Apple Bloomedby Amity LeafChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 1“Ah don’t get it...what did Ah do wrong?” Apple Bloom stared at her flower, her shoulders slumped. She prodded it with one hoof, only for one withered, brown petal to disintegrate into dust. White flecks speckled the leaves and stem, and an odorous purple fuzz had begun to creep up the wilted stem. Sweetie Belle studied the open pages of a thick brown book. Her green eyes skimmed the text, and one white hoof tapped her chin as she read. “Let’s see here…um...oh! Here’s the potion recipe!” She grinned, jabbing one hoof at the pages. “Ok, did you, um...add the parsnip?” “Uh-huh!” “How about the tulip petals?” “Yup!” “Um...how about grape juice?” Apple Bloom groaned, instantly burying her face in her hoof. “No! Ah forgot the grape juice!” Placing her hoof back on the ground, she angrily added, “Who even uses grape juice in potions, anyway?” She glared at her hooves, her cheeks puffing out, a hint of red creeping into the pale yellow coloring. “Apparently whoever came up with this recipe,” Sweetie Belle remarked, earning a glare from her frustrated friend. “Great. Another failed potion. Another failed attempt t’get mah cutie mark!” “Aw, don’t worry, Apple Bloom!” Scootaloo trotted forward, placing a reassuring hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “We’ll just have to try harder!” A look of determination crossed her face, and her undersized wings began to buzz. “Yeah!” Sweetie Belle smiled. “We have to stay positive!” Apple Bloom sighed. “Ah guess…” Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo exchanged concerned glances. “Hey, don’t be that way!” Scootaloo nudged the pale yellow earth pony in an attempt to cheer her up. “Why don’t we go down to Sugarcube corner? They have these new apple cakes that are only four bits apiece!” “Not now. Ah told Applejack Ah’d be home in time fer lunch.” “Oh.” Scootaloo’s shoulders slumped. “Uh, see you later then?” “Yeah, Ah guess.” The filly turned, starting the walk home. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo exchanged glances again, their eyes wide. Sweetie Belle quickly added, “Uh, okay! See you later!” Apple Bloom didn’t respond. Instead, she continued the long walk home, her hooves dragging. * * * “Ah still don’t’ get what yer so upset about.” Applejack frowned at her little sister as she planted her forehooves in the ground. Raising her hind legs, she bucked the tree, which trembled upon contact. The ripe apples clinging to the branches promptly fell, dropping into the buckets stationed below. "But--" “Apple Bloom, it’s only a cutie mark. We’ve been over this, an’ Ah got work to do.” “But Applejack,” Apple Bloom complained. “Ah’m tired of waitin’! Ah want it now!” Applejack appointed her sister with a firm glare. “Ah’m sorry, but Ah can’t listen t’yer complain’ right now. Ah’ve got work t’do.” Apple Bloom sighed, hanging her head. “But...what if Ah never get mah cutie mark?” Applejack shook her head. “Listen, sis. It’ll come in time, and that’s all Ah can say.” “But…” “Apple Bloom! Apple Bloom!” Apple Bloom’s ears pricked, and her head swiveled around to see two familiar shapes galloping towards her. “Sweetie Belle? Scootaloo?” Apple Bloom leaped to her hooves, a grin instantly lighting up her face. The two crusaders skidded to a halt beside their friend a moment later, out of breath. “We...have...something...awesome…” Scootaloo doubled over as she attempted to regain her breath, panting heavily. “What?” “Show her, Sweetie Belle!” A rolled-up poster, wrapped in a pale green aura, floated directly in front of Apple Bloom. Curious, the farm filly took it in one hoof and unrolled it, her eyes skimming over the letters scrawled across the page. “‘Diamond Tiara’s Birthday Party,’” Apple Bloom read aloud. “‘Come an’ enjoy the finest foods at the Silver Bit tonight at seven o'clock.’” She looked up from the poster incredulously, a skeptical frown on her face. “Are y’all serious? Ya wanna go t’some high-end restaurant with Diamond Tiara?” “But Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle huffed. “Diamond Tiara acted so nice when she gave us the invitation! Maybe that means she’s finally gotten over teasing us!” “An’ maybe pigs fly.” Apple Bloom sighed, shaking her head. “‘Sides, even if we did go, the Silver Bit’s super fancy an’ expensive.” “We don’t need to,” Scootaloo exclaimed. “DT told us her dad would cover everything!” “DT?” Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow at Scootaloo, who shrugged. “Come on, Apple Bloom, this could be the start of a new friendship! Please?” Apple Bloom stared into the hopeful faces of her best friends. One one hoof, Diamond Tiara had always been cruel to them, and she wanted nothing to do with the prissy pink pony. But on the other hoof, if this was an offering of friendship, accepting the invitation could end the ruthless teasing once and for all. Plus, Apple Bloom was dying to see the inside of a posh restaurant. Heaving a deep sigh, Apple Bloom finally said, “Alright. Ah’ll go.” “Yes!” Scootaloo pumped one hoof in the air, her wings buzzing. “This is going to be so much fun!” Sweetie Belle leapt in the air. “And we get to wear dresses...Rarity said she’d have something for us...let’s go!” * * * “So? How do I look?” Apple Bloom grinned. Despite her uneasiness towards the party, she had to admit that Rarity’s efforts were truly marvelous. She was wearing a flowing maroon gown with long sleeves and golden trim. A paler golden saddle, lined with sunset orange, was connected to the top. The fabric was incredibly soft, and Apple Bloom felt as if she was in a nightgown. “You look great, Scoots!” Sweetie Belle smiled, admiring her own layered pale pink-and-blue ensemble. Scootaloo puffed out her chest, beaming at the sight of her gold-and-scarlet striped dress. “Indeed you do!” Rarity smiled as she adjusted Sweetie Belle’s dress, levitating a needle and thread behind her. “I must say, these dresses are some of my best work!” “Thanks, Rarity,” the three crusaders chimed in unison. “I’ve been to the Silver Bit several times myself,” she added. “It does cost quite a lot, but it’s worth it! They have the some of the best hors d'oeuvres I’ve ever tasted, and the decor…” Rarity sighed, closing her eyes, as if picturing the inside of the restaurant. Snapping her eyes open, she quickly added, “But you’ll have the chance to experience it for yourself soon! In fact, I believe it is about time to go!” “Yes!” Scootaloo pumped a hoof in the air. “This is gonna be awesome!” Rarity chuckled as she led the three fillies outside. The sky was deep orange, tinged with scarlet, and orange clouds drifted through the sky. Ponies stood on the dusty street, conversing and laughing with each other. The air was warm, but a wispy breeze ruffled the fillies’ manes as they stood outside. “Do you know how to get there? I prepared a map for you, just in case.” Rarity levitated a map into Sweetie Belle’s hoof, who rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, Rarity. We’ll be fine.” Sweetie puffed out her chest, strutting forward. “It’s just down the street a few blocks!” “Oh...alright!” Rarity sighed, a small smile playing on her lips. “Go and have fun! And don’t eat too much...oh, and remember your manners...especially at a place like the Silver Bit! Don’t talk with your mouth--” “Rarity!” “Right, right...have fun!” The older unicorn closed the door as the three fillies began their walk. As they trotted along, they began to chat excitedly. “I bet they have chandeliers! Real crystal chandeliers,” Scootaloo chirped. “And I bet the silverware is made of diamonds!” “Diamonds?” Apple Bloom shot Scootaloo a skeptical glance. “No offense, Scoots, but that sounds a might far-fetched.” “Well...how do you know?” Scootaloo glared at her friend, her wings beating angrily. “You’ve never been there!” “They don’t use diamonds fer silverware,” Apple Bloom snorted. “That’s just...silly!” “Silly? Well, maybe--” “Girls!” Sweetie Belle frowned at her feuding friends. “Stop arguing!” She turned, pointing one white hoof at the building before them. “We’re here!” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo both grinned, their bright smiles lighting up their faces. The three of them trotted forward, the dresses hindering their gait, and they skidded to an awkward halt in front of the Silver Bit. The restaurant was enormous, mimicking a castle layout; it was constructed out of gray stone, complete with two balconies on a second story. Faint classical music could be hear from the inside, and gray cobblestone path was lined with a perfectly-cut lawn and scarlet roses. “It’s...awesome!” Scootaloo beamed, and Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle let out small squeaks of awe. “Let’s go in!” The three fillies galloped up to the enormous double doors, and Apple Bloom pushed it open. Giggling with excitement, the three trotted in, their eyes wide, and gasped. The walls were painted a deep scarlet, similar to the plush carpet,and enormous chandeliers dangled overhead, providing a dim light. Long tables were stationed across the room, covered in silken white tablecloths, and instead of chairs, large velvet cushions sat contentedly on the floor. Every cubic inch of the room practically screamed elegance and poise, and the three fillies were taking it all in. The crusaders each let out tiny, high-pitched squeals as they stood, their hooves sinking into the carpet. Their eyes sparkled as their heads swung around, surveying their posh surroundings. “Excuse me?” The fillies were broken out of their trance by a sharp, heavily accented voice. They turned to see a pale gray-coated unicorn mare with a silky black mane which had been combed and twisted perfectly. “Are you waiting on an adult?” The mare frowned slightly as she gazed at the fillies through narrowed eyes. “Er, no.” Apple Bloom trotted forward, a confident smirk on her face. “We’re s’posed t’be here with Diamond Tiara. It’s her birthday today!” “Ah. Of course. My apologies.” The mare nodded. “Please, follow me.” Using her magic, she levitated three menus from a neat stack on a small table and began to slowly walk towards the back. The crusaders instantly began to follow her, trotting to keep up with her. In the back, a long table sat in its own secluded corner. At the head sat none other than Diamond Tiara, who wore a pink-and-gold gown, and Silver Spoon sat beside her. Various fillies sat along the rest of the table; many of them were from school, and some looked as elegantly styled as the mare who accompanied them. Apple Bloom grinned, holding her head high as she trotted up to the former bully, her friends right behind her. “Howdy!” She waved enthusiastically, waiting eagerly for the pink pony to turn and greet her warmly. But her hopes were shattered as Diamond Tiara turned, a sneer on her face. “Look who decided to show up,” she snarled, batting her eyelashes. “If it isn’t the ratty farm filly and her two little followers.” Apple Bloom’s heart froze. Confused, she glanced back at her friends who wore similar expressions. Fearing the worst, she turned back, adding, “But...didn’t ya invite us?” Diamond Tiara’s smile lacked warmth as she cocked her head, her eyes icy. “Invite you? Now why would I invite three little babies who don’t even have their cutie marks?” “We’re not babies!” Scootaloo leapt forward, shooting Diamond Tiara with a poisonous glare. “Oh?” Diamond Tiara giggled. “Funny, seeing as you don’t even have your cutie marks. Why don’t you just run along and let the adults talk?” The fillies sitting around the table instantly broke into fits of high-pitched giggles. Apple Bloom felt heat creep into her cheeks as she backed up, and tears began blurring her vision as the fillies continued to laugh. The laughter was deafening, or so it seemed; Apple Bloom slowly made her way backwards as she looked at all the eyes on her, making her the object of ridicule. She couldn’t bear it. Her breath began to come out in short gasps as she continued to slowly back up. As the laughter increased, Apple Bloom finally whipped around and began to gallop out of the restaurant. “Apple Bloom! Wait!” Apple Bloom didn’t bother to slow down, even at the sound of her friend’s voice. She kept up her canter, flying through the main room and out the door. “Apple Bloom!” Apple Bloom whipped around, her eyes practically blazing. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had caught up to her, guiltily kicking their hooves in the dirt. “Ah knew this was a bad idea from the start,” she spat. “Ah should’ve trusted mah instincts! But ya tried t’talk me into it…” She shook her head, gritting her teeth. The sound of laughter sounded faintly in her ears, and she turned, a lump forming in her throat. “Apple Bloom, we’re sorry! We didn’t know this was going to happen!” Sweetie Belle’s green eyes glistened with tears as she apologized. “Ah should’ve…” Apple Bloom sighed, slumping her shoulders. “Ah just wish Ah were older! Then nopony would laugh at me! Ah would have mah cutie mark an’…” She turned, not bothering to wait for her friend’s response. Instead she took off, her hooves pounding the ground as she raced towards home. As she ran, storm clouds began to cluster together at an abnormally quick pace. She looked into the sky, a tear finally falling from her cheek. “Ah just wish Ah was older…” As she looked up, she saw a bright light flash in the sky. A thin, bright bolt of white light shot down from the cluster of clouds, shooting straight towards the filly. As Apple Bloom gasped, the white light slammed into her. Instead of pain, however, a warm tingling began in her chest, slowly spreading throughout the rest of her body. Suddenly exhausted, she collapsed, her eyes beginning to close. As the warmth slowly subsided, darkness began to speckle her vision, slowly growing, until she finally slipped away. Author's Note Yay! It took me forever, but I finally managed to get a story out there! I'm still fairly new to writing, so if there are any suggestions on what I could do better, I would love to hear them! Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated! Hope you enjoy the story so far! Chapter 2Apple Bloom opened her eyes. Light flooded her vision, and she let out a small moan, rolling over. What...what happened? Suddenly, the memories came flooding back. The storm, with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, and the part with Diamond Tiara...Apple Bloom groaned as she recalled how she had left her friends after they tried to apologize. Oh...maybe Ah should say sorry...Ah feel awful fer how Ah just left them! Right after breakfast, Ah’ll go an’ apologize! Apple Bloom sat up, rubbing her mane with one hoof. She looked around confusedly, her eyes squinting as she took in the peeling wallpaper and the small window, trying to figure out where she was. Oh! Ah’m in mah room! Applejack must’a taken me home last night! Smiling, Apple Bloom slipped out of bed, her hooves hitting the floor. Her legs felt oddly sore as she bent her knees, and she winced. Apple Bloom began to trot forward, quickly slowing her pace as her muscles began to ache again. She grumbled slightly to herself as she made her way down the stairs. As she entered the kitchen, she caught sight of her sister, who had her back turned. She was muttering to herself as she stirred something in a worn black pot, pausing to sniff what she was mixing. “G’mornin’, Applejack,” Apple Bloom called. Her voice was deeper and slightly raspy as she spoke, causing her to frown slightly. “Apple Bloom!” Her sister turned, a smile on her face. “There ya are!” Apple Bloom couldn’t help but notice that her sister’s mane was wispier and quite rumpled, and streaks of gray highlighted her no-longer-so-bright-mane. “Are ya okay, sis?” she asked quietly, eyeing the gray in her mane. “‘Course Ah am.” Applejack gave her an odd look. “We’ve gotta heap’a work ahead of us today!” “Oh…” Apple Bloom frowned as Applejack handed her a warm mug full of cider. “Ah was sorta plannin’ t’meet up with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.” Applejack whirled around, her eyes wide. “Uh, Apple Bloom?” she asked, her voice edged with fear. “Are...are you okay?” “‘Course Ah am,” Apple Bloom muttered. “Why wouldn’t Ah be?” Applejack swallowed, her gaze dropping to her hooves. “Apple Bloom, don’t you remember?” she asked quietly. “Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo...are gone.” “WHAT?” Apple Bloom pounded her hooves on the table, her mug clattering to the ground unnoticed. “Whaddaya mean?!” “Apple Bloom, Ah’m worried ‘bout ya,” Applejack murmured. “Sweetie Belle moved t’Canterlot, remember? She became the editor of some magazine...Ah think it was called Modish Mane ...and Scootaloo moved t’Manehatten after she opened that scooter-an’-bike shop…” “But...they’re just fillies! How could they do all that?” Applejack blinked. “Are ya okay, sis?” Worry creased her brow as she trotted forward, her green eyes glistening. “Why don’t ya go back to yer room and rest?” “Not until Ah find mah friends!” Apple Bloom scowled, crossing her hooves. “Ya said Sweetie Belle was in Canterlot? Does that mean Rarity’s there too?” “No. She does go back an’ forth quite a bit, but she doesn’t live there.” “Well, Ah’m going to go and find her!” Not bothering to wait for a response, Apple Bloom whirled around and marched out the door, slamming it behind her. Turning around, she trotted down the steps and began making her way through the orchard. * * * Apple Bloom hummed to herself as she approached Ponyville. Despite finding out what had happened, the sky was blue and the sun was out, the vast sky dotted with puffy white clouds. A plan was already forming in Apple Bloom’s mind as she continued onward. Alright...first Ah’ll go t’the train station...then Ah’ll get a ticket and go t’Canterlot...then Ah’ll find Sweetie Belle an’ talk t’her! Then we’ll go an’ get Scootaloo! Apple Bloom smiled confidently, her chin high. “Perfect!” “Apple Bloom?” Apple Bloom blinked, her eyes widening. Did...did somepony just… “Apple Bloom!” Apple Bloom whipped around to see a cream colored mare galloping toward her. She had a straight, sleek reddish mane, and her magenta eyes gleamed. There was something oddly familiar about her, and it was only when the mare galloped closer and Apple Bloom caught a glimpse of her cutie mark that she pieced together who the mare was. “Twist?” “Yeah, it’s me.” Twist smiled, and Apple Bloom’s jaw dropped. Her once-frizzy mane was now straight and shiny, and the purple glasses perched upon her muzzle had vanished. Her voice was much smoother and high-pitched, and her articulation had greatly improved. “What happened t’ya?!” Apple Bloom walked closer, her eyes still wide. The once-bubbly filly was now a fully-grown mare! “What do you mean?” Twist frowned slightly, her eyes narrowing. “Are you talking about the manecut I got recently? Because it’s--” “Ah don’t mean that. Ah mean, Ah do. Yer...yer all grown up!” “Uh, yeah…” Twist giggled nervously. “Look, I have to run. I’m opening my shop up soon. Um...maybe you should lie down or something.” With that, the mare slowly backed up before whirling around and galloping away. “Wait! Twist! Ya said somethin’ ‘bout a shop? And why are ya a mare?” Apple Bloom sighed, kicking up a cloud of dust with one hoof. “There’s gotta be some answer t’this.” Glancing up, she noticed the train station in the distance. Straightening up, she began cantering to the station through the market. As she did so, she noticed ponies all around her, setting up stands. One familiar silver-coated pony, however, was setting up a bright green-and-blue sign. Curious, Apple Bloom trotted forward, her eyes widening as she finally recognized the silver pony. “Silver Spoon?! Is that you?” The silver pony turned, her eyes shining. “Apple Bloom! How nice to see you!” She giggled, trotting up to Apple Bloom with a large grin plastered on her face. “It...is?” Apple Bloom scowled. “Is this a joke?” Like Twist, the earth pony was a fully grown mare. Her pale gray mane was no longer tucked into a neat braid, but hung in frizzy waves, and she had abandoned her blue pearls. She still had her glasses, but they now had rectangular frames. “Of course!” The mare grabbed Apple Bloom with one hoof, pulling her into a tight hug. Apple Bloom quickly wiggled out of the mare’s grasp, her eyes darting to the sign. “Silver Spoon? Yer settin’ up a sign...that says…save Equestria?!” “Uh-huh!” Silver Spoon clapped her hooves together excitedly. “Ponies need to stop littering! Turning off the lights while you’re away can save a lot of energy, you know!” “But...why are ya doin’ this? Ah mean, what changed?” “Changed?” “Ah mean…” Apple Bloom sighed. “Where’s Diamond Tiara? Doesn’t she hang out with ya any more?” “Well, not really. Ever since I was sent to that nature camp when I was ten, I fell in love with Equestria! Beautiful Equestria!” The silver mare giggled softly, collapsing on the dirt road and attempting to hug it. “Right…” Apple Bloom slowly began to back away. “Um...where is she now?” “Diamond Tiara? Well, she’s--” “Right here,” a familiar snobby voice cut in. Apple Bloom groaned, slowly turning to face a pale pink-coated mare with a lavender-and-white mane. Her trademark tiara was still perched atop her perfectly styled mane, and Apple Bloom couldn’t help but roll her eyes and sigh. “Howdy, Diamond Tiara,” she muttered. Maybe this is a prank...everypony seems to have aged! But how would anypony have pulled that off? Unless...that wish last night... As Apple Bloom realized what had happened, her eyes nearly popped out of her head. “The future?!” “Heeey, AB!” Diamond Tiara’s brow creased with worry. “Maybe you should lie down. Don’t want my best friend feeling bad!” She smiled. Apple Bloom recoiled, a grimace twisting her expression as she temporarily forgot when she was. “Best friend?!” Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes. “Um, duh. We’re besties!” She placed a well-manicured hoof around Apple Bloom’s shoulder, and the yellow-coated mare recoiled. “Remember? Hey, that reminds me, do you want to catch up at the spa later?” Apple Bloom winced. “Ah...think Ah’ll pass today. Ah’m, uh, not feelin’ too good right now.” “Oh. Okay. Maybe tomorrow.” Diamond Tiara winked at Apple Bloom, her hoof idly twirling a lock of her mane. “I have to go to a meeting. See you later?” “Uh...maybe,” Apple Bloom muttered, her eyes not quite meeting the eyes of the pale pink mare before her. “Bye!” Diamond Tiara cheerfully blew Apple Bloom a kiss before beginning to trot away. Apple Bloom groaned, placing one hoof to her forehead. “Maybe this is all a bad dream. There’s no way Ah could really be in the future...no way...especially one where Diamond Tiara an’ Ah are best friends.” Shuddering, the mare begun her canter back to the train station. As she continued along, she began to notice more and more. For one, new buildings had been put up, and the Town Hall seemed to have doubled in size. All around her, former classmates were chatting, walking, trotting, and even selling things. Feeling sick to her stomach, the mare averted her eyes from the unnerving scene before her. Before long, she reached the train station. She glanced around, quickly locating the ticket booth and trotting forward. The mare at the booth had a cream-colored coat, much like Twist, but her pale green mane was neatly pushed back and secured by a headband. She was reading a magazine, and Apple Bloom gasped as she scanned the title, which was scrawled in a loopy, fancy scarlet. Modish Mane! Applejack said that was where Sweetie Belle worked! “Um, excuse me?” The mare looked up, a slight frown on her face. “Can I help you?” “Ah would like a round trip ticket to Canterlot, please,” Apple Bloom responded. “Of course. That’ll be seventeen bits.” Apple Bloom blinked. “W-what?” The mare’s frown deepened. “Look, kid, tickets cost bits. Are you paying or not?” “Ah...Ah guess--” “Apple Bloom!” A loud voice sounded from behind her, and the mare turned to see a familiar orange form galloping toward her. “Applejack?” “Apple Bloom!” The orange earth pony skidded to a halt beside Apple Bloom, panting heavily. “Ah thought Ah’d find ya here.” She pushed forward a worn brown suitcase, and Apple Bloom frowned. “Sis? What are you doin’ here?” “After what ya said, Ah thought ya might come here to go t’Canterlot or Manehatten, an’...” The mare took off her hat, pulling out a small brown bag and dropping it at Apple Bloom’s hooves. Confused, the mare picked it up and peered inside, her eyes widening as she saw what was inside. “What...what is all this for?” The bag had been filled to the top with shining gold bits. “Ah pooled together some spare money, and took a little from the savin’s...Apple Bloom, Ah know sometime what Ah do seems crazy, but...Ah want the best for ya. Ah think ya should go an’ find yer friends.” “Ya...ya do?” “Ah know yer mah little sister, an’ just thinkin’ about you on yer own out there is scary, but...Ah want the best fer ya. And Ah think the best is followin’ yer heart, even if it leads ya t’Canterlot.” Apple Bloom smiled, tears beginning to form. Her sister shared her smile, and she leaned forward, throwing her hooves around her sister. “Ah...Ah can’t thank ya enough…and Ah’ll be back before ya know it!” Applejack smiled, slowly pulling away. “Ah know. Ah’ll see ya soon.” Apple Bloom beamed before turning back to the ticket booth. “One round ticket to Canterlot, please!” She slapped seventeen bits on the counter, and the mare smiled as she took them, passing a white slip forward. “Train leaves in five minutes,” the mare added. Apple Bloom happily took the ticket in, waving to her sister. “Ah’ll be off now!” “See ya soon!” With that, the orange farm mare waved one more time to her little sister before turning and beginning back to the farm. Apple Bloom hummed happily to herself as she took the bag, the suitcase, and the ticket and started towards the train. Ah’m really gonna do it! Ah’m gonna find mah friends! But...they wouldn’t need findin’ if...if...why did they leave? Guess Ah’m gonna find that out, too… Just as she was about to board the train, however, a loud voice startled her. She turned around, sighing. What is it now? “AB! You’re not going anywhere without your best friend, right?” Apple Bloom groaned, barely resisting the urge to facehoof. “Diamond Tiara? What’re ya doin’ here?” “Well, I was about to go to the meeting when my dad ran up to me and told me that half of the board was sick from some bad scones...anyways, the meeting was cancelled, so I decided to come and find you. Heard you were going somewhere, so I brought some stuff!” “Um, right…” Apple Bloom scowled, glancing towards the train. “Ah was about t’take a little trip t’Canterlot to find somepony, so…” “Oh! I’ll come!” Diamond Tiara grinned. “It’ll be fun. Who’re you finding, anyways?” “Just...just an ol’ friend…” “Fun!” Diamond Tiara bounced up to the ticket booth, fishing a purse out of a large purple bag she had slung around her shoulders. “How long are we going to stay?” “Oh...Ah dunno. Look, Diamond, maybe it’s not the best idea--” “Thank you!” Not even paying attention, Diamond Tiara took the ticket she had just purchased and pushed past Apple Bloom. “Come on, let’s board!” “...if ya come along.” Apple Bloom groaned as she begun to trot to the train. Ah can’t believe Ah’m lettin’ Diamond Tiara of all ponies come with me. She doesn’t even like me! Well...she didn’t...now we’re best friends… As she entered the car, Apple Bloom begrudgingly settled in a red-cushioned seat beside her “best friend.” “So when we get to Canterlot, we should totally get manicures! I hear they have this great spa with like a bajillion different treatments…” As the pink pony kept chattering, Apple Bloom groaned and turned away, trying to make herself comfortable. This is gonna be a long ride… Author's Note So Apple Bloom is off to Canterlot with her "best friend" Diamond Tiara...but not before finding Twist and Silver Spoon! What horrors await her in Canterlot? Hope you enjoy! Chapter 3“...and then I was like, ‘Blech, green? Green is soooo ugly...’ And she was all like, ‘Okay then, how about brown?’ Brown! I mean, seriously! I was all like, ‘Do you even know fashion?’ Because brown and green are, like, hideous!” “Mm-hm.” “And so she was just like, she was like, ‘Maybe you should leave.’ And I was all like, ‘Maybe I should!’” “Mm-hm.” “And then she was just li--” “We are now arriving in Canterlot!” The conductor trotted out of a neighboring car, his thunderous voice cutting off Diamond Tiara’s. The mare grinned, sliding out of her seat. “Ready to see Canterlot?” Apple Bloom stood, stretching, as a yawn overtook her for a moment. “Eeyup.” Diamond Tiara squealed, earning the angered glances of the ponies surrounding her, but she payed no mind. The pink mare trotted forward, Apple Bloom on her heels, joining the flow of ponies exiting the train. Apple Bloom stifled a groan as Diamond Tiara continued to chatter excitedly. Ah should’a left her at the train station… As her hooves touched pavement, however, she glanced upwards, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before her. Gleaming buildings rose from the ground, elegantly sculpted into shimmering shapes. Ponies trotted about, most of them wearing long, flowing gowns. Everything about the city screamed eloquence and grace; from the spotless roads to the shining towers to the elegant manner of the citizens, Canterlot was by far the classiest city she had ever seen. And Apple Bloom knew class. The shocked mare was suddenly broken out of her stupor when Diamond Tiara nudged her. She glanced at the earth pony at her side, her eyes wide. “Say, AB,” Diamond Tiara murmured casually. “Where’s this friend of yours? I was hoping we could check out the city before we check into a hotel.” “Are ya crazy?” Apple Bloom shot the mare a glare. “The hotels here are much pricier than Ah can afford! Ah plan on bein’ outta here ‘fore evenin’.” Then Ah can move onto Manehatten and ditch Diamond Tiara. “Oh, come on, AB!” The mare stuck out her lower lip, eyes sparkling. “We’ll just find your friend, take some time around the city, and conk out in a hotel here. I’ll cover the expenses. Daddy gave me some money!” She unzipped her purple suitcase, digging around until she found an enormous sparkly pink purse. Unfastening the golden clasp, she proudly flashed the contents to Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom’s eyes widened. The enormous purse was practically bulging with bits! The pile of golden coins was enough to make even a Canterlot pony drool, and she felt a twinge of envy. Even after a whole cider season, mah family can barely save up that much… “And this is just the beginning,” the pink pony boasted. “I have more in my bag, so don’t worry!” The mare giggled, trotting forward. “So, what’s your friends name again?” Apple Bloom frowned. “Um...Ah think...Ah think Ah can find her mahself.” She winced as she recalled how cruel Diamond Tiara had been to her best friends. Just because she and Diamond Tiara were friends in the future didn’t mean that Sweetie Belle and her saw eye-to-eye. “Aw, please?” Diamond Tiara stuck out her bottom lip, her eyes sparkling. Apple Bloom kicked the ground. She didn’t want to annoying mare to tag along, but at the same time, a tiny part of her would feel bad if she ditched her. Heaving a deep sigh, she muttered, “Fine. Ah’m lookin’ fer Sweetie Belle.” Diamond Tiara’s smile froze, and her ears flattened against her head. Her grin melted into an ugly expression, her jaw dropping. “Sweetie Belle?!” she exclaimed. “Why in Equestria would you want to find her?” She scowled. “I thought you ditched that loser a long time ago.” Apple Bloom glared at Diamond Tiara. “Well, Ah’m goin’ t’make amends! If ya don’t like that, then ya can just catch the next train back t’Ponyville.” Diamond Tiara’s eyes nearly popped out of her head, and she crept backwards. Obviously unused to outbursts by ponies beside herself, a grimace crossed her expression briefly. After a moment, the pink mare sighed. “Look, AB. I don’t get why the hay you want to track down a friend you lost years ago. But we’re best friends, and if you want to find her then I’ll do what I can to help.” Wow, she really has changed. Apple Bloom found herself beaming at the pony facing her. She was amazed that the pink pony had managed to mature so much, and though she was bossy and annoying, she could be a big help in tracking down her Sweetie Belle. “Well...then…” Apple Bloom nodded. “Thanks!” Diamond Tiara flashed her friend a small smile. “No problem.” Her voice was thin and shaky, as if she was taken aback by Apple Bloom’s decision. “Um...where is she anyways?” “Sweetie Belle? Ah think she works fer some magazine called...oh, what was it...somethin’ ‘bout a mane...Marvelous? Miraculous?” Diamond Tiara squealed, her eyes lighting up. “Modish Mane? I love Modish Mane! It’s only, like, the classiest magazine ever!” Unzipping her suitcase, she fished out a rolled-up magazine and tossed it to Apple Bloom. The glossy cover depicted a model pony whose expression was drawn into a pout. Two perfect blue eyes were framed by two sets of impossibly long eyelashes, and the pony’s lips pale pink. The pony’s silver coat gleamed and sparkled, and her deep purple mane was perfectly styled in a complicated twist, one strand falling over one eye. The title was scrawled across the top in white, the font a loopy, flowing form of cursive. Apple Bloom gaped at the impossibly flawless pony. Everything about her screamed beauty, from the shape of her muzzle to the size of her neck to the dark, curled lashes. Glancing up at her own ruffled, dust-coated mane and fur, she winced. Diamond Tiara sighed dreamily. “What I’d give for a mane like that! In fact, I got this style from the previous edition.” She pawed at her own intricate twist lovingly. “Mm.” Apple Bloom grunted a half-hearted reply as she scanned the cover. Address, address...where’s that darn address? Flipping the magazine open, she skimmed the pages, flipping through them quickly. Finally, at the very end, she came across the words she had been pursuing. Send us a letter if you have questions! 147 Sapphire Street Canterlot, Equestria “Aha!” Apple Bloom jabbed the page with one hoof. “147 Sapphire Street! That’s where we need t’go!” “Great!” Diamond Tiara smiled. “Well, what are we waiting for? C’mon!” * * * Apple Bloom gaped at the sight before her. Her golden eyes scanned the address on the magazine as well as the number displayed beside the building in shining silver letters. The building itself was enormous! It was made of a smooth white material, the same material that most Canterlot buildings were composed of. The front, however, was covered in hundreds of shining windows. At the top, a giant billboard depicted the same pony that the cover of the magazine displayed, and the words Modish Mane were written across in the same curly font. Apple Bloom gulped as she trotted forward, the double doors rising up in front of her. “Well...Ah guess we should go in.” Diamond Tiara’s eyes shone as she stared at the building. “Wow,” she breathed. Shaking her head, she smiled at Apple Bloom, slightly embarrassed. “Um, yeah. Let’s go.” The two trotted towards the doors, pushing through, and found themselves in a large lobby. The floors were made of a shining green marble, and cherry-red chair formed a small ring to the right, surrounding a glass coffee table and sitting beside a lime green sofa. To the left was a wide white desk. Four ponies sat behind it, typing away on typewriters, jotting notes down with quills, and answering phones. The whole lobby was bustling with activity and noise, and Apple Bloom backed up, overwhelmed from the activity. Overhead, a crystal chandelier illuminated the room. Diamond Tiara nudged her friend forward, and Apple Bloom reluctantly trotted forward, weaving around the ponies manically dashing around the room. “Ah...um...’scuse me...pardon...lemme just…” Apple Bloom groaned as she slowly made her way through the crowd. Ponies of all shapes and sizes were rushing through the room, all with perfectly cut manes and shimmering coats. The ponies eventually reached the desk, stopping in front of one of the secretaries. Her eyelids were half-shut in a glazed, sleepy look, and she had heavily applied mascara and pale blue eye shadow. Her pale cinnamon coat was short and smooth, and her chocolate brown mane was twisted over her shoulder, much like Diamond Tiara’s. A pair of glasses was perched on her muzzle as she muttered into the phone. “Uh, hello there! We’re lookin’ fer--” Apple Bloom abruptly stopped as the mare shot her a venomous glare. She murmured a few more things into the phone before slamming it down and staring up at Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara. As she eyed Apple Bloom’s scruffy, dust-stained mane, the secretary sneered. “May I help you?” she asked, a haughty Canterlot accent in her voice. “Uh, yeah. We’re lookin’ fer Sweetie Belle.” Apple Bloom awkwardly shuffled her hooves as she glanced around the room at the perfectly groomed ponies, then down at her less-than-perfect coat. “Miss Belle? Do you have an appointment?” “A what?” Apple Bloom frowned. “Um...well...no, but Ah’m her friend! She’ll let me in!” The secretary raised one eyebrow incredulously. “Sweetie Belle sees no visitors unless they have an appointment.” “But...but…” Apple Bloom sighed. “Fine. Can we make an appointment?” “Of course.” The secretary quickly typed something on her typewriter. “The next appointment available is…let’s see...four months from now.” “Four months?!” Apple Bloom eyes widened. “But...we need t’see her right away! Isn’t there any way we can get in sooner? Ah’m her friend!” The secretary chuckled haughtily.”The editor of Modish Mane has no time for friends. Unless you have an appointment, you’re not seeing her. Good day!” Diamond Tiara leaped up to the counter just as Apple Bloom was beginning to back away. She smiled, twisting one lock of her mane around one hoof. “No worries,” she said nonchalantly, much to Apple Bloom’s confusion. “She’s with me.” The secretary raised an eyebrow once more. “And you are…?” “Diamond Tiara, co-president of Barnyard Bargains,” she informed the secretary, winking. The secretary snickered. “Barnyard Bargains?” She thrust her nose into the air. “Do you have an appointment?” “...No…” “Then good day!” Apple Bloom sighed. She hung her head as she turned away, her shoulders slumped, and started towards the door, Diamond Tiara by her side. A sudden sound made her whip around, ears pricked. The secretary who she had been talking to had suddenly picked up the phone, her eyes wide. “M-miss Belle,” she stammered. Curious, Apple Bloom turned back, straightening up. “Coffee? Yes, yes...um…” The secretary whipped out a notepad and a quill, scribbling something down. “Tall mocha...non-fat...half skim milk, half two percent…” Her voice was muffled by the quill as she scribbled it down. Apple Bloom exchanged a look with Diamond Tiara. The pink mare’s eyes suddenly lit up, and she trotted forward, whispering something into Apple Bloom’s ear. Apple Bloom frowned, turning to the mare. “Ya really think it’ll work?” “Trust me, AB. I got this.” Apple Bloom sighed. Ah guess it’s worth a shot… * * * “Ah’m not so sure ‘bout this…” Apple Bloom winced, glancing out the window beside her. She could see almost the entire city below her, bustling with life. As she wheeled the cart along the carpeted hallway, Diamond Tiara grinned, trotting alongside her. “What’s the problem?” she asked casually. “The two ponies who were supposed to deliver the coffee get a break while we get to bust in and see...your friend.” Her smile vanished, and she looked away. Apple Bloom frowned. “Yeah, but...it feels wrong.” “You wanted to see Sweetie Belle, didn’t you?” “Yeah…” “Then do it.” “Okay…” Apple Bloom looked over to see Diamond Tiara staring angrily at her hooves. She nudged the mare gently, and Diamond Tiara looked up, eyes softening. “Sorry,” Apple Bloom mumbled. “If this makes ya uncomfortable, ya don’t have t’come…” “No, it’s fine. You two deserve each other. If you’re happy, I’m happy.” Diamond Tiara plastered a strained smile onto her face. “What’s the room number again?” “One thousand on the nose,” Apple Bloom responded. “There’s an awful lotta rooms here!” “Yeah. They need, like, a lot of space to create such an amazing magazine,” Diamond Tiara gushed. Her eyes sparkled as she continued to trot down the hallway. “Everything is, like, so classy!” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Here we are,” she chirped, stopping in front of a white door. A gold plate was attached to the front, Sweetie Belle’s named carved into it. Apple Bloom gulped, raising a hoof. “Here goes,” she said quietly before rapping on the door three times. “Come in.” The voice behind the door would have been silky and sweet if not for the grouchy tone it was muttered in. Apple Bloom exchanged a glance with Diamond Tiara before opening the door and trotting in. Author's Note Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara are on their way to seeing Sweetie Belle! What horrors (or lack of horrors) await them?
Chapter 1“Ah don’t get it...what did Ah do wrong?” Apple Bloom stared at her flower, her shoulders slumped. She prodded it with one hoof, only for one withered, brown petal to disintegrate into dust. White flecks speckled the leaves and stem, and an odorous purple fuzz had begun to creep up the wilted stem. Sweetie Belle studied the open pages of a thick brown book. Her green eyes skimmed the text, and one white hoof tapped her chin as she read. “Let’s see here…um...oh! Here’s the potion recipe!” She grinned, jabbing one hoof at the pages. “Ok, did you, um...add the parsnip?” “Uh-huh!” “How about the tulip petals?” “Yup!” “Um...how about grape juice?” Apple Bloom groaned, instantly burying her face in her hoof. “No! Ah forgot the grape juice!” Placing her hoof back on the ground, she angrily added, “Who even uses grape juice in potions, anyway?” She glared at her hooves, her cheeks puffing out, a hint of red creeping into the pale yellow coloring. “Apparently whoever came up with this recipe,” Sweetie Belle remarked, earning a glare from her frustrated friend. “Great. Another failed potion. Another failed attempt t’get mah cutie mark!” “Aw, don’t worry, Apple Bloom!” Scootaloo trotted forward, placing a reassuring hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “We’ll just have to try harder!” A look of determination crossed her face, and her undersized wings began to buzz. “Yeah!” Sweetie Belle smiled. “We have to stay positive!” Apple Bloom sighed. “Ah guess…” Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo exchanged concerned glances. “Hey, don’t be that way!” Scootaloo nudged the pale yellow earth pony in an attempt to cheer her up. “Why don’t we go down to Sugarcube corner? They have these new apple cakes that are only four bits apiece!” “Not now. Ah told Applejack Ah’d be home in time fer lunch.” “Oh.” Scootaloo’s shoulders slumped. “Uh, see you later then?” “Yeah, Ah guess.” The filly turned, starting the walk home. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo exchanged glances again, their eyes wide. Sweetie Belle quickly added, “Uh, okay! See you later!” Apple Bloom didn’t respond. Instead, she continued the long walk home, her hooves dragging. * * * “Ah still don’t’ get what yer so upset about.” Applejack frowned at her little sister as she planted her forehooves in the ground. Raising her hind legs, she bucked the tree, which trembled upon contact. The ripe apples clinging to the branches promptly fell, dropping into the buckets stationed below. "But--" “Apple Bloom, it’s only a cutie mark. We’ve been over this, an’ Ah got work to do.” “But Applejack,” Apple Bloom complained. “Ah’m tired of waitin’! Ah want it now!” Applejack appointed her sister with a firm glare. “Ah’m sorry, but Ah can’t listen t’yer complain’ right now. Ah’ve got work t’do.” Apple Bloom sighed, hanging her head. “But...what if Ah never get mah cutie mark?” Applejack shook her head. “Listen, sis. It’ll come in time, and that’s all Ah can say.” “But…” “Apple Bloom! Apple Bloom!” Apple Bloom’s ears pricked, and her head swiveled around to see two familiar shapes galloping towards her. “Sweetie Belle? Scootaloo?” Apple Bloom leaped to her hooves, a grin instantly lighting up her face. The two crusaders skidded to a halt beside their friend a moment later, out of breath. “We...have...something...awesome…” Scootaloo doubled over as she attempted to regain her breath, panting heavily. “What?” “Show her, Sweetie Belle!” A rolled-up poster, wrapped in a pale green aura, floated directly in front of Apple Bloom. Curious, the farm filly took it in one hoof and unrolled it, her eyes skimming over the letters scrawled across the page. “‘Diamond Tiara’s Birthday Party,’” Apple Bloom read aloud. “‘Come an’ enjoy the finest foods at the Silver Bit tonight at seven o'clock.’” She looked up from the poster incredulously, a skeptical frown on her face. “Are y’all serious? Ya wanna go t’some high-end restaurant with Diamond Tiara?” “But Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle huffed. “Diamond Tiara acted so nice when she gave us the invitation! Maybe that means she’s finally gotten over teasing us!” “An’ maybe pigs fly.” Apple Bloom sighed, shaking her head. “‘Sides, even if we did go, the Silver Bit’s super fancy an’ expensive.” “We don’t need to,” Scootaloo exclaimed. “DT told us her dad would cover everything!” “DT?” Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow at Scootaloo, who shrugged. “Come on, Apple Bloom, this could be the start of a new friendship! Please?” Apple Bloom stared into the hopeful faces of her best friends. One one hoof, Diamond Tiara had always been cruel to them, and she wanted nothing to do with the prissy pink pony. But on the other hoof, if this was an offering of friendship, accepting the invitation could end the ruthless teasing once and for all. Plus, Apple Bloom was dying to see the inside of a posh restaurant. Heaving a deep sigh, Apple Bloom finally said, “Alright. Ah’ll go.” “Yes!” Scootaloo pumped one hoof in the air, her wings buzzing. “This is going to be so much fun!” Sweetie Belle leapt in the air. “And we get to wear dresses...Rarity said she’d have something for us...let’s go!” * * * “So? How do I look?” Apple Bloom grinned. Despite her uneasiness towards the party, she had to admit that Rarity’s efforts were truly marvelous. She was wearing a flowing maroon gown with long sleeves and golden trim. A paler golden saddle, lined with sunset orange, was connected to the top. The fabric was incredibly soft, and Apple Bloom felt as if she was in a nightgown. “You look great, Scoots!” Sweetie Belle smiled, admiring her own layered pale pink-and-blue ensemble. Scootaloo puffed out her chest, beaming at the sight of her gold-and-scarlet striped dress. “Indeed you do!” Rarity smiled as she adjusted Sweetie Belle’s dress, levitating a needle and thread behind her. “I must say, these dresses are some of my best work!” “Thanks, Rarity,” the three crusaders chimed in unison. “I’ve been to the Silver Bit several times myself,” she added. “It does cost quite a lot, but it’s worth it! They have the some of the best hors d'oeuvres I’ve ever tasted, and the decor…” Rarity sighed, closing her eyes, as if picturing the inside of the restaurant. Snapping her eyes open, she quickly added, “But you’ll have the chance to experience it for yourself soon! In fact, I believe it is about time to go!” “Yes!” Scootaloo pumped a hoof in the air. “This is gonna be awesome!” Rarity chuckled as she led the three fillies outside. The sky was deep orange, tinged with scarlet, and orange clouds drifted through the sky. Ponies stood on the dusty street, conversing and laughing with each other. The air was warm, but a wispy breeze ruffled the fillies’ manes as they stood outside. “Do you know how to get there? I prepared a map for you, just in case.” Rarity levitated a map into Sweetie Belle’s hoof, who rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, Rarity. We’ll be fine.” Sweetie puffed out her chest, strutting forward. “It’s just down the street a few blocks!” “Oh...alright!” Rarity sighed, a small smile playing on her lips. “Go and have fun! And don’t eat too much...oh, and remember your manners...especially at a place like the Silver Bit! Don’t talk with your mouth--” “Rarity!” “Right, right...have fun!” The older unicorn closed the door as the three fillies began their walk. As they trotted along, they began to chat excitedly. “I bet they have chandeliers! Real crystal chandeliers,” Scootaloo chirped. “And I bet the silverware is made of diamonds!” “Diamonds?” Apple Bloom shot Scootaloo a skeptical glance. “No offense, Scoots, but that sounds a might far-fetched.” “Well...how do you know?” Scootaloo glared at her friend, her wings beating angrily. “You’ve never been there!” “They don’t use diamonds fer silverware,” Apple Bloom snorted. “That’s just...silly!” “Silly? Well, maybe--” “Girls!” Sweetie Belle frowned at her feuding friends. “Stop arguing!” She turned, pointing one white hoof at the building before them. “We’re here!” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo both grinned, their bright smiles lighting up their faces. The three of them trotted forward, the dresses hindering their gait, and they skidded to an awkward halt in front of the Silver Bit. The restaurant was enormous, mimicking a castle layout; it was constructed out of gray stone, complete with two balconies on a second story. Faint classical music could be hear from the inside, and gray cobblestone path was lined with a perfectly-cut lawn and scarlet roses. “It’s...awesome!” Scootaloo beamed, and Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle let out small squeaks of awe. “Let’s go in!” The three fillies galloped up to the enormous double doors, and Apple Bloom pushed it open. Giggling with excitement, the three trotted in, their eyes wide, and gasped. The walls were painted a deep scarlet, similar to the plush carpet,and enormous chandeliers dangled overhead, providing a dim light. Long tables were stationed across the room, covered in silken white tablecloths, and instead of chairs, large velvet cushions sat contentedly on the floor. Every cubic inch of the room practically screamed elegance and poise, and the three fillies were taking it all in. The crusaders each let out tiny, high-pitched squeals as they stood, their hooves sinking into the carpet. Their eyes sparkled as their heads swung around, surveying their posh surroundings. “Excuse me?” The fillies were broken out of their trance by a sharp, heavily accented voice. They turned to see a pale gray-coated unicorn mare with a silky black mane which had been combed and twisted perfectly. “Are you waiting on an adult?” The mare frowned slightly as she gazed at the fillies through narrowed eyes. “Er, no.” Apple Bloom trotted forward, a confident smirk on her face. “We’re s’posed t’be here with Diamond Tiara. It’s her birthday today!” “Ah. Of course. My apologies.” The mare nodded. “Please, follow me.” Using her magic, she levitated three menus from a neat stack on a small table and began to slowly walk towards the back. The crusaders instantly began to follow her, trotting to keep up with her. In the back, a long table sat in its own secluded corner. At the head sat none other than Diamond Tiara, who wore a pink-and-gold gown, and Silver Spoon sat beside her. Various fillies sat along the rest of the table; many of them were from school, and some looked as elegantly styled as the mare who accompanied them. Apple Bloom grinned, holding her head high as she trotted up to the former bully, her friends right behind her. “Howdy!” She waved enthusiastically, waiting eagerly for the pink pony to turn and greet her warmly. But her hopes were shattered as Diamond Tiara turned, a sneer on her face. “Look who decided to show up,” she snarled, batting her eyelashes. “If it isn’t the ratty farm filly and her two little followers.” Apple Bloom’s heart froze. Confused, she glanced back at her friends who wore similar expressions. Fearing the worst, she turned back, adding, “But...didn’t ya invite us?” Diamond Tiara’s smile lacked warmth as she cocked her head, her eyes icy. “Invite you? Now why would I invite three little babies who don’t even have their cutie marks?” “We’re not babies!” Scootaloo leapt forward, shooting Diamond Tiara with a poisonous glare. “Oh?” Diamond Tiara giggled. “Funny, seeing as you don’t even have your cutie marks. Why don’t you just run along and let the adults talk?” The fillies sitting around the table instantly broke into fits of high-pitched giggles. Apple Bloom felt heat creep into her cheeks as she backed up, and tears began blurring her vision as the fillies continued to laugh. The laughter was deafening, or so it seemed; Apple Bloom slowly made her way backwards as she looked at all the eyes on her, making her the object of ridicule. She couldn’t bear it. Her breath began to come out in short gasps as she continued to slowly back up. As the laughter increased, Apple Bloom finally whipped around and began to gallop out of the restaurant. “Apple Bloom! Wait!” Apple Bloom didn’t bother to slow down, even at the sound of her friend’s voice. She kept up her canter, flying through the main room and out the door. “Apple Bloom!” Apple Bloom whipped around, her eyes practically blazing. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had caught up to her, guiltily kicking their hooves in the dirt. “Ah knew this was a bad idea from the start,” she spat. “Ah should’ve trusted mah instincts! But ya tried t’talk me into it…” She shook her head, gritting her teeth. The sound of laughter sounded faintly in her ears, and she turned, a lump forming in her throat. “Apple Bloom, we’re sorry! We didn’t know this was going to happen!” Sweetie Belle’s green eyes glistened with tears as she apologized. “Ah should’ve…” Apple Bloom sighed, slumping her shoulders. “Ah just wish Ah were older! Then nopony would laugh at me! Ah would have mah cutie mark an’…” She turned, not bothering to wait for her friend’s response. Instead she took off, her hooves pounding the ground as she raced towards home. As she ran, storm clouds began to cluster together at an abnormally quick pace. She looked into the sky, a tear finally falling from her cheek. “Ah just wish Ah was older…” As she looked up, she saw a bright light flash in the sky. A thin, bright bolt of white light shot down from the cluster of clouds, shooting straight towards the filly. As Apple Bloom gasped, the white light slammed into her. Instead of pain, however, a warm tingling began in her chest, slowly spreading throughout the rest of her body. Suddenly exhausted, she collapsed, her eyes beginning to close. As the warmth slowly subsided, darkness began to speckle her vision, slowly growing, until she finally slipped away. Author's Note Yay! It took me forever, but I finally managed to get a story out there! I'm still fairly new to writing, so if there are any suggestions on what I could do better, I would love to hear them! Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated! Hope you enjoy the story so far!
Chapter 2Apple Bloom opened her eyes. Light flooded her vision, and she let out a small moan, rolling over. What...what happened? Suddenly, the memories came flooding back. The storm, with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, and the part with Diamond Tiara...Apple Bloom groaned as she recalled how she had left her friends after they tried to apologize. Oh...maybe Ah should say sorry...Ah feel awful fer how Ah just left them! Right after breakfast, Ah’ll go an’ apologize! Apple Bloom sat up, rubbing her mane with one hoof. She looked around confusedly, her eyes squinting as she took in the peeling wallpaper and the small window, trying to figure out where she was. Oh! Ah’m in mah room! Applejack must’a taken me home last night! Smiling, Apple Bloom slipped out of bed, her hooves hitting the floor. Her legs felt oddly sore as she bent her knees, and she winced. Apple Bloom began to trot forward, quickly slowing her pace as her muscles began to ache again. She grumbled slightly to herself as she made her way down the stairs. As she entered the kitchen, she caught sight of her sister, who had her back turned. She was muttering to herself as she stirred something in a worn black pot, pausing to sniff what she was mixing. “G’mornin’, Applejack,” Apple Bloom called. Her voice was deeper and slightly raspy as she spoke, causing her to frown slightly. “Apple Bloom!” Her sister turned, a smile on her face. “There ya are!” Apple Bloom couldn’t help but notice that her sister’s mane was wispier and quite rumpled, and streaks of gray highlighted her no-longer-so-bright-mane. “Are ya okay, sis?” she asked quietly, eyeing the gray in her mane. “‘Course Ah am.” Applejack gave her an odd look. “We’ve gotta heap’a work ahead of us today!” “Oh…” Apple Bloom frowned as Applejack handed her a warm mug full of cider. “Ah was sorta plannin’ t’meet up with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.” Applejack whirled around, her eyes wide. “Uh, Apple Bloom?” she asked, her voice edged with fear. “Are...are you okay?” “‘Course Ah am,” Apple Bloom muttered. “Why wouldn’t Ah be?” Applejack swallowed, her gaze dropping to her hooves. “Apple Bloom, don’t you remember?” she asked quietly. “Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo...are gone.” “WHAT?” Apple Bloom pounded her hooves on the table, her mug clattering to the ground unnoticed. “Whaddaya mean?!” “Apple Bloom, Ah’m worried ‘bout ya,” Applejack murmured. “Sweetie Belle moved t’Canterlot, remember? She became the editor of some magazine...Ah think it was called Modish Mane ...and Scootaloo moved t’Manehatten after she opened that scooter-an’-bike shop…” “But...they’re just fillies! How could they do all that?” Applejack blinked. “Are ya okay, sis?” Worry creased her brow as she trotted forward, her green eyes glistening. “Why don’t ya go back to yer room and rest?” “Not until Ah find mah friends!” Apple Bloom scowled, crossing her hooves. “Ya said Sweetie Belle was in Canterlot? Does that mean Rarity’s there too?” “No. She does go back an’ forth quite a bit, but she doesn’t live there.” “Well, Ah’m going to go and find her!” Not bothering to wait for a response, Apple Bloom whirled around and marched out the door, slamming it behind her. Turning around, she trotted down the steps and began making her way through the orchard. * * * Apple Bloom hummed to herself as she approached Ponyville. Despite finding out what had happened, the sky was blue and the sun was out, the vast sky dotted with puffy white clouds. A plan was already forming in Apple Bloom’s mind as she continued onward. Alright...first Ah’ll go t’the train station...then Ah’ll get a ticket and go t’Canterlot...then Ah’ll find Sweetie Belle an’ talk t’her! Then we’ll go an’ get Scootaloo! Apple Bloom smiled confidently, her chin high. “Perfect!” “Apple Bloom?” Apple Bloom blinked, her eyes widening. Did...did somepony just… “Apple Bloom!” Apple Bloom whipped around to see a cream colored mare galloping toward her. She had a straight, sleek reddish mane, and her magenta eyes gleamed. There was something oddly familiar about her, and it was only when the mare galloped closer and Apple Bloom caught a glimpse of her cutie mark that she pieced together who the mare was. “Twist?” “Yeah, it’s me.” Twist smiled, and Apple Bloom’s jaw dropped. Her once-frizzy mane was now straight and shiny, and the purple glasses perched upon her muzzle had vanished. Her voice was much smoother and high-pitched, and her articulation had greatly improved. “What happened t’ya?!” Apple Bloom walked closer, her eyes still wide. The once-bubbly filly was now a fully-grown mare! “What do you mean?” Twist frowned slightly, her eyes narrowing. “Are you talking about the manecut I got recently? Because it’s--” “Ah don’t mean that. Ah mean, Ah do. Yer...yer all grown up!” “Uh, yeah…” Twist giggled nervously. “Look, I have to run. I’m opening my shop up soon. Um...maybe you should lie down or something.” With that, the mare slowly backed up before whirling around and galloping away. “Wait! Twist! Ya said somethin’ ‘bout a shop? And why are ya a mare?” Apple Bloom sighed, kicking up a cloud of dust with one hoof. “There’s gotta be some answer t’this.” Glancing up, she noticed the train station in the distance. Straightening up, she began cantering to the station through the market. As she did so, she noticed ponies all around her, setting up stands. One familiar silver-coated pony, however, was setting up a bright green-and-blue sign. Curious, Apple Bloom trotted forward, her eyes widening as she finally recognized the silver pony. “Silver Spoon?! Is that you?” The silver pony turned, her eyes shining. “Apple Bloom! How nice to see you!” She giggled, trotting up to Apple Bloom with a large grin plastered on her face. “It...is?” Apple Bloom scowled. “Is this a joke?” Like Twist, the earth pony was a fully grown mare. Her pale gray mane was no longer tucked into a neat braid, but hung in frizzy waves, and she had abandoned her blue pearls. She still had her glasses, but they now had rectangular frames. “Of course!” The mare grabbed Apple Bloom with one hoof, pulling her into a tight hug. Apple Bloom quickly wiggled out of the mare’s grasp, her eyes darting to the sign. “Silver Spoon? Yer settin’ up a sign...that says…save Equestria?!” “Uh-huh!” Silver Spoon clapped her hooves together excitedly. “Ponies need to stop littering! Turning off the lights while you’re away can save a lot of energy, you know!” “But...why are ya doin’ this? Ah mean, what changed?” “Changed?” “Ah mean…” Apple Bloom sighed. “Where’s Diamond Tiara? Doesn’t she hang out with ya any more?” “Well, not really. Ever since I was sent to that nature camp when I was ten, I fell in love with Equestria! Beautiful Equestria!” The silver mare giggled softly, collapsing on the dirt road and attempting to hug it. “Right…” Apple Bloom slowly began to back away. “Um...where is she now?” “Diamond Tiara? Well, she’s--” “Right here,” a familiar snobby voice cut in. Apple Bloom groaned, slowly turning to face a pale pink-coated mare with a lavender-and-white mane. Her trademark tiara was still perched atop her perfectly styled mane, and Apple Bloom couldn’t help but roll her eyes and sigh. “Howdy, Diamond Tiara,” she muttered. Maybe this is a prank...everypony seems to have aged! But how would anypony have pulled that off? Unless...that wish last night... As Apple Bloom realized what had happened, her eyes nearly popped out of her head. “The future?!” “Heeey, AB!” Diamond Tiara’s brow creased with worry. “Maybe you should lie down. Don’t want my best friend feeling bad!” She smiled. Apple Bloom recoiled, a grimace twisting her expression as she temporarily forgot when she was. “Best friend?!” Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes. “Um, duh. We’re besties!” She placed a well-manicured hoof around Apple Bloom’s shoulder, and the yellow-coated mare recoiled. “Remember? Hey, that reminds me, do you want to catch up at the spa later?” Apple Bloom winced. “Ah...think Ah’ll pass today. Ah’m, uh, not feelin’ too good right now.” “Oh. Okay. Maybe tomorrow.” Diamond Tiara winked at Apple Bloom, her hoof idly twirling a lock of her mane. “I have to go to a meeting. See you later?” “Uh...maybe,” Apple Bloom muttered, her eyes not quite meeting the eyes of the pale pink mare before her. “Bye!” Diamond Tiara cheerfully blew Apple Bloom a kiss before beginning to trot away. Apple Bloom groaned, placing one hoof to her forehead. “Maybe this is all a bad dream. There’s no way Ah could really be in the future...no way...especially one where Diamond Tiara an’ Ah are best friends.” Shuddering, the mare begun her canter back to the train station. As she continued along, she began to notice more and more. For one, new buildings had been put up, and the Town Hall seemed to have doubled in size. All around her, former classmates were chatting, walking, trotting, and even selling things. Feeling sick to her stomach, the mare averted her eyes from the unnerving scene before her. Before long, she reached the train station. She glanced around, quickly locating the ticket booth and trotting forward. The mare at the booth had a cream-colored coat, much like Twist, but her pale green mane was neatly pushed back and secured by a headband. She was reading a magazine, and Apple Bloom gasped as she scanned the title, which was scrawled in a loopy, fancy scarlet. Modish Mane! Applejack said that was where Sweetie Belle worked! “Um, excuse me?” The mare looked up, a slight frown on her face. “Can I help you?” “Ah would like a round trip ticket to Canterlot, please,” Apple Bloom responded. “Of course. That’ll be seventeen bits.” Apple Bloom blinked. “W-what?” The mare’s frown deepened. “Look, kid, tickets cost bits. Are you paying or not?” “Ah...Ah guess--” “Apple Bloom!” A loud voice sounded from behind her, and the mare turned to see a familiar orange form galloping toward her. “Applejack?” “Apple Bloom!” The orange earth pony skidded to a halt beside Apple Bloom, panting heavily. “Ah thought Ah’d find ya here.” She pushed forward a worn brown suitcase, and Apple Bloom frowned. “Sis? What are you doin’ here?” “After what ya said, Ah thought ya might come here to go t’Canterlot or Manehatten, an’...” The mare took off her hat, pulling out a small brown bag and dropping it at Apple Bloom’s hooves. Confused, the mare picked it up and peered inside, her eyes widening as she saw what was inside. “What...what is all this for?” The bag had been filled to the top with shining gold bits. “Ah pooled together some spare money, and took a little from the savin’s...Apple Bloom, Ah know sometime what Ah do seems crazy, but...Ah want the best for ya. Ah think ya should go an’ find yer friends.” “Ya...ya do?” “Ah know yer mah little sister, an’ just thinkin’ about you on yer own out there is scary, but...Ah want the best fer ya. And Ah think the best is followin’ yer heart, even if it leads ya t’Canterlot.” Apple Bloom smiled, tears beginning to form. Her sister shared her smile, and she leaned forward, throwing her hooves around her sister. “Ah...Ah can’t thank ya enough…and Ah’ll be back before ya know it!” Applejack smiled, slowly pulling away. “Ah know. Ah’ll see ya soon.” Apple Bloom beamed before turning back to the ticket booth. “One round ticket to Canterlot, please!” She slapped seventeen bits on the counter, and the mare smiled as she took them, passing a white slip forward. “Train leaves in five minutes,” the mare added. Apple Bloom happily took the ticket in, waving to her sister. “Ah’ll be off now!” “See ya soon!” With that, the orange farm mare waved one more time to her little sister before turning and beginning back to the farm. Apple Bloom hummed happily to herself as she took the bag, the suitcase, and the ticket and started towards the train. Ah’m really gonna do it! Ah’m gonna find mah friends! But...they wouldn’t need findin’ if...if...why did they leave? Guess Ah’m gonna find that out, too… Just as she was about to board the train, however, a loud voice startled her. She turned around, sighing. What is it now? “AB! You’re not going anywhere without your best friend, right?” Apple Bloom groaned, barely resisting the urge to facehoof. “Diamond Tiara? What’re ya doin’ here?” “Well, I was about to go to the meeting when my dad ran up to me and told me that half of the board was sick from some bad scones...anyways, the meeting was cancelled, so I decided to come and find you. Heard you were going somewhere, so I brought some stuff!” “Um, right…” Apple Bloom scowled, glancing towards the train. “Ah was about t’take a little trip t’Canterlot to find somepony, so…” “Oh! I’ll come!” Diamond Tiara grinned. “It’ll be fun. Who’re you finding, anyways?” “Just...just an ol’ friend…” “Fun!” Diamond Tiara bounced up to the ticket booth, fishing a purse out of a large purple bag she had slung around her shoulders. “How long are we going to stay?” “Oh...Ah dunno. Look, Diamond, maybe it’s not the best idea--” “Thank you!” Not even paying attention, Diamond Tiara took the ticket she had just purchased and pushed past Apple Bloom. “Come on, let’s board!” “...if ya come along.” Apple Bloom groaned as she begun to trot to the train. Ah can’t believe Ah’m lettin’ Diamond Tiara of all ponies come with me. She doesn’t even like me! Well...she didn’t...now we’re best friends… As she entered the car, Apple Bloom begrudgingly settled in a red-cushioned seat beside her “best friend.” “So when we get to Canterlot, we should totally get manicures! I hear they have this great spa with like a bajillion different treatments…” As the pink pony kept chattering, Apple Bloom groaned and turned away, trying to make herself comfortable. This is gonna be a long ride… Author's Note So Apple Bloom is off to Canterlot with her "best friend" Diamond Tiara...but not before finding Twist and Silver Spoon! What horrors await her in Canterlot? Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 3“...and then I was like, ‘Blech, green? Green is soooo ugly...’ And she was all like, ‘Okay then, how about brown?’ Brown! I mean, seriously! I was all like, ‘Do you even know fashion?’ Because brown and green are, like, hideous!” “Mm-hm.” “And so she was just like, she was like, ‘Maybe you should leave.’ And I was all like, ‘Maybe I should!’” “Mm-hm.” “And then she was just li--” “We are now arriving in Canterlot!” The conductor trotted out of a neighboring car, his thunderous voice cutting off Diamond Tiara’s. The mare grinned, sliding out of her seat. “Ready to see Canterlot?” Apple Bloom stood, stretching, as a yawn overtook her for a moment. “Eeyup.” Diamond Tiara squealed, earning the angered glances of the ponies surrounding her, but she payed no mind. The pink mare trotted forward, Apple Bloom on her heels, joining the flow of ponies exiting the train. Apple Bloom stifled a groan as Diamond Tiara continued to chatter excitedly. Ah should’a left her at the train station… As her hooves touched pavement, however, she glanced upwards, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before her. Gleaming buildings rose from the ground, elegantly sculpted into shimmering shapes. Ponies trotted about, most of them wearing long, flowing gowns. Everything about the city screamed eloquence and grace; from the spotless roads to the shining towers to the elegant manner of the citizens, Canterlot was by far the classiest city she had ever seen. And Apple Bloom knew class. The shocked mare was suddenly broken out of her stupor when Diamond Tiara nudged her. She glanced at the earth pony at her side, her eyes wide. “Say, AB,” Diamond Tiara murmured casually. “Where’s this friend of yours? I was hoping we could check out the city before we check into a hotel.” “Are ya crazy?” Apple Bloom shot the mare a glare. “The hotels here are much pricier than Ah can afford! Ah plan on bein’ outta here ‘fore evenin’.” Then Ah can move onto Manehatten and ditch Diamond Tiara. “Oh, come on, AB!” The mare stuck out her lower lip, eyes sparkling. “We’ll just find your friend, take some time around the city, and conk out in a hotel here. I’ll cover the expenses. Daddy gave me some money!” She unzipped her purple suitcase, digging around until she found an enormous sparkly pink purse. Unfastening the golden clasp, she proudly flashed the contents to Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom’s eyes widened. The enormous purse was practically bulging with bits! The pile of golden coins was enough to make even a Canterlot pony drool, and she felt a twinge of envy. Even after a whole cider season, mah family can barely save up that much… “And this is just the beginning,” the pink pony boasted. “I have more in my bag, so don’t worry!” The mare giggled, trotting forward. “So, what’s your friends name again?” Apple Bloom frowned. “Um...Ah think...Ah think Ah can find her mahself.” She winced as she recalled how cruel Diamond Tiara had been to her best friends. Just because she and Diamond Tiara were friends in the future didn’t mean that Sweetie Belle and her saw eye-to-eye. “Aw, please?” Diamond Tiara stuck out her bottom lip, her eyes sparkling. Apple Bloom kicked the ground. She didn’t want to annoying mare to tag along, but at the same time, a tiny part of her would feel bad if she ditched her. Heaving a deep sigh, she muttered, “Fine. Ah’m lookin’ fer Sweetie Belle.” Diamond Tiara’s smile froze, and her ears flattened against her head. Her grin melted into an ugly expression, her jaw dropping. “Sweetie Belle?!” she exclaimed. “Why in Equestria would you want to find her?” She scowled. “I thought you ditched that loser a long time ago.” Apple Bloom glared at Diamond Tiara. “Well, Ah’m goin’ t’make amends! If ya don’t like that, then ya can just catch the next train back t’Ponyville.” Diamond Tiara’s eyes nearly popped out of her head, and she crept backwards. Obviously unused to outbursts by ponies beside herself, a grimace crossed her expression briefly. After a moment, the pink mare sighed. “Look, AB. I don’t get why the hay you want to track down a friend you lost years ago. But we’re best friends, and if you want to find her then I’ll do what I can to help.” Wow, she really has changed. Apple Bloom found herself beaming at the pony facing her. She was amazed that the pink pony had managed to mature so much, and though she was bossy and annoying, she could be a big help in tracking down her Sweetie Belle. “Well...then…” Apple Bloom nodded. “Thanks!” Diamond Tiara flashed her friend a small smile. “No problem.” Her voice was thin and shaky, as if she was taken aback by Apple Bloom’s decision. “Um...where is she anyways?” “Sweetie Belle? Ah think she works fer some magazine called...oh, what was it...somethin’ ‘bout a mane...Marvelous? Miraculous?” Diamond Tiara squealed, her eyes lighting up. “Modish Mane? I love Modish Mane! It’s only, like, the classiest magazine ever!” Unzipping her suitcase, she fished out a rolled-up magazine and tossed it to Apple Bloom. The glossy cover depicted a model pony whose expression was drawn into a pout. Two perfect blue eyes were framed by two sets of impossibly long eyelashes, and the pony’s lips pale pink. The pony’s silver coat gleamed and sparkled, and her deep purple mane was perfectly styled in a complicated twist, one strand falling over one eye. The title was scrawled across the top in white, the font a loopy, flowing form of cursive. Apple Bloom gaped at the impossibly flawless pony. Everything about her screamed beauty, from the shape of her muzzle to the size of her neck to the dark, curled lashes. Glancing up at her own ruffled, dust-coated mane and fur, she winced. Diamond Tiara sighed dreamily. “What I’d give for a mane like that! In fact, I got this style from the previous edition.” She pawed at her own intricate twist lovingly. “Mm.” Apple Bloom grunted a half-hearted reply as she scanned the cover. Address, address...where’s that darn address? Flipping the magazine open, she skimmed the pages, flipping through them quickly. Finally, at the very end, she came across the words she had been pursuing. Send us a letter if you have questions! 147 Sapphire Street Canterlot, Equestria “Aha!” Apple Bloom jabbed the page with one hoof. “147 Sapphire Street! That’s where we need t’go!” “Great!” Diamond Tiara smiled. “Well, what are we waiting for? C’mon!” * * * Apple Bloom gaped at the sight before her. Her golden eyes scanned the address on the magazine as well as the number displayed beside the building in shining silver letters. The building itself was enormous! It was made of a smooth white material, the same material that most Canterlot buildings were composed of. The front, however, was covered in hundreds of shining windows. At the top, a giant billboard depicted the same pony that the cover of the magazine displayed, and the words Modish Mane were written across in the same curly font. Apple Bloom gulped as she trotted forward, the double doors rising up in front of her. “Well...Ah guess we should go in.” Diamond Tiara’s eyes shone as she stared at the building. “Wow,” she breathed. Shaking her head, she smiled at Apple Bloom, slightly embarrassed. “Um, yeah. Let’s go.” The two trotted towards the doors, pushing through, and found themselves in a large lobby. The floors were made of a shining green marble, and cherry-red chair formed a small ring to the right, surrounding a glass coffee table and sitting beside a lime green sofa. To the left was a wide white desk. Four ponies sat behind it, typing away on typewriters, jotting notes down with quills, and answering phones. The whole lobby was bustling with activity and noise, and Apple Bloom backed up, overwhelmed from the activity. Overhead, a crystal chandelier illuminated the room. Diamond Tiara nudged her friend forward, and Apple Bloom reluctantly trotted forward, weaving around the ponies manically dashing around the room. “Ah...um...’scuse me...pardon...lemme just…” Apple Bloom groaned as she slowly made her way through the crowd. Ponies of all shapes and sizes were rushing through the room, all with perfectly cut manes and shimmering coats. The ponies eventually reached the desk, stopping in front of one of the secretaries. Her eyelids were half-shut in a glazed, sleepy look, and she had heavily applied mascara and pale blue eye shadow. Her pale cinnamon coat was short and smooth, and her chocolate brown mane was twisted over her shoulder, much like Diamond Tiara’s. A pair of glasses was perched on her muzzle as she muttered into the phone. “Uh, hello there! We’re lookin’ fer--” Apple Bloom abruptly stopped as the mare shot her a venomous glare. She murmured a few more things into the phone before slamming it down and staring up at Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara. As she eyed Apple Bloom’s scruffy, dust-stained mane, the secretary sneered. “May I help you?” she asked, a haughty Canterlot accent in her voice. “Uh, yeah. We’re lookin’ fer Sweetie Belle.” Apple Bloom awkwardly shuffled her hooves as she glanced around the room at the perfectly groomed ponies, then down at her less-than-perfect coat. “Miss Belle? Do you have an appointment?” “A what?” Apple Bloom frowned. “Um...well...no, but Ah’m her friend! She’ll let me in!” The secretary raised one eyebrow incredulously. “Sweetie Belle sees no visitors unless they have an appointment.” “But...but…” Apple Bloom sighed. “Fine. Can we make an appointment?” “Of course.” The secretary quickly typed something on her typewriter. “The next appointment available is…let’s see...four months from now.” “Four months?!” Apple Bloom eyes widened. “But...we need t’see her right away! Isn’t there any way we can get in sooner? Ah’m her friend!” The secretary chuckled haughtily.”The editor of Modish Mane has no time for friends. Unless you have an appointment, you’re not seeing her. Good day!” Diamond Tiara leaped up to the counter just as Apple Bloom was beginning to back away. She smiled, twisting one lock of her mane around one hoof. “No worries,” she said nonchalantly, much to Apple Bloom’s confusion. “She’s with me.” The secretary raised an eyebrow once more. “And you are…?” “Diamond Tiara, co-president of Barnyard Bargains,” she informed the secretary, winking. The secretary snickered. “Barnyard Bargains?” She thrust her nose into the air. “Do you have an appointment?” “...No…” “Then good day!” Apple Bloom sighed. She hung her head as she turned away, her shoulders slumped, and started towards the door, Diamond Tiara by her side. A sudden sound made her whip around, ears pricked. The secretary who she had been talking to had suddenly picked up the phone, her eyes wide. “M-miss Belle,” she stammered. Curious, Apple Bloom turned back, straightening up. “Coffee? Yes, yes...um…” The secretary whipped out a notepad and a quill, scribbling something down. “Tall mocha...non-fat...half skim milk, half two percent…” Her voice was muffled by the quill as she scribbled it down. Apple Bloom exchanged a look with Diamond Tiara. The pink mare’s eyes suddenly lit up, and she trotted forward, whispering something into Apple Bloom’s ear. Apple Bloom frowned, turning to the mare. “Ya really think it’ll work?” “Trust me, AB. I got this.” Apple Bloom sighed. Ah guess it’s worth a shot… * * * “Ah’m not so sure ‘bout this…” Apple Bloom winced, glancing out the window beside her. She could see almost the entire city below her, bustling with life. As she wheeled the cart along the carpeted hallway, Diamond Tiara grinned, trotting alongside her. “What’s the problem?” she asked casually. “The two ponies who were supposed to deliver the coffee get a break while we get to bust in and see...your friend.” Her smile vanished, and she looked away. Apple Bloom frowned. “Yeah, but...it feels wrong.” “You wanted to see Sweetie Belle, didn’t you?” “Yeah…” “Then do it.” “Okay…” Apple Bloom looked over to see Diamond Tiara staring angrily at her hooves. She nudged the mare gently, and Diamond Tiara looked up, eyes softening. “Sorry,” Apple Bloom mumbled. “If this makes ya uncomfortable, ya don’t have t’come…” “No, it’s fine. You two deserve each other. If you’re happy, I’m happy.” Diamond Tiara plastered a strained smile onto her face. “What’s the room number again?” “One thousand on the nose,” Apple Bloom responded. “There’s an awful lotta rooms here!” “Yeah. They need, like, a lot of space to create such an amazing magazine,” Diamond Tiara gushed. Her eyes sparkled as she continued to trot down the hallway. “Everything is, like, so classy!” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Here we are,” she chirped, stopping in front of a white door. A gold plate was attached to the front, Sweetie Belle’s named carved into it. Apple Bloom gulped, raising a hoof. “Here goes,” she said quietly before rapping on the door three times. “Come in.” The voice behind the door would have been silky and sweet if not for the grouchy tone it was muttered in. Apple Bloom exchanged a glance with Diamond Tiara before opening the door and trotting in. Author's Note Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara are on their way to seeing Sweetie Belle! What horrors (or lack of horrors) await them?
