I yawn, and stiffly tumble out of bed, wobbling on my sleepy legs as I blink at the mirror in my room. It's full length for a filly, and reminds me yet again of my awful bed-mane. Blearily, I grab a brush and go to work on my mane and tail with it. I'm lucky enough to share my big sister's well-behaved hair, though, and with just a few strokes it all falls into place. As my senses wake up, I can smell something cooking, and head downstairs.
"Ah, Sweetie Belle!" Rarity's in a great mood, beaming down at me as I enter the kitchen. She starts to levitate food, plates, and silverware all around the room. "I was just about to call you down for breakfast! I made pancakes and eggs!"
"Oh, that sounds good." I meant to sound more enthusiastic, but I'm still stiff all over. Even my mouth feels a bit slow to get started today.
"Oh, indeed! I know we don't get to have such nice things very often since we started on my new diet plan, but it's been a full month now." Everything her magic is juggling comes together at once, laid out neatly on a tablecloth that hadn't been there a moment before. Hot pancakes are stacked up on a plate in the middle, next to a bowl full of light and fluffy scrambled eggs. There's also a glass pitcher of orange juice, though the glass on my side of the table is already full of milk. I can feel my tummy start to rumble just at the sight and smells. "One month of success, darling! I think that calls for a little celebration!"
"You don't have to tell me twice!" I try to hop into my chair as usual, but trip, and find myself falling. "Ah!"
"Oh! Be careful, Sweetie!" Rarity says, lifting me with her magic just as my face was going to hit the floor.
"Thanks, sis." She sets me down on my hooves.
"But of course! Now, remember what I've taught you about how a lady takes her seat?" I nod, and try to sit down with a bit more grace this time. "Much better! This way is far more dignified, and you don't risk falling over and making yourself look clumsy."
I wince. I don't need to be reminded that I'm far from dextrous. Over the past few weeks, I seem to have actually gotten worse, spilling, breaking, and tripping over things more than ever before in my life! It's a good thing Rarity's been here to reassure me. She says it's just what happens to growing fillies - something about hoof-eye coordination - and I'll get used to it. I'm grateful to be with her. I loved living with our parents, too, but I don't think they remember what it's like to be my age.
We tuck into breakfast together, and after teasing me for eating too quickly, Rarity starts to tell me about everything that's on her mind. She does this every morning, and I've learned how to pretend to have a conversation about it, even though I don't really care about what's going on in high society. She talks about crystal ponies a lot, too - especially when she's just come back from visiting the Crystal Empire, like she did last week. And of course, she always reminds me about our diet, even today.
"Of course you may have some orange juice. But remember, you have to drink your milk first, because it's good for you. Also so I can wash the glass - you really don't want to taste milk and orange juice together." She makes a face, and I giggle before draining my glass. We both know I'm not going to be thirsty after I drink my milk, but we do this every day, almost word-for-word. I protest not getting any orange juice, and she... well, I don't know what Rarity gets out of it, aside from that smug look when I tell her I can't drink any more.
As always, I go and brush my teeth afterward, and I'm drying off from a quick bath when the school bell starts ringing. I make a stumbling rush for the front door, sweeping up my saddle bags on the way.
"Don't forget your lunch box!" Rarity says. I stop at the door to trade her a hug for it.
"Thanks! I love you, sis!" She smiles at me indulgently.
"Now, go on, Sweetie. You don't want to be late for class."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"Sorry I'm late, Miss Cheerilee." I'm still so stiff. Usually the walk to class would help if I slept wrong, but I think today's walking actually made it worse. It was so embarrassing. I don't think I would've even come inside at all if Scootaloo hadn't been late and seen me lingering.
"I just didn't know I'd be so stiff today. I would have started out earlier if - " The teacher cuts me off.
"Sweetie Belle, could you please remind the class what I've told you all about making excuses?" I hang my head, my cheeks and ears burning. I don't even look over at those bullies, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. They're probably loving this.
"We're not supposed to do it." I keep my voice just loud enough for everypony to hear. The alternative would be having to repeat myself, and that would make things even worse.
"Very good. Now, go and see the doctor, Sweetie. If you get a clean bill of health, you can come back after recess."
"But - I mean, yes, Miss Cheerilee." I turn to go. Why does she think I'm sick? It's not like I'm coughing or sniffling or anything.
"Scootaloo, since you were late as well, I want you to take notes for Sweetie Belle, and bring her today's homework if she doesn't come back."
"Okay."
I hear a snicker, and look over my shoulder. Silver Spoon is sitting alone, and she shuts up instantly when she catches me looking. That's strange - she just isn't the same pony without Diamond, who is nowhere to be seen. Actually, a lot of seats are empty, now that I look. Maybe there's a sickness going around again. I guess that's why Miss Cheerilee told me to get checked up.
Much more cheerfully - but also more carefully, since I'd fallen on my face several times in my haste to get to school - I make my way down the street to the doctor's office.
The doorbell jingles above me as I enter, and the light pink pegasus nurse who's always at the front desk looks up immediately. "Good morning... Sweetie Belle, was it? Can I help you?"
"Yeah!" I say, walking stiffly over to her. "Miss Cheerilee says I might be - what? What's the matter?" She shakes her head, her concerned frown disappearing in the process.
"Are you feeling particularly stiff today? Has walking helped at all?"
"How did you know?" I ask, surprised. "I mean, yes. I've been so stiff that I keep falling over!"
"I'm afraid there's a new disease, Sweetie. We're calling it "rockjoint," and Doctor Caduceus is busy working on a cure. Go on home, dear, and I'll send your teacher a note." I gulp.
"Is it a really dangerous disease? Will other ponies catch it from me?" She tries to fake a reassuring smile. I hate it when grown-ups do that, thinking I won't know they're worried too.
"Of course not. Go on, and make sure to get plenty of rest and orange juice." Orange juice? I can have doctor-ordered orange juice? I can have doctor-ordered orange juice! Nopony can stop me now!
"Thank you!" I yell, as I run for the door. My legs seem to get tangled up, and I fall on my face just outside. After that, I take a much more moderate pace on my path back home. Still, orange juice!
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"Rarity? I'm back!" I call out. There's no response, and I shrug to myself. She's probably busy in her project room, or out with friends, or at the spa. The spa sounds nice... no, no. Focus. Orange juice! I shed my saddle bags, and leave my lunch box on top of them by the door. Destination: Kitchen.
As I thought, the pitcher of orange juice is chilling in the ice box. After a few clumsy attempts, I manage to remove it and pour myself a tall glass.
Oh, I am simply in heaven! It's been so long, I'd almost forgotten what orange juice tastes like. It's so amazing! This must be what the Princesses themselves drink every day! Okay, maybe not every day, but as I pour myself a second cup, I can see myself drinking nothing but orange juice for the rest of my life.
Eventually, though, I can't drink any more. Regretfully, I give the glass a rinse and leave it in the sink. That's when I notice the note on the kitchen table, and give it a closer look.
Sweetie, I am conducting some very important
business today regarding my latest design work,
and won't be back for another hour after school.
I've left Opal with Fluttershy, she won't bother you.
Please stay out of my craft room - it is important.
I know I can trust you.
Remember to drink your milk!
Like apple pie,
Rarity
I look up at the clock. It's only close to noon, meaning I have another three hours or so until Rarity gets back. I have some sort of sickness, so I can't go out, and I'm too stiff to draw or do anything fun at all. This is going to be so boring.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"Argh! I'm so bored!" Even my old stand-by of scooting around by pushing myself by my back legs has gotten old, and my legs and lower body are actually starting to feel numb because of it. I still have half an hour of waiting and doing nothing! And what's so important about staying out of her craft room, anyway? Most of my art supplies are in there! Not that I can even use them. Actually, maybe I could just start gluing things together and pretend it means something, like grown-ups do. I could get rich and famous like them, maybe even get my cutie mark in this "Modern Art." I won't look at whatever Rarity's super-secret project is. I know she told me to stay out, but I've got to get my stuff out of there. I'm out of things to do! So after another glass of orange juice, I head upstairs.
I stop myself at the door. Should I really be doing this? She said to stay out. She said she trusts me! But... if I don't look... well, it's still technically not staying out, but if I just grab my art stuff and leave, she doesn't have to find out, and if she asks, I won't know what big secret thing she's hiding. I brace myself, screw my eyes shut, and push the door open. And, after a few steps forward, I collide with somepony.
"Ooph!" My eyes open on their own as I fall, but I catch myself this time, then sigh in relief. It's not somepony - just one of Rarity's ponnequins, draped over with a white sheet like all the rest. This is going to be easy - whatever she's doing in here is hidden under the sheets! I don't even have to keep my eyes closed, so I just grab my box of things and turn to leave. The ponnequin I ran into catches my eye again, its hooves peeking out from under the sheet.
Wait, aren't they supposed to be held up by a stand? And Rarity doesn't even have any pink ones... I step closer, wobbling a bit. I shouldn't look, but this is new! That's automatically more interesting than the million things I can't do when I've got this new "rockjoint" thing. Just a peek couldn't hurt, right?
I circle around, and lift up the sheet from the ponnequin's head. Diamond Tiara glares back at me. I let out a yell, the sheet dropping as I stumble backwards in surprise.
"Goshdarnit, Diamond!" I blush angrily when I realize I cussed. Apple Bloom's not always a good influence on me. "You scared me!"
The pink filly doesn't respond, or even lift the sheet off herself.
"Diamond, you can get out from under there! You already surprised me, so just come out, say whatever stupid mean thing you were going to say, and leave! This isn't your house!" No response. Impatiently, I throw the sheet off her. "Diamond Tiara, you - !"
I stop. Her face isn't glaring. She's staring straight past me, her expression one of frozen horror.
"I'm not falling for that. You're just going to shove me while I'm not looking, or something just as mean." I can hear my voice falter. "... Diamond, say something." Still nothing. I chance a look over my shoulder, but there's nothing except the far wall of the hallway. "Oh, funny. You got me..." I look back to her, and she still hasn't moved or said anything.
"Um, Diamond Tiara, are you okay?" Why am I actually worried for her now? She's always mean to me! I poke her in the chest. Tink. Huh? I try again. Tink. That's not a sound ponies should make. Looking more closely, I see she's made up of hundreds of gems, just like the crystal ponies I got to see when I, and the rest of the Crusaders, got to carry the opening flag at the Crystal Empire Games. Wait a second...
"You're a statue!" I start to giggle in relief. "Good one, Rarity." Although, something at the back of my mind still bugs me. She's super realistic, and she almost looks like ... a crystal pony? I circle about the statue a few more times. Wow, even her tail is completely accurate. I fall into a playful mood, teasing her a few times as if she were really Diamond Tiara. I know it's petty and unladylike, but I just can't resist. I even poke her little crown, calling her "Diamond Tiara-less."
It falls off.
I freeze for a long moment, before carefully putting it back into place, and covering the statue back up. I suddenly don't want to think about this anymore. I pick up my art supplies again, step out into the hallway, and run face-first into my sister.
"Oh, Sweetie Belle." She sighs, and gives me a deadpan expression. "You really shouldn't have done that, darling."
"Sorry," I mumble, staring at the floor. "But, um, you're a really good sculptor!" She doesn't say anything, merely picking me up with her magic and carrying me downstairs. In the kitchen, she holds a glass up to my mouth. I know better than to argue with her when she's in this mood, and drink up. She refills the glass, and I shake my head.
"I'm not thirsty now." I had thought she was just giving me something to drink before sending me to bed early, but this time, she forces the lip of the glass hard against my mouth.
"Drink your milk, Sweetie," she orders.
"Stop it, Rarity! That hurts! And I'm not thirsty!" She just plops a funnel in my mouth, its nozzle reaching all the way into my throat, making me cough and gag. "Wawihy! Ahhp!"
"Drink your milk, Sweetie," she says again. I don't have a choice! All I can do is try to keep swallowing as the funnel forces glass after glass down my throat, until she's satisfied and I feel sick from how full I am. She puts me down, and I try to run away to my room. Why is she doing this? Why would my sister hurt me?!
My legs don't move. I look up at Rarity in confusion.
"R-Rarity? What's happening?" She smiles knowingly. "But... you? Why?!"
"I have to protect you, Sweetie Belle," she says sweetly. She levitates me again, and starts to carry me back upstairs. "This is for you. I meant to do it much later, once I perfect the process, but you didn't give me a choice. You broke my trust, darling! And now... now, I wouldn't blame you if you ran away, but I can't let you do that. I have to protect you, I gave Mother and Father my word."
"But ... how? How does hurting me protect me?" I say. She sets me down next to Diamond Tiara, and I gulp. "Oh. Oh no. You didn't - "
"Oh yes, I did. You see, I couldn't stand to see that spoiled little brat and her friend hurting you. And you know how much I simply adore the crystal ponies."
"Huh? What does that have to do with ... um... R-Rarity, I can't feel my legs."
"Sweetie, I know you never listen to me at the breakfast table. It's why I can talk so freely." I flush with embarrassment. "So, tell me, what happens when you give a crystal pony too much calcium?"
"What's calcium?" I try to use the conversation to keep my mind off my legs and the frozen filly next to me. I can feel my heart race, and my body starts to tremble, except for my legs. "P-please make it stop!"
"Calcium, as Twilight was so kind as to educate me on, is the primary component of limestone. When crystal ponies consume too much of it, they simply become solid gems."
"Rarity!" I can't feel my tail or thighs, and a numbness is creeping up my spine. I try to take deep breaths to keep from panicking, and it's not really working!
"So I thought to myself how fortunate it is, being a statue. You can't be teased, or insulted, or hurt, or even feel cold or hungry. That, my dear, is the perfect protection. Unfortunately, you're not a crystal pony... or, you weren't." I look down at my hooves, and gulp. They're made of gemstones.
"H-how - "
"Well, Sweetie, you know my way with gems. Once I discovered the proper stone and the proper enchantment, it was only a matter of testing it a few times. When I contacted Mister Rich about his daughter's mistreatment of you, we were able to come to an arrangement." I look over at Diamond Tiara, and burst into tears.
"I don't wanna be a statue, Rarity! I wanna be a pony and have friends and play and go on Crusades and find my cutie mark! I wanna laugh and hug and sing and - and I don't wanna be a statue!" She wraps my neck in a gentle hug, letting me cry into her mane.
"Sshh, Sweetie Belle. I know, it's not perfect yet, and for that I truly am sorry. But darling, look at me." She straightens up, letting go of me, and I have to wrench my neck hard to follow her face. "I promise little sister, nopony will ever be able to hurt you again."
That's when I can feel my face freeze, and the last trace of feeling leaves me. I try to complain, but all that will come out is gutteral vowels.
"Oh, that adorable look of hope. I'm so glad you understand." Over the course of a few seconds, the last of my voice disappears, and my vision is filled with gemstone shapes, though Rarity gives me a quick nuzzle before everything goes completely dark. I want to cry again, but I'm certain I can't anymore.
Downstairs, the doorbell jingles.
"Oh, we have a visitor! I'll take care of it," Rarity says. Things are starting to sound strange and hollow. A few moments later, I can hear her say, "Oh, Scootaloo! Here to see Sweetie Belle?"
"Miss Cheerilee said I have to bring her homework over. Is she sick?"
"Only a little. It's not contagious. I'll go get her, dear. Here, why don't you have some cookies and milk while you wait?" Oh no. No no no! I want to scream, but I'm stuck with just willing this not to happen. Run, Scoots! Run!
"Sure! Thanks, Miss Rarity!" No! Get out! Get! Out!
"Oh, pish-posh, -- " That's the last I hear.
With no senses left, I am trapped in a void with my screams.
Art by Princess Glitzy
