Cutie Mark Crusader Caste System!by BrosparklesChaptersHalf-MarkUrgesChains.Farewells. (End of part 1)The Drifter HouseCrashHalf-MarkLight broke through the windows, morning had come in the Belle household. Sweetie yawned widely,flopping out of bed. She slowly plodded into the bathroom to brush her teeth, still half-awake. The smell of food wafted from downstairs, somepony was cooking breakfast. As she prepared herself for the day, she remembered last night. She had a really weird dream. In the dream, she was in a dark tunnel, covered in coal dust, mining. Maybe she ate something last night that gave her bad dreams? Whatever, it wasn’t important to her, she had a whole day full of crusading to do! Ready for the day, she rushed downstairs, to find a plate of pancakes being served up for her by Rarity. As always, they were elaborately plated and the syrup was used more as a decoration than a part of the dish. She was never sure what to think whenever Rarity cooked, it always looked great, but the taste was average at best. “You’re going crusading again today, aren’t you?” Rarity said, as she magicked the plate to the table, where Sweetie sat. “Yeah, we’re going to try to get our baking cutie marks! The Cakes said they would help us!” Sweetie said, while demolishing her pancakes as quickly as she could, to get to crusading! “Well that sounds lovely! Much better than whatever it was you were doing before, Cutie Mark Crusader Piracy, was it?” “Yarr! The scourge of the seven seas, we were! Until our mighty ship was destroyed in an epic battle full of plunder and glory!” “You floated around on a raft in the middle of the lake until it sprung a leak.” “A leak caused by a gigantic cannonball! From our greatest nemesis, Blackmane the pirate! But ye shoulda seen what we did to ‘im!” “Scootaloo stomped too hard on the raft and broke her hoof through the bottom. It’s what you get for making your raft so flimsy.” “She were a mighty fine vessel, ye landlubber!” “I’m sure she was, now hurry up and run along, your friends are here.” Turning around in a flash, she looked out the window to see Scootaloo and Applebloom waving to her. She bolted out of her chair, ready to begin the day, when Rarity stopped her. “I’ll clean everything up, but you need to at least fix your hair. It looks like you just got out of bed.” “I did!” Sweetie tried her hardest to squirm out of Rarity’s grip, but it was no use, she had been defeated. Always at the ready with a brush, Rarity began her work on Sweetie’s hair, adding all sorts of elaborate sculpting and waving to her mane. “There. Now go.” Rarity said. Sweetie bolted out the door once more, and immediately shook her mane up once more, reverting back to it’s usual state. Rarity, looking out the window, sighed, but smiled. “So are you guys ready to become expert bakers?” Scootaloo asked. “Heck yes!” Applebloom said. “It’ll be so amazing! We’ll be master bakers, the world in awe of our delicious treats!” Sweetie said. They ran as fast as they could to sugarcube corner, blowing through the streets, nearly knocking over passerby. “Cutie marks, here we come!” they yelled in unison, reaching Sugarcube corner. Sweetie knocked on the door, and Pinkie swung it open. “You girls ready to be bakers?” Pinkie pie exclaimed “You bet! Where are the Cakes?” Scootaloo asked. “Right here, silly!” Pinkie said, pointing to the display counter. “No, the Cakes, not the cakes.” Applebloom said. “Ooohhhhhhh, you mean capital-c Cakes!” Pinkie said. “Yes, now where are they?” Sweetie Belle said. “Somewhere.” Pinkie said. “Where?” they all said in unison. “Not here, there!” Pinkie said. “So not here?” Scootaloo asked. “Nope, neither here nor there, but anywhere!” Pinkie said. “What Pinkie is saying extraordinarily unhelpfully is that we won’t be here. We just got a very important order for a wedding cake that needs to be delivered immediately.” Mr. Cake said, coming in from upstairs. “But we were supposed to earn our cutie marks today.” Applebloom said. “Sorry girls, maybe some other time.” Mrs. Cake said, following behind Mr. Cake. “But what about Pinkie? Can’t she deliver it?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Last time Pinkie delivered a cake all of the deserts on the train got eaten.” Mr. Cake said. “But it all worked out in the end, in typical zany cartoon fashion!” Pinkie said. “Pinkie’s just here to babysit while we’re gone.” Mrs. Cake said. “Now we’ve really gotta get going, help me load up the cake.” Mr. Cake said. Mrs. Cake strapped the cake box onto Mr. Cake’s back, and they set off for the train. “Goodbye girls!” Mrs. Cake said, hurrying out the door. “Goodbye.” the Cutie Mark Crusaders said disappointedly in unison. “Well now what do we do?” Scootaloo said. “I know! How about I help you get your baking cutie marks instead?” Pinkie said. “But do you know anything about baking?” Applebloom asked. “My name is Pinkie PIE, so how hard could it be?” Pinkie asked. “True. But what about the babies? Aren’t you supposed to babysit?” Sweetie Belle asked. “They’re asleep right now, so we have some time.” Pinkie said. “The last time we made cupcakes they all ended up burnt.” Applebloom said. “Like that would ever happen again.” Pinkie said. “So where do we start?” asked Sweetie. “Well, I see Granny and Applejack use flour all the time, so let’s pour some of that in the bowl.” said Applebloom said. “And it’s gotta be sweet, so add some sugar!” Sweetie Belle said. “And cakes have frosting, so let’s add some of that!” “Scootaloo said. “Ooooooh, I love your recipe!” Pinkie said. “Hmmm, let’s look through the pantry. Eggs?” Applebloom said, pulling things out of the pantry. “Eww, who wants an egg cake?” Sweetie said. “Oh! I know! Don’t they use some sort of baking soda?” Applebloom said. “Yeah! Let’s add lots of that!” Scootaloo said, rushing into the pantry and grabbing a bottle of cherry soda. “I’m not so sure that’s the right kind of soda.” Applebloom said. “This flavor’s fine.” Sweetie said, pouring the entire bottle in. “Pinkie,you sure this is how we make a cake?” Applebloom asked. “It’s definitely how you make something. Go for it!” Pinkie said. “Ok, let’s put it in the oven!” Applebloom said, turning the oven on as high as it would go. Scootaloo slapped the cake in the oven, and the girls eagerly gathered around the oven. For a few minutes, everything seemed okay, but the “cake” was quickly blackening, and it started to boil. “I think it’s done!” Sweetie said, turning the oven off. The cake was a mix of burnt flour, frosting, and unstirred mess. Sweetie went to grab a fork, but she couldn’t stick it in the cake, it was too hard. Smoke began to rise from the “cake”, it smelled of cherries and sadness. “Let’s let it cool down.” Pinkie said. After a few minutes it had cooled. This time, Sweetie brought a knife. After a minute or so of sawing, she managed to cut through the cake. “It’s gonna taste soooo good!” Scootaloo said, her tongue hanging from her mouth. Scootaloo took a huge bite of the cake. Her grin slowly faded, replaced by disappointment. “This isn’t good at all!” Scootaloo yelled. “Pinkie, I don’t think this is how you make a cake.” Sweetie said. “Of course it’s not! But you were having fun, I didn’t wanna stop you!” Pinkie said. “But how are we supposed to get our baking cutie marks now?” Applebloom asked. “Oh, it’ll come in time, they always do.” Pinkie said. Cries could be heard from upstairs, the babies had woken up. “Oh, they’re awake, I’ve gotta go handle this.” Pinkie said. “We should probably get going anyway, this was a failure.” Sweetie said. The girls left, disappointed again.If a special talent is supposed to come naturally, how come they’ve tried everything and haven’t gotten one? “Well now what? We’ve tried everything!” Scootaloo said. “We can’t give up!” Applebloom said. “But what else can we do? We’re all out of ideas.” Sweetie said. “Let’s go back to treehouse, we can think of something else there.” Scootaloo said, “Yeah, I guess.” Sweetie said. The three of them walked off slowly, still upset that they didn’t get their cutie marks. They headed back to the treehouse, where they could think. “Cutie Mark Crusader deep sea divers?” Scootaloo said, lying on her back, kicking her back hooves against the wall. “Cutie Mark Crusader elephant ranchers?” Sweetie said, lying on her stomach. “Cutie Mark Crusader coconut farmers?” Applebloom said, writing all their ideas down. “Cutie Mark Crusader...coal miners?” Sweetie said. “Coal miners? Who wants to be a coal miner?” Scootaloo said. “I dunno. I was just having these weird dreams about coal mining, it gave me the idea.” Sweetie said. “You’ve been having weird dreams too? I keep dreaming about working in some bank office.” Scootaloo said. “Me too! But it was just me being on the farm with AJ and Mac.” Applebloom said. “But who wants cutie marks in all of those things?” Scootaloo said. “I guess farming might not be so bad. But it’s boring! I don’t know how my sis can handle it.” Applebloom said. “Well, it’s her talent, isn’t it?” Sweetie said. “But what if she didn’t want to do it? What if she had just stayed with Aunt Orange? Would she have never found her destiny?” Applebloom said. “Everypony says it comes in time, but what if it won’t?” Scootaloo said. “What if we’re blank flanks forever?” Sweetie said. “It’s getting dark, AJ wanted me home for dinner.” Applebloom said. “Yeah, Rarity wanted me home soon too.” Sweetie said. “I’ll...just hang out here a while I guess.” Scootaloo said confusedly. The three girls split up, and headed their own ways. Sweetie walked back on home, her parents were back. Mrs. Belle had brewed some tea, she could smell it when she walked in. “Hey Sweetie, how’d the expeditioning go?” Mr. Belle asked, sitting at the table, drinking some tea. “It’s crusading, dad, and not good. I’m not a baker either.” Sweetie said. “I’m sure you’ll find it someday, honey.” Mrs.Belle said. “But what if I don’t?” Sweetie said. “Everypony does in time, Sweetie.” Mrs. Belle said. “She is more than a little past the usual time, you know.” Mr. Belle said. “She’s just a...a late bloomer!” Mrs. Belle said. “I know I know.” Mr. Belle said. “Dinner’s done!” Mrs. Belle said, loud enough that it could be heard upstairs. “Just a second! I’m almost done with this latest dress design!” Rarity called downstairs. Sweetie took a seat at the table, and dinner was served. Rarity came down the stairs, they ate uneventfully. Sweetie headed up to bed, Another day, no cutie mark. Maybe she’d have those weird dreams again. As she drifted to sleep, she found herself once again in a tunnel, cold and dark. But this time, it all felt...different. She felt at home here somehow. Like, everything made sense here, where it didn’t outside. She eagerly grabbed her pick and went to work on the coal, digging it out with glee, relishing the dust covering her face.The tunnels felt cozy and warm to her now. She felt her flank tingle and shine, as a cutie mark appeared upon it, a pick breaking open a stone. She mined on and on, until she awoke once more. “Again? Maybe these dreams mean that I’m meant to be a miner? But why would I? It’s so boring!” Sweetie said. She went to ready herself for the next day again, following her morning routine. “Well, there’s only one way to be sure. I guess I’ll go talk to Pinkie’s sister, Maud. She knows a lot about rocks, maybe she’ll know what to do.” Sweetie thought, brushing her teeth. She headed downstairs again, Rarity cooking once more. “Good morning, Sweetie!” Rarity said. “Morning. Say, Rarity, can I go out crusading again today? On my own, this time.” Sweetie said. “Well, I don’t see why not. Where are you going?” Rarity said. “To the Pie Rock Farm.” Sweetie said. “What do you hope to find there? Please don’t tell me you want to be something dirty, like a... coal miner or something.” Rarity said. “Yep!” Sweetie said. “Ehm, what? Please tell me you’re joking! I’d hoped you were more... high class!” Rarity said. “But how will I know if I don’t try?” Sweetie said. “Your beautiful fur will get all dirty, and your mane will be ruined!” Rarity said. “When have I ever cared about my mane?” Sweetie said. “True, true.... alright, alright, you can go. But only if you promise to not like it and go back to being clean again afterwards!” Rarity said. “I promise?” Sweetie said. “I guess I’ll have to take that. Now hurry up and eat your breakfast, I’ve got to get back to work.” Rarity said. Sweetie ate quickly and headed off on her way. It would be a bit of a walk. She headed down the road, and soon enough was there. The wind was howling by, as usual. She walked to the house, and knocked on the door. “Come in” somepony said within. “Hello, I’m here to see Maud.” she said, opening the door. “Hello. I’m Maud.” Maud said, waiting inside. “So, I’ve heard you know lots about rocks, right?” Sweetie said. Maud’s face shot up with excitement, almost enough to be detected by the naked eye. Almost. “Yes. I know about rocks. Also boulders, and stones.” Maud said. “So, what made you decide to become a whatever it is you do?” Sweetie said. “I like rocks.” Maud said. “Yeah, I get that. But how did you know you wanted to be involved with rocks? Because I’ve been having all sorts of weird dreams about mining rocks, and does that mean it’s my, y’know, destiny and all that?” Sweetie asked. “Maybe.” Maud said. “Maybe?” Sweetie asked. “I’m not a dream expert. I’m a rock expert.” Maud said. “But, did you have these sorts of dreams, too?” Sweetie asked. “Oh, I always dream of rocks.” Maud said. “But is it what made you want to be a rock-pony-thing?” Sweetie said. “Geologist.” Maud said. “Yeah, that.” Sweetie said. “No, I’ve wanted to do that since I can remember.” Maud said. “Well, that doesn’t really help me.” Sweetie said. “Sorry.” Maud said. “You said you’re not a dream expert, do you know one?” Sweetie asked. “Besides Luna? No.” Maud said. “Oh, ok then.” Sweetie said, disappointed. “Boulder always says to follow your dreams, if that means anything to you.” Maud said. “Thanks, Boulder.” Sweetie said. Sweetie left almost as spontaneously as she came, but on the way back, she found herself staring at the rocks. She wanted to break them open, find what was inside. “Maybe they won’t mind just one...” she thought. She grabbed a pick hanging in a nearby shed, and swung it with all her magic-might, over and over. The stone shattered into fragments, and she felt a wave of catharsis flood over her. A powerful light washed over her, as her cutie mark began to materialize. But about halfway through, it stopped, leaving her with an odd half-mark. The head of the pick was clear, but the stone was nowhere to be seen, or the handle of the pick. “Half? Only half!” Sweetie yelled confusedly. Confused and angry about her half-mark, and even more angry that her cutie mark is in mining, she furiously stomped about, tossing the pick back to the shed, and running off back towards town. The sun was lowering once more, and she headed home, having spent most of her day earning this weird half-mark. Almost as if it were fate’s cruel trick to tease her with a full mark. “Well, Sweetie, you’re home early.” Rarity said. “Yeah, I wish I hadn’t ever left.” Sweetie said. “So does this mean you don’t want to be a silly mi...” Rarity said, cut off by pure shock. “Not exactly” Sweetie said. “You got your mark! Or, did you?” Rarity said. “I don’t know.” Sweetie said. “Is...is that a pick? You’re a miner? I’m not sure whether to be proud or horrified!” Rarity said. “Well, it’s not even all the way there, anyways.” Sweetie said. “Maybe it takes a while? You were late getting it, maybe you’ll be late to have it finish, too.” Rarity said. “Maybe.” Sweetie said. The night was mostly uneventful, Sweetie ate and eventually went to bed. This time, however, her dreams were different. She felt much more real than usual, as if it were actually happening. She remembered this feeling, it was Luna’s dream magic. She was in a courtyard, in the middle of the night, under a full moon. The castle was similar to Canterlot’s, but not exact. “Hello, my child.” Luna said, walking in from behind her. “Luna? Where am I?” Sweetie said, lying on the grass. “In Canterlot, within the dream world. It’s a separate, personal world from the real world, so things will be a bit different.” Luna said. ‘Why is it separate?” Sweetie said. “If we let dream-walkers roam around the normal world, they would cause all sorts of chaos. It’s my job to contain them.” Luna said. “Well, why am I here? Did you want to talk to me again?” Sweetie said. “Yes, child. About your fate.” Luna said. “My fate?” Sweetie asked. “Surely you’ve noticed your half-mark, the result of your hesitation.” Luna said. “Hesitation?” Sweetie said. “You haven’t fully devoted yourself to the cause of mining. Therefore, your cutie mark is not fully devoted, either.” Luna said. “But I don’t want to be a miner!” Sweetie said. “But it is your destiny!” Luna said. “Isn’t my destiny supposed to be something I choose?” Sweetie said. “And you’ve tried, and tried, and tried! But you always fail! You’ve finally found something you can do! I’m just urging you to take this, for your own safety! I’ve seen a half-mark before, and it never ends well! Half-mark bearers always end up confused and unsure in life, I just want to see my children happy!” Luna said. Sweetie felt the dream fading again, the castle melting into a strange pool of dream mess. “Hopefully you’ll take my advice, I have to go talk to your friends as well.” Luna said. The dream fully faded, Sweetie once more fell into a sleep. UrgesThe next morning, Sweetie woke up and once again prepared for the day. Her mind filled with Luna’s words, she could barely even focus on brushing her teeth. Brushing half her teeth and half her face, she focused on Luna’s words. Maybe she really was destined to be a miner. I mean, the princess herself told her to! It’s something she could do! She cleaned the toothpaste off her face, and then headed downstairs. Rarity turned to her as she came downstairs, a bright smile on her face. “Good Morning, Darling!” Rarity said. Sweetie walked into the kitchen, and Rarity’s smile quickly turned into a wince. She kept the grin up after, trying to pretend everything was normal. The half-mark wasn’t there, it was just a normal day. “Sorry, I don’t have time to cook today, I’ve gotta get to work.” Rarity said. “What’s the order?” Sweetie said. “Nothing special. Just more dresses I’ve already designed,just need to fill inventory.” Rarity said. Sweetie made up a plate of buttered hay toast and various fruit. “So, uhm, anymore...mining today?” Rarity said, cocking her head, not quite sure how or even if she should bring it up. “First I have to go talk to Scootaloo and Applebloom, Luna said she had to go talk to them too.” Sweetie said. “Luna talked to you? When? And about what?” Rarity said. “Last night, in my dreams. She said I should embrace this mark, because it’s something I can do.” Sweetie said. “Well...she’s not entirely wrong. I want you to do something you love, but so far, you haven’t been able to find anything. If a cutie mark has shown up, it has to be your destiny, right?” Rarity said. “I guess so.” Sweetie said. “But she spoke to them too? Those girls could use some direction I suppose, but does that mean they got these marks too?” Rarity said. “That’s what I’m gonna go find out.” Sweetie said. “I have to go now, Sweetie. I’ve got to get to work on those dresses.” Rarity said. Sweetie finished her breakfast and walked down to town square, where she was supposed to meet the others. She was a bit early, so she sat in the shade to escape the summer sun. It wasn’t long before Applebloom showed up, seeming similarly distraught. “You too?” Sweetie asked. “Huh?” Applebloom said. “The marks.” Sweetie said. “You have one too? What’s yours?” Applebloom said. Sweetie turned her flank, showing her the half-pick. “Here’s mine.” Applebloom said. It was half of an apple-blossom, quite uncreative. “I guess it’s fitting. But what does it mean?” Sweetie said. “Something about me being destined to work on the farm, just like everyone else in the family.” Applebloom said, upset. “Mine’s mining. I hate it.” Sweetie said. “Ah’ll say, it’s dirty and boring.” Applebloom said. “It’s not that. In fact, I like the work, I get this weird feeling that I’m doing something good when I picked up that pick. A sort of warm satisfaction.” Sweetie said. “Then why do you hate it?” Applebloom said. “Because I don’t want to do it! I want to do something that’s more fun! Excitement and adventure!” Sweetie said. “But ah thought you liked it?” Applebloom said. “I do, but it’s not fun. It feels more like it’s filling a need. Like eating a boring meal. It makes me stop feeling hungry, but I didn’t particularly enjoy it.” Sweetie said. “I know what you mean. I’ve worked on the farm with AJ all the time, but just recently I feel like some sort of problem is going away when I do it. Like an itch I need to scratch.” Applebloom said. “I wonder what Scoots will have to say.” Sweetie said. The two of them waited a couple of minutes, Sweetie kicking her legs around, sitting beneath a tree in the center of town, and Applebloom just laying against the other side of it. Suddenly, Sweetie felt an odd urge again. Her eyes darted around the square, and she grabbed a rock from around the tree, and began to smash it as hard as she could into the ground. “Sweetie, y’allright?” Applebloom said. Sweetie paid no attention, focused on the stone. When it refused to break, she started to shake violently, unable to calm herself. “Sweetie? Sweetie!” Applebloom said. No response. She just kept on smashing the rock, until the shakes caused her to drop it. “Somepony, please! My friend needs help!” Applebloom called out. A stallion passing by ran over to help. “What’s wrong?” he asked. “I don’t know, but she won’t listen to me, and she’s shaking!” Applebloom said “I’ll go get a doctor.” he said. “Thank you so much.” Applebloom said. Sweetie continued shaking violently, but focused all her energy on the rock. “Right. Something to do with that rock. You’re gonna be fine Sweetie, just try to stop shaking, please!” Applebloom said. Sweetie’s shaking slowed a little, as her muscles started to tire. She started breathing incredibly quickly, and sweating heavily Applebloom felt herself start to shake as well, and fixated on the tree. She gave it a huge kick,and it shook back and forth, as she stopped shaking. It was about now that Scootaloo showed up, rushing towards Sweetie. “What’s wrong? Sweetie?” Scootaloo said. “It’s something to do with her mark, mine made me hit the tree.” Applebloom said. “What’s hers?” Scootaloo said. “Mining.” Applebloom said. “There’s a craft shop down the street, they don’t have picks but I think they have chisels.” Scootaloo said. Sweetie felt a coldness run down her, and her jaw clenched. Right, I’ll go get one, you try and keep her calm.” Applebloom said. Applebloom rushed off down to the shop, as Scootaloo tried her best to tell Sweetie it would be fine. The stallion arrived, with a doctor in tow. “How can you help her?” the stallion asked. “She keeps fixating on the rock, trying to smash it.” Scootaloo said. “I’ve never seen this before, she has all the symptoms of sun dew withdrawal, but she’s clean.” the doctor said. “Sun dew?” Scootaloo asked. “An incredibly addictive substance found only on the highest of mountains, closest to the sun. Those who taste it say it cures all of their ailments and pains, but they suffer immensely painful and deadly withdrawals if they don’t continue to take it.” the doctor said. “But how would Sweetie have come into contact with it?” Scootaloo asked. “That’s just it, she didn’t. It leaves one’s tongue stained a bright gold permanently, and hers isn’t.” the doctor said. Applebloom stormed into the craft shop, pushing past the line to checkout. “There’s a line for a reason, you know.” the mare shop owner said. “Sorry, but this is an emergency. I need to borrow a chisel, my friend needs it!” “An emergency? I suppose you can borrow it.” she said, passing her one. “Thank you ma’am.” Applebloom said, rushing back towards Sweetie. Sweetie felt a bolt of pain run up her legs, followed by a constant burning. And yet she couldn’t help but make another grasp at the stone, holding it in her hooves once more. “Sweetie, here!” Applebloom said, tossing her the chisel, Sweetie immediately plunged it into the stone, taking off a big chunk, and easing her shakes and pains. She kept going until it was nothing but small pebbles, letting out a sigh of relief, closing her eyes and laying back down. “Th-thank you.” Sweetie said, collapsing. “We should get her to the hospital. Who knows what might happen next, and if she can move on her own right now it’ll be the safest time. “Sweetie, can you stand?” Applebloom asked. “Yeah.” Sweetie said, slowly getting up. Suddenly, Sweetie felt all of her pains leave her, and could walk just fine. “I feel fine now, I honestly don’t know what just happened.” Sweetie said. “Still, we should keep you in the hospital for at least a night to be safe.” The doctor said. “I’ll go ahead and leave now, I’m glad to see you’re okay.” the stallion said. “Thank you for your help.” Applebloom said. Applebloom went back to the store, and decided to pay for the chisel. She might need it around incase Sweetie has another attack. The four of them headed towards the hospital, where Sweetie was told to rest. “So, Scootaloo, now that that craziness is over, what are those papers supposed to represent?” Applebloom asked. Scootaloo had a half-mark of a stack of papers on her flank, with a pen writing on them. “So those dreams about the bank office, they weren’t wrong. And I hate it!” Scootaloo said. “So I’ve gotta farm, Sweetie has to mine, and you have to do...what?” Applebloom asked. “Fill out paperwork.” Scootaloo said. “How’d you find that one out?” Applebloom asked. “With all those dreams I’d been having I decided to try it for myself, and filled out some old wonderbolt applications Rainbow had lying around. She has stacks of ‘em.” Scootaloo said, stomping particularly hard as they walked, They arrived at the hospital, and Sweetie went to her room to lie down. “I’ve sent a letter to your parents, explaining what happened. I’m having a mail carrier take it over now.” The doctor said. “What did you tell them? Sweetie asked. “That you started to shake violently in the middle of town.” the doctor said. The doctor left the three of them alone, presumably with other business to attend to. “So, it looks like we really are destined for this, huh.” Sweetie said. “You experienced withdrawal firsthand, is it really that bad?” Applebloom said. “I felt like I was gonna die. But as soon as I broke into the rock, it ended.” Sweetie said. “But I don’t want to be a dumb accountant! I want to do something cool, like Rainbow!” Scootaloo said. “I don’t think any of us want what we got.” Sweetie said. “I’d have to be stuck on the farm my whole life.” Applebloom said. “And mines?” Sweetie said. “But what else can we do?” Scootaloo asked. “I guess that for now we’ve got to keep going along with it, or else we’ll get these attacks.” Applebloom said. There was a knock on the door. Sweetie figured it would be her parents, Rarity, or the doctor. “Come in!” Sweetie said. Instead, a pale brown stallion with a violet mane entered. His hair was a bit paler than Scootaloo’s, and much longer, covering a good portion of his face, hanging straight down to his shoulders. His face was soft, and gentle, or at least what little bit could be made out of it. He was very thin, and seemed rather weak. He wore a jacket and a weird sort of pants, which were quite baggy on him, and glasses a bit too small for his face. He seemed very overdressed, especially considering it was summer, and that it was acceptable to be nude in pony society. He had a surgical mask on as well, to protect him from any diseases in the hospital. “I’m not infectious or anything.” Sweetie said. “Oh, I know. But can’t be too safe, right?” he said. “I guess not.” Sweetie said. “You’re the girl who had the attack earlier today, right?” The stallion said. “Yeah.” Sweetie said, eyeing him warily. “I just wanted to come tell you I’m sorry for the pain you must have gone through, and wanted to see if you were okay. I brought you and your friends some gifts, as well, to help you feel better.” he said. He handed them each bags containing various sweets and a card. “Hope you get well soon.” he said, waving goodbye and leaving. “Thanks!” Sweetie said, her suspicious eased by the gift of candy. The stallion left just as suddenly as he entered, leaving them alone again. “Well, that was weird.” Applebloom said. “Who cares, he gave us free stuff! It’s all sealed, store bought stuff too, he didn’t do anything weird to it. He probably just saw a kid being taken to the hospital and felt bad.” Scootaloo said. “I guess, but didn’t he seem...off? He just felt like some sort of weirdo.” Applebloom said. “Hey, he brought us candy.” Scootaloo said, her mouth full of chocolates. “I’ve gotta go with Scootaloo on this, free candy is free candy.” Sweetie said. Sweetie opened the card, it was just one of the cheap get-well-soon cards most drug stores sell for a few bits. Inside was written “Hope you start feeling better”. In the very bottom of the bag, which Sweetie had not noticed until she moved the candy, was a small, white, rectangular cardboard box. “To open in private” was written in black ink on the top. “Do you two have this weird box inside your bags too?” Sweetie asked. “Yeah, says he want’s us to open it in private.” Sweetie said. “I guess I’ll take a look inside.” Sweetie said, popping another chocolate into her mouth. Inside was a folded up note, which had obviously been magically copied, which she opened. It read “To those of us who tread upon the edge of the path of fate, I offer respite. Respite from the pains of a world that has refused us. Respite from the oppression of the chains that bind us. Respite from all of the horror and hatred of our own existence. To my brothers and sisters in chains, I offer you peace from the urges and the pressures of the caste.” Beneath this, scrawled on with a quill, is written “Meet me at the train station if you wish to escape your “fate” and the pains that come with it. 11:00 AM Saturday.Bring no one, tell no one, or I won’t help. ” After reading, the girls all looked to each other in confusion. Scootaloo grabbed a medical form and began to fill it out as they talked. “What is this guy talking about?” Scootaloo said. “Something about a caste.” Sweetie said. “What is that?” Scootaloo said. “It’s when society is divided into hereditary classes.” Sweetie said. “Don’t make me go for the easy joke, here, Mareiam Webster.” Scootaloo said. “Just because I happen to know more words than you.” Sweetie said. “So... are we gonna do what this guy says? He wants us to meet him tomorrow.” Applebloom said. Applebloom and Sweetie stopped arguing and suddenly became very serious. “He says he knows of a way to help us deal with our urges. That’s enough for me.” Applebloom said. “But are we just going to trust a stranger like this?” Sweetie said. “No more paperwork? I’m in.” Scootaloo said. “I guess I’ll go if you two will. You’re the only ones I know that know what this is like, and my closest friends. And no more mining would be nice, too.” Sweetie said. There was knocking on the door once more, Sweetie’s parents and Rarity had shown up. “Come in!” Sweetie said, putting everything back in the bag, and sliding it beneath the bed. The others followed suit. “We came as soon as we heard! Are you girls okay?” Mrs. Belle asked. “We’re fine now.” Sweetie said. “The doctor just said she needed to rest here under watch of doctors for the night.” Applebloom said. “Did he say why it happened?” Mr. Belle asked. “Something to do with our marks.” Sweetie said. “Your marks? Maybe Luna was right when she said to embrace them.” Rarity said. “Yeah, maybe.” Sweetie said. “Well, I’m just glad you’re fine now.” Mrs. Belle said. The Belle family stayed with the girls at the hospital for the night, and Sweetie ate her hospital dinner, and then went to sleep early, she was exhausted. The others fell asleep soon after, tired from the long, exhausting day. Chains.“Sweetie, how are you feeling?” Rarity said. Sweetie had just begun to wake up, her eyes still mostly shut. She had another dream last night, the same one as usual. “Tired.” she said, yawning widely. Sweetie looked around the pale white room, everypony else had left but her and Rarity “Applebloom and Scootaloo are off getting breakfast, they said they’d bring you some. Mom and Dad had to go to work, but they wanted me to tell you they love you.” Rarity said. “Are you sure you’ll be fine? The doctors said you’re no longer showing any symptoms, but do you think you’ll be okay?” Rarity said. “Yeah, I’ll be fine.” Sweetie said. “Well, I love you, don’t overextend yourself. I’ve gotta go get to work, but if you start to feel like you’re having another attack, come back here, okay?” Rarity said. “Okay.”Sweetie said. Rarity left the hospital, reading back to the boutique. Sweetie waited for the crusaders, who came back up with some breakfast. “So, are we doing this or what?” Scootaloo said, as she gave Sweetie her tray. “If he can get us out of this.” Sweetie said, eating her breakfast. “Then we should leave soon, finish eating then we’ll go.” Applebloom said. Scootaloo let out an angry roar, as she once again grabbed a medical form and filled it with blinding speed. “I hate this so muuuuch!” Scootaloo said. “Another urge?” Applebloom said. “Yeah, can we please get to the train station soon! Everytime I fill one of these out I feel the stuffy bureaucrat growing, and she’s no fun!” Scootaloo said. “I’m almost finished.” Sweetie said. “I should have brought my scooter, I could go really fast and stick it to the stallion on wheels instead of hooves!” Scootaloo said, signing the sheet, then throwing it away. Sweetie finished her breakfast and Applebloom charged out of the room. Sweetie and Scootaloo followed her, and she ran outside to the nearest patch of dirt. She dug rapidly, and planted one of the seeds from the apple she had with her breakfast in the dirt. “Just don’t tell the hospital I tore up their dirt. They should have a nice apple tree in a few years.” Applebloom said. “You’ve been keeping those seeds around?” Scootaloo said. “Yeah, in this pack. In case I need to farm.” Applebloom said. “That’s a good idea, I’m gonna take some of those dumb forms and a quill with me.” Scootaloo said. “There’s a few rocks around, and the chisel.” Sweetie said. The three of them filled their packs, and headed down to the train station. Ponies hustled around trying to load onto and off of trains, and the whole place was crowded and hasty. It was very easy to get lost in a crowd here, they must be particularly busy today. They arrived at 10:55, where the stallion was already waiting, leaning against a support beam. He was still very heavily clothed, in a light coat, pants, and a very thick scarf covering his face up to his eyes, making his speech a bit muffled. “Good, you decided to show up. I’d hoped you’d take my advice.” he said. “Why the train station?” Applebloom asked. “It’s a busy day, summer sun celebration is almost here, and people are traveling for the holidays. No one will pay attention to us. I stand out too much in most places, but here I can blend in. If anyone questions me about the clothes, I just say I’m heading north and couldn’t fit them in my luggage.” he said. “So why are you wearing all of those clothes?” Sweetie said. “Shh. Not near him.” he said, gesturing his gray eyes towards a security guard. “What? Why?” Scootaloo said, suspicious. “Just trust me on this one. You’ll know soon enough our fate. Follow me.” he said, once again gesturing his eyes, this time towards the back of a nearby shop. “I don’t know, that seems wrong.” Applebloom said. “I’m not going to hurt you. Even if I wanted to I doubt I’m still strong enough. I can barely support myself.” he said. “Alright, but I’m still a bit unsure about all this. If I think anything’s up I’ll get that guard.” Applebloom said. “Fair enough. I can see why I seem suspicious, this is just how it has to be done.” he said. He began his slow walk away, and then followed. He carried a bottle of water that he seemed to drink from frequently as they walked, probably due to the heat of all his clothes. They got behind the store, where no one was likely to go. “So, what are dragging us back here for, anyways?” Scootaloo said. “You’re all half-marks, right?” he said. “Yeah.” They all said, showing their marks. “Well, so am I. I’ve been looking into the phenomenon ever since mine showed up. I was about your age, when my mail carrier mark appeared. As a decently fast pegasus, it seemed possible, if not exactly something I wanted to do. But I hated the work, it was just routine delivery. Over, and over, and over. Some ponies love the work, but I always went home dissatisfied and angry. But it filled the urge. You all know what it’s like, I’m sure. The incredibly painful withdrawals, and the inability to resist doing work you hate.” He said. “You still never explained the clothes.” Scootaloo said. “Hmm. I suppose you think I’m strange, right? covering my entire body in a society that doesn’t require clothing, in the heat no less? I’ll show you why.” he said. He removed the scarf first, giving them a good look at his face. He had soft features, and would normally be considered decently good looking, nothing special. He next went to the shirt and pants, revealing his full body, frail, malnourished, and lacking any muscle. Half of a letter was on his flank. His wings unfurled from his body, no longer capable of carrying him, and losing most of their feathers. He opened his mouth, his bright golden tongue hanging out. “Your tongue.” Sweetie said. “It’s an effect of sun dew usage. Speaking of which, I should take some about now.” he said, grabbing a small vial full of a thick golden liquid, which looked almost like tree sap, out from the pockets of his coat. He opened it, and took a small glob, and downed it. A golden glow filled the irises of his eyes briefly,before fading. He put the vial away carefully, and returned to speaking. “Sorry about that, I have to take it every so often, or else I’ll go into withdrawal.” he said. “So how can you help with these urges?” Scootaloo asked, anxious to quit craving paperwork. “As the doctor no doubt told you when you went into your attack, those are the side effects of sun dew. Sun dew will ease your cravings, and free you from the urges.. Yes, it will get rid of your urges. But, it leaves its mark. Once branded, you’ll forever be marked as an outcast. One trying to escape their fate.” “Isn’t sun dew also addictive?” Sweetie said. “But it’s effects last much longer. And all you have to do is drink it. It’ll free you from working all day in some menial labor.” he said. “But what did you mean about a caste?” Sweetie said. “I’ll let you in on something here. Luna is not as benevolent as you may think.” he said. “But she’s the princess!” Applebloom said. “She appeared in your dreams, right? She does it to everyone I ask.” he said. “Yeah, she said she wanted her children to be happy.” Sweetie said. “She’s the reason you have these problems, you know.” he said, beginning to get re-dressed. “But how? She seemed so kind.” Scootaloo said. “Oh, she may be kind. In fact, I’m fairly certain she honestly believes she’s helping. Controlling your dreams and giving you subconscious cues and desires. But it makes everypony do what her society needs.” he said. “So how do we stop these urges?” Scootaloo said. “Here, take these vials. If you truly want to define your own fate, take the dew. I’m a member of a society of us. Filed with our brothers and sisters in chains. If you would escape the society of Canterlot, you are welcome there. I can take you there, but I’ll only be in town for a week. You’d have to leave everything, however.” he said. “I need to think about this.” Sweetie said. “Yeah, this is way too much for me right now.” Applebloom said. “You have time. Here is where I’m staying for the week. If you are ready to go, meet with me. Stay strong, my sisters.” he said, now fully dressed up again, he walked off. The three of them walked off, back to the center of town. “So, how do we know this guy is telling the truth?” Sweetie said. “We don’t. But what else can we do? Like he said, I don’t want to become a slave of the mind.” Applebloom said. “I say do it.” Scootaloo said. “But we’d have to leave our families and friends.” Sweetie said. “I can’t leave AJ, Mac, and Granny behind.” Applebloom said. “Well, let’s think on it. We have a week.” Sweetie said. “But what about the dew?” Applebloom said. “I’m taking it, I can’t stand this!” Scootaloo said. “I’m going to wait.” Applebloom said. “Yeah, I’m not so sure about it.” Sweetie said. “Well, for now, let’s just head home, and think on it.” Applebloom said. “Yeah.”Sweetie said. “Alright, but I don’t have much to think about.” Scootaloo said. The three of them split up again, and went through the rest of a fairly normal day. After dealing with another attack, which she dealt with by mining, Sweetie went to sleep, dreading the dreams Luna might give her tonight. Author's Note I'll admit this chapter is a bit too exposition filled, but it was kind of needed to lead into more. Farewells. (End of part 1)“Child.” Luna said. “Hmm?” Sweetie said, still barely in a dream. “Child, I thought I told you not to fight your fate. You’ve seen how he looked, that’s not a coincidence. Half-marks are always troubled like that.”Luna said. Sweetie rubbed her eyes, adjusting to the dream world. She was once again in the canterlot courtyard, with Luna speaking to her. “Luna? You know what’s been going on?” Sweetie said. “I’m in charge of your dreams, you’ve been thinking of him.” Luna said. “Why do I keep having these attacks and urges?” Sweetie said. “Because you haven’t fulfilled your destiny. You need a purpose.” Luna said. “But you get to rule Equestria.... and I’m a miner?” Luna said. “If it were possible, I would let you do what you wished. But it is not what you were chosen for. I was chosen to rule, and you were chosen to work. It is the unfortunate fate of our society.” Luna said. “But you’re the one making me do this!” Sweetie said. “Because I love my children! I just want you to be happy!” Luna said, visibly stricken. “But I’m not.” Sweetie said. “Because you fight your fate!” Luna said. “But how do you know this is right for me?” Sweetie said. “Let me show you.” Luna said, calming down a bit. The ground around Sweetie began to melt into a pool of water, Sweetie sinking beneath it. Sweetie briefly flailed around, before she felt Luna’s comforting hoof around her. “You are in no danger here, child.” Luna said. Sweetie realised she could breathe in the water as if it were air, and move freely. It was just a dream, after all. Vivid lights filled her eyes, as an image of Sweet Apple Acres appeared before her. Applejack worked happily in the orchard, bucking apples. “A bright smile on her face, feeling rewarded for her work.” Luna said. Another image, this time of Rarity, making fabulous dresses for everypony in town. “Creating beauty from raw materials.” Luna said. A last image, this time of the purple-haired stallion. “Sickly, weak,and barely able to stand. Addicted to painkilling sun dew, constantly fighting, forced to hide himself under thick clothes. Is this really want you want to be instead?” Luna said. I...I just don’t know what to think.” Sweetie said. “Well, you are still a young one. These rebellious feelings will die down in time, and you’ll become a hardworking, happy, productive Equestrian citizen like everypony else. Just please, don’t listen to him.” Luna said. “But I still don’t understand why this is what I have to do. Why can’t I just work productively doing something else?” Sweetie said. The water sweetie was submerged in disappeared, and she fell. Beneath her was the ground, and the boutique. She crashed through the roof, into her sleeping body. Sweetie woke from the dream, Rarity standing over her. “Sweetie? Are you okay?” Rairty asked. “What are you doing in my room?” Sweetie asked. “I wanted to make sure you were okay, I heard loud noises from your room, and thought you might be having another attack. You’ve had me terrified the last few days, you know.” Rarity said. “It was just a dream. Luna spoke to me again.” Sweetie said. “I don’t know what you girls have been up to, but I’m worried. Please, tell me, what’s wrong?” Rarity said. “What do you mean? Besides the mark?” Sweetie said. “I know something’s been going on. You three girls have been out every day, and I found this beneath your bed.” Rarity said. She held up a vial of sun dew Sweetie had hid in her pack. “Oh...that.” Sweetie said. “”I read the note. I know, I shouldn’t be getting into your stuff, but I was worried about you, darling.” Rarity said. “So you know what’s going on.” Sweetie said. “No, I don’t. Whatever would drive you to run away with this stallion is beyond me. But apparently he must have said something to convince you girls, Scootaloo hasn’t been seen all night.” Rarity said. “She left?” Sweetie said, shocked. “I’m sure she’ll be found. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t planning on following her.” Rarity said. “I’m not sure what to think.” Sweetie said. “Maybe you’d feel better if you actually tried filling your role? I asked Pinkie if her family’s rock farm would hire you, she said they’re always looking for work.” Rarity said “But I thought you said mining work would be filthy and hard?” Sweetie said. “But, if it means you’ll be happy, then anything’s worth it.” Rarity said. “Even if I decide I’d be happier leaving?” Sweetie said. “...Yes, I suppose so. I’ll miss you more than you could ever know, but if you decide it’s your destiny to leave, I won’t stop you. You’ll have to start making decisions for yourself eventually.” Rarity said, tearing up. “But what about mom and dad?” Sweetie said. I’ll try to convince them to let you go. I’ll say it’ll help you with these attacks you’ve been having. But if you’re going, it has to be soon. The royal police are already searching for Scootaloo and that...stallion. If he has some sort of safe haven, you’ll need to get there now.” Rarity said, crying. Sweetie hugged Rarity, beginning to cry as well. “I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.” Sweetie said. “I hope so.” Rarity said. Rarity kissed Sweetie on the forehead, and then she left, leaving the dew and note in Sweetie’s pack. Sweetie sat in bed for a while longer, thinking things over, when she heard a tap at the window. Scootaloo was outside, gesturing to her. “Scootaloo?” Sweetie said, opening the window. “There’s a change of plans.” Scootaloo said, cracking a bit of a smile. As she spoke, Sweetie noticed her now golden tongue, and the spots of gold still left in her iris from the dew. “You took the dew?” Sweetie said. “Heck yes! And it feels amazing! I’m free, baby, free!” Sweetie said. “Where’s Applebloom?” Sweetie said. “That lame little foal? She said she wasn’t going to go. Something about her family being too important. Too important for freedom?” Scootaloo said, talking faster as her sentences went on. “How much of that dew did you take?” Sweetie asked. “Just one vial.” Scootaloo said. “The note said to only take a small glob!” Sweetie said. “Psh, yeah, if you want to feel normal. I wanted to feel amazing!” Scootaloo said. “Are you sure that’s safe?” Sweetie said. “How could it be unsafe? I feel the best I’ve ever felt in my life! Now are you coming, or not?” Scootaloo said. “I’m not about to let you go on your own.” Sweetie said. “Then let’s get going!” Scootaloo said, her wings flapping rapidly. Sweetie grabbed her pack, and headed out the window. She felt a bit sluggish, both from the lack of sleep and the resurgence of her urges. “Come on, hurry up! Do you need some dew?” Scootaloo said. “I guess I’m going to have to take it eventually.” Sweetie said. Sweetie opened her pack, and pulled out a vial. She carefully opened it, and put her mouth to the top, taking the slightest sip. She wanted to start carefully. She closed her eyes, and felt as if she were being lifted off the ground.She got the sensation of every muscle in her body stretching out to it’s fullest, then deliciously relaxing back. Her mind felt cleaned, empty of thought. She felt her lungs fill with sweet air, and she felt full of energy, feeling her individual muscles fill with life. Her vision filled with golden light, as if she were within the magic of Celestia herself. The sensation left, leaving her filled with energy and life. She looked down at her tongue, now stained with gold. She had made her decision. As the two of them left, Sweetie waved to Rarity, who was sitting in the living room, one last time, her eyes filled with tears. Rarity began to sob even more, waving back to her. Author's Note Mini-chapter, I just felt like it should end there instead of beginning the next part of the story and ending it awkwardly. The Drifter House“It’s just up here.” Scootaloo said, bouncing through the shadows. Scootaloo lead Sweetie through the darkness of Ponyville’s streets, towards the home of the stallion they were entrusting themselves to. “I don’t see anything.” Sweetie said. “Over here.” Scootaloo said,pulling her by the hoof. Scootaloo flung both of them through the door, inside the cozy little house. “You’re back. Where’s the third child?” the stallion said. He was no longer heavily clothed, his frail form free at last. The small house was bare, just a dining table, some chairs, a kitchen, and a bedroom. The walls were plain, and the house had an odd aroma to it, that neither of the girls could place. Various half-empty bottles of all sorts of sleeping aids, from the mundane over-the-counter medications to strange herbal remedies. Along with these were many bottles of different supposed energy tonics. The stallion sat in his chair, seemingly waiting on them to arrive. “She’s not coming. She wanted to stay with her family.” Scootaloo said. “I understand. I’m asking an awful lot,and the rewards may not be immediately apparent.” he said. He stood from his chair, leaning his hoof on the table to prop himself up. “I suppose if I’m asking you to trust me with something as extreme as this, I can at least give you a name. I am Rally. I suppose I was supposed to be fast, a pegasus, carrying mail at blinding speeds. Heh, now look at me.” Rally said. “So, what happened? You don’t look like you were ever going to be fast.” Sweetie said. “I never fit the role I was given. I’ve been frail for most of my life. Recent events haven’t made it better, Luna has decided to start tormenting me at night, leaving me with no sleep. Even as a child I was isolated from others whenever they played. As I grew older it limited my chances of ever filling the job I was given. But I loved one thing. I would always read. In particular, about great historical leaders. Their ability to inspire others. But there’s little demand for a leader, especially to another leader. And what use would canterlot have for a historian, when all having the people learn the past would do is put the current regime in question? No, I was delegated the role of mail-carrier. So I tried. I worked at the job for about a year, pushing my body to the limit just to fill the quotas. It was then I decided to leave what I had behind. Surely there were others like me. Dissatisfied souls, piloting the wandering husks of their empty bodies to fill Canterlot’s quota. And I found many.” Rally said. He stopped speaking, and grabbed one of the energy tonics, taking a big gulp. “What are all of those for?” Sweetie said. “When the Goddess of sleep and dreams has a personal vendetta on you, you want to be in control of your sleeping. Ever since I started finding others and telling them of another way out, she’s tried her hardest to make my nights miserable.” Rally said. “So where are we going?” Sweetie said. “And when?” Scootaloo chimed in. “We should leave soon, the less time I spend in a town the better. Not to mention the royals looking for us.” Rally said. “What do they want to find us for?” Sweetie said. “Most likely just a lost child alert for the two of you. Canterlot would be pushing it hard, they wouldn’t want you escaping. Not so much for the loss of a worker, but because it would give the others ideas. No, all they want to do is return you two home. As for me, if I get caught forget I ever existed. Burn anything related to me and continue your lives as if you never left. Claim that I kidnapped you, abused you, tortured you or worse, whatever you need to to make the disappearance go unquestioned on your end. They’ll kill me anyway, might as well add torture to my resume.” Rally said. Sweetie and Scootaloo were both shocked to hear this, eyes widening fully and they took a step back. “They want you...dead? Like, to kill you?” Sweetie said. “If I’m lucky.” Rally said much too calmly. “All the more reason to fight back!” Scootaloo said. “I like the enthusiasm, but I’m hoping to avoid violence. I want to get Celestia and Luna to talk this over diplomatically. Even if I’m not the one to lead my people to this goal, I pray that they will keep it in their sights.” Rally said. “What do you mean, diplomatically? What would you talk them into doing?” Sweetie said. “Preferably, a cessation from Equestria. Our people independent, under our own rule. Or at the very least, an end to the caste, and freedom of the mind, if not freedom of law.” Rally said. “So, where do you get sun dew from? I heard it was in the mountains, but where?” Scootaloo said. “We collect if from the top of the crystal mountains, where it reaches the sun at its highest. We live not far south of them, actually.” Rally said. “So doesn’t that mean you’re actually in the crystal empire, where Cadence would be in charge?” Sweetie asked. “Yes, but Equestria is the suzerain of the crystal empire, and uses this power to hunt us down there as well.” Rally said. Her head spinning from all the conversation, Sweetie sat down for a moment. “I wouldn’t get too comfortable. We should get going.” Rally said. “Who lives here? It doesn’t look like anyone stays here very long. There’s barely any furniture, and it’s all so dusty.” Scootaloo said, looking around. “Anyone. I technically own the place under an alias, but we all use it as a sort of hideout in town.” Rally said, grabbing a drab olive pack and slinging it over his back. “So do we have to be all dressed up like you were?” Sweetie said. “No. It’s late enough that it won’t matter. If we were to be seen, it wouldn’t help, we’re suspicious as is.” Rally said. “Let’s get going already!” Scootaloo said. “I just wish I could go see Applebloom before we go.” Sweetie said. “I won’t stop you, but I won’t wait for you either. You probably haven’t been marked missing yet, so I suppose you can go.” Rally said. “No, I’m going with you.” Sweetie said. “Then let’s go.” Rally said, sliding his way out the door. The three of them quietly made their way down the streets and out of the town. Their shadows just barely flickering upon the walls they passed, the moon provided just enough light to see. Rally lead them into the forest nearby, ducking into the trees. “So how are we getting there?” Scootaloo asked, once they were safely out of the town. “We’re only cutting through the forest till we get to the east side of town. I have a friend who works at the train station.. No one will be at the station, it’s supposed to be closed, but he can sneak us into one of the freight trains that heads north. He set up a stop here, claiming a surprise inspection as part of a new anti-smuggling law. When the train stops for inspection we get on, and when it passes Neighagra falls we leave it.” Rally said. The three of them sidled along the side of a nearby house, nearing the train station. As he made his way to the station, Rally tripped, falling over, unable to stand. Rolling another vial of sun dew out from his pack, he took a quick sip, enough to pick him up. Leaning on Sweetie for support, he stood. Looking into the skies, they saw smoke rolling towards the station, just on time. Keeping their heads down, they followed the walls until they got to the back of the train. Climbing aboard, they overheard the inspection. “So, you say you’re just shipping produce from Baltimare to market?” the inspector said in an official tone. “Yes, and I usually don’t have to undergo an inspection in Ponyville.” the conductor said. “Well, if you are telling the truth, it shouldn’t take too long.” the inspector said. One by one, the doors of the train were opened by the inspector, as he went through crates. Rally gestured them behind a crate full of lettuce, and they slid silently behind it. The doors of their train car slid open, and the inspector stepped in. “Hmm. Let me look in these crates.” the inspector said. He looked in the crate they hid behind, then at them. giving a slight nod, he closed the crates. “You’re all good here, sir. Sorry for the inconvenience, but it helps us stop smuggling and tariff evasion, Celestia’s orders.” the inspector said. “Whatever. Just so long as I can get these to market before they spoil.” the conductor said. The door slid shut as the inspector walked out, leaving the train car pitch black. The conductor walked back to the engine, and the train whirred back to life, slowly beginning the long journey ahead. “You two might as well get some sleep while we wait here. It’ll take a while, and I’ll keep watch. I can’t sleep inside Ponyville anyway, Luna will know, and having to deal with that will be more pain than I’d like to deal with right now..” Rally said. Sweetie was still quite tired, being awoken in the middle of the night, and drifted off quickly. Scootaloo was out soon afterwards, and Rally was left alone in the dark car with his thoughts. CrashA loud crash. The three were slammed into the back wall of the train, shocking Sweetie and Scootaloo awake. Rally gave a preemptive gesture for them to keep quiet, not sure what was happening. Muffled voices surrounded them, and the train had stopped. The door to the train car flew open, the bright light stinging their eyes. Their steel pikes shimmered as the troops flooded inside. A large, intimidating stallion stormed them, grabbing Rally in his hooves. The half-marks were surrounded. “Don’t run. We’ll catch you.” the soldier said. “I couldn't if I wanted to.” Rally said. “Search him.” the soldier said. Scootaloo took off running, hyperventilating and wide eyed. She jumped in the air and tried her hardest to fly, managing to hover for a few seconds, her wings flapping wildly. A soldier smacked her with the blunt side of his pike, knocking her to the ground brutally. Sweetie sat in shock, unable to move. “So, this is the infamous Rally? A crippled stallion hiding in the dark? This is what the captain was so worried about?” the soldier said. “I don’t see why either. I’m helpless.” Rally said, sliding his hoof ever so slightly towards his pack. “I’m gonna have fun breaking you, sick little man. I don’t even want to know what you’ve been doing with these girls.” the soldier said. The booming noise of heavy hooves on metal rang through the train as the captain entered. His purple armor familiar to the girls, they immediately recognized the white stallion as Shining Armor. “Lieutenant, stand down. I will not allow you to punish him, provided he comes peacefully.” Shining said. “They sent the captain of the guard himself? For me? I’m honored.” Rally said earnestly. “I wanted to be the one to catch you myself. Two half-marks went missing? Who else could it be? Besides, my sister is personally involved in this one, you’ve got her worried sick with these two. We’ll treat you well enough, it’s a shame about the execution, but it’s not my command. “ Shining said. “Well, it’s quite a shame she has to worry so much. Too bad now she’ll have a brother to worry about too!” Rally said. Rally flicked his wrist, and smoke filled the car. He pulled a small dagger from his pack and jammed it into the soldier holding his wrist, causing him to let go. He grabbed Sweetie and quickly tumbled out of the train, Surrounded by more soldiers, powerless once more. He panted heavily, collapsed to the ground. “Has my body really become so weak?” Rally said. “Now you can punish him.” Shining said. A soldier charged him, pinning him to the ground. Sweetie was surrounded, and her mind tried it’s best to block out the trauma ahead of her. Scootaloo lie on the ground bruised from the pike bashing, not unconscious, but dazed. The soldier proceeded to stomp Rally repeatedly with his fists, blood spouting from his now broken nose. Another took his pack, beginning the search. Shining walked over to the girls, appalled at the state of Scootaloo’s bruised side. “Which one of you did this?” Shining said. “She was getting away-” the soldier said. “We’re here to rescue these children! We’re after the criminal! Look what you’ve done to this child! I specifically ordered you to take them unharmed! I’ll deal with you later, private.” Shining yelled in the soldier’s face. The soldier continued to beat upon Rally, the ear-splitting crack of his legs breaking rang through the air. “Medic! Bandage the girl and the lieutenant.” Shining said. “Yes sir.” A field medic said. The young stallion began his work on Scootaloo’s side, and on the lieutenant’s wrist. “That’s enough, we’re supposed to capture him alive.” Shining said. The soldier backed off of Rally reluctantly, leaving him in a pool of his own blood. The soldier going through the pack had finished, and handed it to Shining. “Medic, now you can get to work on the criminal’s face, I don’t want him to bleed out on the way there.” Shining said. “Yes sir.” the stallion said once again. “I was hoping you would face your death with a little dignity. I had heard tales that you were, at the very least, honorable. But I guess not.” Shining said. “What are you going to do to us?” Sweetie said. “Return you to your families. They must be worried sick. I just need to know what he did to you.” Shining said. Rally gave her a nod, as if to say that she should say what he told her. “He...he didn’t do anything but offer us freedom.” Sweetie said. “What?” Shining said. “We went with him. He promised us a way out of the urges. That’s all I’ll say.” Sweetie said. “If you weren’t a child I’d question you more aggressively, you know.” Shining said. “It wouldn’t do anything anyway. I have them under a spell, controlled by the necklace in my pack. But I figure I may as well come clean with this now, after what you said about my honor. Just break the chain.” Rally said. Shining went through the pack, pulling out all the contents. He pulled out the necklace and the sun dew. He magicked the sword out of his sheath, and smashed them both. “So, that adds up to kidnapping, assault of a soldier, evading arrest, possession of drugs, and whatever sick perverted thing you’ve no doubt taken these girls for. Chain him up.” Shining said. “But how did you know?” Rally said, the medic patching up his broken nose as he was being chained. “Your friend at the train station sold you out. We hired him to keep tabs on you.” Shining said. “Damn him!” Rally said. “We’ll get you girls home soon, once we’re at the falls there should be a train heading back to Ponyville. And we’ll make sure to punish this bastard for what he did to you.” Shining said. The train started up again, this time the doors were left open. The pain and defeat in Rally’s eyes was obvious, but he was at peace with death, and knew it would come at any moment. Rally tried his hardest to move closer to the edge of the train, where he could slide beneath the wheels, but was restrained. Unable to even die the way he wanted, he simply waited in defeat, and closed his eyes. Sweetie watched the trees go by, believing this may be her last free moment, tearing up. She cried, but made no noise. Scootaloo woke up around this time, and struggled once more, but was quickly restrained as well. “”I hate you! Let me go!” Scootaloo said, kicking wildly. “The spell must take a while to fade.” Rally said. Defeated, Scootaloo sat with Sweetie, in an attempt to comfort her. But soon she began to weep as well, although she tried to hide it. “We were so close.” Scootaloo said. Sweetie just stared at the trees some more, and the train pulled into Neighagra falls.
Half-MarkLight broke through the windows, morning had come in the Belle household. Sweetie yawned widely,flopping out of bed. She slowly plodded into the bathroom to brush her teeth, still half-awake. The smell of food wafted from downstairs, somepony was cooking breakfast. As she prepared herself for the day, she remembered last night. She had a really weird dream. In the dream, she was in a dark tunnel, covered in coal dust, mining. Maybe she ate something last night that gave her bad dreams? Whatever, it wasn’t important to her, she had a whole day full of crusading to do! Ready for the day, she rushed downstairs, to find a plate of pancakes being served up for her by Rarity. As always, they were elaborately plated and the syrup was used more as a decoration than a part of the dish. She was never sure what to think whenever Rarity cooked, it always looked great, but the taste was average at best. “You’re going crusading again today, aren’t you?” Rarity said, as she magicked the plate to the table, where Sweetie sat. “Yeah, we’re going to try to get our baking cutie marks! The Cakes said they would help us!” Sweetie said, while demolishing her pancakes as quickly as she could, to get to crusading! “Well that sounds lovely! Much better than whatever it was you were doing before, Cutie Mark Crusader Piracy, was it?” “Yarr! The scourge of the seven seas, we were! Until our mighty ship was destroyed in an epic battle full of plunder and glory!” “You floated around on a raft in the middle of the lake until it sprung a leak.” “A leak caused by a gigantic cannonball! From our greatest nemesis, Blackmane the pirate! But ye shoulda seen what we did to ‘im!” “Scootaloo stomped too hard on the raft and broke her hoof through the bottom. It’s what you get for making your raft so flimsy.” “She were a mighty fine vessel, ye landlubber!” “I’m sure she was, now hurry up and run along, your friends are here.” Turning around in a flash, she looked out the window to see Scootaloo and Applebloom waving to her. She bolted out of her chair, ready to begin the day, when Rarity stopped her. “I’ll clean everything up, but you need to at least fix your hair. It looks like you just got out of bed.” “I did!” Sweetie tried her hardest to squirm out of Rarity’s grip, but it was no use, she had been defeated. Always at the ready with a brush, Rarity began her work on Sweetie’s hair, adding all sorts of elaborate sculpting and waving to her mane. “There. Now go.” Rarity said. Sweetie bolted out the door once more, and immediately shook her mane up once more, reverting back to it’s usual state. Rarity, looking out the window, sighed, but smiled. “So are you guys ready to become expert bakers?” Scootaloo asked. “Heck yes!” Applebloom said. “It’ll be so amazing! We’ll be master bakers, the world in awe of our delicious treats!” Sweetie said. They ran as fast as they could to sugarcube corner, blowing through the streets, nearly knocking over passerby. “Cutie marks, here we come!” they yelled in unison, reaching Sugarcube corner. Sweetie knocked on the door, and Pinkie swung it open. “You girls ready to be bakers?” Pinkie pie exclaimed “You bet! Where are the Cakes?” Scootaloo asked. “Right here, silly!” Pinkie said, pointing to the display counter. “No, the Cakes, not the cakes.” Applebloom said. “Ooohhhhhhh, you mean capital-c Cakes!” Pinkie said. “Yes, now where are they?” Sweetie Belle said. “Somewhere.” Pinkie said. “Where?” they all said in unison. “Not here, there!” Pinkie said. “So not here?” Scootaloo asked. “Nope, neither here nor there, but anywhere!” Pinkie said. “What Pinkie is saying extraordinarily unhelpfully is that we won’t be here. We just got a very important order for a wedding cake that needs to be delivered immediately.” Mr. Cake said, coming in from upstairs. “But we were supposed to earn our cutie marks today.” Applebloom said. “Sorry girls, maybe some other time.” Mrs. Cake said, following behind Mr. Cake. “But what about Pinkie? Can’t she deliver it?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Last time Pinkie delivered a cake all of the deserts on the train got eaten.” Mr. Cake said. “But it all worked out in the end, in typical zany cartoon fashion!” Pinkie said. “Pinkie’s just here to babysit while we’re gone.” Mrs. Cake said. “Now we’ve really gotta get going, help me load up the cake.” Mr. Cake said. Mrs. Cake strapped the cake box onto Mr. Cake’s back, and they set off for the train. “Goodbye girls!” Mrs. Cake said, hurrying out the door. “Goodbye.” the Cutie Mark Crusaders said disappointedly in unison. “Well now what do we do?” Scootaloo said. “I know! How about I help you get your baking cutie marks instead?” Pinkie said. “But do you know anything about baking?” Applebloom asked. “My name is Pinkie PIE, so how hard could it be?” Pinkie asked. “True. But what about the babies? Aren’t you supposed to babysit?” Sweetie Belle asked. “They’re asleep right now, so we have some time.” Pinkie said. “The last time we made cupcakes they all ended up burnt.” Applebloom said. “Like that would ever happen again.” Pinkie said. “So where do we start?” asked Sweetie. “Well, I see Granny and Applejack use flour all the time, so let’s pour some of that in the bowl.” said Applebloom said. “And it’s gotta be sweet, so add some sugar!” Sweetie Belle said. “And cakes have frosting, so let’s add some of that!” “Scootaloo said. “Ooooooh, I love your recipe!” Pinkie said. “Hmmm, let’s look through the pantry. Eggs?” Applebloom said, pulling things out of the pantry. “Eww, who wants an egg cake?” Sweetie said. “Oh! I know! Don’t they use some sort of baking soda?” Applebloom said. “Yeah! Let’s add lots of that!” Scootaloo said, rushing into the pantry and grabbing a bottle of cherry soda. “I’m not so sure that’s the right kind of soda.” Applebloom said. “This flavor’s fine.” Sweetie said, pouring the entire bottle in. “Pinkie,you sure this is how we make a cake?” Applebloom asked. “It’s definitely how you make something. Go for it!” Pinkie said. “Ok, let’s put it in the oven!” Applebloom said, turning the oven on as high as it would go. Scootaloo slapped the cake in the oven, and the girls eagerly gathered around the oven. For a few minutes, everything seemed okay, but the “cake” was quickly blackening, and it started to boil. “I think it’s done!” Sweetie said, turning the oven off. The cake was a mix of burnt flour, frosting, and unstirred mess. Sweetie went to grab a fork, but she couldn’t stick it in the cake, it was too hard. Smoke began to rise from the “cake”, it smelled of cherries and sadness. “Let’s let it cool down.” Pinkie said. After a few minutes it had cooled. This time, Sweetie brought a knife. After a minute or so of sawing, she managed to cut through the cake. “It’s gonna taste soooo good!” Scootaloo said, her tongue hanging from her mouth. Scootaloo took a huge bite of the cake. Her grin slowly faded, replaced by disappointment. “This isn’t good at all!” Scootaloo yelled. “Pinkie, I don’t think this is how you make a cake.” Sweetie said. “Of course it’s not! But you were having fun, I didn’t wanna stop you!” Pinkie said. “But how are we supposed to get our baking cutie marks now?” Applebloom asked. “Oh, it’ll come in time, they always do.” Pinkie said. Cries could be heard from upstairs, the babies had woken up. “Oh, they’re awake, I’ve gotta go handle this.” Pinkie said. “We should probably get going anyway, this was a failure.” Sweetie said. The girls left, disappointed again.If a special talent is supposed to come naturally, how come they’ve tried everything and haven’t gotten one? “Well now what? We’ve tried everything!” Scootaloo said. “We can’t give up!” Applebloom said. “But what else can we do? We’re all out of ideas.” Sweetie said. “Let’s go back to treehouse, we can think of something else there.” Scootaloo said, “Yeah, I guess.” Sweetie said. The three of them walked off slowly, still upset that they didn’t get their cutie marks. They headed back to the treehouse, where they could think. “Cutie Mark Crusader deep sea divers?” Scootaloo said, lying on her back, kicking her back hooves against the wall. “Cutie Mark Crusader elephant ranchers?” Sweetie said, lying on her stomach. “Cutie Mark Crusader coconut farmers?” Applebloom said, writing all their ideas down. “Cutie Mark Crusader...coal miners?” Sweetie said. “Coal miners? Who wants to be a coal miner?” Scootaloo said. “I dunno. I was just having these weird dreams about coal mining, it gave me the idea.” Sweetie said. “You’ve been having weird dreams too? I keep dreaming about working in some bank office.” Scootaloo said. “Me too! But it was just me being on the farm with AJ and Mac.” Applebloom said. “But who wants cutie marks in all of those things?” Scootaloo said. “I guess farming might not be so bad. But it’s boring! I don’t know how my sis can handle it.” Applebloom said. “Well, it’s her talent, isn’t it?” Sweetie said. “But what if she didn’t want to do it? What if she had just stayed with Aunt Orange? Would she have never found her destiny?” Applebloom said. “Everypony says it comes in time, but what if it won’t?” Scootaloo said. “What if we’re blank flanks forever?” Sweetie said. “It’s getting dark, AJ wanted me home for dinner.” Applebloom said. “Yeah, Rarity wanted me home soon too.” Sweetie said. “I’ll...just hang out here a while I guess.” Scootaloo said confusedly. The three girls split up, and headed their own ways. Sweetie walked back on home, her parents were back. Mrs. Belle had brewed some tea, she could smell it when she walked in. “Hey Sweetie, how’d the expeditioning go?” Mr. Belle asked, sitting at the table, drinking some tea. “It’s crusading, dad, and not good. I’m not a baker either.” Sweetie said. “I’m sure you’ll find it someday, honey.” Mrs.Belle said. “But what if I don’t?” Sweetie said. “Everypony does in time, Sweetie.” Mrs. Belle said. “She is more than a little past the usual time, you know.” Mr. Belle said. “She’s just a...a late bloomer!” Mrs. Belle said. “I know I know.” Mr. Belle said. “Dinner’s done!” Mrs. Belle said, loud enough that it could be heard upstairs. “Just a second! I’m almost done with this latest dress design!” Rarity called downstairs. Sweetie took a seat at the table, and dinner was served. Rarity came down the stairs, they ate uneventfully. Sweetie headed up to bed, Another day, no cutie mark. Maybe she’d have those weird dreams again. As she drifted to sleep, she found herself once again in a tunnel, cold and dark. But this time, it all felt...different. She felt at home here somehow. Like, everything made sense here, where it didn’t outside. She eagerly grabbed her pick and went to work on the coal, digging it out with glee, relishing the dust covering her face.The tunnels felt cozy and warm to her now. She felt her flank tingle and shine, as a cutie mark appeared upon it, a pick breaking open a stone. She mined on and on, until she awoke once more. “Again? Maybe these dreams mean that I’m meant to be a miner? But why would I? It’s so boring!” Sweetie said. She went to ready herself for the next day again, following her morning routine. “Well, there’s only one way to be sure. I guess I’ll go talk to Pinkie’s sister, Maud. She knows a lot about rocks, maybe she’ll know what to do.” Sweetie thought, brushing her teeth. She headed downstairs again, Rarity cooking once more. “Good morning, Sweetie!” Rarity said. “Morning. Say, Rarity, can I go out crusading again today? On my own, this time.” Sweetie said. “Well, I don’t see why not. Where are you going?” Rarity said. “To the Pie Rock Farm.” Sweetie said. “What do you hope to find there? Please don’t tell me you want to be something dirty, like a... coal miner or something.” Rarity said. “Yep!” Sweetie said. “Ehm, what? Please tell me you’re joking! I’d hoped you were more... high class!” Rarity said. “But how will I know if I don’t try?” Sweetie said. “Your beautiful fur will get all dirty, and your mane will be ruined!” Rarity said. “When have I ever cared about my mane?” Sweetie said. “True, true.... alright, alright, you can go. But only if you promise to not like it and go back to being clean again afterwards!” Rarity said. “I promise?” Sweetie said. “I guess I’ll have to take that. Now hurry up and eat your breakfast, I’ve got to get back to work.” Rarity said. Sweetie ate quickly and headed off on her way. It would be a bit of a walk. She headed down the road, and soon enough was there. The wind was howling by, as usual. She walked to the house, and knocked on the door. “Come in” somepony said within. “Hello, I’m here to see Maud.” she said, opening the door. “Hello. I’m Maud.” Maud said, waiting inside. “So, I’ve heard you know lots about rocks, right?” Sweetie said. Maud’s face shot up with excitement, almost enough to be detected by the naked eye. Almost. “Yes. I know about rocks. Also boulders, and stones.” Maud said. “So, what made you decide to become a whatever it is you do?” Sweetie said. “I like rocks.” Maud said. “Yeah, I get that. But how did you know you wanted to be involved with rocks? Because I’ve been having all sorts of weird dreams about mining rocks, and does that mean it’s my, y’know, destiny and all that?” Sweetie asked. “Maybe.” Maud said. “Maybe?” Sweetie asked. “I’m not a dream expert. I’m a rock expert.” Maud said. “But, did you have these sorts of dreams, too?” Sweetie asked. “Oh, I always dream of rocks.” Maud said. “But is it what made you want to be a rock-pony-thing?” Sweetie said. “Geologist.” Maud said. “Yeah, that.” Sweetie said. “No, I’ve wanted to do that since I can remember.” Maud said. “Well, that doesn’t really help me.” Sweetie said. “Sorry.” Maud said. “You said you’re not a dream expert, do you know one?” Sweetie asked. “Besides Luna? No.” Maud said. “Oh, ok then.” Sweetie said, disappointed. “Boulder always says to follow your dreams, if that means anything to you.” Maud said. “Thanks, Boulder.” Sweetie said. Sweetie left almost as spontaneously as she came, but on the way back, she found herself staring at the rocks. She wanted to break them open, find what was inside. “Maybe they won’t mind just one...” she thought. She grabbed a pick hanging in a nearby shed, and swung it with all her magic-might, over and over. The stone shattered into fragments, and she felt a wave of catharsis flood over her. A powerful light washed over her, as her cutie mark began to materialize. But about halfway through, it stopped, leaving her with an odd half-mark. The head of the pick was clear, but the stone was nowhere to be seen, or the handle of the pick. “Half? Only half!” Sweetie yelled confusedly. Confused and angry about her half-mark, and even more angry that her cutie mark is in mining, she furiously stomped about, tossing the pick back to the shed, and running off back towards town. The sun was lowering once more, and she headed home, having spent most of her day earning this weird half-mark. Almost as if it were fate’s cruel trick to tease her with a full mark. “Well, Sweetie, you’re home early.” Rarity said. “Yeah, I wish I hadn’t ever left.” Sweetie said. “So does this mean you don’t want to be a silly mi...” Rarity said, cut off by pure shock. “Not exactly” Sweetie said. “You got your mark! Or, did you?” Rarity said. “I don’t know.” Sweetie said. “Is...is that a pick? You’re a miner? I’m not sure whether to be proud or horrified!” Rarity said. “Well, it’s not even all the way there, anyways.” Sweetie said. “Maybe it takes a while? You were late getting it, maybe you’ll be late to have it finish, too.” Rarity said. “Maybe.” Sweetie said. The night was mostly uneventful, Sweetie ate and eventually went to bed. This time, however, her dreams were different. She felt much more real than usual, as if it were actually happening. She remembered this feeling, it was Luna’s dream magic. She was in a courtyard, in the middle of the night, under a full moon. The castle was similar to Canterlot’s, but not exact. “Hello, my child.” Luna said, walking in from behind her. “Luna? Where am I?” Sweetie said, lying on the grass. “In Canterlot, within the dream world. It’s a separate, personal world from the real world, so things will be a bit different.” Luna said. ‘Why is it separate?” Sweetie said. “If we let dream-walkers roam around the normal world, they would cause all sorts of chaos. It’s my job to contain them.” Luna said. “Well, why am I here? Did you want to talk to me again?” Sweetie said. “Yes, child. About your fate.” Luna said. “My fate?” Sweetie asked. “Surely you’ve noticed your half-mark, the result of your hesitation.” Luna said. “Hesitation?” Sweetie said. “You haven’t fully devoted yourself to the cause of mining. Therefore, your cutie mark is not fully devoted, either.” Luna said. “But I don’t want to be a miner!” Sweetie said. “But it is your destiny!” Luna said. “Isn’t my destiny supposed to be something I choose?” Sweetie said. “And you’ve tried, and tried, and tried! But you always fail! You’ve finally found something you can do! I’m just urging you to take this, for your own safety! I’ve seen a half-mark before, and it never ends well! Half-mark bearers always end up confused and unsure in life, I just want to see my children happy!” Luna said. Sweetie felt the dream fading again, the castle melting into a strange pool of dream mess. “Hopefully you’ll take my advice, I have to go talk to your friends as well.” Luna said. The dream fully faded, Sweetie once more fell into a sleep.
UrgesThe next morning, Sweetie woke up and once again prepared for the day. Her mind filled with Luna’s words, she could barely even focus on brushing her teeth. Brushing half her teeth and half her face, she focused on Luna’s words. Maybe she really was destined to be a miner. I mean, the princess herself told her to! It’s something she could do! She cleaned the toothpaste off her face, and then headed downstairs. Rarity turned to her as she came downstairs, a bright smile on her face. “Good Morning, Darling!” Rarity said. Sweetie walked into the kitchen, and Rarity’s smile quickly turned into a wince. She kept the grin up after, trying to pretend everything was normal. The half-mark wasn’t there, it was just a normal day. “Sorry, I don’t have time to cook today, I’ve gotta get to work.” Rarity said. “What’s the order?” Sweetie said. “Nothing special. Just more dresses I’ve already designed,just need to fill inventory.” Rarity said. Sweetie made up a plate of buttered hay toast and various fruit. “So, uhm, anymore...mining today?” Rarity said, cocking her head, not quite sure how or even if she should bring it up. “First I have to go talk to Scootaloo and Applebloom, Luna said she had to go talk to them too.” Sweetie said. “Luna talked to you? When? And about what?” Rarity said. “Last night, in my dreams. She said I should embrace this mark, because it’s something I can do.” Sweetie said. “Well...she’s not entirely wrong. I want you to do something you love, but so far, you haven’t been able to find anything. If a cutie mark has shown up, it has to be your destiny, right?” Rarity said. “I guess so.” Sweetie said. “But she spoke to them too? Those girls could use some direction I suppose, but does that mean they got these marks too?” Rarity said. “That’s what I’m gonna go find out.” Sweetie said. “I have to go now, Sweetie. I’ve got to get to work on those dresses.” Rarity said. Sweetie finished her breakfast and walked down to town square, where she was supposed to meet the others. She was a bit early, so she sat in the shade to escape the summer sun. It wasn’t long before Applebloom showed up, seeming similarly distraught. “You too?” Sweetie asked. “Huh?” Applebloom said. “The marks.” Sweetie said. “You have one too? What’s yours?” Applebloom said. Sweetie turned her flank, showing her the half-pick. “Here’s mine.” Applebloom said. It was half of an apple-blossom, quite uncreative. “I guess it’s fitting. But what does it mean?” Sweetie said. “Something about me being destined to work on the farm, just like everyone else in the family.” Applebloom said, upset. “Mine’s mining. I hate it.” Sweetie said. “Ah’ll say, it’s dirty and boring.” Applebloom said. “It’s not that. In fact, I like the work, I get this weird feeling that I’m doing something good when I picked up that pick. A sort of warm satisfaction.” Sweetie said. “Then why do you hate it?” Applebloom said. “Because I don’t want to do it! I want to do something that’s more fun! Excitement and adventure!” Sweetie said. “But ah thought you liked it?” Applebloom said. “I do, but it’s not fun. It feels more like it’s filling a need. Like eating a boring meal. It makes me stop feeling hungry, but I didn’t particularly enjoy it.” Sweetie said. “I know what you mean. I’ve worked on the farm with AJ all the time, but just recently I feel like some sort of problem is going away when I do it. Like an itch I need to scratch.” Applebloom said. “I wonder what Scoots will have to say.” Sweetie said. The two of them waited a couple of minutes, Sweetie kicking her legs around, sitting beneath a tree in the center of town, and Applebloom just laying against the other side of it. Suddenly, Sweetie felt an odd urge again. Her eyes darted around the square, and she grabbed a rock from around the tree, and began to smash it as hard as she could into the ground. “Sweetie, y’allright?” Applebloom said. Sweetie paid no attention, focused on the stone. When it refused to break, she started to shake violently, unable to calm herself. “Sweetie? Sweetie!” Applebloom said. No response. She just kept on smashing the rock, until the shakes caused her to drop it. “Somepony, please! My friend needs help!” Applebloom called out. A stallion passing by ran over to help. “What’s wrong?” he asked. “I don’t know, but she won’t listen to me, and she’s shaking!” Applebloom said “I’ll go get a doctor.” he said. “Thank you so much.” Applebloom said. Sweetie continued shaking violently, but focused all her energy on the rock. “Right. Something to do with that rock. You’re gonna be fine Sweetie, just try to stop shaking, please!” Applebloom said. Sweetie’s shaking slowed a little, as her muscles started to tire. She started breathing incredibly quickly, and sweating heavily Applebloom felt herself start to shake as well, and fixated on the tree. She gave it a huge kick,and it shook back and forth, as she stopped shaking. It was about now that Scootaloo showed up, rushing towards Sweetie. “What’s wrong? Sweetie?” Scootaloo said. “It’s something to do with her mark, mine made me hit the tree.” Applebloom said. “What’s hers?” Scootaloo said. “Mining.” Applebloom said. “There’s a craft shop down the street, they don’t have picks but I think they have chisels.” Scootaloo said. Sweetie felt a coldness run down her, and her jaw clenched. Right, I’ll go get one, you try and keep her calm.” Applebloom said. Applebloom rushed off down to the shop, as Scootaloo tried her best to tell Sweetie it would be fine. The stallion arrived, with a doctor in tow. “How can you help her?” the stallion asked. “She keeps fixating on the rock, trying to smash it.” Scootaloo said. “I’ve never seen this before, she has all the symptoms of sun dew withdrawal, but she’s clean.” the doctor said. “Sun dew?” Scootaloo asked. “An incredibly addictive substance found only on the highest of mountains, closest to the sun. Those who taste it say it cures all of their ailments and pains, but they suffer immensely painful and deadly withdrawals if they don’t continue to take it.” the doctor said. “But how would Sweetie have come into contact with it?” Scootaloo asked. “That’s just it, she didn’t. It leaves one’s tongue stained a bright gold permanently, and hers isn’t.” the doctor said. Applebloom stormed into the craft shop, pushing past the line to checkout. “There’s a line for a reason, you know.” the mare shop owner said. “Sorry, but this is an emergency. I need to borrow a chisel, my friend needs it!” “An emergency? I suppose you can borrow it.” she said, passing her one. “Thank you ma’am.” Applebloom said, rushing back towards Sweetie. Sweetie felt a bolt of pain run up her legs, followed by a constant burning. And yet she couldn’t help but make another grasp at the stone, holding it in her hooves once more. “Sweetie, here!” Applebloom said, tossing her the chisel, Sweetie immediately plunged it into the stone, taking off a big chunk, and easing her shakes and pains. She kept going until it was nothing but small pebbles, letting out a sigh of relief, closing her eyes and laying back down. “Th-thank you.” Sweetie said, collapsing. “We should get her to the hospital. Who knows what might happen next, and if she can move on her own right now it’ll be the safest time. “Sweetie, can you stand?” Applebloom asked. “Yeah.” Sweetie said, slowly getting up. Suddenly, Sweetie felt all of her pains leave her, and could walk just fine. “I feel fine now, I honestly don’t know what just happened.” Sweetie said. “Still, we should keep you in the hospital for at least a night to be safe.” The doctor said. “I’ll go ahead and leave now, I’m glad to see you’re okay.” the stallion said. “Thank you for your help.” Applebloom said. Applebloom went back to the store, and decided to pay for the chisel. She might need it around incase Sweetie has another attack. The four of them headed towards the hospital, where Sweetie was told to rest. “So, Scootaloo, now that that craziness is over, what are those papers supposed to represent?” Applebloom asked. Scootaloo had a half-mark of a stack of papers on her flank, with a pen writing on them. “So those dreams about the bank office, they weren’t wrong. And I hate it!” Scootaloo said. “So I’ve gotta farm, Sweetie has to mine, and you have to do...what?” Applebloom asked. “Fill out paperwork.” Scootaloo said. “How’d you find that one out?” Applebloom asked. “With all those dreams I’d been having I decided to try it for myself, and filled out some old wonderbolt applications Rainbow had lying around. She has stacks of ‘em.” Scootaloo said, stomping particularly hard as they walked, They arrived at the hospital, and Sweetie went to her room to lie down. “I’ve sent a letter to your parents, explaining what happened. I’m having a mail carrier take it over now.” The doctor said. “What did you tell them? Sweetie asked. “That you started to shake violently in the middle of town.” the doctor said. The doctor left the three of them alone, presumably with other business to attend to. “So, it looks like we really are destined for this, huh.” Sweetie said. “You experienced withdrawal firsthand, is it really that bad?” Applebloom said. “I felt like I was gonna die. But as soon as I broke into the rock, it ended.” Sweetie said. “But I don’t want to be a dumb accountant! I want to do something cool, like Rainbow!” Scootaloo said. “I don’t think any of us want what we got.” Sweetie said. “I’d have to be stuck on the farm my whole life.” Applebloom said. “And mines?” Sweetie said. “But what else can we do?” Scootaloo asked. “I guess that for now we’ve got to keep going along with it, or else we’ll get these attacks.” Applebloom said. There was a knock on the door. Sweetie figured it would be her parents, Rarity, or the doctor. “Come in!” Sweetie said. Instead, a pale brown stallion with a violet mane entered. His hair was a bit paler than Scootaloo’s, and much longer, covering a good portion of his face, hanging straight down to his shoulders. His face was soft, and gentle, or at least what little bit could be made out of it. He was very thin, and seemed rather weak. He wore a jacket and a weird sort of pants, which were quite baggy on him, and glasses a bit too small for his face. He seemed very overdressed, especially considering it was summer, and that it was acceptable to be nude in pony society. He had a surgical mask on as well, to protect him from any diseases in the hospital. “I’m not infectious or anything.” Sweetie said. “Oh, I know. But can’t be too safe, right?” he said. “I guess not.” Sweetie said. “You’re the girl who had the attack earlier today, right?” The stallion said. “Yeah.” Sweetie said, eyeing him warily. “I just wanted to come tell you I’m sorry for the pain you must have gone through, and wanted to see if you were okay. I brought you and your friends some gifts, as well, to help you feel better.” he said. He handed them each bags containing various sweets and a card. “Hope you get well soon.” he said, waving goodbye and leaving. “Thanks!” Sweetie said, her suspicious eased by the gift of candy. The stallion left just as suddenly as he entered, leaving them alone again. “Well, that was weird.” Applebloom said. “Who cares, he gave us free stuff! It’s all sealed, store bought stuff too, he didn’t do anything weird to it. He probably just saw a kid being taken to the hospital and felt bad.” Scootaloo said. “I guess, but didn’t he seem...off? He just felt like some sort of weirdo.” Applebloom said. “Hey, he brought us candy.” Scootaloo said, her mouth full of chocolates. “I’ve gotta go with Scootaloo on this, free candy is free candy.” Sweetie said. Sweetie opened the card, it was just one of the cheap get-well-soon cards most drug stores sell for a few bits. Inside was written “Hope you start feeling better”. In the very bottom of the bag, which Sweetie had not noticed until she moved the candy, was a small, white, rectangular cardboard box. “To open in private” was written in black ink on the top. “Do you two have this weird box inside your bags too?” Sweetie asked. “Yeah, says he want’s us to open it in private.” Sweetie said. “I guess I’ll take a look inside.” Sweetie said, popping another chocolate into her mouth. Inside was a folded up note, which had obviously been magically copied, which she opened. It read “To those of us who tread upon the edge of the path of fate, I offer respite. Respite from the pains of a world that has refused us. Respite from the oppression of the chains that bind us. Respite from all of the horror and hatred of our own existence. To my brothers and sisters in chains, I offer you peace from the urges and the pressures of the caste.” Beneath this, scrawled on with a quill, is written “Meet me at the train station if you wish to escape your “fate” and the pains that come with it. 11:00 AM Saturday.Bring no one, tell no one, or I won’t help. ” After reading, the girls all looked to each other in confusion. Scootaloo grabbed a medical form and began to fill it out as they talked. “What is this guy talking about?” Scootaloo said. “Something about a caste.” Sweetie said. “What is that?” Scootaloo said. “It’s when society is divided into hereditary classes.” Sweetie said. “Don’t make me go for the easy joke, here, Mareiam Webster.” Scootaloo said. “Just because I happen to know more words than you.” Sweetie said. “So... are we gonna do what this guy says? He wants us to meet him tomorrow.” Applebloom said. Applebloom and Sweetie stopped arguing and suddenly became very serious. “He says he knows of a way to help us deal with our urges. That’s enough for me.” Applebloom said. “But are we just going to trust a stranger like this?” Sweetie said. “No more paperwork? I’m in.” Scootaloo said. “I guess I’ll go if you two will. You’re the only ones I know that know what this is like, and my closest friends. And no more mining would be nice, too.” Sweetie said. There was knocking on the door once more, Sweetie’s parents and Rarity had shown up. “Come in!” Sweetie said, putting everything back in the bag, and sliding it beneath the bed. The others followed suit. “We came as soon as we heard! Are you girls okay?” Mrs. Belle asked. “We’re fine now.” Sweetie said. “The doctor just said she needed to rest here under watch of doctors for the night.” Applebloom said. “Did he say why it happened?” Mr. Belle asked. “Something to do with our marks.” Sweetie said. “Your marks? Maybe Luna was right when she said to embrace them.” Rarity said. “Yeah, maybe.” Sweetie said. “Well, I’m just glad you’re fine now.” Mrs. Belle said. The Belle family stayed with the girls at the hospital for the night, and Sweetie ate her hospital dinner, and then went to sleep early, she was exhausted. The others fell asleep soon after, tired from the long, exhausting day.
Chains.“Sweetie, how are you feeling?” Rarity said. Sweetie had just begun to wake up, her eyes still mostly shut. She had another dream last night, the same one as usual. “Tired.” she said, yawning widely. Sweetie looked around the pale white room, everypony else had left but her and Rarity “Applebloom and Scootaloo are off getting breakfast, they said they’d bring you some. Mom and Dad had to go to work, but they wanted me to tell you they love you.” Rarity said. “Are you sure you’ll be fine? The doctors said you’re no longer showing any symptoms, but do you think you’ll be okay?” Rarity said. “Yeah, I’ll be fine.” Sweetie said. “Well, I love you, don’t overextend yourself. I’ve gotta go get to work, but if you start to feel like you’re having another attack, come back here, okay?” Rarity said. “Okay.”Sweetie said. Rarity left the hospital, reading back to the boutique. Sweetie waited for the crusaders, who came back up with some breakfast. “So, are we doing this or what?” Scootaloo said, as she gave Sweetie her tray. “If he can get us out of this.” Sweetie said, eating her breakfast. “Then we should leave soon, finish eating then we’ll go.” Applebloom said. Scootaloo let out an angry roar, as she once again grabbed a medical form and filled it with blinding speed. “I hate this so muuuuch!” Scootaloo said. “Another urge?” Applebloom said. “Yeah, can we please get to the train station soon! Everytime I fill one of these out I feel the stuffy bureaucrat growing, and she’s no fun!” Scootaloo said. “I’m almost finished.” Sweetie said. “I should have brought my scooter, I could go really fast and stick it to the stallion on wheels instead of hooves!” Scootaloo said, signing the sheet, then throwing it away. Sweetie finished her breakfast and Applebloom charged out of the room. Sweetie and Scootaloo followed her, and she ran outside to the nearest patch of dirt. She dug rapidly, and planted one of the seeds from the apple she had with her breakfast in the dirt. “Just don’t tell the hospital I tore up their dirt. They should have a nice apple tree in a few years.” Applebloom said. “You’ve been keeping those seeds around?” Scootaloo said. “Yeah, in this pack. In case I need to farm.” Applebloom said. “That’s a good idea, I’m gonna take some of those dumb forms and a quill with me.” Scootaloo said. “There’s a few rocks around, and the chisel.” Sweetie said. The three of them filled their packs, and headed down to the train station. Ponies hustled around trying to load onto and off of trains, and the whole place was crowded and hasty. It was very easy to get lost in a crowd here, they must be particularly busy today. They arrived at 10:55, where the stallion was already waiting, leaning against a support beam. He was still very heavily clothed, in a light coat, pants, and a very thick scarf covering his face up to his eyes, making his speech a bit muffled. “Good, you decided to show up. I’d hoped you’d take my advice.” he said. “Why the train station?” Applebloom asked. “It’s a busy day, summer sun celebration is almost here, and people are traveling for the holidays. No one will pay attention to us. I stand out too much in most places, but here I can blend in. If anyone questions me about the clothes, I just say I’m heading north and couldn’t fit them in my luggage.” he said. “So why are you wearing all of those clothes?” Sweetie said. “Shh. Not near him.” he said, gesturing his gray eyes towards a security guard. “What? Why?” Scootaloo said, suspicious. “Just trust me on this one. You’ll know soon enough our fate. Follow me.” he said, once again gesturing his eyes, this time towards the back of a nearby shop. “I don’t know, that seems wrong.” Applebloom said. “I’m not going to hurt you. Even if I wanted to I doubt I’m still strong enough. I can barely support myself.” he said. “Alright, but I’m still a bit unsure about all this. If I think anything’s up I’ll get that guard.” Applebloom said. “Fair enough. I can see why I seem suspicious, this is just how it has to be done.” he said. He began his slow walk away, and then followed. He carried a bottle of water that he seemed to drink from frequently as they walked, probably due to the heat of all his clothes. They got behind the store, where no one was likely to go. “So, what are dragging us back here for, anyways?” Scootaloo said. “You’re all half-marks, right?” he said. “Yeah.” They all said, showing their marks. “Well, so am I. I’ve been looking into the phenomenon ever since mine showed up. I was about your age, when my mail carrier mark appeared. As a decently fast pegasus, it seemed possible, if not exactly something I wanted to do. But I hated the work, it was just routine delivery. Over, and over, and over. Some ponies love the work, but I always went home dissatisfied and angry. But it filled the urge. You all know what it’s like, I’m sure. The incredibly painful withdrawals, and the inability to resist doing work you hate.” He said. “You still never explained the clothes.” Scootaloo said. “Hmm. I suppose you think I’m strange, right? covering my entire body in a society that doesn’t require clothing, in the heat no less? I’ll show you why.” he said. He removed the scarf first, giving them a good look at his face. He had soft features, and would normally be considered decently good looking, nothing special. He next went to the shirt and pants, revealing his full body, frail, malnourished, and lacking any muscle. Half of a letter was on his flank. His wings unfurled from his body, no longer capable of carrying him, and losing most of their feathers. He opened his mouth, his bright golden tongue hanging out. “Your tongue.” Sweetie said. “It’s an effect of sun dew usage. Speaking of which, I should take some about now.” he said, grabbing a small vial full of a thick golden liquid, which looked almost like tree sap, out from the pockets of his coat. He opened it, and took a small glob, and downed it. A golden glow filled the irises of his eyes briefly,before fading. He put the vial away carefully, and returned to speaking. “Sorry about that, I have to take it every so often, or else I’ll go into withdrawal.” he said. “So how can you help with these urges?” Scootaloo asked, anxious to quit craving paperwork. “As the doctor no doubt told you when you went into your attack, those are the side effects of sun dew. Sun dew will ease your cravings, and free you from the urges.. Yes, it will get rid of your urges. But, it leaves its mark. Once branded, you’ll forever be marked as an outcast. One trying to escape their fate.” “Isn’t sun dew also addictive?” Sweetie said. “But it’s effects last much longer. And all you have to do is drink it. It’ll free you from working all day in some menial labor.” he said. “But what did you mean about a caste?” Sweetie said. “I’ll let you in on something here. Luna is not as benevolent as you may think.” he said. “But she’s the princess!” Applebloom said. “She appeared in your dreams, right? She does it to everyone I ask.” he said. “Yeah, she said she wanted her children to be happy.” Sweetie said. “She’s the reason you have these problems, you know.” he said, beginning to get re-dressed. “But how? She seemed so kind.” Scootaloo said. “Oh, she may be kind. In fact, I’m fairly certain she honestly believes she’s helping. Controlling your dreams and giving you subconscious cues and desires. But it makes everypony do what her society needs.” he said. “So how do we stop these urges?” Scootaloo said. “Here, take these vials. If you truly want to define your own fate, take the dew. I’m a member of a society of us. Filed with our brothers and sisters in chains. If you would escape the society of Canterlot, you are welcome there. I can take you there, but I’ll only be in town for a week. You’d have to leave everything, however.” he said. “I need to think about this.” Sweetie said. “Yeah, this is way too much for me right now.” Applebloom said. “You have time. Here is where I’m staying for the week. If you are ready to go, meet with me. Stay strong, my sisters.” he said, now fully dressed up again, he walked off. The three of them walked off, back to the center of town. “So, how do we know this guy is telling the truth?” Sweetie said. “We don’t. But what else can we do? Like he said, I don’t want to become a slave of the mind.” Applebloom said. “I say do it.” Scootaloo said. “But we’d have to leave our families and friends.” Sweetie said. “I can’t leave AJ, Mac, and Granny behind.” Applebloom said. “Well, let’s think on it. We have a week.” Sweetie said. “But what about the dew?” Applebloom said. “I’m taking it, I can’t stand this!” Scootaloo said. “I’m going to wait.” Applebloom said. “Yeah, I’m not so sure about it.” Sweetie said. “Well, for now, let’s just head home, and think on it.” Applebloom said. “Yeah.”Sweetie said. “Alright, but I don’t have much to think about.” Scootaloo said. The three of them split up again, and went through the rest of a fairly normal day. After dealing with another attack, which she dealt with by mining, Sweetie went to sleep, dreading the dreams Luna might give her tonight. Author's Note I'll admit this chapter is a bit too exposition filled, but it was kind of needed to lead into more.
Farewells. (End of part 1)“Child.” Luna said. “Hmm?” Sweetie said, still barely in a dream. “Child, I thought I told you not to fight your fate. You’ve seen how he looked, that’s not a coincidence. Half-marks are always troubled like that.”Luna said. Sweetie rubbed her eyes, adjusting to the dream world. She was once again in the canterlot courtyard, with Luna speaking to her. “Luna? You know what’s been going on?” Sweetie said. “I’m in charge of your dreams, you’ve been thinking of him.” Luna said. “Why do I keep having these attacks and urges?” Sweetie said. “Because you haven’t fulfilled your destiny. You need a purpose.” Luna said. “But you get to rule Equestria.... and I’m a miner?” Luna said. “If it were possible, I would let you do what you wished. But it is not what you were chosen for. I was chosen to rule, and you were chosen to work. It is the unfortunate fate of our society.” Luna said. “But you’re the one making me do this!” Sweetie said. “Because I love my children! I just want you to be happy!” Luna said, visibly stricken. “But I’m not.” Sweetie said. “Because you fight your fate!” Luna said. “But how do you know this is right for me?” Sweetie said. “Let me show you.” Luna said, calming down a bit. The ground around Sweetie began to melt into a pool of water, Sweetie sinking beneath it. Sweetie briefly flailed around, before she felt Luna’s comforting hoof around her. “You are in no danger here, child.” Luna said. Sweetie realised she could breathe in the water as if it were air, and move freely. It was just a dream, after all. Vivid lights filled her eyes, as an image of Sweet Apple Acres appeared before her. Applejack worked happily in the orchard, bucking apples. “A bright smile on her face, feeling rewarded for her work.” Luna said. Another image, this time of Rarity, making fabulous dresses for everypony in town. “Creating beauty from raw materials.” Luna said. A last image, this time of the purple-haired stallion. “Sickly, weak,and barely able to stand. Addicted to painkilling sun dew, constantly fighting, forced to hide himself under thick clothes. Is this really want you want to be instead?” Luna said. I...I just don’t know what to think.” Sweetie said. “Well, you are still a young one. These rebellious feelings will die down in time, and you’ll become a hardworking, happy, productive Equestrian citizen like everypony else. Just please, don’t listen to him.” Luna said. “But I still don’t understand why this is what I have to do. Why can’t I just work productively doing something else?” Sweetie said. The water sweetie was submerged in disappeared, and she fell. Beneath her was the ground, and the boutique. She crashed through the roof, into her sleeping body. Sweetie woke from the dream, Rarity standing over her. “Sweetie? Are you okay?” Rairty asked. “What are you doing in my room?” Sweetie asked. “I wanted to make sure you were okay, I heard loud noises from your room, and thought you might be having another attack. You’ve had me terrified the last few days, you know.” Rarity said. “It was just a dream. Luna spoke to me again.” Sweetie said. “I don’t know what you girls have been up to, but I’m worried. Please, tell me, what’s wrong?” Rarity said. “What do you mean? Besides the mark?” Sweetie said. “I know something’s been going on. You three girls have been out every day, and I found this beneath your bed.” Rarity said. She held up a vial of sun dew Sweetie had hid in her pack. “Oh...that.” Sweetie said. “”I read the note. I know, I shouldn’t be getting into your stuff, but I was worried about you, darling.” Rarity said. “So you know what’s going on.” Sweetie said. “No, I don’t. Whatever would drive you to run away with this stallion is beyond me. But apparently he must have said something to convince you girls, Scootaloo hasn’t been seen all night.” Rarity said. “She left?” Sweetie said, shocked. “I’m sure she’ll be found. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t planning on following her.” Rarity said. “I’m not sure what to think.” Sweetie said. “Maybe you’d feel better if you actually tried filling your role? I asked Pinkie if her family’s rock farm would hire you, she said they’re always looking for work.” Rarity said “But I thought you said mining work would be filthy and hard?” Sweetie said. “But, if it means you’ll be happy, then anything’s worth it.” Rarity said. “Even if I decide I’d be happier leaving?” Sweetie said. “...Yes, I suppose so. I’ll miss you more than you could ever know, but if you decide it’s your destiny to leave, I won’t stop you. You’ll have to start making decisions for yourself eventually.” Rarity said, tearing up. “But what about mom and dad?” Sweetie said. I’ll try to convince them to let you go. I’ll say it’ll help you with these attacks you’ve been having. But if you’re going, it has to be soon. The royal police are already searching for Scootaloo and that...stallion. If he has some sort of safe haven, you’ll need to get there now.” Rarity said, crying. Sweetie hugged Rarity, beginning to cry as well. “I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.” Sweetie said. “I hope so.” Rarity said. Rarity kissed Sweetie on the forehead, and then she left, leaving the dew and note in Sweetie’s pack. Sweetie sat in bed for a while longer, thinking things over, when she heard a tap at the window. Scootaloo was outside, gesturing to her. “Scootaloo?” Sweetie said, opening the window. “There’s a change of plans.” Scootaloo said, cracking a bit of a smile. As she spoke, Sweetie noticed her now golden tongue, and the spots of gold still left in her iris from the dew. “You took the dew?” Sweetie said. “Heck yes! And it feels amazing! I’m free, baby, free!” Sweetie said. “Where’s Applebloom?” Sweetie said. “That lame little foal? She said she wasn’t going to go. Something about her family being too important. Too important for freedom?” Scootaloo said, talking faster as her sentences went on. “How much of that dew did you take?” Sweetie asked. “Just one vial.” Scootaloo said. “The note said to only take a small glob!” Sweetie said. “Psh, yeah, if you want to feel normal. I wanted to feel amazing!” Scootaloo said. “Are you sure that’s safe?” Sweetie said. “How could it be unsafe? I feel the best I’ve ever felt in my life! Now are you coming, or not?” Scootaloo said. “I’m not about to let you go on your own.” Sweetie said. “Then let’s get going!” Scootaloo said, her wings flapping rapidly. Sweetie grabbed her pack, and headed out the window. She felt a bit sluggish, both from the lack of sleep and the resurgence of her urges. “Come on, hurry up! Do you need some dew?” Scootaloo said. “I guess I’m going to have to take it eventually.” Sweetie said. Sweetie opened her pack, and pulled out a vial. She carefully opened it, and put her mouth to the top, taking the slightest sip. She wanted to start carefully. She closed her eyes, and felt as if she were being lifted off the ground.She got the sensation of every muscle in her body stretching out to it’s fullest, then deliciously relaxing back. Her mind felt cleaned, empty of thought. She felt her lungs fill with sweet air, and she felt full of energy, feeling her individual muscles fill with life. Her vision filled with golden light, as if she were within the magic of Celestia herself. The sensation left, leaving her filled with energy and life. She looked down at her tongue, now stained with gold. She had made her decision. As the two of them left, Sweetie waved to Rarity, who was sitting in the living room, one last time, her eyes filled with tears. Rarity began to sob even more, waving back to her. Author's Note Mini-chapter, I just felt like it should end there instead of beginning the next part of the story and ending it awkwardly.
The Drifter House“It’s just up here.” Scootaloo said, bouncing through the shadows. Scootaloo lead Sweetie through the darkness of Ponyville’s streets, towards the home of the stallion they were entrusting themselves to. “I don’t see anything.” Sweetie said. “Over here.” Scootaloo said,pulling her by the hoof. Scootaloo flung both of them through the door, inside the cozy little house. “You’re back. Where’s the third child?” the stallion said. He was no longer heavily clothed, his frail form free at last. The small house was bare, just a dining table, some chairs, a kitchen, and a bedroom. The walls were plain, and the house had an odd aroma to it, that neither of the girls could place. Various half-empty bottles of all sorts of sleeping aids, from the mundane over-the-counter medications to strange herbal remedies. Along with these were many bottles of different supposed energy tonics. The stallion sat in his chair, seemingly waiting on them to arrive. “She’s not coming. She wanted to stay with her family.” Scootaloo said. “I understand. I’m asking an awful lot,and the rewards may not be immediately apparent.” he said. He stood from his chair, leaning his hoof on the table to prop himself up. “I suppose if I’m asking you to trust me with something as extreme as this, I can at least give you a name. I am Rally. I suppose I was supposed to be fast, a pegasus, carrying mail at blinding speeds. Heh, now look at me.” Rally said. “So, what happened? You don’t look like you were ever going to be fast.” Sweetie said. “I never fit the role I was given. I’ve been frail for most of my life. Recent events haven’t made it better, Luna has decided to start tormenting me at night, leaving me with no sleep. Even as a child I was isolated from others whenever they played. As I grew older it limited my chances of ever filling the job I was given. But I loved one thing. I would always read. In particular, about great historical leaders. Their ability to inspire others. But there’s little demand for a leader, especially to another leader. And what use would canterlot have for a historian, when all having the people learn the past would do is put the current regime in question? No, I was delegated the role of mail-carrier. So I tried. I worked at the job for about a year, pushing my body to the limit just to fill the quotas. It was then I decided to leave what I had behind. Surely there were others like me. Dissatisfied souls, piloting the wandering husks of their empty bodies to fill Canterlot’s quota. And I found many.” Rally said. He stopped speaking, and grabbed one of the energy tonics, taking a big gulp. “What are all of those for?” Sweetie said. “When the Goddess of sleep and dreams has a personal vendetta on you, you want to be in control of your sleeping. Ever since I started finding others and telling them of another way out, she’s tried her hardest to make my nights miserable.” Rally said. “So where are we going?” Sweetie said. “And when?” Scootaloo chimed in. “We should leave soon, the less time I spend in a town the better. Not to mention the royals looking for us.” Rally said. “What do they want to find us for?” Sweetie said. “Most likely just a lost child alert for the two of you. Canterlot would be pushing it hard, they wouldn’t want you escaping. Not so much for the loss of a worker, but because it would give the others ideas. No, all they want to do is return you two home. As for me, if I get caught forget I ever existed. Burn anything related to me and continue your lives as if you never left. Claim that I kidnapped you, abused you, tortured you or worse, whatever you need to to make the disappearance go unquestioned on your end. They’ll kill me anyway, might as well add torture to my resume.” Rally said. Sweetie and Scootaloo were both shocked to hear this, eyes widening fully and they took a step back. “They want you...dead? Like, to kill you?” Sweetie said. “If I’m lucky.” Rally said much too calmly. “All the more reason to fight back!” Scootaloo said. “I like the enthusiasm, but I’m hoping to avoid violence. I want to get Celestia and Luna to talk this over diplomatically. Even if I’m not the one to lead my people to this goal, I pray that they will keep it in their sights.” Rally said. “What do you mean, diplomatically? What would you talk them into doing?” Sweetie said. “Preferably, a cessation from Equestria. Our people independent, under our own rule. Or at the very least, an end to the caste, and freedom of the mind, if not freedom of law.” Rally said. “So, where do you get sun dew from? I heard it was in the mountains, but where?” Scootaloo said. “We collect if from the top of the crystal mountains, where it reaches the sun at its highest. We live not far south of them, actually.” Rally said. “So doesn’t that mean you’re actually in the crystal empire, where Cadence would be in charge?” Sweetie asked. “Yes, but Equestria is the suzerain of the crystal empire, and uses this power to hunt us down there as well.” Rally said. Her head spinning from all the conversation, Sweetie sat down for a moment. “I wouldn’t get too comfortable. We should get going.” Rally said. “Who lives here? It doesn’t look like anyone stays here very long. There’s barely any furniture, and it’s all so dusty.” Scootaloo said, looking around. “Anyone. I technically own the place under an alias, but we all use it as a sort of hideout in town.” Rally said, grabbing a drab olive pack and slinging it over his back. “So do we have to be all dressed up like you were?” Sweetie said. “No. It’s late enough that it won’t matter. If we were to be seen, it wouldn’t help, we’re suspicious as is.” Rally said. “Let’s get going already!” Scootaloo said. “I just wish I could go see Applebloom before we go.” Sweetie said. “I won’t stop you, but I won’t wait for you either. You probably haven’t been marked missing yet, so I suppose you can go.” Rally said. “No, I’m going with you.” Sweetie said. “Then let’s go.” Rally said, sliding his way out the door. The three of them quietly made their way down the streets and out of the town. Their shadows just barely flickering upon the walls they passed, the moon provided just enough light to see. Rally lead them into the forest nearby, ducking into the trees. “So how are we getting there?” Scootaloo asked, once they were safely out of the town. “We’re only cutting through the forest till we get to the east side of town. I have a friend who works at the train station.. No one will be at the station, it’s supposed to be closed, but he can sneak us into one of the freight trains that heads north. He set up a stop here, claiming a surprise inspection as part of a new anti-smuggling law. When the train stops for inspection we get on, and when it passes Neighagra falls we leave it.” Rally said. The three of them sidled along the side of a nearby house, nearing the train station. As he made his way to the station, Rally tripped, falling over, unable to stand. Rolling another vial of sun dew out from his pack, he took a quick sip, enough to pick him up. Leaning on Sweetie for support, he stood. Looking into the skies, they saw smoke rolling towards the station, just on time. Keeping their heads down, they followed the walls until they got to the back of the train. Climbing aboard, they overheard the inspection. “So, you say you’re just shipping produce from Baltimare to market?” the inspector said in an official tone. “Yes, and I usually don’t have to undergo an inspection in Ponyville.” the conductor said. “Well, if you are telling the truth, it shouldn’t take too long.” the inspector said. One by one, the doors of the train were opened by the inspector, as he went through crates. Rally gestured them behind a crate full of lettuce, and they slid silently behind it. The doors of their train car slid open, and the inspector stepped in. “Hmm. Let me look in these crates.” the inspector said. He looked in the crate they hid behind, then at them. giving a slight nod, he closed the crates. “You’re all good here, sir. Sorry for the inconvenience, but it helps us stop smuggling and tariff evasion, Celestia’s orders.” the inspector said. “Whatever. Just so long as I can get these to market before they spoil.” the conductor said. The door slid shut as the inspector walked out, leaving the train car pitch black. The conductor walked back to the engine, and the train whirred back to life, slowly beginning the long journey ahead. “You two might as well get some sleep while we wait here. It’ll take a while, and I’ll keep watch. I can’t sleep inside Ponyville anyway, Luna will know, and having to deal with that will be more pain than I’d like to deal with right now..” Rally said. Sweetie was still quite tired, being awoken in the middle of the night, and drifted off quickly. Scootaloo was out soon afterwards, and Rally was left alone in the dark car with his thoughts.
CrashA loud crash. The three were slammed into the back wall of the train, shocking Sweetie and Scootaloo awake. Rally gave a preemptive gesture for them to keep quiet, not sure what was happening. Muffled voices surrounded them, and the train had stopped. The door to the train car flew open, the bright light stinging their eyes. Their steel pikes shimmered as the troops flooded inside. A large, intimidating stallion stormed them, grabbing Rally in his hooves. The half-marks were surrounded. “Don’t run. We’ll catch you.” the soldier said. “I couldn't if I wanted to.” Rally said. “Search him.” the soldier said. Scootaloo took off running, hyperventilating and wide eyed. She jumped in the air and tried her hardest to fly, managing to hover for a few seconds, her wings flapping wildly. A soldier smacked her with the blunt side of his pike, knocking her to the ground brutally. Sweetie sat in shock, unable to move. “So, this is the infamous Rally? A crippled stallion hiding in the dark? This is what the captain was so worried about?” the soldier said. “I don’t see why either. I’m helpless.” Rally said, sliding his hoof ever so slightly towards his pack. “I’m gonna have fun breaking you, sick little man. I don’t even want to know what you’ve been doing with these girls.” the soldier said. The booming noise of heavy hooves on metal rang through the train as the captain entered. His purple armor familiar to the girls, they immediately recognized the white stallion as Shining Armor. “Lieutenant, stand down. I will not allow you to punish him, provided he comes peacefully.” Shining said. “They sent the captain of the guard himself? For me? I’m honored.” Rally said earnestly. “I wanted to be the one to catch you myself. Two half-marks went missing? Who else could it be? Besides, my sister is personally involved in this one, you’ve got her worried sick with these two. We’ll treat you well enough, it’s a shame about the execution, but it’s not my command. “ Shining said. “Well, it’s quite a shame she has to worry so much. Too bad now she’ll have a brother to worry about too!” Rally said. Rally flicked his wrist, and smoke filled the car. He pulled a small dagger from his pack and jammed it into the soldier holding his wrist, causing him to let go. He grabbed Sweetie and quickly tumbled out of the train, Surrounded by more soldiers, powerless once more. He panted heavily, collapsed to the ground. “Has my body really become so weak?” Rally said. “Now you can punish him.” Shining said. A soldier charged him, pinning him to the ground. Sweetie was surrounded, and her mind tried it’s best to block out the trauma ahead of her. Scootaloo lie on the ground bruised from the pike bashing, not unconscious, but dazed. The soldier proceeded to stomp Rally repeatedly with his fists, blood spouting from his now broken nose. Another took his pack, beginning the search. Shining walked over to the girls, appalled at the state of Scootaloo’s bruised side. “Which one of you did this?” Shining said. “She was getting away-” the soldier said. “We’re here to rescue these children! We’re after the criminal! Look what you’ve done to this child! I specifically ordered you to take them unharmed! I’ll deal with you later, private.” Shining yelled in the soldier’s face. The soldier continued to beat upon Rally, the ear-splitting crack of his legs breaking rang through the air. “Medic! Bandage the girl and the lieutenant.” Shining said. “Yes sir.” A field medic said. The young stallion began his work on Scootaloo’s side, and on the lieutenant’s wrist. “That’s enough, we’re supposed to capture him alive.” Shining said. The soldier backed off of Rally reluctantly, leaving him in a pool of his own blood. The soldier going through the pack had finished, and handed it to Shining. “Medic, now you can get to work on the criminal’s face, I don’t want him to bleed out on the way there.” Shining said. “Yes sir.” the stallion said once again. “I was hoping you would face your death with a little dignity. I had heard tales that you were, at the very least, honorable. But I guess not.” Shining said. “What are you going to do to us?” Sweetie said. “Return you to your families. They must be worried sick. I just need to know what he did to you.” Shining said. Rally gave her a nod, as if to say that she should say what he told her. “He...he didn’t do anything but offer us freedom.” Sweetie said. “What?” Shining said. “We went with him. He promised us a way out of the urges. That’s all I’ll say.” Sweetie said. “If you weren’t a child I’d question you more aggressively, you know.” Shining said. “It wouldn’t do anything anyway. I have them under a spell, controlled by the necklace in my pack. But I figure I may as well come clean with this now, after what you said about my honor. Just break the chain.” Rally said. Shining went through the pack, pulling out all the contents. He pulled out the necklace and the sun dew. He magicked the sword out of his sheath, and smashed them both. “So, that adds up to kidnapping, assault of a soldier, evading arrest, possession of drugs, and whatever sick perverted thing you’ve no doubt taken these girls for. Chain him up.” Shining said. “But how did you know?” Rally said, the medic patching up his broken nose as he was being chained. “Your friend at the train station sold you out. We hired him to keep tabs on you.” Shining said. “Damn him!” Rally said. “We’ll get you girls home soon, once we’re at the falls there should be a train heading back to Ponyville. And we’ll make sure to punish this bastard for what he did to you.” Shining said. The train started up again, this time the doors were left open. The pain and defeat in Rally’s eyes was obvious, but he was at peace with death, and knew it would come at any moment. Rally tried his hardest to move closer to the edge of the train, where he could slide beneath the wheels, but was restrained. Unable to even die the way he wanted, he simply waited in defeat, and closed his eyes. Sweetie watched the trees go by, believing this may be her last free moment, tearing up. She cried, but made no noise. Scootaloo woke up around this time, and struggled once more, but was quickly restrained as well. “”I hate you! Let me go!” Scootaloo said, kicking wildly. “The spell must take a while to fade.” Rally said. Defeated, Scootaloo sat with Sweetie, in an attempt to comfort her. But soon she began to weep as well, although she tried to hide it. “We were so close.” Scootaloo said. Sweetie just stared at the trees some more, and the train pulled into Neighagra falls.
