starbloom growled glancing over towards Sweetie Belle who looked stunned and upset, all of Starbloom’s friends had a stunned look at Starbloom’s aggressive behavior. “If anyone should apologize it’s you.”

Silver Spoon stared at her for a moment before huffing, “Yeah well… you and your group of loser friends can go eat poison joke.” Silver Spoon huffed turning around quickly bringing her tail around to smack Starbloom across the muzzle with it for added insult.

Starbloom crystal started to shimmer before she felt the band slip off her; she glanced over seeing Sweetie holding it in her magic. “Thanks Sweetie…” Starbloom mumbled softly lowering her eyes to the ground ashamed of herself.

“You’re welcome; I didn’t want you getting in trouble again.” Sweetie Belle said walking over and putting a hoof on her shoulder.

The other girls in the group went over to Starbloom, “Come on let’s go inside, we don’t wanna be late.” Apple Bloom said, the rest agreeing and heading inside the schoolhouse. Sweetie Belle placed the headband back on Starbloom.

Chapter 22

~*{Chapter Twenty-Two}*~

The school day passed by slowly for Starbloom, the first lesson was a three-page essay on earth pony tradition in regards to farming and construction. It wasn’t that Starbloom was uninterested in the topic she just wasn’t feeling herself today.

Normally she would have had the paper finished and turned in before the lesson was half over, but she barely had a half the work done before it was time for class to move on. When Ms. Cheerilee came to get her essay, Starbloom sighed softly offering what she had finished to her. “I… I’m sorry Ms. Cheerilee I didn’t finish,” Starbloom muttered softly.

The rest of the class just stared in disbelief, even Ms. Cheerilee was surprised, “It’s alright Starbloom, but I would like to see you after school today alright?” Ms. Cheerilee spoke before moving on collecting the rest of the papers.

“Yes Ms. Cheerilee,” Starbloom replied sighing again her ears drooping, she couldn’t believe she didn’t get the work finished in it. The rest of the day didn’t go much better after that. By the time lunch rolled around she wasn’t that hungry. She followed her friends out to their table and sat down.

“What’s going on with ya Starbloom your normally on top of all this school work?” Apple Bloom asked tilting her head. The others looked over at her with worry.

“I don’t know Apple Bloom, just not feeling myself today. Just stress I guess,” Starbloom said sipping from a bottle of apple juice.

“Don’t suppose it has anything to do with your confrontation with Silver Spoon this morning do you?” Diamond Tiara asked offering the group some fudge.

“No, thank you though.” Starbloom politely declined the offered fudge, “It might, but I don’t know, I might just be having an off day.” She didn’t want to blame Silver Spoon, no matter how much she felt like it.

“Maybe you’re just sick?” Noi suggested taking a piece of the offered fudge, “When I had the flu last week I couldn’t concentrate on anything.”

Starbloom blinked a bit at Noi but shook her head, “I don’t feel sick or anything…” She sighed softly. “At least it doesn’t feel like the flu.”

Sweetie Belle considered an idea, but it wasn’t really anything she could bring up in front of the others. She smiled at Starbloom, “Maybe you’re just tired? Did you get enough sleep last night?”

Starbloom smiled back at her, “Yea, I did thank you… I did get to bed later than normal though.” Starbloom got the hint Sweetie Belle was trying to give bringing up last night, but she didn’t think she was depressed.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll figure it out Starbloom,” Scootaloo said getting up and stretching herself out flexing her wings. “You always do, I’m sure Ms. Cheerilee will understand that.”

The group got up with Scootaloo and cleared the table before heading back inside the classroom. The rest of the day after lunch went better than the first half, Starbloom wondered if maybe she was just a bit depressed and upset over what happen with Silver Spoon before class started.

School was soon over and the class started to gather up their belongings before leaving for the day. “Do you want us to wait for you Starbloom?” Apple Bloom asked when she and the rest of her friends where ready.

“No, that’s okay Apple Bloom, I’m not sure how long I’ll be, and I don’t want to keep you. But if you could, stop by the library and let my mother know I’ll be late getting home?” Starbloom requested smiling at Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom smiled back, “I will Starbloom, hope ya do’n get into much trouble,” Apple Bloom answered before turning to leave with the rest of her friends to head home.

Once the rest of the class was gone Ms. Cheerilee walked over to Starbloom’s desk, “How are you feeling Starbloom?” she asked sitting next to the desk looking concerned.

“I’m feeling alright Ms. Cheerilee, I was just… I was not feeling myself this morning.” Starbloom answered fidgeting a bit behind her desk.

“I understand Starbloom, you know if you’re having any trouble at all you can always come to me… we’ve had this talk before a couple of times when you’ve spaced out in class.” Ms. Cheerilee recalled looking at her still concerned.

“I know Ms. Cheerilee and I am sorry to keep worrying you like this. It’s just… with everything that happen brought up some bad memories of Canterlot… I’m working through them though with my mother.” Starbloom said doing her best not to lie about it. “And I will make up the work I didn’t finish today, I promise.” She added smiling up at Ms. Cheerilee.

Ms. Cheerilee sighed softly rising to her hooves nodding. “Well, alright Starbloom, but if this happens again I will have to talk to your mother about it okay?” Ms. Cheerilee warned ruffling Starbloom’s mane with her hoof. “I do worry about you like I do all my students.”

Starbloom smiled faintly at the ruffling, “I understand Ms. Cheerilee I’ll do my best to make sure it doesn’t happen again I promise.” Starbloom said looking up at her teacher.

“Alright Starbloom, you can go. Have a safe walk home.” Ms. Cheerilee said moving to her desk to collect her own things so she can go home as well.

“Thank you Ms. Cheerilee, have a good evening.” Starbloom replied slipping from her seat and getting her stuff together.

She left the schoolhouse and started on her way home, Ms. Cheerilee didn’t keep her as late as she had expected but the other fillies and colts from school had already left so she was by herself on the way home.

She was about halfway home when she felt something hit her in the side and send her sprawling into an alley. She grumbled and quickly scrambled to her hooves when she felt something grab her headband and remove it. “Hey, give that back!” She shouted turning to find it when she spotted Silver Spoon. “I should have known it was you, give me back my headband now!”

“Not until I get my apology for what you did to my forehead.” Silver Spoon growled narrowing her eyes.

Starbloom huffed and narrowed her eyes before taking a deep breath to calm down; she turned to leave only to see Crimson Rain standing at the edge of the alley with her wings spread to block the exit. “You’re not getting past me so you may as well just tell her sorry.” Crimson Rain smirked making sure to cover as much of the alley as she could.

Starbloom sighed and turned back to Silver Spoon, narrowing her eyes before grumbling. “Fine, I’m sorry for cutting your forehead. Now can I have my headband back and go?” Starbloom muttered looking at Silver Spoon.

“Umm… nah, I’m not done with you yet.” Silver Spoon said dropping the headband on the ground and stamping it hard with a hoof crushing the crystal. “That’s for cutting me with that thing.”

Starbloom’s eyes went wide seeing the crystal get smashed under her hoof, even Crimson Rain was surprised. “Silver Spoon, you said you just wanted her to apologize!” Crimson Rain yelled at her.

“I changed my mind okay! Just make sure doesn’t leave and no one else comes down here!” Silver Spoon yelled at Crimson Rain before turning back to Starbloom who was still in shock. Without her headband not only could she not use magic she was in danger of magical build up.

“H… how could you do that Silver Spoon? I need that!” Starbloom cried tears welling up in her eyes looking over at Silver Spoon only to catch a full buck to chest sending her to the ground grunting. She struggled to get up with her saddlebags still on.

“Silver Spoon stop it!” Crimson yelled seeing what was going on.

“Shut up!” Silver Spoon yelled back charging at Starbloom who was just starting to get back up only to ram into her side knocking her back down and further into the alley.

Crimson Rain shifted a bit unsure of what to do, before she finally snapped her wings and took off away from the alley.

Silver Spoon snorted seeing Crimson Rain fly off, “Loser, was getting tired of her whining anyways.” She muttered before bucking Starbloom again as she struggled back to her feet.

Starbloom shuddered and groaned as she hit the ground again her saddlebags were taking most of the impact to her sides but her legs and shoulders were starting to get sore and she has hit her head a few times from being knocked to the ground.

Silver Spoon grinned as she walked over to her, “Feels nice, getting my revenge for you stealing my friends and making them abandon me.” Silver Spoon teased snapping her tail behind her. “I didn’t even want your stupid apology; I just wanted you to say you were sorry for once.”

Starbloom panted hard looking up at Silver Spoon before dropping her head back down. She bit her lip and tried to focus, she could pull off magic without her headband but it was hard and she needed to focus.

Silver Spoon tilted her head standing over Starbloom looking down at her. “What are you up to? Trying to use magic without your little headband?” Silver Spoon mocked as she watched; there was a crackle of energy before a wave of kinetic energy exploded of Starbloom violently. Silver Spoon was sent flying out of the alley but was caught in a purple aura of magic along with a dumpster. The windows of the nearby shops blew out from the force.

Twilight Sparkle held Silver Spoon in her magic grip and stared into her eyes. She was shaken up from being tossed so violently but otherwise unhurt. “What in the name of Equestria did you do to my daughter?!” Twilight demanded her eyes narrowed, Crimson Rain was standing nearby watching.

“N… nothing I swear princess!” Silver Spoon lied fear expressed all over her face.

“That’s not true; you beat her up I couldn’t stand for that anymore so I got her mother.” Crimson Rain admitted watching.

The explosion had altered the police ponies that arrived shortly after Twilight did. She turned to one. “Take her to her home; I will deal with her personally.” Twilight demanded before turning to Crimson Rain. “You, go home I will speak with you later as well.” Twilight added before turning to the alley and walked inside to find Starbloom.

Two of the police ponies escorted Silver Spoon home, while another took Crimson Rain home. The rest started to examine the scene checking for evidence of what happen. One of them followed Twilight into the alley.

Chapter 23

~*{Chapter Twenty-Three}*~

Starbloom woke up slowly rubbing her eyes with a hoof wincing a bit, her head hurt pretty bad. She couldn’t remember what happen very well. She remembered Silver Spoon yelling at her and breaking her headband but everything was fuzzy after that.

“Easy now sugar cube, yer in the hospital,” She heard the voice Applejack speaking to her and she looked over. Starbloom had a confused look on her face.

“W… where… is my mom?” She asked softly struggled to sit up but found it hard to move so she just lay back on the bed. Applejack walked over to the bed and sat next to it.

“She’s talkin to the mayor, Ms. Cheerilee, the chief of police and Silver Smith, that’s Silver Spoon’s mom bout what happen today. Needless to say, that filly is in pretty big trouble.” Applejack said fixing her a glass of water and helping her drink it. “Ya got beat up pretty bad, and that magical blast ya released left ya very weak.”

Starbloom drank from the cup thankful for it; her mouth was very dry, “Thank you… Applejack,” she said softly trying to remember what happen. “I don’t… remember what happen after she broke my headband.”

“According to what Twilight told me, Crimson Rain said Silver Spoon started bucking ya every time ya stood up, the poor filly couldn’t stand to watch it anymore so she went to get Twilight.” Applejack explained watching Starbloom quietly.

Starbloom sighed softly rolling over wincing from the pain in her side nestling herself into the bedding. “What’s going to happen to Silver Spoon?” Starbloom asked softly.

“Well, this is pretty unusual behavior for a pony… specially one so little… and like I said your mom is talkin with some ponies about it… most likely from what I heard before she left your mother is going to try and get her some help…” Applejack explained reaching over and softly stroking Starbloom’s mane. “Ya just rest ease and try to get better okay?”

Starbloom nodded slowly relaxing from the mane stroking closing her eyes. She found it hard to believe Silver Spoon would go that far. She took a deep breath and flinched from the pain in her ribs. She heard the door open but didn’t have the energy to look and see who it was.

“Hey girls, what are you doin here?” She heard Applejack speak to the ponies that came inside, from the way she spoke it sounded like Apple Bloom and her friends.

“We came to check on Starbloom, is she awake?” Apple Bloom asked Starbloom could hear the concern in her voice.

“She’s awake sugar cube, but ain't feelin too well so don’t bother her to much okay?” Applejack answered moving so the other fillies could get over to the bed.

Apple Bloom and the other crusaders went over to the bed on the side Starbloom was facing. She could see each of them looked upset over what happen. “Hey girls.” Starbloom greeted with a weak smile.

“Hey Starbloom, how ya feelin?” Apple Bloom asked with a smile of her own.

“Sore… but I should be fine; hopefully I can go home soon.” Starbloom said softly.

“We should have waited for you and walked you home…” Sweetie Belle whimpered looking guilty. “Then… then this would of happen.”

“Hey now, this isn’t your or any pony else’s fault Sweetie Belle. Don’t go blaming yourself, I told you to go ahead without me…” Starbloom said trying to ease Sweetie Belle’s concerns and comfort her.

“Yes it is its Silver Spoon’s fault for doing this.” Scootaloo said ruffling her wings, “If she wasn’t such a bully and a jerk then this wouldn’t of happen.”

Starbloom smiled at Scootaloo but sighed softly, “Its fine Scootaloo, don’t think like that… Silver Spoon will be punished for what she did.”

The door opened again and Starbloom forced herself up enough took wincing in pain from the movement, she could see Twilight and Spike come into the room. “M… mom, hi.” She managed before the pain was too much to stay sitting up and lay back on the bed gritting her teeth.

“Easy now dear, don’t push yourself.” Twilight scolded softly moving over to sit near the bed the cutie mark crusaders moving to give her room. “You need to take it easy and recover.”

Starbloom panted softly trying to catch her breath giving a small nod. “I… I know mom… I’m sorry…” Starbloom apologized looking up at Twilight, “What happen?”

“After talking it over with every pony… the mayor has approved a new punishment for juvenile offenders. Until the new facility for it is constructed, Silver Spoon is to stay in her home.” Twilight started resting a wing over Starbloom.

“Since her Silver family home is gated, the front gate will have a guard at all times to make sure she doesn’t leave. Ms. Cheerilee will visit her after school for three hours to make sure she gets her education. After Ms. Cheerilee leaves she will be allowed to have one friend visit her for an hour.” Twilight continued to explain looking at the fillies.

The group of fillies was quiet when Twilight finished, they hadn’t heard of such a punishment being done before. Then again, this was the first time they ever heard of a bully hurting another pony. “What about Crimson Rain?” Starbloom asked after a few moments looking up Twilight.

“I talked with her mother… and she will get in trouble as well, but since she did the right thing when Silver Spoon started to hurt you her mother will take care of it. I agreed with that since she did come and get me in the end.” Twilight answered looking at Starbloom who seemed satisfied with the answer.

“Can you… tell me what happen at least as much as you know?” Starbloom asked feeling the bed move and turned seeing Spike get on the bed and sit next to her smiling at him.

“I don’t know the details dear… I got their after your… burst, I managed to catch Silver Spoon before she hit the ground, the blast you caused sent her flying along with a dumpster. The police ponies arrived and took Silver Spoon home along with Crimson Rain.” Twilight started to explain taking a deep breath. Spike stroked Starbloom’s mane softly with his claw.

“I went into the alley and found you on the ground hurt and knocked out in the center of the blast zone so I knew the blast came from you. I carried you to the hospital before going to get Applejack to keep an eye on you while I dealt with Silver Spoon and Crimson Rain.” Twilight continued to explain smiling at Applejack, “Thank you Applejack.”

“Aw shucks ain’t nuffin to it sugarcube happy to help.” Applejack smiled tipping her hat up with her hoof.

“Did… did I cause a lot of damage from that blast?” Starbloom asked worried about destroying other ponies’ property. “If… I did I’ll do what I can to pay off the damages.”

“Easy now dear, don’t worry about that right now. Worry about getting better first. It’s just a handful of broken windows and some cracked walls. None of which is your fault anyways, Mayor Mare decided it was Silver Spoon’s responsibility for provoking the incident.” Twilight said trying to calm her down and ease her worry.

Starbloom sighed softly and relaxed back into the bed, she still felt responsible for what happen to the walls and windows though. “Okay mom… if you say so.” She mumbled softly with a yawn the magic drain catching up with her.

“Come on girls, I think we should let yer friend get some rest.” Applejack suggested ushering the cutie mark crusaders out of the room. “I’ll take the fillies home. I’ll catch ya later Twi.”

“Alright Applejack, thank you again for the help.” Twilight smiled watching Applejack as she left, tipping her hat in response to the thanks from Twilight.

A few moments after Applejack and the fillies left the nurse came in to check on Starbloom’s progress. She was healing nicely, mostly just bruises and scrapes but they wanted to keep an eye on her do to the head trauma she suffered from her head hitting the ground. The nurse gave her an injection of pain reliever to help with the pain she was feeling in her ribs.

Spike curled up on the foot of the bed and Twilight settled herself onto a couch with a book while Starbloom drifted off to sleep the pain reliever making her feel sleepy. Spike and Twilight took turns during the night making sure she was okay and if she woke up helping her with whatever she needed.

Chapter 24

~*{Chapter Twenty-Four}*~

Starbloom woke up slowly the next morning looking around seeing her mother was awake sitting on the couch writing on a scroll. She stayed quiet and watched as Twilight wrote listening to the soft sounds of the quill scratching across the scroll.

“Good morning Starbloom, did you sleep well?” Twilight asked lowering the scroll looking over at her.

“Yes mom… I did,” Starbloom, answered quietly not wanting to wake up Spike who was sleeping at the foot of the bed.

“How are you feeling?” Twilight asked putting the scroll and quill away getting off the couch walking over to the edge of the bed sitting next to it. “Are you still in pain or dizzy?”

“A little stiff, but not dizzy or anything,” Starbloom replied shifting softly on the bed.

“That’s good then I should be able to take you home today.” Twilight smiled at her before looking over at Spike then at the small clock on the wall. “School will be starting soon, Spike?” Twilight reached over nudging him awake.

Spike shifted a little before stirring awake sitting up on the bed rubbing his eyes yawning. “Mm… what is it Twilight?” He mumbled before seeing Starbloom was awake, “Oh your awake are you okay?”

“I’m okay Spike, good morning.” Starbloom answered smiling at him.

“Spike, I need a favor” Twilight started getting the scroll she was writing on earlier and looking it over before finishing it. “Take this to Ms. Cheerilee for me?”

“Sure thing Twilight,” Spike replied jumping off the bed taking the scroll and started walking to the school as quickly as she could.

Starbloom looked confused at Twilight, “What was that about?” she asked wondering what was written on the scroll.

“I wasn’t too sure how badly you got hurt, so that was just an update for Ms. Cheerilee letting her know you won’t be in class until your better.” Twilight answered bringing a hoof up to push her bangs back looking at the gray patch of fur on her forehead. “We also need to get you a new headband as well.” She added leaning over kissing her forehead.

Starbloom smiled looking up at Twilight, “How long… do you think I’ll be out of school?”

“Only a couple of days at most, you still need to rest and stay off your hooves as much as possible.” Twilight answered ruffling her mane lightly before sitting back.

Starbloom nodded then something struck her, “Oh no, I promised Sweetie I would go with her to the funeral for Rarity and her parents today. Can I still go?” Starbloom pleaded looking at Twilight.

Twilight blinked, with everything that happen yesterday and being worried over Starbloom she had forgotten the funeral was today. Seeing the look in Starbloom’s eye she found it hard to say no so she sighed softly smiling, “Yes you can go, I’ll go with you, but if you start to feel dizzy or start hurting let me know right away, promise?”

Starbloom nodded, “I promise mom, I will tell you if I start to feel bad.” Starbloom replied feeling more relieved she didn’t want to break her promise.

The nurse came in a few moments later and checked on Starbloom, everything looked good so the nurse said she was free to leave. She gave Twilight some pain relievers for Starbloom in case she started to hurt. She also got her the papers she needed to sign to discharge Starbloom.

By the time everything was filled out and Starbloom was ready Spike had returned from the school. Twilight carried Starbloom on her back and Spike carried her saddlebags as they left the hospital. Starbloom shifted on Twilight’s back a little.

“Can we go to Rarity’s first so I can get my new headband?” Starbloom asked.

Twilight considered for a few moments before nodding, “Alright dear, we can go to Rarity’s first. Just don’t expect to get a new one right away, the headband part is easy to make but the gem can be hard to find.”

Starbloom nodded faintly listening to her mother, “Alright mom, I’ll keep that in mind.”

The walk to Rarity’s place didn’t take too long, Spike decided to take Starbloom’s saddlebags home. He didn’t want to have to carry them there and back, and they were covered in dust and dirt. He knew Rarity wouldn’t like having them in the boutique like that.

“Twilight darling how lovely to see, and Starbloom, I am so sorry to hear what happen to you, it was simply dreadful.” Rarity greeted as they came inside smiling over at them. “What can I do for you two today?”

Twilight carefully lifted Starbloom of her back and sat her on a cushion to rest. “It’s nice to see you again Rarity, Starbloom needs a new headband her old one was destroyed yesterday.” Twilight explained settling onto a cushion next to Starbloom.

“Oh I see, that’s terrible let me see what I can do,” Rarity frowned getting out a tape measure and starts to take measurements for the new headband. “Twilight, be a dear and check that chest over there and see if I have any gems that might work for the headband.”

Twilight smiled, “Alright Rarity,” Twilight agreed getting to her hooves going over to the chest going through the different gems Rarity had stored. After a bit of searching she finds one that had the proper magical resonance needed and brought it over.

“Hmm, it’s a little bigger than the old one but I can work with it,” Rarity said taking some measurements of the crystal before taking out the fabric she needed, using a mix of gold and silver braiding woven into a dark blue fabric. “What do you think Twilight, will this do?” She asked holding up the finished product.

“That looks perfect Rarity, thank you so much for doing this.” Twilight smiled looking at the headband. Starbloom tilted her head looking at the new design.

“It looks a little heavy,” Starbloom mused, as she looked it over. “Will it slip down at all?”

“Don’t worry Starbloom darling, it won’t slip or anything.” Rarity reassured her while fitting the headband into place and making some minor adjustments for a proper fit.

Starbloom moved her head around; it didn’t feel as heavy as she thought it would. However, it did feel different from her old headband. The shape and size of the new crystal made it feel more like a horn, which after not having one for so long was an odd feeling for her.

“Well dear, what do you think do you like it?” Twilight asked as she and Rarity watched her move her head around some more.

“It feels, different from my old one but I like it. Reminds me of when I use to have a horn.” Starbloom answered looking up at the crystal before looking over at her mother and Rarity smiling at them settling back onto the cushion resting.

“Don’t worry darling, you’ll get used to it.” Rarity reassured her smiling, Twilight nodded in agreement stroking Starbloom’s mane softly. “Would you to like to stay for a late breakfast?”

Twilight smiled at Rarity, “That sound great Rarity, neither of us had anything since yesterday.” Twilight stated thinking for a moment, “Come to think of it we didn’t even have dinner yesterday.”

“You poor dears, I’ll be back shortly with something.” Rarity said getting up and going to the kitchen to get them something. Starbloom hadn’t even noticed how hungry she was until Twilight and Rarity brought it up, she barely had anything yesterday having also skipped lunch.

It wasn’t long and Rarity came out with some simple sandwiches and tea for them. With how she started to eat betrayed just how hungry she had been. “Oh my you must have been starving darling.” Rarity noted as she watched blinking.

Starbloom blinked and blushed softly looking up at Rarity and Twilight who was staring at her. “I… skipped lunch yesterday… I wasn’t that hungry then.” Starbloom admitted quietly.

Twilight smiled stroking her mane softly and Rarity nodded softly, “Well eat up, there is plenty more.” Rarity smiled taking a sip of her tea.

Starbloom smiled and ate her fill before nuzzling into the cushions and falling asleep, she was still feeling a little drained for the magical burst. “The poor thing must be exhausted.” Rarity whispered softly not wanting to wake her up.

“Yes she is, her magical powers work different now without a horn, pushing it out without a horn is like popping a balloon full of water. It all comes out at once leaving her physically and mentally drained.” Twilight replied just as quietly a wing tucked over Starbloom to keep her warm.

“How long is going to be this tired?” Rarity asked tilting her head before taking a sip of her tea.

“If she gets plenty of sleep, she should be fine by tomorrow. At least, magically she should be recovered.” Twilight answered taking a deep breath sighing, “But… she insists on keeping her promise to Sweetie Belle and going to the funeral today. As much as I would like to make her stay home and rest, I can’t force her to break her promise.”

Rarity nodded slowly at Twilight, “I understand your concern Twilight, and of course you know we’ll all be there to help keep an eye on her.” Rarity reassured Twilight.

Twilight smiled at Rarity but shook her head faintly. “Thank you Rarity, but I can’t ask you to do that. Today is a day for you and Sweetie Belle to get closer and say goodbye to your parents.” Twilight insisted, “Spike and I will make sure she’s fine.”

Rarity smiles at Twilight taking another drink of her tea. “If you’re sure darling, it won’t be a problem.”

“I’m sure Rarity, but thank you for the offer.” Twilight smiled moving to her hooves using her magic to gently lift Starbloom and rest her on her back without waking her. “I should get her home and to bed, thank you again for everything.”

“You’re welcome; if you need anything just let me know.” Rarity smiled rising to her hooves and walking with Twilight to the door opening it for her. “I’ll see you later today.”

Twilight smiles and left the boutique. “See you later Rarity.” Twilight replied before walking towards her home with Starbloom sleeping peacefully on her back.

Chapter 25

~*{Chapter Twenty-Five}*~

Twilight brought Starbloom home and placed her in corner on the cushion pile downstairs so she and Spike could keep an eye on her. Starbloom slept most of the day and Twilight considered not waking her up for the funeral, but Starbloom would have been upset if she didn’t wake her up.

Twilight woke her up an hour before it was time to go so she could get ready. Starbloom went up to her room to take a quick shower before going back downstairs to wait for Twilight, she was still feeling drowsy but doing her best not to doze off.

Twilight came down a few moments later dressed in a dark formal dress she, she also had one for Starbloom she picked up when she got her own. She helped Starbloom get dress while Spike finished getting himself ready.

Once the three were ready, they left to meet up with the rest of the ponies attending at Ponyville Cemetery near the edge of town. It didn’t take them to long to reach the cemetery but they were the last to arrive. It was an intimate gathering. Rarity and her sister, Applejack, Apple Bloom along with Granny Smith and Big Mac, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, as well as a few other ponies Twilight didn’t recognize that where friends of Rarity’s parents.

Twilight, Starbloom and Spike all walked over to join the group. Starbloom went to join Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo sitting with them. Twilight sat nearby with Rarity and her friends along with Spike.

Mr. Waddles performed the service starting with a moment of silence, before speaking. “Welcome, today is we gather on this somber occasion to honor the memories of, Magnum and Pearl. The beloved parents of Rarity and Sweetie Belle, though now gone from our sight we won’t soon forget the memories they have left behind.” Mr. Waddles spoke slowly and clearly for all to hear before asking for another moment of silences.

After the moment passed, he spoke again. “I would now like to invite the family members and friends to come and speak a few words for the departed, and offer goodbyes.” Mr. Waddles spoke moving to take a seat to allow others to come up.

Rarity got up first and went to speak, she cleared her throat, “My parents… were not the easiest ponies for me to get along with, and they didn’t have much in the way of fashion sense. Nevertheless, they were always supportive of my passions in life no matter how hard it was for them. My father played hoofball and my mother was a baker, but neither earned a lot in their work so it was tough sometimes. But that didn’t stop them from giving me everything I needed or wanted to go after my dreams of becoming a famous Canterlot designer.”

Rarity paused drying her tears giving a faint smile. “If it hadn’t been for them, I don’t think I would be the Element of Generosity. They taught me so much about giving of myself, mother, father, thank you. I’ll miss you, goodbye.” Rarity finished before returning to her spot and sat down closing her eyes.

The rest of the service went by quietly, a few of the parents’ friends came up and spoke about what them. Having grown up with them or working with them. Rarity went over and asked Sweetie Belle if she wanted to say anything but she shook her head no. The service soon ended and everyone slowly left.

While Starbloom was walking with Twilight and Spike, away from the gravesite Starbloom’s ears perked hearing something and she looked around. She thought she heard singing; she turned and saw Sweetie Belle sitting near the gravesite while caskets being lowered and could just make out her signing something.

She was too far away to make out the words but she recognized Sweetie Belle’s voice. She turned and started to walk back over when she saw a faint shimmer and started to walk faster moving to a trot. Twilight and Spike moved to catch up with her.

Starbloom got to where Sweetie Belle was just as she stopped singing, “Sweetie Belle?” She asked softly going to sit next to her. “W… was that you?”

“Yea, I wanted to say goodbye in my own way.” Sweetie Belle answered softly looking over at Starbloom, “I didn’t feel comfortable doing it in front of all those ponies I didn’t know though.”

“I understand Sweetie Belle,” Starbloom whispered looking around, the only ponies around, other than her and Sweetie Belle was Twilight, Spike and Rarity and the cemetery groundskeeper. The rest had headed home. Starbloom glanced back and down giving a faint smile before looking at Sweetie Belle. “Sweetie… take a look at that,” She pointed towards Sweetie Belle’s flank.

Sweetie Belle blinked and looked at where Starbloom was point tilting her head, “I guess singing really was my special talent after all.” Sweetie Belle smiled sadly seeing her cutie mark, a heart with three musical notes around it.

Starbloom nodded at Sweetie Belle moving to her hooves, “You finally got your cutie mark Sweetie; you know your parents must be very proud of you.” Starbloom smiled trying to comfort her. “I know I am Apple Bloom and Scootaloo will be also.”

Sweetie Belle nodded at Starbloom getting up as well, looking at her. “Thank you Starbloom, I know everyone will be happy. I am too… I just wish my parents could have been here to see it,” Sweetie Belle sighed softly before smiling at Starbloom before walking over to Rarity and the two left to go home.

Starbloom watched as Sweetie Belle left before walking over to Twilight and Spike before they walked home as well. She started to feel drowsy on the way and Twilight picked her up and placed her on her back to carry her.

“Something wrong Starbloom?” Twilight asked as they walked. “You’re quieter than you normally are.”

“No mom, I’m okay just a little tired… I think when I get home I’m going to go to bed.” Starbloom yawned softly rubbing her eyes with a hoof. “You think Rarity and Sweetie Belle will be okay?”

“Okay Starbloom and yes I think they will be alright, they have a lot of ponies to help them including us.” Twilight answered going into the library once they reached it. Twilight took Starbloom upstairs and put her to bed after helping her out the dress. “Do you need anything before you go to sleep?”

“No, I’m okay mom thank you.” Starbloom said snuggling under the covers of her bed yawning softly again.

“Alright, have a good rest dear,” Twilight smiled kissing her forehead before leaving the room to let Starbloom get some sleep.

Author's Note

I was going to have her sing at the funeral but, can't do copyrighted lyrics in stories so I had to do it like this.

This is the song I had in mind for Sweetie Belle to sing

Chapter 26

~*{Chapter Twenty-Six}*~

Starbloom shifted as she stirred waking up slowly yawning as she sat up in bed rubbing her eyes. It was dark outside but she wasn’t sure if it was late night or early morning. She slipped out of bed and down stairs to check the clock.

It was just after five in the morning; she blinked tilting her head thinking back to when she fell asleep yesterday. She had slept for a little over twelve hours, which explained why she had a headache. She sighed softly rubbing her forehead before going into the kitchen to make a snack for herself and get something to drink.

After getting that ready, she went to her room and dug around in her saddlebags getting out the assignments she didn’t finish in school the day before looking them over sighing softly. She upset with herself for not getting them finished in class. She got her inkwell and quill head back to the kitchen and sat down to work on them.

Twilight came downstairs an hour later while Starbloom was still working on the schoolwork. She went into the kitchen and saw Starbloom at work at the table. “Starbloom, what are you doing up this early?” She asked walking over to the table.

Starbloom looked up and smiled at Twilight, “Good morning mom, just working on some school work I didn’t get done the other day.”

“Oh?” Twilight tilted her head, she found it odd that Starbloom didn’t get the work done in class but decided it was best not to question why. “But you have plenty of time to get that done you don’t have to go back to school till tomorrow.”

“I know mom… but I was thinking… I could go back today if that is okay with you.” Starbloom smiled at Twilight with a sheepish look.

Twilight regarded Starbloom for a few moments before sighing softly smiling. “How do you feel, sore, headache, dizzy, or tired?” Twilight asked.

“Just a little headache…” Starbloom explained sighing softly. “But the headache isn’t from hitting my head; I have slept for over twelve hours…”

Twilight thought for a few moments before nodding smiling, “Alright Starbloom, if you really want to go to school you can, but the moment you start to feel anything, sick, dizzy, faint or headaches you tell Ms. Cheerilee right away okay?”

“I will mom, I promise if I don’t feel right at all I’ll tell Ms. Cheerilee.” Starbloom promised smiling at her before going back to finish her work. She didn’t have that much more to do to get it done.

“Good girl,” Twilight said smiling at her before letting her back to her schoolwork. She started to fix herself some breakfast and a drink.

Spike came into the kitchen a few moments after that looking tired, “Good morning Twilight, good morning Starbloom.” He mumbled sleepily as he went to get some tea before pausing. “Oh your wake Starbloom, how are you feeling?”

Starbloom smiled at Spike from her papers, “Good morning Spike, I’m feeling well enough to go back to school.”

“Really, you are?” He asked looking at Starbloom then over to Twilight who nodded in confirmation smiling at him. “I’m glad to hear that.”

Starbloom smiled back at Spike checking over the papers to make sure she got everything finished before stacking them neatly. “Yea I feel good just a little stiff but I’m sure that’ll work itself out when I walk to school. I have been lying around all day yesterday.”

Spike smiled at her nodding, “Yea you don’t take to being stuck in one place very well.” Spike noted fixing himself something to eat and drink taking a seat at the table.

Starbloom smiled sheepishly taking a drink of her tea. “I’m not that bad… am I?” She asked looking at him.

Spike grinned then chuckled, “Let’s just say I was very happy when you got over the flu last time you caught it.” Spike teased her playfully.

Starbloom blushed shifting in her chair looking at him. “You weren’t too much better when you caught it. At least I wanted to get better; you milked it for all you could.”

Twilight rolled her eyes chuckling softly as she listened to the two. “Alright you two, that’s enough. Starbloom if you’re going to school you better go get your stuff ready now it’s almost time to leave.” She smiled floating her lunch to her.

“Okay mom, thank you.” Starbloom smiled taking the lunch bag, “I’ll see you after school. See you later Spike.” She smiled again before leaving the kitchen to put her stuff back in her saddlebags.

“Have a good day dear,” Twilight smiled

“See you later Starbloom,” Spike waved before looking over at Twilight, “Sure she is going to be fine at school, the doctor said she should take a few days off.”

“She is determined to go Spike; I don’t want to force her to stay home if she doesn’t want to.” Twilight sighed softly. “But she promised if she started to feel bad she would tell Ms. Cheerilee.”

“I understand that Twilight, we can always go check on her at lunch if you want.” Spike suggested looking at her.

Twilight considers for a moment before shaking her head, “No Spike, she needs to know I trust her judgment and I do.”

Spike wasn’t too sure but nodded in agreement smiling. Starbloom finished getting herself ready, took a quick shower, brushed her teeth before putting on her saddlebag, and headed downstairs calling to the kitchen. “I’m leaving now; I’ll see you when I get back.”

Starbloom was happy to be able to stretch her legs outside; she smiled as she trotted to school. She soon caught up to Sweetie Belle on her way and trotted up next to her, “Good morning Sweetie Belle.” Starbloom greeted looking over at her.

“Good morning Starbloom,” Sweetie Belle greeted in return, her mood seemed to be much more improved, than it was yesterday. However, Starbloom expected that since yesterday was pretty sad and emotional for everyone especially Sweetie Belle and Rarity.

Starbloom glanced at Sweetie’s cutie mark then back up at Sweetie Belle smiling at her, “Has Apple Bloom and Scootaloo seen your cutie mark?” Starbloom asked tilting her head.

“Yea I showed it to them yesterday, they were very excited and happy about it. They kept asking me all kinds of questions on how I got it, but I’m couldn’t really explain how it happen.” Sweetie Belle explained smiling at her.

“I understand cutie marks are strange like that. I could talk for days on just what I was doing when I got it, but not how I ended up with it.” Starbloom smiled at her they continued to walk to school. “If I knew that I would have a new one already. I will admit, I had a feeling you’re mark would be related too much though.”

Sweetie smiled at Starbloom nodding softly, “I guess, deep down inside I knew that too… but I wanted to try other stuff as well.” Sweetie Belle admitted. It wasn’t much longer after that they got to the school and headed inside, the rest of their friends coming in shortly after them.

Starbloom waited by Ms. Cheerilee’s desk so she could turn in her papers before taking her seat. Ms. Cheerilee told Starbloom she could have waited on them considering what had happen to her, but was glad to get them. Once Starbloom took her seat, Ms. Cheerilee got the class started.

Chapter 27

~*{Chapter Twenty-Seven}*~

The first part of class went by with smoothly, Starbloom started to feel a little stiff from sitting at her desk but she didn’t say anything. She figured that once lunch came she could move around and work out the stiffness.

Lunch did eventually roll around and Starbloom got up to go outside with the rest of her friends heading to their table. Starbloom stretched herself to work out the stiffness before joining her friends at the table.

“So now that one of us crusaders has gotta cutie mark what should we do?” Apple Bloom asked looking around the table while the small group of fillies unpacked their lunches and spread it out over the table to share with the rest.

“Well, of course the first thing we should do is congratulate Sweetie Belle on finally getting her cutie mark.” Diamond Tiara smiled, “Regardless of the circumstances of how it came to be it’s still a wonderful achievement in her life.”

“Of course, we’re proud of her for getting her cutie mark.” Scootaloo grinned, “Maybe we can get Pinkie Pie to throw her a party for it?”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes went wide and she shook her head a lot. “No, no, no that’s okay I don’t want a party.” She declined quickly blushing brightly. “Not… that I wouldn’t appreciate one of course.”

The others chuckled softly before Noi spoke up looking at Starbloom, “How are you feeling Starbloom? I noticed you started to look uncomfortable in class.”

“I’m alright Noi, thank you. I just started to get a little stiff from sitting in place for so long.” Starbloom smiled.

“Speaking of cutie marks,” Sweetie Belle smiled looking at Noi, “You got yours not that long ago, but I don’t think you ever said what it’s for.”

“Oh yea,” Noi smiled looking at her cutie mark, a notepad and magnifying glass, “It’s for investigative journalism. I joined the school paper last year just for fun, but I really got into it and earned my cutie mark after uncovering that story about who was really stealing pencils from the desks in school.”

The others nodded smiling, “Yea, who would have thought it was a mouse,” Apple Bloom giggled, “Fluttershy was happy to take it home with her though.”

“Ever figure out why it was taking pencils though?” Scootaloo asked tilting her head, “It just seems kind of strange for a mouse to want pencils.”

“Well, when they found the pencils they had been stacked up to make a wall, with a bunch of food behind it. So I guess he was making a food store out of them.” Sweetie Belle suggested smiling.

“I guess that makes sense, sort of, just glad I got my Wonderbolts pencil back it’s my favorite one.” Scootaloo smiled before looking up hearing the bell ring to let them know lunch was almost over.

“We should get ready to go inside girls.” Apple Bloom suggested the rest of the girls nodding as they got up and cleaned off the table packing the lunch bags and disposing of any trash before they went back inside.

Starbloom was still feeling a little stiff but moving around helped so she stretched herself out before going back into the schoolhouse and to her desk in the classroom to finish the rest of the school day.

The second half of the school day went as quietly as the first half, though Starbloom found harder to pay attention, as the day dragged out the stiffness grew more uncomfortable and harder for her to ignore. Luckily the bell rang to dismiss class and she got up getting her saddlebags.

“I’m going to head home now; I’ll see you girls later.” Starbloom smiled at her friends after she got herself ready.

“Do you want to go to the clubhouse and hang out?” Apple Bloom asked tilting her head.

“Yea we’re going to have some fun and we doing to get to that often lately.” Scootaloo added looking at Starbloom.

“I’m sorry girls I would but, I need to go home.” Starbloom sighed softly. “I’m still feeling stiff and a little sore.”

“Well… alright Starbloom, hope ya to get feelin better.” Apple Bloom smiled, the other crusaders nodding in agreement. “See ya later.”

“Have a good day,” Starbloom smiled before heading home, it took her longer to make it home from the school than normal since her stiff joints kept her from walking too fast. She didn’t mind though it was a nice day out, glancing up she could see the weather ponies moving in clouds for a rain shower that was scheduled to hit later that evening.

Starbloom soon made it home and went inside closing the door behind, “Mom, Spike, I’m home,” she called as she started up the stairs.

“Welcome home dear,” Twilight called back from the kitchen, “We’re in the kitchen.”

“Okay mom,” Starbloom replied going to her room taking off her saddlebags and putting them up before making her way back downstairs and going to the kitchen.

“So how was school today Starbloom?” Twilight asked sitting at the table sipping a cup of tea closing a book she had been reading.

“It was good; Ms. Cheerilee said I didn’t have to return all those assignments so soon.” Starbloom answered sitting nearby.

“I see, well that’s good but also not what I meant.” Twilight smiled, “Did you start to feel stiff or sore at all?”

“Oh… well just a little stiff before lunch but walking around helped,” Starbloom answered smiling sheepishly. “Also… I got a little sore before school let out but I’m alright now.”

Twilight considered her answer for a few moments before smiling and giving a small nod. “Well, alright I must admit I was worried you can be stubborn at times.” Twilight sighed softly smiling, “Take after me I suppose.”

Spike smiled over at them while he worked on dinner, “Both of you can be pretty stubborn, not that it’s a bad thing mind you.”

Twilight and Starbloom looked over at Spike smiling, “Hey, we’re not the only ones who can be stubborn Spike,” Twilight chuckled softly at him.

“If I am stubborn I picked it up from you Twilight,” Spike replied smiling back.

“There isn’t anything wrong with being a little stubborn, just so long as you’re not unreasonable about it.” Twilight smiled as she took a sip of her tea.

Starbloom smiled getting herself a cup of tea and relaxed sipping it. “Mm very true, everything in moderation I believe is the old saying?”

Twilight nodded at Starbloom smiling, “That’s right, everything in moderation because even to much of a good thing can do harm to a pony.”

Spike brought dinner to the table once it was finished and Twilight prepared a plate for them. During dinner, they talked over what each of them did during the day. Once dinner was finished, Spike took care of the dishes and Twilight went to her desk to work some reports for Princess Celestia.

Starbloom went to her room to get ready for bed taking a shower and cleaning her saddlebags up. They were still dirty from when Silver Spoon attacked her. After she had gotten the bags cleaned up, she repacked them before getting into bed and going to sleep.

Chapter 28

~*{Chapter Twenty-Eight}*~

It had been a month since Silver Spoon attacked Starbloom and she went into house arrest. The new Ponyville Juvenile Center was nearly completed. After some discussion between Twilight, Mayor Mare, and Cheerilee, they agreed to permit Silver Spoon off house arrest.

Silver Spoon still wasn’t permitted to return to school for the rest of that year, nor was she permitted to have any contact with Starbloom. If Silver Spoon was caught teasing, taunting or bullying Starbloom she would sent back to house arrest or the Juvenile Center if it was completed.

Ms. Cheerilee would continue to visit Silver Spoon after school to help her keep up with her schoolwork. However, Silver Spoon would be allowed to leave the house and visit her friends and the guard wouldn’t be stationed at her place anymore.

“Starbloom, are you alright with all of this?” Twilight asked after telling her about what was happening with Silver Spoon.

“Yes mom,” Starbloom answered watching from the table while Spike made lunch. “I know Silver Spoon can’t stay cooped up in the house all the time and it’s been a month.”

“She hurt you pretty bad Starbloom,” Spike hissed softly. “She could spend a few more months in her house I think.”

“Spike it won’t do any good to stay angry with her,” Twilight reminded him sighing, “But I know how you feel… I wasn’t too enthusiastic about releasing her from house arrest.”

“I know Twilight… just don’t like thinking she’ll be on the streets and could hurt Starbloom again,” Spike sighed as he finished preparing the lunch.

“She won’t Spike, she isn’t allowed go near her,” Twilight smiled, though she was also worried about that. Just because she wasn’t allowed to, doesn’t mean she wouldn’t.

“I’ll be alright Spike,” Starbloom smiled at him. “I don’t think she’ll do anything.” She didn’t believe it herself but she did her best to reassure Spike and make him feel better.

Spike smiled at Starbloom as he brought over a plate of loose-leaf salad, “Starbloom you’re too trusting,” He stated putting the plate in front of her. “It’s not a bad thing of course.”

“Thank you Spike,” She smiled at him looking at the plate, “I just like to see the best in ponies. I don’t think Silver Spoon is all bad…”

Spike sighed before ruffling her mane, “Maybe not, but you need to be careful around her.”

Twilight smiled at the two quietly taking a sip of her tea. “Well Spike, if you’re worried about her you can follow her around for a few days to help keep an eye on her.” Twilight suggested.

Spike and Starbloom blinked at Twilight, Spike tilted his head slightly, “Are you sure Twilight, don’t you need me around the library?” He asked.

“Yes I’m sure Spike; I can take care of myself.” Twilight smiled at him. “As for your choirs, well I think all three of us can handle them when you two get back.”

Starbloom blinked again still confused as she nibbled on her salad listening to the two, she was about to say something when there was a knock at the door. “I’ll get it,” Starbloom offered getting off her chair and going to the front door.

She could hear Spike and Twilight still talking when she went into the main hall of the library; she reached up and opened the door to the library. “Hello?”

“Hey Starbloom, I’m glad it’s you I need your help.” Scootaloo greeted, she looked upset.

“What’s wrong Scootaloo?” Starbloom asked moving to let her come inside the library.

“It’s my scooter, some pony took it. I looked all over Ponyville and I can’t find it.” Scootaloo sighed, “Can you help me look for it?”

“Sure Scootaloo, I’ll help you look for it. Just let me get tell my mom and get my saddlebag.” Starbloom smiled at Scootaloo going to the kitchen, “Mom, I’m going to go help Scootaloo find her scooter.”

“Alright dear, just be careful.” Twilight smiled at Starbloom looking over at Spike. “Going to stay or go with her?”

Spike thought about it for a moment before smiling. “Her friends are going to be with her, I’m sure she’ll be safe with them.”

“You can come with us if you want Spike, but we’re just looking for a scooter,” Starbloom smiled at him. “Not really a grand quest or anything.”

Spike nodded at Starbloom, “Yea, I think I’ll stay here and keep Twilight company but if you need help let me know.”

Starbloom smiled at Spike and Twilight before heading out kitchen and to her room to get her saddlebag putting them on. She made sure she had enough paper, added her magnifying glass and some envelops.

“Ready Scootaloo?” Starbloom asked as she came down the stairs.

“Yea I’m ready to go,” Scootaloo smiled, Starbloom opened the door and the two left the library.

“So where did you last see the scooter?” Starbloom questioned as she followed Scootaloo.

“I had it resting against the wall of Sugar Cube Corner while I was inside getting some snacks for me and Rainbow Dash. We are going to a Wonderbolts show later today, I really got to find it before we leave.” Scootaloo sighed softly, “Do you think we can find it in three hours?”

“I’ll do my best Scootaloo, I promise I will.” Starbloom answered smiling as the two headed over to Sugar Cube Corner. Starbloom took out her magnifying glass and started to search the area Scootaloo pointed out where she left the scooter.

“Do you see anything Starbloom?” Scootaloo asked as she watched Starbloom go over the area carefully.

“Hmmm… yes I do actually.” She answered taking out a sheet of paper and folds it in her magic into the shape of an envelope before taking something off the ground and putting it in the envelope and closing it stashing it away in her saddlebag. “But it could be nothing. Which direction did you come from?”

“Oh… okay.” Scootaloo sighed before thinking, “I came here from Rainbow Dash’s house, which is that way,” She pointed down the street.

Starbloom nodded as she examined the ground seeing the scooter tracks coming from that direction and hoof prints that would match Scootaloo’s hooves going to the store and coming back out. She also sees another set of hoof prints of similar size approaching the scooter from across the street before leaving with the scooter down the street.

“Well Scootaloo it looks like the scooter was stolen, by a filly our age,” Starbloom said as she started the follow the scooter tracks down the street.

“Stolen!?” Scootaloo yelled as she jumped fluttering her wings before trotting after Starbloom, “Who would do something like that?”

“I have a suspect in mind, I did find some evidence, but I need more before I can accuse them.” Starbloom mused as she followed the scooter tracks through the street. “Do you remember any details about what happen before or after the scooter disappeared?”

“No… I can’t think of anything. I rode the scooter from the house to here; I went inside and got the snacks for Rainbow Dash and me. When I came back outside, the scooter was gone.” Scootaloo repeated thinking it over in her mind. “Nothing really stands out.”

“Hmm I see…” She considered before stopping suddenly causing Scootaloo to run into her.

“Oww, Starbloom why did you stop like that?” Scootaloo grumbled rubbing her head with a hoof looking up at her.

“Sorry Scootaloo, but the scooter’s tracks just stopped right here.” Starbloom said looking around the street they was on, there wasn’t too much in this part of town other than a couple of houses and a park.

“Do we even know any ponies that live in this part of Ponyville?” Scootaloo asked looking around. She couldn’t remember any of them every coming to this side of town before. “Why would anyone from around here take my scooter?”

“I don’t know Scootaloo; this doesn’t make any sense at all.” Starbloom sighed taking out her magnifying glass again and start to search around the area where the tracks disappeared for additional clues.

Chapter 29

~*{Chapter Twenty-Nine}*~

Starbloom searched the area where the scooter tracks had stopped for close to ten minutes and so far hadn’t discovered anything. Sighing she sat down to considered what she had learned so far from her investigation.

The scooter had been taken from in front of Sugar Cube Corner, the pony who took it was around their age, and they brought it to a part of town none of the crusaders had ever been in before. The tracks for the scooter also vanish suddenly.

“This really doesn’t make a lot of sense, considering the evidence I found at Sugar Cube Corner.” Starbloom mumbled to herself moving to her hooves.

“What did you find at Sugar Cube Corner?” Scootaloo asked looking at Starbloom.

“I found hair that is the same color and length as Silver Spoon’s mane… but for the scooter to just disappear from this point would suggest unicorn magic to lift it.” Starbloom answered looking at the scooter tracks.

“What about Crimson Rain? She’s a pegasus could she just fly off with it?” Scootaloo asked looking at the tracks as well.

“I considered that at first, but Crimson Rain is too small to lift the scooter off the ground without leaving marks from her trying to get the lift needed. So it must have been unicorn magic that lifted it up.” Starbloom sighed rubbing her head; she was starting to get a headache.

“Maybe Silver Spoon made friends with a unicorn and they took it together?” Scootaloo offered, tilting her head seeing Starbloom rub her head.

“Maybe, but she just got off house arrest that would be pretty quick to meet a friend and get them to do something like this.” Starbloom answered before putting her hooves on the sides of her head sitting down.

“Hey… you okay Starbloom? Want me to get your mom?” Scootaloo asked going over to her putting a hoof on her shoulder.

“I… I just… need moment…” Starbloom mumbled rubbing her temples softly sighing; she only got headaches like this when she got frustrated. She closed her eyes trying to relax while letting her mind work on the problem.

Scootaloo sighed softly rubbing Starbloom’s shoulder flapping her wings lightly, “Look, thanks for your help but I can just get a new scooter. You don’t need to put yourself through this aggravation for me.”

Starbloom smiled opening her eyes, “Thank you Scootaloo…” she sighed before tilting her head noticing something. “Hey Scootaloo… flap your wings again.”

Scootaloo wasn’t sure what Starbloom was on about but she stretched her wings out again and flapped them a few times. The breeze from her wings caused part of the wall that wasn’t real to ripple. Starbloom moved to her hooves and used her magic to pull down the sheet that was acting as part of the wall. Hidden behind it was an alleyway with Scootaloo’s scooter.

“You found it!” Scootaloo shouted in excitement jumping up before running over to her scooter. “Thank you so much Starbloom, this means so much to me.”

“You’re welcome Scootaloo, glad I could help you find it.” Starbloom smiled watched Scootaloo, “Better hurry, and meet up with Rainbow Dash though, that Wonderbolts show should be starting in an hour right?”

“Oh you’re right, thank you again Starbloom!” Scootaloo grinned before getting onto her scooter and taking off down the road towards her and Rainbow Dash’s house as fast as her wings could move her.

Starbloom smiled as she watched Scootaloo go before turning back to the area where the scooter had been hidden, she folded up the sheet and put it in her saddlebag to examine later. She then took out her magnifying glass and started to examine the alleyway closely for clues.

She found some more mane hairs matching Silver Spoon’s but also evidence that a unicorn was involved. The sheet was too high off the ground for Silver Spoon to have hung up without help and there was no evidence of a ladder or a stool having been used.

Once she had all the evidence she could find gathered she made her way back home. She also sketched out some diagrams of the alleyways and the tracks. The case was confusing, it was possible Silver Spoon knew a unicorn but there wasn’t evidence of another pony in the area either.

“Maybe it was someone else who has the same mane color,” Starbloom spoke softly to herself as using her magic to open the door to library door. “Mom, Spike I’m home.” Starbloom called as she went inside.

“Welcome home dear, did you find the scooter.” Twilight asked getting up from her desk smiling at her.

“Yes we managed to find, though not sure who took it.” Starbloom sighed as she walked over. “All the evidence points at unicorn with a silver gray mane… thing is the only pony I know with a mane like that is Silver Spoon.”

“I can see how that’s confusing Starbloom, but at least you found the scooter.” Twilight smiled at Starbloom, ruffling her mane. “Also, might want to look here.” Twilight pointed at the gray patch of fur on her hip.

“Huh?” Starbloom blinked looking at where Twilight was pointing and saw her cutie mark blinking, “W… what? This is the second time I got a cutie mark and never noticed.” Starbloom muttered and face hoofed.

Twilight chuckled softly smiling at Starbloom, “Yes I suppose it is, curious design though I’ve never seen anything like it before. The book and the magnifying glass are common enough, the eye though I never seen that before.”

Starbloom nods at Twilight looking at the cutie mark again tilting her head. She smiles looking back at Twilight, “Yea I it is pretty unique, isn’t it? The book and magnifying glass show research and investigation… but I’m not sure about the eye.”

“It could mean a lot of things; you do have sharp eyes and can see details most people miss.” Twilight smiled at Starbloom sitting back down at her desk. “This does fit with the overall theme of your cutie mark having to do with investigation.”

Starbloom smiles at Twilight nodding at her stretching herself out taking off her saddlebags putting them near the stairs. “Yea, I guess that could be it. I guess Scootaloo was too happy to get her scooter back to notice. Also she and Rainbow Dash are going to a Wonderbolts performance today”

Twilight smiles back at Starbloom nodding at her, “Yea that does make sense, she really did want her scooter back, plus she wanted to go to the performance. So she must not of noticed it. However, I know your friends will be happy for you when they find out.”

“I know they will mom, only two that don’t got cutie marks yet are Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. I hope they them soon.” Starbloom smiled at her stretching, “I’m going to go relax in my room and try to figure out who stole it.”

“Alright dear, I’ll call you down when dinner is ready.” Twilight smiled back watching Starbloom as she made her way upstairs to her room bringing her saddlebags with her. She opened them up taking out the evidence and sketches she found sitting at her desk to look it over.

Chapter 30

~*{Chapter Thirty}*~

Starbloom sat at her desk quietly writing down what she learned from the evidence she had found. She also made a list of items she would want to keep wit her when she investigated again. She usually kept paper and pencils with her, but she also felt it might be a good idea to keep her magnifying glass with her, as well as a camera and envelops.

She used her magic to take down her microscope down and used it to look at the hairs she found more closely. She didn’t see anything special about them other than what she had already knew. If she could get a sample from Silver Spoon she could try to match them to her, but other besides that there wasn’t much she could do with them.

Starbloom took out a folder, stored her papers, and envelopes with the evidence she collected into it before putting the folder away. She was about to get out a book on investigation but her mother called her down for dinner. “Coming mom, I’ll be down in a minute.” She called back getting up from the desk and started downstairs going to the kitchen.

“Have you learned anything new from your investigation?” Twilight asked when Starbloom came into the kitchen.

Starbloom shook her head going over to the table and taking a seat, “Nothing I did already know. The evidence still points to Silver Spoon being the one that took the scooter… but I’m having a hard time believing she managed to pull it off at least without a unicorn’s help and I didn’t see any evidence of another pony being at the scene.”

“Don’t worry dear, you’ll figure it out. You just need time to relax and think it through logically, if your evidence points to a unicorn then maybe you should look for a unicorn with a similar mane color to Silver Spoon.” Twilight smiled at Starbloom setting a plate in front of her.

“I suppose, but I don’t really know any ponies my age with that mane color, other than Silver Spoon.” Starbloom sighed softly as she thought about the fillies and colts her age. Silver Spoon was the only one she could think of that had that color mane.

“What about her sister? She’s a unicorn you know.” Twilight suggested.

Starbloom almost choked on a carrot but she managed to swallow it coughing a bit. “S… sister? I didn’t know Silver Spoon had a sister, I’ve never seen her at school before.” Starbloom stammered surprised to learn that Silver Spoon had a sister.

“Really? I thought that at least Diamond Tiara might have mentioned her before. From what I understand, her mother sends her to school in Canterlot but she comes to Ponyville for the summer. Her name is Silver Blade.” Twilight explained to Starbloom who was genuinely surprised to learn all of this.

“No, Diamond Tiara never mentioned any of this about Silver Spoon… but she doesn’t talk about her that much to us. Nevertheless, even if Silver Spoon has a sister with the same mane color… I don’t know why she would want to steal Scootaloo’s scooter.” Starbloom sighed softly shaking her head lightly.

“Don’t stress yourself out over it dear, I’m sure the answer will come to you.” Twilight smiled at Starbloom. “Remember to think it over logically and follow the evidence that do have. If you have to go back to where the scooter was taken from to search for more evidence, and try to find witnesses. Maybe some pony saw the scooter being taken.”

Starbloom smiled at Twilight. “Of course mom, you’re right, I need to think this through and try to find more evidence and maybe some witnesses. But it is starting to get late, so I’ll wait till tomorrow to go back Sugar Cube Corner.”

“Alright dear, have a good night.” Twilight said getting up from the table having finished her dinner. She went to the main hall of the library to do some research before bed.

Starbloom herself sat at the table sipping some tea while thinking, Spike cleared the table while she was lost in thought. “Starbloom, are you going to stay at the table all night?” He asked finally.

“Huh? Oh, no I’m not.” She smiled at Spike getting up. “Good night Spike,” She said heading to her room while Spike went to do the dishes. She was still having a hard time wrapping her head around the idea of Silver Spoon having a sister and not hearing about it.

“I wonder why, I never heard of Silver Blade…” She mused after turning out the lights and lying down, “Why does she go to school in Canterlot and not here in Ponyville?” She shook her head trying to clear away the nagging thoughts.

Chapter 8

~*{Chapter Eight}*~

While Sweetie Belle rested in her bedroom Starbloom made her way around the library making everything was clean and put away. The library was already pretty clean since it was just her and Sweetie right now, but she wanted to make sure the library was in perfect condition when her mother and Spike returned.

After double checking to make sure everything was clean Starbloom got out a broom and started to sweep the floor quietly to keep herself busy and her mind distracted. As she was sweeping Sweetie Belle made her way from the bedroom, she looked better but still upset.

"Feeling any better Sweetie?" Starbloom asked looking up from sweeping.

"Yea... I feel better." Sweetie said softly watching her quietly. "Can, I help?"

Starbloom thought for a moment then nods at Sweetie Belle. "Sure, if you want to." Starbloom answered smiling at her.

Sweetie smiled back at her lightly going over and takes another broom in her magic and start to help sweep the floor with Starbloom. Starbloom opened the door to the library and swept the dust and dirt outside. Once the floors of the library was swept clean Starbloom went around opening the window to let fresh morning air into library.

"Going to be a nice day," Starbloom said smiling at Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle nodded at Starbloom going to the cushions and curled up on one smiling sadly. "Yea, seems like it will be." She said softly nuzzling herself down on the cushion.

Starbloom watched Sweetie Belle quietly as she lay on the cushion curled up. She felt bad for Sweetie Belle, wishing there was a way she could cheer her up, but she couldn't think of anything. She considered for a moment before speaking, "I'll be back in a few minutes Sweetie, if anyone comes in for a book or help let them know okay?"

Sweetie Belle tilted her head at Starbloom before nodding. "Alright," she answered.

Starbloom smiled before leaving the library and hurried quickly down the street leading to Sugar Cube Corner. The bakery was busy like normal but the line was moving pretty quick. She got into line and waited until she was at the front.

"Welcome to Sugar Cube Corner! What can I get you today?" Pinkie Pie asked before seeing who it was, "Hello Starbloom!" Pinkie Pie smiled brightly.

'Hello Pinkie Pie, I would like a dozen chocolate chip cookies and four cupcakes, two strawberry and two chocolate," Starbloom said giving her order before added. "Also, have you seen Apple Bloom, Scootaloo or Diamond Tiara?"

"Coming right up." Pinkie Pie said smiling as she started to put the requested items into a bag putting the cookies in first before putting a small box with the cupcakes into the bag. "I believe I saw Scootaloo with Apple Bloom earlier going to the park. That'll be ten bits."

"Alright, thank you Pinkie Pie," Starbloom said paying for the treats and taking the bag in her magic leaving the bakery and heading to the park to find Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. It didn't take to much time before she found the two in the park. Scootaloo was practicing some tricks with her scooter and Apple Bloom was putting together a ramp for her. She even found Diamond Tiara who was sitting nearby watching.

Starbloom ran over to them, "Hey, Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom." She said before calling over to Scootaloo, "Hey Scootaloo."

Scootaloo raced over on her scooter as Apple Bloom walked over to where Starbloom was near Diamond Tiara. "Hey Starbloom, how's it going?" Apple Bloom asked smiling at her. "Sweetie feeling any better?"

Starbloom smiled at the them but shook her head lightly. "Afraid not, that's why I came to find you three. Do you think you can come to the library and help me make her feel better?"

The three looked at each other before looking back at Starbloom, "Of course we can," Diamond Tiara said, smiling at her. "Should we bring anything?" she asked, as far as they knew Sweetie Belle was sick.

"No, I got that covered." She said nodding at the bag she got from Sugar Cube Corner. "I think you three being there will help her feel better."

The three nodded at Starbloom before following her to the library. "So what's the matter with her?" Scootaloo asked after a few moments.

Starbloom considered for a few moments if she should tell or let Sweetie Belle fill them in. She finally decided to let them know, "I got a letter from my mother, she, Rarity and Spike are in Canterlot.... Sweetie's parents were in an accident, and passed away yesterday."

The three looked shocked, glancing at each other before looking at Starbloom, "I'm really sorry to hear that Starbloom, I can imagine she feels very depressed right now." Diamond Tiara said, she like most of the members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders had lost a parent. "We'll do everything we can to help her feel better."

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom nodded in agreement. Apple Bloom had been really little when her parents died so she didn't feel the loss as much as Diamond Tiara and Scootaloo, thought she still wondered about them and what had happen to them. "Ya, we'll get her feeling right as rain in no time." Apple Bloom said smiling.

It wasn't long before they went into the library, Sweetie Belle was still curled up on the cushion and looked over seeing the four enter. "Welcome back Starbloom, I see you brought our friends." She said giving them a smile. "Hello Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara."

The group went over and joined Sweetie Belle on the cushions smiling back at her. Starbloom sat the bag of treats down in the middle. "We heard what happen Sweetie Belle, Starbloom told us, and we wanted to come by and say we're sorry for what happen to your parents." Diamond Tiara said giving her a weak smile.

Sweetie lifted her head a from the cushion and looked at her Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara before looking over at Starbloom who gave her a smile. "We've, all had a loss in our life Sweetie, so we do understand how your feeling. But we don't have to talk about that, we're just here to make you feel better alright?"

Sweetie Belle looked at her friends again giving a soft sad smile nodding slowly. "A... Alright, thank you very much." She said softly resting her head back on the cushion taking slow deep breaths for a moment before looking back up. "H.. how do you make the pain stop?" she asked looking at the four fresh tears in her eyes.

The four looked at each other for a moment trying to come up with an answer before Diamond Tiara looked at Sweetie Belle. "It doesn't really ever stop.... but maybe if we tell you how we dealt with it it'll help?" she said smiling before taking a deep breath remembering the day her mother passed away.

Chapter 31

~*{Chapter Thirty One}*~

It had been three days since Starbloom started investigating the theft of Scootaloo's scooter. But with few leads the case had gone cold. Despite the fact all the evidence she had pointed towards Silver Spoon, or her sister Silver Blade she couldn't make any firm connection to them other than the fur she found. However with out fur from them to compare with what she found she couldn't prove anything.

Scootaloo had told her not to worry about it, she had her scooter back and she was happy. Nevertheless, Starbloom had a hard time letting the case go. Regardless she filed the case file away in filing cabinet Twilight got her, she marked the folder as unsolved. “I guess that is that,” Starbloom muttered to herself.

She moved to her hooves heading down the stairs to the main hall of the library before heading to the kitchen. Twilight and Spike had gone out for the day, she made herself a cup of tea. She was still bothered by the fact she couldn't figure out who stole the Scootaloo's scooter. She got some toast and chews on it quietly before hearing a knock on the door.

She went to answer the door seeing Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle standing at the entrance of the library. “Hello girls,” Starbloom greeted smiling at the small group in front of her, “What are you three up to?”

“Hey Starbloom, Scootaloo wants to show us a something.” Apple Bloom answered with a grin. “It's suppose to be really amazing wanna come watch?”

“Sure, I could use a break.” Starbloom answered the question stepping out the library closing the door behind her finishing her toast quickly as she followed her friends. “What kind of trick does Scootaloo wanna show us?”

Scootaloo smiles at Starbloom, “Oh it'll be amazing you'll see.” Scootaloo grinned at her as they walked of town to a large open stretch of road that was close to a mile long, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Twilight and Pinkie Pie was also waiting.

Sweetie and Apple Bloom went over to their sisters sitting with them. Starbloom went over to Twilight and took a seat next to her and Spike. “So mama, what's going on?” She asked looking up at her.

“I'm not sure, Rainbow Dash asked me to come here.” Twilight said looking at down at Starbloom smiling at her. “Regardless, it should be fun to watch right?”

Starbloom nodded at Twilight smiling at her watching quietly, Scootaloo brought her scooter to the road as Rainbow Dash floated over floated over and hovered next to Scootaloo, “Ready to do it this?” Rainbow Dash asked Scootaloo.

Scootaloo nodded Rainbow Dash smiling putting on her helmet and put on a pair of goggles extending her wings as Rainbow Dash landed next to her extending her wings. “One! Two! Three!” Pinkie counted down through a megaphone before yelling, “Go!”

Scootaloo took off like a bullet with Rainbow Dash right beside her skimming over the ground, both of them keeping an even pace down the road. Starbloom coughed from the dust kicked up from the two heading down the road.

Once the dust had cleared Starbloom could see a trail of rainbows and a trail of orange and purple fading down the path that Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash just took off down. She watched as the two take a turn heading around a small lake. The two were making amazing progress, she could tell by the fading trail that Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash were keeping pace but to Starbloom's surprise Scootaloo was starting to pull ahead of Rainbow Dash.

As the two approached the finish line Scootaloo pulled out a small lead beat Rainbow Dash, but she had a hard time stopping, the wheels locked up and the rear wheel burst into flames. Scootaloo was knocked to the ground. The group ran over to see if she was okay but Scootaloo sat up laughing happily. Twilight checked her over and she seemed unhurt, that's when they spotted it.

“S... Scootaloo! Look!” Sweetie Belle squeaked pointing, “Your cutie mark!”

Scootaloo looked over at the flaming wheel on her flank her eyes going wide. “Alright! Finally a cutie mark!” She shouted jumping to her hooves.

“That's awesome squirt, I'm proud of you.” Rainbow Dash smiled nuzzling her cheek causing Scootaloo to blush, but smile happily. “We totally need to get you a new scooter though.”

Scootaloo and the rest of the group looked over at Scootaloo's old scooter, now a wreck, the rear wheels gone, the deck cracked in half and the handle bars bent out of shape. Scootaloo's ears folded back before looking at Rainbow Dash, “Do you think, we can try to fix this one instead?” She asked looking at Rainbow Dash then to the rest of the group.

“I don't know, it's in pretty bad shape... but I tell you what we'll definitely give it a try.” Rainbow Dash smiled though unsure. “If we can't, I'll get you any scooter you want alright?”

Scootaloo smiled, nodding at Rainbow Dash. “Alright Rainbow Dash, thank you.” She agreed gathering up the broken scooter parts.

Rainbow Dash flew off to get a wagon to carry the parts in and Apple Bloom walked over to Scootaloo, “Ah'll help ya fix it up alright?” Apple Bloom smiled.

“Thanks Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo nodded at her friend, “Hey Apple Bloom? You're not upset being the only Crusader left without a cutie mark are you?”

“Nah, ah'll get my cutie mark soon I'm sure of it.” Apple Bloom smiled, though she was feeling a little jealous of her friends for getting their cutie marks before she did. She mentally scolded herself for that.

Once Rainbow Dash returned with the wagon Scootaloo put the pieces into it then she and Apple Bloom headed to Sweet Apple Acres to get to work trying to fix the broken scooter.

Starbloom watched Scootaloo and Apple Bloom go before turning to Twilight and was getting ready to say something before Pinkie jumped up, “That was amazing! I totally need to throw Scootaloo a 'I beat Rainbow Dash in a race and got my cutie mark' party!”

Starbloom sighed shaking her head but smiled, she was proud of Scootaloo for coming so far after what she found out about her home life. Rainbow Dash was proving to be a great mother after her initial apprehension about her being able to handle that level of responsibility.