Verge

Verge

By Thefanficsdelight

Chapter 1: Out on the Verge on the Rest of Our Lives

Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on  until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you’ll make a difference. -Arie Pencovici

  The students in the auditorium were all nervous. The drops of sweat on their faces knowing all of their hard work has paid off. They were ready to go out into the real world. Their robes, all clad in different colors. The setting for this day was perfect, and no one could change it. The sun was right outside the windows of the room, shining on the graduates. Not a single cloud was in the sky, it was perfect.

Cheerilee was giving a speech about each of the mares and stallions graduating, and it caused three mares to reflect on their time together...

  "Well, I wouldn't put it that way, but yeah. It all started when Scootaloo walked in. Diamond Tiara called her a blank flank, and she left crying out of the classroom."

  Twelve years ago....

"Settle down class, we have a new student!"

Sweetie Belle was hoping for a blank flank. What she got was an orange and purple pegusas, but she hadn't gotten a good look of her flank.

"Blank flank!" A certain snobby pink filly said to the orange and purple pegusas.

The pegasus, known as Scootaloo was laughed out of the classroom, except one filly who didn't laugh.

Sweetie Belle came after Scootaloo.

"Go away!" The pegusas yelled, about to kick Sweetie Belle.

"No. I'm not like Diamond Tiara. I'm a blank flank too, if you haven't noticed."

Scootaloo wiped a tear from her eyes, hugging Sweetie Belle. "I moved here because I was getting bullied in Cloudsdale. I'm a handicapped pegasus, so I can't fly.. a-and then, my coltfriend at the time decided to tell everypony and then they started making fun of me.. and then one day I got beaten up by this filly named Cloudy Quartz, and it was all so horrible! I was living a nightmare, and it was worse when everypony got their cutiemarks.. they hated me for some reason, when I did nothing to them!"

Sweetie Belle felt bad for the pegasus, and then eventually asked... "Why don't I be your friend? The friend that would never betray anypony, for anything. You had bad friends, so now you need a good one."

"I'm Scootaloo." The pegusas said, extending her hoof out for Sweetie to shake.

"I'm Sweetie Belle. I hope we can be best friends..." The unicorn said, making the pegusas smile.

The two walked into the classroom holding hooves. After that, those two became inseparable. Whenever one fell down, the other fell down with her. The two friends were like family to each other. Every weekend they would sleep over at Sweetie Belle's house, talking about their hopes and dreams, their families, and most of all, just being with each other.

Ponyville University was crowded with ponies who loved and supported their fillies, including the Crusader's sisters.  The Crusaders looked at each other in their seats.

     Their eyes shared the same expression, the same hopeful, adventurous expression they had shared all those moons ago. The same hopeful tune that played in their heads. They had also remembered one memory, even after they had gotten their cutiemarks, their first school dance.

The fillies were dressed in spectacular outfits. Scootaloo was dressed in a light blue dress that really showed off her complexion. Sweetie Belle was in a sassy black number, and Applebloom was in a purple dress that really brought out her curves.

"I want a picture of you! You all look simply smashing." Rarity said, examining how the dresses fit on their figures.

"We're still thankful that you even designed these dresses after all we did to you in the past few years. Especially with our crusading hijinks." Sweetie said.

"Nonsense, I'm thankful that I have a great younger sister!"

Sweetie hugged her sister, but Rarity had walked out of the room, so Sweetie was hugging air.

"For you, the shining gem that you are, inside and out." Rarity had taken out a emerald-encrusted tiara and an emerald bracelet with silver slippers.

"Wow, thanks Rarity! You're the best sister ever!"

"Ok, but be back by 9:30." Rarity said, her hoof making sure of the dramatic emphasis on the line.

The three fillies left, only to see Diamond Tiara acting like a servant for her date. Between him ordering her to get him some punch and him ordering to dance with her. He was an all-around jerk.

Diamond was dressed in what could be called a maid outfit, because 'her date had picked it out to showcase her features'.  "That's it, I'm done with being your marefriend! You treat me like a servant! I don't need to be Cinderella! I can rescue myself, thank you very much, and if you can't see that, then consider our arranged marriage in the future over!" Diamond threw some bucks to the stallion's face, and she ran out of the room, crying.

The Crusaders chased after her, because they knew everypony deserved a second chance. Everypony deserved forgiveness and compassion, no matter what the circumstances.

"What do you want?" The young mare asked, her eyes full of tears.

"We want to cheer you up. We all understand what it's like to be neglected or feel like you're not loved. Sweetie's parents don't take care of her, I'm an orphan, and Applebloom's an orphan as well. At least we learned to love and have each other."  Scootaloo said, comforting Diamond on this one.

"I understand, but it's not like you're forced into abusive relationships.."

Applebloom rolled her eyes. "One word. Featherweight."

Diamond laughed. "He was a jerk to you. Anyway, can we be friends? It looks like I need some better ones?"

"We can do that." They said in unison.

Diamond went to a fancy university, but they always keep in touch. Her graduation was tomorrow, and they were planning on going up to Manehattan and going to congratulate her. Unbeknownst to them, Diamond was actually there at the graduation, cheering them on.

"May our Valedictorian say a few words?" Cheerilee said, her eyes full of a certain hopeful expression.

"Of course.." Sweetie Belle said, getting up. She approached the podium where Cheerilee was speaking and then cleared her throat to make her speech. "Attention everypony, we are here today because all of us are going out into the world. I remember when we were all in 5th grade, and Scootaloo walked in and ran out.. and I came running after her, trying to comfort her. I also remember our school dance, where I met some of my closest friends.  I remember when we were tossing up our caps from high school, and here we are.. Now, we're graduating from the final stage of school.. we're going to go have our separate paths, but promise me this.." Sweetie said, facing her friends. "Promise you'll never forget the friendships you share. It's a valuable gift, and I know you feel it. I know you feel the spark that all of us have.. the spark of the friendship that we all share. Even though, some of us may not like each other, there's always room for change. We're leaving a whole part of our lives behind, but a new part opens.." She said, turning back to the audience. "Love, families, jobs, a whole future's been planned out for us. Now, all we need to do is take it. Graduating is just a sign that we're moving on to new things in life, it doesn't mean we're leaving everything behind because we all have friendship. We've all made some bad decisions in life, but our friendship changes what we do. We honestly don't really need anyone telling us what we  can or can't do.. We make the future. We are the new generation, so we can make our world better."

"Well that was a long speech!" Miss Cheerilee said.

"It actually wasn't planned." Sweetie said, earning some claps and laughs from the audience.

"Now, if we can get started with the actual graduation.." Cheerilee quipped, earning a few drops of laughter. "Now, Able Breeze, Amethyst Swirl, Applebloom.."

  More memories came flooding their minds..

The mares were writing something in their yearbooks.

"So, where are you guys going to college. I'm staying local so I can perfect my flying and practice on that skate park Applebloom built."

"Ahm staying local, too. What about you, Sweetie?"

"Well, I got accepted into this prestigious school in Britaine, but I heard Canterlot's pretty good too. Or, I might stay local and focus on my singing. After all, Diamond's my manager."

"I'm planning to go this school in Manehattan. It has this really awesome business program, and I got a full scholarship after hearing about your first album!" Diamond bubbled, a little too cheerful. "Ever since Silver Spoon's moved away when we were 13, you guys have really made me into a better pony." She hugged the rest of the crusaders, and the crusaders hugged her.

"Well, senior prom's next Saturday!" Sweetie gushed. "I was going to ask Rarity to make new dresses for us. She doesn't have a lot of orders right now, but I'm pretty sure she would do anything for her little sister."

"Of course I can make these dresses! You just relax, and go pick out your fabric! I swear it's no problem darling.. Now excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom.." Rarity said, running. Her face had turned green.

Sweetie noticed Rarity was barfing a lot lately, but what could be wrong? She had no coltfriend, not that she knew about..

Rarity walked out, looking much more refreshed. "Oh dear, I must have eaten something that my stomach didn't agree with." She lied.

Now that Sweetie was getting a good look at Rarity, her stomach was the same size. So it must be one of Rarity's ridiculous eating disorders. "Rarity, are you sure you're ok? You've been throwing up everything you eat? Are you sure you're okay?"

Rarity pulled Sweetie Belle into her bedroom. Much to Sweetie Belle's dismay, it was full of dieting pills.

"This is my first time using them, don't worry. I wanted to see the reaction, but I swear I will never touch  another one of these."

"Good, because I want you to throw these away. They're dangerous and they can kill you! I don't want to be alone.." Sweetie said, about to cry.

"Now now, Sweetie Belle. I promise you, I will never take those disgusting pills again. Now, go on, pick out your fabric. I'll just start exercising a little more. No big deal." She said, reassuring Sweetie.

Sweetie smiled at this and picked out a white Chantilly fabric. It matched her fur, while rhinestones made it stand out even more.

"What about a little pop of color?" Rarity said, brainstorming.

Sweetie took out a light purple and light pink fabric that matched her mane. "This seems like something that I would wear!" Sweetie said, sighing in delight.

"Looks like the others left, without saying anything. Well since, you're the crusader that knows more about fashion than the others. Except for Diamond Tiara of course, you can pick out the other fabrics."

Sweetie picked out a blue fabric with some yellow streaks.

She picked out a light green gown for Scootaloo with some purple in there. The green was opaque so she didn't look like a leprechaun.

"Who knew we'd bond over making dresses. I used to hate this kind of stuff when I was younger. I guess, now that I'm older, I'm beginning to see things in different point of views."

Rarity nuzzled her sister, content with her. She was Rarity's inspiration for everything she did. She was the closest to her in  her family. They had bonded over the littlest things, like Rarity teaching Sweetie Belle etiquette, and how to dance, Sweetie taking Rarity to the Sisterhooves Social, and their little 'adventures' to get some fabric inspired by the Everfree forest.

  "May we please have Sassy Spice, Scootaloo, Snips, Snails, Sweetie Belle, Sweet Surrender, Shimmering Glory,..."

   They didn't pay attention to Miss Cheerilee's words. They were just happy with getting their diplomas.

   Diamond Tiara jumped up in the audience to make herself known, just so the Crusaders could be surprised. She had graduated a couple weeks earlier, but didn't tell them for the sake of surprise.

   "I now give you, Ponyville/ Canterlot University's 2015 graduating class!" She said. "You may now turn your tassles, and throw your hats. Congratulations everypony! I am all so proud of what you have accomplished, and I know in the near future you will make even more accomplishments!"

Sweetie Belle got an idea. "Maybe I can ask Twilight to make us a magical book so we can communicate. We might not be able to see each other all the time, so I think it would be a good idea."

"Congratulations, you guys!" Diamond Tiara said running up to them. "I graduated early so I could visit you guys! I'm so happy for you. Well, I'm making my own record label. Sweetie, you're going to be my first client. Along with being your manager, we'll talk business later. Today's your day, and I'm going to make sure everypony enjoys it! I got an apartment with a studio in it in Applewood, if you guys are interested. It's 4 bedrooms and I was like 'What's better than sharing an apartment with your best friends? Uh nothing!' So, I'm going to Applewood Monday. Make sure to be backed by next Monday, since today's Saturday!"

  They all hugged.

"This is our time, is it not? We worked all these hours, and now.. we're on the verge for the rest of our lives." Scootaloo said.

  "We're dressed to the nines tonight as well. So, let's do this. From now on, there's no looking back. Only we look at the future full-speed ahead."Applebloom promised.

  "I could write a song from this, actually!" Sweetie said, her eyes glittering from inspiration.

  -------------------------------

   ~Epilogue~

  Sweetie Belle became a successful recording artist under Diamond's label. She's one of the top pop stars in Equestria, and her friends actually work with her.

  Applebloom is Sweetie's set designer. She works with Scootaloo to make sure the choreography doesn't bump into the decorations. She's also Sweetie's junior costume designer, with Rarity being the senior costume designer. They work together on every outfit, and make sure it goes well with the stage decorations.

  Scootaloo is Sweetie's top choreographer, and she has the moves to prove it. Scootaloo also works as a stuntpony for movies, and often consults with Diamond with Sweetie's career.

  Diamond's label is huge. She's signed some of the top recording artists in Equestria, and she still lives with the Crusaders in the apartment.

   The four of them are happy that they are still connected with work and home. They still have a set of magical diaries, just in case something happens. They're all successful in their own ways, and wouldn't trade their friendship for anything. They're all thankful for everything they have and are happy about what they're putting out there. Over the years they realized that graduation just made their friendship stronger. No matter the odds, they're there for each other no matter what.