Step-Sister

by Grazy Polomare

Rating: everyone
Tags: Comedy, Rarity, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Suri Polomare
Length: 5368

When Rarity discovers a family secret, she will stop at nothing to find her missing sister. Unless of course...that sister just happens to be her worst nightmare.

When Rarity’s mother confesses a terrible secret hidden away from the family, Rarity is determined to find her missing sibling. It just so happens it may be the last mare in the kingdom that she wants to see…

Published 2014-01-19 22:50:04 UTC
Last updated 2014-02-07 20:49:44 UTC

Chapter 1: Secret's Out...

“Ugh,” Rarity lifted the rotten boot with her horn. “How do you and father live like this?”

The passing of winter had granted two things to Rarity. One being that the ground wouldn't feel like a bed of needles. And two...that she'd be forced into spring cleaning with her parents. Although clearing out their guest bedroom was a lot more suitable than doing anything with Sweetie in the yard.

“Well, honey, you know how Magnum is,” Pearl chuckled. She was flipping through the family albums, marking certain sections with her post-it notes.

“I say,” Rarity pulled out a box of flags from Canterlot, “Is there any place you’ve not taken a snapshot of?”

“Griffonia, and oh, the Crystal Empire!” Pearl pointed at the flags enthusiastically, her purple mane bobbing up and down. “Your father wanted me to give you those last year. Can’t imagine why, though.”

“I can.” Rarity tossed it in a cardboard box marked ‘Essentials’ in red crayon hoofwriting.  “Is Sweetie Belle still out there in the yard?”

Standing over the pile of photographs, Pearl hobbled over to the windowpane. “Yep, still kicking those leaves with your father. Such an energetic little bee, isn’t she?”

“More like a wasp,” Rarity grumbled. The last time Sweetie visited her boutique, she’d been forced to chase Opal all across Ponyville square. Needless to say, the Mayor was less than enthusiastic about her cat.

As she continued to clear the piles of baubles, Rarity noticed a rather large, golden cup in the corner.

“Oh my.” She gasped.

The trophy was in pristine condition, but it wasn’t the glamor that caught her eye. It was the year. 989. “I say Mother, is this the trophy from the Ponyville Knitter’s League?”

“I was wondering where that went!” Her mother exclaimed. “Our little leaguer. You know you could have gone to the championships.”

“Oh please, Mother.” Rarity waved her hoof dismissively. “We all know how that would have ended.”

However, upon looking at the golden cup, she felt a sense of longing. Back then, fashion was easy. It wasn’t working to meet client’s demands. It was knitting with a bunch of mares, gossiping and designing splendid quilts out of cheap, hoof-me-down cotton. “Well…perhaps I can alleviate you of this burden, no?”

“Be my guest, honey!” Pearl continued to scan over the old photographs. “Oh this is our trip to the Fillydelphia. What a nice publishing company they had there. Your father and I won them their company soccer match!”

Rarity attempted to grab it, but felt the cup tug back. Wrapping both hooves around the trophy she tried with all her might. And still, it remained grounded in the corner.

Nevertheless, she tried again. And again.

“Mother…” Rarity was starting to sweat. “Can you give me a hoof or two?”

“Oh my, honey, that thing’s stuck like a tree. Here.” Pearl locked her hooves around Rarity’s chest. “On the count of three…we pull, kay?”

“Alright…one…two…three!” The two mares struggled as they fought in a vicious tug of war with the closest.

“It’s starting to budge!” Pearl pulled back, the trophy slowly coming loose before suddenly soaring off with a pop.

Before she knew it, golf shirts and books began to rain from the ceiling, settling all over the floor.

“Oh dear.” Rarity sighed, “perhaps we pulled a tad too hard?”

Pearl was panting on the floor. “Yeah…maybe just a little.”

“Well no use in letting this mess clean itself.” Rarity began to pick up the golf shirts and faded postcards. There were faded pillow cases and old frames. Worn out plush toys and dusty hoofballs.

“What’s this?” Rarity lifted a heart-shaped card.  It was hoof-crafted, the glitter showered generously over the sides. “An old card you meant to give me?”

Pearl’s eyes widened. “Um, Rarity I think you should hoof that over to—“

“Nonsense.” Rarity opened the card, “A few years late isn’t going to dampen my spirits Mother.“

Her heart stopped. The card wasn’t addressed to her. Instead, scrawled in perfect hoofwriting, was the address of the local orphanage.

“Mother…why did you write to the orphanage?”

“It’s none of your concern,” Pearl attempted to snatch the card, but Rarity levitated it out of her reach, reading over the first line of text.

Hello sweetie,

I know it’s a bit of a shocker. I couldn’t bring myself to say these words to you, but—

Her mother’s purple aura lifted the card away from Rarity’s prying eyes. “I said it’s none of your business.”

“Is it?” Rarity narrowed her eyes. “That card was dated two months after my birthday! And three months before Sweetie’s! Who is this mystery filly you’ve never told us about?”

Pearl was perspiring now, her eyes making furtive glances towards the door. “Rarity, I don’t—“

“Who. Is. She?” Rarity was now glaring at her mother. What was she hiding?

Seeing that there was no escape, Pearl lowered her head in defeat. “She’s…she’s your stepsister, honey.”

The words sent a shock down her spine. “Step…sister?”

“Well...actually half-sister. But we can get into the proper terminology another time.”

“Really?” Now was not the time to get into the argument of whether half-sister or stepsister was the proper terminology. Rather, it was the fact that said sister even existed.

“It was a long time ago, okay.” Pearl sat down on the sofa, letting the cardboard box slide to the floor. “I…you know it might be too much for you to bear.”

“Mother,” Rarity laid a reassuring hoof over her mother’s shoulder. “I’m not a filly anymore, please tell me.”

Pearl sighed. “Well…before I met your father, I had met this dashing young entrepreneur in Manehattan. “

Memories of that horrid city flooded Rarity’s mind. How could her mother live in such a place? A place where one kind action only got you a kick in the rear. Still, she could see the allure of the city. It had tempted her like it had tempted all sorts of honest ponies before her.

“We…agreed to move to Ponyville after the pregnancy. I…it…he…” Her mother was practically muttering gibberish now, lost in some time warp.

“It didn’t work out.” Rarity finished.

“Sort of. He went back to the city and I stayed in Ponyville. She was only a few months old. Still as small as that card over there. I was...forced to set her up to adoption. At least I'd like to think of it like that.”

“But Mother, why didn’t you ever tell us?”

“Rarity, you have to understand that I was a different mare back then. Your father was the one who finally got me to change my ways. To go back to that past...I couldn’t bear it..”

Memories of her own experience in the Big Apple flooded Rarity’s mind. How she’d been taken advantage of. How she'd been deceived. How she'd turned into that monster. The city took her soul and morphed it in ways no evil could ever do. And it had only lasted a little less than a few days. Her mother had lived there all her life. Grown into that mentality.

“There were times I wanted to talk to her. Just walk up to her and say hello. But Rarity, honey, it wasn’t easy. That card was the last time I tried.” She pointed at the heart-shaped piece of paper.

“Where is she now?” Rarity asked.

“The last time I saw her was on a train to Manehattan. Probably searching for her father.”

“What’s her name?”

“I’ve put that all behind me I—“

“Nonsense, she’s my sister, or half-sister.” Rarity lifted the card with her horn. “She deserves to know..”

Pearl still seemed tense about the situation. “It’s been so long, and then there’s the issue of Sweetie Belle—“

“Are you kidding?” Rarity giggled. “Sweetie Belle would love a new sister. Mother, this is the chance to redeem yourself after all those years. Your chance. Our chance.”

Pearl wiped a tear from her eye. “Are…are you sure you want to meet her?”

“For my entire fillyhood, you’ve always been there to guide me, treat me, nurture me. You’re a wonderful mother, and she deserves to know that. Denying her a family would be selfish of me.”

“You really are the Element of Generosity.” Pearl grinned, nuzzling her daughter’s cheek.

One week later.

“I’m going to have a new sister! I’m going to get a new sister!” Sweetie Belle jumped up and down the platform of Grand Central Station, kicking up dust and receiving glares from several passengers.

“Sweetie!” Rarity attempted to hide her frustration, “Walk with more poise, yes?”

Sweetie Belle stopped, mocking her sister with several long strides. “Sheesh, sis, I hope my new sister is less pushy.”

“Pushy?” Rarity laughed. “I’d think I’m guiding you to your marehood.”

“But now you’re gonna have a sister to boss you around!” Sweetie pointed back.

“Nonsense.” Rarity waved a hoof dismissively. “Older sisters do not boss themselves around.”

“But if you have an older sister, that sister reserves the right to boss you around!” Sweetie recited with a smug smile. “Proven. Fact.”

“Well…perhaps she will need a few favors here and there, but I highly doubt she’ll be much trouble.”

Her little sister dashed up the sidewalk, her eyes glued to the towering skyscrapers. “Wow...they make the Ponyville Bell Tower look like a lemonade stand.”

Rarity averted her eyes from the buildings, instead keeping her focus on the pedestrians shoving past her. This was a city that had once tried to steal her heart.

Not again, Rarity. We're stronger now, and I've learned more. I will not allow myself to be...influenced. The last word made her cringe. Was there truly merit in those words? Could be avoid being influenced? Only time would tell.

“Over here!” A voice shouted from the crowd.

Turning around, Rarity saw Coco Pommel holding a large white sign with her name scrawled in red marker.

“Ah, there’s our ride. Come Sweetie.”

“...And so my parents are making the necessary preparations when me and Sweetie take her home.”

Coco sat back, looking out the yellow taxi. “Wow...and to think you may have passed her in the street.”

“She could be anypony for all I know.”

Looking out into the crowded streets, Rarity found herself studying each of the passing faces. Which one was her sister? Was she a buisnesspony? Was she shy? Was she bold? Would she be excited or frightened?

“What’s her name?” Coco asked.

Rarity recalled the moment her mother had told her. It was such an interesting name, one that strangely went well with hers. “Surreal.”

“Surreal…like dreamy?”

“Precisely, darling.”

“What if she’s a fashion designer like you?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Rarity giggled. “Mother’s genes are a prevailing factor in her offspring.”

“Still, I mean...how do you expect to find her?”

“Mother has an old friend in the Manehattan Times who placed a special ad out for her.” Rarity wondered how long it would take? A week? Two weeks? What if she moved? It would be like searching for a needle in a couple dozen haystacks.

The carriage stopped at the granite gateway to Manehattan Times. Stepping out, the trio was greeted by a heavy stallion with a stubby beard.

“You must be Rarity.” He bowed. “I haven’t heard from Pearl since she left for Ponyville. Got to admit, you look just like her when she stepped in my office. Albeit you’re of a lighter pigment, I can still see the resemblance.”

“I must really thank you Mr...”

“Oh where are my manners?” He held out his hoof. “Column Bust at your service, milady.”

Rarity shook the sweaty hoof. “Mr. Bust, it’s an honor. But um, have we found any results?”

Column nodded, a devious smirk on his face. “One mare. Says she hasn’t heard that name since she left Ponyville.”

Everything just seems to work out, doesn’t it? Rarity grinned. “Lead the way, please!”

“Just follow me!” He ushered them through the doors and into the elevator.

Sweetie Belle was shaking now, her eyes watching the light skip from number to number. Rarity didn’t blame her, for she could feel her hooves grow weak as well. It felt like she was back in the emergency room, waiting for her mother to come out. And when she was led inside, she saw a beautiful...baby filly. The same filly who was now by her side.

I wonder what she’s like. What will she do when she sees us? Oh, I do hope we make a good impression.

The ding of the elevator signaled the end of their ascent. Walking briskly past the hallway of journalists and typewriters, Column pointed towards one of the wooden doors. “She’s right in there.”

There were butterflies in her stomach. She was leaning on to Coco for support. This was it. The moment of truth.

“Are you ready?” Column twisted the golden knob.

Rarity took a deep breath. She was going to be fine.

 “Yes.”

“Then let me be the first to introduce you to your new sister...Surreal Polomare!”

Rarity didn’t know what came first. She’d had some sort of vision of what to expect. A mare, probably with a similar coat as her own. Maybe with green eyes like Sweetie Belle or dazzling blue eyes like her mother. Instead...she found the dark...seething hazel eyes of...of...her.

Whatever vision of her sister had gone up in flames, replaced by this infamous pink thief. The butterflies were gone, reduced to cinders that fell in the pit of her stomach, churning up layers and layers of bile in her throat.

Suri Polomare just sat there, smiling brightly. In fact, save for Sweetie Belle, she was the only other pony in the room who was smiling. "Oh it's so...so...good to finally meet my loving, sweet sisters..."

And the shock rang through her synapses like a bullet. The realization that she wasn't dreaming.

“Uh…” Column smiled sheepishly. “Surprise?”

Rarity did what all fashionistas would do in a similar situation.

She fainted.

Chapter 2: Train of Thought

Rarity was back in the emergency room. Her father was twiddling his hooves, occasionally glancing towards the clock.

After what seemed like ages, a stallion in a white lab coat came through the steel doors.

“Congratulations, Magnum, you have a new baby girl.” The doctor smiled.

Rarity squealed in delight. A sister! She’d been secretly hoping she’d get another sister. Brothers were too annoying anyway.

As the two were ushered into the operation room, Rarity saw a bundle of blankets wrapped in her mother's hooves.

“Is that…”

“Yes, darling, want to meet your new sister?”

“Would I!” Rarity ran forward, peering into the blankets. She was about to gaze at the latest gift to the world. But, upon doing so, she froze.

Her sister was a bright pink, with a violet mane and a tiny blue scarf. Opening her beady hazel eyes, the foal began to laugh. Not cry. She was howling like some demented jackal.

“No…” Rarity was backing away now. “No...that can't be...that's impossible…”

“RARITY!”

“GAH!” She woke with a cold sweat. Where was she?

Somewhere soft, and arching her head, she could see it was the cushion of the sofa that had kept her back comfy during her slumber. Slowly, however, the memories caught up and she reeled back.

Had it all been a bad dream? She certainly hoped so. Perhaps returning to Manehattan had conjured up the horrible image of Suri.

Calm yourself, Rarity. Just another figment of your--

“Well, look who decided to join the party?” An uptown, slightly accented voice began to chuckle.

Any hope of this being a terrible nightmare all but vanished as Rarity turned to face her nemesis/sibling.

Suri Polomare was standing by the doorway, holding a pearl white pitcher in her hooves. “Coffee?”

"Dear, please tell me this is a dream." Rarity pleaded more with the fates than to Suri at this point. "Please just please tell me this isn't...you."

Suri just stood there, her smile still plastered on her face. "Oh, wouldn't you want that? Too bad life seems to believe in making us both unhappy, hmm? I wish winning that trophy had been real, but well...we all end up being disappointed in the results, aren't we, sister?"

Sobbing uncontrollably, Rarty fell on the floor. “How could this happen to me? Of all the things that could happen this is...The. Worst. Possible. Thing!”

Suri simply watched the fashionista writhe on the cleaned carpet like a dying cobra, occasionally taking a sip of her coffee.

“Why must the good suffer, Luna? All I asked was a dream! Not this! And definitely not her!” She pointed her hoof accusingly at Suri, as if she was the cause of all this anguish.

"Sheesh, quit acting like you're not grateful to have me as a sister." Suri snaked her way to the chair across the sofa.

Rarity froze, her right eye twitching. “Ungrateful...I’m…”

“Why don’t you take a seat over there, m’kay?” Suri gestured back to the sofa.

Rarity crawled back to her sanctuary, keeping one eye on Suri at all times. Meanwhile, her nemesis pulled up one of the lounge chairs nearby. “You sure you don’t want coffee?”

“I’d rather die than drink the infernal beverage that fuels your sadistic desires!” Rarity spat.

“Wow...somepony’s a bit cranky.” Suri smiled. “Come on, sister. I know you’ve had your cup or two. It’s only polite to accept.”

Rarity sighed. She wished it was a dream, but the pain in her head from fainting was still evident. “Fine, will you be a dear and please pass the cup?”

“Of course.” Suri grinned, passing the saucer and steaming beverage before her. “Now, how about we chat sister to sister?”

“Where’s Sweetie?” Rarity looked around, realizing her little sister was nowhere to be found.

“Coco Pommel took her out for ice cream. Gotta say she has quite the career. Shame though, most of her skills were taught by yours truly.”

“As if.” Rarity narrowed her eyes. “You stole my fabric. Lied to my friends. Abused your employee. Is none of that bothering you at all?”

“Maybe if it was true.” Suri took another sip, closing her eyes. “Mhmm Mhm. The last time I had a cup of the Time’s Sumare-ian blend was when I divulged Star Caster’s eating habits to the gossip column.”

Rarity felt sick to her stomach. “I can’t imagine his career took off after that article.”

“Eh, he should have stuck to beekeeping.” Suri set her cup back down. “Anyway, how’ve you been?”

“Well as a matter of fact I’m working with Prim Hemline as we speak.”

“She’s treating you well?” Suri continued to sip her coffee as if they were talking about the weather

“Wouldn’t you like to know? Well, I’m gaining quite the hoof in this city of yours.”

“That’s nice.” Suri lifted the pitcher to pour herself another cup. “Although I'm not surprised, seeing as I taught you and all.”

“Taught me?” Rarity dropped the cup, her face turning a bright red.. “Taught me? What deluded notion gave you the impression of my mentor?”

“Oh please, Rarity don’t forget that it was me who showed you the truth of this city.“

“How dare you declare yourself a teacher! Especially when you’re nothing more than a lying, cheating, no-good--”

“Sister!” Sweetie Belle dashed through the door, leaving a disheveled Coco Pommel by the doorway.

“Sweetie,” Rarity raised her hooves, only to watch her younger sister nuzzle Suri’s shoulder. “It was so fun! Coco was telling me about the work she did in Bridleway! And then we even got to see a bit of them singing! And everypony was stomping! And I stomped too because it would be rude if I didn’t. Do you think I could join?”

“A cute little filly like yourself?” Suri ruffled Sweetie’s mane. “Show me you can sing and we have a deal, m’kay?”

Rarity just stood there, frozen in time. Had she forgotten to tell Sweetie about Manehattan? Certainly the two hadn’t seen each other, with Sweetie practicing her routine for the Equestria Games and Rarity herself trying to delegate orders from her store.

But to see her sister...nuzzling the enemy was...was…

“Rarity, you alright?” Sweetie Belle tilted her head. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Oh I’m...fine Sweetie.” Rarity squeaked. “Glad you enjoyed the show.”

“Rarity, I don’t care, I’m coming.”

Grand Central Station was a sea of passengers moving to and fro, the horns of departing and entering trains filling the halls. It felt so packed that the chandeliers above seemed to swing back and forth.

“Coco, please.” Rarity shook her head. “I need to handle this on my own, darling. I simply cannot let her take advantage of my family the way she took advantage of you.”

“And that’s exactly the reason you need me! You don’t know Suri, she can be…” The sentence died in her voice.

Rarity shuddered to think what Suri could be capable of. Stealing? Check. Lying? Double check. Manipulating her family? Would she dare?

“Coco, I--”

“At least let me come. I’m the only mare who knows Suri for what she is. Please, Rarity.” Coco was practically on her knees.

Upon looking into those immense, pleading eyes, Rarity felt her heart melt away. “If it is only what you truly...truly want, dear.”

Coco rose to her hooves, a broad grin on her face.. “I wouldn’t have brought my bags if I wasn’t sure.”

As it turned out, a crowded train meant separate compartments for the group. Although Coco had volunteered to sit with Suri, Rarity refused to allow either of her companions to endure an hour with that monster. Besides, Coco would be a good influence on Sweetie.

Sweetie, my true sister. Rarity thought with a scowl. She’d sent Twilight a message and perhaps she could dig into those genealogical records again. Suri couldn’t possibly be her sister, she was certain there was a mistake. Column Bust hadn't backed his facts, or maybe Suri was just trying to get back at her. Only Pearl remembered her daughter, so perhaps that was

And still, as her so-called sibling made her way down the corridor, Rarity couldn’t help but see the connections. The same pink coat and violet mane, which was tied in a country headband. The determined stride Suri took, the same stride her mom would do whenever any of her children received an award at school. That self-centered smirk she saw in the old family albums. Even the giant, over-sized sunglasses were something she’d seen her mother bring on vacations.

“Rarity, would you be a dear and help me with my luggage?” She gestured to the towering pile of bright blue suitcases.

“I’m afraid there won’t be any room for that.” Rarity said flatly. “That’s way too much luggage and I didn’t book you a first-class ticket.”

“Oh that’s okay,” Suri gestured to the compartment. “Mr. and Mrs. Baggage were bought by yours truly anyway.”

“Wait, you mean to say you bought two extra seats? For your luggage?”

“Ummm...yeah?”

Rarity was clenching her teeth, holding back the volley of insults she so dearly wanted to utter towards her compatriot.

She hissed. “We split compartments for your belongings.”

“It’ll give us plenty of time to talk, am I right?” Suri plopped her flank on the chair, crossing her hind legs before pulling out a magazine. “Now sit, sis. These trains can be quite bumpy.”

As the massive skyline of Manehattan was swallowed up in a field of rocky outcroppings, Rarity felt herself relax a little. She was out of the city, albeit with the last mare she wanted to see in the city.

No more noisy streets and mane-raising traffic.

Her sister, on the other hoof, shuffled her legs a bit, watching the city vanish in the mountains.

“Oh Manehattan…” Suri sighed. “What you do to me…”

Rarity’s ears perked up. Did Suri actually use her own reprisal? It couldn’t be. That song was sang out of hope, out of kindness. Suri sounded almost...heartbroken. No musical medley or emotion. It had been breathed in like the dry air. Filled with regret.

It’s nothing. She’s just sad because she’ll be forced to endure a few days without her precious coffee.

“So...how’s old Ponyville doing?” Suri sat back, fanning herself with the large sunhat.

“Fine.” Rarity muttered. “Not much has changed since you left.”

“Mayor Mare’s still in office?” Suri almost laughed out loud. “I forgot how outdated Ponyville politics were. Right now, our city is engaged in some serious battle between the old mayor and this new upstart from Fillydelphia, promising new change and whatnot.”

“Well, it seems the old mayor has done a fabulous job with the city. Why don’t you keep them?”

“Hah, the guy’s only been there for two terms. Only thing he improved on was the union’s attitude.”

“Two terms?” Rarity blinked. “I thought you said he was your old mayor.”

“He totally is. Nopony lasts more than one term in Manehattan, m’kay.”

A new face in office every four years? If that happened in Ponyville, the town would be up in hooves. Greeting Mayor Mare in office was just as common as seeing Mr. Cake in Sugarcube Corner. “Who are you going to vote for?”

“Me? Oh, I’m voting with the fabric industry on this one. Fillydelphian agrarian society has like a lot less unions than Manehattan after all. Wouldn’t want another legal battle with Coco Pommel now, would we?”

“I couldn’t fathom the chances.” Rarity wondered how many times Coco had even bothered to stand up to her boss.

A trolley rolled in from the compartment, accompanied by a plump beige mare. “Hello dearies, anything from the trolley?”

Suri lifted her sunglasses.“Yeah…what did you leave us?”

“SURI!” Rarity turned over to the mare, quickly depositing a jewel in her apron. “Please forgive her, we mean no disrespect.”

The trolley steward smiled. “Oh...it’s fine dearie...I get that a lot.”

Rarity lifted another jewel from her saddlebag. “You have the patience of an angel. Please, keep the jewel for yourself. I’ll have a muffin--”

“Latte. Easy on the cream. And add that cinnamon stick while you’re at it.” Suri leaned back in her seat. “Oh...and a beignet too if there’s any left.”

Immediately, the mare’s smile was wiped clean off her face. “I’m afraid this isn’t Star-Bucks, miss.”

“So?” Suri stood up. “I pay you to get me coffee, kay. Are you saying I’m not getting my money’s worth?”

“We don’t have the supplies,” she replied curtly.

“Oh…” Suri held her hooves out. “So, if I complain to the conductor that a train coming from Manehattan lacks the necessary ingredients to brew one latte...what exactly happens then?”

The steward swallowed hard, her eyes reduced to slits. “One latte coming right up, dearie.”

“Make sure you get my order right, and I’ll have a doggy treat waiting for you.” Suri smirked, sitting back down in her seat.

Rarity was fuming now. “Could you be any more vile?”

“What?” Suri dug into her saddlebags. “Rarity, ‘lax yourself, m’kay? You’re such a doormat it's no wonder you look as flat as that poor servant mare.”

“Doormat? I’m--”

“Come on, sweetie, I asked your for a knip of fabric and you give me the whole roll. Tell me that isn’t slightly being a doormat.”

“It’s called...generosity.” Rarity gritted her teeth. Oh how she wanted to steamroll Suri into a pancake at this point. “Something you could learn from.”

“Oh don’t get me wrong.” Suri held her hooves up. “Manehattan loves kindness. It’s free bits on the street.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.” Rarity facehoofed herself. Perhaps leveling this out in more basic terms could do the trick. “There are good ponies who will do a good thing for you if you do a good thing back.”

The stewardess returned with the treats, setting Suri’s down before giving a light bow. “I hope you find our service to be to your liking.”

“Here.” Suri tossed a bit into the mare’s apron. “Go buy another pack of hay fries, okay. Celestia knows another pound of fat can’t hurt.”

“I…” The mare vanished over the trolley, her sobs echoing back into the compartment before another stewardess took over the cart.

“How...can you…” Rarity was at a loss of words. This kind of action wasn’t just rude. It was on the verge of evil.

“Isn’t one of your friends the Element of Honesty?” Suri asked, taking a bite out of her beignet. “Let’s just say I’m being brutally honest with her so she can see a therapist or something.”

“And are you sure she’s the one who needs the therapy?”

“That’s what all the voices in my head are telling me.” Suri chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’m not a psycho, m'kay. The therapist just says I have some social issues and an inability to develop a sense of morality.”

“I’d heed that advice if I were you.”

“Whatever, it's not like he has some wonder cure or anything. Doctor for emotions, hah. I wonder why I didn't think about joining the profession earlier.”

“Ugh, no sense in trying to commit you to a Ponyville Institution.” Rarity took out her own magazine, reading the current trends in line. A few of her own designs showed up on the pages, being displayed in the Canterlot debut with Prim Hemline. Nothing on Suri though. Rarity was somewhat content with that fact.

“So our sister Sweetie Belle seems to be into Bridleway.”

The mention of Sweetie felt like cold ice against Rarity's stomach. “Suri…”

“Oh relax.” Suri waved a hoof. “Coco’s connections ought to get her there. But if she needs an extra push, I know a few things about the manager he wouldn’t like to see in the next paper.”

“You’d resort to blackmail for...her?” Rarity didn’t know whether to be terrified or flattered.

“Of course I would.” Suri grinned. “What’s family for, huh?”

Rarity cringed at the mention of ‘family’. Suri wasn’t part of this family. She was just a half-sister. No. Not even that. A stepsister. She wasn't related at all to Rarity. Not by blood. Her Mother had raised the Element of Generosity. Not the spawn of Tartarus. And still...the resemblance was uncanny.

“How long did you know?”

“Know what?” Suri finished the latte.

“That I was your…”

“Sister?” Suri guffawed. “Just a few hours before you did, sweetie. Newspapers were so eager to pluck me off the street, I barely had time to lock the door.”

“You mean Mother--”

The smile was wiped clean off Suri’s face at the mention of their biological parent. But it had vanished as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by another rather haughty grin. “Rarity, you know I don't mind you talking about anything and everything you ever want to talk about, but never ever ever talk about her, m'kay?”

“Oh really?” Rarity sneered. “And I thought you were dying to meet her.”

“Because she seems to be dying to meet me.” Suri said those words so casually, so...calmly, it almost scared her.

“She is.” Pearl was practically making preparations for her arrival. Suri had no right to judge a pony by its cover. “You have no right to bring our mother down like that. She’s the nicest, most mature mare you’ll ever--”

“Mature?” Suri was laughing now. “Oh Rarity, if only you knew how mature our Mother really is. If she was mature, we'd be having a train ride back to Ponyville and you'd be at home preparing whatever sorry excuse of a meal for my arrival.”

Rarity wanted to give back some clever retort. Wanted to scream at this so-called sister. Wanted to throw her off the train if it came down to it. And yet, a tiny part of her brain was actually agreeing with Suri. Sure Mother was a sweet, and very down-to-earth, pony. But if that was the case, she wouldn't have to foal-sit Sweetie Belle nearly as many times as she'd done in the past. Why was it that her parents often called for her rather than the other way around.

Even now, Rarity had to imagine. Why was Sweetie Belle in the train and not her own mother?