Pegasus Feathers

Chapters

The End of Summer
No Fair
Outdone
The 'First' Abduction
Trainees
At The Gazebo
Past The Sunset Gates
Makes and Shakes
Apple Bloom's Decision
The Origins & The 'Second' Abduction
United, Then Divided
Notes
The First Confession
The 'Third' Abduction
The Deeper Origins
The First Of The Untold Secrets
The Argument
The Welcoming
The Second Of The Untold Secrets
The Second Confession
Start of Combat, The 'Fourth' Abduction, And The Third Of The Untold Secrects
The Deepest Origins & The First Abduction
A Dying Legacy
The Final Abduction
Cakes and Shakes

The End of Summer

Birds flew through the clear blue sky of Ponyville. A slight breeze came whistling through the trees of the Everfree Forest and into a valley where the Cutie Mark Crusaders sat and talked. Mosquitoes buzzed in and out of the woods, and some friendly citizens of Ponyville strolled along the dirt road before the valley. A few flowers had some brightly colored butterflies on them, and if a certain yellow pony was here she would be having a blast.

Summer was ending. The three fillies sat in the grass as the afternoon summer sun stretched out over them like a warm blanket. "School starts tomorrow. I guess summer's over." Apple Bloom said.

"Yeah, I'm going to miss my extra time to work on my scooter stunts." Scootaloo sighed.

"But hey, look on the bright side! We could meet a whole load of new friends at school this year, and maybe they could be apart of the cutie mark crusader club we have!" Sweetie Belle said, raising her head higher.

"Who knows? Sweetie could be right!" Scootaloo said, sitting up too.

"I guess so..." Apple Bloom sighed.

"What's wrong, Apple Bloom?" Scootaloo asked.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that every year is the same old ponies doing to same old stuff. I'll be the least bit surprised if anypony new and fun comes to our school." The three ponies were quiet, and as the sun began to set, one by one they stood up and began for their homes.

Apple Bloom stayed sitting in the grass, though. Looking up at the stars she mumbled, Please let somepony new come. Please. And with that, she stood up, and headed back for the farm.

The next day the fillies and colts made their way to the small school of Ponyville. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom sat at their old desks, which they had intended to keep. "Oh, look Silver Spoon! It looks like the Cutie Mark Crusaders didn't mature and get their cutie marks over the summer!" Diamond Tiara mimicked the CMC group, "Look, Scootaloo! It's mah cutie-murk! I'm App-ah Bloom 'en I love to wish fer mah 'murk, but ah now it'a nev'a happen. Boo, hoo, hoo! And I'm Sweetie Belle, and my big sister makes me so cute, and so clean, and so squeaky, and now I'm just, oh, to quote Rarity, 'simply divine, darling!' The two bullies began to laugh.

"Hey! You don't ever make fun of me and my friends!" Scootaloo stood up and yelled, seeing Apple Bloom was beginning to shed a tear.

"And you never, EVER make fun of my family!" Sweetie Belle added, getting into the pink pony's face.

Apple Bloom looked up. "Who's that?" She asked, and all five fillies turned to see.

Two new fillies walked in through the door. The first one was a white furred pegasus with long, wavy bleach blonde hair. Her bright blue eyes lit up the room around her. The pegasus had on bright pink lipstick and had on thick black mascara and sparkly, light purple eyeshadow. She was wearing a short, tight matching purple outfit that looked like what a ballerina would wear. She also had a purple tutu on, and she was wearing purple ballet shoes. She sat down next to Apple Bloom, and lifted her head high and closed her eyes, making herself seem more 'dignified.'

The other filly was a bit shorter, and she was a gray-red earth pony. She had straight black hair, and she too was wearing an outfit. She had on a black hood and cape, with the hood down and the rest going down her back and over her hind legs. She wasn't wearing any makeup like the first pony was. Slowly her dark hazel eyes looked at the chair in front of Sweetie Belle. The gray-red pony sat down in it, and she turned her head and made a small smile to the unicorn before turning her head to the front of the classroom.

"Good morning, students!" Miss Cheerilee, the purple pony, said.

"Good morning!" The students said back. Except the gray-red pony; she didn't say anything.

Ms. Cheerilee continued. "Let's begin our lesson. Open your grammar books to pa-" The door slammed open and a new (and tardy) pony walked in. He was a light brown color, and the pegasus had dark brown hair with blonde highlights with matching dark brown hooves. His ice blue eyes stared at Scootaloo.

"You're late, uh, uh-"

"Ryon. My name is Ryon." He said, looking away from the orange pegasus.

Scootaloo felt a small tug in her chest. Her stomach became very nervous. Her mind began to whirl. She looked at Ryon. Scootaloo knew she couldn't possibly ever like him, though. She wasn't into that kind of stuff. She made a vow to never like a colt. Or a stallion. But he was just so breath taking and mind catching to Scootaloo! The way his smooth voice sounded, the way his dreamy eyes glared at her- she couldn't even control her feelings. She wanted to jump up and run out the door dragging him, and run away together and have a happy life- just the two of them. She shook her head. I promised myself! He probably already has a marefriend anyway. Come on, why wouldn't a guy like not have a marefriend, anyway? She thought.

"I knew you'd be late!" The white pegasus said in a bratty tone.

"Well, Loviatar, if you didn't tr- I'll talk to you later." he said, not wanting to make a scene.

"Fine, big brother. Just don't be dramatic." Loviatar said.

"If anypony's dramatic its the both of you. Now sit down before you get detentions on you're first day!" Ms. Cheerilee threatened. Ryon made a mean face at his sister and sat down behind Scootaloo.

"Irothrust? I didn't know you went here." Ryon whispered. The gray-red earth pony sat there, looking at him. She turned her head and looked back at the annoyed teacher. If only you knew why. I could trust you, Ryon. I could trust you. Irothrust thought.

No Fair

Apple Bloom drank from her strawberry shake looking at her unicorn friend Sweetie Belle, who hummed a cheerful tune. Scootaloo sat with the straw in her mouth, but she didn't drink her shake. She just stared into space.

"Scoots! Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom said, waving her hoof in front of the pegasi's face.

"Oh! Uh, what?" Scootaloo said, almost knocking down her cold chocolate treat.

"You are daydreaming again! Knock it off, it's beginning to irritate me." Apple Bloom said.

"Alright." Scootaloo said quietly.

The three fillies walked out of Sugar Cube Corner, they each split into their own directions as they headed for home.

Apple Bloom was walking down the dirt road to her home on the farm, when she saw the two old bullies from last school year.

"Look, Diamond Tiara!" Silver Spoon said.

"It's that foal again!" The pink pony replied, noticing Apple Bloom.

"Hey! I ain't no foal! I'm jest as old as you two meanies!" Apple Bloom said, still walking.

"I'm jest as old as you two meanies! What are you, two years old? Meanies? Really?" Diamond Tiara mocked.

"She is two." Silver Spoon said, and the two harassers began laughing.

Apple Bloom grunted and continued walking for Sweet Apple Acres.

It's no fair. Why can't they just move away? It would do everypony some good. Apple Bloom thought. Not looking at where she was going, she bumped into somepony. But who?

Sweetie Belle was also making her way home. She skipped and twirled and danced through the streets of Ponyville to the boutique. She entered, and saw her sister Rarity was busy with a customer- a familiar customer.

"I'll be just a second, Sweetie Belle!" Rarity called, seeing her younger sister was in the room.

Suddenly, a white pegasus from behind the divider came flying out. She had bleach blonde hair. Sweetie Belle knew right away that this was Loviatar from school. Only now, thanks to Rarity, she was wearing a long, flowing, light pink silky dress with see-through black stockings for every hoof. Her mane and tail were done in braids, and small sparkles on the dress matched her hair color. She had a small crown on her head, and it too was light pink with light blonde sparkles. In the center of it was a bright purple amethyst.

"Why, thank you ever so much Ms. Rarity for the beautiful outfit!"

"You are very welcome! Come back anytime, darling!" Rarity said, looking through her small red glasses.

Loviatar danced in the air on the way out. She looked so beautiful.

"Just look at me dance in the air! Aren't I just so gorgeous?" Loviatar asked awaiting praise from the other ponies. She looked straight at Sweetie Belle and made the evil eye at her as she spoke.

As Sweetie watched the pegasus fly out the door, she right away felt sad.

"Whatever is the matter dear?" Her older sister asked her, flipping around the open/closed sign in her door window.

"Nothing. Nothing at all, Rarity." Sweetie Belle lied and went upstairs slowly.

The small, young unicorn sat on her bed. Why can she dance better than me? I know I can't dance very well, but she doesn't have to show off. And it's no fair that I can't be that pretty. My sister should make me a dress like that. It's just no fair, she thought.

Outdone

Mr.Cake hummed a cheerful tune while cleaning off the counter tops in he and his wives bakery. Suddenly there was a ring as the door opened. The yellow stallion turned, and saw a certain orange pegasus filly. Saying nothing, she nodded her head.

The sun was rising. Apple Bloom was making her way to school down the Ponyville dirt roads. Sweetie Bell was running late; Rarity was making her a pink dress. Sweetie wished that today she could be the graceful one.

Entering the schoolhouse was Ryon and Loviatar. Irothrust was already sitting in her seat at her wooden desk. Her big eyes scanned the room; she seemed scared.

Apple Bloom walked in. Looking at the gray-red pony with the black cape and hood, she rushed over and began yelling.

"You! You! That was you from yesterday! You bumped into me! You demanded apple seeds from me! You're the one! When I get my yellow hooves on you you're gonna regret it!" She yelled in the pony's face.

The pony sat there, however. She starred into Apple Bloom's angry eyes.

"Girls! Stop yelling! Apple Bloom! Go to your desk, now!" Ms.Cheerilee snapped at the fillies.

Apple Bloom pouted over to her seat. Having one last glance at Irothrust, she turned at began her work.

Sweetie Belle trotted inside. Her light pink dress with sparkles lit up the one-room schoolhouse. Matching pink horseshoes helped with the illumination.

"Sweetie Belle! You look amazing!" A familiar voice said from behind her.

"Thanks, Scoot!" Her voice cracked.

The unicorn pranced over to her seat and sat down. Scootaloo followed and stopped to sit at her assigned seat. Sweetie Belle began to sit as her dress began to rip. It was underneath Apple Bloom's chair, who sat on her left.

"Can you lift up for a minute, Apple Bloom?" Sweetie asked her friend.

"Uh, sure." Apple Bloom said, sitting up, pulling her chair up as well. But she was too late- the dress already had a rip.

Sweetie held back her sadness and tried to look on the bright side. "It's... it's okay... just a dress, right?" She quietly said.

"Yeah, Sweetie Belle, it's just a dress." Loviatar sarcastically sneered, poking her head out from the left side of Apple Bloom and looking down the row at Sweetie Belle.

"She's right. It's just a dress." Apple Bloom agreed, turning to look at the white pegasus.

"Yeah..." Sweetie mumbled, wanting to cry. This was my chance to be pretty. She already outdid me, and school has barely started.

Recess began, and the fillies and colts were let out to have free time on the small but sweet Ponyville Academy playground. As the others played the CMC had their meeting.

"I think we should invite the new pegasus girl." Apple Bloom suggested, "Ya'll know, the one that sits to my left."

"Yeah, I know." Sweetie Belle sighed.

"What's wrong, Sweetie?" Scootaloo asked, not daydreaming this time.

"I don't like her, uh, Loviatar, if that's her name. She sounded awfully sarcastic earlier." Sweetie Belle said.

"But you two would have a lot in common. You both like fashion, you both enjoy being pretty... you both wore dresses! Ooh! Did you see hers today? It was so pretty being long and flowing!" Apple Bloom said.

"That light pink silky dress with see-through black stockings for her hooves was just so beautiful!" Scootaloo added.

"Even Scoots liked it! Heh, whatd'ya know? And I just love how her mane and tail were done in braids, and how the small sparkles on the dress matched her hair color. She even had a small crown on her head, and it had a bright purple gem on it!" Apple Bloom admired.

Sweetie Belle sat in woe as her two friends commented about another filly's dress. "You liked my dress, right Scoot?" Sweetie Belle asked her orange pegasus friend.

"Yeah, it was alright." Scootaloo said, stuttering.

But I thought I looked amazing, Sweetie Belle thought. "I'll be right back." She said, and walked away into the midst of the other ponies.

The 'First' Abduction

"Where's Sweetie going?" Loviatar asked, walking up to Scootaloo and Apple Bloom.

"I don't know. Hey, do 'ya wanna join us?" Apple Bloom asked the pegasus.

"Sure." The fancy pony replied, sitting down, careful not to get her dress dirty.

Scootaloo looked around. Wherever is the sister, must be the brother. That means Ryon is around here, Scootaloo assumed. But she didn't see him.

"Are you alright, Scootapoo?" Loviatar asked.

"It's Scootaloo. And I'm fine." She answered, looking down.

"That's nice." Loviatar said, looking at Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom leaned over and saw the gray-red pony with the long black cape and hood. "Who's that?" She asked outloud.

"Oh, that's Irothrust. She's just her own kind of special, you know. She doesn't talk much, and she just demands things from ponies when she does. And..." Loviatar paused.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo's eyes opened up wide and starred at Loviatar. The asked for more without even opening their mouths, which remained glued shut.

Finally Apple Bloom broke the silence. "And...?"

Loviatar gulped. The white in her eyes turned to a light pink as tears began to form. "I- I don't want to tell you. It's just too sad. It really is... I saw her do it, and I had nightmares for weeks and weeks. I can't tell you- I just really can't-" Her sobbing was now taking over her talking. Tears poured out of her eyes, and snot ran from her nostrils.

"It's okay, Loviatar. You don't have to tell us. We understand, right Scoot?" Apple Bloom asked, reaching her hoof around Loviatar to comfort her.

"Yeah. Now we'd better warn Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo said.

"What do you mean, warn Sweetie Belle?"Apple Bloom asked.

"Well, she's over there talking to Irothrust." Scootaloo said.

"WHAT?!" Apple Bloom and Loviatar yelled at the same time. Their facial expressions were different. Apple Bloom looked concerned. But Loviatar looked slightly, in the smallest way, delighted. Even though her eyes were blue, they seemed to have a small, red glow.

"Hi. I'm Sweetie Belle. What's your name?" the unicorn introduced herself.

"Irothrust." the quiet rough-sounding voice crackled. The mysterious pony stood before her. Sweetie Belle couldn't make out the face- only the hazel eyes. They didn't appear scary to Sweetie, though. Instead, she looked more scared than scary.

"Do you have any friends?" Sweetie Belle asked her.

"Yes." Came the quiet reply.

"Here at school? But you always seem so lonely." The unicorn observed.

"No, not at school." She said. Sweetie could tell the pony didn't want to talk.

"Can I be your friend? I promise I won't annoy you or anything." She asked.

"Sure." Irothrust said, slowly closing her eyes. Then, as if an alarm went off, her eyes opened as quick as lightning. She gasped, as if she was drowning and reaching for air. Her pupils got small, and her eyes, which had gone from hazel to bright red, now looked down. Tears began to form in the sides of her eyes, but she held them in. Either a small white light that was barely visible surrounded Irothrust, or the sun was now shining down on her through the dark, cold shadows of the trees above the two fillies. She stumbled, but gained balance very quickly. Then, as speedy as it had occurred, she went back to normal.

"Are you okay? Irothrust? Can you hear me?" Sweetie Belle asked, now feeling concerned for her new friend.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. I just felt an abduction." She said, sounding hoarse.

"An abduction?" Sweetie asked, tilting her head to one side, looking confused.

"No- never mind that. I'm fine." She said, backing up slowly.

"Alrightie!" Sweetie Belle squeaked, acting like as if she had not seen it at all.

Irothrust sat down. Her black cape laid down her back, and covered up her hind legs as well. Some black ants climbed up her front left hoof, and got shaken off by the notified pony. Sweetie Belle sat down next to her. Now dirt was on her dress, but she didn't care. It had already been 'ruined'.

Eyeing the rip in the filly's dress, Irothrust had an idea. "I can fix that for you," she began.

"The rip? How?" Sweetie Belle asked, curious.

"Come with me, after school. Then can I fix it. But make me a promise, okay?" Irothrust asked.

"Sure, I'll be there after school-" Sweetie said, a smile climbing on her face.

"That wasn't the promise." Irothrust cut in.

"Then what was?" The unicorn asked, confused.

"Don't tell anypony where you are going after school. And don't tell anypony what I'll do to fix it. And just don't tell them you're my friend. It's all just to protect you. Don't ask me why. If you are really a good friend, you'll meet me in the Everfree forest after school today. Alright?" The husky voice sounded worried.

"Alright!" Sweetie had another voice crack.

Suddenly the sound of running hooves came closer. Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Loviatar now stood before Sweetie Belle. The breathed heavily, and looked exhausted. They had just darted from the other side of the schoolyard.

Catching her breath, Apple Bloom said, "Sweetie... Belle... don't... talk... to... her..." Sweat ran from her forehead down the the dirt below the ponies.

"She's not... the best... kind of... friend... you want..." Scootaloo added, breathing hard.

"Trust us... Sweetie... it's for your... own... good..." Apple Bloom finished.

"What do you girls mean?" Sweetie Belle asked, now feeling concerned. Looking at her new friend Irothrust, Sweetie had a sad, disappointed look on her face.

"Come back... with us, Sweetie... Belle..." Loviatar began, "Aren't we... your... friends?" Not once did she look at Sweetie Belle, even though the unicorn turned her head to look at the pegasus. Instead, her eyes were focused on her brother, Ryon, who was talking with Snips and Snails.

Sweetie Belle turned to look back at her new friend. But there was a problem. Irothrust wasn't there. But Sweetie Belle, or anypony for that matter, had not seen the pony walk away, or even hear her hooves. Where was she? And how did she escape so quickly?

"I'll be... right back." Loviatar said, now walking away.

"Come on, Sweetie." Apple Bloom said.

"Yeah, and we... still have... ten minutes left... of recess. Wow, that was... the fastest... I've ever ran..." Scootaloo realized, still catching her breath.

"Alright..." Sweetie sighed, now following her friends back to the grassy side of the playground.

Trainees

The CMC, still panting from their run, were now walking back to the grassy side of the playground.

"So, why were you talking to her?" Apple Bloom asked her unicorn friend.

"I- I don't know. She just seemed lonely, that's all." Sweetie Belle answered.

"Stick with us, Sweetie. We're your friends. Not her." Apple Bloom insisted.

How would you know? How come she can't join the CMC club? Why can't we just make any new friends? I don't want to leave you guys, but we shouldn't leave her either, Sweetie Belle thought.

On the other side of the yard, Snips, Snails, and Ryon sat under an oak tree talking. "So guys, how about this weekend?" Ryon asked the two earth ponies.

"I think that'll work out fine! Gee, I wish that today wasn't Tuesday. I want Saturday to start right now!" Snips said, nodding his head for visual approval.

"Yeah! I can't wait for the awesomeness that'll happen!" Snails commented.

"What awesomeness? Why aren't I involved?" Loviatar said in a sad baby tone, walking up beside her brother. Her cold, black shadow stretched across the ground, covering Snails.

"Oh, just something me and my new friends are doing this weekend." Ryon answered her, glancing at his new friends.

"What are you fellas going to do?" Loviatar continued her 'baby' voice.

"Just some guy stuff. You know, trade cards, meet up with a few other guys they're friends with, and stuff like that." Ryon continued, not wanting to tell his nosy sister about his plans.

"Oh." Loviatar sat down next to her brother, pushing him to the side to avoid sitting by Snips.

The school bell rang, and Ms. Cherrilee happily trotted out of the school building.

"Recess is over my little ponies!" She shouted.

The four ponies stood up and walked inside. The three colts ran, hurrying into the school building. Loviatar walked slowly, though. Then she stopped. She twisted her ears down, and squinted her eyes. Turning her head back in the direction of where Irothrust and Sweetie Belle had been, her eyes glowed a faint red. Then she looked back at the school building and continued normally walking to class. She knew she would be late. But Loviatar didn't care about school. She 'knew' that if anything could help her succeed in life, it would be power, and power alone. She was going to have plenty of that, if her plan worked itself the way it was supposed to.

After a few more classes, school was finally out. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle began to walk home along the dirt roads of Ponyville. Not Scootaloo, however. She had a job to do. She grabbed her saddlebag and ran to Sugar-cube Corner. Bursting through the doors and ringing the loud, yellow bell, Mrs. Cake awaited her presence. "Drop your stuff off here, darling. Go right around back there, and Mr. Cake'll be with you in a minute." She said, her rosy cheeks illuminating her entire face.

"Alright-ie." Scootaloo said, doing as the blue pony instructed.

She stood in the kitchen. The bell rang on the front door- perhaps a customer? Mr. Cake cantered into the kitchen with a few aprons in his hoof. "I've been looking forward to meeting you two trainees!" Mr. Cake said.

"Two?" Scootaloo asked. Turning her head at the kitchen door, she saw a pegasus. A brown furred pegasus.

"Sorry I'm a bit late." Ryon said.

Scootaloo's mouth dropped of joy. He's here! With me! We're going to work together! It's going to be awesome! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! She thought, her wings slightly fluttering. She didn't want to be obvious. Shaking her head and looking away from her crush, and now staring at the dirty floor, she thought, What am I doing! It's just Ryon. Nopony special. Just Ryon. Do what Rainbow Dash would do. Wait, didn't she date Soarin or somepony like that? But Ryon, oh my gosh, he's- what am I thinking? No, Scoot! Don't like him. But I must like him! He's so- No!

She closed her eyes. Slowly inhaling, then following with the exhale, she calmed herself down.

"What do we do first?" Ryon asked, washing his hooves.

"That's a good way to start. Scootaloo, why don't you wash yours while Ryon gets his apron on?" Mr. Cake said.

"Al- alright." Scootaloo stuttered, happy that both her and Ryon's names were used in the same sentence.

"Excuse me, Mr. Cake, where's the towels?" Ryon asked.

"They're to the left of the sink, in the cabinet, yes, right there. Here, sit them up on the counter. Oh, and, oh yes, that looks good." Mr. Cake said, smiling.

As Scootaloo reached for the soap on the far left side of the sink, Ryon accidentally bumped her left front leg trying to sit the brown paper towels on the counter.

Startled, Scootaloo let out an "Oh!"

"Sorry! Did I hurt you?" Ryon asked, feeling very concerned.

"Oh, what? No, no, no! You're fine. I should've been looking at what I was doing. My fault. Not yours. Ha, ha." Scootaloo said, slightly blushing. She quickly turned her head so that Ryon wouldn't see.

"No, it's my fault. You're too perfect to be blamed." He said.

Scootaloo's eyes light up. Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! I talked to him, and he called me perfect! Scootaloo screamed in mind, wanting to scream it to the big, wide world of Equestria.

Ryon put on his apron, and turned his head away from Scootaloo. A small smile appeared on his face as he looked at the same old, dirty, tiled floor Scootaloo looked at.

At The Gazebo

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle trotted down the street. Sweetie Belle hummed and whistled while Apple Bloom stared at the rocky road beneath her.

"Do 'ya think Scootaloo fergut us?" Apple Bloom asked, sighing.

"Why'd you ever think that?" Sweetie Belle squeaked.

"Well, she's trying 'ta get 'er cutie mark at Sugar Cube Corner." Apple Bloom said, still looking down.

"Didn't we already try that?" Sweetie asked.

"Yeah, all three of us did. It jest doesn't make any sense!" Apple Bloom continued.

"How?" Sweetie wondered.

"What'dya mean, 'how?' It's like she doesn't care 'bout us 'nymoar!" Apple Bloom pouted.

"I don't get it." Sweetie Belle said.

"What ah'm say'in is that ya'll can be friends, but ah'm go'n on my own. Din't you see how she completely ignored us at Sugar Cube Corner the oth' day? And how she keeps on do'in it too?" Apple Bloom stopped walking.

"What?! Apple Bloom, don't be serious! You can't just assume and stick with it! She's our friend! Our Cutie Mark Crusader, you know? You can't just leave her like that!" Sweetie Belle yelled, standing next to Apple Bloom.

"Ah'm sorry, but I jest don't thank it's goin' to work like that. She ditched us for a job. She could'ah invited us to join her, but no. Instead she went off 'lone, and where did she leave us, Sweetie Belle?" Apple Bloom asked.

"She left us... here?" The confused unicorn asked, hoping to get the answer right.

"She left us in the dust! The dust, Sweetie Belle! She left us in the dust! What kind of friend does that? She's the one that abandoned us. Now it's our turn to leave her. At least ah' am. 'Ya can make up yer own mand." Apple Bloom turned around and began running into the town.

"No, Apple Bloom! Please stop! You can't be serious! Apple Bloom!!!" Sweetie Belle yelled, still standing in the same spot.

Apple Bloom stopped in her tracks. "Ya have a choice, Sweetie. Either come along with mah, and have plenty o' friends. Or, ya' can jest stay behind with that lil' good fer noth'n Scootaloo."

Sweetie Belle's heart began to beat hard. She could feel the cold sweat running down her forehead, as she wanted to take both of the choices.

"Well?" Apple Bloom asked, not looking at her friend.

"I'll... I... I'll go with you." Sweetie Belle said out of peer pressure.

"Good choice." Apple Bloom said, walking.

Sweetie Belle didn't know for sure, but she thought she felt a small, chilly tear fall down her cheek.

"Finally!" Loviatar said, seeing her friend Apple Bloom approach her in the Ponyville park, inside the gazebo. The pegasus was still wearing her new dress, as Sweetie Belle was also wearing hers with the rip.

"Sorry ah'm late, Lov'tar. Ah's jest busy with mah friend, see. She wanted 'ta tag 'long with mah, so ah' let 'er." Apple Bloom explained.

"That's good. The more, the merrier, right?" Loviatar said, looking into Sweetie Belle's green eyes.

"Right... Hey, Apple Bloom, can I talk to you, uh, in private?" Sweetie Belle quietly asked her earth pony friend.

"Sure. Lov'tar, Ah'm be right back." Apple Bloom said.

"Alright!" Loviatar answered, smiling.

Walking a few yards away from Loviatar, Sweetie Belle asked, "Why are you friends with her?"

"What da' ya' mean, Sweetie?" Apple Bloom felt confused.

"Well, you guys didn't act like good friends. Earlier at recess you wanted me to ditch Irothrust. And now you're mad because Scootaloo left us behind?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"That's diff'rent. 'N after what Lov'tar told me 'bout her, and after ah 'xperienced some of it mahself, it was all jest ta' protect ya'." Apple Bloom explained.

"What did she do to you?" Sweetie Belle became quite curious.

"On Monday she demanded mah fer some appah seeds. When ah told her no, the only thing I remember was wak'in up, an' findin' mahself in the middle of the road. Mah nose had dry blood in one nostril, and all mah appah seeds were stolen from mah seedling bag." Apple Bloom said.

"Are you sure she did it?" Sweetie squeaked.

"Of coarse ah'm sure she did it!" Apple Bloom replied.

Sweetie Belle remained silent. The two ponies walked back to Loviatar. Sitting down inside the gazebo, Sweetie Belle remembered something.

"Oh my goodness!" she accidentally said out loud.

"What's wrong?" Loviatar asked.

"I forgot something." Sweetie Belle replied.

"What? Oh, please tell mah we don't have homework!" Apple Bloom asked.

"No. It's just that..." Sweetie paused. She knew she couldn't tell them.

"It's just that... what?" Loviatar asked.

"I... I forgot... I..." Sweetie Belle stuttered.

"Spit it out, why don't you?! Uh, you know, just tell us." Loviatar tried to keep her cool.

"I've got to go." Sweetie Belle squeaked, cracking her voice once more. She stood up, and ran out of the gazebo.

"Huh. Ah wondar where she's go'n in such ah huarry." Apple Bloom pondered out loud.

"Oh well. Forget her, right?" Loviatar said.

"But she's mah friend, Lov'tar. We've already been ditched today by somepo-" Apple Bloom began.

"OVER HERE!" Loviatar yelled, waving one hoof frantically in the air. "Sorry, what were you saying?" She asked.

"Noth'n..." Apple Bloom said, realizing it wasn't important at the moment.

A pink pony, accompanied by her gray sidekick, walked up and into the gazebo.

"Why's she here?" Diamond tiara snapped, looking at Apple Bloom.

Past The Sunset Gates

Sweetie Belle ran as fast as her small pony legs would let her. She had almost forgotten about her after-school meeting with Irothrust. She hurried to the Everfree Forest as the cold autumn wind slammed her face. She could see Irothrust in the distance entering the forest.

Wait for me!, she thought as she began to run faster. Not seeing where she was going, she stepped in some mud. Slipping, she landed on her back, and her whole dress was now covered in dirt. First the rip, now this. Ugggh...

Sweetie Belle opened her eyes. A black silhouette stood over her. She could only see the bright, hazel eyes, and with that, Sweetie knew right away that it was Irothrust.

"Good thing you're here. Now hurry, if you want to do this, we need to get there quick." Her scratchy voice instructed. She held out her front left hoof to help Sweetie Belle get up, and the unicorn accepted.

"I don't even know what I want to do, and where exactly are we going?" Sweetie asked, confused.

"You'll see. But you must promise me that you'll never tell anypony. Nopony at all. Got it?" Irothrust said, in Sweetie's face.

Sweetie nodded, speechless.

"Okay. Now, follow me." Irothrust frolicked through the woods. Sweetie Belle followed the mysterious filly through the dark forest ahead.

"Stop." Irothrust held out her hoof to block Sweetie Belle from getting in front of her.

"Why?" Sweetie asked, not seeing anything special or inparticular about where they stood.

"These are the Sunset Gates," Irothrust began.

Sweetie Belle looked around. "I don't see any gates." She said.

"Up here." Irothrust showed her, now in the canopy of what seemed like the tallest tree in the forest.

"How'd you get up there so fast?" Sweetie looked back at Irothrust.

"That doesn't matter. Now, get up here." The gray-red pony demanded.

"How?" Sweetie Belle asked, now studying the tree.

"Can't you just teleport yourself using your magic? You are a unicorn." Irothrust rolled her eyes.

"No... I can barely just reach the surface of it. I'm just about the only unicorn that can't do their own magic. I guess I'm just to dumb to learn, or something." Sweetie, feeling embarrassed, confessed.

"Oh... well, if anything, you're not dumb. Can't you climb it?" Irothrust suggested, trying to change the subject, or rather go back to the original conversation.

"I can give it a try." Sweetie compromised. Sure enough, she was pretty good at it. She reached the top in barely any time at all.

"Wow kid, you're fast." Irothrust commented.

"Same to you." Sweetie said, remembering how Irothrust in not even a split second reached the very top of the tall tree.

I guess so. I guess I am a kid, Irothrust thought, remembering what happened a long time ago.

"Well? Where are the Sunset Gates?" Sweetie Belle asked, looking around.

"Quiet. I need complete silence for this to work." Irothrust said, closing her eyes.

"Okay." Sweetie Belle whispered, lowering her head.

Irothrust looked over into the west, and saw that Princess Celestia was beginning to set the sun. "Almost..." She whispered, watching the big, yellow star fall lower and lower into the horizon.

Sweetie Belle watched as Irothrust closed her eyes once more. She cleared her throat, and when she opened her mouth, words didn't come out. Instead, with the most angelic voice Sweetie had ever heard, singing was heard. If Sweetie Belle had not seen Irothrust now, she probably wouldn't have believed the rusty sounding pony was this good at singing.

"As the world lights candles

and the friction collides,

the bronze and the gold

seem to combine,

they are the colors of fire,

and the fire is mine." Irothrust sang.

Suddenly, clouds of white fog covered the treetops. Tall, gold gates appeared in the distance, and like heaven, it seemed perfect. Rays of light shone through the golden bars. Small engravings on the sides and top looked like ancient hieroglyphs. They seemed to illustrate something, but Sweetie ignored it for now.

The engravings were of the same three pegasi- one with straight hair, both mane and tail. What looked like a fire engraving surrounded this picture. This hieroglyph was on the right side of the gates. Another one had long, wavy hair. She had swirly lines drawn around her, and she was on the top. The third one was a colt, and he had snowflakes surrounding him.

The 'Sunset Gates' opened, and Irothrust stepped off the tree and onto the cloud. Looking back at Sweetie Belle, who had not yet moved, she said, "Well? It's not any regular cloud. Unicorns can walk on it."

"Oh, uh, yeah." Sweetie nervously followed Irothrust. The gates closed behind them. All Sweetie Belle could see was another forest, but it was different. The tree trunks were white, and the leaves where a shining orange, blue, and purple. Small lakes and ponds were seen in the distance, and the water looked perfect. It was a sparkling cyan. Sweetie looked around, and was amazed.

"Over here." Irothrust said, standing next to an even bigger tree than before. It also had a white trunk, but the leaves and branches were different. On the right side, there was, what looked like a flame. It was made out of the branches. Every leaf on the right side was orange.

The left side's branches also looked like they had twisted and turned to form a snowflake, like the picture on the gate. The leaves on the left side where blue. The top leaves were- you guessed it- purple. The branched on top appeared wavy.

"What is this?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Makes and Shakes

Ryon wiped the messy, crumb-covered counter tops in Sugarcube Corner while Scootaloo was busy helping their last customer.

"I'll take a chocolate shake, medium please. With extra whipped cream." The light brown mare said, acting like she was in a hurry. She looked like a serious business pony, and Scootaloo knew she'd have to impress her. Her purple suit and pink scarf, along with the matching earrings made her personality. The blonde-haired mare stood at the counter, looking the slight bit ticked.

"Coming right up!" Scootaloo said, going to the shake machine.

The tall, cold box began to make a crunching noise. The gadgets inside began getting louder and louder as the filly kept the medium shake container on the dispenser. "It... it'll be right out. Heh, it's just a little slow today. A lot of shakes toady, heh heh." Scootaloo said, seeing the annoyed mare was staring at her.

"Is it?" Ryon whispered in Scootaloo's left ear.

"Don't worry. I got this." Scootaloo said, wanting to not only impress the customer, but also her new crush.

She turned around, and noticed the customer was now tapping her right front hoof on the ground impatiently. "Hurry up, kid. I have a train to catch." She mumbled.

"It'll be right out. Trust me." Scootaloo said a little bit louder than before. The shake maker began crashing and churning even louder. Then, suddenly, it stopped. The machine stopped vibrating. It seemed dead.

"See? Nothing to wor-" Scootaloo couldn't finish her sentence. Both of her front legs were now covered in freezing cold, wet, slimy, chocolate cream. The cup had been completely filled up when the machine stopped and dispensed, but it had given way to much.

"Scootaloo! Take it off the dispenser!" Ryon said, seeing the machine was now spitting chocolate all over the floor.

"Awwgh! Oh no!" Scootaloo now felt embarrassed.

She quickly sat the drink on the counter, and wiped her front legs and chest off. "Here you go, ma'am....?" Scootaloo quietly said.

"Keep it. I'll get one in Canterlot when I get there." The mare walked out, her head held high.

Scootaloo sighed. "I probably just ruined the restaurant's reputation." she said.

"No, I don't think so. It wasn't your fault. That could've happened to anypony. I would have still bought from you," Ryon said, getting some paper napkins out from the cabinet below the counter.

"You don't have to clean this mess of mine up. I made it. Besides, you just cleaned the counter tops." Scootaloo sighed.

"Nah. Besides, I have nothing else to do." Ryon said, now throwing away the dirty napkins.

"I'll just sit this over here." Scootaloo said, holding the chocolate shake in her front right hoof. Walking over to the counter, she slipped not noticing the chilly, slimy chocolate below her.

"Hold on!" Ryon's wing immediately flew open, and wrapping it around the orange filly, it managed to hold Scootaloo up. The end feather extended outwards, and the shake was caught in between it and the second feather.

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I'm in his wing! He's holding me with his wing! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Scootaloo thought, feeling giggly.

"W-wow. Thanks, R-ryon." Scootaloo managed to say, blushing.

"No prob. I guess I missed a spot, huh?' Ryon said, now looking down at the chocolate.

"I'll get it. Wow, I'm just so clumsy today." Scootaloo confessed, now realizing how big Ryon's wings were. I know my wings are pretty small, but those look even bigger than Rainbow Dash's! At his age? How is it possible? Scootaloo thought. But she didn't care. She was to love-struck for that.

It was 7:30, and Sugarcube Corner would be closing in a half an hour. Ryon sat down in a squeaky, wooden stool behind the counter. Scootaloo sat down to the left of him. Ryon looked in front of him, and eyed a shake. Thirsty, he leaned over and began to drink out of it.

No realizing how hungry she was, Scootaloo looked around. She didn't want to eat the Cake's inventory. She then saw a chocolate drink in front of her. She grabbed a straw and stuck it in.

Then, without realizing, they both noticed they were drinking the same chocolate shake- the one the mare would have bought.

Then, they both looked down at the drink, and realized they both had a straw in it- and where using it! Ryon immediately let go.

"Sorry! Was that yours? I had no idea-"

"No, no. It's not mine..." Scootaloo cut in.

"You can still have it, I mean, like, I didn't have that much..." Ryon said.

"You have it. I barely even touched the straw." Scootaloo insisted.

"No, I'm fine. You take it, Scootaloo. Unless," Ryon paused, looking into the pegasi's purple eyes.

"Unless what? Do you mean-" Scootaloo began to blush even more.

"Sure, why not? We were both happy like that, and it's just a chocolate shake." Ryon said. Now he was blushing.

Without saying a word, Scootaloo and Ryon went back to drinking the same shake together.

8:00. Sugarcube Corner was officially closed. The shake was gone. The two ponies sat outside the front door on the steps.

"I can't wait for tomorrow." Scootaloo said.

"Me neither. Hey, do you have any plans Sunday?" Ryon asked.

"No, I don't think so. Why?" Scootaloo's heart fluttered.

"Well, I'm just busy every day this week. Until Friday I have work here, well, I guess you kinda know that. And Saturday I'll be busy with some friends, and Sunday..." Ryon paused.

"Hey, sure. I don't think I'll be doing anything. Well, I had better be going." Scootaloo said. She stood up.

"Bye Ryon. See you tomorrow." She said, leaving.

"Bye, Scootaloo. I love you." He said.

"Wait, what?" Scootaloo said, turning around.

"What? What did I say?" Ryon asked, not realizing what he had thought had really been said.

"You said you love me," Scootaloo sighed, a smile growing on her face.

"Did I?" Ryon looked down at the ground.

"Yes, yes you did. But you know what?" Scootaloo asked the colt.

"What?" Ryon had no idea what to expect.

"I love you, too." And with that. Scootaloo kissed his cheek, and ran off into the night.

Oh my gosh! She kissed me! SHE KISSED ME! *SHE KISSED ME!,*** Ryon wanted to explode into fireworks. He was too happy- he didn't know if this kind of happiness could exist out of heaven. It seemed surreal to him. He knew that ever since he had laid eyes on the filly that she was special, but he never knew it would lead to this! But then, he remembered his past. How could he juggle that with this? If he was going to maintain a relationship, he'd either have to tell her the truth, or let go of his secret life. But he couldn't do that- not after what his cousin had been through with another certain pony he was related to. But he wouldn't ever get hurt- would he?

Ryon continued to ponder these mind-boggling thoughts. I'll do it. I'll do it, for Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom's Decision

Earlier at the gazebo with Apple Bloom, Loviatar, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon:

"Yeah, why is she here?' Silver Spoon asked, walking up next to her pink bratty friend.

"She's one of us, girls. You just haven't seen her at her best." Loviatar said without hesitation.

"Listen, Loviatar. We don't hang with blank flanks. Look at my cutie mark! Isn't it fabulous?" Diamond Tiara said, looking down at her hind leg.

"Uh, mine too." Silver Spoon said.

"Yeah sure. It's good, Silver, but now's not the time. It's my turn in the spotlight, okay?" The pink pony whispered.

"Fine..." Silver Spoon mumbled, hanging her head.

Diamond Tiara looked back at Loviatar. Then she noticed something- the pegasus was wearing a dress.

"Do you even have a cutie mark, Loviatar? You're always wearing those dresses and such, and well, you must be hiding something. Is that why you're taking up for poor, poor Apple Bloom over there? Losers stick with losers, you know." Diamond Tiara snickered.

"Apparently you two haven't seen anything. Check this baby out!" At once, the pegasus jumped up, and using her wings she lifted up the end of her long dress. Her cutie mark illuminated the three ponies watching. It was lit so bright, that, in fact, it appeared to be lighting up Loviatar in the purple light as well.

"What is that?!" Diamond Tiara become curious.

"It's purple sparks. It represents- uh, that I am, uh, beautiful. I am very beautiful. And you thought I was a, uh, loser blank-flank!" Loviatar stumbled with her speech as she landed.

"But why what looks like purple magic? A unicorn would have that." Diamond Tiara hid her jealousy.

"Oh, I can see why you country ponies would ever think that. But from the big city, you know, where I have lived most of my life, we don't see it like that. Ponies that aren't unicorns that have magical looking cutie marks are considered extra-special. It's just the way it works. Unless if you don't want an amazing friend this special..." Loviatar tempted as she began to turn around and walk away from Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

"No, no. I wasn't saying- oh, forget it. You're our friend, Loviatar! Hey, don't leave us!" Diamond Tiara yelled.

Loviatar stopped. "Really? I never would have known." Grinning she turned around.

"We could use somepony with style. And you seem to fit. We're friends now, Loviatar." Diamond Tiara said, a small grin on her face.

"My friend too, right?" Silver Spoon asked.

"Yeah, whatever. But anyway, we need to do more friend-things. Like, you know, have sleepovers-" Diamond Tiara began.

"Makeovers! We must have makeovers." Loviatar said.

"Yes! And with a pony with your style, you'd make us look like you in no time! I must be honest, I envy your mane. It's just so beautiful!" Diamond Tiara commented.

"Why thank you! You know, this plain white fur is just not enough for me. I prefer something for, well, me. Your pink fur is just so gorgeous, Diamond Tiara." Loviatar continued.

"What about my fur?" Silver Spoon said.

"It's nice. I like the gray in it." Loviatar replied.

"You mean the gray all over it!" Diamond Tiara added.

"Hey!" Silver Spoon felt embarrassed.

"Hey now, don't take it too harsh. And besides, you don't need to worry about being pretty." Diamond Tiara said.

"Than-" Silver Spoon began.

"Because you never will be! You look like a nerd! Those glasses, that braid- and I bet you get A's, too!" Loviatar cut in.

"Good one, Loviatar! Silver, you really need to take off those glasses. You are such a nerd with those ridiculous things on." Diamond Tiara said.

That wasn't really that nice, but if that's what the cool kids do... but I'm a nerd too! At least I don't look like it. But poor Silver Spoon... but how many times has she bullied me? But they bullied her... but she deserves it!, Apple Bloom debated in her mind.

"Okay..." Silver Spoon sighed, taking off her glasses.

"That's better. Now, come on." Diamond Tiara said.

She, Silver Spoon, and Loviatar began walking away from the gazebo and onto one of Ponyville's many dirt roads.

"Where is ya'll go'n?" Apple Bloom asked, not moving an inch.

"To my house." Diamond Tiara said, still looking straight ahead.

"Come on, Apple Bloom! It'll be fun! We're your friends." Loviatar added.

"Friends... right. I'm coming, wait up!" Apple Bloom ran up next to them, making her decision.

"Glad ya' joined us." Loviatar said, eyeing Apple Bloom, who was on her left.

"Why are you glad that measly blank-flank is here?" Diamond Tiara asked the pegasus.

"She's a friend. Just because she's cutie markless doesn't mean we have to treat her like the biggest baby in the world because she hasn't hit maturity and also for a prime fact that she also currently has no special talents, even if it's true. Right Apple Bloom?" Loviatar asked.

"Wait, what?" Apple Bloom asked, trying to comprehend what just happened.

"Nothing." Loviatar snickered, followed by the laughter of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

The four ponies finally reached the end of the dirt road, and turned onto a private, paved driveway. Big, iron gates stood at the beginning of the paved road.

"Welcome home, my friends." Diamond Tiara grinned.

The Origins & The 'Second' Abduction

Sweetie Belle and Irothrust stood underneath the massive white tree. The orange, blue, and purple leaves glistened in the sunlight as Irothrust began to answer Sweetie Belle's question.

"To understand everything, I must tell you from the beginning. A long time ago, about a thousand years, before Celestia and Luna came and saved us from Discord- well, before Discord even came- there were the three tribes. The unicorns, earth ponies, and pegasi. As we all know, the unicorns raised the sun and moon. The earth ponies attended the fields, and the pegasi controlled the weather, much like today.

Before the two alicorn sisters found Equestria, we had to depend on each other for everything. The pegasi had a special place to call meetings from their weather committee, and other things like such. This place wasn't too far from were the sisters built their first castle, and it was hidden away in a forest."

"Is it this place?" Sweetie Belle interrupted.

Irothrust nodded, and continued, "There were three very special ponies that could connect with nature with an even stronger magic than normal pegasi ponies are supposed to possess. One, the color of gold, could control fire. Another one, the color of silver, had the power to control wind. The last one, the color of bronze, controlled ice. The only ways they could use their magic was to sing, and even sometimes dance, and the magic would appear."

"Ooh, beautiful!' Sweetie Belle commented.

"However, the silver one became frustrated. She felt like her wind powers weren't good enough. She hungered for the golden fire magic, one that only the pegasus with that gift could possess. She became furious, and turned her majestic wind powers into frightening storm magic, one that only the evil pegasi use."

"Storms aren't really that hurtful. I mean, they cause damage and such, but a small rain-shower every now and then..." Sweetie mumbled.

"That is what a lot would think, Sweetie Belle. But these storms weren't like that. They will never be how she continues to get stronger. Her storms are invisible. You can't see them, but they can hurt you intensely. She has the ability to electrocute, to drown, to freeze, and to melt ponies."

"That's horrible!"

"And that's not even the worst on the list."

"How does this have to do with the tree, though?"

"The snowflake, on the left, represents the ice controller. The fire represents the golden one, and the purple part represents what used to be the wind pony. As she abducts more magic and transforms it into evil for her own use, she can only get worse. Her leaves will turn black, and the tree trunk will to. It will begin to wilt, and eventually die."

"But, what does it matter if the tree dies?"

"The tree unites the three ponies. If it dies, our powers will die. We can't allow that to happen, because magic can't just disappear. We don't need her to get any more dark magic, because that can only lead to more trouble. Without the tree, we may not be able to stop her."

"Oh, okay. Well, how do we stop her?"

"Oh, well, I didn't mean to say 'we'. What I meant to say was- oh, forget it. Sweetie Belle, I can trust you, can't I?"

"Sure, why not?" Sweetie Belle smiled.

"I am the golden pony that has fire magic, and Ryon is the bronze pegasus with the ice magic..."

"And the wind pony is- Loviatar?!" Sweetie Belle gasped.

Irothrust nodded once more.

"Ohmygosh! This is so cooooooool!" Sweetie Belle shouted.

"Sssh." Irothrust whispered.

"Right. Sorry." Sweetie Belle whispered back.

"Promise to not tell?" Irothrust asked the unicorn.

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. May I ask you some questions?"

"Sure."

"Why are you so young?"

"Our magic keeps us fillies and colts as long as we have it. We aren't immortal like Celestia and Luna, so we needed a way to stay around for so long."

"And why aren't you gold?"

"The more magic Loviatar abducts, the less color I have. Instead, she gets it. That's why her mane is golden."

"And, why do you wear that cape?"

"I like to be secretive. I don't want anypony to know- I just don't want them to see me."

"Do you have a cutie-mark?"

"No, not really. I guess you could say-"

"That's why you wear your cape! You don't have a cutie-mark! Hey, wanna join our cutie-mark crusaders club? It's a lot of fun. We go out and venture into the wilderness to find our special talents."

"Maybe. And if you want that be why I don't wear my cape, go ahead and think that. I'm completely fine with that." Irothrust let out a small smile. Then, reaching behind her cape she pulled out some seeds.

"Hey! I know those! I've seen 'em at Apple Bloom's farm before!" Sweetie Belle squeaked.

"Yes, they are apple seeds."

"What are you going to do with them?"

"Plant them. The more health, the more happier this place gets. Good defeats evil, and health is good. It's a small experiment I am working on. Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't. But it's worth a shot."

"Why did you force Apple Bloom to give them to you? And the bloody nose? Now she has a grudge with you." Sweetie said.

"Sometimes you must force. I cannot let anypony know about this place; it's too risky. I trust you, Sweetie Belle."

"Okay."

Irothrust planted the seeds, and then the two ponies made their way to the exit. Before they got to the gates, Irothrust began to shake. Her pupils got tiny, and her irises became bright red. Tears formed in her eyes again like last time, but she didn't hold them in. They rolled down her cheeks, and at once like steam, evaporated into the air. A small white light like before surrounded Irothrust, but it shone even brighter than the first time. Sweetie could see that the brighter is was, the more it looked like yellow than white. Then, she went back to normal, except for the fact that she now looked even more pale.

"Another abduction?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Yes. And she took a lot of magic. You aren't safe, Sweetie Belle. Go home. And remember your promise." Irothrust said, her voice sounding hoarse. Then they left.

United, Then Divided

The sun was setting in Ponyville. Its cool autumn air blew past Sweetie Belle as she ran for the Carousel Boutique. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw what looked like... Scootaloo?! Sweetie skidded to a halt, unintentionally stepping on her dress in the process. The rip was torn even bigger. Irothrust was supposed to fix this, Sweetie Belle thought to herself, slightly annoyed.

"Hey, Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo skipped over. Her tone could only be described as whimsical.

"Uhh, Scootaloo? Are you alright?" Sweetie asked back. Concerned for her friend.

"I'm better than alright! Ryon said he loved me,” Scootaloo look at the grounds, nervously kicking the dirt, then back to her friend. “and I... I kissed him!"

"What?!" Sweetie Belle'e eyes shot open.

"It's amazing! It's like we're meant to be together."

"Don't you think that's a bit mature for us, for you?"

"Naw. It's just young love. Besides, what about that little rumor about you and that certain Button Mash colt?" Scootaloo smirked at her friend.

"Shh! Ok.. please keep it down." Sweetie Belle looked around in case anyone could hear them.

"Haha, fine." Scootaloo said as she sat down. Sweetie Belle looked at the dirt road below her. Her mind was racing. Scootaloo has a crush on Ryon? But Ryon, he's a... oh, Irothrust never told me what the three of them together were called. But he does rule the ice. And with his sister Loviatar on the loose- wait, will Scootaloo be in danger?!

"Why are you so quiet, Sweetie Belle?"

"Oh, no reason." Sweetie knew to keep her promise, although she had a feeling she should tell her friend about the Sunset Gates, and everything inside of it.

"Oh, okay." Scootaloo shrugged. Then another orange pony came from in the distance.

"Apple Bloom! Where are ya'?" A familiar voice yelled.

"Applejack? Is that you?" Sweetie lifted her head.

"Scootaloo? Sweetie Belle? Da ya two fillehs know where in tarnation mah sister is? She was supposed ta be home hours ago, but she nevah came back!"

"She was hanging out with Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and- Loviatar!" Sweetie Belle gasped, realizing Apple Bloom could be in danger as well.

"Why is she with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon?" Scootaloo asked, surprised at her friend's odd choice.

"I guess she wanted to be cool. They were at the gazebo earlier, and that's when I last saw 'em." Sweetie said.

"Well, what are we waiting fah? Let's giddy on over there!" Applejack began to run to the gazebo, the two fillies following behind.

"Anypony want milkshakes?" Diamond Tiara asked, trotting into her bedroom, followed by her butler who had a silver tray balancing on his hoof, with different flavored milkshakes on offer.

"I'll take a vanilla!" Loviatar said.

"Dibs on the cookie one!" Silver Spoon added.

"Can I have the strawberry one?" Apple Bloom shyly asked.

"Sure, Apple Bloom! Anything for a friend of mine." Diamond Tiara said, watching her butler give out the shakes.

"Ah'm your friend?" Apple Bloom asked, feeling confused. Who knew Diamond Tiara would ever say that?

"Why of course! Anypony that is a friend of Loviatar's is a friend of mine." The pink pony replied, slurping her chocolate treat.

"I never knew how much fun ya'll could be!" Apple Bloom said, now laying on a sleeping bag in Diamond Tiara's bedroom.

"When are we going to do the makeovers?" Silver Spoon asked.

"Loviatar! Can I see your cutie-mark again? It was absolutely gorgeous earlier, and I am a little envious of such a thing." Diamond Tiara ignored her friend Silver Spoon, and focused more on the white pegasus.

"Oh, uh... well, if you really insist..." Loviatar began.

"Come on! Show me your cutie-mark."

"Here." Loviatar lifted her dress, and underneath was the purple sparkles. Now that the fillies were inside, they could see it a lot better than they could have earlier. It was five purple sparkles- a big one in the middle, and four smaller around. Two on top, and two on the bottom.

"The makeovers, Diamo-"

"Not now, Silver Spoon. Now, what did you say your cutie-mark meant again?"

"Ugh. They won't listen to me.” Silver Spoon sighed “Do you want to talk, Apple Bloom?" Silver Spoon looked towards the yellow filly.

"Uh, sure." Apple Bloom quietly replied.

"Well, I'm going to be taking an extra class after school on nursing. I find medical aid very appealing." The silver pony said.

"Oh, that's uh, cool. Ah'm more into farmin' an' such. Ya' know, those kind'a things."

"Yeah." Silver Spoon sighed.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing. I just wish Diamond Tiara would pay me some attention."

"Oh, well I think-" Suddenly, there was a knock at the front door. Diamond Tiara ran to see who it was. The others watched expectantly.

"A- Applejack? What brings you here?" The small pink filly asked.

"Have you seen Apple Bloom? She hasn't been home yet." The work horse questioned the pink filly.

"Ah'm right here, Applejack." Apple Bloom said, walking up next to Diamond Tiara.

"Come on lil' filly. I neva said ya could be wanderin' round at night, goin' ta parties an' such. Let's go home."

"But-"

"No buts 'bout it! Now come on."

Apple Bloom packed her bags. "Sorry gals, maybe another night." She sighed. As the yellow filly stepped out of the door, she noticed her sister wasn't alone. "Sweetie Belle? Scootaloo? Why are you two here?" She asked, sounding like Diamond Tiara.

"We helped Applejack find you. She was really worried and-" Sweetie began.

"Sweetie Belle!" Apple Bloom yelled, realizing that her friend was the one that had caused her to leave the sleepover.

"Sorry Apple Bloom, but your sister was worried abo-" Sweetie Belle was interupted.

"Ah was havin' the most fun!"

"It's not my fault."

"Yes it is!"

"Girls! Stop this bickerin'!" Applejack snapped.

The three fillies became quiet. Scootaloo didn't understand, why Sweetie and Apple Bloom were arguing so much? All three of them were such good friends; it didn't seem right.

"I'll see you tomorrow at school." Scootaloo said, turning down a different road to her house.

"You too!" Sweetie Belle said.

"She was talking to me." Apple Bloom hissed.

"Girls!" Applejack yelled again.

Oh no, I started another argument. Is that why Sweetie Belle wasn't talking a lot earlier? Is that why Apple Bloom was with Loviatar, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon? Do they not like me? Have I been the root of the disagreements? Is it all my fault? We were united, and now we are divided. Scootaloo looked at her friends as they left, a look of worry crossing over her face. ...and it's my fault.

Notes