The Unsungby Eclipse ShineChaptersPrologue: Raindrops upon Cracked Soil Chapter 1: Silent Classrooms and Bitter DivisionsChapter 2: Paths IntertwinedChapter 3: A Game of Cat and MouseChapter 4: Sticks and StonesChapter 5: Midnights in Manehattan Prologue: Raindrops upon Cracked Soil Prologue: Raindrops upon Cracked Soil A lone crusader stood in the pouring rain, her mane drenched with the cold threatening hypothermia. Yet it was peaceful, her own little sanctuary in the town in which she did not belong. The moon shone its rays upon her pelt, revealing mud stains on her once brilliant white coat. She had run through the muddy plains until she found a subtle tree where she could seek shelter and focus. She has to rethink her life on the daily bases, her flank threatening her with eternal blankness. Yet she tried time and time again to paint the empty canvass that brought her so much shame. Spring had just arrived and the skies threatened to crack as they thundered above her. It wasn’t the smartest idea to seek shelter under a tree that towered over her but at this point she had really no other choice. Her sister took it one step too far once again, her materialism shading her judgement and bringing only bitterness towards the poor little blankflank. So the blankflank ran. Ran through the plains. Ran for comfort in the elements that offered none. Shivering, she stood; her forehooves caressed her sorrowful visage that seemed to bring raindrops of its own. Why was she so weak? Why couldn’t she stand up for herself? A thousand questions left unanswered but in the end she only had herself to blame. Her sister was a good pony, generosity was always the first thing on her mind but sometimes she gets caught up in her work and dismisses the pleas of her younger sibling. Cries for attention. Cries for help. ~ Sweetie Belle got bullied a lot at school by a couple of fillies by the name of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon; this day was no exception to that rule. She came home, her trotting hooves slowly pacing through her sister’s working grounds, only causing annoyance to her majesty. Rarity was caught up in a project that overcame her. With the due date in less than a week, the mare snapped when Sweetie Belle stumbled on a misplaced spool of thread; knocking over one of her prized figures. Sweetie Belle’s immediate reaction was to bolt out of her sister’s domain to avoid further scolding. It seemed like even the gods above were ashamed of her and commenced their downpour of disapproval. Time seemed to slow as the lone crusader waited for the storm to cease its reign of terror upon Ponyville. She tried to seek solace in her thoughts but found none. Her worrying only grew when she heard a crackling sound as a tree in the distance collapsed to the ground. Startled, Sweetie Belle stormed towards the nearest shelter she could find, Sweet Apple Acres. There, her best friend and leader, Apple Bloom would welcome her; but not before her sister, Applejack would scold the daring filly. Regardless of what they would say, she knew that she was better off going there than freezing in the embrace of the icy droplets. ~ Trotting up to the door of the old farmhouse, Sweetie Belle pounded her forehoof on the wooden surface that would have probably fallen like the tree in her wrath if Applejack hadn’t answered it first. The door shut behind her as Applejack gave her brother, Big Macintosh, the orders to get a blanket while she prepared a seat for the shivering filly. “What were ya thinking, bein out in the rain like that?” Applejack’s southern accent was a soothing kiss upon the fillies eardrum compared to her sister’s constant whining. “I don’t know…I just felt like going for a walk. It’s been a long day.” Sweetie Belle met her gaze with a faked smile but the element of honesty saw through her façade. “Are ya all right, sugarcube?” Applejack exchanged a worried glance with her brother as he brought the blanket to Sweetie Belle and tucked her into the warmth. “What? Me, I’m fine!” Sweetie Belle offered a wider smile and thanked Big Macintosh as he found a place of his own beside his younger sister. “Well, ah would have Rarity come and pick you up but that ain’t gonna be necessary. She’s already here. She came as soon as you left, searching for your whereabouts.” Rarity emerged from the shadows with her gaze meeting Sweetie Belle. “What was that all about?! First you knock over one of my beautiful sculptures and then you decide to flee the scene! What has gotten into you?!” Rarity escorted Sweetie Belle out of Sweet Apple Acres despite her pleas to stay the night with Apple Bloom. She hadn’t even had a chance to see her mentor as her sister thundered out of the farmhouse. ~ As always, Rarity went on with her work while condemning her sister to her room. Sweetie Belle was supposedly grounded for the rest of her fillyhood but she knew that her sister would forget by the morrow. She sunk her head into one of her many velvet pillows as she searched for comfort in a seemingly unfamiliar place. She had only started to act out of character lately for unexplained reasons and that really upset Rarity who had no time for disciplinary actions. Sweetie Belle had tried to act normal, to stop her constant mistakes and accidents but they overcame her. Even she had no explanation for this phenomenon and only wanted peace from the world. She only hoped that one day she would find her special talent and that it would grace her flank with opportunity as well as meaning. A pony can’t remain a blankflank forever, can they? No, that couldn’t be true, even the most useless and lazy ponies in Equestria had some sort of “special talent”. But these thoughts still troubled her and the bullying she received at school only intensified their depths as the days grew longer and the nights blessed her with little sleep. Someday she would show them. Someday, they would listen. Chapter 1: Silent Classrooms and Bitter DivisionsThe dawn brought with it the promise of another day of unexpected chaos to the sleeping filly that was softly snoring as raindrops taped at her windowsill; still not ceasing their torment upon the cracked soils of Ponyville. The soil’s crevices weren’t the only bitterness that winter brought along with its wrath. “Oh, Sweetie Belle! Wake up!” A yawn and a couple of blinks later, a sleepy filly rose from her messy bed. Last night’s events not making it to her buffering brain in time for her to recall that she made a memo to never speak to her sister again. “Yeah, Yeah…Give me a minute!” She shouted back as she stretched her limbs that seemed to still be caught in a deep slumber. Buck. Another day and another trial in the unforgiving classrooms of Ponyville. Combing her tangled mane into its usual somewhat curly shape, she made her way to the kitchen; chocolate milk and pancakes awaited her across from Rarity. She was already late for school and only had a couple of minutes to digest the maple-syrup drenched pastries before she had to bolt out the door. Slamming the barrier between Rarity and the outside world, without even uttering a simple “goodbye”, the young filly trotted at a quickened pace through the muddy Ponyville streets that just started to gather work ponies and merchants; displaying delicacies both local and foreign from all over Equestria. It was common for Sweetie Belle to but a milkshake without Rarity’s consent before heading to class but she knew that her delinquency would end up costing her more than the most luxurious ice creams that Equestria had to offer. No, today she would act as if it was any other school day and she would put on her mask as she always did. Hopefully Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon would lay off of her and her friends today but she knew that it was highly unlikely. ~ Sweetie Belle trotted through the classroom door and she could have sworn that the bell had rung a second after her arrival. Cheerilee, the classroom’s sole teacher, shot her a look of disapproval as she sat down in her desk beside her friends. Apple Bloom gave her a smile that wasn’t hinting to any knowledge of last night’s events; it was probably better if she didn’t know. Scootaloo taped her on the shoulder and signaled for a sheet of paper. Handing it over, Sweetie Belle saw Cheerilee from the corner of her eye trot up to her. “I swear I was only passing a paper! It’s not a note or anything like that” Sweetie Belle stood defendant, the entire class watching her to see what kind of fun would happen next but she offered them none. Cheerilee grasped the paper in her forehoof and examined it for a split second before placing it back on Scootaloo’s desk. “No more disruptions, we have a lot of work to do and very little time to cover it.” Cheerilee paused as she trotted back to the front of her classroom so she could divert the attention of her student back to the lesson. “Now, who here is familiar with the study of philosophy?” ~ The bell rang, declaring the lunch period. Colts played hoofball outside while fillies gossiped about the latest trends amongst themselves. Well every filly but the cutie mark crusaders. These three foals were up to no good, well at least that’s what they were told by the principal on several different occasions. Crusading was more than just a game to Sweetie Belle, it was a lifestyle, and it was part of her identity. And like the rest of her friends, she spent most lunch periods plotting and executing various schemes to try to earn a cutie mark of her own. But not today. Today she found a corner in the courtyard and sat down as she listened for the sounds of a playground fading in the distance. “Hey Sweetie Belle!” Two fillies shouted in unison as they skipped towards her. “Where’s your cape?” Apple Bloom questioned her with a bit of concern. It was odd for a crusader to leave their crimson banner at home. “I…I forgot it.” Sweetie Belle got up and stretched, her flank stained from the drying earth on the ground. “Oh look…No, that’s not a cutie mark…” Scootaloo chuckled, flapping her wings as she hovered for only a split second before landing on the pavement; they were too small to support her weight. “I wish.” Sweetie Belle returned a faked smile. “Since its wet, maybe we can be cutie mark crusader agriculterers!” Scootaloo hoped in the air once again, this time not spreading her wings. “I’m not even sure that’s a word, Scootaloo…” Apple Bloom laughed lightly at her friend’s failed enthusiasm. Before they could continue, the bell rang and foals slowly started to push each other in the hallways to get to class. Perhaps they could catch up after school, Sweetie Belle thought as she gathered her materials from her locker, careful not to bump into anypony as she headed back to class. ~ “Not so fast!” “You didn’t think we would let you get away that easily, did you?” Two fillies from the bourgeoisie society in Ponyville trotted up to the crusaders with wealth and confidence to accompany them. They were the ponies that every foal wanted to be but never wanted to become. No…Why can’t they leave us alone just for one day? ~ Rarity took a sip from her cooled coffee. She couldn’t stand warm beverages, they just didn’t seem right to her. Slurping it down in small gulps, the respectable mare didn’t hold up to her proper table manners behind closed doors, careless as to what the rest of the world thought. She thought back at last night’s events and wondered how her sister was doing at school. Is it possible that I over reacted? Taking another sip of her fine coffee, she tried to imagine what was going through Sweetie Belle’s mind. Was she sad? Was she angry? Did she have reason to be? Flipping through the pages of her favorite fashion magazine, she got an idea. Why not take her sister to a mall in Manehattan this weekend? Although it was only Wednesday, the young mare looked forward to spending quality time with her only sibling. ~ “Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, please leave us alone…We didn’t do anything to you. We stayed out of your way all day.” Apple Bloom started to back up and found herself pinned against the bark of a tree. “Well that just wouldn’t be any fun. Say have you fillies tried to be cutie mark crusader cowards yet?” Diamond Tiara broke out into a hysterical laughter that could annoy even the most patient ponies in Equestria. “Fillies? More like colts if you ask me!” Silver Spoon joined her friend in front of Apple Bloom who was planted into the ground as firmly as the tree behind her. “Buck off you two!” Scootaloo trotted up to the fillies hesitantly. “Oh this is wonderful, don’t you think?” The tiara placed a forehoof on Scootaloo’s shoulder softly. “Tell me, chicken feathers, what exactly do you plan on doing about it?” “Tell your mom, maybe then you’ll listen!” “At least I have a mother!” With no Manehattan youth at their side, the cutie mark crusaders were once again powerless. It was no longer four against two, the fillies had to be a bit more creative this time around if they stood a chance. “Please Tiara, can’t you find somepony else to pick on?” Sweetie Belle shrunk back, regretting her involvement as the words spilled out of her mouth before she had been able to process them thoroughly. “We could, but the only other foals without cutie marks are half your age and that wouldn’t be fair, would it? Silver Spoon kicked the damp soil into the snow white filly’s face. “Since when are you two being fair?” “That’s enough chicken feathers, shut up or I’ll pluck each and every one of those pathetic orange things off of your back! Is that clear?!” Tiara felt rage growing within her as the three fillies began to turn the tide against them. Knowing no other way to regain her power, she decided to quit while she was ahead. “Anyways, Silver Spoon and I have better things to do with our lives and you three clearly aren’t worth our time. See ya later losers!” The intense laughter emitted from the two arrogant fillies slowly died out in the distance as adrenaline started to wear off of Scootaloo. “Why do they do this to us? It’s so, It’s so…” “Unfair. I know.” Apple Bloom finished Sweetie Belle’s sentence as they trotted in unison towards the local ice cream shop, bits in saddle bag, ready to be exchanged for temporary relief after a long day. ~ Sweetie Belle headed up the stairs towards her room without uttering a greeting to her sister that awaited her in the living room. She was no longer mad at Rarity but she couldn’t bring herself to be seen in her current state. Shutting the door to her room, the foal did her homework without applying any effort since it wouldn’t matter of she answered the questions wrong; Cheerilee simply didn’t have the time and patience to check if everypony did an “exceptional job”. They just went through the questions rapidly in class since the answers provided would make studying a piece of cake. She was only in 7th grade after all, they couldn’t expect too much from a 12 year old filly that was only awake half of the time in class. Hoofsteps could be heard delicately trotting up the padded staircase as Rarity made her way to her sister’s bedroom. A forehoof knocked lightly on the shut door of the filly’s sanctuary. “Sweetie Belle, supper is ready for you on the table.” “I’ll be there in a minute!” ~ “So how was your day?” “It was okay, I guess. We learnt about philosophy…fun…” Sweetie Belle took a bite of her pasta, shining a look of approval towards her sister; all of yesterday’s drama forgotten for the time being. “I made it for you; it’s your favorite, isn’t it?” “Yes.” Although Sweetie Belle could care less about most of her sister’s talents, cooking was one that she envied. At least Rarity couldn’t burn orange juice. Sweetie Belle finished her plate without going for seconds, the chocolate milkshake from earlier that evening not settling well. How would you like to visit a mall in Manehattan this weekend, perhaps you’ll see Babs?” “Sure.” Sweetie Belle highly doubted that she would encounter her bobtailed friend but agreed to go anyways to avoid further conflict. “Okay, if you show me some good grades, perhaps I’ll get you something nice while were there.” Rarity smiled, thankful for her sister’s partial responses which were far better than nothing. Supper time was over and the two sisters had long since parted ways, wishing each other a good night; although Sweetie Belle hardly doubted that she would get much sleep after today’s incident. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are growing meaner…I don’t like where this might be going… Pushing aside her thoughts as best as she could, Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but feel that maybe the two high class fillies weren’t the only things that bothered her through these sleepless nights; maybe there was something else beneath the surface. Chapter 2: Paths IntertwinedAnother restless night greeted the desperate filly as she tossed and turned; hoping for relief while attempting to find comfort in the longest dusk she had yet to witness. Finally finding the means to rest, Sweetie Belle dozed off and slept like an Everfree log until dawn had awoken her early that morning. The young foal looked at her clock; the hour teased her as she got out of bed. Wonderful, now I’m exhausted… There’s no point in attempting to sleep for half an hour since it would only make her feel weaker and more likely to fall into a deep slumber during English class. Oh well, it can’t be helped. Maybe rarity’s already up. I could really use a coffee this morning… ~ Coffee, for you? Oh Darling, you must be kidding. You’re too young for that Sweetie Belle. Doesn’t that chocolate milk of yours give you enough sugar for a day?” “Well, I don’t know, just a sip maybe?” Sweetie Belle’s eyelids hung from her visage like heavy drapes that couldn’t be moved or pushed aside to let some light into the filly’s morning. “Alright, one small sip, but don’t look at me if you don’t like it.” “Fine.” Taking a sip from Rarity’s coffee, Sweetie Belle stuck out her tongue in disgust. “How can you drink this crap? Isn’t coffee supposed to be hot?” “I told you that you wouldn’t like it; it takes time to get used to.” Rarity smiled, taking a small sip of her own. “Yuck!” Rarity chuckled while she got up to make Sweetie Belle’s breakfast. Today she didn’t feel like going through the process of making pancakes or any of her other morning delicacies. Instead, she brought cereal to the table. “Honey flavored, because you’re too darn sweet.” Rarity shone this morning; she clearly has a good night’s rest unlike her sister. “It’s a good thing we aren’t in public…” “That would be even more adorable!” Rarity poured a glass of apple cider beside Sweetie Bette to which she responded with a soft “Thank you”. “You’re welcome; at least you won’t be late for school.” As if that would be such a bad thing… The thought of having to return to that awful infrastructure sent shivers through her spine; almost causing her to spill the cider onto the beautiful oak table. I’ll just try to avoid them…Easy, right? It was a good thing that Rarity didn’t catch that minor glitch in the system known as Sweetie Belle or it would have been another lesson about proper table manners. And this time she couldn’t use the same excuse; stating that their ancestors used to eat from the soil and that a small burb wasn’t that big of a deal. ~ Voicing her goodbyes to her sister, Sweetie Belle marched down the Ponyville streets that had just begun to harden after a day of constant rain. Thank Celestia that’s over. The sun had just started to rise up from behind Sweet Apple Acres, exposing all of Ponyville in its magnificent rays of light that chased the shadows of the night back to the underground where they belonged. A brown colt dashed through the rows of merchant stands, kicking up dirt as he sped away from three oncoming foals. “Get back here, you filthy bastard!” The three bodies started closing in on him as he slammed into Sweetie Belle; knocking her onto the ground. “Now look what you’ve done, you little shit stained blankflank, knocking over some poor little filly in your cowardice!” “Are…Are you okay?” “I…I think so…” Sweetie Belle brushed the dirt off of her coat, helping the mysterious colt back up from his position. “Now, what is your problem?!” The three foals stepped back as she shouted at them, making them shiver in her wake. “Sorry, he bumped into us in the market…” “And that’s a reason to go chasing after him?!” Fury grew in her eyes as she marched closer to meet them. “Ummm…” One of the foals tripped backwards, landing on his back. “Get back to school!” “Yes mam!” They shuttered in unison as they bolted away from the scene, nearly tripping once again over some loose stones that dislodged from within the earth. “Hey, what’s your name?” “Butt…Button Mash…” The young colt shook his head vigorously around to check if there was anypony else that was ready to tackle him. “Oh nice to meet you, I’m Sweetie Belle.” The two shook hooves awkwardly while trying not to make eye contact as best as they could. “Sweetie Belle…You go to my school, right?” “Seeing as it’s the only school in Ponyville, I’m guessing that’s the case. Although I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around before. What grade are you in?” “6th…I’m guessing you’re in 7th or 8th? “7th, that explains why I haven’t ever seen you before but this is a small town so that’s kind of strange. How about I walk you to school, maybe we could talk a bit more along the way?” “Sure.” Button Mash nodded, trotting beside the older foal as they passed through the curious merchant stands that must have seen the incident occur but decided to not take any part in it. Every pony for themselves is their policy. ~ The two young foals parted ways as they infiltrated separate hallways of the now seemingly smaller school. Two different ponies from two different grades should by school logic avoid becoming friends but the outcome seemed inevitable and Sweetie Belle wasn’t much for logic. Sweetie Belle learned that her fellow schoolmate loved to play video games, not that she was a fan of them. But when Button Mash spoke of all the different world’s he’s encountered and all the different ponies he got to be, she seemed to show interests. She also found out that her acquaintance also liked milkshakes almost as much as herself but nopony could ever possibly like them more than the short purple-maned filly. Alright, I still have ten minutes before class starts…what to do? “Heya, Sweetie Belle! Woah, watch out!” A streak of purple and orange dashed through the hallways, screeching to a halt. Scootaloo stored her scooter in her cramped locker while panting back to meet her fellow crusader. “You’re going to get that thing confiscated one day…” “Not a chance!” Scootaloo was now imitating her mentor’s voice. Rainbow Dash would be so proud… “Anyways, we still have a few minutes before class. Would you like to get a shake at the cafeteria?” “Yuck, I’m not even sure they use real milk in those, sweetie Belle. Thanks but no thanks; Cheerilee would have a heart-attack if she spotted us with milk shakes before gym class.” “Alright, you’re probably right…I guess we should just get to class early. Better to be safe than sorry.” Sweetie Belle surrendered to her friend’s logic that was far more advanced in the morning than her own. ~ Another day of academics along with another wasted lunch period in the courtyard; trying to keep away from their instigators. The cutie mark crusaders would hang low for the time being, avoiding any contact with their advisories that seemed to only get up in the mornings to cause chaos. It’s a wonder how their cutie marks didn’t end up being portraits of Discord. Speaking of Discord, Ponyville has been quite peaceful lately, no magical plants or parasprites to cause the fillies harm; just a couple of spoiled brats to stand in their way. But that mattered not, for the time being, the cutie mark crusaders would continue to do what they had to so that their blank flanks would be blesses with their destinies; so they could finally find out who they really are, not what other’s told them they should become. The last bell echoed through the empty hallways as foals, big and small, trotted from their classrooms; exhausted and lifeless. One more schoolday, one more schoolday and Sweetie Belle could leave this awful town. If only Time Turner could come up with a plan to make it sooner. But time passed slowly in Ponyville for some reason despite its history. When the mane six weren’t fighting off demons, the town seemed dull. As much as she hated to think of it, Sweetie Belle embraced the darkness and enjoyed chaos to a certain extent; at least it’s better than having to study… “Wait, Sweetie Belle!” A young colt bolted towards the exhausted filly, seeming to wake her up as if she had been sleep-walking. “Oh, hey Button Mash.” She continued to trot along with her newfound friend, searching the perimeters for the remaining crusaders. In the distance, Sweetie Belle spotted a pink bow making its way through the crowd of slow-moving ponies until it emerged from the sea of bodies. “Hey, Apple Bloom, over here!” “Hey Sweetie Belle, what is it?” A curious filly caught a glimpse of the young colt that stood beside her friend. “And who might this be?” “Apple Bloom, this is Button Mash; Button Mash, this is Apple Bloom.” She proceeded to introduce the foals to each other as they shook hooves in a casual manner. “Who’s the new blankflank? Another cutie mark crybaby to add to your pathetic little group?” Out of the shadows, a small pink filly emerged, slowly trotting up to meet the three young foals. “We aren’t crybabies and he ain’t even a crusader!” The small colt shrunk back at these words that were targeted at Diamond Tiara but seemed to have deflected and reached him. “No offense.” Apple Bloom whispered in his ear. “What do ya want anyways, Diamond Tiara?" “Oh well, nothing much. Silver Spoon is absent today and I just thought, why not have a little fun with you three instead?” The diamond giggled, circling the powerless foals like a shark eying its prey, as she at them demonically. “Well, we don’t want to play with you!” Apple Bloom shouted back as she slowly started to back away. “Too bad, we’re going to have some fun, whether you like it or not!” Diamond met apple eye-to-eye, a smirk on her face as the hallways started to evacuate; oblivious to the chaos that was about to unfold. Only four foals remained in the empty school grounds. “Now, let’s get started, I’ll give you a ten second head start. You know the rules, they’re quite simple. Just a simple harmless game of tag, am I right?” “Run…” Sweetie Belle stood petrified as two foals ran in the direction of the school entrance; leaving only her and Diamond Tiara left. “You really should start running, you know?” Chapter 3: A Game of Cat and Mouse“Ten.” Diamond Tiara commenced her countdown as Sweetie Belle stuck to the tiled corridor floor like a chewed up piece of gum left abandoned by its rebellious owner. She knew that she should start running and catch up to Button Mash and Apple Bloom, but still she stayed put. “Nine.” In that instant, Sweetie Belle began realizing that doing nothing wouldn’t help her in this particular situation. She had to think of something and fast. “Eight.” Adrenaline rushing through the small filly’s body, she decided that it would be better if she tried to buy some time for her friends. “Seven.” Something was different about Sweetie Belle in this instance; rage had started to build up in her body as she awaited her antagonist’s next move. “Six.” She sat there readying to bolt but in the opposite direction than her friends had gone; adrenaline reaching its limits. Sweetie Belle couldn’t take this psychological abuse anymore. “Five…” The once seemingly calm filly pounced on Diamond Tiara, knocking her backwards as she pinned the struggling filly to the ground. Before Sweetie Belle could properly react, Diamond Tiara kicked her in the rib cage with might that she thought only Applejack had known. Flinching and gasping for air, she decided that now was the time to get moving. Bolting through the empty hallways in dear agony, Sweetie Belle could feel her assailant following her closely behind. “You little Bitch! Now you’ve done it!” Hooves galloped a few meters behind as Sweetie Belle rushed through the school entrance, finding herself out in the open. She spotted Apple Bloom and Button Mash sprinting towards Sweet Apple Acres in the direction of their clubhouse. She knew that it would be difficult to face Tiara alone and her rib cage still ached; tormenting her and pleading for her to stop and rest. But she couldn’t; she had to reach her friends and fast. ~ How dare she pin me down like that?! Now she’s going to learn her lesson! Don’t mess with me! Diamond Tiara was starting to get exhausted, what started initially as a simple game of cat and mouse turned out to be so much more; she felt as if a timberwolf had awoken from deep inside of her fragile body. The wolf in sheep’s clothing could finally unleash its wrath upon the one that dared to disturb its slumber. Rage built within her as she galloped, disregarding the glaring faces of the ponies that surrounded her in the once peaceful market place. Now the fun could really begin. ~ Where is that slow filly? Worry grew as Apple Bloom looked back, taking the time to properly investigate her surroundings. Sweetie Belle was nowhere to be found. What worried her more than the absence of her friend was the absence of her enemy. Apple Bloom urged Button Mash to stop, catching her breath as she tried once again to spot the filly. This time she heard noise in the distance, hooves galloping towards her, she knew at that instance that the beast wasn’t far behind. ~ With one glimpse at Apple Bloom, Button Mash knew that trouble awaited them at the crackling sound of twigs snapping. He had ran enough for one day and was exhausted from the constant drama in his life; so he decided to hide instead. If I find some kind of bush or big tree, I could possibly avoid getting caught. If only I could disappear… Button scanned the area in search of shelter in the thickening fields of trees. Finally, he spotted what looked like some sort of treehouse in the distance. Perfect. “Apple Bloom, over there!” Alerting the filly, he decided to bolt in the direction of the hideout, hopping that she would chose to follow him to safety. ~ “No, no, no…” Sweetie Belle was gasping for air, her lungs aching from the thrill of the chase as Diamond Tiara had started to close in on her. She’s going to murder me! Kicking up dirt and scattered branches into her opponent’s face, Sweetie Belle knew that the sands of time for her were running thin. If only she could pause time. She would run back home and seek refuge in her sanctuary while drowning her worries away in a freshly brewed milkshake. But that wasn’t the case and Sweetie Belle knew it. All her life she had been running. All her life she had been hiding. All her life was spent in the memories of yesterday. But not this time. This time, she could no longer run. This time, she could no longer hide. This time, she had to live in the present, shaking her past worries aside. This time, she had to fight back. ~ Rarity had been in a meeting when she received the news: Sweetie Belle had gotten into a brawl and was in the hospital to patch up some of her injuries. Apologizing to her fellow coworkers, she took a taxi back to Ponyville to see the true extent of the damage. This was really out of character even for Sweetie Belle, she thought. Her sister couldn’t hurt a fly if it had been harassing her throughout the entire day. But there she was, facing possible criminal charges and that aggravated the situation as well as Rarity. This wasn’t a simple schoolyard misunderstanding, this affected every citizen in Ponyville, therefore had to have a stricter punishment, and Rarity knew that very well. When she arrived at the hospital, she felt as if her heart were to burst right through her chest as she saw who was being interrogated near her sister’s room. Diamond Tiara’s father, Filthy Rich. Taking a seat a few chairs away from him, she felt as if his eyes were burning her through her flesh as he stole a quick glance at the now even more fearful mare. “No officer, I will not be pressing any charges. The last thing I need is to go into a court for a stupid low-life filly’s barbaric behavior.” “Remember mister Filthy…” “Mister Rich.” The Stallion insisted. “Remember mister Rich, your daughter was involved in the brawl equally.” One of the officers responded to the stallion’s defiance. “Nonsense! My daughter wouldn’t do such a thing! She is much too well-mannered to press her hooves against that filthy little filly!” Rarity bit her tongue as she swallowed her pride; trying her best not to choke on its bitter taste. She would only dig her own grave if she defended her sister. Unlike Applejack, she could hold her feelings inside for the moment; that's ’hat she was taught to do from her parents that were barely present in her life anymore. “Alright, you’re free to go. But know that we may need tom question you further later.” A second officer escorted the troubled stallion out of the hospital as the first one took his notes; not even noticing the mare that was starring right at him with concern. ~ “I came as soon as I heard!” Scootaloo trotted up to Sweetie Belle, noticing her suffering. “So, how did the other filly look?” “Scootaloo! Now’s not the time.” Apple Bloom shot her friend a look of disapproval. “What? I just wanted to…” “It was Diamond Tiara; that’s all you need to know.” Sweetie Belle responded weakly. It’s not that she hadn’t wanted to tell the story to the curious orange filly, but she herself didn’t quite know the outcome of her final conscious moments. It was all a blur to her. There was blood, she remembered quite a bit of it from the incident but couldn’t tell who was bleeding or from where. She had felt pain; pain like she had never felt previously. Physical pain. In the tangle of forehooves and hindhooves, it was hard to tell who had won the fight, or even if there had been a winner. All that she remembered was a horrified pink filly struggling on the ground defiantly and pleas from surrounding ponies to stop. Could she have really been that evil; could she have really wanted to see somepony hurt that badly? No, it was impossible, Sweetie Belle wasn’t that type of pony…or was she? Every pony has their limits, every pony has their breaking point and Diamond Tiara had found a way to cause Sweetie Belle to shatter. ~ “Alright officer, I’ll let her know. Thank you.” Rarity was relieved to get her interrogation over with. The officer would follow up on the report and let her know the outcome of his inquiries as soon as possible. Sweetie Belle couldn’t return to school until they had reached a just conclusion. Justice, such an “ironic” word as the filly would have said it. Justice was inexistent; there was no way to tip the Libra scale so that everypony was accounted for. No, justice manifested itself in an odd way, breaking its own fundamentals to give an illusion of a fair society. But Rarity knew that justice wouldn’t always bring a fair outcome. Although she was concerned, Rarity knew that this case would most likely not reach the court system and that her sister would be free to wonder the Ponyville school hallways once again. Sweetie Belle had no prior criminal record and there was nothing to prove that she would reoffend. Besides, if Sweetie Belle were to be punished, so would Diamond Tiara because as far as Rarity was concerned; both had taken part equally. She also knew that Filthy Rich wouldn’t let such a thing happen to his precious little daughter. Either way, Sweetie Belle’s reputation would remain without scars, unlike her. Rarity asked if she could see her sister and was granted permission. For now, she wouldn’t go into detail with Sweetie Belle about the situation she was facing since she wanted to get her sibling’s side of the story as well. “Hello, Sweetie Belle.” Rarity trotted into the cramped hospital room, cards and chocolates decorating her sister’s night stand. “Could you three please excuse us for a bit? It’s getting late anyways and you should probably be headed back home before your families get concerned.” “Yes Rarity.” Two fillies replied in unison, leaving only a young brown colt that nodded before departing. Once they had left, Rarity’s concentration returned fully on her sister that had waited for this moment nervously all day. The hard part. “Who’s the new colt?” She attempted to break the ice but found out the hard way that the bitter winter had left it too solid. Concerned about slipping, Rarity decided to take another direction. “You know, I should be angry at you like any other normal sister but I can’t bring myself to torment you further than you have already been. Still, what you did was wrong, even if Diamond Tiara was the instigator. You had no right to get into a brawl with her. “Nopony had told Rarity that the spoiled pig-faced filly had in fact started the fight but she knew that there must have been a very good reason for her sister to act out of character. She hadn’t been raised like that; her family didn’t consist of savage timberwolves. She was civilised for the most part and rarely caused any trouble other than arguments. “I was…I was scared…” Sweetie Belle responded, looking deep within the depths of her sister’s eyes. “Oh Sweetie, I know.” “Are…Are we still going to Manehattan?” “Yes.” Rarity, as much as her sister needed to get away from Ponyville; even if it was only for a day or two. She had promised to resume her interrupted meeting tomorrow so that she could get important business over with and seal yet another deal. Life would be back to normal soon for the young mare that had been working much too hard for her own good and deserved a break from the entrepreneurial part of her profession. She just wanted to get back to doing what she loved, and that was making outfits to show off her true potential and personality. No longer did she want to follow a popular trend and copy other hard-working artists; she wanted to create that trend. She felt a part of her die every time she made something that didn’t come from the heart and it was slowly killing her bit by bit. Although a lot of concepts had changed since Rarity had first started her small business that faithful day; she still stayed and will always remain true to herself. Manehattan awaited them. Tomorrow they could leave; tomorrow they could start their collapsing relationship anew. As much as Rarity adored Manehattan, she had planned this trip for Sweetie Belle’s good. Chapter 4: Sticks and StonesDespite being in a hospital bed, Sweetie Belle’s injuries weren’t as severe as the doctors first presumed. She suffered a few minor bruises, more from landing on sticks and stones that were scattered around the perimeters than the actually fight. The worst injury she had was a large scar traversing her rib cage. Although fillies her age healed quickly, Nurse Redheart feared that the scar would never heal. Sweetie Belle would always wear it as a reminder like a cutie mark that she had yet to receive. Whether she wore it with pride or with shame, there was no escaping fate. Grateful that her sister would soon be back to her usual self, Rarity signed a release form with the promise of contacting the hospital if there were any further issues. Sweetie Belle longed for her own bedroom, her own sanctuary. The sooner the pair would leave the better. ~ Leaving the hospital, two silhouettes trotted against the sunset into their domain. The distant horizon shedding new light on Ponyville. Unlocking the door, Rarity was content to have finally made it home. Knowing that she would have to work in the morrow, she headed directly for bed. “Goodnight Sweetie Belle!” “Night sis!” Sweetie tucked herself in, flinching at the pain that her scar was causing while she tried to find a comfortable position to sleep in. She didn’t know what was worse: the irritating sting of the rubbing alcohol used to cleanse her wound or the discomfort in covering it with the once soft sheets that grinded her like sandpaper now, slowly scraping inches off of her until all that was left was sawdust. One thing was certain; sleep would be even more difficult in her current state with insomnia not the only thing keeping her awake. Sweetie Belle found that struggling was useless and decided to sit up, her mane becoming drenched with sweat. She noticed something in the corner of her eye, a majestic white light beaming through the crystal clear windows parallel to her bed. She got up to investigate, disregarding pain and sagging eyelids that protested against these very actions. Making her way to the windowsill, she finally caught a glimpse of what was causing her almost hypnotic state and it only intensified as she kept on starring at its divine beauty. The moon sat in its throne at the top of the heavens, shining light where no street lanterns could reach, lighting Equestria in the darkest hour. Streets were silent and merchant stands abandoned as the world outside transformed into an immense ghost town. Sweetie Belle wondered if it was the same in Manehattan, if Babs had the same view and the same thoughts. Did the entire world fall asleep at night? She wondered. Luna held her throne but nopony knew its divinity, nopony knew the celestial body for what it was; blinded by Celestia’s sun. The one thing that the day could never offer, the night took for granted. Peace. Sweetie Belle whistled softly, continuously observing her surroundings; a melody developing in her head that contrasted the beauty of the night. Somehow the moon had given her the will to fall asleep and to forget about past events of her life. A total clarity guided her towards a new dawn. ~ As the morning came and Ponyville woke, the streets have once again been filled by ponies from all corners of the small jovial village. A community of sorts, commuting in even the harshest of times. The stock market suffered, banks went under with a flightless fall and the crime rate skyrocketed all across Equestria. Yet Ponyville seemed unconcerned as if it habited its own little dome, oblivious to the tragedies that surrounded it. Maybe it was for the better, Sweetie Belle didn’t know. Rarity had left the exhausted filly alone as she headed out for work early; leaving her sister to wake on her own terms. The clock had barely struck twelve by the time she woke, fearing she overslept, she leaped out of bed. Her wounds though left a harsh reminder that she didn’t even need to go to school as they stung her but with less furiosity as the previous night. She was alone; alone to reflect and alone to figure out what she could do while she awaited her sister’s arrival. Unforgiving, the events of yesterday came back to her, robbing her of her newfound happiness. Why did she attack Diamond Tiara? What was going through her mind? I mean, I don’t like her but I don’t think that I could imagine causing anypony pain even in my wildest dreams… But the reality was still there and refused to change despite her greatest efforts. She didn’t know if she should apologize or start running next time she spots the tiara upon that pink filly’s mane. Hopefully, she won’t have to find out anytime soon. The longer that she was off of school, the easier it would be to avoid her. But the thought still bothered her like a vulture plucking at her decaying consciousness. She swung her sheets onto the ground, careless about the mess she created. Checking her scar, she was astonished that it had already started its long healing process. Maybe it’s true, maybe fillies do heal quickly. Making her way to the kitchen, she was greeted by a plate of pancakes that had gone cold from her procrastination. Disregarding the minor inconvenience, Sweetie Belle stuffed them in her mouth; surprised by her own hunger. If only Rarity made a second serving… “Darn, we’re out of chocolate milk! Rarity?” I’m an idiot; of course she isn’t here when I actually need her for something. How ironic… For a split second, Sweetie Belle made her own designated thinking spot that had once been exclusive to the cutie mark crusader’s cabin alone. Think…Think… “Aha!” Sweetie Belle clapped her hooves with excitement. “Sugar Cube Corner has a special Fridays on milkshakes!” Again, Sweetie was found performing before an audience of none, slightly embarrassed at her own enthusiasm as Opalescence simply stared at her. “What are you looking at?” She giggled as the annoyed feline left the kitchen, once again giving up on finding any sanity within the Crazy House. Sweetie Belle scavenged her room and savings for loose bits for a milkshake and found out that that she had more than enough to purchase one. Much more. “Forty one, forty two, forty three…forty four bits!” She exclaimed, trying to figure out what she could do with her newfound fortune. Four bits should be enough for a chocolate milkshake, especially on a Friday. I’ll just save up the rest for Manehattan. Awesome! Forty bits aside, Sweetie Belle looked at her clock that silently ticked without judgement. Two twelve, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom should be out of school by three so that gives me plenty of time to look around town. “Alright, Opal, I’ll be heading out. Be good!” Opalescence gave her no satisfactory response to which Sweetie Belle sighed. Shutting the door behind her, Sweetie Belle wondered through town with a sense of freedom that quickly changed to a sense of hostility. Why are they all looking at me like that? For a few moments, she had forgotten her scars, pushing them under her already bulging rug for the time being. But thoughts always deceived her, making her reality into fiction and vice-versa. Feeling uneasy all of a sudden, Sweetie quickened her pace, dogging looks of curiosity that striped her of any dignity she owned in the past. Sugar Cube Corner was just a kilometer from her house but at this time, she felt as if she was trotting an endless mile in the most hostile of towns. Judgement that she had never before witnessed in Ponyville led her to gallop through the narrowing rows of merchant stands that seemed to close in on her little by little. Finally reaching her destination, Sweetie Belle swung the entrance to Sugar Cube Corner wide open, gasping for oxygen to meet her deprived lungs. “Ahhhhh! Monster!” Pinkie hid behind her counter to the shock of several customers that starred at her in confusion. “Pinkie, I’m no monster, silly filly!” Sweetie Belle attempted to break the sound of silence with success as ponies chuckled. “Oh sorry Sweetie Belle, it’s just that…” Surprisingly, Pinkie Pie had found a bit of self-control to stop her from uttering the next few words that would have damned Sweetie to further shame. “Aw, forget it! How about a cupcake? On the house!” “Ah, sure, I guess. Thank you Pinkie.” “Aw, no problem, here you are!” Chocolate cupcake in hooves, Pinkie Pie offered Sweetie Belle a seat in the lounging area of the small pastry shop. “Thanks Pinkie. Do you know what time it is by any chance?” “It is…Two thirty three.” “Alright, thanks. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom should be off school soon. They always come here on Fridays anyways.” “Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie was kind of curious as to why the young filly wasn’t at school with her friends but decided to dismiss her concern. From the looks of it, Sweetie Belle wasn’t ready to talk about her injuries or any other problem that affected her. ~ The clock ticked on and time seemed to quicken its pace as Sweetie Belle took small, careful bites out of her delicacy. Sweetie Belle decided to have a look of her own at the mechanical time-keeper only to discover that it was already past three. They should be here any time now. Before having a chance to sit back in her booth, a familiar clinging sound of a bell announced the arrival of her friend. Scootaloo, followed by Apple Bloom scanned the area for familiar faces. Spotting the third crusader they trotted up to meet her. “Hey, Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo called out enthusiastically to alert her friend of her arrival although she was only a few hoofsteps away. “Oh, hey there Scootaloo; Apple Bloom.” Ponies turned in disapproval at the sudden disturbance within Sugar Cube Corner. “How are ya?” Apple Bloom uttered quietly to avoid making the same mistake as her fellow crusader. “I’m fine, have a seat.” Sweetie Belle ushered them towards her lonely booth in the corner of the tiny room. “Alright, Imma get us some milkshakes. What do y’all want?” Apple Bloom asked casually so that her friends could save a seat for her instead of their booth being robbed by somepony else while they waited patiently in line for their turn. “Chocolate.” “Strawberry.” Passing bits on to Apple Bloom, both fillies sat down, waiting to finally indulge in their reward for their weekly academics. “Hey, isn’t that the foal from the hospital?” Scootaloo pointed her hoof towards a small brown colt who was counting his bits with a satisfactory grin on his face. “Oh yeah, that’s Button Mash.” “Does he go to our school?” Scootaloo continued her interrogation. “Yup, he sure does.” “I’ve never seen him before yesterday…Wait, he’s a blankflank?!” “You’re a blankflank too Scootaloo, don’t get too excited.” Sweetie Belle chuckled as her friend blushed with embarrassment. “Hey Button, over here!” Button Mash trotted towards the fillies that summoned him. “I’m just about to get a milkshake; I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.” He declared, about to turn his back on them. “Apple Bloom’s still in line, she can get one for you if you give her the bits.” Scootaloo insisted, pointing towards her fellow crusader. “Alright, I’ll be back right away!” Button Mash sped towards Apple Bloom and trotted back towards the fillies. “What did you get?” Scootaloo asked curiously. “Chocolate.” “Chocolate is my favorite!” Sweetie Belle clapped her hooves in excitement. “Sit down, there’s plenty of room.” Scootaloo offered, pounding a cushion to direct him towards it. “Okay, thank you.” Button Mash smiled, taken by surprise by the kindness of these ponies that he just met a day ago. The memories took him back to that day, the galloping, and the sheer horror of finding both ponies on the blood-stained soil. Quickly dismissing them, he sat down, still shivering as if he had woken up from the wickedest nightmare of his life. “So you don’t have your cutie mark yet?” Scootaloo observed, trying her best not to scare the small colt off. “No…No, I don’t.” Button Mash stared at the detail of the carved wooden table before him, trying to push the subject aside by creating his own reality. “It’s okay, there’s nothing to be ashamed of.” Scootaloo attempted to cheer him up as Apple Bloom arrived with four huge milkshakes on a tray. “Pinkie doesn’t even trust us with glass anymore.” She giggled, placing the plastic cups in front of their rightful owner. Can we blame her, after last incident with glass cups? Guess we aren’t cut out to be cutie mark crusader dishwashers either... “Thanks!” Three ponies spoke in unison as a fourth one sat next to Sweetie Belle. “Button Mash, can ah propose somethin’?” Apple Bloom faced the colt who was already gulping down his sweet beverage. “What?” He replied shyly. He wasn’t used to being surrounded by so many fillies at a time and found it somewhat uncomfortable. “Would you like to be a cutie mark crusader?” “A cutie mark what?” Button Mash’s eyes widened with surprise. “A cutie mark crusader. We are a group a ponies that try to earn our cutie marks by performin’ different tasks. Shorta like a club that helps ya find your special talent.” “I…I don’t know.” Button Mash was quite hesitant about the proposition. He just met these fillies yesterday and they already wanted him to join a gang of some sorts. “Come on, it’ll be fun. Pwease?” Apple Bloom’s puppy dog eyes never betrayed her and proved successful once again as the colt gave in. “Fine.” “Yay!” Three fillies clapped hooves as it was Button Mash’s turn to blush in slight embarrassment. “Alright, we’ll go to the clubhouse as soon as we’ve finished these delicious shakes. Pinkie Pie never ceases to amaze!” Scootaloo gulped down the remnants of her drink and jumped up from her seat; sugar rush doing its job. ~ “Ah believe you’ve already met our clubhouse?” Apple Bloom opened up the creaking door that desperately needed an oil treatment, leading them into their shared sanctuary. “This is where we get ideas for earning our cutie marks and hang out. There’s lots of room for a fourth crusader.” Sweetie Belle smiled as she caught the stunned look on the colt’s face.” I need to get back home soon before Rarity finds out that I’ve gone missing. She should be back from her meeting soon.” “That’s fine, Sweetie Belle. We’ll keep the ceremony short an sweet.” Apple Bloom directed Button Mash to the center of the clubhouse. “Ceremony?” Button Mash whispered in awe. These fillies really have everything figured out. Sweetie Belle cleared her throat and started her speech, reminding herself not to drag it on like last time; when Babs first joined them. “We the cutie mark crusaders, elect Button Mash as our brother, friend, ally, chum of chums…blah, blah, blah…and fellow cutie mark crusader…Hey, Scootaloo, weren’t you going to shorten this speech?!” “Whoops.” Scootaloo giggled while Button Mash anticipated his integration within the group. “Welcome to the club!” Sweetie Belle yelled at last as Apple Bloom presented Button Mash with a cape of his own. “Th…Thank you, I don’t know what to say. I’m really honored to be a part of this wonderful group. It’s good to see ponies that are nice these days.” Button Mash was on the verge of tears as he spoke these words. “Aw, you’re gonna make us all cry now…” Apple Bloom wrapped her forehooves around the grateful colt, joined by Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. The cutie mark crusader’s Ponyville division now counted four members. “Remember Button: Once a crusader, always a crusader.” Sweetie Belle was proud to finally see their little group grow in numbers and wished that this happiness would last forever. Chapter 5: Midnights in Manehattan Chapter 5: Midnights in Manehattan With a fourth crusader joining her group, Sweetie Belle decided to say goodbye to the clubhouse; hopping that Rarity wasn’t home yet from her ‘important meeting”. If Rarity knew that she had gone out after being grounded…She rather not think of the consequences that would follow. Not that Rarity told her specifically that she was in trouble but Sweetie Belle didn’t want to take the risk and find out the hard way. Unlocking the front door, she trotted in her home which seemed enormous compared to the small clubhouse from which she had come. She tried not to make any noise in case her sister was waiting for her somewhere within the perimeters. No sign of Rarity…All seems good. “What’s wrong Opal?” The white feline was clawing at Sweetie Belle’s foreleg for no particular reason; turning her into a scratch post. I wonder what’s bothering her. Suddenly, Sweetie Belle remembered that she had to feed Opalescence or Rarity would kill her. With that ultimatum in mind, she quickly got to the feline’s food dish and fed her only the freshest fish that Equestria had to offer; Rarity would have it no other way for her precious pet. Everypony had a pet in Ponyville, even her sister which seemed to Sweetie Belle as the last pony willing to purchase an animal from Fluttershy. But as always, the yellow pegasus persuaded her to “get a pet of her own” and that “it would do her good in addition to giving an orphan pet a home”. Given her sense of cleanliness, it’s a surprise that Rarity hadn’t abandoned Opalescence on the streets after one too many accidents. But her sister seemed to love the spoiled kitten and Sweetie Belle couldn’t blame her, although at times she thought her sister had gone mad from starting a line of “kitty fashion”. Lying down on the velvet-smooth living room couch, Sweetie Belle enjoyed her time alone, knowing that it wouldn’t last very long. So much had happened in the last few days and her head was spinning, threatening to fling out of orbit from the speed it was reaching. But thoughts aside, she could still find some comfort even in the dullest of days. ~ Key in lock, Rarity felt exhausted after another successful meeting. She always told herself that the next one would be the last but she couldn’t say no to a deal which tilted heavily in her favor; or at least it seemed so at the time. Project after project, Rarity had enough. She needed a break from all of her stress or else she would continue to take it out on her innocent little sister. Sure, Sweetie could be a pain in the flank at times but that was no excuse to treat her own sister that way; or anypony else for that matter. Her work was steering her away from the young filly as well as her friends. Ponyville had calmed down and there was no reason for the mane six anymore. Pinkie Pie worked full time at Sugar Cube Corner with barely any time to hang out with her fellow elements and preparing fewer parties than ever. Applejack was over-working herself at the farm after a long, bitter winter. She rarely slept more than four hours at a time. Fluttershy was extra busy with her animal friends while Rainbow Dash was touring around Equestria with the Wonderbolts. Finally, Twilight had a lot of work to do (that’s an under-statement) and her royal duties required her to stray away from her friends she had known to love. All across Equestria, ponies were growing desperate for rest and awaited spring break with collective enthusiasm. The door opened and to Rarity’s surprise, all seemed perfect. Perhaps Sweetie Belle has finally started being independent, she thought to herself. Little by little, the filly was growing. Sweetie was almost a teenager and that both scared and excited the mare to which all the responsibility fell upon. Trotting up to the living room, she finds Sweetie Belle sprawled on the living room couch; Opalescence resting on a cushion, leaving a crevice within its fabric. “Sweetie Belle?” Rarity came closer to her sister after receiving no response. “Oh, Sweetie Belle!” Louder this time, she stunned the filly out of her deep slumber. “Wha…What time is it?” She rubbed her forehooves to her sagging eyelids, hoping that it would help her wake. “Five o’clock.” Rarity turned around, exhausted as well. “Come on, we need to pack.” Wonderful... Stretching, Sweetie followed her sister into the kitchen where she brewed a fresh pot of coffee. Caffeine never let the mare down, always waking her in even the most tiresome days. “So how was your day?” As soon as Rarity took a sip out of her own reward for a long day’s work, she attempted to converse with her sleepy sibling. “Fine; and you?” Sweetie Belle yawned, the last word louder than the rest of her sentence. “Exhausting.” She responded, sitting on a stool near the kitchen island. “Anything new? This time it was Sweetie’s turn to attempt small talk as her sister drifted away from the conversation. “Just another project I need to get working on as soon as we get back from Manehattan. “You’re really overworking yourself…” “Can you blame me?! Nopony wants to come to Ponyville to buy my clothing so I have to make deals with bigger companies. I’m selling a design, not a product.” KNOCK A loud knock interrupted the spiraling conversation. Rarity go up, coffee sitting on the counter, to open the door. Outside, a blue stallion with a grey mane stood, greeting the mare that presented herself before him. The officer brought news of Sweetie Belle’s fate. “Come in.” Rarity offered. “No thanks, mam. This’ll just take a minute.” “Alright, any news?” Rarity was curious as to what kind of conclusion the stallions in blue had to offer. “Yes. All is settled and Sweetie Belle can return to school on Monday. Next time, we won’t be so kind.” “Okay, thank you. Have a nice day!” Shutting the door, Rarity felt a weight off of her shoulders. Things could have been much worse but they managed to dodge a bullet. “Sweetie Belle! Good news, you can go back to school on Monday!” Rarity shouted with delight. She needed her sister out of her mane if she had any chance at finishing her work. “But I don’t wanna…” “Too bad!” ~ Rarity, as always, over-packed and they would have to rush towards the train station while Sweetie Belle struggled to drag all of her sister’s “necessities”. Sweetie Belle always dreaded this part of the trip but her complaints were oblivious to Rarity who was whistling and skipping her way to the ticket booth; threatening to burst out into a song at any giving moment. Thankfully, Sweetie Belle wouldn’t have to witness that embarrassment once again. “Two tickets for Manehattan. That will be thirty five…Oh, hello miss rarity…You can have them for free this time. I owe you a lot!” “Well thank you Rain Feather. How are your sculptures coming along?” “Quite well. Rarity, the trains arrived!” Leaving the Pegasus in the dust, Rarity bolted towards the train. Sweetie Belle attempted to follow her sister but without success. “Don’t worry honey; I’ll give you a hoof with those!” Rain Feather put Rarity’s luggage in the appropriate compartments. He was met with a generous tip from the Queen of Generosity herself. “Oh, why thank you!” “No problem, Rain Feather. Thank you so much for the help.” ~ The clock struck six and the locomotive departed on time. It would be at least nine thirty by the time they got to Manehattan. Daylight already started to fade in the distant horizon like the memories of a long, cold winter that passed. Soon it would be twilight, then dusk as Luna ruled the night once more. Three days had passed. Three days since the rain had erupted in the darkened skies and poured all around; slithering its way through the hollow crevices of the slumbering town. Three days since Sweetie Belle ran away, overcome by the changes in her environment that seemed to happen so quickly; morphing her paradise into a toxic wasteland. Sweetie Belle knew. She knew that she had to get away; run away into the fading horizon as the stars collapsed around her. But where would she go? Who would she become? She decided to keep these thoughts to herself for the time being, knowing that there was a storm brewing deep within the confines of her mind. Tormenting her, tearing her apart from the inside and she knew that she couldn’t stop it. The outcome was inevitable like the change of seasons; it was always meant to happen. She would have to choose between her own wellbeing and her friends and family. As much as she couldn’t stand her sister at times, want she couldn’t stand more was being away from her. Equestria passed by her, she could see the beauty of the world beyond the gates of Ponyville. The world she wanted to explore. She wanted to discover. To go places, to see things that weren’t defined by boundaries. Not just Manehattan, but Equestria or maybe even the world. She wanted to witness it all, she didn’t want to settle. But how? She was no millionaire. She could not afford to support her sense of adventure. The very thoughts both inspired her and worsened her depressive state. It was Ponyville tradition to follow in the hoofsteps of their parents; or in this case, of her sister. Rarity would soon have Sweetie Belle participate in her outfit making in hopes of someday her sister would carry on the business that she worked so hard to build up. But Sweetie Belle wasn’t too sure that she wanted to do so or what she would accomplish in life. And that would hurt her sister, her mentor, her guiding light and the closest thing to a mother that she ever had the chance to encounter. Would Rarity understand? ~ The train came to a halt; the clock had just passed nine thirty as daylight died out completely. Awoken by her sister, Sweetie Belle hesitantly started to drag Rarity’s luggage out of the station. Rarity had planned to stay in a hotel in which she knew somepony that could help them find a room. She knew somepony for everything imaginable, or so it seemed to Sweetie Belle at the time. The cobblestoned Manhattan streets were cool from the night’s breeze after another mild spring day. A massive building stood before Sweetie Belle as her sister ordered some help with her luggage, promising a reward to the shady stallion that brought them into their room. Rarity thanked him and the receptionist who was kind enough to help out an old friend even with a nearly full, busy building. “Look Sweetie, Sapphire Shores is playing tonight. Maybe we can=n catch her performance if we hurry!” Rarity was a huge fan and acquaintance to the singer and would do anything to catch a show before her idol. ~ “Sorry mam, the show has been sold out for months, there’s no way you can access it. Although, we still have tickets for Flora Grace, if you would like those instead?” The ticket-stallion pointed at a poster on the concrete wall near Sweetie Belle. “We’ll take them.” Sweetie Belle nodded. The poster looked pretty cool and besides, she always wanted to see a concert outside of Ponyville. “I’m not sure you’ll like her Swee…” “I said we’ll take them.” With an affirmation that shocked even the stallion before her, Sweetie Belle anticipated her sister’s disapproval. “Alright, but don’t complain to me if it’s awful…” Rarity gave the stallion the necessary bits to which he returned the favor with tickets and pointed towards the concert hall. “The show starts at ten fifteen…So that’s in ten minutes. You should hurry!” “Alright, thank you.” Rarity trotted away from the ticket stand in disappointment. Sweetie Belle followed her sister in excitement. Finally, she could taste freedom; or at least hear it. She didn’t care if the show was any good; she just wanted to enjoy her stay in the urban grounds as long as it lasted. Rarity told her that they would leave by Sunday morning. ~ The ill-lit stage was trapped between earth ponies of every shade and size. Manehattan was mostly inhabited by them, unicorns were a rare sight and the two sisters were met with wild gazes from the big city punks. “I already can’t stand this place…Where are the seats?!” Rarity complained while trotting towards the front. “There are none.” A teenage colt answered. “Youze have to stand fo the show.” “Great…” Rarity was drained and now she had not only to endure awful, ear-shattering noise, but also standing in a crowd of outcasts. But in this crowd, they were the outcasts. Sweetie Belle would never hear the last of it for dragging her sister to the “deprived part of town.” Before she could cheer her sister up, Sweetie Belle spotted a beautiful earth pony with a curly brown mane trot up on stage; guitar strung onto her back. The show was about to start and Sweetie Belle’s heart was bursting through her chest in anticipation. Finally, she was away from Ponyville. Finally, she could explore the world outside of the dome which she had called home for so long.
Prologue: Raindrops upon Cracked Soil Prologue: Raindrops upon Cracked Soil A lone crusader stood in the pouring rain, her mane drenched with the cold threatening hypothermia. Yet it was peaceful, her own little sanctuary in the town in which she did not belong. The moon shone its rays upon her pelt, revealing mud stains on her once brilliant white coat. She had run through the muddy plains until she found a subtle tree where she could seek shelter and focus. She has to rethink her life on the daily bases, her flank threatening her with eternal blankness. Yet she tried time and time again to paint the empty canvass that brought her so much shame. Spring had just arrived and the skies threatened to crack as they thundered above her. It wasn’t the smartest idea to seek shelter under a tree that towered over her but at this point she had really no other choice. Her sister took it one step too far once again, her materialism shading her judgement and bringing only bitterness towards the poor little blankflank. So the blankflank ran. Ran through the plains. Ran for comfort in the elements that offered none. Shivering, she stood; her forehooves caressed her sorrowful visage that seemed to bring raindrops of its own. Why was she so weak? Why couldn’t she stand up for herself? A thousand questions left unanswered but in the end she only had herself to blame. Her sister was a good pony, generosity was always the first thing on her mind but sometimes she gets caught up in her work and dismisses the pleas of her younger sibling. Cries for attention. Cries for help. ~ Sweetie Belle got bullied a lot at school by a couple of fillies by the name of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon; this day was no exception to that rule. She came home, her trotting hooves slowly pacing through her sister’s working grounds, only causing annoyance to her majesty. Rarity was caught up in a project that overcame her. With the due date in less than a week, the mare snapped when Sweetie Belle stumbled on a misplaced spool of thread; knocking over one of her prized figures. Sweetie Belle’s immediate reaction was to bolt out of her sister’s domain to avoid further scolding. It seemed like even the gods above were ashamed of her and commenced their downpour of disapproval. Time seemed to slow as the lone crusader waited for the storm to cease its reign of terror upon Ponyville. She tried to seek solace in her thoughts but found none. Her worrying only grew when she heard a crackling sound as a tree in the distance collapsed to the ground. Startled, Sweetie Belle stormed towards the nearest shelter she could find, Sweet Apple Acres. There, her best friend and leader, Apple Bloom would welcome her; but not before her sister, Applejack would scold the daring filly. Regardless of what they would say, she knew that she was better off going there than freezing in the embrace of the icy droplets. ~ Trotting up to the door of the old farmhouse, Sweetie Belle pounded her forehoof on the wooden surface that would have probably fallen like the tree in her wrath if Applejack hadn’t answered it first. The door shut behind her as Applejack gave her brother, Big Macintosh, the orders to get a blanket while she prepared a seat for the shivering filly. “What were ya thinking, bein out in the rain like that?” Applejack’s southern accent was a soothing kiss upon the fillies eardrum compared to her sister’s constant whining. “I don’t know…I just felt like going for a walk. It’s been a long day.” Sweetie Belle met her gaze with a faked smile but the element of honesty saw through her façade. “Are ya all right, sugarcube?” Applejack exchanged a worried glance with her brother as he brought the blanket to Sweetie Belle and tucked her into the warmth. “What? Me, I’m fine!” Sweetie Belle offered a wider smile and thanked Big Macintosh as he found a place of his own beside his younger sister. “Well, ah would have Rarity come and pick you up but that ain’t gonna be necessary. She’s already here. She came as soon as you left, searching for your whereabouts.” Rarity emerged from the shadows with her gaze meeting Sweetie Belle. “What was that all about?! First you knock over one of my beautiful sculptures and then you decide to flee the scene! What has gotten into you?!” Rarity escorted Sweetie Belle out of Sweet Apple Acres despite her pleas to stay the night with Apple Bloom. She hadn’t even had a chance to see her mentor as her sister thundered out of the farmhouse. ~ As always, Rarity went on with her work while condemning her sister to her room. Sweetie Belle was supposedly grounded for the rest of her fillyhood but she knew that her sister would forget by the morrow. She sunk her head into one of her many velvet pillows as she searched for comfort in a seemingly unfamiliar place. She had only started to act out of character lately for unexplained reasons and that really upset Rarity who had no time for disciplinary actions. Sweetie Belle had tried to act normal, to stop her constant mistakes and accidents but they overcame her. Even she had no explanation for this phenomenon and only wanted peace from the world. She only hoped that one day she would find her special talent and that it would grace her flank with opportunity as well as meaning. A pony can’t remain a blankflank forever, can they? No, that couldn’t be true, even the most useless and lazy ponies in Equestria had some sort of “special talent”. But these thoughts still troubled her and the bullying she received at school only intensified their depths as the days grew longer and the nights blessed her with little sleep. Someday she would show them. Someday, they would listen.
Chapter 1: Silent Classrooms and Bitter DivisionsThe dawn brought with it the promise of another day of unexpected chaos to the sleeping filly that was softly snoring as raindrops taped at her windowsill; still not ceasing their torment upon the cracked soils of Ponyville. The soil’s crevices weren’t the only bitterness that winter brought along with its wrath. “Oh, Sweetie Belle! Wake up!” A yawn and a couple of blinks later, a sleepy filly rose from her messy bed. Last night’s events not making it to her buffering brain in time for her to recall that she made a memo to never speak to her sister again. “Yeah, Yeah…Give me a minute!” She shouted back as she stretched her limbs that seemed to still be caught in a deep slumber. Buck. Another day and another trial in the unforgiving classrooms of Ponyville. Combing her tangled mane into its usual somewhat curly shape, she made her way to the kitchen; chocolate milk and pancakes awaited her across from Rarity. She was already late for school and only had a couple of minutes to digest the maple-syrup drenched pastries before she had to bolt out the door. Slamming the barrier between Rarity and the outside world, without even uttering a simple “goodbye”, the young filly trotted at a quickened pace through the muddy Ponyville streets that just started to gather work ponies and merchants; displaying delicacies both local and foreign from all over Equestria. It was common for Sweetie Belle to but a milkshake without Rarity’s consent before heading to class but she knew that her delinquency would end up costing her more than the most luxurious ice creams that Equestria had to offer. No, today she would act as if it was any other school day and she would put on her mask as she always did. Hopefully Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon would lay off of her and her friends today but she knew that it was highly unlikely. ~ Sweetie Belle trotted through the classroom door and she could have sworn that the bell had rung a second after her arrival. Cheerilee, the classroom’s sole teacher, shot her a look of disapproval as she sat down in her desk beside her friends. Apple Bloom gave her a smile that wasn’t hinting to any knowledge of last night’s events; it was probably better if she didn’t know. Scootaloo taped her on the shoulder and signaled for a sheet of paper. Handing it over, Sweetie Belle saw Cheerilee from the corner of her eye trot up to her. “I swear I was only passing a paper! It’s not a note or anything like that” Sweetie Belle stood defendant, the entire class watching her to see what kind of fun would happen next but she offered them none. Cheerilee grasped the paper in her forehoof and examined it for a split second before placing it back on Scootaloo’s desk. “No more disruptions, we have a lot of work to do and very little time to cover it.” Cheerilee paused as she trotted back to the front of her classroom so she could divert the attention of her student back to the lesson. “Now, who here is familiar with the study of philosophy?” ~ The bell rang, declaring the lunch period. Colts played hoofball outside while fillies gossiped about the latest trends amongst themselves. Well every filly but the cutie mark crusaders. These three foals were up to no good, well at least that’s what they were told by the principal on several different occasions. Crusading was more than just a game to Sweetie Belle, it was a lifestyle, and it was part of her identity. And like the rest of her friends, she spent most lunch periods plotting and executing various schemes to try to earn a cutie mark of her own. But not today. Today she found a corner in the courtyard and sat down as she listened for the sounds of a playground fading in the distance. “Hey Sweetie Belle!” Two fillies shouted in unison as they skipped towards her. “Where’s your cape?” Apple Bloom questioned her with a bit of concern. It was odd for a crusader to leave their crimson banner at home. “I…I forgot it.” Sweetie Belle got up and stretched, her flank stained from the drying earth on the ground. “Oh look…No, that’s not a cutie mark…” Scootaloo chuckled, flapping her wings as she hovered for only a split second before landing on the pavement; they were too small to support her weight. “I wish.” Sweetie Belle returned a faked smile. “Since its wet, maybe we can be cutie mark crusader agriculterers!” Scootaloo hoped in the air once again, this time not spreading her wings. “I’m not even sure that’s a word, Scootaloo…” Apple Bloom laughed lightly at her friend’s failed enthusiasm. Before they could continue, the bell rang and foals slowly started to push each other in the hallways to get to class. Perhaps they could catch up after school, Sweetie Belle thought as she gathered her materials from her locker, careful not to bump into anypony as she headed back to class. ~ “Not so fast!” “You didn’t think we would let you get away that easily, did you?” Two fillies from the bourgeoisie society in Ponyville trotted up to the crusaders with wealth and confidence to accompany them. They were the ponies that every foal wanted to be but never wanted to become. No…Why can’t they leave us alone just for one day? ~ Rarity took a sip from her cooled coffee. She couldn’t stand warm beverages, they just didn’t seem right to her. Slurping it down in small gulps, the respectable mare didn’t hold up to her proper table manners behind closed doors, careless as to what the rest of the world thought. She thought back at last night’s events and wondered how her sister was doing at school. Is it possible that I over reacted? Taking another sip of her fine coffee, she tried to imagine what was going through Sweetie Belle’s mind. Was she sad? Was she angry? Did she have reason to be? Flipping through the pages of her favorite fashion magazine, she got an idea. Why not take her sister to a mall in Manehattan this weekend? Although it was only Wednesday, the young mare looked forward to spending quality time with her only sibling. ~ “Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, please leave us alone…We didn’t do anything to you. We stayed out of your way all day.” Apple Bloom started to back up and found herself pinned against the bark of a tree. “Well that just wouldn’t be any fun. Say have you fillies tried to be cutie mark crusader cowards yet?” Diamond Tiara broke out into a hysterical laughter that could annoy even the most patient ponies in Equestria. “Fillies? More like colts if you ask me!” Silver Spoon joined her friend in front of Apple Bloom who was planted into the ground as firmly as the tree behind her. “Buck off you two!” Scootaloo trotted up to the fillies hesitantly. “Oh this is wonderful, don’t you think?” The tiara placed a forehoof on Scootaloo’s shoulder softly. “Tell me, chicken feathers, what exactly do you plan on doing about it?” “Tell your mom, maybe then you’ll listen!” “At least I have a mother!” With no Manehattan youth at their side, the cutie mark crusaders were once again powerless. It was no longer four against two, the fillies had to be a bit more creative this time around if they stood a chance. “Please Tiara, can’t you find somepony else to pick on?” Sweetie Belle shrunk back, regretting her involvement as the words spilled out of her mouth before she had been able to process them thoroughly. “We could, but the only other foals without cutie marks are half your age and that wouldn’t be fair, would it? Silver Spoon kicked the damp soil into the snow white filly’s face. “Since when are you two being fair?” “That’s enough chicken feathers, shut up or I’ll pluck each and every one of those pathetic orange things off of your back! Is that clear?!” Tiara felt rage growing within her as the three fillies began to turn the tide against them. Knowing no other way to regain her power, she decided to quit while she was ahead. “Anyways, Silver Spoon and I have better things to do with our lives and you three clearly aren’t worth our time. See ya later losers!” The intense laughter emitted from the two arrogant fillies slowly died out in the distance as adrenaline started to wear off of Scootaloo. “Why do they do this to us? It’s so, It’s so…” “Unfair. I know.” Apple Bloom finished Sweetie Belle’s sentence as they trotted in unison towards the local ice cream shop, bits in saddle bag, ready to be exchanged for temporary relief after a long day. ~ Sweetie Belle headed up the stairs towards her room without uttering a greeting to her sister that awaited her in the living room. She was no longer mad at Rarity but she couldn’t bring herself to be seen in her current state. Shutting the door to her room, the foal did her homework without applying any effort since it wouldn’t matter of she answered the questions wrong; Cheerilee simply didn’t have the time and patience to check if everypony did an “exceptional job”. They just went through the questions rapidly in class since the answers provided would make studying a piece of cake. She was only in 7th grade after all, they couldn’t expect too much from a 12 year old filly that was only awake half of the time in class. Hoofsteps could be heard delicately trotting up the padded staircase as Rarity made her way to her sister’s bedroom. A forehoof knocked lightly on the shut door of the filly’s sanctuary. “Sweetie Belle, supper is ready for you on the table.” “I’ll be there in a minute!” ~ “So how was your day?” “It was okay, I guess. We learnt about philosophy…fun…” Sweetie Belle took a bite of her pasta, shining a look of approval towards her sister; all of yesterday’s drama forgotten for the time being. “I made it for you; it’s your favorite, isn’t it?” “Yes.” Although Sweetie Belle could care less about most of her sister’s talents, cooking was one that she envied. At least Rarity couldn’t burn orange juice. Sweetie Belle finished her plate without going for seconds, the chocolate milkshake from earlier that evening not settling well. How would you like to visit a mall in Manehattan this weekend, perhaps you’ll see Babs?” “Sure.” Sweetie Belle highly doubted that she would encounter her bobtailed friend but agreed to go anyways to avoid further conflict. “Okay, if you show me some good grades, perhaps I’ll get you something nice while were there.” Rarity smiled, thankful for her sister’s partial responses which were far better than nothing. Supper time was over and the two sisters had long since parted ways, wishing each other a good night; although Sweetie Belle hardly doubted that she would get much sleep after today’s incident. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are growing meaner…I don’t like where this might be going… Pushing aside her thoughts as best as she could, Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but feel that maybe the two high class fillies weren’t the only things that bothered her through these sleepless nights; maybe there was something else beneath the surface.
Chapter 2: Paths IntertwinedAnother restless night greeted the desperate filly as she tossed and turned; hoping for relief while attempting to find comfort in the longest dusk she had yet to witness. Finally finding the means to rest, Sweetie Belle dozed off and slept like an Everfree log until dawn had awoken her early that morning. The young foal looked at her clock; the hour teased her as she got out of bed. Wonderful, now I’m exhausted… There’s no point in attempting to sleep for half an hour since it would only make her feel weaker and more likely to fall into a deep slumber during English class. Oh well, it can’t be helped. Maybe rarity’s already up. I could really use a coffee this morning… ~ Coffee, for you? Oh Darling, you must be kidding. You’re too young for that Sweetie Belle. Doesn’t that chocolate milk of yours give you enough sugar for a day?” “Well, I don’t know, just a sip maybe?” Sweetie Belle’s eyelids hung from her visage like heavy drapes that couldn’t be moved or pushed aside to let some light into the filly’s morning. “Alright, one small sip, but don’t look at me if you don’t like it.” “Fine.” Taking a sip from Rarity’s coffee, Sweetie Belle stuck out her tongue in disgust. “How can you drink this crap? Isn’t coffee supposed to be hot?” “I told you that you wouldn’t like it; it takes time to get used to.” Rarity smiled, taking a small sip of her own. “Yuck!” Rarity chuckled while she got up to make Sweetie Belle’s breakfast. Today she didn’t feel like going through the process of making pancakes or any of her other morning delicacies. Instead, she brought cereal to the table. “Honey flavored, because you’re too darn sweet.” Rarity shone this morning; she clearly has a good night’s rest unlike her sister. “It’s a good thing we aren’t in public…” “That would be even more adorable!” Rarity poured a glass of apple cider beside Sweetie Bette to which she responded with a soft “Thank you”. “You’re welcome; at least you won’t be late for school.” As if that would be such a bad thing… The thought of having to return to that awful infrastructure sent shivers through her spine; almost causing her to spill the cider onto the beautiful oak table. I’ll just try to avoid them…Easy, right? It was a good thing that Rarity didn’t catch that minor glitch in the system known as Sweetie Belle or it would have been another lesson about proper table manners. And this time she couldn’t use the same excuse; stating that their ancestors used to eat from the soil and that a small burb wasn’t that big of a deal. ~ Voicing her goodbyes to her sister, Sweetie Belle marched down the Ponyville streets that had just begun to harden after a day of constant rain. Thank Celestia that’s over. The sun had just started to rise up from behind Sweet Apple Acres, exposing all of Ponyville in its magnificent rays of light that chased the shadows of the night back to the underground where they belonged. A brown colt dashed through the rows of merchant stands, kicking up dirt as he sped away from three oncoming foals. “Get back here, you filthy bastard!” The three bodies started closing in on him as he slammed into Sweetie Belle; knocking her onto the ground. “Now look what you’ve done, you little shit stained blankflank, knocking over some poor little filly in your cowardice!” “Are…Are you okay?” “I…I think so…” Sweetie Belle brushed the dirt off of her coat, helping the mysterious colt back up from his position. “Now, what is your problem?!” The three foals stepped back as she shouted at them, making them shiver in her wake. “Sorry, he bumped into us in the market…” “And that’s a reason to go chasing after him?!” Fury grew in her eyes as she marched closer to meet them. “Ummm…” One of the foals tripped backwards, landing on his back. “Get back to school!” “Yes mam!” They shuttered in unison as they bolted away from the scene, nearly tripping once again over some loose stones that dislodged from within the earth. “Hey, what’s your name?” “Butt…Button Mash…” The young colt shook his head vigorously around to check if there was anypony else that was ready to tackle him. “Oh nice to meet you, I’m Sweetie Belle.” The two shook hooves awkwardly while trying not to make eye contact as best as they could. “Sweetie Belle…You go to my school, right?” “Seeing as it’s the only school in Ponyville, I’m guessing that’s the case. Although I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around before. What grade are you in?” “6th…I’m guessing you’re in 7th or 8th? “7th, that explains why I haven’t ever seen you before but this is a small town so that’s kind of strange. How about I walk you to school, maybe we could talk a bit more along the way?” “Sure.” Button Mash nodded, trotting beside the older foal as they passed through the curious merchant stands that must have seen the incident occur but decided to not take any part in it. Every pony for themselves is their policy. ~ The two young foals parted ways as they infiltrated separate hallways of the now seemingly smaller school. Two different ponies from two different grades should by school logic avoid becoming friends but the outcome seemed inevitable and Sweetie Belle wasn’t much for logic. Sweetie Belle learned that her fellow schoolmate loved to play video games, not that she was a fan of them. But when Button Mash spoke of all the different world’s he’s encountered and all the different ponies he got to be, she seemed to show interests. She also found out that her acquaintance also liked milkshakes almost as much as herself but nopony could ever possibly like them more than the short purple-maned filly. Alright, I still have ten minutes before class starts…what to do? “Heya, Sweetie Belle! Woah, watch out!” A streak of purple and orange dashed through the hallways, screeching to a halt. Scootaloo stored her scooter in her cramped locker while panting back to meet her fellow crusader. “You’re going to get that thing confiscated one day…” “Not a chance!” Scootaloo was now imitating her mentor’s voice. Rainbow Dash would be so proud… “Anyways, we still have a few minutes before class. Would you like to get a shake at the cafeteria?” “Yuck, I’m not even sure they use real milk in those, sweetie Belle. Thanks but no thanks; Cheerilee would have a heart-attack if she spotted us with milk shakes before gym class.” “Alright, you’re probably right…I guess we should just get to class early. Better to be safe than sorry.” Sweetie Belle surrendered to her friend’s logic that was far more advanced in the morning than her own. ~ Another day of academics along with another wasted lunch period in the courtyard; trying to keep away from their instigators. The cutie mark crusaders would hang low for the time being, avoiding any contact with their advisories that seemed to only get up in the mornings to cause chaos. It’s a wonder how their cutie marks didn’t end up being portraits of Discord. Speaking of Discord, Ponyville has been quite peaceful lately, no magical plants or parasprites to cause the fillies harm; just a couple of spoiled brats to stand in their way. But that mattered not, for the time being, the cutie mark crusaders would continue to do what they had to so that their blank flanks would be blesses with their destinies; so they could finally find out who they really are, not what other’s told them they should become. The last bell echoed through the empty hallways as foals, big and small, trotted from their classrooms; exhausted and lifeless. One more schoolday, one more schoolday and Sweetie Belle could leave this awful town. If only Time Turner could come up with a plan to make it sooner. But time passed slowly in Ponyville for some reason despite its history. When the mane six weren’t fighting off demons, the town seemed dull. As much as she hated to think of it, Sweetie Belle embraced the darkness and enjoyed chaos to a certain extent; at least it’s better than having to study… “Wait, Sweetie Belle!” A young colt bolted towards the exhausted filly, seeming to wake her up as if she had been sleep-walking. “Oh, hey Button Mash.” She continued to trot along with her newfound friend, searching the perimeters for the remaining crusaders. In the distance, Sweetie Belle spotted a pink bow making its way through the crowd of slow-moving ponies until it emerged from the sea of bodies. “Hey, Apple Bloom, over here!” “Hey Sweetie Belle, what is it?” A curious filly caught a glimpse of the young colt that stood beside her friend. “And who might this be?” “Apple Bloom, this is Button Mash; Button Mash, this is Apple Bloom.” She proceeded to introduce the foals to each other as they shook hooves in a casual manner. “Who’s the new blankflank? Another cutie mark crybaby to add to your pathetic little group?” Out of the shadows, a small pink filly emerged, slowly trotting up to meet the three young foals. “We aren’t crybabies and he ain’t even a crusader!” The small colt shrunk back at these words that were targeted at Diamond Tiara but seemed to have deflected and reached him. “No offense.” Apple Bloom whispered in his ear. “What do ya want anyways, Diamond Tiara?" “Oh well, nothing much. Silver Spoon is absent today and I just thought, why not have a little fun with you three instead?” The diamond giggled, circling the powerless foals like a shark eying its prey, as she at them demonically. “Well, we don’t want to play with you!” Apple Bloom shouted back as she slowly started to back away. “Too bad, we’re going to have some fun, whether you like it or not!” Diamond met apple eye-to-eye, a smirk on her face as the hallways started to evacuate; oblivious to the chaos that was about to unfold. Only four foals remained in the empty school grounds. “Now, let’s get started, I’ll give you a ten second head start. You know the rules, they’re quite simple. Just a simple harmless game of tag, am I right?” “Run…” Sweetie Belle stood petrified as two foals ran in the direction of the school entrance; leaving only her and Diamond Tiara left. “You really should start running, you know?”
Chapter 3: A Game of Cat and Mouse“Ten.” Diamond Tiara commenced her countdown as Sweetie Belle stuck to the tiled corridor floor like a chewed up piece of gum left abandoned by its rebellious owner. She knew that she should start running and catch up to Button Mash and Apple Bloom, but still she stayed put. “Nine.” In that instant, Sweetie Belle began realizing that doing nothing wouldn’t help her in this particular situation. She had to think of something and fast. “Eight.” Adrenaline rushing through the small filly’s body, she decided that it would be better if she tried to buy some time for her friends. “Seven.” Something was different about Sweetie Belle in this instance; rage had started to build up in her body as she awaited her antagonist’s next move. “Six.” She sat there readying to bolt but in the opposite direction than her friends had gone; adrenaline reaching its limits. Sweetie Belle couldn’t take this psychological abuse anymore. “Five…” The once seemingly calm filly pounced on Diamond Tiara, knocking her backwards as she pinned the struggling filly to the ground. Before Sweetie Belle could properly react, Diamond Tiara kicked her in the rib cage with might that she thought only Applejack had known. Flinching and gasping for air, she decided that now was the time to get moving. Bolting through the empty hallways in dear agony, Sweetie Belle could feel her assailant following her closely behind. “You little Bitch! Now you’ve done it!” Hooves galloped a few meters behind as Sweetie Belle rushed through the school entrance, finding herself out in the open. She spotted Apple Bloom and Button Mash sprinting towards Sweet Apple Acres in the direction of their clubhouse. She knew that it would be difficult to face Tiara alone and her rib cage still ached; tormenting her and pleading for her to stop and rest. But she couldn’t; she had to reach her friends and fast. ~ How dare she pin me down like that?! Now she’s going to learn her lesson! Don’t mess with me! Diamond Tiara was starting to get exhausted, what started initially as a simple game of cat and mouse turned out to be so much more; she felt as if a timberwolf had awoken from deep inside of her fragile body. The wolf in sheep’s clothing could finally unleash its wrath upon the one that dared to disturb its slumber. Rage built within her as she galloped, disregarding the glaring faces of the ponies that surrounded her in the once peaceful market place. Now the fun could really begin. ~ Where is that slow filly? Worry grew as Apple Bloom looked back, taking the time to properly investigate her surroundings. Sweetie Belle was nowhere to be found. What worried her more than the absence of her friend was the absence of her enemy. Apple Bloom urged Button Mash to stop, catching her breath as she tried once again to spot the filly. This time she heard noise in the distance, hooves galloping towards her, she knew at that instance that the beast wasn’t far behind. ~ With one glimpse at Apple Bloom, Button Mash knew that trouble awaited them at the crackling sound of twigs snapping. He had ran enough for one day and was exhausted from the constant drama in his life; so he decided to hide instead. If I find some kind of bush or big tree, I could possibly avoid getting caught. If only I could disappear… Button scanned the area in search of shelter in the thickening fields of trees. Finally, he spotted what looked like some sort of treehouse in the distance. Perfect. “Apple Bloom, over there!” Alerting the filly, he decided to bolt in the direction of the hideout, hopping that she would chose to follow him to safety. ~ “No, no, no…” Sweetie Belle was gasping for air, her lungs aching from the thrill of the chase as Diamond Tiara had started to close in on her. She’s going to murder me! Kicking up dirt and scattered branches into her opponent’s face, Sweetie Belle knew that the sands of time for her were running thin. If only she could pause time. She would run back home and seek refuge in her sanctuary while drowning her worries away in a freshly brewed milkshake. But that wasn’t the case and Sweetie Belle knew it. All her life she had been running. All her life she had been hiding. All her life was spent in the memories of yesterday. But not this time. This time, she could no longer run. This time, she could no longer hide. This time, she had to live in the present, shaking her past worries aside. This time, she had to fight back. ~ Rarity had been in a meeting when she received the news: Sweetie Belle had gotten into a brawl and was in the hospital to patch up some of her injuries. Apologizing to her fellow coworkers, she took a taxi back to Ponyville to see the true extent of the damage. This was really out of character even for Sweetie Belle, she thought. Her sister couldn’t hurt a fly if it had been harassing her throughout the entire day. But there she was, facing possible criminal charges and that aggravated the situation as well as Rarity. This wasn’t a simple schoolyard misunderstanding, this affected every citizen in Ponyville, therefore had to have a stricter punishment, and Rarity knew that very well. When she arrived at the hospital, she felt as if her heart were to burst right through her chest as she saw who was being interrogated near her sister’s room. Diamond Tiara’s father, Filthy Rich. Taking a seat a few chairs away from him, she felt as if his eyes were burning her through her flesh as he stole a quick glance at the now even more fearful mare. “No officer, I will not be pressing any charges. The last thing I need is to go into a court for a stupid low-life filly’s barbaric behavior.” “Remember mister Filthy…” “Mister Rich.” The Stallion insisted. “Remember mister Rich, your daughter was involved in the brawl equally.” One of the officers responded to the stallion’s defiance. “Nonsense! My daughter wouldn’t do such a thing! She is much too well-mannered to press her hooves against that filthy little filly!” Rarity bit her tongue as she swallowed her pride; trying her best not to choke on its bitter taste. She would only dig her own grave if she defended her sister. Unlike Applejack, she could hold her feelings inside for the moment; that's ’hat she was taught to do from her parents that were barely present in her life anymore. “Alright, you’re free to go. But know that we may need tom question you further later.” A second officer escorted the troubled stallion out of the hospital as the first one took his notes; not even noticing the mare that was starring right at him with concern. ~ “I came as soon as I heard!” Scootaloo trotted up to Sweetie Belle, noticing her suffering. “So, how did the other filly look?” “Scootaloo! Now’s not the time.” Apple Bloom shot her friend a look of disapproval. “What? I just wanted to…” “It was Diamond Tiara; that’s all you need to know.” Sweetie Belle responded weakly. It’s not that she hadn’t wanted to tell the story to the curious orange filly, but she herself didn’t quite know the outcome of her final conscious moments. It was all a blur to her. There was blood, she remembered quite a bit of it from the incident but couldn’t tell who was bleeding or from where. She had felt pain; pain like she had never felt previously. Physical pain. In the tangle of forehooves and hindhooves, it was hard to tell who had won the fight, or even if there had been a winner. All that she remembered was a horrified pink filly struggling on the ground defiantly and pleas from surrounding ponies to stop. Could she have really been that evil; could she have really wanted to see somepony hurt that badly? No, it was impossible, Sweetie Belle wasn’t that type of pony…or was she? Every pony has their limits, every pony has their breaking point and Diamond Tiara had found a way to cause Sweetie Belle to shatter. ~ “Alright officer, I’ll let her know. Thank you.” Rarity was relieved to get her interrogation over with. The officer would follow up on the report and let her know the outcome of his inquiries as soon as possible. Sweetie Belle couldn’t return to school until they had reached a just conclusion. Justice, such an “ironic” word as the filly would have said it. Justice was inexistent; there was no way to tip the Libra scale so that everypony was accounted for. No, justice manifested itself in an odd way, breaking its own fundamentals to give an illusion of a fair society. But Rarity knew that justice wouldn’t always bring a fair outcome. Although she was concerned, Rarity knew that this case would most likely not reach the court system and that her sister would be free to wonder the Ponyville school hallways once again. Sweetie Belle had no prior criminal record and there was nothing to prove that she would reoffend. Besides, if Sweetie Belle were to be punished, so would Diamond Tiara because as far as Rarity was concerned; both had taken part equally. She also knew that Filthy Rich wouldn’t let such a thing happen to his precious little daughter. Either way, Sweetie Belle’s reputation would remain without scars, unlike her. Rarity asked if she could see her sister and was granted permission. For now, she wouldn’t go into detail with Sweetie Belle about the situation she was facing since she wanted to get her sibling’s side of the story as well. “Hello, Sweetie Belle.” Rarity trotted into the cramped hospital room, cards and chocolates decorating her sister’s night stand. “Could you three please excuse us for a bit? It’s getting late anyways and you should probably be headed back home before your families get concerned.” “Yes Rarity.” Two fillies replied in unison, leaving only a young brown colt that nodded before departing. Once they had left, Rarity’s concentration returned fully on her sister that had waited for this moment nervously all day. The hard part. “Who’s the new colt?” She attempted to break the ice but found out the hard way that the bitter winter had left it too solid. Concerned about slipping, Rarity decided to take another direction. “You know, I should be angry at you like any other normal sister but I can’t bring myself to torment you further than you have already been. Still, what you did was wrong, even if Diamond Tiara was the instigator. You had no right to get into a brawl with her. “Nopony had told Rarity that the spoiled pig-faced filly had in fact started the fight but she knew that there must have been a very good reason for her sister to act out of character. She hadn’t been raised like that; her family didn’t consist of savage timberwolves. She was civilised for the most part and rarely caused any trouble other than arguments. “I was…I was scared…” Sweetie Belle responded, looking deep within the depths of her sister’s eyes. “Oh Sweetie, I know.” “Are…Are we still going to Manehattan?” “Yes.” Rarity, as much as her sister needed to get away from Ponyville; even if it was only for a day or two. She had promised to resume her interrupted meeting tomorrow so that she could get important business over with and seal yet another deal. Life would be back to normal soon for the young mare that had been working much too hard for her own good and deserved a break from the entrepreneurial part of her profession. She just wanted to get back to doing what she loved, and that was making outfits to show off her true potential and personality. No longer did she want to follow a popular trend and copy other hard-working artists; she wanted to create that trend. She felt a part of her die every time she made something that didn’t come from the heart and it was slowly killing her bit by bit. Although a lot of concepts had changed since Rarity had first started her small business that faithful day; she still stayed and will always remain true to herself. Manehattan awaited them. Tomorrow they could leave; tomorrow they could start their collapsing relationship anew. As much as Rarity adored Manehattan, she had planned this trip for Sweetie Belle’s good.
Chapter 4: Sticks and StonesDespite being in a hospital bed, Sweetie Belle’s injuries weren’t as severe as the doctors first presumed. She suffered a few minor bruises, more from landing on sticks and stones that were scattered around the perimeters than the actually fight. The worst injury she had was a large scar traversing her rib cage. Although fillies her age healed quickly, Nurse Redheart feared that the scar would never heal. Sweetie Belle would always wear it as a reminder like a cutie mark that she had yet to receive. Whether she wore it with pride or with shame, there was no escaping fate. Grateful that her sister would soon be back to her usual self, Rarity signed a release form with the promise of contacting the hospital if there were any further issues. Sweetie Belle longed for her own bedroom, her own sanctuary. The sooner the pair would leave the better. ~ Leaving the hospital, two silhouettes trotted against the sunset into their domain. The distant horizon shedding new light on Ponyville. Unlocking the door, Rarity was content to have finally made it home. Knowing that she would have to work in the morrow, she headed directly for bed. “Goodnight Sweetie Belle!” “Night sis!” Sweetie tucked herself in, flinching at the pain that her scar was causing while she tried to find a comfortable position to sleep in. She didn’t know what was worse: the irritating sting of the rubbing alcohol used to cleanse her wound or the discomfort in covering it with the once soft sheets that grinded her like sandpaper now, slowly scraping inches off of her until all that was left was sawdust. One thing was certain; sleep would be even more difficult in her current state with insomnia not the only thing keeping her awake. Sweetie Belle found that struggling was useless and decided to sit up, her mane becoming drenched with sweat. She noticed something in the corner of her eye, a majestic white light beaming through the crystal clear windows parallel to her bed. She got up to investigate, disregarding pain and sagging eyelids that protested against these very actions. Making her way to the windowsill, she finally caught a glimpse of what was causing her almost hypnotic state and it only intensified as she kept on starring at its divine beauty. The moon sat in its throne at the top of the heavens, shining light where no street lanterns could reach, lighting Equestria in the darkest hour. Streets were silent and merchant stands abandoned as the world outside transformed into an immense ghost town. Sweetie Belle wondered if it was the same in Manehattan, if Babs had the same view and the same thoughts. Did the entire world fall asleep at night? She wondered. Luna held her throne but nopony knew its divinity, nopony knew the celestial body for what it was; blinded by Celestia’s sun. The one thing that the day could never offer, the night took for granted. Peace. Sweetie Belle whistled softly, continuously observing her surroundings; a melody developing in her head that contrasted the beauty of the night. Somehow the moon had given her the will to fall asleep and to forget about past events of her life. A total clarity guided her towards a new dawn. ~ As the morning came and Ponyville woke, the streets have once again been filled by ponies from all corners of the small jovial village. A community of sorts, commuting in even the harshest of times. The stock market suffered, banks went under with a flightless fall and the crime rate skyrocketed all across Equestria. Yet Ponyville seemed unconcerned as if it habited its own little dome, oblivious to the tragedies that surrounded it. Maybe it was for the better, Sweetie Belle didn’t know. Rarity had left the exhausted filly alone as she headed out for work early; leaving her sister to wake on her own terms. The clock had barely struck twelve by the time she woke, fearing she overslept, she leaped out of bed. Her wounds though left a harsh reminder that she didn’t even need to go to school as they stung her but with less furiosity as the previous night. She was alone; alone to reflect and alone to figure out what she could do while she awaited her sister’s arrival. Unforgiving, the events of yesterday came back to her, robbing her of her newfound happiness. Why did she attack Diamond Tiara? What was going through her mind? I mean, I don’t like her but I don’t think that I could imagine causing anypony pain even in my wildest dreams… But the reality was still there and refused to change despite her greatest efforts. She didn’t know if she should apologize or start running next time she spots the tiara upon that pink filly’s mane. Hopefully, she won’t have to find out anytime soon. The longer that she was off of school, the easier it would be to avoid her. But the thought still bothered her like a vulture plucking at her decaying consciousness. She swung her sheets onto the ground, careless about the mess she created. Checking her scar, she was astonished that it had already started its long healing process. Maybe it’s true, maybe fillies do heal quickly. Making her way to the kitchen, she was greeted by a plate of pancakes that had gone cold from her procrastination. Disregarding the minor inconvenience, Sweetie Belle stuffed them in her mouth; surprised by her own hunger. If only Rarity made a second serving… “Darn, we’re out of chocolate milk! Rarity?” I’m an idiot; of course she isn’t here when I actually need her for something. How ironic… For a split second, Sweetie Belle made her own designated thinking spot that had once been exclusive to the cutie mark crusader’s cabin alone. Think…Think… “Aha!” Sweetie Belle clapped her hooves with excitement. “Sugar Cube Corner has a special Fridays on milkshakes!” Again, Sweetie was found performing before an audience of none, slightly embarrassed at her own enthusiasm as Opalescence simply stared at her. “What are you looking at?” She giggled as the annoyed feline left the kitchen, once again giving up on finding any sanity within the Crazy House. Sweetie Belle scavenged her room and savings for loose bits for a milkshake and found out that that she had more than enough to purchase one. Much more. “Forty one, forty two, forty three…forty four bits!” She exclaimed, trying to figure out what she could do with her newfound fortune. Four bits should be enough for a chocolate milkshake, especially on a Friday. I’ll just save up the rest for Manehattan. Awesome! Forty bits aside, Sweetie Belle looked at her clock that silently ticked without judgement. Two twelve, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom should be out of school by three so that gives me plenty of time to look around town. “Alright, Opal, I’ll be heading out. Be good!” Opalescence gave her no satisfactory response to which Sweetie Belle sighed. Shutting the door behind her, Sweetie Belle wondered through town with a sense of freedom that quickly changed to a sense of hostility. Why are they all looking at me like that? For a few moments, she had forgotten her scars, pushing them under her already bulging rug for the time being. But thoughts always deceived her, making her reality into fiction and vice-versa. Feeling uneasy all of a sudden, Sweetie quickened her pace, dogging looks of curiosity that striped her of any dignity she owned in the past. Sugar Cube Corner was just a kilometer from her house but at this time, she felt as if she was trotting an endless mile in the most hostile of towns. Judgement that she had never before witnessed in Ponyville led her to gallop through the narrowing rows of merchant stands that seemed to close in on her little by little. Finally reaching her destination, Sweetie Belle swung the entrance to Sugar Cube Corner wide open, gasping for oxygen to meet her deprived lungs. “Ahhhhh! Monster!” Pinkie hid behind her counter to the shock of several customers that starred at her in confusion. “Pinkie, I’m no monster, silly filly!” Sweetie Belle attempted to break the sound of silence with success as ponies chuckled. “Oh sorry Sweetie Belle, it’s just that…” Surprisingly, Pinkie Pie had found a bit of self-control to stop her from uttering the next few words that would have damned Sweetie to further shame. “Aw, forget it! How about a cupcake? On the house!” “Ah, sure, I guess. Thank you Pinkie.” “Aw, no problem, here you are!” Chocolate cupcake in hooves, Pinkie Pie offered Sweetie Belle a seat in the lounging area of the small pastry shop. “Thanks Pinkie. Do you know what time it is by any chance?” “It is…Two thirty three.” “Alright, thanks. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom should be off school soon. They always come here on Fridays anyways.” “Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie was kind of curious as to why the young filly wasn’t at school with her friends but decided to dismiss her concern. From the looks of it, Sweetie Belle wasn’t ready to talk about her injuries or any other problem that affected her. ~ The clock ticked on and time seemed to quicken its pace as Sweetie Belle took small, careful bites out of her delicacy. Sweetie Belle decided to have a look of her own at the mechanical time-keeper only to discover that it was already past three. They should be here any time now. Before having a chance to sit back in her booth, a familiar clinging sound of a bell announced the arrival of her friend. Scootaloo, followed by Apple Bloom scanned the area for familiar faces. Spotting the third crusader they trotted up to meet her. “Hey, Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo called out enthusiastically to alert her friend of her arrival although she was only a few hoofsteps away. “Oh, hey there Scootaloo; Apple Bloom.” Ponies turned in disapproval at the sudden disturbance within Sugar Cube Corner. “How are ya?” Apple Bloom uttered quietly to avoid making the same mistake as her fellow crusader. “I’m fine, have a seat.” Sweetie Belle ushered them towards her lonely booth in the corner of the tiny room. “Alright, Imma get us some milkshakes. What do y’all want?” Apple Bloom asked casually so that her friends could save a seat for her instead of their booth being robbed by somepony else while they waited patiently in line for their turn. “Chocolate.” “Strawberry.” Passing bits on to Apple Bloom, both fillies sat down, waiting to finally indulge in their reward for their weekly academics. “Hey, isn’t that the foal from the hospital?” Scootaloo pointed her hoof towards a small brown colt who was counting his bits with a satisfactory grin on his face. “Oh yeah, that’s Button Mash.” “Does he go to our school?” Scootaloo continued her interrogation. “Yup, he sure does.” “I’ve never seen him before yesterday…Wait, he’s a blankflank?!” “You’re a blankflank too Scootaloo, don’t get too excited.” Sweetie Belle chuckled as her friend blushed with embarrassment. “Hey Button, over here!” Button Mash trotted towards the fillies that summoned him. “I’m just about to get a milkshake; I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.” He declared, about to turn his back on them. “Apple Bloom’s still in line, she can get one for you if you give her the bits.” Scootaloo insisted, pointing towards her fellow crusader. “Alright, I’ll be back right away!” Button Mash sped towards Apple Bloom and trotted back towards the fillies. “What did you get?” Scootaloo asked curiously. “Chocolate.” “Chocolate is my favorite!” Sweetie Belle clapped her hooves in excitement. “Sit down, there’s plenty of room.” Scootaloo offered, pounding a cushion to direct him towards it. “Okay, thank you.” Button Mash smiled, taken by surprise by the kindness of these ponies that he just met a day ago. The memories took him back to that day, the galloping, and the sheer horror of finding both ponies on the blood-stained soil. Quickly dismissing them, he sat down, still shivering as if he had woken up from the wickedest nightmare of his life. “So you don’t have your cutie mark yet?” Scootaloo observed, trying her best not to scare the small colt off. “No…No, I don’t.” Button Mash stared at the detail of the carved wooden table before him, trying to push the subject aside by creating his own reality. “It’s okay, there’s nothing to be ashamed of.” Scootaloo attempted to cheer him up as Apple Bloom arrived with four huge milkshakes on a tray. “Pinkie doesn’t even trust us with glass anymore.” She giggled, placing the plastic cups in front of their rightful owner. Can we blame her, after last incident with glass cups? Guess we aren’t cut out to be cutie mark crusader dishwashers either... “Thanks!” Three ponies spoke in unison as a fourth one sat next to Sweetie Belle. “Button Mash, can ah propose somethin’?” Apple Bloom faced the colt who was already gulping down his sweet beverage. “What?” He replied shyly. He wasn’t used to being surrounded by so many fillies at a time and found it somewhat uncomfortable. “Would you like to be a cutie mark crusader?” “A cutie mark what?” Button Mash’s eyes widened with surprise. “A cutie mark crusader. We are a group a ponies that try to earn our cutie marks by performin’ different tasks. Shorta like a club that helps ya find your special talent.” “I…I don’t know.” Button Mash was quite hesitant about the proposition. He just met these fillies yesterday and they already wanted him to join a gang of some sorts. “Come on, it’ll be fun. Pwease?” Apple Bloom’s puppy dog eyes never betrayed her and proved successful once again as the colt gave in. “Fine.” “Yay!” Three fillies clapped hooves as it was Button Mash’s turn to blush in slight embarrassment. “Alright, we’ll go to the clubhouse as soon as we’ve finished these delicious shakes. Pinkie Pie never ceases to amaze!” Scootaloo gulped down the remnants of her drink and jumped up from her seat; sugar rush doing its job. ~ “Ah believe you’ve already met our clubhouse?” Apple Bloom opened up the creaking door that desperately needed an oil treatment, leading them into their shared sanctuary. “This is where we get ideas for earning our cutie marks and hang out. There’s lots of room for a fourth crusader.” Sweetie Belle smiled as she caught the stunned look on the colt’s face.” I need to get back home soon before Rarity finds out that I’ve gone missing. She should be back from her meeting soon.” “That’s fine, Sweetie Belle. We’ll keep the ceremony short an sweet.” Apple Bloom directed Button Mash to the center of the clubhouse. “Ceremony?” Button Mash whispered in awe. These fillies really have everything figured out. Sweetie Belle cleared her throat and started her speech, reminding herself not to drag it on like last time; when Babs first joined them. “We the cutie mark crusaders, elect Button Mash as our brother, friend, ally, chum of chums…blah, blah, blah…and fellow cutie mark crusader…Hey, Scootaloo, weren’t you going to shorten this speech?!” “Whoops.” Scootaloo giggled while Button Mash anticipated his integration within the group. “Welcome to the club!” Sweetie Belle yelled at last as Apple Bloom presented Button Mash with a cape of his own. “Th…Thank you, I don’t know what to say. I’m really honored to be a part of this wonderful group. It’s good to see ponies that are nice these days.” Button Mash was on the verge of tears as he spoke these words. “Aw, you’re gonna make us all cry now…” Apple Bloom wrapped her forehooves around the grateful colt, joined by Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. The cutie mark crusader’s Ponyville division now counted four members. “Remember Button: Once a crusader, always a crusader.” Sweetie Belle was proud to finally see their little group grow in numbers and wished that this happiness would last forever.
Chapter 5: Midnights in Manehattan Chapter 5: Midnights in Manehattan With a fourth crusader joining her group, Sweetie Belle decided to say goodbye to the clubhouse; hopping that Rarity wasn’t home yet from her ‘important meeting”. If Rarity knew that she had gone out after being grounded…She rather not think of the consequences that would follow. Not that Rarity told her specifically that she was in trouble but Sweetie Belle didn’t want to take the risk and find out the hard way. Unlocking the front door, she trotted in her home which seemed enormous compared to the small clubhouse from which she had come. She tried not to make any noise in case her sister was waiting for her somewhere within the perimeters. No sign of Rarity…All seems good. “What’s wrong Opal?” The white feline was clawing at Sweetie Belle’s foreleg for no particular reason; turning her into a scratch post. I wonder what’s bothering her. Suddenly, Sweetie Belle remembered that she had to feed Opalescence or Rarity would kill her. With that ultimatum in mind, she quickly got to the feline’s food dish and fed her only the freshest fish that Equestria had to offer; Rarity would have it no other way for her precious pet. Everypony had a pet in Ponyville, even her sister which seemed to Sweetie Belle as the last pony willing to purchase an animal from Fluttershy. But as always, the yellow pegasus persuaded her to “get a pet of her own” and that “it would do her good in addition to giving an orphan pet a home”. Given her sense of cleanliness, it’s a surprise that Rarity hadn’t abandoned Opalescence on the streets after one too many accidents. But her sister seemed to love the spoiled kitten and Sweetie Belle couldn’t blame her, although at times she thought her sister had gone mad from starting a line of “kitty fashion”. Lying down on the velvet-smooth living room couch, Sweetie Belle enjoyed her time alone, knowing that it wouldn’t last very long. So much had happened in the last few days and her head was spinning, threatening to fling out of orbit from the speed it was reaching. But thoughts aside, she could still find some comfort even in the dullest of days. ~ Key in lock, Rarity felt exhausted after another successful meeting. She always told herself that the next one would be the last but she couldn’t say no to a deal which tilted heavily in her favor; or at least it seemed so at the time. Project after project, Rarity had enough. She needed a break from all of her stress or else she would continue to take it out on her innocent little sister. Sure, Sweetie could be a pain in the flank at times but that was no excuse to treat her own sister that way; or anypony else for that matter. Her work was steering her away from the young filly as well as her friends. Ponyville had calmed down and there was no reason for the mane six anymore. Pinkie Pie worked full time at Sugar Cube Corner with barely any time to hang out with her fellow elements and preparing fewer parties than ever. Applejack was over-working herself at the farm after a long, bitter winter. She rarely slept more than four hours at a time. Fluttershy was extra busy with her animal friends while Rainbow Dash was touring around Equestria with the Wonderbolts. Finally, Twilight had a lot of work to do (that’s an under-statement) and her royal duties required her to stray away from her friends she had known to love. All across Equestria, ponies were growing desperate for rest and awaited spring break with collective enthusiasm. The door opened and to Rarity’s surprise, all seemed perfect. Perhaps Sweetie Belle has finally started being independent, she thought to herself. Little by little, the filly was growing. Sweetie was almost a teenager and that both scared and excited the mare to which all the responsibility fell upon. Trotting up to the living room, she finds Sweetie Belle sprawled on the living room couch; Opalescence resting on a cushion, leaving a crevice within its fabric. “Sweetie Belle?” Rarity came closer to her sister after receiving no response. “Oh, Sweetie Belle!” Louder this time, she stunned the filly out of her deep slumber. “Wha…What time is it?” She rubbed her forehooves to her sagging eyelids, hoping that it would help her wake. “Five o’clock.” Rarity turned around, exhausted as well. “Come on, we need to pack.” Wonderful... Stretching, Sweetie followed her sister into the kitchen where she brewed a fresh pot of coffee. Caffeine never let the mare down, always waking her in even the most tiresome days. “So how was your day?” As soon as Rarity took a sip out of her own reward for a long day’s work, she attempted to converse with her sleepy sibling. “Fine; and you?” Sweetie Belle yawned, the last word louder than the rest of her sentence. “Exhausting.” She responded, sitting on a stool near the kitchen island. “Anything new? This time it was Sweetie’s turn to attempt small talk as her sister drifted away from the conversation. “Just another project I need to get working on as soon as we get back from Manehattan. “You’re really overworking yourself…” “Can you blame me?! Nopony wants to come to Ponyville to buy my clothing so I have to make deals with bigger companies. I’m selling a design, not a product.” KNOCK A loud knock interrupted the spiraling conversation. Rarity go up, coffee sitting on the counter, to open the door. Outside, a blue stallion with a grey mane stood, greeting the mare that presented herself before him. The officer brought news of Sweetie Belle’s fate. “Come in.” Rarity offered. “No thanks, mam. This’ll just take a minute.” “Alright, any news?” Rarity was curious as to what kind of conclusion the stallions in blue had to offer. “Yes. All is settled and Sweetie Belle can return to school on Monday. Next time, we won’t be so kind.” “Okay, thank you. Have a nice day!” Shutting the door, Rarity felt a weight off of her shoulders. Things could have been much worse but they managed to dodge a bullet. “Sweetie Belle! Good news, you can go back to school on Monday!” Rarity shouted with delight. She needed her sister out of her mane if she had any chance at finishing her work. “But I don’t wanna…” “Too bad!” ~ Rarity, as always, over-packed and they would have to rush towards the train station while Sweetie Belle struggled to drag all of her sister’s “necessities”. Sweetie Belle always dreaded this part of the trip but her complaints were oblivious to Rarity who was whistling and skipping her way to the ticket booth; threatening to burst out into a song at any giving moment. Thankfully, Sweetie Belle wouldn’t have to witness that embarrassment once again. “Two tickets for Manehattan. That will be thirty five…Oh, hello miss rarity…You can have them for free this time. I owe you a lot!” “Well thank you Rain Feather. How are your sculptures coming along?” “Quite well. Rarity, the trains arrived!” Leaving the Pegasus in the dust, Rarity bolted towards the train. Sweetie Belle attempted to follow her sister but without success. “Don’t worry honey; I’ll give you a hoof with those!” Rain Feather put Rarity’s luggage in the appropriate compartments. He was met with a generous tip from the Queen of Generosity herself. “Oh, why thank you!” “No problem, Rain Feather. Thank you so much for the help.” ~ The clock struck six and the locomotive departed on time. It would be at least nine thirty by the time they got to Manehattan. Daylight already started to fade in the distant horizon like the memories of a long, cold winter that passed. Soon it would be twilight, then dusk as Luna ruled the night once more. Three days had passed. Three days since the rain had erupted in the darkened skies and poured all around; slithering its way through the hollow crevices of the slumbering town. Three days since Sweetie Belle ran away, overcome by the changes in her environment that seemed to happen so quickly; morphing her paradise into a toxic wasteland. Sweetie Belle knew. She knew that she had to get away; run away into the fading horizon as the stars collapsed around her. But where would she go? Who would she become? She decided to keep these thoughts to herself for the time being, knowing that there was a storm brewing deep within the confines of her mind. Tormenting her, tearing her apart from the inside and she knew that she couldn’t stop it. The outcome was inevitable like the change of seasons; it was always meant to happen. She would have to choose between her own wellbeing and her friends and family. As much as she couldn’t stand her sister at times, want she couldn’t stand more was being away from her. Equestria passed by her, she could see the beauty of the world beyond the gates of Ponyville. The world she wanted to explore. She wanted to discover. To go places, to see things that weren’t defined by boundaries. Not just Manehattan, but Equestria or maybe even the world. She wanted to witness it all, she didn’t want to settle. But how? She was no millionaire. She could not afford to support her sense of adventure. The very thoughts both inspired her and worsened her depressive state. It was Ponyville tradition to follow in the hoofsteps of their parents; or in this case, of her sister. Rarity would soon have Sweetie Belle participate in her outfit making in hopes of someday her sister would carry on the business that she worked so hard to build up. But Sweetie Belle wasn’t too sure that she wanted to do so or what she would accomplish in life. And that would hurt her sister, her mentor, her guiding light and the closest thing to a mother that she ever had the chance to encounter. Would Rarity understand? ~ The train came to a halt; the clock had just passed nine thirty as daylight died out completely. Awoken by her sister, Sweetie Belle hesitantly started to drag Rarity’s luggage out of the station. Rarity had planned to stay in a hotel in which she knew somepony that could help them find a room. She knew somepony for everything imaginable, or so it seemed to Sweetie Belle at the time. The cobblestoned Manhattan streets were cool from the night’s breeze after another mild spring day. A massive building stood before Sweetie Belle as her sister ordered some help with her luggage, promising a reward to the shady stallion that brought them into their room. Rarity thanked him and the receptionist who was kind enough to help out an old friend even with a nearly full, busy building. “Look Sweetie, Sapphire Shores is playing tonight. Maybe we can=n catch her performance if we hurry!” Rarity was a huge fan and acquaintance to the singer and would do anything to catch a show before her idol. ~ “Sorry mam, the show has been sold out for months, there’s no way you can access it. Although, we still have tickets for Flora Grace, if you would like those instead?” The ticket-stallion pointed at a poster on the concrete wall near Sweetie Belle. “We’ll take them.” Sweetie Belle nodded. The poster looked pretty cool and besides, she always wanted to see a concert outside of Ponyville. “I’m not sure you’ll like her Swee…” “I said we’ll take them.” With an affirmation that shocked even the stallion before her, Sweetie Belle anticipated her sister’s disapproval. “Alright, but don’t complain to me if it’s awful…” Rarity gave the stallion the necessary bits to which he returned the favor with tickets and pointed towards the concert hall. “The show starts at ten fifteen…So that’s in ten minutes. You should hurry!” “Alright, thank you.” Rarity trotted away from the ticket stand in disappointment. Sweetie Belle followed her sister in excitement. Finally, she could taste freedom; or at least hear it. She didn’t care if the show was any good; she just wanted to enjoy her stay in the urban grounds as long as it lasted. Rarity told her that they would leave by Sunday morning. ~ The ill-lit stage was trapped between earth ponies of every shade and size. Manehattan was mostly inhabited by them, unicorns were a rare sight and the two sisters were met with wild gazes from the big city punks. “I already can’t stand this place…Where are the seats?!” Rarity complained while trotting towards the front. “There are none.” A teenage colt answered. “Youze have to stand fo the show.” “Great…” Rarity was drained and now she had not only to endure awful, ear-shattering noise, but also standing in a crowd of outcasts. But in this crowd, they were the outcasts. Sweetie Belle would never hear the last of it for dragging her sister to the “deprived part of town.” Before she could cheer her sister up, Sweetie Belle spotted a beautiful earth pony with a curly brown mane trot up on stage; guitar strung onto her back. The show was about to start and Sweetie Belle’s heart was bursting through her chest in anticipation. Finally, she was away from Ponyville. Finally, she could explore the world outside of the dome which she had called home for so long.
