My Melody

Chapters

My Envy
My Lesson Pt.1
My Lesson Pt. 2
My Mentor
My Folly
My Friends
Epilogue "My Friends. My Duties"

My Envy

The mare's furious hoof tapped against the tiled marble floor. Several boxes stood around her, stacked one on top of another. Her right ear twitched; it's rhythm remained in sync with her mind's perfect internal clock. She levitated one box towards her, threaded a needle, and stared at the empty dress form on the pedestal.

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity shouted. Her voice resonated throughout Carousel Boutique. It carried up the elegant stairs, down the hallway, and into the guest bedroom. She turned. At her side stood the unicorn filly with a dress on her back. Rarity's eyes widened in disbelief, "No Sweetie Belle, not that color. The other one. You know which one I mean. The 'rouge' one."

Sweetie Belle looked at the dress then back to her sister. With a slight tilt to her head she raised an eyebrow then resumed her composure after a final look at the dress. "There's like five colors of 'rouge' up there. Dumb fabric...."

She backed up, shying away from her big sister. Sweetie Belle repeated her frantic action as she darted back up the steps and returned with another "rouge" colored dress on her back. A quick "no" was hurled her way, and she found herself being side stepped by Rarity, Sweetie Belle's big sister mimicking her actions.

"This is the rouge I needed." Rarity said, returning to the room then ending with a sigh. Her head shook from side to side in a slow fashion before her eyes fixated on the dress form. "I must teach you proper terminology for color identification and naming conventions if you are to assist me in the world of fashion. I'll remind myself to do it when I'm not so busy."

"I don't understand--" Sweetie Belle Said

"Before you finish that sentence, 'YES,' it is a 'big' deal." Rarity said. She turned back towards the mannequin, surrounded by mirrors, in front of her. Sparks shot from the mare's horn. The dress slid onto mannequin. She assaulted it with needles, fabric, emblems, and adornments. Rarity's ear continued its nervous twitch, each tick still in sync with her mental clock. She stopped. Her head shot up, eyes widening, as she said, "Co-coming...."

Rarity peaked around the corner to see Carousel Boutique's ornate wooden door close behind the silhouette of a stallion. She darted back behind the wall, turned toward the dress, and continued the battle. Tense moments passed. Time slowed to a crawl with the final needle sliding through the masterful creation, gliding through the eyelet of a precious adornment. Her approval given, Rarity removed the dress from the mannequin, and then trotted into the main room with it floating in front of her.

"Wow, Twily said you did good work, but I didn't expect this level of detail." Shining Armor said. His eyes glanced over the "special" stone he secured from an expedition, and the three gems surrounding it. "What do I owe you?"

"It's my honor to work on a dress for Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. I'm sorry. I mean Princess Cadence, your highness." Rarity said, blushing as she stared at the dress. Her eyes traced the intricate outlines leading toward the adornment. "This is my 'Magnifique de royale robe.' If all the ponies in the Crystal Kingdom see their princess attending soirees and festivities in this, it will send my business through the roof."

Rarity giggled to herself, jumping up and down in the process. She adjusted her mane and moved closer to Shining Armor after Sweetie Belle tapped her side. In a hushed voice she said, "you've got quite the party planned for her. I hope Pinkie Pie doesn't ruin it."

Shining Armor smiled. He tossed a sac of bits to her and said, "We'll consider this gratuity for the rush job. Thanks again. Same to you too, Sweetie Belle."

Carousel Boutique grew quiet; its hectic atmosphere dissipated. Rarity levitated several bolts of fabric into a box. Supplies packed away, she floated the boxes back to her room. Sparks spewed forth from Sweetie Belle's horn. The volcanic eruption of sparks increased with each attempt to levitate the bolt of fabric that fell out of the box.

Several groans and a heavy grunt permeated Carousel Boutique's still air. Sweetie Belle, under a quiet but heavy breath muttered, "Dumb fabric. Why can't I levitate you?! I could levitate that stupid broom in Twilight's library. Ack!"

Sweetie Belle's horn illuminated, glowing a fierce magical light. Her voice resonated throughout the large display room as the fabric roll shot upward and embedded itself in the ceiling. To the unicorn filly's horror, she witnessed the tube's protruding end combust into bright purplish flames.

Rarity rocketed down the steps, pulled the piece out of the ceiling, and doused it in the kitchen sink. She patted her sister on the back as Sweetie Belle buried her face into her front hooves, "It's alright. There wasn't enough left on that expensive roll to make so much as a hoof warmer." Rarity stopped then mumbled to herself, "Good going Rarity, make your sister feel even worse why don't you."

Sweetie Belle meandered up the steps, back towards the guest room. She hopped into bed. The unicorn filly's swift hoof yanked the covers over her head.

"You do know it's ten in the morning." Rarity said. After a quick grumble from her little sister, she trotted towards the bed and ripped the covers off. "Now now, a 'lady' doesn't frown or grumble. It will give her wrinkles. If you want, you can accompany me to Canterlot. I have some business to attend to with the others. After that, we can grab some late brunch at Cafe De Magnifique in the--"

The firm, gentle hug stopped Rarity. She patted her sister on the head then grabbed her saddle bags before heading to the train station with Sweetie Belle at her side.

*** *** ***

Sweetie Belle and Rarity's front right hooves tapped against the wood planks of the station's platform. Rainbow Dash landed with a thud. Fluttershy and Applejack trotted up. Twilight came behind with a thick list in front that obscured her vision, Pinkie Pie bouncing behind her.

"Hey there Sweetie Belle, you commin along too?" Applejack said.

"Yea. Rarity said she'd take me to Cafe De Magnifique once she's done." Sweetie Belle said. She tapped a hoof against her chin. "Where's Apple Bloom? Isn't she coming with you?"

Applejack grinned. Before she turned towards Rainbow Dash, Sweetie Belle repeated her question. The filly received a shrug from Applejack then Rainbow Dash, Sweetie Belle asking about Scootaloo.

"You don't know where they are?" Sweetie Belle said.

"Sweetie Belle, that's enough. Applejack and Rainbow Dash don't keep tabs on your friends whereabouts. They aren't their keepers. Besides, aren't 'we' going to Cafe De Magnifique?" Rarity said, eyeing her sister. "Good. I need to pick up some fabric rolls as well. This will be the perfect opportunity to teach you about the world of fabric. I can show you the ins and outs of colors, so, when I ask you for a 'rouge' piece of material, you know what I want and what I need."

Rainbow Dash, after a slight snicker, erupted into full laughter. She laid on her back. Her hooves twitched in the air as she imagined Rarity in a fabric store with mountains of fabric surrounding her, Sweetie Belle drowning in a sea of the stuff. Applejack rolled her eyes at the athletic mare near her side, and then shook her head. Rarity grimaced at Rainbow Dash. Before their banter could continue, the train's whistle emanated a boisterous sound. Steam billowed forth from the locomotive's stack as it arrived with a heavy screech of it wheels coming to a stop. The six mares, plus one filly, arrived at Canterlot station after a short twenty minute trip.

"Hopefully it won't take long to give the report to Princess Celestia on Tirek's defeat. I don't want to leave Spike alone with that gem I'm studying for Cadence." Twilight said

"Heh, like leavin a fox in charge of a hen house." Applejack said. She adjusted her stetson, Fluttershy passing her with an annoyed look. "What? It's the truth, Shy."

"Mr. Fox has guarded my chickens for as long as I can remember, and every one of them has remained safely guarded. You owe Mr. Fox and his family an apology." Fluttershy said, sticking her nose into the air.

Twilight stood in front of the gates to Canterlot Castle. Commander Iron Hide stepped out, saluted her, and then commanded the gates to be opened. "I'll never get used to this 'princess' stuff." Twilight huffed, "I'm not that different. I grew a pair of wings--"

"and an inch or two taller, heh heh. You'll be the same height as your 'big' brother here in a bit." Rainbow Dash said, ending with a devilish grin.

"I'm not that tall!" Twilight said. Her frustration relented, giving a quiet giggle toward the friend that flew above her. Closed, ominous looking doors stood in front of the group. Twilight, after a quick nervous gulp, said, "Well, here's... the room. To be honest, this is one place in the entire castle I had no desire to enter when I was a filly. Anyways, I know Princess Celestia wants that update. Will you be ok by yourself, Sweetie Belle?"

Sweetie Belle nodded with a firm smile before she trotted down the halls, receiving permission to explore from Princess Celestia.

Gold thread sewn into the sides of the tapestries glinted in the warm light of the sun. Sweetie Belle's eyes fixated on the fabric's bold red color. She shook her head then continued down the ornate carpet. Near the hallway's end, her hoof shot up. Her voice grew quiet. In her mind she said, "That's odd. What are they doing in Canterlot Castle?"

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom exited the room at the end of the hall. Princess Cadence and Princess Luna stepped outside. They secured the door then moved along the red carpet in front of Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

Sweetie Belle bolted behind a large plant and remained silent. She peered between the plant's leaves, her ears alert.

"Thank you for helping Scootaloo with her wings, Aunt Luna." Princess Cadence said.

"Please don't call me that. It makes us, I mean it makes 'me' sound like some old mare." Princess Luna said. She raised an eyebrow at Scootaloo, "I'm still baffled as to how an errant weed could cause such a reaction in a pony." her eyebrow lowered while she gave a kind smile to the pegasus filly, "Still, I won't look down upon an odd yet unique and precious gift. Scootaloo has made some impressive strides from what you told me, Princess Cadence."

Apple Bloom stopped. Her eyes flashed. The group stopped. Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, and Scootaloo faced Apple Bloom as the filly eyed the plant in front of her.

"That's odd. Ah could have sworn Sweetie Belle was behind there." Apple Bloom said.

"You're still learning, Apple Bloom. Your ability isn't some parlor trick of a con artist. Remember, there are past, present, and future events that you can see. My abilities took twenty years to gain partial control over, though, I must say, you have made rather superlative strides in your effort to master it. You only missed ten out of the fifty apples me, Princess Cadence, and Scootaloo lobbed at you." Princess Luna said, ending with a chuckle.

"Yea, thanks for remindin' me about those ten ah missed. Me and my poor flank." Apple Bloom said. She rubbed her backside then turned back towards the group.

Sweetie Belle's eyes remained firmly fixed on the group in front of her. She tapped a soft hoof against her chin. Her eyes gravitated downward to see a drop of water on her hoof then looked up to see the group making their way down the hallway. She crept down the red carpet, darted behind each nearby corner, and snuck into the shadows of an adjacent hallway. Sweetie Belle -- near a small seating area -- bolted under a low table. Her ears perked up.

"There it is again," Apple bloom said as her body twitched and her eyes flashed, "Ah could swear we're being followed. Sweetie Belle? Ya there? Ya best not be playin' games with us."

"Has she started to lose touch? I thought you said she was getting better." Princess Cadence said.

"I'm positive that she has gotten better. Do you doubt the words of your Aunt Luna?" Princess Luna said before she placed a hoof on her forehead. "Don't. Say. A word. Not a word, Princess Cadence."

Princess Cadence snickered to herself. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo remained silent then chuckled to themselves.

"Good work with your wings, Scootaloo. You're getting much finer control over them. That short time has ballooned into two hours rather nicely." Princess Cadence said.

"Thanks. I just hope Rainbow Dash isn't jealous about me training with you and Princess Luna." Scootaloo said.

"No worries. If you like, we'll keep, heh, 'Luna' a secret between you and me. I felt it best to have her help out with the strength part. I consider myself more of an elegant flyer." Princess Cadence said, receiving a stern gaze from Princess Luna. With the kitchen door opened, she trotted inside then stood in front of the three ponies. "To think you've been causing several sonic booms over Equestria. Anyways, how about I fix us some snacks. Shiny says my milkshakes are the best."

Princess Luna's eyes widened, "Doust thou dare challenge us?! Our moon cakes are the most delicious!"

"Ok," Princess Cadence smirked, "We'll have a little test. My treats vs. your treats, dear 'auntie.'"

Sweetie Belle watched from underneath the table as the four ponies laughed at each other, moving into the kitchen. The kitchen's door closed behind the group. Sweetie Belle looked down to see another drop on her hoof. Soft hooves, and a weary heart, carried her back to the room she departed from after she extricated herself from underneath the low table. Sweetie Belle's heavy eyes closed, a tear falling to the carpet beneath her as she plopped down on the red carpet.

"Sweetie Belle?" a voice said.

Sweetie Belle opened her eyes to see Rarity and the others. An apologetic sorry given by Sweetie Belle, she and Rarity departed Canterlot Castle.

*** *** ***

Chatter resonated throughout Cafe De Magnifique. Embellished pictures hung on the stylish walls; a marble statue of Princess Celestia, at the seating area, glinted in the faint sunlight that came through the windows; the fresh polished floor appeared like a mirror, going unnoticed by the ponies that walked across it.

Rarity's saddle bag placed next to her in the booth, the unicorn sat down and held the menu out in front of her. She sniffed the air then smiled. Her delighted expression fade at the sight of Sweetie Belle. Rarity lowered her menu, "If the drink isn't to your liking, you can order something else."

A stallion's squeegee brushed against the window near the two ponies. He dipped it into the bucket then gave a final wipe to the window before he moved on. Sweetie Belle's ears lowered, and her gentle hoof continued to poke the small drink in front of her while hoof steps landed on the pathway outside the cafe's window. The waiter presented a cup of tea to Rarity, a small slip of paper along with her drink. Sweetie Belle took her cup and sipped its contents. She nibbled on the small peppermint stick that protruded from the container's rim.

"Sweetie Belle?" Rarity said, sliding her hoof over. She paused. The unicorn turned behind her to see the doors to restaurant fly open. "What in Equestria is that ruckus?"

Princess Celestia entered while Twilight descended toward the ground behind her. The two passed by several bowing ponies. They stood near Rarity, and, after a brief conversation, Rarity tossed some bits onto the table. Sweetie Belle followed behind the three through the streets of Canterlot.

"What do you mean Chrysalis was spotted? I thought she retreated to her, 'ick,' hive." Rarity said.

"I'm not sure," Princess Celestia said, making her way through a clear street. "We need to find the others. That's the reason I had Twilight cast the spell she devised on all of you. It will allow you to see each other's auras, preventing the changelings from trying any form of subterfuge."

Twilight blushed, "You devised the spell, Princess Celestia. I just, kinda, casted it while we were all in the room." Twilight Sparkle's expression morphed into a solidified determined look, "I'm still unsure of what Queen Chrysalis is doing. Was the pony's story accurate?"

"I wish it weren't. The pegasus said green flames enveloped a pony in the crowd, and the mare turned into Queen Crysalis. While the others fled, Zircon hid in a nearby cloud and managed to eaves drop on the conversation." Princess Celestia said. She crossed Canterlot Castle's draw bridge. Her hoof steps remained graceful and soft on the elegant red carpet. "Queen Chrysalis didn't appear hungry for love from the account. She was looking for a pony. Zircon couldn't remember the name, but she said it sounded feminine. It would have been better if we got more detailed information, but I understand her fleeing since she had a foal to care for." Princess Celestia's calm tone grew stern with an expression to match, "None of my little ponies will be harmed by that creature's horn or misshapen hooves. Neither foal, filly, colt, stallion, or mare shall be touched."

Sweetie Belle trotted behind the three mares. She looked ahead to see an octagonal table stand in the center with a map of Equestria spread out on its top. Over the table hung an ornate chandelier, several bright candles illuminating the room. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy entered with Princess Luna in front. Sweetie Belle watched Apple Bloom and Scootaloo enter with Princess Cadence in the lead.

"Sup Sweetie Belle?" Scootaloo said. She watched her friend trot toward the corner where she and Apple Bloom stood, receiving a half-hearted smile from Sweetie Belle. "Pretty crazy ol' bug breath is on the loose. She doesn't stand a chance against Princess Celestia."

"Sweetie Belle, were you..." Apple Bloom said. She stopped. "I mean, what ya doin here in Canterlot? You with Rarity at Cafe De Magnifique?"

"How did you know that I went to Cafe De Magnifique with my sister?" Sweetie Belle said.

Apple Bloom's eyes drifted towards Scootaloo then back toward Sweetie Belle, "I, uhh, took a wild guess. I mean, it's the place that Rarity likes accordin' to my big sis. They have those 'foo-foo' drinks and all."

Sweetie Belle mumbled, "Yea, more like a good 'foretold' guess."

"Huh?" Apple Bloom said.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo gave sheepish grins to the nine ponies near the table, all of them staring at the three fillies. The Cutie Mark Crusaders resumed a hushed conversation.

"Alrighty, ah will head on out to Sweet Apple Acres. Big Mac needs some help with the orchard. Don't worry Twi, ah doubt Queen Chrysalis will try anythin' with all of Equestria on alert." Applejack said with a hearty grin.

"Yea, that old bug won't know what hit her." Rainbow dash said. She zoomed towards the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Hey squirt, how your practice go with Princess Cadence?"

Scootaloo motioned a hoof across her neck several times. She turned to Sweetie Belle, "Heh heh, I'm not sure. What Rainbow Dash--"

"It's ok. I know you practiced with Princess Cadence. Same with Apple Bloom practicing with Princess Luna. That was quite the 'guess' there about Cafe De Magnifique. Not to mention the planter in the hallway." Sweetie Belle said.

"Sorry," Apple Bloom and Scootaloo said in unison.

"Apple Bloom and I kinda found out each other's little 'secret' by accident when we came here today. We weren't sure how to tell ya about it, Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo said. She rubbed a nervous hoof against the other and said, "You wanna meet up at the club house?"

"Maybe tomorrow," Sweetie Belle said. Sparks spewed forth from her horn, her saddle bag flap motionless. In her mind she said, "Why do I bother."

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna made their way down the hallway of Canterlot Castle towards the throne room. Princess Cadence's horn illuminated. She vanished in a flash of light, teleporting to the Crystal Kingdom. Sweetie Belle and Rarity departed for the train station, arriving three minutes before departure.

Sweetie Belle's glazed over eyes stared out the window of the train car. Dusk began to take hold of Equestria as the sun set in the distant horizon. The train car came to a swift stop at Ponyville's station. On her way home, Sweetie Belle's head remained low. She meandered towards Carousel Boutique and into the guest room. Much like Cafe De Magnifique, the world's noises fell on deaf ears as Sweetie Belle placed her bag onto the carpet near the bed.

"I should be happy for them. They would be happy for me," Sweetie Belle said. Her head buried into her hooves, she said in a muffled voice, "I just... I just -- why?"

My Lesson Pt.1

Stars sparkled in the clear night sky as calm moonlight brightened Carousel Boutique's guest bedroom. Sweetie Belle's hooves twitched underneath the bed's covers. Sweat formed on her forehead, the droplets creeping down her cheeks. Crickets continued their soft symphony outside while she winced and shivered, tossing and turning.

Sweetie Belle's eyes thrust open. Greeted by the black void of an ethereal realm, her eyes darted about before she rose to her hooves. Two orbs engulfed in flames floated in front of her; the flames from the spheres remained calm as both objects changed from bright green to sky-blue, pulsating in several different hues.

"No!" a voice said in a boisterous tone, causing the two orbs to shatter.

Tiny, glass-like fragments floated into the open space of the strange dark world. The pieces mingled and coalesced with one another, and the object regained its form. Soon, a giant ball floated in front of Sweetie Belle. It split into two fiery, fluorescent, ethereal spheres, glowing in an amber colored light.

Sweetie Belle backed away. Her hooves froze. She tugged on them. She yanked on them. The unicorn filly continued to struggle. She felt her body dragged toward the orbs then closed her eyes.

Thick dark smoke strangled the objects as Princess Luna materialized from the shadows. Her horn glowed with a fierce magical light. Darkness surrounded the princess, and she eradicated it along with the two spheres.

"What's going on?" Sweetie Belle said. Her hooves shook. She looked beneath her, around her, and then met Princess Luna's concerned gaze.

Black clouds withdrew into nothingness. The void dissipated, and a clam, moonlit night, not unlike the one outside Carousel Boutique, greeted the two ponies. Both stood atop a fluffy white cloud in the open night sky while several stars twinkled around them.

Apple Bloom darted from behind Princess Luna. She landed on top her friend, giving a monstrous hug before helping her up. After receiving a nod from Princess Luna, her hoof shot up before Sweetie Belle could speak. "We have to watch it. Ah can't tell yet, but somethin dangerous is about to happen. You, me, Scootaloo, the others... all of us are in danger."

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes at Apple Bloom. She took a slow, deep breath. "Whatever. I had a nightmare. Princess Luna protected me, and that is that. I knew Rarity should have gone to the store. This is what I get for--"

"Ah ain't playin' Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom pointed a stern swift hoof at her friend, "This is serious. Ah know your upset, but we are friends. We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders!"

Princess Luna stepped forward. Several clouds swirled around her and the two fillies. The white clouds merged into a solid object, forming a pedestal. On top of the beautiful pedestal stood a large torus shaped object with a hole in it. The tip of Princess Luna's adornment on her right hoof targeted the darkened center of the mystical object. With a concerned tone to her voice, she said, "Please, heed the cautionary words of your friend, Sweetie Belle. My protégé speaks the truth as what you see before us is nothingness." Princess Luna lowered her hoof, "A great danger looms on the horizon. This threat possesses a powerful ability, one that allows it to elude the combined foresight of Apple Bloom and myself. That, my dear Sweetie Belle, is no simple feat."

Apple Bloom tapped a gentle hoof against her chin. She looked at Sweetie Belle. After a sly grin, she turned to Princess Luna, whispered to her, and then faced her friend and said, "Ah got it. Ah know what will prove to ya this is more than just a dream. Head to the clubhouse tomorrow. It'll be a surprise."

Sweetie Belle closed her eyes and opened them; the semi-dark guest bedroom of Carousel Boutique came into view as her vision cleared. She leapt out of bed, peered under it, and, after a yawn, made her way to the bathroom. Her business finished, she trotted toward the window near the bed. The crickets' chirps ceased, and the shadows had lengthened. Several clouds loomed on the horizon while Sweetie Belle's eyes fixed on the shadow of Carousel Boutique's flag, the soft flag wafting in the semi-calm air outside.

"Sweetie Belle?" Rarity said. She tapped her hoof against the guest bedroom's door then opened it. "Is everything ok? It sounded like you were having a nightmare."

"Maybe. Do... do you mind if we talk? If we have sister-to-sister talk?" Sweetie Belle said. She sat on the soft small oval rug near the window. Her front right hoof rubbed against her left one. "I guess you heard about Scootaloo and Apple Bloom back in Canterlot."

Rarity sat beside Sweetie Belle. The two gazed out the crystal clear window to see the stars and moon grace Ponyville with a beautiful night. Several lights in the distant houses flickered then extinguished.

"I want to be happy for my friends. But I -- am, am I going to be left behind? Will they leave me behind? What talent do I have?" Sweetie Belle said.

"Let me answer with a question of my own." Rarity placed her hoof on Sweetie Belle's back, "Did Twilight leave us behind when she became a princess?" Rarity said, gliding her hoof across Sweetie Belle's back several times before removing it. Her gaze turned to the beautiful scene in front of her, star and moon light reflecting off her eyes. "While it would be nice to be an alicorn princess, me and the others weren't destined for it. Twilight is our friend, no matter how much she changes on the outside or inside. To us -- to me at least -- she's still that same shy unicorn that came to Ponyville. Her mane was such a mess the first day I met her. If you were to tell me--"

"And?" Sweetie Belle said with a raised eyebrow. Her heavy eyelids slid down before she forced them to remain open.

"To get at the heart of the matter, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are your friends. They will be there for you, regardless of them having special talents or not." Rarity said. She glanced at her sister then turned and faced her. With a soft pat to her little sister's head, in a calm voice, she said, "In regards to 'your' talents, you'll only be left in the dust if you let it happen."

Sweetie Belle lowered her head, her eyelids continuing their battle. "But. But how do I find--"

"I know you're worried about your talents, but -- here, for you to say that one color of 'rouge' is the same as another doesn't work. There are several different shades, several different hues. Some are easy to tell apart while others can take a trained eyed. Your friends have their color. You have your color, but you still need to discover it." Rarity said.

"Again. with the. 'Rouge' thing." Sweetie Belle said between two heavy yawns.

Rarity rolled her eyes and shook her head. She gave a warmhearted smile to Sweetie Belle. "Would you like me to ask Twilight if she'll tutor you? She loves this sort of thing, and I bet Twilight would be more than happy to help. It might be great to receive some one-on-one, unicorn-to-unicorn training with a pony -- a princess of magic mind you -- that can help you grow. Maybe have her take you on. As her own. Personal. Student? "

"...."

Sweetie Belle's eyes lost the battle; her breaths drowned out the room's silence. Rarity floated her sister back into the guest bed. She rolled the covers over Sweetie Belle then departed, closing the door softly behind.

*** *** ***

Sweetie Belle stood outside the Cutie Mark Crusader club house. A calm, eerie silence greeted the small area on the Sweet Apple Acres Farm after a small guest of wind whistled passed her ears. Her front hoof crept toward the doorknob, and then pulled back. The Cutie Mark Crusader flag remained motionless atop the clubhouse.

After a final heavy sigh, Sweetie Belle planted a firm hoof in front of her. She shook her head. With a smile she opened the door and said, "Hello?"

"Surprise!" Scootaloo and Apple Bloom yelled in unison.

Several festive red, blue, and gold colored streamers decorated the ceiling, a "Cutie Mark Crusader Anniversary" banner hung with care. In the back, a table, draped with a dark red cloth, held a cake on top of it; the three layered treat displayed the symbol of the fillies' club.

"Wow, you put this all together?" Sweetie Belle said. She trotted into the club house. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo gave hearty grins to Sweetie Belle while she eyed the intricate symbol on the cake.

"It was coming up, and Apple Bloom and I thought it would be great to celebrate our anniversary. Sure, our four hundred seventy seven attempts to find our Cutie Marks have failed..." Scootaloo said, placing a quick hoof over her mouth.

"Ah think what Scoot meant to say is whatever the storm, no matter what happens, we'll stick together. We are the 'Cutie Mark Crusaders,' and we'll never stop the journey. Even when 'that' day comes, we'll still be the same." Apple Bloom said. After a firm hoof placed on her forehead then removed, she shook her head. "What ah mean is...."

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened. She darted toward Apple Bloom. With a firm hoof raised she said, "That's it! You can use your--"

"O no, ah ain't doin that. Even if ah wanted to do it ah can't. Princess Luna has forbidden me." Apple Bloom said. She rubbed a soft hoof against her backside, "We're gonna stay off 'that' subject. Trust me. My poor flank is still hurtin."

Sweetie Belle giggled at Apple Bloom then poked her friend's flank along with Scootaloo, Apple Bloom giving a loud resounding "ouch" from their prodding. Sweetie Belle trotted toward the cake, cut two slices, and passed them out to Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. Her eyes widened at the site of her favorite red velvet cake but turned toward the adjacent table to see a plate near her levitate into the air. The cake was sliced, removed, and then placed on the plate which levitated over towards her.

"Anyways, ah got a little somethin for ya." Apple Bloom said with a wink. She presented a small jewelery box to Sweetie Belle. "It's a little gift Princess Luna helped me find."

"Oooo," Sweetie Belle said. Her hoof glided across the black box's pearl white ribbon. The ribbon unfurled. It laid on the ground while the box's lid was removed with a gentle hoof. "... I've never... just -- Wow! Thank you. Rarity will be so jealous when she sees this. It's perfect. Thank you."

Apple Bloom nodded to Sweetie Belle, "Princess Luna pointed me towards a specialty store."

"I remember Rarity telling me how rare these are to find. Please don't tell me you spent your entire allowance on it." Sweetie Belle said. The strong silk thread of the jewelry piece disappeared against her neck, "Its perfect."

"What in the hay was that?!" Scootaloo said. Her chuckling ceased along with Apple Bloom's. "Sounded like a dragon's roar."

Sweetie Belle, unphased by the boisterous sound, rubbed a soft hoof against her present. Out of the corner of her eye, she witnessed a plate levitate into the air, cut a large piece of cake, and lower itself to the floor. It slid under the table, guided by a lavender colored hoof into darkness.

With a swift tug, Sweetie Belle ripped the table cloth off, leaving the items on top intact. Several "ooo" and "ahh" sounds filled the clubhouse while Apple Bloom and Scootaloo clopped their hooves together.

"Guys..." Sweetie Belle said. She watched Twilight devour the cake. "You know Twilight, I wasn't planning on using magic to serve myself, right?"

"I thought it might be wise to. Accompany all of you. As a. Chaperone?" Twilight said. She ended with a sheepish grin. The mare extricated herself from under the table, stretched her wings, her neck, and then her hooves before sitting down at the table to finish her cake. "Sorry. I ate this morning but I'm still a bit hungry. Sweetie Belle," Twilight smiled, "would you like me to train you in magic? It would be soooo exciting to have a protégé. Well, I mean, I did tutor you all, but it would be great to have a one-on-one pupil to work with. As Pinkie Pie would put it, 'I know I'm excited but are you?'"

Sweetie Belle shook her head then nibbled on a small bit of her cake. She tapped a napkin against her cheek then placed it onto the table. Her eyes focused on Twilight. "No offense Twilight, but I don't see the point. My magic doesn't cooperate. I've read those books in your new library, and, from what I've come to understand, I doubt even you could even figure it out." Sweetie Belle let out a sigh after she finished off the last bite of her cake, "The only thing that cooperated was that broom I practiced with. I guess it doesn't take Apple Bloom's fortune telling to see where this conversation was going to head."

Twilight surreptitiously glanced to her left. Her ears lowered. In a hushed voice she said, "About that broom--"

"It's not fortune tellin'." Apple Bloom pointed a firm hoof at her friend, "Ah prefer the term 'future sight' in all honesty." Apple Bloom said. Her eyes glanced towards the floor. She rubbed her right hoof against her left then looked at the three ponies in front of her, "Ah guess Princess Luna was right in the end."

"About?" Twilight said.

"Ah wanted to prove to her and mahself that you can change the future. Princess Luna said 'events unfold as they are meant to unfold' as she said somethin' along the lines of nothing -- not even magic -- can change a pony's 'destined' path." Apple Bloom said while she mimicked a motion she watched Princess Luna display in front of her. "Ah don't know why, but Princess Luna seemed rather, melan... uhh..."

"Melancholic," Sweetie Belle and Twilight said in unison. Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes while Twilight giggled to herself.

Sweetie Belle's ears were perked, but her gaze remained fixated on the window. Clouds continued to gather in the distance. Her eyes glanced toward Apple Bloom.

"Yea, anyways, she seemed kinda melancholic about it. Princess Celestia--" Apple Bloom said, stopping as she shoved a quick hoof to her mouth.

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened. She made her way to Apple Bloom, "You trained with Princess Celestia?! This is ridiculous. Has Scootaloo trained with Princess Celestia too?!"

"We didn't train with her. Well, 'trained' wouldn't be the right words for it." Scootaloo said.

"I'm outta here. Thanks for the present," Sweetie Belle said. A semi-transparent, purple colored wall appeared in front of her. Her brow furrowed, she faced the three ponies. "Twilight, I'm leaving. Apple Bloom has her 'future sight.' Scootaloo's wings are now 'magical' just as much as they are beautiful. You're the princess of magic. What does that leave me. Nothing."

"Sweetie Belle, it's not like that. Ah didn't train with Princess Celestia. Neither did Scootaloo. Honest." Apple Bloom said.

"Whatever. Tell me though, what happens next, hmm? What am I about to do, 'fortune teller?!' Sweetie Belle said with her furrowed brow maintained.

Apple Bloom shied away. She steadied herself and said, "Your gonna leave. A lamp will fall on Twilight's head after ya slam the door behind ya."

"What?!" Twilight said. Her shield dissipated as Sweetie Belle slammed the door shut. Near the table, a lamp fell from the ceiling and landed near the spot where Sweetie Belle sat at the table. She squinted at the broken objected, repaired it with a quick spell, and placed it on the table that held the plates. She moved toward the door then peered outside, "Your prediction was wrong."

Apple Bloom winced as she watched the rope near the ceiling come loose, a lamp hitting Twilight on the head. "I guess it was the lamp near the door. Princess Luna is still teaching me about specifics. Sorry Twi."

Twilight rubbed her head. She stared at Apple Bloom, her annoyed expression soon relenting. "I know you two are upset, but I have faith in Sweetie Belle. Her potential just needs to 'awaken.'"

"That's what ah'm afraid of. It may be for the best ya didn't tell her about the broom." Apple Bloom said. She grabbed a slice of cake.

"Well?" Twilight said.

"Well, what?" Apple said, gulping down the piece of cake before slugging down a cup of punch.

Twilight glared at Apple Bloom, "Tell me, now. Tell me what you've seen."

"Even if you ordered me to do it, ah can't tell ya what ah have seen. Princess Luna has told me what ah can and can't do. Though it wouldn't change anything, it might make Sweetie Belle angrier." Apple Bloom said.

Twilight relented. She trotted toward Apple Bloom and placed a kind wing over her. "Sorry. I should be more respectful. Through my own little 'experience,' I learned that time will continue forward regardless of how you interfere with it."

"Hey, Apple Bloom?" Scootaloo said.

"Ya?" Apple Bloom said.

"What did you mean by 'it's best you didn't tell her about the broom.'" Scootaloo said.

Twilight let out an audible gulp before she levitated a piece of cake to Scootaloo. "Nothing. It's nothing."

"Twilight, ah know you enchanted the broom. You did it to help train Sweetie Belle." Apple Bloom said.

"It wouldn't do any good to deny what I have done, would it?" Twilight said. From the nearby table, a thick slice of cake was cut. It levitated onto a plate before moving towards Twilight as she sat down near the two fillies. She took large bite out of it, sipped on some punch, and cleared her throat. "To elaborate, I imbued the broom with part of my magic. The spell I used made it respond to Sweetie Belle's commands more easily. In a more blunt perspective, you could call it 'magical training wheels' for a unicorn." Twilight finished off her piece of cake and took another large gulp from her cup, "In my heart, I was afraid Sweetie Belle would give up entirely on magic if she didn't see an immediate improvement, or near immediate improvement, after her failures. Untrained magic can be one of the most dangerous things in Equestria...."

The three ponies continued to chat amongst themselves, unaware of the silhouette that dashed passed the window.

*** *** ***

Sweetie Belle galloped down the faint pathway. Her hooves plunged into the semi-soft dirt road beneath her. She stopped. In a quiet tone she said, "I will find my talent. It 'will' be special. If Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are special, then I'm special too."

The forest's darkness enveloped Sweetie Belle as she continued her journey. Zecora's hut came into view, lights illuminating the Zebra's home. Sounds reverberated amongst the thick trees, and light grew dimmer with Sweetie Belle's progression. Swamp pools bubbled around her, their vicious viscous popping noises inaudible amongst the sounds of the forest's inhabitants. Zecora's hut disappeared behind Sweetie Belle as she continued her arduous trek, going deeper into the Ever Free Forest.

"St-stupid crow," Sweetie Belle dropped to the ground then rose to her hooves, "I can do this. I. can. do this."

Sweetie Belle shook her head, placed a firm hoof down, and moved forward after the quick pit stop. Her steadfast vision pierced into the forest's darkness before she moved forward on shaky hooves. Several dead trees littered the area, a dense canopy of thick branches and twigs blocked what little light would illuminate the area.

"Well, that's one good thing." Sweetie Belle said, muttering to herself. A slight shakiness came to the branch she levitated towards herself. Her outstretched, right front hoof latched onto the branch's end. "Though, I rather not be known for having a special talent of setting fires. Last thing I need is to be renowned as a pyromaniac."

"Fire is life," a voice said in a calm tone.

Sweetie Belle's ear twitched. Her eyes dilated. She felt her heart race. The makeshift torch dropped to the ground; its purple flame refused to illuminate the darkness. The unicorn filly's breathing grew deep and heavy as she turned.

"Why, hello there," the voice said. Two amber colored eyes glared at Sweetie Belle, succeeded by a sinister grin of sharp, pearl white teeth. Between heavy coughs the voice's owner said, "I. Don't get. Many. Visitors."

Sweetie Belle's saddlebag slipped off as she rocketed towards the pathway behind her. She slide between a small space underneath the creature that bolted in front of her.

"Wait. Please. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." The voice said in a serene tone.

Sweetie Belle stopped. She looked behind to see a thick fog dissipate. The torch's purple flame pierced the darkness and illuminated the creature that neared it.

"Wh-wha-what are you?" Sweetie Belle said. Her eyes were met with the image of a lone pegasus mare who stood near the opening to a large cave. A moment taken to clear her throat, Sweetie Belle said, "Sorry, that's rather rude of me."

"It's quite alright. I'm sorry that I startled you." the sky-blue mare said. She approached Sweetie Belle, "Are you alright?"

Sweetie Belle crept forward. Her still dilated eyes fixated on the equine in front of her and traced her outline. In a nervous tone she said, "Wow, you're pretty. You're pretty tall too. And your voice, are you a singer? Sorry..."

"How about we start with introductions. My name is Philomena Cantare." The mare said, giving a polite bow. "You are?"

Sweetie Belle placed a hoof in front of her and bowed. "Sorry, my name is Sweetie Belle. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Cantare patted the filly on the back. She hummed a slight tune, and then removed her hoof.

Sweetie Belle placed a soft hoof onto her chest. Her breathing calmed. She looked on, eyes contracting as they resumed their normal state, to see Cantare's wings disappear. The mare placed a hoof on top of her head and materialized a horn.

"Illusion spells are such wonderful things. It keeps the news hounds at bay." Cantare said with a wink. "Sorry, I'm really a unicorn disguised--"

Sweetie Belle pressed a soft hoof against her chest once more then lowered it, "How?"

"How did I calm your heart?" Cantare said. She smirked then waved to Sweetie Belle with a gentle hoof. In a serene voice she said, "How about you come inside my less than stellar yet humble abode. You caught me a bit off guard with your visit, Sweetie Belle. Those teeth were just an illusion I created. I was decorating for Nightmare Night."

"That was two months ago." Sweetie Belle said.

"Gah!" Cantare screamed. Her voice resonated throughout the cave's passages, the scream succeeded by heavy coughing. She levitated a glass of water over, sipped it, and floated the glass back towards a small table near a candelabra. "This is why I need a calendar. Marking notches in the dirt just doesn't work. Anyways, *cough*, to answer your question about how I was able to calm your heart..."

Cantare, a nodded received from her guest, sat at the table and propped her hooves up on a small stool. She hummed a tune while Sweetie Belle gazed on in awe. Candles, placed neatly in the candelabra's holes, lit themselves, flames birthing into existence on the torches along the cavern's wall. A bright, semi-furnished cave presented itself. Both ponies sat at a small wooden table with minor embellishments carved into it.

"What all living things take for granted -- ones that can speak and be understood while some cannot -- is the ability of their voice. If tempered with magic, the power of voice can go well beyond what it would be capable of on its own." Cantare said. She received a raised eyebrow from Sweetie Belle, combined with a tilted head. "Would you like to see another 'performance?' This may seem familiar." Cantare's horn glowed in an amber colored hue while a small stick levitated towards Sweetie Belle, "This is the branch you broke off the tree outside my cave. I know that spying is a rather atrocious habit, but I couldn't help watching you groan while using your magic."

Sweetie Belle's eyes fixated on the ground. Her expression changed, giving Cantare a melancholic expression before looking back toward the soft dirt. "I can't do anything. That's just some accident. More like a curse. It happens when I try to levitate stuff. The color is--" Sweetie Belle watched the torch change several different hues, "What?"

"The power of your voice has more than just the ability to manifest flames into existence. Of course, setting things on fire would make you look like some kind of pyromaniac." Cantare said, giving a sheepish grin. She sipped on her tea. With the cup placed back onto the saucer, she added a drop of honey to it. "I remember my own problems when I was growing up, being ostracized. I found this especially true since I couldn't control my magic. It took me quite some time to understand my voice and magic had to be in harmony with one another. Do you mind humoring me. I want you to hum a little tune. Give it a soothing melody in your best voice. When you're ready, press your hoof against my neck and illuminate your horn."

Sweetie Belle glanced toward Cantare then resumed her firm staring match with the dirt below her hooves. After a sigh, she rummaged through her bag she brought inside the cave.

"You won't set me on fire. At least, please try not to set me on fire." Cantare said. Her soft hooves touched the dirt. She moved toward her guest then lowered herself to the ground. Philomena Cantare smiled as she looked Sweetie Belle in the eyes. "No grunts, groans or moans. When you're ready, hum a calm, soothing tune in your best voice, Sweetie Belle."

The unicorn filly pushed her saddle bag to the side. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened them, exhaling a slow breath. Her breathing steadied. Ever Free Forest's noises were non-existent. Per Cantare's instructions, she hummed a soothing tune then pressed her hoof to the mare's neck and illuminated her horn. Cantare closed her eyes. Several minutes passed before Sweetie Belle pulled her hoof back.

"It burns! Why!" Cantare yelled.

Sweetie Belle reared up, falling off her chair. She darted toward the mare who rose to her hooves and towered above her." Sorry, sorry, sorry."

"Gotcha," Cantare said, booping Sweetie Belle's nose. She grinned at the unicorn filly beside her. "I couldn't resist a joke, though, it was probably an ill timed one. Anyways, let's check on the fruits of your labor."

Cantare took a deep breath, and then hummed several notes. She rubbed a firm hoof against her throat. Her gaze focused on a large, sturdy boulder at the back of the cave. In a slow soft voice, Cantare said, "La..."

The solid boulder launched into the air, crumbling into pebbles as it hit the sturdy cave wall behind it. Several stalactites and stalagmites shook. Cantare's eyes flashed, her horn glowing fiercely, as she produced a shield around her and Sweetie Belle. Thick rocky spears landed on top of the reinforced magical bubble, disintegrating into dust.

"Impressive. I haven't been able to use that little number in quite some time." Cantare said. She ended with a delighted grin as she lowered the shield, taking a seat at the table. Her hooves propped up on the small stool once more, she levitated two small cups to the table and poured some tea. "It looks like you have a rather precious gift, my dear Sweetie Belle. That little spell of yours helped my vocal chords out quite nicely."

"Gift," Sweetie Belle wiped a tear from her eye, "I have a gift?"

"Yes. It's quite the gift. One I thought," Cantare said, giving a heavy cough before she sipped on her cup of tea. She placed the tea cup on its plate and added in four drops of honey. Another sip taken, her voice checked, she said, "One I thought lost to Equestria. That is what I wanted to say, pardon the coughing. This first time worked out rather well, so don't blame yourself that I started coughing again. I shouldn't have overdone it there with 'that' little number since it can take quite a toll on the voice, damaging a user's vocal chords."

Sweetie Belle's hoof grazed the pile of pebbles. Her ears lowered as she scooped up a small bunch. Cantare gave a kind smile in return as she turned toward her with a melancholic expression.

"Don't worry. As you have seen from your own experience, a voice's power to heal can be well on par with its destructive capabilities." Cantare said. The unicorn mare ended with a slight tune in her voice, and both watched the pebble sized pieces float into the air, coalesce, and then re-form into the giant boulder. "There. Not a single pebble out of place."

Sweetie Belle meandered back to her seat. "I'm gonna guess that you aren't taking students."

"I am sorry Sweetie Belle. If I were to take on a protégé, it might raise suspicions. I am in seclusion after all." Cantare said. She gave a sly wink to Sweetie Belle. "With that being said however, I could use a helper. It's hard to subsist on food around this place. How about an equal trade? You bring me supplies, and I will let you watch me practice with my voice. If you help to heal my voice, I'll teach you a little thing or two. Deal?"

"Deal!" Sweetie Belle said but backed away. She tapped her chin with a gentle hoof. "Wait, I don't have a lot of bits to pay for--"

"No worries. I may be a rather strange mare, living in a strange forest, amongst a strange bunch of circumstances, but I'm not some pony who expects a little filly to pay for every whim and wish I want. I'm well aware that fillies and colts don't have two bits to rub together these days." Cantare said.

Sweetie Belle shook her head. She hopped up on her chair, sipped on her tea, and then faced Cantare. "Actually, I get paid for helping my sister with her dresses. I don't think I have enough bits to support your lifestyle though. I mean, these pieces in your place are beautiful, but they look like precious antiques."

Cantare's eye twitched. She smiled, "Y-Yes, 'precious antiques.' Anyways, here's fifty bits. I need you to get me these things for tomorrow. We'll talk then, but I do ask that you keep our meeting here a secret."

Sweetie Belle bid a final, cheery goodbye while she giggled to herself. She felt her hooves float atop the dirt pathway as she headed toward Ponyville. Philomena Cantare turned toward the candelabra and squinted at it. In a quiet voice she said to herself, "Antique? An 'antique,' quite the nerve. These are still in fashion since the day I witnessed Princess Celestia banish Nightmare Moon."

My Lesson Pt. 2

Her path retraced, Sweetie Belle saw the dense canopy above grow thin. Dim light illuminated the soft trodden dirt road.

"Hello my dear Sweetie Belle. You are looking rather well." Zecora said, garbed in her tan hooded cloak. She placed her sack on the ground, watching Sweetie Belle with a raised eyebrow. "Are you on some kind of special chore? I've never seen you alone in these woods before."

With a shrug, after receiving a kind wave from Sweetie Belle whom trotted off down the road after a quick pit stop, Zecora retrieved her botanical collection, resuming the journey to her house.

Sweetie Belle bounced along the path, akin to Pinkie Pie's motions. In a cheerful, quiet voice, she said to herself, "I have a special talent. I have a special talent."

Light from the exit further brightened the roadway, illuminating the worn bark of the nearby trees. Gentle rain drops landed on Sweetie Belle as she exited the forest.

"Where were you?!" two familiar voices said.

Sweetie Belle found herself staring up at the sky after she opened her eyes. Two objects sat on top of her before kind hooves were extended. Yanked to her hooves, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo pulled their friend along the dirt pathway; both lead Sweetie Belle back to the clubhouse. The three sat on the oval rug in the center as rain trickled down the windows of the Cutie Mark Crusader; its intensity increased at a slow steady pace to a medium downpour.

Quick flashes of lightning illuminated the room. The Cutie Mark Crusader anniversary banner still hung from the ceiling, the red velvet cake consumed. Sweetie Belle glanced toward the window and hid a slight smile from her friends. "It's kin-kinda c-col-cold in here, isn't it?"

"Ya don't look so good. Ack!" Apple Bloom said, receiving a sneeze as she tossed a thick blanket over her fellow crusader. "When the rain lets up, we'll get ya back home."

"Is there something on my face, Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle said.

"Umm..." Scootaloo said, fidgeting in place.

Sweetie Belle eyed her friend. She let out a sigh then said, "I met Zecora in the Ever Free Forest. If you were about to ask me."

"Heh, I guess Apple Bloom has a contender for fortune telling." Scootaloo giggled.

"Ah told ya, it ain't fortune tellin'!" Apple Bloom said. Her grimace turned into a cheerful smile, a chuckle to follow.

The three fillies' banter ceased. Apple Bloom moved toward the entrance, opened the door after a firm knock came, and shoved it shut after a pony came in.

"This is quite the storm. I thought it best to check on all of you before I -- O my," Twilight said. Silent, graceful hooves crept toward the blanket enveloped Sweetie Belle. One hoof pressed against the filly's throat, then moved up towards her forehead. The storm raged on, the club house groaning. Twilight, after a final examine, said, "We best get you home and into bed, asap. Rarity will have my horn and wings if this progresses any further."

Sweetie Belle, after a heavy sneeze, coughed into her front hooves. She watched a lavender colored glow surround her and the others before closing her eyes. Her mouth opened and a cold object slid under her tongue. She opened her eyes to Rarity's hoof gliding across her cheek, towards her throat, and then up to her forehead.

"Well, aren't you the lucky filly. " Rarity breathed a quick sigh of relief as she levitated her sister into the guest bed and removed the thermometer, "It looks like nothing but a little common cold, but you're a reckless little sister. I can't believe you stormed off, going into the Ever Free Forest by yourself. Mom and Dad left you in my care...." Rarity said, lecturing her sister. Lightning struck the metal rod atop Carousel Boutique, Rarity ceasing her stern words. She centered herself and said, "Anyways, it looks like you'll be on an extended vacation with me since Mom and dad have been delayed in Las Pegasus during their... 'excursion.' Sweetie Belle, are you listening to -- what's that around your neck?"

Sweetie Belle smiled, displaying the treasure to her sister.

Rarity squinted. She tapped a gentle hoof against the neck piece. Her eyes widened in awe, "Sweet Celestia! Where did you find something like that?! One on its own is rare? A Moon Pearl of that size ... it should be a royal treasure."

Sweetie Belle placed a gentle hoof against her treasure, "It's something special. My little secret."

Rarity grimaced. She groaned, but soon relented as she began to sing a quiet, lullaby-esk tune. As she watched her little sister's eyes relent a short time into the song, Rarity turned to Twilight after receiving a slight tap on her side. Both mares traveled into the hallway, gently closing the door behind them, and into the display room.

Outside Carousel Boutique, the storm's ferocity continued. Rain landed against the room's window, the wind howling. Sweetie Belle coughed. She let out another loud cough, snorting as her nose became congested. After sitting up, she stared out the window for a few moments then hid underneath the thick covers after a bolt of lightning struck Carousel Boutique's lightning rod; its thunderous crack shook the room's contents. Sweetie Belle poked her nose out from underneath the blanket, her head soon following. The room remained still with the rain tapping against the window.

Sweetie Belle slid her hooves to the bed's edge, hopped down, and rubbed her eyes. Banter came from behind the guest bedroom's door as she placed an ear against it. She peered out into the hallway. Near the stairs, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Rarity, and Twilight sat near the room's center with several candles around them.

"Are you sure Sweetie Belle is ok, Apple Bloom?" Rarity said.

In the window of Carousel Boutique's front door hung a closed sign. Sweetie Belle, after backing away to stifle a cough, crept toward the end of the stairs. She raised a hoof to her right ear.

"Ya, she'll be fine. We get some ice cream from Mr. Vanilla tomorrow." Apple Bloom said. She stopped; her eyes flashed; in a fluid motion, she pointed a hoof toward the stair case and made a beckoning motion, " We're just talkin'. It ain't anythin' special, Sweetie Belle."

"Hmph. I'm not to playing hide and seek with you anymore." Sweetie Belle said. Weak, unsteady hooves guided her down the steps. A fresh blanket tossed over her, a glass of water levitated toward her to sip on, she sat near the group. "I can't fool your 'future sight,' can I?"

Apple Bloom jumped as a bolt of lightning landed on top of the structure. She let out a boisterous yelp, several devious grins pointed her way. "Heh, ah guess ah didn't see that comin'. Ah think it would be wise to let you in on some things, Sweetie Belle.

"No!" Scootaloo's hoof shot up, "Princess Luna--"

"Sweetie Belle is our friend. She is a Cutie Mark Crusader." Apple Bloom said, turning back toward Sweetie Belle.

"That's alright. I'm sorry I stormed out on you guys and the party. Friends?" Sweetie Belle said.

"Cutie Mark Crusaders forever!" Scootaloo and Apple Bloom said, receiving the same reply in return from Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom held her hoof out, and Sweetie Belle stopped. "There are some things ah can't say, but ah do think this needs to be said. Sweetie Belle, what me and Scootaloo have, it wasn't easy. For me, before Princess Luna started to train me, things were a nightmare. Ya remember that time ah woke up in Cheerilee's class, started reciting those 'Celestial Oaths of Antiquity' and all?"

"I thought it was some kind of joke. Applejack said you went with Big Macintosh to Canterlot when me and Scootaloo tried to deliver your homework." Sweetie Belle said.

"It was the truth, kinda. Mah big brother came with me since ah was really scared. Thanks to Princess Luna, things are way better than they were. Still, there are times ah would like to give this talent up for a normal life of sorts." Apple Bloom said.

Scootaloo nodded at Apple Bloom. She rubbed a gentle hoof against her wings before looking toward her fellow crusaders, "I didn't tell you two the whole story at the club house, about my wings. It hurt really, really, really bad when they first grew out. I'm talking worse than a thousand paper cuts with lemon juice sprayed on you. It happened after I took Zecora's medicine. Part of me wanted to give up, but mom pushed me through it, reminding me that it was my choice the whole way through. Things are way better than they were."

Sweetie Bell remained silent. She looked at Scootaloo's wings then looked toward Apple Bloom. Her teeth bit down on her lip, a thunderous crack from a bolt of lightning resounding throughout the room.

"Sweetie Belle, you do have talent. I promise." Rarity chimed in with a gentle smile, "In regards to what Apple Bloom and Scootaloo said, their abilities not being easy to deal with, I believe it's like a dress that you have an idea for in your head. It looks beautiful on paper, yet that dress takes a lot of hard work to bring to light. At least, I believe that's what they are saying." Rarity said. She glanced over to see Twilight twirling her hoof on the ground. "Anything wrong darling? Did you have something to add?"

Twilight's lower lip quivered as she looked at her friend, "I, I mean... I thought I was the one to give advice." She steadied herself after tapping a hoof against her chin, "I guess you could say Apple Bloom and Scootaloo's gifts were curses before they started to hone them. It took time, effort, energy, and determination to gain control over their --"

"Anyways, I think that's enough bonding time. You need to get back into bed, Sweetie Belle. Twilight can get the others home." Rarity said. She chuckled to herself, watching Twilight storm off to the kitchen. She whispered to the Cutie Mark Crusaders, "Twilight may be a princess now, but she's still the same to me."

Apple Bloom shook. She raised a concerned hoof to Twilight as she returned to the display room, "Twi, Spike just licked that gem you left in the study. It looks like he's gettin ready to take a bite outta it. The one on the stand is a fake!"

Twilight vanished in a furious flash of purple light, succeeded by a flash of lightning. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo turned to Rarity. Their pleas received a firm no, but their puppy-dogged eye expression received a yes.

"Sleep Over!" Sweetie Belle said, ending with a cough.

"O no, I agreed to let them spend the night. It would be unthinkable, unconscionable to send Apple Bloom and Scootaloo out in a mess like this. I am going to make sure you don't spread your cold. They will sleep down here. You will sleep upstairs. As Apple Bloom stated, you'll be fine in the morning." Rarity said.

Sweetie Belle tapped a hoof against her chin. Her eyes crept toward Apple Bloom. "Wait. If I were to stay up, it would invalidate your prediction. I would be too sleepy to go with you. Or do I just fall asleep anyways?"

"Princess Luna told me it's more complicated than that, heh." Apple Bloom said, ending with a grin towards Rarity and Sweetie Belle. She stretched out her hooves, cracked her neck, and yawned. After a final stretch she said, "Anyways, don't worry about it. To be as honest as mah big sis, ah think we all need to get some rest. We'll have some fun tomorrow, ah promise."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders gave each other a firm smile. Sweetie Belle, escorted up the steps by her sister, climbed into bed. Her heavy eyes closed.

Rarity pulled out two sleeping bags from the closet, brought them downstairs, and unfurled them. She smoothed out the bags. "Thanks for being there for Sweetie Belle you two. It means a lot to her. It also means a lot to me."

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, a cheery "goodnight" given to Rarity, slid into the sleeping bags.

"Apple Bloom." Scootaloo said, watching Rarity leave.

"Yea?"

"What's going to happen to Sweetie Belle?"

"Ah don't know Scoot."

"What do you mean you don't know? You can see everything, Apple Bloom."

Apple Bloom unfurled her ribbon. She placed it off to her side, let out a sigh, and turned to Scootaloo. " As I told Sweetie Belle, it's more complicated than that. All ah can say for sure is that somethin bad happens in the Ever Free Forest. Also, somethin' big is comin'. That much ah know for sure."

*** *** ***

Clouds dispersed. A final drop of rain landed on the moistened land below. As the sun rose, its light caused the ground to sparkle like the stars above the dense rain clouds of the night before. The beautiful sunlight penetrated the windows of Carousel Boutique. Bright light illuminated the display room where the fillies slept.

Apple Bloom's right eye twitched, and she rose up. Off to her side, Sweetie Belle slept in a designer sleeping bag. After a quiet sigh to herself, Apple Bloom trotted toward the bathroom then headed for the kitchen.

Eggs, muffins, toast, and juice were laid out on the table. With a yawned "good mornin'" thrust toward her way, Rarity bid Apple Bloom a "proper" good morning in return. She watched Apple Bloom sit down at the table, and then nibble on some eggs and toast. Two more greetings met her ears, looking behind her to see Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo enter into the dining room.

"Surprised you didn't take that thing off last night." Apple Bloom said, glancing over to see the elegant moon pearl necklace still secured around Sweetie Belle neck. She finished her egg and toast, drank her orange juice, and placed two more helpings onto the plate. Semi-glazed over eyes glanced toward the clock. Her eyes turned toward Sweetie Belle. "Anyways, ya up for hittin the streets today?"

Sweetie Belle grasped the cup of orange juice cup in front of her; water droplets from the condensation rolled down her hooves. The glass placed on the table, she rubbed her eyes while giving one final yawn. With a devious smile, a quick nod to follow, Sweetie Belle soon shook her head in response to Apple Bloom's inquiry, "Nope, not gonna tell. I have my own little mission today, and it's a secret."

"Scootaloo, I know that Rainbow Dash is your idol and all, but...," Rarity looked away in disgust, "you really could stand to learn some etiquette." Rarity said, looking behind to see an eager pegasus filly presenting a cleaned plate. Scootaloo received a second helping of eggs. Rarity placed a soft hoof on her chest, closing her eyes while raising her nose into the air, and said in a dignified tone, "A 'proper lady' does not consume her food like some vile animal. This goes for you too Sweetie Belle. You as well Apple Bloom. All of you will be beautiful young mares. " Rarity lowered her hoof and faced the three fillies sitting at the table, "You all need to eat at a slower pace, not just for elegance. It aids in digestion."

"Naw, I don't need that etiquette stuff. Though, Princess Cadence--" Scootaloo placed a hoof over her mouth, coughed, and slugged down her orange juice as she tried, in futility, to scarf down her second helping. Guilty grin given, she resumed her composure. "Anyways, I don't need that stuff."

With her plate set, Rarity ate in front of the three fillies. The Cutie Mark Crusaders finished their breakfast and tossed a quick thank you then goodbye to Rarity.

Sweetie Belle darted upstairs to her saddlebag. Sparks erupted from her horn, eyes focused on the saddlebag's flap. She grunted, stopped, and sang a slight tune while trying again: the bag's flap remained motionless. After she bucked her bag, it hitting the wall with a loud thud, she placed it on her back. Sweetie Belle charged down the stairs, outside, and in front of her friends. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo galloped behind. The Cutie Mark Crusaders continued their rapid pace into the heart of Ponyville.

"Ok Apple Bloom, here's the plan. We're gonna stay away from the side of Ponyville where Mr. Vanilla works. This will prove that you can't predict everything." Sweetie Belle said. Focused eyes scanned the market district. With a devilish smile, Sweetie Belle said, "See. I knew it. You can't--"

"Hey there Cutie Mark Crusaders," Mr. Vanilla said. The stallion rolled a freshly constructed, mobile ice cream cart into a pitched tent. He hung some fresh bells for a final touch, jingling them with an eager hoof. "How ya like my new digs? The cart was a bit pricey on top of the shop's expenses, but it should help out in the long run."

Apple Bloom snickered. As Sweetie Belle's gaze reached her, she whistled an innocent tune.

"Not. A. Word." Sweetie Belle said.

Apple Bloom's hoof reached into the right pocket of her saddlebag. Eight bits dropped onto the cart's decorative counter. "Mah treat. Courtesy of a 'friend.'"

Scootaloo took her cone, licked it, and then smirked at Apple Bloom. In a hushed voice she said to Apple Bloom, "Princess Luna lost the bet?"

"Eeyup." Apple Bloom said, ending with a coy grin. Mr. Vanilla placed a container on the counter, Apple Bloom securing it in her saddle bag. "This is for Princess Luna. Still don't know about this Chocolate Hay Seed flavor though. Blech."

Sweetie Belle licked her cone and made her way down Mane Street, staying in front of Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. She looked behind and said, "What bet?"

"Ah bet Princess Luna you would try to prove mah visions wrong. She gave me the bits anyways after taking a look for herself. Now, to tell ya a bit of a secret that Princess Luna swore to keep to mah self, ah can't read minds." Apple Bloom said.

"Wait, so I can think different things but you can see my actions? I don't get it. Doesn't that mean you can predict everything?" Sweetie Belle said.

"Again, it's more complicated than that as ah need to figure out the particulars. Despite the fact ah could see 'a' lamp hittin Twilight's head, ah wasn't sure which one. Also, ah was kinda worried Twilight might have Applejack punish me for not warning her about it in advance before ya came. " Apple Bloom said. She took a bite out of her cone. Her left hoof shot up and rubbed against side of her head. "Gah! Brain freeze."

"Smooth move 'Fortune Teller.'" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo chortled at Apple Bloom, the filly continuing to rub her forehead.

The sun continued its trek across the sky as Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle passed by several shops. Sweetie Belle stopped then led her friends into Mr. Orchard's shop.
"I guess it was just a joke to her," Sweetie Belle said to herself, ending with a quiet sigh. The flap on her saddlebag remained motionless, despite the constant eruption of sparks that spewed forth from her horn. "Why should I even get these items if she's just messing with me."

"You alright?" Scootaloo said.

"Yea, I'm fine." Sweetie Belle said. She reached into her right saddlebag pocket and produced the list from Philomena Cantare. Her hoof crept down the small row of items, eyeing each of the five pieces needed. Several short moments later, a blood orange set alight with purple fire and paid for by Apple Bloom, all five items were crossed off the list. After nabbing the last item, placing the list back into her saddle bag with a single bit to spare, Sweetie Belle trotted out the door. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom followed behind.

Apple Bloom's eyes flashed. She darted ahead of her friends and stopped them. The Cutie Mark Crusaders shut their eyes quickly, and then opened them.

"Did you forget your training?" Princess Cadence said, tapping her hoof against the floor. "You shouldn't keep us waiting you two."

The Cutie Mark Crusader's vision cleared. Scootaloo's eyes glanced up to see Princess Luna's horn glowing in a dark blue light. She and Apple Bloom shied away, both giving a unison "sorry" to the two princesses.

Apple Bloom gave the ice cream container to Princess Luna who directed it toward Princess Cadence. She raised an eyebrow at Princess Cadence, receiving a sly wink in return.

"Do you mind if Sweetie Belle stays?" Scootaloo said.

"I don't mind, Scootaloo. It should be quite obvious Sweetie Belle can't assist with your training. Perhaps..." Princess Cadence turned toward Princess Luna, "perhaps she can help with Apple Bloom's session. What do you say, Princess Luna?"

Princess Luna remained fixated on the scroll that levitated in front of her. Her steadfast gaze, on the parchment's contents, relented after a soft hoof touched her flank. The regal mare's eyes were met with Sweetie Belle standing behind a pleading Apple Bloom.

"It is fine. In fact, I could use an extra bit of magic to help with Apple Bloom's training." Princess Luna said. Her scroll rolled itself up and vanished. She raised an eyebrow at her student, "Apple Bloom, why are you waving your hooves at me? You have my undivided attention."

Sweetie Belle sat down, tail curled around her hooves. Under quiet, bated breath she mumbled to herself.

Princess Luna, her horn still glowing, towered above Sweetie Belle. She looked down on her and said, "You need to speak up when addressing me."

"I'm sorry, Princess Luna. I... I can't... I can't use magic." Sweetie Belle rose to her hooves then ended with a whimper, refusing to look Princess Luna in the eyes. "I thought I had it. I keep setting things on fire...."

Princess Cadence placed a soft hoof over Sweetie Belle's back, "Magic isn't the easiest thing in Equestria to learn. It will come."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders stood back. Princess Cadence's horn illuminated, along with Princess Luna's. Four buckets of apples appeared in the room. One bucket levitated towards Princess Cadence. Another bucket floated toward Princess Luna before the two remaining buckets were placed in front of Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

"Regardless of your ability to use magic or not, I can use some assistance. As you might say, it's time to 'up the ante' with my protégé's training. Ten out of fifty wasn't bad, but I want to see her talents blossom." Princess Luna said. She levitated a shield toward Apple Bloom. The three ponies took an apple out of their respective buckets. "I want to push Apple Bloom to her absolute limit. Our buckets contain twenty-five apples each, so we will test my protégé with one hundred apples total. When you're ready Sweetie Belle, chuck a few at Apple Bloom."

Sweetie Belle smirked. She picked an apple and focused a heavy gaze on Apple Bloom. The room remained silent. Each pony could hear their own steadfast heartbeat. Sweetie Belle's hoof rose. The apple's "ripe" smell entered her flared nostrils. The battle commenced.

Apple Bloom shielded herself behind the sturdy circular shaped bulwark. Apples bolted behind her, levitated by the princesses. She slid the shield behind, deflecting them. Several came from above, landing onto the hard metal shield swung upward. Sweetie Belle reached into her bucket. She chucked her last apple as Scootaloo flung hers. Princess Luna and Princess Cadence lobbed four each. Ten apples hurtled toward Apple Bloom.

The air remained still. Time froze for Apple Bloom as her eyes flashed. Her body moved on instinct as she darted near the edge of the circle carved into the wooden floor, raised her shield, and parried five apples. A scraping sound resonated in the room as the shield grinded against the wood floor, sliding behind to catch the other apples. With a couple heavy gasps for air, Apple Bloom wiped the sweat from her forehead. Her dilated eyes returned to normal.

"Perfect!" Princess Luna shouted. Her ears were met with the loud sound of the shield in Apple Bloom's hooves falling to the floor as she grabbed the filly in a monstrous hug, soon relinquishing her bewildered protégé from the tight grasp. She cleared her throat, composed herself, and then patted Apple Bloom on the back. Princess Luna's list materialized and an ink tipped pen slid across an item on it before vanishing. "Well done. This is most impressive. When you have recuperated, your next test will be another hundred apples. After that, we will go for two hundred. Now, I believe it's time for Scootaloo's session, is it not?"

Princess Cadence, with a nod, illuminated her horn. The four walls of the small room fell to the ground, revealing a large open space. Scootaloo winced. Though both had seen it before, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom looked on in awe as Scootaloo's wings assumed their large, regal-like appearance akin to Princess Celestia's. The quick check and approval given, Princess Cadence levitated Scootaloo into the air. The pegasus filly flapped her wings in a fluid motion. Stop watch levitating near her, Princess Luna raised a hoof then dropped it in a swift fluid motion.

Scootaloo spun around in the air, flapping her wings as hard as possible. Sweetie Belle maintained her astounded expression as she watched her friend rocket into the limitless sky above. Scootaloo flapped her wings once and dove passed the four ponies. She ascended at a rapid pace after another quick flap her exercise repeated several times.

Sweetie Belle dove to the ground, Scootaloo whizzing past. Her ears perked up. "Where's the sonic boom?"

"This area is something special Aunt -- I mean, what you see around us is a magical construct that Princess Luna created. Twilight had quite the field day here," Princess Cadence said. She chuckled to herself then turned to Sweetie Belle. "I think Twilight figured out the best explanation of this place being 'a dream world come to life.' Though this place is indeed powerful -- allowing a pony to practice whatever ability they want to their heart's content -- it does take a toll on the one maintaining the world."

"Please make a graceful descent, Scootaloo." Princess Luna said.

Scootaloo panted, her breaths resounding amongst the group. Her hooves wobbled heavily, touching the soft invisible ground near the others. Between exasperated gasps for air she said, "What's. My time?"

Princess Luna levitated the stop watch from her hoof, tapped it, and presented it. "You've done well. We will take a short break so you can gather your strength for the next exercise. Sweetie Belle, if I might have a word."

A door manifested near the two ponies. Sweetie Belle stepped outside, followed by Princess Luna.

"I will be rather blunt." Princess Luna said. Her mane flowed in the calm hallway. "Princesses cannot train every pony the come upon as ponies need to discover things for themselves and lead their own lives."

Sweetie Belle's tail crept around her body. She stifled a quiet whimper.

"It's quite obvious that circumstances may deem it necessary for us to watch over others, lending a helping hoof when needed. As you've seen the results for yourself, my sister taking on Twilight Sparkle as her protégé is a powerful example. After great deliberation, I decided to take make Apple Bloom my personal student to assist her. The same being said of your friend Scootaloo." Princess Luna said. She placed a hoof on Sweetie Belle's shoulder, "I will cut to the chase, getting to the heart of the matter. Please, keep the training of your friends a secret. You three have experienced the repercussions of what happens with undo attention, right."

Sweetie Belle's tail remained curled around her hooves. She looked up, "Y-yes, Princess Luna. I understand."

Sunlight pierced through the crystal clear windows. Several embellishments on the tapestries glinted in the light. Princess Luna reentered the room. The door closed, Sweetie Belle meandered down the hallway before she plopped down on the carpet near a large painting with large brass sconces on each side; the artwork displayed a mare -- her face and neckline missing -- clothed in elegant garb, standing near a table.

"Philomena Cantare," a voice said.

"Princess Celestia," Sweetie Belle said.

"That's quite alright my dear. There is no reason for formality. You are a guest here with your friends, correct." Princess Celestia said. She used the tip of her wing to wipe away a tear, looking at the painting with watery eyes. The ruler of Equestria sat alongside Sweetie Belle. "Cantare, one of my dearest friends."

"Was she your first 'friend?'" Sweetie Belle said.

"In a manner of speaking. She helped me through a difficult chapter in my life, after having to banish my sister." Princess Celestia said, extending her hoof out as Philomena flew towards her. The phoenix nuzzled its owner before it flew off down the hallway. Princess Celestia leaned in close to Sweetie Belle, "Between you and me, Philomena acts almost like the mare she's named after, heh. My Philomena is quite the prankster."

Sweetie Belle squinted at the painting, "What's that near her hoof?"

"You have quite the astute eyes, Sweetie Belle. That 'candelabra' is a present I gave to my friend. She was quite the singer and wanted to have something to focus on. It would have been nice if the portrait were whole....'" Princess Celestia said, chuckling to herself as she talked about the artist further. She stood up, "Unfortunately, I need to return to my duties. The job of a princess is never done, though, I did mean to ask, how is your magic progressing?"

"I'm a failure," Sweetie Belle said, making her way back toward the previous room.

"No pony is a failure, my dear. All things come to fruition when the time is right, so will your talent. One cannot write a masterful song within a day." Princess Celestia said, humming a tune as she left.

Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow. She faced the hallway, seeing Princess Luna standing near the plain wooden door. The regal mare's words reverberated within her mind as Sweetie Belle watched Princess Luna give her a firm nod.

The day's final test came for Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, both passing with flying colors. The Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled at each other, opening their eyes to see themselves in Carousel Boutique. Apple Bloom departed for Sweet Apple Acres. Scootaloo dashed home, making sure to return her wings to normal before heading out.

Sweetie Belle, darting out the door with her saddlebag on, headed down the path towards the Ever Free forest. As she retraced her hoof steps, the filly found herself at the entrance of Philomena Cantare's cave and peered inside. Her eyes crept upward then side-to-side. She moved forward on shaky hooves.

"Hello," a voice said. Cantare hummed a quick tune, the room alighting itself. "You are quite the jumpy little filly. Did you retrieve my things?"

"Pardon me if this sounds rude, but you have quite the odd tastes." Sweetie Belle said. She lifted her saddlebag flap, producing several items. "Blood Oranges? Raw Cacao beans?"

"Sweetie Belle?" Cantare said, motioning a fluid hoof at the filly. "Did you forget the other part of the bargain? I need some help with my throat. Just take it from the top, repeating what you did yesterday."

Sweetie Belle shook her head. "You're just joking with me. I tried to make the flap on my bag open with my magic, and it didn't work."

"Remember Sweetie Belle, I am not taking on disciples. What I can promise is that you will understand more by watching me than stumbling through life. It's up to you, and you alone, to say and learn." Cantare said. She pointed at her neck, "I would still like that session, if you don't mind."

Sweetie Belle approached Cantare. She sighed and placed her bag on the ground. As Cantare lowered herself to the ground, Sweetie Belle hummed a gentle tune and illuminated her horn.

"If possible," Cantare interrupted the session in a calm tone, "keep the pace but adjust the pitch in your voice."

With her tune adjusted, Sweetie Belle continued her melody. After a few tense moments, she stopped and wiped the sweat from her forehead as Cantare stood up then rubbed her throat.

"Good. You adjusted it rather nicely. Now, let me show you a trick." Cantare said, placing a gentle hoof on the filly's throat. "If you hum the tune at different levels, thusly," she pressed a hoof against Sweetie Belle's throat while humming a tune and ended it swiftly, " the rate at which you will heal those under the effects of the spell can be altered. For a beginner however, it will drain your magic quite quickly. Be mindful of that fact. Now, if you don't mind, I would like to eat my 'odd' treats."

"My throat feels so much better now, how did you heal -- o, right." Sweetie Belle said, ending with a embarrassing grin. She reached into her saddle bag, "What about this extra bit?"

Cantare levitated a blood orange towards her, removed the outer skin, and nibbled on the small treat. She finished the last slice and said, "You may keep it. Also, be mindful of the forest. It would be wise to come around noonish if possible."

Sweetie Belle bowed and left, the weight on her hooves relinquished like the day before.

"At least she didn't talk about my 'antique' again." Cantare said.

Author's Note

This chapter took longer than expected due to various circumstances. Had to axe several things within this piece since it dragged out the story. If there's anything amiss, feel free to let me know where it needs fixing.

My Mentor

Steam rose from the two teacups sitting on the table. In the small breakfast nook of Carousel Boutique, giggles and gleeful screams came through the open window. The clock in the corner continued its soft rhythmic tics, a plate of small biscuits sitting between the two teacups.

"So," Rarity said after she sipped on her tea, "has there been any word?"

Twilight shook her head. "We had a sighting in Las Pegasus, but that was it." Twilight sipped on her tea for a brief moment then placed her teacup back onto the saucer, "I hate to say this, yet it's like Queen Chrysalis just disappeared again. There may have been a second sighting. I couldn't ascertain the nature of it because a certain pony, a wannabe wonderbolt, mistook an experimental potion for a container of cider. I'm just glad I had the foresight to make it weak. It only wiped the last two hours from her mind."

Rarity's ear perked up. She glanced out the window to see Sweetie Belle playing with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. Her eyes gravitated toward her cup of tea, seeing the reflection of a picture on the wall; the wooden framed picture showed Rarity smiling with Sweetie Belle by her side.

Twilight levitated several biscuits off the plate, consuming them in one bite. With a gentle nod given to her, she nibbled on another one. She sipped on her tea, cleared her throat, and said, "I don't mean to be rude, but weren't you a bit harsh."

"..." Rarity remained silent as she watched Sweetie Belle.

"I mean, was it necessary to ground her for two weeks?" Twilight said.

"Twilight, Sweetie Belle lied to me. She stood there and lied to me like it was nothing, saying her little 'excursions' were to visit Zecora. Mom and dad leave her in my care." Rarity said.

"That was quite the heated conversation between you and Zecora." Twilight said.

"I do apologize for what you overheard. I should have been graceful, more 'lady-like' when choosing my words. Sweetie Belle can get me so frustrated at times. I am concerned about her though." Rarity said. A swift hoof brushed against her mane. She emanated a loud huff. "She's been sneaking out for the past three months, disappearing into the Ever Free Forest then coming back like it's nothing."

"I think --" Twilight said.

A loud thud landed against Carousel Boutique. Rarity peered outside the window near the table, "Eww. What is this? This best be mud! Sweetie Belle, you better not be hurling mud at my house like a little foal. This is disgusting...."

Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow, along with her friends, towards Rarity. She stormed off. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo darted behind their fellow Cutie Mark Crusader, all heading into Ponyville.

"Grrr. Come clean up your mess!" Rarity said with a shout, finding herself ignored. She trotted outside, hosed off the large brown spatter, cleaned her hooves, and returned to the table. Her frustration relented. Rarity sat down and looked at Twilight with a melancholic expression. "Did she turn you down again?"

Twilight stared at her cup. Her ears lowered then resumed a semi-normal position. "I... I 'might' have made things worse."

"I heard about the broom." Rarity said.

"I can't force her to learn magic." Twilight rubbed a nervous hoof against the other. With a melancholic expression to match Rarity's, she raised her head and said, "It's wrong of me to say this, but, if Sweetie Belle doesn't learn to control her magic, I may be forced to put a dampening spell on her until it matures." Twilight's ears were met with silence where she expected to hear a gasp, "To be blunt, that's the last thing I want to do. A unicorn without magic can be severely ostracized, just like a pegasus who can't fly. To put Sweetie Belle through that kind of ordeal -- again, that's the last thing I would want to do."

Carousel Boutique remained quite as Rarity rubbed a semi-nervous hoof along the rim of her teacup. "Indeed. There was a filly I went to school with for a short time that abandoned her lessons, outright hating magic from the rumors...."

Twilight's eyes glanced toward the semi-ornate clock that hung on the opposite wall, and then rose to her hooves. "Thank you for the tea."

"My pleasure. We should try these little 'get-togethers' more often." Rarity said.

"I'm certain things will turn around soon. I'll believe in Princess Celestia's words, how matters will take their own course and all." Twilight said.

Rarity gathered the dishes and placed them in the sink. Water trickled down into the cups before flowing into the drain. She turned off the faucet, "I don't like asking this, but do you mind keeping an eye on Sweetie Belle today?"

"I don't mind, though I do feel it's wrong to spy on her." Twilight said.

"Ordinarily, I wouldn't have a problem, however, I caught her singing to a bunch of candles last night. The way those flames changed color and all, I'm worried they were trick candles from that house of wax shop here in Ponyville. I fear some pony might be playing a harsh prank on my little sister, making Sweetie Belle believe she has control over her magic." Rarity said as she turned to face Twilight.

"I'll watch over Sweetie Belle today. I promise." Twilight said. She illuminated her horn and teleported into Ponyville, several ponies trotting along the streets. Her presence ignored, Twilight scanned the area then bolted into the sky and into a cloud.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo made their way through the streets.

"I can't believe Pinkie Pie tried to pin that mud ball on me. That was one lame dirty joke." Sweetie Belle said. She chuckled to herself before resuming her pace alongside Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. Under a quiet breath she whispered, "Anyways, how's 'it' going with you two?"

The three fillies maintained their stride, proceeding down Mane Street.

"Ah made it ta four hundred Apples, but twelve of em hit mah poor flank. 'She' won't be happy until ah hit a thousand. Tell mah big sis to prep Granny's fluffy pillow." Apple Bloom said, leaning in close to her friend.

Scootaloo whispered, "Felt like my wings would fly off with both of them drilling me. Between that 'grace and elegance' routine and my 'power and strength' training, it ain't easy. Rainbow Dash has been pretty cool though. She helps me to relax after those hard days."

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stopped. Sweetie Belle faced her friends, moving backwards a few hoof steps before coming to a complete stop.

"By the way," Scootaloo said.

"Why ya so cheery?" Apple Bloom said, completing her friend's statement.

Sweetie Belle grinned at her friends. She tapped the moon pearl that hung gently against her neck. "Want to know?"

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo came closer. They gave a heavy nod.

"I have a mentor too." Sweetie Belle said with a cheery smile, "Please keep it a secret though."

"Who is it?" Apple Bloom said.

"I can't say. To be honest, I had my doubts at first, but my mentor helped me so much." Sweetie Belle said. With a devious smile flashed towards her friends, she motioned a calm hoof at Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. The two came closer as Sweetie Belle whispered, "No fortune telling, Apple Bloom. We'll meet up at the club house."

Apple Bloom grumbled then chortled at her friend before raising a concerned hoof, "Ok, Sweetie Belle but watch it. I've got a bad feelin' here bout today."

"You've been sayin' that for the past week." Scootaloo said.

"Can't help it. Somethin' hasn't felt right all week long. Even Princess Luna said things are off for her." Apple Bloom said.

The three slammed their hooves together, smiled, and then departed in opposite directions.

Twilight, concealed in the cloud above the street, flipped onto her back. She glanced toward the Ever Free Forest, watching several clouds gather around it. "Zecora is the only one who lives in the forest. Discord better not be playing tricks on Sweetie Belle. Still.... "

*** *** ***

Calm, sweet air met Sweetie Belle while she trotted down the dirt pathway, the faint dirt road lined with several flowering trees. Her ears and eyes were met a silent, empty Cutie Mark Crusader club house. The door closed securely behind her, Sweetie Belle reached into a nearby box, grabbed several candles, and placed them on the table. Her eyes darted about. She closed the curtains. Gaze focused and mind cleared, Sweetie Belle hummed a tune. Flames birthed into existence, their purple flames brightening the darkened club house.

"Hello? Apple Bloom? Scootaloo? Are you there?" Sweetie Belle said.

Sweetie Belle blew out the candles then calmed her breathing. She emanated a quiet slow sound to herself, almost inaudible. The semi-dark room illuminated itself as she opened her eyes, the unicorn filly's nocturnal gaze staring at every corner of the floor and rafters. She ended her spell, followed by a shrug.

"Where are you? I know there's some pony spying on me. Show yourself!" Sweetie Belle's hoof shot up, pointing towards thin air.

Wind rustled past the club house. An apple dropped onto the club house's roof, the loud thud resounding throughout the small space. Tense moments passed before Sweetie Belle lowered her hoof to the wooden floor beneath her.

"Why am I so jumpy?" She said to herself, shaking her head from side-to-side. Sweetie Belle practiced a few notes, watching the flames rise then fall. "It's not like Cantare asked me to keep my training a secret. Maybe I shouldn't --"
Sweetie Belle glanced toward the door. With a melodic "come in," the door opened by itself while her horn glowed.

Apple Bloom's eyes fixated on the candles' purple flame while she sat down. Scootaloo shut the door behind her before sitting down on the oval rug near Sweetie Belle.

"So, what do you think?" Sweetie Belle said with a cheery grin, "Isn't it neat?"

Apple Bloom scratched her head then looked back at the candles. "Purple flame candles? Don't they sell those things at the house of wax shop?"

Sweetie Belle, after a quick smirk, cleared her throat. Her voice remained calm while she illuminated her horn, causing the candles' flames to turn red, blue, and then back to purple.

"What's up with the voice?" Scootaloo said, receiving a firm jab to her side from Apple Bloom. "Why you little -- I mean, I'm just curious. That's all."

"I think my mentor said it's an 'essence based, vocalized magical attribute.'" Sweetie Belle said. Bewildered looks were tossed her way. She tapped a hoof against her chin. "From what I learned, my magic was just part of the problem. My mentor said my voice needed to be in harmony with my magic. Not to mention my talent is a rare one she thought lost some time ago. If I keep at it, I might become even better than her."

Sweetie Belle motioned to her friends. She trotted outside with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo behind. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo watched their friend tap a medium sized rock outside the club house before she cleared her throat.

"La..." Sweetie Belle said in a soft fluid tone. The three watched the rock fly into a nearby tree, embedding itself halfway into its thick base. "Took me forever to get to where that didn't hurt my voice."

"Most impressive," Scootaloo said.

"Scoot, what's goin on with ya? Did ya hit your head or somethin'?" Apple Bloom said as she eyed her friend. "Ya been talkin' funny since I met up with ya near Sweet Apple Acres."

"What do you mean what's up with me? Whatever..." Scootaloo said.

The club house door opened, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders stared toward the ramp. Air near the door rippled, much like heat waves off a hot roof. Eyes formed from nothingness.

"Twilight?" Sweetie Belle said, watching the mare materialize. "You were spying on me? Why?"

"How?" a voice said.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle stood in place; each remained frozen where they sat. Apple Bloom, her eyes flashing for a second, turned to Twilight. Her eyes crept upward, leaving Twilight's almost solid image.

"Sweetie Belle? Where did you learn that spell?" Princess Celestia said. The Ruler of Equestria descended to the ground, landing on graceful hooves. Teary eyes guided her to the three fillies. "That was Philomena Cantare's spell."

Sweetie Belle's tail curled around her hooves. She stood then bowed to Princess Celestia. Her brow furrowed as she rose up and turned toward Twilight. "Why did you spy on me?!"

"Please, I must know. Where did you learn one of Cantare's most powerful spells?" Princess Celestia said. She stifled her teary eyes. Soon, a strict gaze met Sweetie Belle.

"..." Sweetie Belle turned away, biting down on her lip.

"Sweetie Belle," Princess Celestia said in a firm voice, "I, Princess Celestia, the Guardian and Ruler of Equestria, demand you answer my inquiry."

"Princess?!" Twilight Sparkle said before she backed away.

Princess Celestia's mane flowed in the calm, windless moment. Apple Bloom let out an audible gulp. Scootaloo looked on with a blank expression. Twilight extended a hoof then promptly retracted it.

Sweetie Belle shivered. She placed her hoof on the moon pearl around her neck. With a slow deep breath taken, her eyes shot upward toward Princess Celestia. "I learned it," Sweetie Belle's determined gaze remained firm as she stared at the large mare in front of her, "from Philomena Cantare. Actually, she didn't teach it to me. I imitated it after watching her."

Princess Celestia shook her head before she turned away.

"No! It's the truth. She's taught me so much. I even saw that 'candelabra' you gave her. There was writing on it. 'Forever my friend. Forever --'" Sweetie Belle said

"'in my heart. Thank you for being there.'" Princess Celestia's said. With dilated, widened eyes she faced Sweetie Belle once more. "No, that's. That's not. Show me. Show me where she is right now, Sweetie Belle."

"I'm sorry," Twilight said to Sweetie Belle with a saddened tone. "I had to make a report to Princess Celestia. Queen Chrysalis is running rampant right now. Equestria is in danger."

Apple Bloom's eyes flashed. She turned to Sweetie Belle then followed behind as Sweetie Belle galloped into the Ever Free Forest, the group finding themselves at the entrance to a medium sized cave.

Sweetie Belle hummed. Darkness remained. She hummed louder, but the darkness refused to relent. In frustration, Sweetie Belle grabbed the branch of a nearby tree, groaned while illuminating her horn, and caused it to alight in a brilliant purple flame.

"Apple Bloom?" Sweetie Belle said.

"I'm sorry. That's the first clear vision ah had this week." Apple Bloom said, backing away from the group. "Please, Princess Celesta."

"Sweetie Belle, how dare you lie to me." Princess Celestia said. Her narrowed vision relented before she turned away from Sweetie Belle, "This is a dire situation, and I do not have time for foalish games. Until I can ascertain things, you are confined at Carousel Boutique. I will notify Rarity and your parents of this deception."

Sweetie Belle's back tingled, a cold chill running down her spine. She slammed her hooves into the ground. "I swear I didn't lie. Philomena Cantare helped train me. How can you say I'm lying when I knew her spell."

"I don't know. But you can't be trusted." Princess Celestia said.

"She was there. I know it." Sweetie Belle darted into forest's darkness.

Apple Bloom's eyes flashed, and she rocketed after her friend, letting out a quick and violent "no."

My Folly

"Sweetie Belle, calm down... I believe you... please... just wait... Sweetie Belle!" Twilight said, teleporting in front of Sweetie Belle countless times. Agile hooves propelled the little pony forward, down the barely illuminated pathway lined with dead trees and wilted flowers. Sweetie Belle dodged and weaved passed Twilight as her heart raced.

"There!" Sweetie Belle said with a shout. She came to an abrupt stop just as Twilight teleported in front of her one final time, and then levitated her into the air. "I knew she was real."

Heavy gasps for air emanated from Sweetie Belle and Twilight. Princess Celestia, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom dashed toward the two ponies in the clearing. They watched a sky-blue unicorn mare cease her song. A large liquid globule descended back into the pond it was levitated from. Philomena Cantare's amber colored eyes pierced Princess Celestia's gaze.

"You stupid foal!" Scootaloo shouted at Sweetie Belle. Green flames consumed her visage, eye color soon matching the flames. Queen Chrysalis towered above Twilight and Sweetie Belle. She backed away as Philomena Cantare neared the group. Her voice quivering, she said, "Wh-what have you done!"

"I don't understand." Sweetie Belle said.

Twilight, Sweetie Belle, and Queen Chrysalis watched with mouths agape. Violent wind blew against their manes and tails. Princess Celestia bolted forward. She turned. Her back hooves launched into Cantare's jaw, bucking her into the air. The princess rocketed into the air. She latched onto Cantare and power slammed her into the ground. Princess Celestia took several deep breaths before she made a graceful descent to the ground and resumed her composure.

Apple Bloom moved forward on shaky hooves. In the clearing, she froze in place; her body remained stiffer than a pony turned to stone by a cockatrice.

"Apple Bloom, Apple Bloom! What's wrong?" Twilight said. She relinquished Sweetie Belle from her magical grasp. Her ear perked, Twilight leaned in close to Apple Bloom. "'M?' 'M' what?"

"Empress Hyaline," Queen Chrysalis said.

Ghostly, amber colored ethereal flames birthed into existence around the ponies and Queen Chrysalis. They gravitated toward Philomena Cantare and consumed her form. A long misshapen horn protruded from the ball of fire. Wings burst forth from the flames. The fire subsided.

Princess Celestia's stern gaze turned away from Sweetie Belle, focusing on the large changeling ruler that looked down on her. "My friend passed away at such a young age after she became horribly ill. I never knew what happened."

"Take COVER!" Apple Bloom shouted, her voice overshadowing the swamp's bursting bubbles.

"La..." Empress Hyaline said. A hemi-spherical shockwave enveloped the group in front of her. She smirked. Mud, gook, slime, and dust floated to the ground. Hyaline raised an eyebrow at the spherical aura of magic that surrounded the group before her. In a calm, dignified tone, lowering her eyebrow, the empress said, "Well done, Sweetie Belle. I see you learned a few things by watching me practice... Now, now," Empress Hyaline's horn glowed in a fierce amber light, "now my granddaughter! There's no reason to rush. We can catch up at our own leisure."

Queen Chrysalis gasped. Her hooves latched onto the amber colored circle that constricted around her neck. The magical torus continued to tighten. Levitated to eye level with Hyaline, Chrysalis felt her hooves quake. Her translucent wings twitched while an aura around Princess Celestia's horn grew in intensity. The collar destroyed, Queen Chrysalis fell to the ground.

"It would have been nice to stay in 'seclusion' a bit longer before my glorious return to the hive." Empress Hyaline said. She glanced up to see Princess Cadence and Princess Luna descended near Princess Celestia. Scootaloo ran toward Apple Bloom. The changeling chuckled to herself, ending with a devilish grin. "Quite the army you've amassed, dear 'Tia.'"

Swamp bubbles burst around the group, their ferocity sounding like explosions while the equines remained silent. Hisses and howls were stifled; creatures retreated into the Ever Free Forest's depths with quiet whimpers.

"How about I make you a deal, Sweetie Belle." Hyaline said. She tapped a gentle, misshapen hoof against her chin before moving toward Sweetie Belle. "I won't bore you with praise little one, however, I must compliment your talents. You have done such a magnificent job in healing my voice," she extended her hoof in a slow fluid manner, "that I shall recant my decision. In this moment, I will make you my protégé. ... Silence!"

Except for Sweetie Belle, the ponies and Queen Chrysalis fell to the ground. Their throats constricted. Sweetie Belle rubbed her throat. She looked to her neck, seeing a soft glow of light around her moon pearl dissipate while her horn glowed.

"Pl-Please, don't...." Apple Bloom struggled, "don't do --"

On slow, graceful, misshapen hooves, Empress Hyaline meandered toward Sweetie Belle . She leaned in close. Several clicks and a final hiss came from her before her hoof was placed Sweetie Belle's back. Queen Chrysalis -- with her right ear perked -- continued to trash about.

"You best decided quickly, my soon-to-be protégé." Hyaline said with a cheeky grin.

"Apple Bloom. Scootaloo." Sweetie Belle said. She rubbed a gentle hoof against her moon pearl gift. Her eyes glanced toward Princess Celestia and the others. Sweetie Belle looked at her fellow crusaders and said, "You have your mentors, and I have mine. Empress Hyaline helped me. She's the only one who treated me like a real student." Sweetie Belle turned a scalding gaze toward the mare near her hooves, "You. You never took me seriously, Twilight. I heard about the broom. How it was 'magical training wheels.' I'm not a little foal. Phil -- I mean, Empress Hyaline, I accept your offer."

"Excellent." Empress Hyaline said. Her horn glowed in the same fierce amber color as the flames that surrounded both her and Sweetie Belle. The two vanished in a ball of fire, an ember floating in the air before it dissipated.

The group took several deep gasps for air. Princess Cadence and Princess Luna rose to their hooves, ran toward Queen Chrysalis, and bound her in several heavy magical chains. Princess Celestia towered above the changeling queen, silencing the ruler with her own magic. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stood near Twilight who casted the final spell, the group teleporting into Canterlot Castle's war room.

*** *** ***

Rarity's firm hoof slapped Twilight across the face. Her hoof batted away Twilight's kind, outstretched hooves. Tears poured from her eyes. The drops landed onto her hooves. To no avail, Twilight's teary words of "I'm sorry" fell upon Rarity's deaf ears.

The octagonal table, in the war room lit by the candles in the chandelier above, displayed the map of Equestria. In the semi-dark room, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo sat beside each other in the corner.

Applejack trotted toward her little sister. She placed her Stetson on top of Apple Bloom's head, raising its brim. "Ah promise sugar cube, it'll be alright. We're gonna get Sweetie Belle back. Same goes for you too, Rarity."

Apple Bloom removed the hat. A Soft hoof gliding across its brim, she shook her head before giving the Stetson back to her big sister. "Ah don't know, sis. Princess Luna couldn't even see this comin, and she's way more powerful than ah could ever be."

Princess Luna nuzzled Apple Bloom then faced her with determined eyes. "Remember what I have taught you, my student. While we can foretell the future, it isn't an absolute ability."

"But you're an alicorn princess. I'm just a regular earth pony." Apple Bloom said.

Princess Luna's mane flowed while her saddened expression greeted Apple Bloom's. "If it were... if I could have foreseen this, I would have prevented it before things began. There's a lot I still need to teach, for you to learn. There is more that I need to learn. That is why we train."

A loud thud broke the ponies out of their melancholic slumber. Queen Chrysalis slammed her misshapen hooves against the stone floor beneath her once more before she pointed a swift hoof at Princess Celestia. "You will fix this mess. It must be done. It shall be done for the sake of my subjects. My family."

"Family?" Fluttershy said.

"Listen. Listen well, 'ponies.' If you think I am horrible, my grandmother is ten times worse." Queen Chrysalis said. The group of mares, and two fillies, watched her shiver. "I dare not speak of her atrocities. Our hive, our home was horrible under her so-called guidance. My mother, Queen Iridescent, told of Empress Hyaline's cruelty to frighten those who misbehaved."

Princess Celestia stared at Queen Chrysalis. Her gaze remained firm. As the tense moment passed, in a soft regal tone, she said, "Why was my friend targeted."

"You know the answer, 'princess.' I'll explain this once for the rest of you." Queen Chrysalis said, turning away from Princess Celestia. "Empress Hyaline holds a dangerous ability that far surpasses mine or my mother's. If given both opportunity and time, she can consume another's power and make it her own. The power consumed by that wretched creature allowed her to maintain a choking hold over the hive. That stupid --"

"Don't you dare speak of my little sister, you vile bug." Rarity said, her hoof targeting Queen Chrysalis. She wiped away a tear then lowered her trembling right hoof. "Sweetie Belle is the kindest, sweetest, gentlest sister out there. If she had known the truth about your family squabble, my little sister would have stayed away. Far away from all of it."

"Then tell me, Rarity was it, why did your sister venture into the Ever Free Forest? Why didn't your so-called 'fortune tellers' dissuade her?" Queen Chrysalis said, ending with a bitter-sweet smirk. "This is as much our fault as it is yours."

Arguments continued. Accusations were lobbed like snow covered rocks in a snowball fight. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo turned toward the corner while the mares and Queen Chrysalis continued their bickering.

"Scootaloo?" Apple Bloom said.

"Yea?" she said.

"We have to rescue Sweetie Belle. This sounds crazy, but can you fly us somewhere then take us back?"

"I'm strong enough to carry you and Sweetie Belle, but I can't fly for extended periods of time. It takes too much of a toll on my wings. Sorry."

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo let out a collective sigh. The two crusaders stepped outside the war room to a darkened hallway, moonlight coming through the windows. Princess Luna emerged from the shadow behind them, swift hooves placed over the fillies' mouths. She relinquished her grasp before leading the two down the hallway to a secluded area.

"Before you say anything my student, I know your plan, and I do not approve of such actions." Princess Luna held up her hoof before Apple Bloom could speak, "But inaction will be more dangerous than our current path." Princess Luna said. She lowered herself to the ground, and Apple Bloom and Scootaloo climbed onto her back. "I will transport you two as far as I can go without raising suspicion. You two best hang on. We are heading out immediately."

Shadows culminated around the three equines before they disappeared into darkness, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo's eyes witnessing a beautiful starlit sky above them as their vision cleared. The Brisk night air brushed against the three ponies' faces, their manes wafting in the wind. Princess Luna's eyes locked on the horizon, and she, along with her passengers, watched a small thin rod in the distant horizon grow.

"The changeling hive," Apple Bloom said as her eyes flashed for a second, "from my nightmare?"

"Now you see why I told you dreams are powerful manifestations. Potential windows into the future." Princess Luna said in a calm tone. "I must confide in you Apple Bloom. I did not believe your dream. That was a mistake 'I' will never make again."

Princess Luna, spying an outcrop, landed on soft dirt. She and the two fillies watched several dots buzz around the darkened spire, clouds shading it from the moon's light. The regal mare placed her hooves onto the two fillies. Her eyes glowed in a fierce white color. Apple Bloom shoved her hoof into Scootaloo's mouth, and then her own.

"The amniomorphic spell I placed on you two will last for thirty minutes, no more." Princess Luna said. She materialized a small scroll and gave it to Apple Bloom, "When you are ready, unfurl this and place a firm hoof in the center where the hoof print is located. This scroll will teleport three of you, no more."

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo turned to each other with nervous grins. They slammed their hooves together, "Cutie Mark Crusaders Infiltrators..."

Both turned to the empty spot beside them.

"It ain't the same with Sweetie Belle gone." Apple Bloom said.

"We will get her back. You and me are Cutie Mark Crusaders, so is Sweetie Belle. All of us are in this together." Scootaloo said.

"The clock is ticking, my little ponies." Princess Luna said. She levitated them toward a small ledge on the dark spire, watching the two enter. "Perhaps a destined path can be changed, if it's assisted by a hoof of friendship."

*** *** ***

Apple Bloom stopped. She held a hoof across Scootaloo's chest then lowered it. "Phew, they're gone. Empress bug breath is in here. Ah can feel it."

"How?" Scootaloo said.

"To be honest, ah don't know. It's also weird cause -- whatever, we'll talk later. Ok, need to head down this hallway. Afterwards, we head up a flight of stairs. Sweetie Belle is in some kind of weird throne room. " Apple Bloom said. She stopped. The filly turned behind her and sat down.

Noises emanated from above. Apple Bloom cowered backward. Two changelings clad in carapace armor descended toward them. The guards make several clicking noises before they hissed at the two fillies. The turned to each other then back to the two before them as Scootaloo held a hoof to her right ear.

"You deaf?! Stupid hatchlings. They don't know their own abdomen from a hole in the ground." One guard said.

Scootaloo, ready to strike the guard, felt Apple Bloom brush against her. Apple Bloom tilted her head from side to side.

The guard's partner sighed. "Send these two up to Empress Hyaline . She can make a meal out of them." He leaned in close, "I can't believe those legends were true. Queen Chrysalis help us all."

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, brushed along the damp resin created corridors, found themselves near the entrance to a room with a spiraling staircase. Both guards, their armor glinting in the light from the bio-luminescent spheres on the walls, pointed firm hooves at the stairs. The fillies nodded. The guards departed.

"Morons --" Scootaloo said, a hoof plunged into her mouth. She spit on the ground after forcibly removing Apple Bloom's hoof. "Wash your hooves before ya do that. I'll need five doctor visits after where done here."

Several armored guards floated up and down the open portion of the stair case. Apple Bloom leaned in close to her friend, "You're gonna blow our cover. We gotta be incog-who-zizts or however ya say it."

The fillies' tired hooves shook beneath them as they reached the highest point of the stairwell. Several traps lay open with spears and thick puddles of slime after Apple Bloom and Scootaloo opened the large door in front of me.

"O come --" Apple Bloom said, being stopped by a hoof shoved into her mouth. She removed Scootaloo's hoof from her mouth and glared at her friend.

"Not fun, huh. Anyways, it's my turn." Scootaloo said. She paused, looking at her translucent wings. "Wait, will using my wings cause this amnio-thingy to stop? Whatever, we don't have time."

Scootaloo winced. With a heavy sigh of relief, she opened her eyes to see her translucent wings extend. Apple Bloom climbed onto her fellow crusader's back. In a gentle manner, Scootaloo flapped her strong wings and powered down the hallway with the only sound being a drop of water hitting the floor. The large, ornate, organic door in front of them opened.

"She's over there, towards the left." Apple Bloom said. She and Scootaloo stuck close to the wall, sneaking under nearby furniture. Through a key hole, both watched Sweetie Belle standing on a tall stool with a miniature crown on top of her head. Apple Bloom's ears perked up, listening to Sweetie Belle sing a tune while pressing a hoof against Hyaline 's throat. "Why do ah have such a headache standin near that bug. Anyways, she's gonna come out soon. I'm kinda sure she won't lock the door, so we have to be quick when she leaves."

Apple Bloom finished her statement, and Sweetie Belle's song ended. Empress Hyaline smirked at her student then departed.

The door opened; its loud creaking sound resonated throughout the large chamber. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo bolted inside the bedroom. With a swift hoof, Scootaloo locked the door behind her and peered out the key lock.

"We're clear." Scootaloo said.

"How did you two get in here?" Sweetie Belle said, receiving a generous hug from her friends after she hopped off the tall stool. "You have to get out of here. I'm sorry about what I said. I had no choice."

"It's alright. With that bug gone, ah can sorta see what happened. Those hisses and clicks she made back at the swamp," Apple Bloom said.
Sweetie Belle nodded to her friend, "If I refused her offer, she would hurt Ponyville then Equestria. She acted like it was my choice."

Apple Bloom, after she planted a firm hoof on Sweetie Belle, said along with Scootaloo, "We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders."

"Yuck. What happened to you? O, never mind." Sweetie Belle said, watching the illusion fade. "Please, leave. I don't want you two getting hurt."

A swift knock came to the door. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo slid under the bed. Sweetie Belle trotted toward the door.

"Ms. Belle, it's time for your bath," a voice said.

"That's alright, umm..." Sweetie Belle said with a nervous tone.

"It's ok. I don't have a name. The empress was quite insistent on your bath. She wants you 'cleaned,' so you don't bring any germs into the colony." the changeling said with a whimper.

Sweetie Belle, after a few tense moments, allowed the changeling inside. She bowed then proceeded into the bathroom. While reaching for the faucet's lever, Sweetie Belle watched the filly sized changeling slip into the tub. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo peered out to see the changeling take a flask of black liquid and pour it into the tub.

"Psst," Scootaloo said in a quiet tone.

Sweetie Belle moved toward the bed. She smiled at the changeling who turned away from her. She watched a vial of purple liquid being put into the tub, suds forming before the water was shut off.

"Don't get into the tub," Apple Bloom said with a whisper, "she's --"

"HA!" Empress Hyaline said. Flames consumed her filly form, towering above the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Now, now. You aren't ready to receive guests, my protégé. Not until you've had your 'bath.'" Empress Hyaline said. Her nostrils flared. She leaned in close to Apple Bloom, "That is interesting. I haven't seen any holders of the 'future sight' ability in quite some time. That bothersome ability gave me such a migraine since I couldn't tell the present from the past or the past from the future. Still, it does help me to evade your kind's little quirks."

"Make it stop!" Apple Bloom shouted, rubbing her head. "It hurts!"

Sweetie Belle cast off her miniature crown while Scootaloo charged in front with spread out wings.

"To think I helped you. I thought you were to be my protégé?" Empress Hyaline said. With a whimper, she wiped away a crocodile tear. "I'm over it. Brats are always a nuisance, though, I must say, you would have turned into a fine changeling queen when your 'bath' was over."

"No!" Sweetie Belle said, her voice seizing. "What. What have you. Done."

"One thing I forgot to mention, my 'former' pupil. When you healed my voice, I sang a quiet tune of my own. Thanks for the healing treatments. Now, sleep," Empress Hyaline said, ending with a melodic tune.

Sweetie Belle struggled then took a deep breath. She calmed herself and sang a slight tune. The spherical shield enveloped her, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo.

"Too late..." Empress Hyaline smirked, "You might be immune to my voice, but they aren't. Your friends will awake from their dreams as blissful as can be, their memories wiped clean. They'll be lucky enough to remember their own names."

The scroll in Apple Bloom's hoof fell to the black floor and unfurled. Sweetie Belle's front hoof plunged down on the hoof print. She, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo were enveloped by a dark blue light, disappearing into nothingness.

"Gah! Those interfering princesses shall pay for taking my meal tickets." Empress Hyaline bellowed. With herself composed, she placed a hoof to her mouth then lowered it. "My, my, my. I had forgotten how much of an annoyance little ones can be. I need a bath. Over a thousand years in the forest does such horrible things to one's mane and tail. Ahh, there's my carapace lotion...."

My Friends

Successive taps came from the crystal clear window of the castle's guest bedroom. Ash colored clouds culminated over Ponyville; they crept toward the Ever Free Forest.

The weak hoof Sweetie Belle raised was clutched in a gentle grasp. With a strained voice she said, "He-hello? Where. Am I?"

"I'm here." Rarity said.

"Apple Bloom! Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle said with a bellow, her loud cough echoing in the guest bedroom.

Rarity placed a firm hoof on Sweetie Belle's chest and pushed back. Bed covers were rolled over her little sister. "Please, you need to rest. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are safe. They are with Twilight right now. I'm sure both of them will be fine."

"No," Sweetie Belle said. She sat up and wiped away her tears. "It's my fault."

"What's your fault?" Rarity said.

Sweetie Belle placed her front hooves at her sides. Her watery eyes greeted Rarity's concerned gaze. "I have to tell Twilight." Sweetie Belle fell to the floor after pulling herself out of bed, "It's all my fault! Empress Hyaline put a curse on Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. They'll lose their memories when they wake up."

Rarity's eyebrows raised. Her eyes dilated. She levitated the filly onto her back, bolted down the hallway to the castle's library, and placed her hoof on the door's handle. In a swift motion, she pulled down on it then pushed the door forward in a graceful, gentle manner. Inside, two beds lay side-by-side.

Applejack bit down on her lower lip as she stood near Apple Bloom. Rainbow Dash hovered near Scootaloo. The fillies' hooves flailed about. Sweat came from their foreheads, being soaked up by the washcloths. Sweetie Belle placed a hoof over her mouth.

"She's gettin worse, Twi. Ya gotta do somethin'!" Applejack shouted. She removed the washcloth and placed a fresh one on Apple Bloom's forehead. "Please Twilight!"

Rainbow Dash concealed the tear she shed. Her stern raised hoof targeted Twilight. "You're the 'princess' of magic! Help them."

Several tomes floated near Twilight, others scattered about the room. Pages turned at a furious rate. Sparks spewed forth from Twilight's horn before the books were dropped, more being levitated toward her.

Twilight turned. Hooves shielded her face and eyes. She buried her head deeper into her hooves. The fresh books in her magical grasp were flung to the sides. Her attention turned toward fifteen fresh books she levitated into the air. "The answer has to be here."

"Hurry Twi!" Applejack said in a quivered voice, her hooves trembling. "Ah... ah can't lose her."

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Twilight said, dashing about the room. She levitated a book forward. Its pages almost ripped from the binder, the book was flung to the opposite side of the room. "I'm sorry, but this, this spell -- if it can even be called a spell -- is out of my league. I've never seen or read of vocally linked magical abilities. If I don't get things just right, I could make them worse."

On graceful hooves, Princess Celestia stopped Twilight with her wings. She nuzzled her former student before relinquishing the mare from her grasp. Princess Celestia moved toward Rainbow Dash and Applejack, and placed a kind wing over them before she looked at Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. With her horn illuminated, she restrained the two fillies with a soft magical embrace. In a saddened tone, melancholic expression to match, Princess Celestia said, "This situation is dire, my little ponies. Frustration will lead to mistakes if we do not calm ourselves. Mistakes will cost us precious time, and that is something we have very little of right now. Let's focus right now, starting at the beginning."

The door closed behind Rarity and Sweetie Belle, sounding like a violent thunderbolt. Eyes focused on the two. Rarity backed away, but Sweetie Belle told her to stop.

Rainbow Dash flew towards Sweetie Belle then eyed her. "If it isn't the little traitor."

"How dare you!" Rarity said. Her furious eyes met Rainbow Dash's glare. "Apologize to Sweetie Belle this instant, Rainbow Dash."

"No," Applejack said. She moved toward Rarity. Applejack's hoof adjusted her trademark Stetson. In a firm tone she said, "Rarity, that youngin' on your back may have cost me and Rainbow Dash somethin' more precious to us than any treasure in Equestria. Sweetie Belle betrayed Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. She betrayed all of us, if ah recall correctly from what Twi tellin' us."

Princess Celestia slammed her hoof down, "Enough!"

The castle shook. Princess Celestia's eyes glowed in a fierce white light while her mane and tail flowed in the windless room. Rainbow Dash and Applejack turned their backs toward Rarity and Sweetie Belle. All eyes focused on the princess.

"Listen well, my subjects. You shall not carry on the actions of misbehaving children in this time of urgency. Do I make myself clear?!" Princess Celestia said. She turned to Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. Her eyes glanced over the ponies near her hooves. With her tone maintained, she said, "I assume there is a reason for bringing Sweetie Belle here, Rarity?"

"Yes, your highness. Sweetie Belle told me about the spell." Rarity said

"And?" Princess Celestia said.

Sweetie Belle hopped down off her sister's back. Her hooves wobbled. She collapsed to the cold floor before standing up. Two sets of furious eyes glared at her while Rarity stood by her side. Sweetie Belle looked toward the ponies in front of her. "I'm... I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what happened, for what I've done. I felt so angry, so jealous about what Apple Bloom and Scootaloo had." Sweetie Belle looked at Rarity once more then turned back toward the group, "Empress Hyaline , she cursed my friends. When they wake up, they'll forget everything. She said my friends would be 'lucky to remember their own names' when they awoke."

The room grew dark. Shadows culminated. Princess Luna materialized. She shook her head at Sweetie Belle. "The problem comes from Empress Hyaline's words. Your friends aren't asleep. They're in a coma."

"No." Sweetie Belle said, burying her head into her hooves.

"Luna, can you help them?" Princess Celestia said.

"I'm sorry sister. They are beyond my reach. I fear we may lose them." Princess Luna said.

Twilight resumed her search. Several books were tossed to the side. Sweetie Belle's image reflected off the polished emblem embedded in a book. Twilight glanced at Sweetie Belle, her eyes widening. "The club house. In the swamp. 'You' can undo it."

"No," Sweetie Belle said, a loud cough to follow.

"Yes, you 'can' do it Sweetie Belle. Even Empress Hyaline commented on your talent." Twilight said.

Between intermittent coughs, Sweetie Belle said, "I can't sing. Not anymore."

"This will haunt you forever..." a voice said.

"Who's there?" Sweetie Belle said.

Princess Celestia looked toward her sister. Applejack and Rainbow Dash glared at Rarity and the spot Sweetie Belle was in. Pinkie Pie consoled Fluttershy. Every pony but Sweetie Belle remained frozen in place.

Sweetie Belle's gaze searched every corner of the room.

"Hello?" She said

"I'm your conscience, and I'm here to haunt you." an ethereal pony said. Her hoof stuck through Sweetie Belle's chest. She passed through the filly then floated in front of her. The ethereal pony's eyes glowed in a translucent light. She opened her mouth, hissed, and then emanated a long, ghostly wail. "Boo!"

"Gah!" Sweetie Belle said.

"Sorry." the ethereal unicorn chuckled. She passed through several ponies before floating near Princess Celestia. "As my dear friend no doubt told you, I can't resist a joke. The timing was 'too' perfect for this one, tee heh."

"Philomena Cantare?" Sweetie Belle said with a raise eyebrow.

"In the, ehh... ectoplasm I guess. Let's see if I can do this. It's been a while since I stood on my own hooves." She said. Serene light glowed around Cantare's corporeal body. Manifested hooves touched the ground, and she moved toward Sweetie Belle. "I will dispense with the jokes little one. Indeed, as tia's little sister said, your friends are in grave danger."

Sweetie Belle trotted toward her sister, poking the mare in the side. She and Cantare laughed as Rarity fell over. Sweetie Belle let out a heavy cough as the sky-blue, ghostly unicorn mare came closer.

"What Empress 'bug breath,' as your friend eloquently put her, doesn't realize is your real power." Cantare said. She face Sweetie Belle, "This is your lesson, my dear. A real lesson. Unlike that pretender."

The two sat near Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. Philomena Cantare looked the two fillies over, nodded, and turned to her protégé.

"Imagine a powerful river. Now, think about a lone pony who finds it. The pony dips a bucket into it, sips on the water, and then builds a home near that river. What you see is Empress Hyaline. She can tap into power, but she can't harness its true potential. Your friend Apple Bloom is proof of that." Cantare said.

"Wait, how do you know her name?" Sweetie Belle said, looking at Apple Bloom.

Philomena Cantare tapped a gentle hoof against the pearl around Sweetie Belle neck. "Moon pearls are sacred not just for their beauty. All of that being beside the point right now, I believe it's time your true power awakened, and the world of Equestria heard your talent. 'Your' real talent. Please tell tia I said hello. Also, please tell her that she shouldn't be harsh on Princess Luna for what she and your friend did."

The thread to the moon pearl snapped. Around Sweetie Belle, the world resume its course. Applejack and Rainbow Dash argued with Rarity, despite Princess Celestia's harsh words; Pinkie Pie consoled Fluttershy while Princess Luna conversed with her sister; Twilight Sparkle attended to Scootaloo and Apple Bloom.

Sweetie Belle looked between her front hooves to see the once brilliant moon pearl turn an obsidian color.

"Now," Sweetie Belle said. She gulped. After one final deep breath and exhale, she nodded to Twilight. Sweetie Belle inhaled and illuminated her horn, "HUSH NOW! QUIET NOW! IT'S TIME TO LAY YOUR SLEEPY HEAD!"

Her melody barely continued before Apple Bloom and Scootaloo's eyes thrust open.

"Sweetie Belle, knock it off! We're trying to sleep." Both said in unison.

Silence. Applejack and Rainbow Dash's mouths hung open. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna turned toward the beds. The two fillies from the magical embrace, and Apple Bloom and Scootaloo jumped down. Both smiled at their friend.

"Why are they starin' at us like that? No, Empress Hyaline!" Apple Bloom said before being grasped in a heavy bear hug. "AJ. AJ stop! Your crushin' me."

"Help me!" Scootaloo struggled to say through Rainbow Dash's heavy embrace.

Sweetie Belle gave a slight smile to Twilight, receiving one in return.

Princess Celestia approached Sweetie Belle. She towered above her. A final tear fell from her cheek before she wiped her teary eyes. "It appears your talent came to fruition at just the right time. You have done a great deed by rescuing your friends, Sweetie Belle. Something I believe none of us could accomplish."

Sweetie Belle bowed to Princess Celestia. She faced the princess then titled her head. "If you don't mind me asking, is Philomena always such a prankster? I thought she had come to reap my soul or something, straight out of one of Twilight's scary books. O. Before I forget. Cantare wanted me to tell you she says hello. She also said to not be harsh on Princess Luna and Apple Bloom."

"Why would I be harsh on my sister?" Princess Celestia said. Her eyes gravitated toward the floor. She looked at the stone near Sweetie Belle's hooves. "Luna... where did Sweetie Belle get Philomena Cantare's necklace?"

Princess Luna emanated a slow, quiet whimper as her ears lowered. Apple Bloom backed away, turning to one side to avoid Princess Celestia's harsh eyes.

"You let my sister read those atrocious novels?" Rarity said.

Twilight avoided Rarity's stern gaze. "Eh, heh heh... well -- Sweetie Belle, how did you do that?"

"Ah knew you weren't a traitor. Ya tried to protect us all. Tell em." Apple Bloom said, winking at her fellow crusader.

"I doubt they'll believe me" Sweetie Belle said. Rarity placed a hoof under her sister's chin, smiling at her. Sweetie Belle, a smile given in return, raised her head. "Empress Hyaline whispered to me that she would destroy Ponyville and enslave the ponies of Equestria if I didn't become her student."

"The fate of your actions will be decided at a later date and time, my little pony. You three have done exemplary work, however, it is not your place or duty to protect Equestria from such a threat." Princess Celestia said. She glared at Princess Luna. "Little sister, I will remind myself to chat with you about using fillies to assault a foreign place of peril, and, I will also remind myself to teach you the consequences about taking things that don't belong to you."

"The things we do for our protégés." Princess Luna thought to herself as the ponies separated. She winked at Apple Bloom, her student nodding back.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo huddled together while the mares discussed their plan for a counter-attack.

"Apple Bloom. Scootaloo. I'm sorry about what happened." Sweetie Belle said.

"It's in the past." Scootaloo said.

"What matters is the future." Apple Bloom said.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo faced Apple Bloom. In unison, they said, "What now?"

"Sweetie Belle, ah think you are the one to stop that bug." Apple Bloom said. She snuck a quick peek, watching Twilight leave the room. Apple Bloom turned to her friends and said, "In mah heart, ah knew that moon pearl was meant for ya. Probably heard the rest where me and Princess Luna kinda 'borrowed' it from Princess Celestia's jewelry box."

"Heh, no wonder she told me to tell Princess Celestia not to be harsh on you two. You're lucky I'm in a good mood right now." Sweetie Belle said. She looked up then turned toward the group. "So, what's the plan?"

"Right on time." Apple Bloom said, her eyes flashing a few seconds afterwards. She motioned to her friends. The cutie mark crusaders made their to the door, soon being stopped by Applejack as the mare slammed her hoof down in front of them.

"Ah just need to hit up the little filly's room. Yesh." Apple Bloom said.

*** *** ***

The Cutie Mark Crusaders exited the library. Apple Bloom crept down the hallway. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo followed behind. Apple Bloom peered around the corner, grinned, and tackled a mare gazing through a door's keyhole into the library.

"You say anythin' and we'll rat ya out, Queen Chrysalis." Apple Bloom said.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stopped in their tracks. They turned to each other then faced the mare with widened eyes.

"Little brats!" the disguised changeling said with a whisper, "I would ask how you knew I was here but it would make little difference. What do you want?"

Sweetie Belle moved forward. She nodded at Apple Bloom. "It's time for a deal. Don't laugh at me. I'm serious. QUEEN --"

"Hush! Keep your stupid little mouths shut." Queen Chrysalis said. She lowered herself to eye level with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "My hive is in a situation where I can't afford to play games. State your point."

A devilish smirk given, Apple Bloom led the group further into the castle where they arrived at an ornate crystal door. She opened the door.

"Twilight," Apple Bloom said. The ponies made their way into Twilight's personal study. She glanced at the small door to the bathroom, "Twilight, come on out. We got a plan."

Twilight exited the bathroom, sighed, and sat down near the group. "Sweetie Belle is right. You aren't fun in regards to hide and seek. Who's this?"

"Twilight, can ya create a shield around us so it looks like we aren't here?" Apple Bloom said. The shield surrounded them. She nodded. "Good, ah have a plan. It's gonna be tricky though. Chrysalis, you're going to return to the hive."

"That's a stupid plan," Queen Chrysalis said, materializing her true form. She stood up, "I will not allow myself to be involved in a foal's plot."

Twilight stood up and illuminated her horn. She growled at the changeling queen but stopped as Apple Bloom shook her head. Twilight sat down.

Apple Bloom smirked then tapped a hoof against her head, "Who's the one with the 'future sight' ability here?"

Queen Chrysalis grumbled, sitting back down. "My dear 'grandmother' nullified your ability when I spied on you back at the hive."

"Not anymore. Thanks my run-in with her, up close and personal like, ah get what Princess Luna was telling me. Still, this won't be easy." Apple Bloom said. "What ah need ya to do is tell Empress bug breath is that Sweetie Belle will face her in the Ever Free Forest swamp. We're gonna have a showdown with her."

"In good conscience, I can't allow you three to do this." Twilight said. Her eyes glanced down the hallway before she closed the door to her personal study. She stared at the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Rarity and the others may have my flank for this, but I believe you are right, Apple Bloom. You three are the only ones who can save Equestria right now. We've never faced a potent power like Empress Hyaline's, and she could incapacitate us before we can get one hoof off the ground."

Time ticked away on the clock near the fireplace. The clouds that culminated over Ponyville moved into the distance over the Ever Free Forest. With a final "ok" given by Apple Bloom, the ponies and Queen Chrysalis dispersed.

*** *** ***

Sweetie Belle trotted into the swamp. The obsidian colored moon stone secured around her neck, she made her way into the clearing. Off to her left, the indentation left in the ground by Empress Hyaline and Princess Celestia's brief clash remained.

Clouds squished against each other in the sky. The light dimmed. Silence came. Sweetie Belle looked up to see a hole form in the clouds. Empress Hyaline descended to the ground on graceful, misshapen hooves.

"My, my, my. Have you really come to surrender to me?" Empress Hyaline said. The hole in the clouds closed behind her. "You might as well tell your friends to come out. My granddaughter is such a horrible liar."

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo emerged from the darkness. They stood in front of the creature, their gaze unwavering.

"Pray tell, do you really think three foalish little fillies can defeat an all powerful changeling empress? I must say, that alicorn amulet my granddaughter spoke of sounded rather impressive. Pity that you aren't wearing it." Empress Hyaline said.

"I don't need it." Sweetie Belle said. With a hushed tune to her voice, she said, "La..."

Empress Hyaline's eyes widened. Her hooves wobbled. She collapsed to the ground then shook it off. Her pearl white fangs exposed, the empress soon towered above the fillies like a giant. "Stupid foals. If it's a battle you want, then it is a battle you shall have!"

Scootaloo winced. Her wings extended. She rocketed into the air as Apple Bloom darted behind Sweetie Belle. The Cutie Mark Crusaders maintained a steady count in their minds.

Empress Hyaline's wings buzzed. She tugged on her hooves. Thick mud engulfed them; it wrapped around her hooves, encasing them. Her wings buzzed faster, to no avail.

"Now!" Twilight shouted as she bolted from the darkness of the woods.

Scootaloo continued her steadfast, rocketing ascent. Sweetie Belle closed her eyes.

"Twi, she's getting ready to sing." Apple Bloom said as her eyes flashed.

Twilight's horn glowed in a ferocious light. A heavy magical sphere enveloped the changeling empress as she began her song.
Cracks formed in the sphere. It bulged. It groaned. The magic bubble burst.

"Now," Empress Hyaline extricated herself from the mud and stood in front of the ponies, "I am going to enjoy siphoning all of your power. Wait, where's that pegasus?"

Sweetie Belle concentrated her magic. She continued her song while sweat poured from her forehead.

"Not yet," Apple Bloom said. She looked at Empress Hyaline, "Can ya please say 'Aiyee' when you go flying?"

"You haven't won this battle, and I will do no such thing!" Empress Hyaline said.

"Now!" Apple Bloom said.

Scootaloo whizzed by. Sweetie Belle sang.

The air remained silent for a few brief seconds before Empress Hyaline chuckled. She watched Scootaloo return to the side of her friends. In an arrogant tone, she said, "Was that it? That filly flew by me? Did she place a 'kick me' sign on my back? Maybe some other. Stupid. Little. What is that?"

Twilight casted a sphere around her and the cutie mark crusaders. A smaller sphere levitated near the empress.

"When we aren't in danger, remind me to tell all of you why compressing a sonic boom and dissolving the magic around it like this is 'extremely' dangerous!" Twilight said, reinforcing the defensive bubble.

Sweetie Belle ended her magic and smirked. "Boom"

The small sphere cracked. An explosion rocked the area. Empress Hyaline flew into the air, smashing into a solid mountain behind her. She landed with a thud on the dirt near the mountain's base.

"It doesn't matter. I can heal myself with my voice." Empress Hyaline said with a shout as her ears continued to ring. She watched the ponies trot up to her. Her eyes followed the necklace Sweetie Belle placed around her neck. The black stone turned dark red, changing into a final amber color. Empress Hyaline prepared to speak but heard her voice crack as her hearing returned. She watched in horror as the stone turned to dust, it's debris floating into the wind.

"A gift from Cantare." Sweetie Belle said.

"I. Don't need. My voice." Empress Hyaline coughed heavily. She growled. Her hooves struggled to move. Ghostly, amber colored flames surrounded her. With her horn ablaze she said, "I will steal your abilities and make them my own."

"No. You. Won't." The Cutie Mark Crusaders said one after another. With a unison voice they said, "We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and we will stop you."

Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom witnessed a bright light envelope them. Apple Bloom pointed her hoof. Sweetie Belle cleared her throat and illuminated her horn as Twilight's horn began to glow. Scootaloo flew into the air. Sweetie Belle cleared her throat.

"Fillies. I, Empress Hyaline -- one who has fought countless battles and rose supreme as the progenitor of my species -- will be defeated by a group of fillies!" Empress Hyaline thought to herself.

Scootaloo whizzed past just as Empress Hyaline rose to her hooves. The changeling's horn snapped at its base from the solid hit Scootaloo landed. Apple Bloom nodded to the friend at her side. Sweetie Belle sang a lullaby, her horn's aura enveloped the remainder of Empress Hyaline's horn.

"You brats! Look what you've done! My beautiful horn." Empress Hyaline said. She collapsed to the ground, her eyes fixated on the broken portion of her horn.

Twilight, with a slight tune in her voice, illuminated her horn. She glared at the changeling, watching Empress Hyaline quiet down. "I'll have to study this a bit further. Vocalized Magical Abilities -- I mean, this is neat."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders stretched their hooves. Apple Bloom smiled.

"This is out of the blue, Sweetie Belle, but I'm still willing to take you on. I wouldn't mind learning about this magic myself." Twilight said.

Sweetie Belle nodded, receiving a firm hug from Twilight. After being released, she said, "What happened back there?"

"Yea, that was awesome." Scootaloo said.

Apple Bloom nodded to her friends. "We'll find out later, heh heh."

Twilight felt a chill crawl up her spine. She lowered herself to the ground as Princess Celestia entered the swamp with the others behind her and a platoon of soldiers.

"What am I going to do with you Twilight? I thought you had better wisdom." Princess Celestia said. She looked behind Twilight, seeing Empress Hyaline asleep. "Be that as it may, thank you for protecting Equestria."

"No, it wasn't me." Twilight said. She motioned a gentle hoof, and Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle sat down in front of her, "It was the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Through their combined effort, 'they' defeated a powerful foe and protected Equestria. I just provided... some... 'support.'"

Apple Bloom's eyes flashed. She pointed a hoof at a unicorn stallion near Princess Celestia. "Hey, don't you go hidin' there. Tell the truth about Sweetie Belle. Right now, Chrysalis."

Green flames consumed the stallion's visage, and Queen Chrysalis sighed. She made her way over toward the collapsed empress. "Why should I keep my word?"

"Chrysalis!" Apple Bloom said.

"Consider me in a good mood." Queen Chrysalis said, turning toward the group in front of her. "Sweetie Belle, the one accused of treason, is innocent. I overheard with my own ears about Empress Hyaline's plot to assault Ponyville in a surprise attack. She would consume the power of Twilight Sparkle and her friends, and then proceed to conquer Equestria. As promised, I have upheld my end of the bargain. Also, as per the condition of my," Queen Chrysalis groaned," 'arrangement' with Apple Bloom for the work of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, the changeling empire shall leave Equestria alone, for now."

Apple Bloom's brow furrowed. She turned to see a green flame dissipate as Queen Chrysalis vanished. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash trotted up to the three fillies. The three mares nodded at each other.

"Ya'll might have saved Equestria." Applejack said.

"Which is totally awesome." Rainbow Dash said.

"But you three are grounded!" Rarity said.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders let out a collective sigh, being ushered back to Ponyville. Princess Celestia, a quiet "thank you" given to her departed friend, teleported Empress Hyaline to Canterlot's dungeon.

Author's Note

This pretty much concludes my Cutie Mark Crusader arc I started with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. There's a final chapter/epilogue that goes with this story though, and I'll push it out when I get some free time.

Epilogue "My Friends. My Duties"

Water droplets down the cold stone walls in the dark prison; they landed in a small pool before running into tiny waste gutter. The flickering flames, from the torches on the wall, barely illuminated the dungeon beneath Canterlot Castle. Amongst the bleak surroundings, a mare stood silent. Her eyes focused on the prisoner behind the cell door in front of her.

"Why do you. Visit me?" Empress Hyaline said.

The mare maintained her silence. Her saddlebag flap opened in a fluid motion then closed. Three small, spherical objects levitated toward the deposed changeling ruler.

"You know," Empress Hyaline cleared her throat, "I do wonder. What would have happened?" She said. Her eyes traced the outline of the mare in front of her. The mare trotted away, no word being said. Empress Hyaline thought to herself, "Perhaps a small form of penitence for my actions will be the fact I helped one filly move forward."

Out of the dungeon, Sweetie Belle pulled back the hood on her cloak. She smiled at the small table near the kitchen's door as she trotted down the red carpet. Her horn illuminated and a gentle tune to her voice, she teleported into Carousel Boutique.

"How many times have I told you to be on time." Rarity said. An audible huff followed while she levitated several boxes closer. "Why do you insist on visiting her?"

"Just paying my respects, 'big sis.'" Sweetie Belle said, ending with a chuckle.

"Such a beautiful figure you, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom have taken on." Rarity said with a polite smile. Her eyes followed the "Rouge" colored dress that was levitated out of one. "Yes, I do believe that color will do nicely. Now, hold still. This needs to be done just right. My reputation is on the line." Rarity's shoulders relaxed as she calmed, "I did mean to ask, where are Apple Bloom and Scootaloo?"

"Scootaloo is still the same. She enlisted with the wonderbolts, becoming one of their best recruiters for pegasi. At least, from what I have read about her. I watched one of her shows, and it was awesome." Sweetie Belle said.

Rarity raised an eyebrow. Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes.

"I mean, her 'performance was splendid to behold." Sweetie Belle said, receiving a nod from her big sister. "Scootaloo's 'ascension' is quite the crowd pleaser. Her wings shoot out. She power ascends into the sky. And, after she reaches her zenith, she speeds toward the crowd and produces a small boom near them."

"It's missing something..." Rarity said.

"I know you judge my shows, but not Scootaloo's too. Come on." Sweetie Belle said.

"Now now, you're a lady. Do not talk like a filly. Besides, I meant your -- 'idea!'" Rarity said. She dashed up to the guest bedroom and hurried down with a small red cape. "This emblem will work as a perfect adornment."

"Sis..." Sweetie Belle said. Her hoof clutched onto the tattered cloak. Rips, holes, and several marks garnished the cloak, the center piece remaining intact despite the outer parts. "To think we all earned our cutie marks that day. You and the others must have felt horrible for grounding us, huh?"

"Sweetie Belle, you could have been seriously hurt. I will admit, with Rainbow Dash's uncouth wording, that was one 'awesome' day. In all honest, I don't know who was happier. You and your friends for earning their cutie marks, or Twilight for accomplishing her goal of taking on a full time protégé." Rarity said. She looked up to her sister, smiled, and took the cloak. The stitches removed, the emblem was sewn into the new dress. "Trust me, I will make this dress one of my masterpieces. I am the 'grand couturier' after all."

Sweetie Belle resumed her conversation. "Apple Bloom is beyond me. After we graduated from Mrs. Cheerilee's class, I saw less and less of her. Two years ago, she just vanished. Scootaloo believed she saw Apple Bloom at Twilight's castle a month ago, but Twilight said there was no pony there but her and Fluttershy."

"There," Rarity said, slipping a final needle through the chest piece. She materialized the dress onto her sister, gave a firm nod, and then removed it, placing it in a box. "Here's a present from your 'big' sister, heh heh."

"Sweetie Belle!" A voice shouted, Carousel Boutique's front door thrusting open. Scootaloo galloped in. "Sup Rarity. Yo, Sweetie Belle. Twilight needs us. A 'friend' is coming too."

"A pleasure to see you as well, Scootaloo." Rarity said. She turned to her sister, "Go on. I'll have my 'assistant' deliver this to your show. He's eager to see one, 'Princess of Songs.'"

"Ugg," Sweetie Belle said. She darted off behind Scootaloo, both galloping toward the castle in Ponyville.

"Why do you hate that title so much?" Scootaloo said.

"For one thing, I'm not an alicorn. Neither are you. Apple Bloom isn't an alicorn either. Also, I hate titles, 'Princess of the Sky.'"Sweetie Belle said. She sighed. The two continued their rapid pace into the center of Ponyville. "There are ponies that watch every move I make. It all happened cause that stupid paparazzo took a picture of me, you, and Apple Bloom being bequeathed those honorary titles to help out Twilight."

Scootaloo snickered at her friend as they passed by Mr. Orchard's shop, soon passing Mr. Vanilla's stand in the market district. "Hey. Get me a ticket to your show tomorrow. I want to see one. I'll be bringing a friend too."

"Someone's got a colt friend." Sweetie Belle said, maintaining her composure while darting passed several fans.

"No I don't. It's just a friend I like to talk with." Scootaloo blushed.

Sweetie Belle chortled then looked at Scootaloo and her own body. "I had no idea what Apple Bloom meant back in the swamp until we had those growth spurts. There's no way my song could have leeched Twilight's magical essence, placing part of it into us."

Both mares stopped. The crystal castle towered above them. A small platoon of soldiers stood at attention. Shining armor saluted the captain of the Royal Ponyville guard before departing toward the train station.

Sweetie Belle waved to the stallion inspecting the troops. "Hey, Big Macintosh. I thought you were off duty."

"Nope." Big Macintosh said. "A 'friend' is in there to see ya'll."

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle bolted inside, heading for the library. Both saw a mare standing in the center with a starry hooded robe over her body. The pony maintained a firm gaze on the globe in front of her. She was tackled.

"Apple Bloom," Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo said in unison, "How have you been?"

Apple Bloom removed her hood, smirked, and looked at her friends. "Ya'll know I let ya do that, right."

Sweetie Belle jabbed her friend in the side before Scootaloo ruffled her mane.

"Before ya say it, 'Princess of Songs,' ah ain't no 'fortune teller.' Ya understand," Apple Bloom said, sticking her tongue out at her friend. "Sorry ah haven't contacted either of ya in some time. Princess Luna has been whipping my flank with her new trainin' regiment. Ah can't believe she expects me to watch ten hourglasses at once, tryin' ta figure out which grain of sand falls first."

Scootaloo tapped a hoof against her chin.

"Before ya say it Scoot, I know about the filly at your show." Apple Bloom said.

"Heh, now ya know why it was hard to get ya presents for your birthday. Needed Princess Luna's help to shield em from your foresight. That one birthday was a doosy." Scootaloo said.

Apple Bloom looked to her friend, "Ya know, that turn of yours could have worked better if you put more force into it."

Scootaloo grumbled. "Yea, yea. Rainbow Dash took time off from her position in Canterlot to let me know that one. How's Applejack doing?"

"She's doin fine. Pinkie swings by from time to time. The farm gets rather lonely with just her on it." Apple Bloom said as her ears lowered. She sighed, shook her head, and grinned. "Anyways... Twilight, ya shouldn't keep your 'princesses' here waiting, heh heh. Ah know your by the book case behind me."

Majestic wings opened. Twilight floated to the ground, facing the mares at eye level. "Sharper than ever. You know why I bequeathed those honorary titles to you, right."

"It's nice and all, but..." Sweetie Belle said. She stopped herself. "Never mind. What's the mission for the Cutie Mark Protectors, 'your highness.'"

Twilight groaned. She levitated a book off the nearby shelf and sat in her chair. "Don't call me that. I'm just temporary Ruler of Equestria till Princess Celestia returns. Princess Luna raises the sun and moon, and I fill in for the mundane tasks." her hoof pointed toward a large stack of papers, "You see this? It's ridiculous. What mare, in her right mind, fights a store owner over a bad grape?"

"Uhh, Twi," Apple Bloom whispered, "You'll want to cool it. That 'mare' is coming --"

The doors burst opened. An elderly mare shook an angry hoof at Twilight. Several tense moments passed. Two bits given, the pony left after giving a soured look at Big Macintosh.

"Ah swear, she gets more and more crotchety as the years go by. Ta think ah'm related to her," Apple Bloom said, ending with a sigh. "No. Granny. Dang it, don't do that."

Scootaloo turned to Apple Bloom, "What she do now?"

"What 'will' she do," Apple Bloom said. She placed a sac of ten bits onto the table near Twilight's chair. "She'll be back in here tomorrow. This will pay for the stuff she eats in the store next week, believing it's free samples day."

"Not one missed," Twilight said with a chuckle. She rose to her hooves. Looking at the mares in front of her, Twilight saw illusionary visages near their front hooves; the images appeared as Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle's energetic, filly, Cutie Mark Crusader selves. "I bet your sisters are proud of you."

"Enough mushy stuff!" Scootaloo said, saluting Twilight. She was joined by Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. "The Cutie Mark Protectors are here to serve. What's the mission?"

"Apple Bloom can fill you in on the details. Princess Cadence and Princess Luna will accompany you on this one. I will accompany you after I finish this last task." Twilight said. She saluted the mares, lowered her hoof, and chuckled at them. "Alright, alright. That's enough formality out of you three. This 'mission' involves a rather unusual pony that cropped up in the badlands. Princess Luna believes it's a creature that materialized from the realm of nightmares."

"We are the Cutie Mark Protectors. We will protect Equestria!" The three said in a boisterous tone.

"Go, my crusaders. Protect Equestria, but, above all else, assure your safety and come back home." Twilight said.

Joined by Princess Luna and Princess Cadence, the mares headed off as Sweetie Belle hummed a quick tune, illuminated her horn, and teleported the group toward the badlands.

"We'll train some more when you get back." Twilight said, gazing at a picture on her ornate crystal table; the picture showed her standing beside a grown Sweetie Belle, both giving ecstatic grins toward the camera. "You've become a fine vocalist and magical practitioner. Sweetie Belle, 'Princess of Songs.'"

Author's Note

I want to apologize for this taking so long to finish up. Life has "hopefully" taken a turn for the better here. It may mean less stories, but I hope not.

Anyways, this is the final chapter for Sweetie Belle's story, and a conclusion for my Cutie Mark Crusader arc involving Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. There "might" be one final story for the arc, though I'm hesitant about it since I like the way this arc ends.

Also, I there are people out there willing to help, I could use a pre-reader to help with grammer/idea/spell checking for my stories. I would like to get several stories into a better format so they're easier on the eyes.