Rifts

“Thank you again!” Rarity said bowing her head for the umpteenth time as Photo Finish and her entourage left. The shutterbug was more than impressed by Rarity’s show and offered her the chance to take some of her designs back to Canterlot which she accepted without hesitation.

The sun was setting on a rather hectic day for the fashionista as she rejoined the ponies in her boutique. Peppermint Twist and Sweetie Belle brought along several of their friends from school to the show, even Twilight had come to show her support. She walked over to Peppermint Twist and smiled.

“I owe a debt of gratitude to you two. I could have never impressed Photo Finish as much as I did with out your help.”

“I feel like I owe you, Rarity. I’ve never felt more confident than I do now and it’s all thanks to you and Sweetie Belle.” Peppermint Twist said cuddling closer to Snails.

“Are you sure you didn’t want to accept Photo Finish’s offer, Twist? It’s not every day you get an offer to model in Canterlot?” Sweetie Belle said with a hint of anger as she watched Twist move closer to Snails. She knew she was just using him to get to Spike. Every time she acted affectionate towards the colt was like an insult to her.

“I couldn’t leave. There’s too much for me here.” Twist said scratching the colt’s chin. “Besides, I made a promise to Twilight.”

“About that promise, there’s something I have to tell you.” Twilight said looking particularly glum.

“What’s wrong did something happen?” Twist asked genuinely worried. Rarity wasn’t looking so happy either.

“Spike quit his position as my assistant. I don’t know what that means yet, but I’m hoping I can talk him out of it.” She explained.

“Will Spike move out of Ponyville?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I don’t know.” Twilight said sadly.

“What about the friendship project?” Twist asked anxiously.

“I don’t know.”

“DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING?” Twist shouted catching everypony off guard. The filly was quick to apologize for her outburst. Twilight looked especially hurt.

“I’m sorry. I’m just worried about Spike.”

“It should be fine. I’m sure Spike’s just having a bad day. This could all be a bad memory by tomorrow.” Rarity assured everyone.

“Don’t worry about it, Twist. It’s just more time for us to hang out, right?” Snails said trying to cheer her up.

“Yeah, sure.” She said half heartedly stepping away from him.

“Come on, everypony. We should be celebrating my success. Why don’t we all head over to Sugarcube Corner before they close? My treat!” Rarity exclaimed earning cheers from Snips and Sweetie Belle.

“Let’s go, Snails. We could get your favorite, peanut butter cupcakes!” Sweetie Belle said tugging on his leg.

“Are you coming, Twist?” He turned towards Peppermint Twist.

“I think I’ll sit this one out.” The filly said taking her leave.

“I should go talk to Spike. His mood might’ve improved while I was gone.” Twilight said going home as well.

“I’m supposed to talk to Applejack about something. I should get going too.” Apple Bloom said following Twilight out. Snips, Snails, and Sweetie Belle remained. It was as good a group as any to celebrate the mare thought to herself.

“Well, let’s go, everypony. We need to hurry before they close up shop.” Rarity said ushering the other ponies along.

The sky was reddish orange as the ponies made their way to Sugarcube Corner. The crowds were either heading home or finishing up their business. Rarity decided now was the opportune time to talk to Sweetie Belle about her behavior.

“Sweetie Belle, do you mind if we talk alone for a bit?” She said watching her try to walk close to Snails who was practically moving off the path to avoid her.

“Okay, Rarity. I’ll be right back, Snails.” She said batting her eyelashes. Snails just gave an incomprehensible mutter as she went to her sister’s side.

“What’s up, sis?” The filly said beaming.

“I noticed you’ve taken an interest in Snails.”

“Wh-what… No!… I’m just being friendly.” The filly lied. Rarity was no fool. She could see it her sister’s eyes the moment she walked into her boutique. She had a crush on Snails. She thought her sister could do far better, but her poor taste was beside the point.

“I just wanted to let you know that it’s never a good idea to be the other pony.”

“The other pony? What’s that mean?”

“You know what a special somepony is, right? The other pony is someone who tries to push aside the special somepony and take their place. Kind of like how you‘re trying to take Snails from Peppermint Twist.” Rarity explained.

“I‘m not the other pony!”

“I know what it’s like Sweetie Belle. You’re going down a dark road. One that’s filled with nothing but heartache.” The mare said as if her mind was somewhere else.

“It’s not like that. She’s just using him to make someone else jealous.”

“If that’s true, you should simply wait. She’ll eventually break his heart and you can step in.”

“I’m not going to let Snails get hurt just because it’s convenient. I don‘t want him to get hurt.” The filly sighed.

“As good as your intentions are, you can’t dictate his love life. Some ponies have to learn things the hard way. The best thing you can do is be there when he falls to help him back up.”

“Sure.” The filly said looking down.

Snips and Snails were still walking along the road behind Sweetie Belle. The diminuitive colt didn’t understand his friend. Peppermint Twist ,who had broken his heart and sent him into depression, was using him to get to Spike while Sweetie Belle, a wonderful, beautiful, and kind filly, worked her tail off to no avail.

“Tell her to stop.” Snails said suddenly breaking the silence.

“Stop what?” Snips played dumb.

“Tell Sweetie Belle to stop flirting with me. She’s making Peppermint Twist uncomfortable.” The colt said his voice cold and even. Snips couldn’t take it anymore.

“Are you freaking kidding me?” The colt said jumping in front of Snails causing the two of them to stop.

“No, I’m not and quit telling her stuff about me.”

“She didn’t leave because of Sweetie Belle and you know it. We both know the real reason she left. You can’t be this stupid!” Snips shouted as Rarity and Sweetie Belle turned around to see the commotion.

“Whatever.” Snails said nonchalantly looking away.

“Is everything alright?” Rarity asked.

“I know you see it! The only guy she cares about is Sp-” Snips was interrupted as Snails delivered a right hook that took the colt off his hooves.

“Snips!” Sweetie Belle said running to the fallen colt’s side and helped him up.

“I’m not hungry. You guys go on without me.” The colt said shaking his hoof before walking home.

“You idiot! Don’t turn your back on me.” The downed colt said about to return the favor, but the filly stopped him.

“Let him go. I don’t want to see you two fight.” Sweetie Belle said as she watched Snails walk into the sunset. Snips could see the sadness in her eyes. As he watched her, he felt his heart skip. She was everything any colt could ever ask for and Snails just walked away from that.

“You deserve better, Sweetie Belle.” Snips said blushing.

“Thanks for helping me. I really appreciate it.” Sweetie Belle said.

“If you ever want to talk or something, I’m always here.”

“Come on, Sweetie Belle. I feel like we’ll have to celebrate some other time.” Rarity said as Princess Luna brought up the night sky. Sugarcube Corner was surely closed by now.

“I’ll see you later, okay?” Sweetie Belle said as she started to head home with her sister.

“W-wait a sec, Sweetie Belle. Would it be okay if I walked you to school tomorrow? Usually, I walk with Snails, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon.” He chuckled nervously. Sweetie Belle looked thoughtful for a moment. Snips instantly regretted asking her. He was about to pretend it was all a joke when she finally answered.

“Sure, meet me in front of my house around six, okay?” She said causing the colt to leap into the air.

“Wahoo! I’ll be there. See you tomorrow.” He said running home. Rarity watched the scene and wondered if the filly knew what just happened.

“Just to be clear, Sweetie. Why exactly did you accept?”

“I’m partly responsible for what happened. I also feel like Snips really needs a friend right now.” The filly responded.

“A friend? So you don’t see him as anything else?” Rarity asked.

“What else would he be?” The clueless filly wondered.

“Come along Sweetie Belle. We have a lot to discuss. What do you know about the friend zone?” The mare said as she led her little sister home.

At the Library

Twilight stood outside the door feeling apprehensive about entering. She knew Spike felt like he was being used and on some level she realized that she might have put more stress on him than usual. Ever since they moved to Ponyville, he’s had to do more work than ever. She hoped it was just stress and that he could be convinced to reconsider quitting. As she opened the door, she heard the unmistakable voice of her mentor, Princess Celestia.

“Are you sure there’s no way I can change your mind?” She asked as Twilight entered the library. She saw the princess and Spike talking casually. A piece of paper held casually between them.

“Your majesty! What are you doing here?” The purple unicorn said bowing.

“Twilight Sparkle. I wish we could have met under more pleasant circumstances.” The princess said greeting her student with a sad look on her face.

“Hmph! I wanted to be out of here before she got back.” Spike said crossing his arms and looking away from her.

“What’s going on your highness?” Twilight asked.

“Spike has requested a place of his own.” The princess informed her pupil.

“Away from you!” Spike added.

“No! There must be something we can do to work this out, Spike. You’re my friend.” Spike laughed at the unicorn’s heartfelt plea.

“Your friend! I was never your friend! You want to know what I was. I was your lackey. When you were too lazy to turn your head slightly to the left and pull a book off the shelf, you made me do it. When you were too socially inept to go outside and socialize with other ponies, you made me do it. I was some walking joke you could force to do your bidding. No more! I’m sure, Princess Celestia. I’ve never been more sure about anything in my entire life.” Spike said staring directly into Twilight’s eyes. The unicorn was in tears at the combination of his harsh words and the thought of his imminent departure.

“I never thought of you like that. When I made a mistake on a test, you were there to convince me it wasn’t the end of the world. Whenever my birthday came around, you always tried your hardest to make sure I felt special even though I never asked you to. You’re more than my assistant, Spike. You’re my best friend.” She cried as she poured her heart out to the dragon who’s expression softened considerably.

“Gosh, Twi. I never thought of it like that. When you say all that stuff,” The dragon said holding a claw out to her. The unicorn wiped her eyes and smiled. This was tough on both of them but their was still hope that their relationship could be saved. She walked over and extended her hoof only to have Spike grab it and pull her close. His face becaome cold and stone like as his eyes radiated open hostility.

“Forget my name, don’t address me in the streets, and don’t look for me. As of this moment, you’re dead to me, Twilight Sparkle.” The dragon said practically ripping out her heart.

Princess Celestia had thought she’d seen the depths of cruelty this afternoon with Silver Spoon. By breaking the heart of the closest friend, he had become a creature devoid of any feelings for others. A monster who only cared about himself. She had seen and known many who walked the path that Spike now tread. Few had realized their mistake before it was too late.

“By the way, I always thought it was pathetic the way you sucked up to Princess Celestia. You make me sick.” He spat on the ground as he released her hoof.

The princess observed her pupil with concern. The mare was devastated beyond words. She had assigned Spike to Twilight specifically so she could experience the joys of friendship. The wound Spike had left with his words was deep. It would be one she’d have a hard time coming back from. In the coming days, the other elements of harmony would have to fill the void that Spike left. A mighty task for the other five friends.

“I shall return, Twilight Sparkle.” The princess said as she and Spike teleported away.

The mare didn’t hear her as she sat alone in her library. Her eyes were downcast as she watched her tears hit the floor. The pain in her heart was wrenching as she sobbed to herself. The unicorn let out a wail of agony that would’ve broken the heart of any who heard it. Those tears would not end anytime soon.

The princess and the dragon were outside a house near the center of town. It was a modest dwelling. The home had been abandoned long ago. Princess Celestia now awarded ownership of this property to Spike.

“You’ll live here from now on. The house is fully furnished and it should suit your needs. I will provide you with anything else you need.” She explained.

“I didn’t need it. Your advice, I mean.” The dragon said looking at his new home.

“My words are as true as when I spoke them to you, Spike. You should be careful how you treat those around you.”

“Hmph! If that were true, why didn’t you step in when I was laying into her? I was surprised you didn’t try to stop me.” The dragon said walking towards the door.

“It was a matter to be settled between you and Twilight. It was not my place to interfere.” Spike just laughed.

“I got to say that’s pretty cold, princess. I have to wonder though. You seem to be unusually neutral, even for you. Ever since that day at the library, you seem to know more than you’re probably letting on. If that’s the case, I wonder if I should interpret that as a free pass to do whatever I want.” The dragon said with an evil grin as he looked at his door. The princess didn’t have to see Spike’s face to know what he was getting at.

“Your actions will always have consequences, Spike.” She warned him.

“Hmph, you don’t give anybody a straight answer, do you? I like it anyway. Good night, your highness. Oh, thanks for the house I guess.” Spike waved back as he entered his new home. As the princess prepared to leave, she wasn’t angry with the dragon’s rudeness, only saddened that the dragon had fallen so far. She could only hope that he found his way when the time came.

Peppermint Twist was in her room pacing in front of her mirror. Everything would’ve been for nothing if Spike left town. She would have spent all that time with that disgusting sack of sweat and fur called Snails for nothing. Her life would’ve been meaningless again. She needed a plan.

“Calm down! We don’t know what this means.” Her reflection stressed.

“It means everything was pointless! Spike is probably gone! That means your plan was a total bust!” She said as she walked in circles.

“Shut up! By the way, I’m a figment of your imagination so it’s your plan too. Panicking isn‘t helping the situation.” The filly realized the reflection was right. She wouldn’t get anywhere freaking out in the middle of her room.

“Okay, what do we do now?” She said making a conscious effort to breathe calmly.

“We go to the library and talk to Spike. If he’s leaving, we can figure out what to do then. Whatever we do, we don‘t abandon the plan. We play it cool when we see him.” The reflection explained.

“Ugh! Do I have to keep sucking up to Snails? My skin crawls every time I have to touch that creep.”

“Were trying to make him jealous, remember? He needs to believe you like Snails. If Snails believes you like him, it makes it more believable.”

“He just makes me so sick. How long do I have to…. Ugh!” The filly clutched her stomach as a wave of nausea suddenly over came her.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. I feel like I’m about to-” The filly put a hoof to her mouth as she ran to her wastebasket and unleashed the contents of her stomach into the receptacle. As she did, she tried to recall eating anything that might’ve made her sick. Nothing came to mind as she went over he previous meals.

“Are you okay?” Her reflection asked.

“Yeah, I think so. I just wonder why I got so… Wait a minute! Could it be?” The filly said as an idea popped into her head.

“You don’t think it could be?”

“Miss Cheerilee said it herself.” The filly said placing a hoof on her belly and smiling. “One of the first signs are nausea and vomiting. Isn‘t that right, little one?”

Author's Note

Next week's update is Chronos' Sexual Revolution.