Just a Phase

by HorseStories

Chapters

Part 1, Chapter 1 - Crusaders
Part 1, Chapter 2 - Confidante
Part 1, Chapter 3 - Answers
Part 1, Chapter 4 - Questions
Part 1, Chapter 5 - Therapy
Part 1, Chapter 6 - Escape
Part 2, Chapter 1 - Fillydelphia
Part 2, Chapter 2 - Pseudonym
Part 2, Chapter 3 - Prisoner
Part 2, Chapter 4 - Phantoms I
Part 2, Chapter 5 - Phantoms II
Part 2, Chapter 6 - Phantoms III
Part 3, Chapter 1 - Geists
Part 3, Chapter 2 - Petite-Soeur
Part 3, Chapter 3 - Speech
Epilogue - The Memories of Sweetie Belle
Part 1, Chapter 7 - Note
Prologue - The Wedding of Cinnamon Star

Part 1, Chapter 1 - Crusaders

Author's Note

Notice: This chapter contains mention (but not depiction) of 'gay-cure' lobotomies.

Part 1, Chapter 1 - Crusaders

'Well, I'm stuck'.

'What do you mean?'

'We've tried everything, Sweetie Belle! Rock Climbing, skateboarding, rollerskating...'

'I get it, Scootaloo'.

'...bird watching, dancing, chess...'

'Scootaloo...'

'...juggling, cooking, singing...'

'SCOOTALOO!'

'Okay, okay!' Scootaloo replied hastily. 'Face it, Sweetie Belle. We're all out of ideas. Maybe we should try again later'.

'Uhnnnn... where's Apple Bloom? She always has good ideas'.

'I think she's with Brisk Spark. Again'.

'Oh'.

'You okay, Sweetie Belle?'

Sweetie Belle disliked being reminded that Apple Bloom was going out with Brisk Spark, and had been for the past two months. Sweetie Belle saw Apple Bloom dating Brisk Spark as a constant reminder that Sweetie Belle was not like her friends, or any other ponies she knew for that matter. In fact, Sweetie Belle had only heard of one case like hers, and it had certainly left an impression. It had been a newspaper article, detailing the arrest and sentencing of a pony called 'Hoity Toity' and another male accomplice, for 'sexual deviancy' and 'transgressions of the natural law'. Rarity, Sweetie Belle had noticed, never spoke about Hoity Toity again, despite her previous idolization of the fashion star.

The message to Sweetie Belle had been clear. When she had first mentioned her feelings to Rarity all those years ago, she had been young and naive, but now, as she entered her teens, the importance of keeping her true self under wraps had become more and more evident. When Hoity Toity was arrested, Sweetie heard he had been partially lobotomized to change his orientation. Sweetie didn't know how effective these operations were in general, but in the case of Hoity Toity, it had landed him in a mental asylum for life.

That could have been me. Sweetie thought.

In addition, Hoity Toity had not received any support from the public, despite his previous status as a celebrity. People from all across Equestria, from other fashion stars, to Hoity Toity's close friends, even his own father had rushed to denounce Hoity Toity and support his sentence.

If Hoity Toity, millionaire superstar, was treated like that after being found out, Sweetie Belle could only imagine how people would treat her.

Moreover, Rarity had become more and more invasive over the years. Hardly a day went by when Rarity didn't ask Sweetie about the colts at her school, or mention how well Apple Bloom and Brisk Spark were getting along, yes, how lovely they were together. Sweetie saw right through all of these comments, of course, but she didn't dare tell Rarity that nothing had changed.

Faced with this enormous pressure to conform, Sweetie Belle had simply decided to fake it. She had selected a colt at school - Pipsqueak - and pretended to be interested in him. At first, she had pretended to be shy, and had used this as an excuse to avoid acting upon her supposed romantic interest, but it was becoming clearer over time that this facade was crumbling. Recently, Sweetie had been thinking of secretly setting Pipsqueak up with one of the fillies in her class, and then publicly pretending to be so distressed at this turn of events that she could not even think about other colts for - for - for a very long time.

Stupid plan, actually.

'Sweetie Belle? Can your hear me?'

Suddenly, Sweetie snapped back to reality. 'Oh, uh, yeah. Sorry Scoots, I was just plott- thinking'.

'Hmpf. Well, it looks like Apple Bloom isn't coming, after all. You wanna go do something, or-'

'Hey girls!'

'Apple Bloom! We've been waiting forever. What kept you?'

'Brisk Spark took me to the Bowling Alley. Ya wanna hear about it?'

Sweet Celestia, no, thought Sweetie Belle.

'Sure!' Piped up Scootaloo.

'All right, so first he asked me where I wanted to go, and I said...'

Sweetie Belle always hated hearing about Apple Bloom's dates. Not because they were boring, but because Apple Bloom always seemed so happy when talking about them. Sweetie Belle knew it was terrible of her, but she didn't like the idea of Apple Bloom being happy with anypony but her.

Did that make her a bad friend? Almost certainly. A good friend is supposed to want the best for their friend, for them to be happy, and Apple Bloom clearly was happy with Brisk Spark. Everypony else was right. Sweetie Belle was a freak. No, worse than that, she was a bad pony. She was evil. That was what you called ponies who lied to their sisters and wanted their friends to be unhappy, just so that they could have what they wanted.

Maybe she should ask for help. Sweetie knew there were treatments for ponies like her. She had spent hours in Ponyville library researching them. To her, it had become a twisted obsession, reading tome upon tome, sometimes late into the night, about cures, treatments and other forms of therapy for ponies who had once been like her.

But every time Sweetie Belle considered these treatments, she remembered what she had been told about Hoity Toity

...unable to walk properly....

...can't talk any more, they say. Just babbles about nonsense...

...can't even eat solids. They say he could choke...

It was these nightmarish visions that kept Sweetie from turning herself in, and also kept her awake at night. Try as she might, she simply was unable to fend off a mental image of herself, strapped to a chair, surrounded by doctors, being fed through a...

'Sweetie Belle? Are you.. crying?'

Furious at herself, Sweetie wiped the tears from her face, but the damage was done. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were both staring at their friend, looks of concern in their eyes.

'I'm fine. Sorry, I was just thinking about... uhh... Opalescence'.

Stupid, stupid, stupid excuse. No way they'll buy that.

'Opalescence? Sweetie Belle, she died two years ago. What are you really upset about? You can tell us'.

'Yeah!' Chimed in Scootaloo. 'What is it, Sweetie Belle?'

Sweetie Belle swallowed. 'Really?' She asked. 'You guys won't care? Won't tease me or anything?'

'Of course not, Sweetie.' Scootaloo responded, giving her a supportive smile. 'You're our friend. We would never do that'.

She was right, Sweetie Belle thought. They were her friends, and more than that, they were the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Nothing would ever change that.

'Girls... I think I'm...'

And then she saw it again. The same images. An operating table. Doctors. Knives. Cutting. Blood.

Of course Sweetie Belle couldn't tell them. Of course they would tease her, or hate her. She hadn't just done something wrong. She was wrong. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom wouldn't ever speak to her again. They might even tell the police, who would take her away and give her to the doctors...

How could she have been so foolish? She needed an escape plan, now.

'You're what, Sweetie Belle?'

'I think... I think I'm ugly'.

Genius.

'WHAT?' Scootaloo burst into laughter. 'Is that it?'

'Scootaloo!' Apple Bloom scolded her friend. She turned to Sweetie Belle and shook her head. 'Pay no attention to her. You're not ugly at all.'

'But how come you and Scoots have both got coltfriends, and I haven't?' Sweetie Belle whimpered, determined to take this as far as possible, to wipe away any doubt they two of them might have that she was holding anything back. 'All of the colts at school must think I'm ugly, that's why none of them ever asked me out'.

As a matter of fact, last Hearts and Hooves day, Sweetie had received eight separate love notes pushed into her locker, which she had promptly thrown in the dumpster behind school.

'Maybe they're just worried you're out of their league'. Apple Bloom coaxed. 'Hey, you're always talking about Pipsqueak. Maybe we could help you out?'

'Hey Scootaloo!' Apple Bloom called to the giggling Scootaloo. 'Cutie Mark Crusader Matchmakers, whaddya say?'

Too far, too far!

'NO!' Sweetie yelled.

Apple Bloom jumped, and took a step back. 'Whoa, calm down, Sweetie Belle. It was just a suggest-'

'I-I know.' Sweetie took a deep breath. 'Sorry. It's just - I would feel, like, super embarrassed if Pipsqueak knew how I felt'.

'Aww, don't worry Sweetie Belle,' Apple Bloom soothed. She leaned in and whispered 'After all, if Scootaloo can get a coltfriend, anypony can'.

'Pardon?'

'Nothing, Scoots'

Sweetie Belle smiled at Apple Bloom, who then resumed her ramble about her date with Brisk Spark.

Later that night, Sweetie Belle arrived at the library. Twilight turned to greet Sweetie as she walked in.

'Hey, Twilight'.

'Hey Sweetie Belle. Same as last time?'

'Yeah'.

'I must say, I'm impressed with how consistent you are with this research.'

Sweetie Belle had told Twilight she was coming to the library to research medicine, and that she aspired to become a doctor. Another lie. Sweetie wasn't sure she aspired to anything anymore.

'Well, I'll let you get to it'.

Sweetie Belle trudged up the stairs and looked for the sector labelled 'Medicine'. In truth, she had come here so many times she could get there blindfolded, but still she looked. She supposed it was easier to pretend she was new to this than to admit she had a problem.

Sweetie sat down in the nearest chair with Equestrian Psychosurgery and opened up the contents page. Sure enough, there it was : 'Sexual Disorders'. She scrolled down the list until she arrived at the category : 'Homosexual Disorder, page 227'.

The hours flew by, as Sweetie read first Equestrian Psychosurgery, then Equestrian Manual of Mental Disorders, both containing graphic and disturbing depictions of the operations performed on ponies like her. Sweetie Belle hated herself for doing this, for coming here, knowing she had a problem and doing nothing to fix it, even encouraging it by feeding it, but the simple truth was that she was unable to help herself. She craved to know more, no matter how much it hurt to know that this could one day be her.

The books hurt to read, but they strengthened her resolve. She could never tell anypony. Not the CMC, not Rarity, not her parents. Nopony. That was the only way to avoid featuring in one of these books. These books gave Sweetie the facts, about the world she lived in, and what it could do to her. Sure, ponies could be nice, but they could also be cruel.

As the sky darkened, Sweetie Belle replaced the book on the shelf and walked out of the library.

Part 1, Chapter 2 - Confidante

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Part 1, Chapter 3 - Answers

It was midday by the time Sweetie Belle returned to Fluttershy's home, carrying her full stack of photocopies. Although it had crossed her mind to leave some of the photocopies behind, she had decided against it. Sweetie Belle knew Fluttershy had a remarkable capacity to read other ponies like a book, and didn't want to risk losing the only person she could be honest with.

Fluttershy saw Sweetie Belle approaching out of her front window. As Sweetie Belle ran through the door, panting, Fluttershy took the full stack before Sweetie Belle had time to reconsider, and promptly threw them in the trash.

'Well done, Sweetie Belle'. Fluttershy waited patiently for the filly to catch her breath before she answered.

'N-no problem, Fluttershy'.

'Is that all of them?'

Sweetie Belle looked up at Fluttershy and nodded.

Fluttershy paused momentarily, and then indicated for Sweetie to sit down.

'So, do you want to talk now?'

Sweetie Belle nodded. Come to think of it, she knew very little about ponies like her. While Twilight had plenty of books on medicine and psychiatry, Sweetie wouldn't know where to look to find information on other ponies like her. Presumeably, Twilight didn't stock books on the subject.

'Fluttershy, is there anypony else in Ponyville who's... like me?'

Fluttershy shook her head. 'There's two mares - a couple - I know of, but I can't tell anypony. There could be more, but I wouldn't know - it's dangerous to ask questions like that.'

'Do you know anypony else in Ponyville who won't care that I'm a fillyfooler?'

Again, Fluttershy shook her head, though this time Sweetie noticed something else. Bitterness? 'None, apart from the two I mentioned. Again, I can't be sure, because nopony is open about it if they support it.'

Sweetie was beginning to get frustrated. 'Okay, who will care?'

Fluttershy laughed, but it was an empty laugh, devoid of any happiness. 'Pretty much everypony, Sweetie Belle. All of my friends, the Apples, the Mayor...'

'All of your friends? Even Pinkie Pie?'

Fluttershy nodded solemnly. Sweetie Belle was stunned, unable to imagine Pinkie Pie hating anypony. And the Apples... presumeably that meant Apple Bloom, too. Sweetie Belle felt her heart sink in her chest.

'What about Rainbow Da-'

This time when Fluttershy laughed, there was genuine amusement behind it. 'Yes, Sweetie Belle. Lots of ponies make assumptions about Dash, but I'm afraid they're not true.'

Sweetie Belle moaned and sunk her head into her hooves.

'Is there anypony outside of Ponyville?'

Fluttershy nodded. 'In Canterlot, there's a... group. Called "Coltcuddlers and Fillyfoolers Action Lobby". But they're an illegal organisation, so you won't find it in Canterlot unless you go looking for it, and you certainly won't find it in Ponyville'.

'What do they do then? What's the point of an organisation that can't even campaign in public?'

'I'm sorry, Sweetie, but I don't really know. As far as I understand, they exist to publicize the existence of coltcuddlers and fillyfoolers in Equestia. After all, if people know they exist, they can't just ignore them.'

'What's it like outside Equestria? Like in the Griffon Kingdom?'

'Much worse. In Equestria, you can be operated on to change your personality, or just sent to a psychiatrist and imprisoned for milder cases, but the Griffons usually use the death penalty. The only place where it's legal is in the Crystal Empire, but only for crystal ponies.'

'Only for crystal ponies? Why?'

'To maintain good relationships with their neighbors, non-crystal ponies and griffons are usually sent back to their respective countries to stand trial. When the Crystal Empire first liberalized, it became a haven for coltcuddlers and fillyfoolers all across the land, and they restricted the right to crystal ponies, so they didn't gather a negative reputation for it.'

Sweetie Belle's vague plans to emigrate to the Crystal Empire crumbled to dust.

'Why is it illegal, Fluttershy?'

'I'm sorry, Sweetie Belle, but there's no good reason. It's just always been that way. If anything, its better today than it was upon the founding of Equestria. Back then, they used the death penalty, although I suppose that's not much better than what they do today.'

'So it got better for us once? Could it get better again?'

'Maybe, but I doubt we'll live to see that day. It took Equestria hundreds of years to stop executing coltcuddlers and fillyfoolers, and when they did, there were riots. It's a very sensitive issues for most ponies - when the Crystal Empire changed their laws, lots of ponies pressured the Princesses to invade. In fact, most ponies today think we would have, had they not limited the freedom to crystal ponies.'

'Why is it such a sensitive issue, Fluttershy?'

'Because it's the way we've done things since our foundation. Most ponies see "upholding tradition" as the mark of a civilized society. That's why most of the laws currently in place have been with us since Equestria's founding - even though most of them are archaic, ponies will still defend them to a fault.'

'What archaic laws?'

'Prohibition on intermixing, for one. Ponies who fall in love with griffons or crystal ponies are barred from "expressing" their love, usually on pain of death. Same goes for the Griffon Kingdom and the Crystal Empire.'

'I thought the Crystal Empire didn't care about things like that?'

'Not at all. Most crystal ponies see themselves as as superior to other races, hence the ban on intermixing'.

'Superior? But they're ruled by non-crystal ponies!'

Fluttershy nodded. 'That's because they're not actually an independent nation. They're under Equestrian control, but because they're a different race to us, we let them make their own laws, to an extent. But they're still governed by an Equestrian Princess - in this case, Princess Cadence.'

'So Princess Cadence wasn't responsible for homosexuality being legal there?'

'No. If she had her way, the laws would still be in place.'

'Why is intermixing banned in Equestria?'

'Once again, there is no real reason - it's just a rule we've had since day one. Griffons are pretty badly treated in Equestria, usually barred from owning land or businesses, and they're not allowed to become full Equestrian citizens. Crystal ponies have it better, but not by much.'

'Really? Nopony seemed to care when Gilda showed up. In fact, everypony was really nice to her, throwing her a party and everything.'

'Only because Rainbow Dash knew her. Everypony likes Rainbow Dash, so we were all nice to Gilda. Remember how rude she was? She was so used to ponies mistreating her that she never wanted to spend time with anypony but Dash, because she trusted her.'

Sweetie Belle sat back in her chair, having heard enough. Fluttershy looked at the clock, suddenly realizing how long they had been talking for.

'Sweetie Belle, you're going to have to leave now, or else you'll be late home.'

'What?' Sweetie Belle turned to check the time. 'Oh no. Fluttershy, I have to go. I promised my parents I'd be home early - they're gonna think I've been at the library again!'

Fluttershy nodded. 'Okay, Sweetie Belle. Take care and...'

Sweetie Belle turned to face Fluttershy, halfway out the front door.

'... come by anytime you want to talk, okay?'

'Okay, Fluttershy. Thanks.'

Sweetie Belle paused, as a sudden thought struck her.

'Fluttershy, the couple you mentioned earlier - why did they tell you?'

Fluttershy smiled. 'They didn't. They haven't told anypony - they're just bad at hiding it'.

Author's Note

Not much happens in this chapter, but I felt the universe I was writing about seemed a little bare, and so instead of explain the lore of the universe in dribs and drabs I decided to use this opportunity to lay out my headcanon, and as a consequence not much happens in this chapter. This lore is going to be used throughout the story, so I hope you took notes :scootangel:

The story will resume next chapter!

Another thing I thought I should clarify: Sweetie Belle is entering her teens in this phase of her life, making her around 13-14 in human years.

Part 1, Chapter 4 - Questions

The sky darkened and the moon rose as Sweetie Belle sped back to her home.

'Oh, no...'

Sweetie Belle arrived home to see all the lights on. And if she squinted, she could make out the silhouette of her parents in the hallway.

Slowing to a trot, Sweetie Belle arrived at the door to her home and slunk in. Immediately she heard her father:

'Late again, Sweetie Belle? And the day after we told you to stop these library visits! What is wrong with you?'

'I'm so sorry dad, but I swear-'

'Sweetie, don't interrupt! We are sick and tired of this behavior, and if you aren't willing to do anything about it, we are going to seriously think about-'

'Dad, please, I wasn't-'

'Sweetie, I already told you to be quiet! We only what what is best for you, and-'

'SHUT UP!'

Magnum faltered, shocked at this uncharacteristic display of belligerence from his daughter, a normally quiet and soft-spoken pony. His wife, however, was not so perturbed;

'Sweetie Belle, how dare you talk to your father like that!'

'Ahh.. Um, yes, Sweetie Belle! Apologize!'

Sweetie hung her head, feeling the fight drain out of her. 'Sorry, dad.'

Magnum took a few moments to recompose himself, and then continued with his lecture. 'Sweetie Belle, we have told you before to stop being so antisocial, and to not stay out late at the library. Explain yourself!'

'Dad, I swear I wasn't at the library. I was with Fluttershy, because...'

The silence hung in the air, as Sweetie Belle tried to come up with a valid reason for staying late at Fluttershy's house.

Eventually, Magnum spoke up again. 'Sweetie Belle, don't insult my intelligence. I don't believe you were at Fluttershy's house, but this is a conversation we can have another time. We want to talk to you about something else.'

Sweetie Belle felt her heart sink, recognizing the tone in her father's voice. Whenever Sweetie Belle heard that tone, it meant Trouble. Not just regular trouble, such as failing a test, but BIG trouble. Trouble with a capital T.

'Sweetie Belle, when you were out today, we went into your room-'

'What?' Sweetie Belle shrieked, rapidly feeling terror rise up inside her, bolting her to the spot and seizing her throat. Her father spoke, but she could not hear him over the pounding of her heart. They know, they know, they know! Come to think of it, her stack of photocopies had seemed rather slim when the went to deliver it to Fluttershy...

'Sweetie Belle? Are you paying attention? I said don't shout at me like that!'

Sweetie Belle felt her blood boil, fear swiftly replaced by boiling hatred. How dare they pry into her personal affairs? What gave them that right? Sweetie Belle's fury was only amplified by the knowledge that if they had searched her room one day later, they would have found nothing. This wasn't just an invasion of privacy for Sweetie Belle - it was a cruel way to impede her attempt to change her life around.

'Sweetie Belle? Pay attention! Now, while we were there, we found some... photocopies. I tried to go and get the rest, but they were gone, so don't play the fool here - you must have known I found them, or you wouldn't have disposed of the rest. Goodness knows how you knew - I only hope you haven't read them so many times you recall each and every single one.'

'Sweetie Belle,' her mother cut in. 'We know these photocopies are from the library. Don't try and deny it.'

'Yes, dear. In any case, Sweetie Belle, we want you to know that we are deeply concerned. These photocopies are just.. morbid. The ones I took are all about a lobotomy performed on some pervert' - Sweetie Belle flinched - 'and I can only assume the others were equally disturbing. What are you doing with these, Sweetie Belle? Do you enjoy reading all about these poor ponies? What is wrong with you?'

'N-no, dad, I swear, it's all for my resea-'

'DON'T LIE TO ME, SWEETIE BELLE!'

Sweetie Belle collapsed backwards. Her father had always been one of the quietest, gentlest ponies she had ever known. His outburst just then had been completely out of character. Sweetie got up on her feet, shaking violently, feeling the combination of terror and hopelessness taking her.

'I-I-I...'

Sweetie Belle could bear it no longer, and collapsed, weeping. Her father looked away in pity, as his wife rushed over to comfort the filly.

'I'm s-s-sorry...'

'Shh... Sweetie Belle, it's okay...'

An hour later, Sweetie Belle was sat across the table from her parents. Her brief outburst had earned her fifteen minutes solace before she was called back to talk to her parents.

Magnum was the first to speak. 'Sweetie, both of us are tired and very stressed, and we want this resolved just as much as you do, but we want to know what these pictures are doing under your bed.'

Sweetie gave no response, simply shrugged her shoulders. 'I can't tell you, dad. I'm sorry.'

Sweetie saw her father's face fill with the same look of anger, but before he could start, her mother cut across the table.

'Sweetie Belle, you can tell us anything. No matter what's going on, we will help you out of it'.

Sweetie Belle considered this offer. She did, after all, have a problem, and her parents, she knew, loved her and would do whatever it took to help her.

Then, Sweetie Belle flicked her eyes towards the photocopies laid out on the table, and remembered why she kept the photocopies in the first place. She needed help like she needed a hole in her head. Literally.

'You won't be able to help me.'

'Well then, I'm decided'. Magnum used a brisk, businesslike tone. 'Sweetie Belle, if you will not tell us what is going on, we will schedule a meeting with a psychiatrist for you every week. Perhaps you will be more open with him than you are with your own parents.'

'Until this dispute is solved, you are no longer allowed to leave home, except for school or an emergency. You also are no longer allowed to play with your friends - they are not allowed inside this house. This is for your own good, Sweetie Belle.'

Magnum got no further than this, because Sweetie Belle interrupted him. Not with an objection or even to curse him, just a roar of pure hatred and resentment. Magnum, who had never dreamed his daughter would be capable of producing such a deep sound, turned to face Sweetie Belle.

'Sweetie, control yourself!'

'NO! Why are you doing this?' Sweetie cried. 'Why can't you leave me alone?'

'Sweetie Belle, I can't just "leave you alone". It is my responsibility-'

'To do what? To pry into my stuff? I have a life, you know! If I wanted you to know about something, I would have told you in the first fucking place!'

'Sweetie Belle, watch your tongue! I understand you're upset, but we are both very concerned about you!'

'No you're not! You don't care about me, you don't love me, because you don't even know anything about me! You... you think I'm broken, right? That's why you want to set me up with a psychiatrist, because you want to fix me!'

'But you can't! I can't change!'

'Change what? Sweetie Belle, I don't understand-'

'I KNOW!' Sweetie Belle had never been so angry in her life. 'I know you don't understand, because if you did, you'd disown me! You'd send me away to doctors, and they'd cut out my brain!'

'Sweetie, that is such a ridiculous-'

Sweetie Belle saw her father's eyes slide to the photocopy on the table. When he looked back at her, she saw the faintest inkling of understanding. He knows, Sweetie thought, but he doesn't accept.

Sweetie's mother, however, did not make the same connection, and scoffed at her daughter. 'Sweetie Belle, nopony is going to cut out your brain! Now, there is nothing left to discuss here, so march yourself straight upstairs and go to bed!'

Sweetie screamed one final time, threw her chair to the floor, and galloped up the stairs. The dust on the table jumped up a few inches as she slammed her room's door.

'My, my.' Cookie Crumbles sat down next to her husband. 'I'm sure she'll get over it darling. Darling? What's wrong?'

Magnum gave his wife a weak smile. 'Nothing, it's just - a shock, to see Sweetie Belle like that. I think I need to - arrange the psychiatrist.'

Magnum waited for his wife to leave, and then flipped through the telephone directory. Sure enough, there was the number he had prepared to call - Dr Mind Warp, foal psychiatrist. Given Sweetie Belle's more recent outburst, though, a different number might be needed.

Should he tell his wife? No. This was a... probing measure. To see if his suspicions were correct. This would be between him and Sweetie Belle.

He finally arrived at the number he had been looking for, and punched it into the dial pad. Hopefully, this was all a big fuss about nothing.

'You've reached Dr Comet Spark, orientation conversion therapist. This is a secure, confidential line. To whom am I speaking?'

Part 1, Chapter 5 - Therapy

Author's Note

Notice: This chapter contains depiction of electroconvulsive therapy, a method of 'curing homosexuality' still practiced in some places today. This chapter is also much darker than the previous ones, and ends on a much bleaker note. Just saying.

Part 1, Chapter 5 - Therapy

Sweetie slept fitfully that night, her dreams disturbed by the same recurring images of doctors and their butcher knives, only now they seemed so much realer, so much more vivid than before. Sweetie saw the whole spectacle as from her own perspective, helpless and afraid as the doctors shined harsh lights on her, shaved her head and made the first of many painful, slow incisions...

Sweetie Belle awoke with a start. She glanced at the clock by her bed - 4:13 AM. This was the third time she had awoken from the same nightmare, each time with more and more gruesome detail. Sweetie knew she should get more sleep, but she knew what would happen if she did.

Instead, Sweetie cast her thoughts back to the argument she had been in yesterday with her father. Now, all these hours later, she felt stupid for letting her emotion get the better of her. Sweetie Belle was unsure if her mother had picked up on the message behind the outburst, but her father definitely had. Sweetie knew it was pointless to pretend otherwise.

What would happen now? Would her father send her away? Sweetie Belle honestly wasn't sure. She suspected her father wouldn't go that far, but then again...

Sweetie Belle knew what would happen if she was sent away to be 'cured'. She absolutely could not let that happen. She needed to be able to leave home, at any given time.

Standing on tiptoes, so as not to make a noise, Sweetie climbed out of bed and began to gather some of her possessions. She emptied her piggy bank - 34 bits - and gathered other things she couldn't do without. All of these were packed away neatly inside one of her saddlebags, and hidden away in her closet.

That bag comes out when I do.

Feeling more secure in the knowledge she had a back-up plan, Sweetie Belle considered other paths her father could choose. He would almost certainly uphold his vow to keep her locked up inside, though it now seemed there was no end in sight for her confinement. Sweetie Belle momentarily considered leaving now. It would be simple, just grab the saddlebags and run out the door, and...

And then what? Sweetie Belle had nowhere to go, at least, nowhere permanent. She couldn't go stay with Apple Bloom, because Applejack wouldn't allow it - in fact, Applejack had started this whole conflict by telling her parents about her crying when...

No, that wasn't true. This whole mess was Sweetie Belle's fault, and she knew it. If she had just kept her temper last night, then she wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. Applejack was just doing what she thought was right.

Sweetie Belle considered her other options. Scootaloo lived in Ponyville orphanage, so that was out. Fluttershy? Sweetie Belle gave this prospect serious thought. Fluttershy had, after all, shown her kindness and understanding. Perhaps she could live with her, maybe help her with the animals.

On the other hand, when the police came looking for a fillyfooler runaway, the first place they'd look would be Fluttershy's home - after all, Fluttershy was willing to discuss her support for gay rights with Sweetie Belle, so it wasn't unreasonable to assume Fluttershy was known for her liberal views. Sweetie Belle knew Fluttershy had strong resolve, but when she was being interrogated by two burly police ponies, Sweetie Belle didn't think she'd last ten seconds.

If Sweetie Belle was going to run away, she needed to think of somewhere outside Ponyville. Canterlot? Impossible, too much security. Sweetie Belle would be jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. Another large city would suit her - Manehattan, perhaps. Sweetie didn't like the idea of being alone in Manehattan, but surely anything was better than having part of her brain removed. Manehattan was big, too, so nopony would be able to find her there.

She could get there by train in a matter of hours, and disappear. But where would she stay? She didn't have enough money to afford a place to stay long-term, or even for one night. Sweetie would end up sleeping rough, and Sweetie Belle knew enough about the world to figure out that a homeless filly in a big city like Manehattan was unlikely to last long.

As Sweetie Belle considered this grim prospect, she remembered her father's vow to bring in a psychologist. Sweetie Belle had heard about therapy to treat fillies like her, but had passed it off as pseudoscience - if there really was a way of fixing ponies like that, then there would be no need for lobotomies. Still, it was possible her father believed in this theory. Perhaps he would simply schedule her a psychologist, and leave it at that?

If so, Sweetie had nothing to worry about. All she had to do was appear to respond to treatment, and convince other ponies she had changed. Of course, putting this plan in action would take time. She could not pretend to be miraculously cured after one session, or her father would see right through her. She would also have to put on a show for her therapist, or else her father would not be convinced. Could Sweetie Belle pull off a good enough performance to fool a therapist? Possibly.

Sweetie Belle checked her clock. 5:43 AM. If she fell asleep now, she'd still have just over an hour's rest before she had to leave for school...

Sweetie Belle slowly rose and stretched. Hazily, she focused her eyes on the clock in front of her. 11:43 AM.

'Oh nononononononono....'

Sweetie Belle quickly stood up, and, feeling the blood rush to her head, quickly fell over. Recovering, she clattered downstairs to see her father calmly sitting at the kitchen table. Sweetie noticed he did not seem surprised to see her - in fact, he smiled when he saw her come downstairs, as if her had been expecting her.

'Ah, Sweetie Belle. Why don't you sit down?'

'Dad, are you mad? I'm late for school, Cheerilee's gonna kill me-'

'Miss Cheerliee, Sweetie Belle. Anyway, I thought you should stay home today. I think we should have a chat, after yesterday's... excitement.'

Sweetie Belle cautiously sat down next to her father. She waited for the next words to fall from his lips, preparing to rush upstairs and grab her saddlebag if necessary.

'Sweetie Belle, what we're about to discuss has not been mentioned to your mother, and I think we should keep it that way, yes?'

Sweetie said nothing, but nodded affirmatively. Privately, she was not surprised to hear her father didn't have the guts to tell her mother, but she still said nothing.

'Good. Now Sweetie, I'm not stupid. I know exactly what I heard last night, and now your abnormal behavior, the secrecy, it all makes sense to me. I think last night was a cry for help from you.'

Sweetie said nothing.

'Sweetie Belle, you are in a... difficult stage of your life. Sometimes, there's a lot of confusion among fillies your age, and I only want to make this part of your life easier for you. Do you understand?'

Start by butting out of it, Sweetie thought. On the outside, she nodded.

'Well then, I think you should know that I have scheduled a therapist for you. His name is Comet Spark, and he specializes in young ponies like you who have... abnormal thoughts. From now on, you will meet with him every week, and he will help you turn your life around. Understood?'

Sweetie Belle nodded, emotionless on the outside but bubbling with happiness on the inside. All she had to do was fool her father and some old therapist, and she would be free. Sweetie's only concern was how long it might take. She presumed 'therapy' would be her talking about her 'feelings' and whatnot, but she wasn't sure how much therapy would be required until she was 'cured'. Would she be expected to continue when she was older?

'Well Sweetie Belle, it's good to see you're being mature about this. The therapist starts today - he said he would arrive around 12, so I'll leave you two to get on with it.'

Sweetie Belle heard her father leave through the front door, then went to prepare herself breakfast. Something about the name of the therapist struck her as notable, and she recognized what it was - Brisk Spark and Comet Spark shared the same last name. Were they related? Perhaps, but Sweetie Belle did not think much of it. After all, she barely knew Brisk Spark. In fact, she suspected Brisk Spark had been avoiding her after she turned down his offer of a date. Of course, that had been before Brisk Spark started dating Apple Bloom...

A sudden knock at the door brought Sweetie Belle back to reality. Opening the door, she was greeted by a young stallion, with a brown coat and grey hair. Perched upon his snout were a set of thick, 'hipster-style' glasses, and he carried a bulging saddlebag.

'Sweetie Belle? My name is Comet Spark. Your father said you'd be home. Is there anypony else here?'

'Uh, No.' Sweetie Belle was slightly taken aback by the appearance of Comet Spark. In her mind, she had pictured an old, foul-tempered stallion, and she was surprised at how... normal he seemed.

'Come on in, I guess.'

'Thank you, Sweetie Belle. I am very anxious to get started...'

Sweetie Belle watched as Comet Spark set up a large projector in her living room, and placed two tapes next to it. Comet Spark indicated for her to sit in the centre of the room, facing the projector, which she did with a sense of dread.

'Okay, Sweetie Belle, one last thing. I know it look a liiiiittle' scary, but I must ask you to wear this.'

Sweetie watched as Comet Spark produced a piece of headgear she could not have dreamed up in her worst nightmares. It had a long, metal pole designed to bolt into the ground, keeping the head in place, and two metal clamps around the eye sockets.

'No way.'

'Sweetie Belle, don't make this difficult for me now. If you don't cooperate, this will only take longer. I promise, it doesn't hurt.'

Sweetie was about to tell Comet Spark exactly what he could do with his torture device, but realized it was futile. The more she resisted, after all, the longer she would be stuck in therapy.

The fitting of the headgear was relatively simple, and Sweetie Belle was surprised to see that there was indeed no pain, unless she attempted to close her eyes. She was also rooted to the spot, unable to move, staring at the projector. It suddenly occurred to Sweetie Belle that she had no way of knowing who this pony was - she had not validated his identity, and allowed him to strap her down in her own living room.

And you want to live in Manehattan, Sweetie Belle?

Comet Spark fumbled with her horn, attaching two small pads. Sweetie Belle had no idea what they were for - to measure magical energy?

'Okay, Sweetie Belle, tell me if you feel this.'

Suddenly, Sweetie Belle felt her horn split in two, sending burning channels of pain throughout her own body. Despite her agony, she was unable to emit the ear-splitting shriek she would normally have given off in response to such pain. Indeed, she had lost control of all of her bodily functions, and felt her head loll sideways and foam pour out of her mouth.

And then, as quickly as it had started, the pain was gone. Sweetie Belle spat out the foam in her mouth, feeling humiliated. She turned to face Comet Spark. 'What the fu-'

'Sweetie Belle, please'. Sweetie Belle resented being silenced in this fashion, but stopped anyway.

'Sweetie Belle, this is not going to be like regular therapy. I cannot cure you just by talking things over with you. What we are practicing now is called electroconvulsive aversion therapy. Now, I am going to show you two videos, ten seconds of one video and ten seconds of another. When I am showing one video, I am going to turn off the electrodes. When I show the other, they will be on. Understand?'

Sweetie Belle had a suspicion she knew what types of 'video' these were, and frantically shook her head. 'I don't care, I quit! I'm not doing this anymore, I don't want to-'

'Sweetie Belle, this is not your decision. Your father gave me permission to perform this therapy, and legally speaking that's all I need. Are you ready to begin?'

Not even waiting for an answer, the Comet Spark started the first tape.

As Sweetie Belle had expected, it was a pornographic video of a mare and a stallion, causing Sweetie Belle to flush crimson despite herself. In truth, Sweetie had never been more repulsed at anything in her life. It wasn't just the contents of the video, which, while disgusting on their own, were tolerable. It was the fact that she was being shown them against her will, by a strange stallion she had never met before. Her father had agreed to this?

Soon, the tape switched, and Sweetie heard the buzzing of electrodes and the return of the pain. Sweetie was slightly more prepared this time, but still found herself immobile and unable to move. The pain was exquisite, unlike anything she had ever experienced. Through her agony, she could make out the tape, another pornographic film, this time featuring two mares. Sweetie Belle assumed this 'therapy' was meant to make her associate pain with arousal, but there was nothing arousing about the film before her. Sweetie Belle could clearly see the two mares on the screen were loathing every single second of the experience.

Once again, the tape switched and the pain stopped. Sweetie Belle stiffed again, and spat out the foam that had collected in her mouth. The first film had resumed, and Sweetie Belle saw, once again, the same look in the mare's eyes. Even worse was the look in the stallion's eyes, a look a pony might give a choice piece of meat.

Once again, the tape switched, reigniting the electrodes and causing Sweetie Belle to seize up. Again, Sweetie Belle saw the haunted looks in the eyes of the two mares. Sweetie Belle could only assume they were being paid to do this. Sweetie Belle could not imagine being this desperate for cash - in the same position, she would rather go without. However, the deep red tracks Sweetie could make out - which ran along the foreleg of one of the mares - made her suspect 'going without' was not an option for this mare.

Once again the tape switched...

Sweetie Belle lost track of the passage of time sometime during the 'therapy'. Eventually, however, the tapes came to their grotesque conclusion (especially the one involving the mare and the stallion) and Sweetie was released.

Initially, she had planned to throw herself upon Comet Spark and pummel him, but all of her energy had been sapped. She could do little to resist when Comet Spark lifted her up and placed her on a nearby sofa, and she fell asleep almost instantaneously.

Sweetie Belle woke up some time later. The clock in the kitchen read 3:43 PM. She had no idea how long the session had lasted, but she would reliably estimate an hour. Her eyes were puffy and red from being held open for so long, and she realized she had vomited violently, both during the 'therapy', and also in her sleep.

Sweetie Belle felt like the biggest fool in Equestria. She had expected to run hoops around Comet Sparks, simply feeding him lies about her emotions and feelings. She wasn't sure she could take a single session more.

Of course, she could just leave. Grab her saddlebags, leave a note, slip off to Manehattan, and never come back.

Yeah, sure Sweetie Belle. You run off to Manehattan, and you'll be starring in one of those films for food in a matter of months.

Sweetie Belle contemplated, for the very first time, how very disadvantaged her position was. She couldn't run away, she couldn't stop her therapy - her father would simply force her to go - and she couldn't lie about completing her therapy when one more session would drive her insane.

Sweetie Belle wanted to scream, but she simply didn't have the energy. Instead, she picked herself up and went to the kitchen. Collecting a damp rag and a bowl, she began to clean up after herself.

Part 1, Chapter 6 - Escape

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Part 2, Chapter 1 - Fillydelphia

'Sugar Note! Get out here and help me!'

Sugar Note rolled her eyes. Amethyst Charm, her partner for nearly a year now, had been in a foul mood since this morning. In the lead up to their one year anniversary, they had decided to finally move in together, and both of them were setting up in a new apartment. At first, Amethyst had been concerned moving in together would arouse suspicions, but Sugar Note had finally managed to convince her.

In fact, Sugar Note was secretly delighted they had moved in together. She knew Amethyst was the pony she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, and this was the first major step towards that. Of course, she also knew they could keep no secrets from one another. And Sugar Note had secrets - in fact, she had a whole life full of them. Sugar Note knew Amethyst Charm wasn't stupid, that she must have twigged Sugar Note was keeping something back, but as always, Amethyst had been polite and not tried to pry into her personal life, or her past.

But now, the game had to end. Amethyst and Sugar Note were approaching their one year anniversary, and Sugar Note wanted to tell her the truth. The truth, of course, being that Sugar Note didn't actually exist.

'Sugar Note' was the name Sweetie Belle had first chosen as - of all things - a stage name. When she had met Amethyst, she had been using the name to ensure nopony ever figured out who she really was. Over the years, the little runaway foal called Sweetie Belle had grown to become Sugar Note, confident and headstrong. She had changed her appearance too, her mane cut short and dyed purple, and her voice had changed considerably over the years, adopting the regional accent. She had also got her cutie mark, a single black musical note. Now there was a story. Today, she was unrecognizable as that small filly she had once been.

'Sugar Note! Help me with these bags, would you?'

'Coming!'

Three hours later, they were finished. Sweetie Belle gazed around the new apartment. While it was no palace, it was a place of their own, and considering the place they had both come from, this was a major achievement for both of them. Of course, neither of them could have done it without each other.

Amethyst Charm, a lilac unicorn with a platinum blonde mane, had first met Sweetie Belle at one of Fillydelphia's few gay-friendly bars. Soon after discovering her talent for music, Sweetie had begun to perform around Fillydelphia to make ends meet. She soon gathered a reputation among the Fillydelphia gay community, so work was always to be found. To Sweetie Belle, it was a dream job; the opportunity to practice and spread music, and to meet like minded ponies, ponies who wouldn't judge her, who would accept and return her affections.

And thus she met Amethyst Charm. Normally Sweetie Belle was wary of especially friendly mares - lots of stories circulated about police sting operations targeting fillyfoolers and coltcuddlers, but Sweetie Belle believed in giving everypony a chance.

As it turned out, Amethyst Charm was the most wonderful mare Sweetie had ever met. Kind and sympathetic, but never unwilling to stand up for herself and Sweetie Belle, their relationship had blossomed. Sweetie Belle had never once imagined she would find a mare to share her life with, much less find one who wanted the same thing from her.

Just like Sweetie Belle, Amethyst had ended up homeless as a filly, abandoned by her family. Unable to afford therapy and unwilling to let their daughter be taken away, but still unable to face the prospect of a fillyfooler daughter, her family had sold their home and left Fillydelphia, leaving Amethyst behind. Amethyst was older than Sweetie Belle when this happened - in fact, she was entering adulthood, but she still ended up homeless. Sweetie Belle didn't know what had happened to Amethyst in between her family abandoning her and her meeting Sweetie Belle for the first time, apart from the fact that Amethyst had begun working as a jeweler. Presumably, Amethyst would tell Sweetie Belle when she was ready.

'So, you were gonna tell me something, Sugar Note?'

Sweetie Belle snapped back to attention. Of course. How should she start?

'Amethyst, you know I love you, right?'

'Uh-huh'.

'And you love me... right?'

'Of course'.

'Ok. Listen... My name isn't actually Sugar Note. It's Sweetie Belle'.

Sweetie saw Amethyst's face go from curiosity to shock, and from shock to anger.

'What?'

'I know, and I'm sorry. I had a good reason, though-'

Amethyst held up a hoof. 'Suga- Sweetie Belle. I've known you for nearly a year now, and I don't care what you're called. As long as you're the mare I remember, whatever your real name is doesn't matter. But I still gotta ask: What. The. Fuck?'

'Amethyst, I had a good reason.'

'What good reason?'

Sweetie Belle shook her head. 'Amethyst, have you heard the name "Sweetie Belle" before?'

Amethyst shook her head. 'I don't think so. What, are you running from the cops?'

'Kind of. Not for doing anything wrong, just- you know. They found out about me, and I had to ditch it and... Well, it'll take a while to get you up to speed on everything, so-'

Amethyst sank into her chair. 'I wanna hear everything, Sugar Belle. Or Sweetie Belle. Whatever'.

Sweetie Belle had been expecting an inquisition, but she wasn't sure she was ready to share every aspect of her life with Amethyst. As far as she was concerned, some parts of her life were better left forgotten. Of course, the past has a nasty way of following ponies around. Perhaps it would be better to just be honest.

'Well, we're gonna be here a while if you wanna hear everything'.

Amethyst sank yet deeper into her chair, and propped a pillow behind her head. 'I'm all ears'.

Sweetie Belle awoke the next morning, relieved to discover she had been left alone during the night. The sun was rising over Fillydelphia, reflecting simultaneously off the millions of panes of glass in the skyscrapers far in the distance. Momentarily, Sweetie Belle was struck by their beauty. Then she felt a crack and jumped up in pain.

Sweetie now saw what had woken her up - a large stallion with a broom had come out of the fast-food joint next to where she was sleeping, and was attempting to drive her off.

'You, get outta my property! I'm tired of you fuckin' rats thinking you got the right to sleep wherever you want!'

Sweetie Belle jumped to her hooves and ran onto the pavement. Heart pounding, she turned to face the pony that had attacked her, but he had already gone back inside.

Sweetie Belle was famished, realizing she hadn't eaten since breakfast yesterday. Food was hardly in scarce supply in Fillydelphia, but Sweetie Belle wasn't sure how much money she had. She had emptied out her piggy bank before coming, though.

Sweetie Belle hastily rummaged through her saddlebag. Mercifully, nopony had gone through it while she was asleep. Sure enough, the 34 bits she had taken with her were still in the backpack. It wasn't much, but it would buy breakfast, at least.

Where should she go? It only now occurred to Sweetie Belle that she was utterly lost in Fillydelphia, a truly gargantuan city. She considered asking a pony on the street, but noticed most ponies who were up at this hour were giving her a wide berth. She doubted any of them would let her get close.

In truth, Sweetie felt and looked a mess. While the bruises and other wounds would fade, a night spend on Fillydelphia's streets certainly hadn't done her personal hygiene any good. She could feel an itch buzzing its way around her body, causing her to pause intermittently and scratch. Sweetie knew she likely had lice, but she could deal with that problem later. Right now she needed to find somewhere to eat. Easy enough. She also needed to find someplace willing to serve her. Less easy.

In fact, Sweetie Belle was only searching for ten minutes before she came across a stand selling fast food. Stomach rumbling, she approached, taking care to avoid scratching, so as not to give the game away.

The stallion at the stall was unimpressed. 'Beat it'.

Sweetie Belle decided to press on. 'Can I have a oatburger? Uh, please?'

'This isn't a charity, kid. Either you pay, or you get nothing'.

'How much?'

The stallion jerked his hoof in the direction of the prices. Oatburger: 10 bits.

Sweetie Belle rummaged around in her saddlebag, removing ten bits and placing them on the counter. The Stallion raised his eyebrows when he saw the amount of bits Sweetie Belle was carrying around, but said nothing, instead retrieving an oatburger with bun.

The filly was clearly inexperienced, being so naive as to flash her pile of bits to everyone who might be passing. In some ways, she reminded him of his own daughter, and it was this connection that caused him to speak up.

'Don't go round flashing your bit stash to everypony who walks by. Most ponies expect rats like you to be bitless. If you let everypony know what you've got, you're going to be an easy target'.

He turned and thrust the oatburger into Sweetie Belle's hooves. The filly hesitated, seemingly unsure what to do next.

The stallion sighed audibly. 'Buy something else, or piss off'.

Sweetie Belle wandered for a while after that, finally stopping underneath a bridge. What was she going to do next? The prospect of spending another night in an alley did not seem particularly inviting - Sweetie Belle had been lucky last night, but she was unlikely to be lucky again. She would most likely wake up to find her saddlebags missing, or worse, not wake up at all.

Sweetie Belle felt cold, empty and frightened. Worse of all, she felt alone. She didn't know anypony in Fillydelphia, so she couldn't rely on other ponies for assistance.

Her best course of action, she decided, would be to stay awake for the night, and sleep during the day. Sweetie Belle knew from yesterday that ponies at night posed a bigger threat than ponies during the daytime, so it made sense to keep herself awake and alert at night.

Of course, that meant she now needed to find somewhere to sleep, somewhere where she was out of everypony's way. She looked around at the bridge she had stopped under. It would keep her dry, and there were plenty of doorways along it she could sleep in. At least she wouldn't be disturbed by anypony trying to kick her out.

Sweetie Belle didn't realize how tired she was until she laid down. Her situation could certainly improve - Sweetie had no blanket to cover her, and she could not stop scratching - patches of her coat were starting to thin, and Sweetie knew they were likely to fall out if she didn't wash. But she had at least come up with a working plan. Sweetie shut her eyes and tried her hardest to forget about her situation. She thought instead of Ponyville, of her friends and the life she had escaped from. Maybe this wasn't so bad, in perspective...

'You think she's still asleep?'

'Sure, just do it!'

Sweetie Belle awoke, but kept her eyes shut, not daring to move. Opening her eyes a fraction, she saw a pony stooped over, rummaging through her saddlebag. Next the the pony searching her bag, she could make out another pony, who appeared to be keeping guard.

Sweetie Belle opened her eyes a little more, and was able to make out the shape of two fillies, both of them emaciated and frail . Sweetie Belle knew there were two of them, but she had the element of surprise and doubtless more strength and stamina. It was these factors, combined with her utmost rage at being victimized, that drove her to strike.

Sweetie Belle coiled herself up, and sprung at the nearest filly. She had expected to feel the filly standing guard hit her from behind, but it didn't happen. Sweetie Belle was unsure what to do, so she simply struck the thief on the nose, feeling a sickening crunch as the filly shrieked and fell over backwards.

Sweetie Belle spun around, but couldn't see the guard anywhere. Clearly, she had fled the moment Sweetie Belle moved.

Her momentary distraction was enough. Sweetie Belle was knocked off her hooves as the filly she had knocked over tacked her. Both fillies went sprawling. Sweetie Belle picked herself up much faster than the other filly, and before she could react, Sweetie Belle was upon her, raining down blow after blow, until the filly curled up and stopped struggling.

Panting, Sweetie turned to check her bag. Sure enough, about half of her bits were missing.

Snarling, she rounded on the filly she had hit. 'Where are my bits?'

'Ober dere, ober dere!' The terrified filly's voice was muffled from the blood coming out of her nose.

Keeping her eyes on the filly, Sweetie Belle turned and saw a pair of saddlebags. Inside, she found half of her stash of bits, as well as other items and bit stashes, presumably lifted from other sleeping ponies.

Relaxing, Sweetie Belle turned to face the filly on the floor. As she took in the bruises and wounds, she became overcome with a sense of horror. Did I do that?.

Sweetie Belle was horrified with herself. Even though the filly had tried to steal from her, it was obvious she had gone too far. The filly's nose was caked in blood, twisted in a gruesome fashion. Sweetie Belle had obviously broken it. In addition to this, the filly was bruised all over from where Sweetie Belle had hit her, bleeding in several locations. The filly was much younger than Sweetie Belle, and much smaller, and Sweetie Belle had lost control and severely hurt her.

Sweetie Belle felt sick. She was no better than Comet Spark, abusing ponies smaller and weaker than her. Sweetie Belle could have hit her once, and it would have been enough, but she had let her anger get the better of her, and this was the result. Sweetie Belle only hoped she hadn't broken her leg.

Sweetie Belle wanted to offer sympathy to the filly, but she had none to give. Instead, she took back her bits, leaving the rest of the contents of the saddlebag for the filly, and ran.

As Sweetie left the tunnel, she noticed night had fallen. She couldn't stay under the bridge - the filly that had run away would likely come back, with other ponies, and Sweetie Belle had no intention of being there when she did.

Fillydelphia at night was a bustling hive of activity. Sweetie Belle found she preferred the nighttime city - ponies still treated her like trash, of course, but at least she was less visible. She found her senses overwhelmed by a wide variety of smells, sounds and colours that would have seemed alien in a small town like Ponyville.

Sweetie Belle considered food. There was plenty of choice, of course, but getting served would still be an issue. Sweetie Belle had awoken with a large bald patch on her coat, very prominent and obvious. Sweetie Belle assumed she had got in scratching herself in her sleep.

She had other considerations, too. She had some money left, and wanted to buy a blanket or cloth to cover herself with when she slept. She had no idea what she would do to earn more money after what she had was gone, and frankly, she didn't want to think about it.

Sweetie Belle wandered a little while more, stopping to buy some food at an all-night convenience store. She then continued until she arrived at a park, where she stopped to eat.

As she ate, she considered her next problem - where to sleep? She had a little money left, enough to buy a blanket, certainly, but she had no idea where she could sleep during the day. She knew there were shelters for homeless ponies, and she would likely to get a place there, given she was a young filly - but there was also a risk of being identified. She had also considered getting intentionally arrested, to sleep overnight in a cell, but the same risk was present, as was the risk the pony she wronged would simply kill her.

Sweetie Belle knew she had to change her appearance, get a new name, a new identity. It was fortunate she hadn't got her cutie mark yet, as such an obvious identifier would have ruined her chances to start a new life.

First things first. Sweetie needed to change her mane style. She didn't have an elegant method of doing so, so she supposed she would have to wing it.

Sweetie Belle left the supermarket, having spent the last of her bits. She ducked into an alley, and emptied her saddlebag. Out tumbled a thin blanket, a pair of scissors, and three bottles of purple food dye. She hadn't been able to afford proper dye, and would have had no idea how to use it, so this was the next best thing.

Using a puddle for a mirror, Sweetie Belle levitated the scissors and began to chop at her mane. She knew she was doing an awful job, but the effect was remarkable. She no longer looked like Sweetie Belle, which was important.

Soon, the floor around her was littered with pink and purple hair. Satisfied that she had done a good enough job, Sweetie Belle opened the bottle of food dye and messily poured into onto her mane. She fought the urge to shake the liquid loose, and sealed her mane in a bubble of magic to prevent the dye from leaking. She repeated the process with another bottle, and then shook her head lightly. The bubble failed in places, causing streaks of purple to run down her back, but for the most part, Sweetie Belle was impressed by her performance.

After around half an hour, Sweetie Belle let the dye drain out of her mane. The effect was not pretty - the dye had caked in places, causing her mane to become matted. Using her magic to separate the chunks, Sweetie Belle checked out her reflection in the puddle. Even though the manecut was horrible and the dye was weak (and likely to come out the next time she bathed, though Sweetie didn't imagine this would be a problem), Sweetie felt she quite liked the new style. Not because it was well done, but because it was her style, and she had done it by herself.

Sweetie Belle's new manecut made her look like a different pony. A rougher, less pleasant pony. Sweetie Belle doubted there would be anypony stealing from her tonight.

For the next hour, Sweetie Belle repeated the process on her tail, first cutting it short, and then colouring it with the remaining bottle. Now, she felt unrecognizable. As she finished, the sun began to rise.

Rolling out her blanket, Sweetie Belle contemplated how she could earn more money. She certainly couldn't just get a job in a shop - her appearance and lack of credentials would stop her from getting a job like that. Of course, Sweetie Belle knew there were other ways to get money. She could steal - Sweetie Belle didn't like the idea of becoming a thief, and getting caught might being sent back to Ponyville, but Sweetie knew that with no money, her situation could quickly become desperate.

Of course, she could beg. She knew she was unlikely to receive much, but it was better than stealing, surely. After all, she was small, relatively skinny and covered in bruises, sure to stir some hearts.

What talents did she have? Everypony had always told her she was a good singer, but she wasn't so sure that was true. Perhaps she could sing for money. Busking. Sounded a lot more dignified than begging, definitely.

Sweetie Belle rolled over and slept, while the sun rose over Fillydelphia.

Sweetie Belle had been sitting next to a post office for three hours now, head bowed, holding a piece of card which read:

HOMELESS. ALL HELP APPRECIATED.

The message wasn't even hers - she had copied it from another begging pony. She was having very little luck - so far, she had received three bits in three hours, and had changed location twice. In addition to being outright ignored, she had occasionally been subjected to verbal abuse and threats of violence from other ponies, and propositions from innumerable stallions, sometimes offering her large sums of money to go away with them, most often making crude and explicit remarks. Silence, she had found, was the most effective way of getting them to leave.

Sweetie Belle knew this venture was doomed, and that she should pack up and try something new, like busking, but she didn't. She knew it was ridiculous, but she was too embarrassed to start. What if she sounded terrible? Other ponies would just laugh at her.

But so what? Sweetie had nothing to lose. After all, everypony had told her she could sing, and they had no reason to lie. Sweetie should at least try.

Sweetie Belle wasn't sure why, but she recalled a song Countess Coloratura had sung for Ponyville. The message of the song had stuck with Sweetie Belle - be who you really are. Of course, being who she was had put her in this position - but perhaps it could also help her out.

Sweetie Belle stood up, brushing off the newspapers she had surrounded herself in, and cleared her throat. She had no idea how she was supposed to start, so she just launched into song.

As soon as she started, she saw ponies turn their heads. To Sweetie Belle, her voice was uplifting, filled with passion, energy and emotion, things she sorely missed. She could see other ponies turn their heads as she passed, but it wasn't until she hit the first chorus that somepony actually stopped to listen. By the time she had finished, there were three ponies listening, all of whom came forward to give.

Sweetie Belle waited until they had left, then rushed to check her donations. Seven bits. In just one song, she had received more than she had earned through three hours begging.

Feeling hopeful for the first time, Sweetie Belle racked her brains for another song she could sing.

Over the next few weeks, Sweetie Belle went through this same routine, travelling around the city and singing. She would never consider herself well-off, and she could never afford accommodation, spending her nights on street corners and alleyways, but it still earned her enough money to afford food, clean water and occasionally some more dye.

Her singing had improved since she had first started, and she had begun to consider singing elsewhere, perhaps even being paid for it. She still faced an issue with her appearance and hygiene - she had bought lice shampoo to deal with her infestation, but she still had patches of her coat missing, and she had not showered in weeks. Still, the busking would reliably bring in anywhere between ten and fifteen bits a day, more than enough to sustain her lifestyle.

Furthermore, she was becoming concerned about a pony she had seen multiple times over the past few weeks, a thin stallion with a deep blue coat and light blue mane. It seemed wherever she went, there he was. Sweetie Belle didn't quite know what to do about him, but the stallion always donated, so she supposed this current set-up was harmless. Maybe just liked her singing.

That prospect always made Sweetie Belle smirk. A fan. How unexpected.

Sweetie Belle knew she was living a pitiful existence, but in truth she did not care. In fact, she relished being independent and self sustaining. Of course, she knew she had nopony to rely on, and was only one day off from being in dire poverty, but still she cherished her new found career, and the freedom that came with it.

Then, one day as she was setting up outside a bar, she heard a pony approach. Looking up, she saw the same stallion that had been following her around. All of a sudden, Sweetie Belle became very aware of how empty the area was - in fact, she couldn't remember ever being alone with this stallion before.

'Good evening, Sweetie Belle'.

Sweetie froze. The stallion knew. Was he from the police, waiting for the right moment to arrest her? Sweetie Belle wasn't sure, and decided to play dumb.

'I-I'm sorry, who?'

'Come on, Sweetie Belle. You've done a good job of disguising it, but I've been observing for weeks. I'm not going to turn you in, I swear. I have an offer for you'.

Sweetie Belle's curiosity overrode her caution. 'An offer?'

'Yes. I know all about your case, how you ran away from home, how they think you're in Manehattan. An excellent diversion, but it didn't last long. Some ponies reported seeing you in Fillydelphia station, and now everypony thinks you're here.'

Sweetie Belle had known the Manehattan ploy would fail eventually, but she had never imagined she would be tracked to Fillydelphia. She waited for the stallion to continue, a sinking feeling in her stomach. This stallion had some serious blackmail over her - if she didn't like this 'offer', she might not be able to refuse.

'Well, I must say I'm impressed by the mane and tail. I daresay they've helped you evade capture, especially since you operate so openly. But you can't keep this up forever, Sweetie Belle. Sooner or later, you're going to get caught. But I think I can help you there.'

'Sweetie Belle, I run a bar. For some rather special patrons to meet... like-minded ponies. Anyway, for a long time we've been having trouble getting live talent, and I wanted to offer you that position. I've been watching you for some time now, and I must say you're exceptionally talented, and of course, your background makes you an even better choice.'

Sweetie Belle could barely believe what she was hearing. He was offering her a job?

'I don't understand... why not just hire a regular singer? Why follow me around?'

'Sweetie Belle, don't be naive. This isn't a regular bar we're talking about, you know?'

Sweetie Belle stared blankly for a moment, and then a look of comprehension dawned upon her face. Ohh...

The stallion continued. 'I know you need food, shelter and steady employment. After all, if you want to make it in this city, you've got to get yourself back up on your feet. Get a real job. So, what do you think?'

Sweetie Belle felt overwhelmed. 'I'm sorry, but I-I don't know. Maybe?'

'Well, I'll let you think about it. If you want to talk, come to the Solaris Bar, and ask for me. My name's Flawless Rainbow. Got it?'

Sweetie Belle nodded.

'Well, it's been a pleasure meeting you, Sweetie Belle. I hope to see you soon'.

Flawless Rainbow left, and Sweetie Belle quickly gathered up her belongings and left. She ducked inside a nearby doorway, and panicked.

In some ways, she wished she'd said yes. She needed a job, after all, and he had generously offered her one, despite her appearance. What had she been thinking?

Would performing put her at risk of being caught? Sweetie Belle knew what kind of bar this was. It was unlikely for anypony to admit they had seen her there, as it would require admitting they'd been there in the first place. Also, most of them wouldn't want to send her back - they'd accept her for who she was. That was another plus.

Only...

Was Flawless Rainbow telling the truth? After all, there were plenty of horror stories about fillies being abducted by stallions and manipulated into horrible situations.

The best course of action, Sweetie Belle decided, was to sleep on it.

Sweetie Belle's sleep was disturbed by a sudden blow to her head.

'Is that her? You're sure?'

'Of course I'm sure! She's changed her hair, but she's got the same saddlebag, and the same coat'.

Sweetie Belle scrambled to her feet, unable to focus clearly. She could see she was surrounded by ponies, but had no idea how many.

'Hit her again'.

Sweetie Belle felt herself receive a blow to her stomach. As she sunk to her knees, her vision stabilized, and she could make out four ponies surrounding her. Three of them were teenage colts she had never seen before, but the fourth was a small filly she knew well. It was the thief she had attacked under the bridge. Sweetie Belle saw her nose was severely disjointed, bent completely out of place, although given the current circumstances, Sweetie did not feel too bad.

'Why is she smiling? Hit her harder!'

Sweetie Belle curled up into a ball as the three colts started on her. They hit particularly hard, and with great accuracy, aiming for preexisting bruises to maximize the amount of pain caused.

'Okay, stop'.

Almost instantaneously, the onslaught stopped. Sweetie Belle opened her eyes, staring directly at the filly. 'You!'

The filly giggled, seemingly delighted to be recognized. 'Yeah, me. Still feeling so big and tough now, bitch?'

Sweetie Belle once again rose to her feet. The other colts became agitated by this, but the filly kept cool.

'What, you're gonna hit me again? Try it. Seriously, try it. Make my day'.

Sweetie Belle considered this seriously tempting possibility. She took a single step forwards, feinted towards the filly, and then immediately ran in the opposite direction, slipping through the three colts who had surged forwards, and running out of the alley, towards the street, ignoring the shriek of the filly behind her. All she had to do was get into the open. They wouldn't attack her there.

Sweetie Belle burst out into the street, nearly running directly into a carriage. Swiveling on the spot, she looked to find her assailants, but they had vanished.

But they'll be back.

Sweetie couldn't stay a single night longer on the streets of Fillydelphia. She had to find shelter, or she didn't know if she would wake up the next time she went to sleep.

Fortunately, she knew who she could call upon.

The Solaris Bar was certainly impressive, filled to the brim with noise and colourful lighting. Sweetie Belle was blocked at the door by a burly bouncer.

'No foals. Especially not rats like you'.

'I-I'm here to see Flawless Rainbow'.

Whatever the bouncer had been expecting, it wasn't that. Flustered, he apologized profusely to the small filly, gazing at her with wonder, and lead her inside, through a door marked 'STAFF ONLY', and down a flight of stairs.

Downstairs, the atmosphere was much quieter, the noise from upstairs no longer audible. Sweetie Belle was lead past tables of colts and mares, some of whom gaped at the filly being brought through.

Finally, Sweetie Belle was lead through a door labelled 'OFFICE'.

'Sir, this filly says she knows you'.

Flawless Rainbow turned, and his face lit up upon seeing Sweetie Belle. 'Ah, excellent. You may leave'.

When the bouncer left, Flawless Rainbow indicated for Sweetie Belle to take a seat. In the light, Sweetie Belle could make out the features of the stallion more clearly. His cutie mark was a small mirror, and his mane and tail were groomed to perfection.

'Sweetie Belle, welcome to the Flawless Rainbow. My name's Azure Meadow, and I run both of these bars. I'm very glad you've come to your senses, but we haven't got much time to talk, I'm afraid. First, I want to get you cleaned up, and then I want you on stage. I should also go and clear things up with the patrons - most of them won't expect to see a filly here. Are you ready to start?'

Sweetie Belle nodded. 'What do you want me to sing?'

'Anything, Sweetie Belle. You're the artist, after all'.

Author's Note

And we're back!

Not sure I can guarantee updating daily anymore, but hopefully the subsequent chapters will be longer.

Part 2, Chapter 2 - Pseudonym

'Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. You mean you knew Azure Meadows?'

Sweetie Belle nodded.

'The Azure Meadows? Not just somepony pretending to be him, or-'

'Amethyst, I know it sounds impossible, but I'm telling you, it was him'.

'Wow. And he asked you to sing in the Flawless Rainbow? The Flawless Rainbo-'

'Yes, Amethyst, THE Flawless Rainbow!'

Amethyst recoiled, stung by Sweetie Belle's outburst. 'Sorry, Sug-Sweetie Belle. It's just a... surprise, you know. I never knew you met ponies like that'.

'I didn't know. I never even guessed - I was only a filly'.

'But did you find out?'

'Yeah. Pretty quickly actually...'

Getting 'cleaned up', Sweetie Belle found, meant getting vigorously scrubbed down and styled by an irritable and tired-looking mare who spent more time berating Sweetie Belle for her terrible mane than actually fixing it. Even so, Sweetie Belle was shocked by the end result. Her mane was washed and dyed, leaving it a much deeper shade of purple, and then it was cut. One side of her head was shaved, and the other side was left much longer, flopping over one of her eyes. Apart from the bald patches, Sweetie Belle looked almost civilized. She then waited while her stylist fretted over the bald patches in her coat, before finally deciding she could cover the patches with makeup.

Finally finished, Sweetie Belle was directed behind the stage curtain, where she was greeted by an enthusiastic Azure Meadows.

'Ah, Sweetie Belle, you're finally done. I'm very excited about all this, you know. It's been so long since we've had somepony... trustworthy play here. Now, I thought we'd have you sing one song to get started, and then we call you back. If they like it, you'll go back on. Do you know what you want to sing?'

Sweetie Belle nodded.

'And do you know what you're going to call yourself?'

'What?'

'What you're going to call yourself. I don't want everypony going around, blabbing about you being at this bar. They might guess who you are, but I certainly don't want to confirm it'.

Sweetie Belle hadn't considered this until now. Of course, it made sense to adopt a new name - the less she was associated with Sweetie Belle, the better. Something similar, but not obvious.

'Uhh... How about "Sugar Note"?'

Azure nodded his approval. 'Sugar Note. I like it. Well, are you ready to get on stage?'

Sweetie Belle had one final concern. 'What if they don't like it?'

Azure looked past her. 'On the stage, Sweetie Belle'.

Sweetie was no stranger to large crowds, but the knowledge that her new job depended on a good performance tonight was enough to turn her legs to jelly. Sitting on a stool in the centre of the stage, she lowered the microphone in front of her and spoke:

'Hello, everypony. My name's Sw-Sugar Note, and uhh... I'm here to sing tonight'.

A weak opener, but it would do. Sweetie Belle expected to see ponies looking skeptical, bored, or even incredulous at the idea of a filly singing for them, but instead she saw encouraging smiles all around, giving her new resolve. She paused for a moment, focusing the lyrics in her head, and began.

Once again, she had chosen Countess Coloratura's song. It was her go-to opening song, and she knew it always got a good response. Around her, ponies cooed and whispered among themselves. It was not spiteful or mocking, either - ponies were genuinely astonished and impressed by her performance.

Around halfway through her song, Sweetie Belle felt a sudden burst of stamina, and another strange, yet strong emotion. Initially, she hadn't a clue what it was, but then she pegged it - it was a sense of belonging, the same sensation she had felt when she first met Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. Acceptance. She could hear ponies gasping, even shrieking theatrically at her performance.

Sweetie Belle knew she had found her calling. The music, the gratuitous cheering, everyponies eyes fixed on her. This wasn't a hobby, or a job. This was her passion. Sweetie Belle was born to do this.

When Sweetie Belle finished, the applause was instantaneous. Sweetie Belle appreciated the congratulations, but when the applause continued for more than thirty seconds, she began to think the crowd was a little too enthusiastic. She turned to Azure Meadows for an explanation, but he was simply gazing at her, dumbstruck.

'Sugar Note, it's beautiful!'

'Look down!'

'Yeah, Sugar Note, look down! Your cutie mark!'

'WHAT?'

Sweetie spun around so fast she nearly fell over. Sure enough, there it was, on both sides of her flank - a single musical note. Her special talent!

Sweetie Belle shrieked with joy, jumping up and down on the spot. Rushing backstage, she found the nearest mirror and began to examine her mark from every angle. In the background, she could hear Azure Meadows calming the crowd, who had loudly begun demanding an encore. Azure Meadows had remarkable skill when it came to crowds, and indeed other ponies, all of whom fell silent upon his command.

Azure Meadows greeted Sweetie Belle upon returning backstage. 'Quite the performance, Sweetie Belle! They'll be talking about that for a while, I can tell you!'

Sweetie Belle did not immediately reply, still trying out new angles in the mirror.

Azure coughed. 'Sweetie Belle, I'll let them calm themselves down, and then I trust you'll be back on stage?'

Sweetie Belle nodded, still observing her new mark. 'Uh-huh. Sure'.

Azure smiled, and called over the stylist. 'Do her mane and makeup again, and then send her back on. Understand?'

The stylist nodded, head bowed. 'Yes, sir'.

'Sweetie Belle, I'll see you after the your next performance - I want to show you where you'll be staying.'

Sweetie Belle nodded. 'Sure. See you later'.

Azure hesitated. 'Sweetie, I hope you don't mind, but I would prefer it if you addressed me as "sir". It's just more... professional. Is that understood?'

Sweetie Belle was taken aback, but quickly recovered. 'Um, sure. I mean, yes sir!'

Azure smiled, seemingly satisfied. 'Excellent. Well, I'll see you later tonight. Good luck with the rest of your show!'

The rest of the evening went swimmingly for Sweetie Belle. The patrons couldn't get enough of her singing, and Sweetie Belle felt like she was walking on water, unable to do any wrong. Several times, during her breaks, she went to meet some of the ponies in the bar. All of them were warm and welcoming, treating her as an equal. Sweetie Belle was fascinated by them, asking as many questions as possible about the 'scene' in Fillydelphia.

Sweetie Belle was surprised at how relaxed the atmosphere in the room was. Just above their heads was a major Fillydelphian bar, packed full of ponies, yet this entire operation was hidden from the public eye by nothing more than a 'Staff Only' door. She raised this concern with the other ponies - was this not incredibly risky?

One of the mares, a yellow pegasus with short, bright orange hair, gave Sweetie Belle a supportive smile. 'Don't worry. Nopony comes down here. They're all too scared of Azure'.

'Of Azure? Why?'

The mare's eyes lit up. 'You don't know? Listen newbie, Azure-'

'Don't scare her...'

'What? She's gonna find out eventually, why not tell her now?'

'If Azure wanted her to know, he would've told her himself. Maybe he doesn't want her to know. How do you think he's going to feel if you tell him?'

The pegasus mare immediately shut up. 'Sorry, newbie. Maybe another time'.

Sweetie Belle was bursting with curiosity, but sensed it was better not to push the matter. Instead, she shrugged and continued plaguing them with questions.

At the end of the night, an exhausted Sweetie Belle wandered backstage to see Azure waiting for her.

'Sweetie Belle! Again, my congratulations on getting your cutie mark. Now, I know this must be an exciting night for you, but I must show you where you're staying. Do you have anything you want to pack?'

Sweetie Belle shook her head.

'Good. Well then, follow me!'

Sweetie Belle followed Azure outside, where they hailed a passing taxi. Sweetie Belle was surprised - she thought she would be staying at the bar, perhaps in a room above it, but it appeared Azure had arranged a place elsewhere.

Finally, they came to a stop outside a hotel. Sweetie Belle stepped out of the taxi, taking in the name - The Azure Grand Hotel.

Sweetie Belle turned to Azure. 'Do you own this place? Uh, sir?'

Azure chuckled. 'Yes, Sweetie Belle. I have a variety of business interests. It helps me keep my more... unconventional ventures undercover'.

Inside, Azure was greeted warmly by the receptionist. 'Good evening, sir. How can I help you?'

'I'm here to drop off this filly. She should have a room reserved under the name "Sugar Note". Please have somepony accompany her there and arrange for an evening meal to be sent up. Got it?'

'Of course, sir'.

'I want this understood. She is being sought by the police, and I believe the Royal Guard have mounted an independent search. If anypony comes here asking about her - not that they will - tell them nothing. If they ask about this room, tell them it's being reserved'.

'Understood, sir'.

Sweetie Belle saw the receptionist flash her a curious look, immediately refocusing her attention on Azure Meadows. 'Is that everything, sir?'

'I believe so'. Azure turned his head towards Sweetie Belle. 'It's getting late, so I won't go into any further detail now, but tomorrow I will tell you your pay and working hours. Is that all right?'

Sweetie Belle nodded. Azure raised his eyebrows. 'Yes, sir'.

'Good. See you tomorrow, Sweetie Belle'.

The room she had been given was unlike anything Sweetie Belle had ever seen. Every square inch of it was dripping with luxury, from the rich, vibrant wallpaper to the golden bed frame. Sweetie Belle spent five minutes exploring, testing the shower and gawping at the view. To think she had been living on the streets just a day ago was incredible.

Soon afterwards, her meal arrived, which she ate next to a window overlooking all of Fillydelphia. The food was some of the best she had ever tasted. Once again, Sweetie Belle remembered: this was all hers. She was astonished at her luck. Of course, it wasn't all luck. She must have been a good singer for Azure to select her. Good enough to get a cutie mark in it...

Her cutie mark! In today's excitement, Sweetie Belle had completely forgotten about it. Rushing over to an ornate mirror, she began reexamining her cutie mark in every angle. It was a single black musical note, with a simple design. Sweetie Belle assumed it meant her special talent was singing, but maybe it meant other types of music as well. She would have to check.

Returning to her meal, Sweetie Belle thought about Azure Meadows. He must be very wealthy, she thought, to own this entire hotel.

Something was off about Azure Meadows, Sweetie Belle decided. She remembered how eager the pegasus in the Flawless Rainbow had been to tell her about him, and how meek she had looked when warned she could be upsetting Azure.

Was Azure a dangerous pony? After all, he ran an illegal bar, so it was possible he was involved in other criminal activity. On the other hoof, he could just be wealthy and powerful. And he was so nice. He could never be involved in anything bad like that.

Most importantly, was it Sweetie Belle's place to be asking these questions? After all, Azure had given her a job, a place to stay, and the opportunity to discover her special talent. There was nothing to be gained from rocking the boat. Whatever Azure did to earn money, she would make it none of her concern.

Sweetie Belle checked the clock. Nearly midnight. She doubted she would be able to get much sleep, given the recent excitement, but once again, she had underestimated the luxury of the room she was in. The bed seemed softer and lighter than air, pulling her in, smoother than silk...

Sweetie Belle woke to see the sun streaming in through the windows. It was nearly midday by the time she was up and ready to leave.

Where was she supposed to go? She had arranged to meet Azure, but it seemed he was nowhere to be found. Perhaps she could ask at the lobby?

As it turned out, there was a new receptionist, who treated her surprising politeness.

'Good morning, Miss Note. I hope you had a pleasant sleep. How can I help you?'

Sweetie Belle, unused to this level of deference, asked where she could find Azure Meadows.

'He's in a meeting upstairs, conference room 3. You can wait for him outside, he should be done soon'.

Sweetie Belle thanked the receptionist, and made her way upstairs to the conference rooms. The meeting had concluded by the time she arrived, and lots of ponies were gathered outside, bidding their farewells. To Sweetie Belle, they projected a demeanor reminiscent of businessponies, although the prevalence of scars and bruises on many of them cast doubt on this assumption.

Azure was the first to notice her, and drew all attention to her.

'Sugar Note! Everypony, this is Sugar Note. She's a performer at the Flawless Rainbow'.

Most of the ponies turned to acknowledge her, some ignored her, and one of them twisted their face in disgust at the mention of the Flawless Rainbow, though he did so surreptitiously, clearly not wishing to offend Azure. None of them spoke, or showed any interest in her, which was fine by Sweetie Belle, who didn't like even being in the presence of these ponies, much less the idea of speaking to them.

Fairly quickly, the congregation began to break up. When the ponies had all departed, Azure turned to Sweetie Belle. His tone was brisk and far less friendly than it had been yesterday. 'Good to see you're up, Sweetie Belle. Now, about your pay and hours. I want you to work every night from 7 to 12, and you will be paid five bits an hour, totaling twenty-five bits a night. I will also accommodate you in this hotel, free of charge. In exchange, you will work every night at the Flawless Rainbow, and you will also work any other location I ask. Is that acceptable to you?'

Sweetie Belle wasn't sure if she was getting the best possible deal here, but twenty-five bits a night and free housing was more than enough. She nodded. 'Yes, sir'.

'Well, you have around seven hours until you must go on stage. I've told the bouncer at the Solaris to let you through whenever you ask'.

Azure brought out a leather wallet and counted out twenty-five bits.

'Your pay for last night. Any further questions?'

Sweetie Belle had plenty, but she knew she would only annoy Azure by asking. Instead, she shook her head. 'No, sir'.

'Well Sweetie Belle, I must be off. I suppose you'll want to spend some time today looking around this city. If you want my advice, start at the library. It's a good place to get your bearings, learn your way around. And do try not to get lost!'

Fillydelphia was indeed an enormous city. It took Sweetie Belle nearly ten minutes of working herself up before she left the street containing the Azure Grand Hotel, terrified of getting swallowed up by the city. She had taken a map from the lobby of the hotel, which had done nothing so far but impress on her how big Fillydelphia was.

Using the map, she made her way to the Library of Fillydelphia. Upon arrival, she entered the front lobby and headed for a section titled 'Tourist Information'. Most of it was dedicated to brochures about Fillydelphia's many attractions, among them cinemas, museums and landmarks. Sweetie Belle flicked through a few of these before coming to a pamphlet titled 'Harmony Hall'.

Harmony Hall is the historic site of the signing of the Declaration of Harmony. Back when Fillydelphia was a small settlement, the three pony tribes - Unicorn, Pegasus and Earth Pony - gathered to officiate their new union on paper. The connection between the declaration and Fillydelphia is widely credited with transforming the small settlement into the thriving metropolis it is today.

Prior to the signing of the Declaration of Harmony, the three tribes had lived separately, fiercely hostile to outsiders. The Unicorns and Pegasi both demanded food from the Earth Ponies, in exchange for controlling the weather and raising the sun and the moon, respectively. This uneasy pact was shattered by an extended blizzard that left the Earth Ponies unable to produce any food.

Following an outbreak of hostilities during a summit of the three tribes, each tribe relocated their capital, coincidentally all arriving in the land today known as Equestria. The three tribes established independent kingdoms - Unicornia, Pegasopolis and Earth. Tensions soon flared during this brief territorial dispute, and war erupted after the Pegasi, the most militant of the three tribes, declared their ownership of the land, and besieged the capital of Unicornia.

According to legend, the blizzard was caused by windigos, mythical creatures that feed off of fighting and hatred, and freezing the land over wherever they go. The leaders of the tribes, in their stubbornness, did not pay heed to the warnings of their advisers, and instead chose to continue their war, causing the land to freeze over. The ponies from the three tribes who survived bonded together out of necessity, forming close allegiances and friendships. With no more hostility to feed from, the windigos departed, and the land thawed. Realizing the importance of friendship and harmony, the three tribes reconciled and formed the land today known as Equestria.

Today, Harmony Hall stands as a monument to this agreement that lead to peace between the three tribes, and shaped the founding of Equestria.

Intrigued, Sweetie Belle turned the leaflet over. Opening times and directions. No charge for admissions.

Sweetie Belle slid the leaflet into her saddlebag and headed into the main body of the library. Most of it was filled with dusty old books she had no interest in reading, although she did purchase a coffee at the library's cafe, which gave her time to sit down and think.

Was her income going to be enough? She didn't have to worry about accommodation, which was her biggest relief. She would have to buy her own food. She wasn't sure how inclusive the service offered at the hotel was - she might need to buy her own bathroom supplies. She would have to have her mane done. She also wanted to have enough money to afford the things she wanted. Twenty-five bits might not stretch very far over these costs - the coffee alone had cost her seven bits. Of course, food from a store would be cheaper, but it still could take a large chunk out of her budget.

Sweetie Belle had no plans to go on a spending spree, but she still wanted to do something with her day. The clock above her told her she had four hours before she had to leave for the Solaris. That meant she was stuck in Fillydelphia for four hours, and she couldn't even afford to do anything.

Of course, she could go to Harmony Hall. The leaflet had advertised it was free of charge, and it was a historic site of interest. And it wasn't too far away, according to the map. Sweetie Belle had never held a great passion for history, but she remembered watching her sister and their friends put on a performance in Canterlot. Sweetie Belle had always thought her sister was an amazing actor...

Remembering her sister was a mistake. Feeling a lump rise in her throat, Sweetie Belle distracted herself by pulling out the leaflet on Harmony Hall. Just a ten minute walk away...

Azure Meadows closed the door of his office. On his desk, as requested, was a copy of The Fillydelphia Tribune. He grabbed the newspaper and eagerly scanned the front page. The front page read:

COLTCUDDLER RING SMASHED, OWNER MISSING, WANTED FOR MURDER

Last night police raided prominent nightclub Thunder, upon receiving an anonymous tip-off that the nightclub was a front organisation for a deeply-entrenched ring of coltcuddlers. The information provided appeared to be accurate, as seven arrests were made during the operation. However, the owner of the nightclub, Nimble Specter - commonly known as Bronco - was nowhere to be found. When police entered his office, they found the body of an as-of-yet unidentified stallion, who reportedly died of blunt force trauma to the head. The office was in disarray, showing clear signs of a struggle, police told reporters.

The coltcuddler ring, which potentially involved hundreds of ponies, involved coltcuddlers using a specific dress code to identify one another. This operation received the full assistance of Nimble Specter, and it is believed he actually headed the entire ring. Nimble Specter himself never married. Police so far have refused to confirm or deny these allegations.

Patrons at Thunder reacted with shock and dismay. Police are urging anypony with information of any kind to come forward.

Azure Meadows temper had flared halfway through the first paragraph, and by the end his blood was boiling. He knew he should have dealt with Bronco himself. The stallion he sent was young and inexperienced. Bronco probably ran circles around him. And Azure knew exactly who Bronco would be coming for next.

Of course, this wasn't a total defeat. Bronco's operation had been smashed, which meant some of his customers would give their business to him. And Bronco's reputation was destroyed, no matter what. He was very unlikely to do anything risky, such as come after Azure the day after Azure had tried to kill him.

Azure's main priority was to warn the others. Picking up the telephone, he recovered a list of numbers from his desk and began to dial.

Sweetie Belle had found Harmony Hall to be interesting - not so much the actual exhibit itself, but the artifacts, such as early drafts of the declaration, and pegasi battle armor - but even so she left early. Partly because she felt out of place - most ponies there were much older than her, and Sweetie Belle felt self-conscious with her new manestyle and overall image - but she also wanted to arrive at the Flawless Rainbow early, to ensure she didn't annoy Azure Meadows.

The bouncer didn't question Sweetie Belle when she arrived, simply lead her through the club and through the 'STAFF ONLY' doors. When Sweetie Belle entered the actual club itself, a round of applause and cheering greeted her, causing her to blush before she was whisked backstage. Sweetie Belle didn't see Azure anywhere. Presumably he had other business to attend to.

Sweetie Belle's makeup, mane and tail were all styled and completed in ten minutes - a testament to the skill of her stylist - and Sweetie Belle prepared to go onstage. She didn't feel nervous like last time - her performance had been well received last time, and everypony was clearly pleased to see her there. Sweetie had noticed a few new ponies at the bar, but they had all been excited to see her, meaning the ponies returning from last night must have been full of praise.

As Sweetie Belle walked up to the stage, a cheer rang out from the ponies in the audience. The room was packed in comparison to last night, through Sweetie Belle could still make out some familiar faces. Clearing her throat, Sweetie Belle stepped up to the microphone.

'Hello, everypony! I'm here until midnight, so do any of you want to request a song?'

Lots of ponies began shouting different suggestions, but the most common was another Coloratura song, one Sweetie Belle knew well. It was much more upbeat than the one she had performed for Ponyville, and had been very popular across Equestria.

'Okay, let me just get the lights...'

Sweetie Belle's first performance went on for a good half an hour, before she stopped to rest. Rapturous applause followed, and many of the ponies rushed forwards to congratulate Sweetie Belle, and offer her a drink. Yesterday, Sweetie Belle would have been terrified by so many ponies coming at her, but now she graciously accepted their congratulations, scanning the crowd for any familiar faces.

Settling down at a central table, she voiced the question that had been bouncing around her head for so long now: 'Where has everypony come from? I don't remember this many ponies being here last night. What happened?'

Mares and stallions around the table grimaced at this question. Sweetie Belle realized she had touched upon a sensitive topic, and hastily tried to backtrack. 'I- It doesn't matter anyway, but...'

'Sugar Note, don't look so scared! They're here from Thunder'.

Sweetie Belle stared blankly.

'The nightclub?'

Sweetie Belle shook her head. 'Never heard of it'.

Cries of dismay rang around the room. 'You've never heard of Thunder?'

'Mist, she looks like she's about thirteen. How is she supposed to have heard of Thunder?'

The mare called Mist shook her head. 'I still can't believe it. It's a nightclub, a front organisation like the Solaris. It got raided by the police last night? I don't know if you read about it in the newspaper or anything, but it was a pretty big thing they had going on over there. Biggest in Fillydelphia, anyway. Apparently Bronco - the guy who owned it - killed somepony and ran off'.

Sweetie Belle was slightly shaken to hear this. If the biggest operation in Fillydelphia wasn't safe, how safe was she?

'They... they couldn't find us here, could they?'

Before Mist could reply, a stallion in the crowd, slurring his words slightly, snorted. 'Not on your life, kid. The police have no idea about this place. They also had no idea about Thunder, of course, until Azure sold them out-'

'Autumn, shut up!'

'Why? You know he did it, everypony here does. He doesn't give a damn about us, just like everypony else. He just wants our money. Bronco was taking a huge chunk of his business, so he decides to sell him out, and everypony else with him?'

'Autumn, not in front of the kid-'

'Why not? What, you think she's just too sweet and innocent to hear this?' The stallion named Autumn turned to Sweetie Belle. 'Sugar Note, I know you might think Azure is great and all, but just remember, you know nothing about him. Okay?'

Sweetie Belle was shaken, but sensed she was close to getting to the answers she had sought yesterday, so she pushed a little more. 'What don't I know about him?'

'Sugar Note, Azure is a criminal'. Before Sweetie Belle could respond, or any of the ponies could stop him, he continued: 'I'm not just talking about the Flawless Rainbow. I mean he's a criminal. He sells drugs, he runs protection rackets, he had ponies killed... you name it. He runs this club to make money, and he certainly doesn't care about us and our safety-'

Autumn's rant was interrupted by the sound of the door bursting open. In strode Azure Meadows, jaw set, eyes livid.

'Everypony, this establishment has closed for the night. Please collect your belongings and leave - except you'.

As he said this, Azure stared pointedly at the stallion called Autumn, who shrank backwards. Around him, ponies rushed to grab their bags, none of them daring to look Azure or Sweetie Belle in the eye.

As the last pony left, slamming the door behind them, Azure glowered at Autumn, and turned to face Sweetie Belle. In a flash, his gaze softened, his voice became softer and calmer, and a benevolent smile crossed his face. 'Sugar Note, why don't you take the evening off? I'm very sorry we had to cancel the rest of the night, but we've had some problems with the police and I don't want to risk anypony's safety'.

Sweetie Belle had been shocked to see Azure so angry, but was even more surprised to see how quickly he could change his demeanor. She sensed Azure wasn't in an arguing mood, so she merely nodded and began to back out of the room.

Azure watched Sweetie Back out of the room, and didn't waver his gaze until she shut the door.

Azure waited for five minutes after the door closed, then went and opened it. Sweetie Belle was nowhere to be seen. He checked the stairs. No Sweetie Belle. Satisfied, he went back into the Flawless Rainbow and shut the door.

As soon as he came back in, Autumn began to stammer an apology. Azure had heard it a thousand times before - pleas, tears, bargaining. Autumn was around halfway though before Azure finally lost his temper and lunged at him.

The struggle was utterly one-sided. One strike from Azure sent Autumn sprawling into a nearby table, and Azure was on top of him in seconds. As Autumn began to scream - oh, how he hated it when they did that - Azure held him with one hoof and began to pummel him with the other, venting his pent up fury on this pony who had just made his life a thousand times more difficult.

'You-fucking-moron! What is you problem? Do you have brain damage from being such a damn whore? Answer me!'

Reeling, Autumn pushed Azure off him and tried to stand up. As soon as he was back on his hooves, Azure struck him over the head so that he immediately fell over again. Autumn fell awkwardly, twisting his ankle as he fell. He made no further attempts to get up, just laid there whimpering. Azure had never seen a more pathetic sight in his life.

Originally, he had planned to kill Autumn, but his anger had ebbed somewhat, and in his new found clarity, he saw this was not the prudent thing to do. Instead, he crouched down and growled in Autumn's ear:

'Listen. You are going to leave here the second you can walk. You will never return. You will never tell anypony about this place. Most importantly, you will never tell anypony who did this to you. If you do, everypony in this city is going to know all about you and your sordid little desires. Understand?'

Autumn grinned stupidly, gurgling a mixture of gratitude and assurance. Scrabbling to his feet, he made a beeline straight for the door, wrenched it open, and was gone.

Azure examined the damage from the fight. A few overturned tables, and a few smears of blood. There would have been a much greater mess if her had killed Autumn. He had certainly made the smart decision.

Azure wasn't sure when he could reopen the Flawless Rainbow. Bronco was sure to attack it, only a question of when. Of course, the public would view it as an attack on the Solaris, but that wouldn't matter to the patrons of the Flawless Rainbow. They would all be scared off, and his profits would collapse.

As far as Azure could see, his only option was to kill Bronco, or otherwise remove him as a threat. Since Bronco would have hidden himself away, it would be difficult, expensive and time consuming to find and kill him. Perhaps it would be easier to have somepony take his place, somepony more willing to listen to reason. Bronco must have had a lieutenant standing by to take over. If Bronco commanded no control and no money, he would cease to become a problem.

And what to do about Sweetie Belle? What would she do, now she knew the truth? Of course, she might already be confessing everything to the police, but somehow Azure didn't think so. Sweetie Belle was in deep, far too deep to talk to the police. And he held complete power over her - he owned her residence, he paid her, he controlled every faucet of her situation. She had no way whatsoever of disappearing. He had her exactly where he wanted her.

He would lie to her, he decided. Tell her Autumn was crazy, or deluded, or something. It didn't really matter if he believed him or not. She would treat whatever he told her as the truth, or else.

Sweetie Belle was crouched behind the door to the Flawless Rainbow, head so low it was nearly flat against the floor. Her heart had been pounding in her chest ever since Azure had first come out to look for her. Mercifully, he hadn't looked behind the door, otherwise Sweetie Belle was quite sure he would have attacked her.

Sweetie Belle had heard every moment of Autumn's beating, cringing every time she heard Autumn scream or she felt the floor shake from Azure throwing his weight around. She hadn't realized how seriously Azure had hurt Autumn until she caught a brief glimpse of him as he ran past her up the stairs, his mane soaked in blood and his face disfigured beyond recognition.

Sweetie Belle now appreciated the type of ponies she had got herself caught up with. Azure wasn't her friend. He didn't care about her, or any of the other patrons of the Flawless Rainbow, for that matter. He was clearly mad, deranged and psychopathic, willing to beat a member of the public beyond recognition because they had displeased him. And he had her trapped. If she made one step out of line, she would be back on the streets of Fillydelphia with no food, no money, and no protection.

What would Azure do with her? He might not trust her enough. He might be plotting to kill her right now. She should run, return to the hotel, fill her bags and flee.

Flee where?

Ponyville? She'd be arrested.

The streets of Fillydelphia? She'd be back where she started.

Get a train and leave town? She'd be stuck somewhere new, in an even worse situation than before.

Sweetie Belle sunk to her hooves. All too quickly, the net had closed around her, ensnaring her in Azure's web. Her only choice, it seemed, was to continue with the status quo. At least, for now. There was no point in dwelling on her hopeless position - it was almost certainly what Azure wanted her to do.

Azure might have trapped here here physically, but only she would be able to lock up her head.

Author's Note

I'm not dead!

Seriously, I apologize for the huge delay in updates. Hopefully this'll never happen again.

Part 2, Chapter 3 - Prisoner

Sweetie Belle was surprised to find Azure wasn't waiting for her when she arrived back at her hotel. She had expected him to be there, to spin her some sham explanation as to account for Autumn's conversation, but it seemed Azure had something else on his mind. Like cleaning the blood out of the Flawless Rainbow's floorboards.

When inside the hotel, Sweetie Belle went straight to her room and locked the door behind her. Grabbing her saddlebags, she went straight to her cupboard and began to pack. She needed a backup plan, an escape route. For all she knew, Azure might be planning to finish her off tomorrow. As she packed, she was struck with a strong sense of Déjà vu - she had gone through these exact motions before, packing her bags so as to escape from the clutches of a bloodthirsty monster. Back then it had been Comet Spark, now it was Azure Meadows. Both of them bullying, both of them controlling, both of them manipulative. Sweetie Belle was almost impressed at her ability to attract murderous psychopaths.

Of course, this situation was different. Back then she had friends to help her. Fluttershy, and Scootaloo to an extent. Now she had nopony.

Halfway through her packing, a loud knock at the door caused her to freeze. Her fears were confirmed when she heard Azure from behind the door.

'Sweetie Belle, are you in there? Open the door!'

Sweetie Belle heard a further knocking, and then the sound of a key turning in the lock. As quickly as she could, she shoved the half-packed saddlebags under the bed, jumping up just as Azure walked in through the door.

'Sweetie Belle? Why didn't you answer me?' Azure shut the door behind him, turning the key to lock it.

Sweetie Belle opened her mouth to answer, but before she could, Azure dismissed the question with a wave of his hoof. 'Never mind. Listen, Sweetie Belle, I think you and me need to have a talk. Is that okay with you?'

Sweetie Belle nodded cautiously, wondering what on earth Azure was going to say to explain away what Autumn had told her. In all honesty, she didn't even care. She just wanted things to return to normal. Well, as normal as life got these days. Azure gave her a wide smile and motioned for her to sit.

'Sweetie Belle, I think you'll be glad to know that Autumn has been barred from the Flawless Rainbow. I understand he was causing a lot of trouble there, mouthing off about everypony and just generally causing conflict, so he's been told to leave and not come back'.

Azure waited, and when Sweetie Belle gave no response, continued:

'Now, Autumn is a very... confused pony. He seems to have convinced himself of some wild fantasy where I'm involved in all sorts of disreputable activities. Drugs, gambling, things like that. And I'd just like to reassure you that I absolutely am not involved in any behavior of the sort'.

Once again, Sweetie Belle said nothing.

'And as for what happened at Thunder... Sweetie Belle, it's just awful to think Bronco could hurt a pony like that, and it's even worse to think about all those ponies at Thunder who got caught, but no matter what, I can promise you I didn't tell the police. I would never do something to hurt our community, for any reason. You know that... right?'

Sweetie Belle felt a hard lump rise in her throat, sickened by the callous way Azure lied to her. Despite this, she nodded in agreement with Azure.

'Good. Now, about the situation with the Flawless Rainbow...'

As Azure launched into a spiel about her new job conditions, Sweetie Belle fought to keep her gaze away from the half-packed saddlebag that was just protruding from under the bed. If Azure spotted it, he would realize what she was doing, so it was critical Sweetie Belle didn't do anything that might tip him off. On the other hoof, was the bag too noticeable?

Azure's eyes bore into hers, as if daring her to look away even for a second. He clearly didn't believe he. Just one slip would do it. Just one...

In the end, Sweetie Belle didn't falter, but it made no difference. Azure noticed the saddlebag of his own accord, stopping mid sentence and abruptly springing to his hooves to grab it. As he pulled the bag from under the bed, all of the clothes in it spilled out onto the floor, causing Sweetie Belle to cringe with humiliation.

Azure held the bag upside down and slowly shook it, allowing the last of Sweetie Belle's belongings to fall onto the floor. The room was silent, until Azure spoke.

'Travelling anywhere, Sweetie?'

Sweetie Belle stared at her hooves, not daring to look up. Azure's voice had lost it's compassion and warmth, and had been replaced by a cold, quiet, accusatory tone. Azure's breathing had deepened, so that she could hear each individual breath. Every part of his radiated barely suppressed fury.

'I-I hadn't had time to unpack-'

'Liar'.

Sweetie Belle knew it would be dangerous to continue down this path, so she chose to come clean.

'Azure, please, I'm really sorry, I was just scared and I wasn't thinking and-'

'You're damn right you weren't thinking, Sweetie Belle. Have you forgotten who you are already? You're still being hunted by the police and the Royal Guard itself. Operation Dandelion Seed, not that you would know'.

Sweetie Belle wasn't sure where Azure was heading, but he hadn't exploded just yet, which was better than she was expecting.

Azure continued; 'Sweetie Belle, I want to make something crystal clear. I am not a charity. I will not be taken advantage of. If you so much as think of running off, I will have the entire police force of Fillydelphia and half the Royal Guard come down on you before you're three steps out of the door with just one phone call. Is that understood?'

Sweetie Belle felt her blood chill, but realized the time for pleading apologies was over. If she wanted to keep her freedom, she would have to come up with a threat of her own.

'I'll speak to the police too. I'll tell them about the Flawless Rainbow, and about you trying to kill Bronco. And I'll never sing for you again'.

Azure's head turned slowly to gaze at Sweetie Belle, a look of incredulity on his face. To be threatened at all was a rarity for him, to say nothing of being threatened by a teenage filly. As Sweetie Belle began to back up, Azure sprung foward and swung his hoof at Sweetie Belle, narrowly missing connecting with the side of her head, instead striking her cracked horn. As Sweetie Belle reeled in pain, Azure lunged forwards, grabbing her by the ears and dragging her face up to his.

'Listen to me, Sweetie Belle, and listen closely, because I think you might be a little slow. I am not going to be threatened by the police. I am the police in Fillydelphia. Every single officer with the power to actually do anything is on my payroll, and probably a million other ponies' payrolls as well. Why would they believe you, anyway? If anything, going to the police would save me the trouble of having to turn you in. They'll never find Bronco, either. I'm going to have him killed, and then I'm going to have his head impaled outside his bloody nightclub, and nopony is going to stop me. Especially not some uppity dyke like you'.

Sweetie Belle frantically shook herself free, and retreated away. Azure advanced on her, taunting her every step of the way.

'Don't try to defy me, Sweetie Belle. You're already at risk of losing your pay. I don't have to pay you to sing, I could just... make you. You'd crack eventually, like everypony else. And there are other types of pain, Sweetie Belle. You have family and friends. Your sister... Rarity, was it? And your parents, and that stupid orange cripple I saw defending you on the news. Could you live with yourself, knowing it was because of your stubbornness I had to carve them up on their doorstep?'

Sweetie Belle felt her blood run cold at the mention of her family and friends. What kind of monster had she got herself caught up with?

'N-no! Please, not them, I swear I'll sing for you, I'll do anything!'

The cocky, triumphant smile on Azure's face was almost too much to bear. 'Perhaps it would be better to reconsider your accommodation, Sweetie Belle. After all, I'm not sure I can trust you alone anymore. Perhaps it would be best if you stayed with me, at my home'.

Sweetie Belle couldn't think of a more repellent concept, but she said nothing, willing to accept any conditions Azure offered at this point.

'A room at my house and twenty - no, fifteen - bits a night. Well, Sweetie Belle, what will you do for that?'

Sweetie Belle swallowed. 'Anything'.

'Will you sing? Will you follow instructions and do as you're told?'

'Yes!'

'Yes sir'.

'Yes sir'.

Azure nodded curtly. As soon as he had arrived, the violent psychopath was gone, and the shrewd businessman was back.

'Well Sweetie Belle, I'll have you accommodated by tomorrow. For tonight, I suppose you can stay in the hotel, but let me warn you; if you try to leave, or contact your friends in any way, there will be dire consequences, for both you and them. Got it?'

Without waiting for a reply, he was gone. Sweetie Belle immediately dropped the brave facade, and collapsed onto the floor, weeping. Within an hour, she had no more tears to give. Picking herself up, she began to pack her belongings once again.

The room Amethyst Charm and Sweetie Belle were in was silent, except for the ticking of the clock. Sweetie Belle wasn't sure where how to continue from here. Amethyst was crying, tears streaming down her face. Before Sweetie Belle could resume, Amethyst spoke up.

'Oh my... Sweetie Belle, I'm so sorry, I had no idea. How awful'.

Sweetie Belle shrugged. 'Don't be. It wasn't your fault'.

'It wasn't yours either, Sweetie Belle. You know that, right?'

Sweetie Belle shook her head. 'I was wrong to run away, Amethyst. I'm amazed I'm still here today, to be honest'.

'Sweetie Belle, please don't tell me you think you're responsible for what that... bastard did to you. You were just a filly, how were you supposed to know-'

'I wasn't "just a filly", Amethyst, I was... dammit... I was so stupid. I should have kept my temper when he found the bag, not threatened him. I don't know what I was expecting. All I did was make him angry, and a lot of bad stuff happened because I couldn't keep my temper'.

'So what happened after the fight in the hotel?'

Sweetie Belle resumed. 'Not a lot. I moved in with Azure - he kept me in a room under his house. It wasn't squalid or anything, but it was nowhere near as nice as the hotel. He was a lot more possessive too. He never stopped paying me, but he kept all the money I earned in a safe in his room. If I wanted to spend money, I had to ask for it, and I had to tell him why I was spending it...'

'... so I know you're not frittering it away. You are no longer allowed to talk to the patrons at the Flawless Rainbow. If they call over to you, or talk to you in any way, you are to smile and wave. Understand?'

'Yes sir'.

'You are not to go out on your own. If you need to go out for any reason, either me or somepony else I pick will accompany you. I will also ensure your door is locked at night and when I am away. Understood?'

Sweetie Belle gritted her teeth. 'Yes sir'.

'Sweetie Belle, I want you to know that this is all for our mutual benefit. You'll see things my way when you're older. I need to protect you from the police and the rest of the world, and I need to protect myself from you. You've got it better than most of the street rats out there, believe me. In fact, I think you should be thanking me for this opportunity'.

Sweetie Belle looked up in disbelief, unsure if Azure was being serious or not.

'Sweetie Belle?'

Sweetie Belle's head was filled with choice names she would loved to have called Azure, just to see the shock on his face, no matter the personal cost. But she didn't. Instead, she put on a sickening, simpering face. 'Thank you, Azure'.

Sweetie Belle had never seen a pony look smugger.

As Azure turned to leave, Sweetie Belle called after him. 'Azure? Can I ask a question?'

'Of course, Sweetie Belle'.

Dreading the answer, she replied: 'How - how long do I have to work for you?'

Azure gave her an almost sympathetic smile. 'Sweetie Belle, don't ask stupid questions. You know full well I can't let you leave'.

'What? What does that mean?'

'It means, Sweetie Belle, that this arrangement will have to continue indefinitely. I know you don't want to hear that, but like I said, it's for our mutual benefit-'

Sweetie Belle didn't wait to hear any more. Instead, she just collapsed on her makeshift bed. Behind her, she heard Azure sigh.

'I am going out now, Sweetie Belle, so I'll lock the door. Please don't try to damage my home. I will simply take it out of your wages'.

Sweetie Belle said nothing, sniffling into her bed. Behind her, she heard the door lock audibly, and the sound of retreating footsteps. Then, silence. Burying her face deep into the mattress, she screamed as loud as possible, venting her rage, not just at Azure, her captor, but at herself, for her naivety that had lead her here.

Looking up, she took in the surroundings of her cell. Bare walls, a cabinet, a makeshift bed, and a bathroom. Of course, she could destroy everything in this room to get back at Azure, but Sweetie Belle knew he would make good on his promise to take her wages to pay for it.

What was she to do? Was Azure serious about keeping her here? Certainly not. How could he keep her here for years with nopony finding her? It seemed impossible, but then again, Sweetie Belle saw no means of getting a message out. There were no windows, only a door. Whenever she left this room, Azure or another pony would be there to monitor her, so she couldn't slip away or attract anypony's attention. Of course, she could always try to break the door down.

As soon as Sweetie Belle began to test this idea, it fell flat. The door was unusually thick, and when Sweetie Belle knocked on it, she could hear a thick metal lining. The room was the perfect cell. Had somepony else been kept here before? Sweetie Belle shuddered at the prospect, imagining somepony else going through these exact same motions, slowly realizing they were trapped.

Could she escape while performing at the Flawless Rainbow? Just interrupt her performance with a cry for help. Surely somepony would step forwards to help her. Or were they too afraid of Azure?

Either way, it was too risky. Perhaps Sweetie Belle should wait for the situation to develop. Over time, Azure was bound to get sloppy, to mess up. And Sweetie Belle would be there when he did, to snatch her freedom back.

'And what happened then?'

Amethyst was clinging on to every word coming out of Sweetie Belle's mouth.

'He kept me prisoner for the next six years'.

The effect was just as Sweetie Belle had predicted. Amethyst gave a horrified gasp and threw herself around Sweetie Belle, bursting into fresh tears.

'Sweetie Belle... Sweetie Belle...'

Despite her promise to keep her emotions under control, Amethyst's reaction was too much, and Sweetie Belle's eyes watered as Amethyst dragged her closer into her embrace. Sweetie Belle let Amethyst hold her for nearly ten minutes, before pulling free.

Amethyst's sorrow was now mixed with fury. 'Bastard. Bastard. Please, Sweetie Belle, tell me he's dead, or so help me Celestia, I'll kill him myself'.

Sweetie Belle shook her head. 'He's not dead. But I promised I wouldn't go after him, and I won't'.

Amethyst had no idea what Sweetie Belle meant by this, but there was one other question on her mind. 'Didn't you ever try to escape?'

Sweetie Belle nodded. 'Loads of times. Every time, I got caught, and Azure would do something. Not beat me up - I always had to be presentable for my performances. But he would do other things, like give me stale or rotting food, or keep me awake at night by playing loud music. Anything to make life uncomfortable for me. When I got older, I stopped trying to escape so much, and life got better'.

'What about your job? Did you ever refuse to sing?'

Sweetie Belle shook her head. 'Are you kidding? It was one of the only times I got to leave the house. And Azure did let me talk to the ponies there, as long as I didn't try to escape through them. None of them would have helped me anyway. They were all too scared of Azure'.

Amethyst nodded sympathetically. 'So what happened in those years?'

'Not a huge amount. I got a reputation for singing, and I always drew a big crowd, so Azure never let me go. When I got older, most of them were more interested in hitting on me than they were in listening to me sing, but I didn't really care. If I'm being honest, I actually found it flattering'.

Sweetie Belle had expected raised eyebrows from Amethyst, but she said nothing.

Sweetie Belle continued. 'Anyway, there's only a few things I have to mention that happened in those years. First, Azure finally killed Bronco. It was quite a famous case; especially given the drama over Thunder and the public nature of the murder. Stabbed in the street. I remember him gloating about it for weeks. Next, I was declared legally dead, and the police search stopped, which meant Azure was more relaxed and careless about having me in his home. Technically, Sweetie Belle is deceased under Equestrian records. And finally, Azure started doing business with another stallion. I never found out his name, but he and Azure didn't get on too well'.

'Any reason why?'

'Not really. Probably something petty, like money. Anyway, he played a pretty big role in my life, so I'm mentioning him now...'

'Thank you, everypony! I'm here every night, seven to twelve!'

Sweetie Belle basked in the raucous cheering of the audience. No matter her situation with Azure, she had never stopped enjoying the singing she did at the Flawless Rainbow. Slipping off stage, she was immediately surrounded by the usual throng of admirers, shouting over each other and slapping her on the back. Sweetie Belle was usually the centre of attention in the evening - indeed, she had gathered something of a cult following in the Fillydelphia gay community, becoming a minor celebrity. Sweetie Belle never thought of herself this way - she was always relaxed and casual around other ponies, seeing them as friends, not fans.

Of course, life wasn't perfect. She still wasn't independent. Azure still locked her up every night and never gave her access to the money she earned, even though she was now nineteen. Sweetie Belle loathed Azure for his continued imprisonment of her, even though she never let it show. Azure had stolen her formative years from her, and stifled any chance she had of developing a meaningful social life, leaving her shy and withdrawing, especially with ponies her own age.

Occasionally, she wondered what had become of the ponies she had known in Ponyville. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom would have grown up and moved on. Sweetie Belle could only imagine how much they had changed. Rarity? Her Parents? Sweetie Belle had no idea what had happened to them. Hopefully they had managed to move on without her.

Sweetie Belle felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning, she saw Azure standing behind her, looking impatient.

'Sweetie Belle, I need to be home early tonight, so you have to come with me. Get ready to leave'.

Sweetie Belle knew better than to argue, so she pushed through the crowd around her and fell in line behind Azure. Not speaking a word to each other, they headed through the streets of Fillydelphia back to Azure's home. Sweetie Belle had often tried to run away during the return home, but experience had taught her that Azure was much faster than her and much quicker to react.

As they drew closer to Azure's home, Sweetie Belle could make out the figure of a stallion standing on the doorstep, wearing a thick coat. Azure seemed to have noticed him too, for he suddenly spoke up:

'Sweetie Belle, I want you to head straight inside, understood?'

'Yes sir'.

Sweetie Belle was ushered inside the house, where Azure guided her downstairs and into her room. Practically forcing her in, he hissed: 'Keep quiet in there. I don't want to be interrupted unless something catches fire'. Satisfied he had made an impression, he departed, closing the door and locking it.

Sweetie Belle was tired, but her hopes of getting a good night's sleep were quickly shattered, as what had begun upstairs as a peaceful conversation quickly escalated into a shouting match. Though much of the conversation was muffled, Sweetie Belle was still able to hear the two ponies straining to shout over each other.

Sweet Celestia, let them end soon, Sweetie Belle prayed. I have to be up tomorrow to practice.

Since she spent most of her time in her room, Sweetie Belle had plenty of time to practice her singing. Over the years, daily practice had improved her talent, a fact that had been notice up by both Sweetie Belle and the ponies she sang for.

When she wasn't practicing, she spent much of her time reading - Azure let her buy books with her wages - and listening to her portable radio, which she had also bought after much saving. In the first few years, she had featured prominently in the news, with almost daily updates on the search. She had also had the chance to occasionally hear from a pony she knew, though she had never heard Rarity or any other member of her family. Over the years, however, the stories concerning her had become few and far between, and she had not heard her name on the radio for months now. She rarely listened to other news stories - hearing about the world she was missing out on was too painful.

Upstairs, an almighty bang resonated throughout the house as a door was slammed with great force. Seconds later, Sweetie Belle heard it
wrenched open, and heard the two stallions as they came downstairs, still furiously arguing. Their conversation was much clearer now.

'I have warned you again and again Azure. I won't tolerate this behavior. It's twisted, it's sick, and it's going to get us all caught'.

'We can't stop doing it, it's saving us so much money-'

'You don't get it, do you? We don't need to save money. These actions give us a bad name, and it makes it easier for the police to find us. No more. If you want somepony to do your dirty work for you, then you don't use foals. You might be able to live with their blood on your hooves, but I can't and I won't'.

'You can't stop me. You're not my boss. We're partners. If you don't like the way I do things, you're welcome to leave'.

'Well, maybe I'll do just that'.

Sweetie Belle heard the front door slam, and Azure cursing under his breath as he rushed out after the visitor.

Over the years he had kept her incarcerated, Sweetie Belle had observed Azure grow yet more violent and unstable. From scraps of conversation she had picked up over the years, she had pieced together a picture of him.

She knew he had no family. No partner, no children, nothing. He was not a solitary pony, by any means - he frequently visited the Solaris and other nightclubs, and Sweetie Belle had been forced to endure him bringing (occasionally drunken) mares to the home more than once. He could be charismatic, suave and friendly when he wanted.

The other, 'true' side of Azure was that he was incredibly narcissistic and unpredictable. Aside from his treatment of Sweetie Belle, he would also regularly use physical violence to discipline his lieutenants and keep them in line. Whenever he had anypony killed, he would do it publicly, so as to squeeze as much fear out of the killing as possible. He bolstered his ranks by recruiting young foals, who were easy to manipulate. These tactics had made him a pariah to other crime bosses, who preferred to keep their conduct low key, but they had also made him powerful and feared, with his criminal empire expanding rapidly in multiple directions.

Azure also owned several legitimate businesses in Fillydelphia, which he funneled his illegally-gained income into. She knew the names and addresses of several of these businesses. She also knew the names of his top lieutenants, the names of several of his business partners and the locations of several bodies. She had written down and memorized all of this information.

The reason she had done this was for her revenge. When she escaped - and she only had to wait for Azure to slip up - she intended to bring him and as many accomplices as possible down with him. She would go to the police, hand herself in, and tell them as much as possible. She didn't particularly care what happened to her after that, even though she was sure it would be lobotomization. Azure had enslaved her and stripped her of her basic dignity for most of her life. Sweetie Belle didn't know anything about the real world. She was fully grown, but she had no education, no family, no friends, and no future. She had never stressed with her friends over their exams, never argued with her parents over her life choices or fashion, like everypony else did. She had never even kissed another mare. If she stood a chance of fitting in anywhere, that place would almost certainly be in a padded cell with part of her brain cut out.

She hadn't always felt this way. There was a time when she would do anything Azure said to protect herself and the ponies she knew. Those days were long past now. The only thing that kept her from disobeying Azure was her desire to make him complacent enough to escape from.

Sweetie Belle's fixation on revenge kept her sane. It occupied her every waking thought, every dream she had. Fueled by hatred, Sweetie Belle continued with her miserable existence, letting Azure believe he had broken her.

Yet still Azure had never once slipped, or let his guard down, or even made a simple mistake, despite his growing violent and irrational behavior. Sweetie Belle's impatience had nearly driven her insane. Her security was completely airtight, with all avenues of escape blocked. Every night, she would analyze her daily routine, looking for flaws in her security, and every night she came to the same conclusion - there were none.

The sound of the front door slamming brought Sweetie Belle back to reality. Opening the flap in her her door, she shouted upstairs at Azure: 'Hey, am I going to get any peace tonight?'

The sound of hoofsteps upstairs abruptly stopped, and Sweetie Belle soon heard Azure coming down the stairs, presumably to bellow at her. Instead, she heard an unfamiliar voice call out: 'Who's there?'

Heart pounding, Sweetie Belle pushed open the flap and stared out to see who she was speaking to. Unfortunately, it wasn't an inquisitive police officer, as Sweetie Belle had hoped, but instead the stallion Azure had been arguing with.

'Uhhh... I'm Sugar Note'.

The stallion looked absolutely bewildered and a little disgusted to find Sweetie Belle locked up under the house, but it seemed she was not unfamiliar to the stallion.

'Sugar Note? Aren't you the mare who sings for the Flawless Rainbow?'

Sweetie Belle nodded, sensing a chance at freedom. Putting on her sweetest, most innocent voice, she whimpered: 'Yeah. Azure keeps me here. Listen, I know this is a lot, but please get me out. Azure's horrible, he's kept me here since I was just a little filly, and he makes me do whatever he says, or he beats me up. There's a key somewhere. silver with a leather handle, please, please, I'm begging you...'

Sweetie Belle drew to a clumsy and somewhat anticlimactic close, desperately scanning the stallion's face for a sign of mercy. The stallion looked sickened, but there was something else - fear of retribution if he did something rash. The signature Azure Meadows left in every pony he met.

'Listen, kid... I'm really sorry. I wish I could help you, but it's not my place to... y'know... tell Azure what to do...'

'Please. Just open the door. I'll disappear, you'll never see me again, I promise.'

Sweetie Belle could see she was fighting a losing battle. Azure could be home any second, and the stallion was already beginning to back up the stairs. As he was backing away, he suddenly paused, produced a pen and notepad from his coat. Hastily scribbling a message down on the paper, the stallion slid the note under the door and bolted.

'Wait!'

But Sweetie Belle was too late; the stallion was gone. Turning her attention to the note, she read:

Sugar Note

Sorry I can't speak to you directly. The room could be bugged, and it's crucial Azure never finds out about this information, so make sure you destroy this note.

Azure's empire isn't going to last much longer. His actions are too cocky and provocative, and he's a risk to himself and everypony else. It has therefore been decided to get rid of him. If you want your freedom, then I want your help.

Azure is very paranoid about being assassinated. He won't eat food or drink he is served at a party, only his own prepared meal, and he always brings about five bodyguards with him wherever he goes.

We believe the cleanest and quickest way to deal with Azure will be at a Hearth's Warming Eve party this year. It's going to be a public event, since he refuses to be alone with us nowadays. It is highly likely he will bring you along as some kind of trophy, as he always likes to brag about having you under his thumb. Therefore, we will make you a deal.

We will give you a sachet of poison. On the day, you will sneak some of it into Azure's food somehow. If you do this, you will be free.

I understand if the answer is no. Killing a pony must seem like a terrible thing to you, but understand it is sometimes necessary for the greater good. You can simply destroy this letter and forget all about it.

A warning, though. DO NOT SHOW AZURE THIS LETTER. We will have no choice but to target you if you do.

Sweetie Belle flushed the letter down the toilet with the greatest sense of joy she had ever had in living memory.

Part 2, Chapter 4 - Phantoms I

When Sweetie Belle was just a young filly, she had accidentally stood on a frog and killed it. She remembered running home in tears, convinced she was the greatest monster Equestria had ever seen. It had taken nearly an hour of coaxing by her parents before she had calmed down enough to tell them what she was so upset about.

This was not a particularly notable memory of Sweetie Belle's, but recently she had marveled at how different she was today. When she had read that letter, she had felt genuine joy. Not just because she would be free, but because Azure would die, and she would get to be one to do it.

The realization that she might one day get revenge on Azure and also taste freedom gave Sweetie Belle a new outlook on life. Now that she no longer had to resign herself to life in an asylum, she had to start thinking about her own future. The truth was that she had little idea what she would do once she had won her freedom. She would likely end up back where she started, homeless and alone.

Of course, that wasn't true. She was older than she had been then, and more used to life in the city, despite the sheltered life she lived under Azure. And she had her special talent - singing. Surely it couldn't be hard to pick up work in a city like Fillydelphia. After all, she had spent most of her life singing. She was sure to stand out. She was used to performing for large audiences, and she knew she was good-looking, which would be a plus.

If she played her cards right, she could have it all. Freedom, a job, maybe even her own roof over her head...

But in order to do this, she had to leave her past behind. In particular, her connection to Ponyville. A significant part of her wanted to take the first train back there the moment she won her freedom, to reconcile with her parents and Rarity, even though she knew it was stupidly dangerous.

They would never recognize her. Who would? Sweetie Belle had been dead for years now. Her life had been usurped by Sugar Note, a bitter, unfriendly mare who obsessed over killing somepony, who Sweetie Belle, the filly who had nearly had a mental breakdown over a squashed frog, would never recognize in a million years.

Hearth's Warming Eve couldn't come sooner, even though it was months away. It had turned out there were bugs hidden in her room, which had captured her plea for help. Sweetie Belle had learned this when Azure had burst down her door and bellowed at her. Sweetie Belle had been convinced she was about to die, but Azure had simply screamed himself hoarse and then slammed her door.

The following day, Azure's treatment of her reached it's nadir. She was marched out of her room early in the morning and watched closely by two of Azure's thugs, while security cameras and further bugs were installed in her room. Her protestations had fallen upon deaf ears, and when she was returned to her room, the cameras seemed to follow her every move. At first, she had made a great show of refusing to change in her room, and making loud, derogatory remarks about Azure at given intervals, but she soon tired of the exaggerated immaturity of her behavior, and stopped. If Azure got a buzz from watching his prisoners shower, all the more power to him.

In addition, Azure had cracked down on her freedom at the Flawless Rainbow. She was no longer to talk to the patrons. She was not to receive visitors, even under supervision - they had to write letters instead. Sweetie Belle was certain they would interpret this behavior as snobbishness, but she had no choice other than to comply.

Despite this treatment, Sweetie Belle was certain Azure did not suspect her. If he did, he would almost certainly have killed her. This was not to say Azure was not suspicious of others - he was still paranoid as ever, trusting virtually nopony. But he did not suspect Sweetie Belle was plotting with others, which would make her job easier.

Sweetie Belle had expected to be contacted soon after the first meeting, to be asked if she would cooperate, but a month passed before she heard more from the conspirators. One night, as she was returning backstage, she found a letter waiting on her dressing table. The seal of the letter was torn - unsurprisingly, Azure closely monitored all of her communication with other ponies - but the letter had been left inside.

Dear Sugar Note

I apologize for not writing sooner. I always wanted to, but I found it difficult to come up with the right words. I am a huge fan of yours, although I've only ever actually seen you perform once. I am always inspired by you music, and what you stand for. It's horrible that everypony hates us, but I like to think things will change eventually. It's always important to have hope, after all. I have written to you before - this is actually my second letter to you. I gave you the first one in person, a long time ago.

I actually wrote this letter to request a song - Crystal Romance, by Neon Lights. I understand if you don't want to - I don't want to interfere with your style, or anything. But it would mean a lot if you did, preferably within a week, as I won't have time to see it otherwise.

Thanks for listening to me!

An Admirer

To Azure, this letter wouldn't have seemed out of the ordinary. There had been others like it before, all carefully checked by Azure to ensure Sweetie Belle wasn't communicating with the outside world. In truth, it wasn't until she read the letter through a second time that she realized what was odd.

Nopony had ever given her a fan letter directly. In fact, only one pony had directly handed her a letter since she had come to Fillydelphia - the stallion that had come across her at Azure's home. Clearly, he wanted to know if she would help them, and she was supposed to reply by singing the requested song.

Sweetie Belle had believed her mind was made up, but making the final decision was tougher than she expected it would be. She was not worried about Azure's life - he was a monster, and deserved to die - but for her own. If she messed up, or in some way gave the game away, she would almost certainly be killed - either by Azure, or his enemies. Perhaps she should play it safe, and let this whole event pass her by.

But then she remembered the way Azure had treated her, the beatings, the threats, the invasions of privacy. How much longer could she go on like this? Her fixation on killing Azure had given her something to dwell on, keeping her sane, preventing her from surrendering to Azure. If she lost that, she had nothing.

'Uhh, Sir? Can I ask for something?'

'What is it, Sweetie Belle?'

'See, I wanted to sing a new song, so I need to buy a copy of the lyrics and the backing track to practice... It's called Crystal Romance'.

'Wasn't that the song requested in that fan letter? Sweet Celestia, you're too sentimental sometimes. If it's something small like that, we'll pick it up on the way home. Happy?'

'Yes, sir. Thank you, sir'.

'Crystal Romance' was a song about forbidden love between an earth stallion and a crystal mare, a theme Sweetie Belle was used to singing about. It was part of a larger underground musical subculture, which dealt with taboo themes such as interspecies and homosexual relationships, and while the songs were not banned, unless they were considered obscene, they were hard to come by - though a pony with Azure's connections would be unlikely to have had any issues acquiring a copy.

Sweetie Belle used to love songs like these, because of her ability to connect with the emotions of the singer. Today, they were nothing more than a reminder of her imprisonment. But they were incredibly popular with her audience, so Sweetie Belle had to perform them time and time again.

While she practiced, she focused on burning the image of Azure purchasing the record and sheet music into her mind, relieving every second of Azure signing his own death warrant. Twice, she broke down in hysterical laughter, causing Azure to loudly pound on her door and demand to know what was so funny. Azure really was an idiot, and arrogant to. She was doing the world a favor by disposing of him.

It was fortunate they had chosen a simple song for her, because Sweetie Belle wanted to get her response out as soon as possible. Although she had to practice into the early morning, she spent her night perfecting the performance. The faster she replied, the more they would trust her. She could not afford to show hesitation - once she started on this path, there could be no going back.

Finally, Sweetie Belle felt her performance was perfect. Collapsing in a heap on her bed, she expected to fall asleep almost immediately, but she still felt wide awake. Was she forgetting something? Not that she could think of. She fumbled with her thoughts for a few more moments, until she realized what it was.

Once she signaled her cooperation, she would only have two months left in Azure's grasp, assuming everything went smoothly. But what would happen after that? It was embarrassing to admit, but Sweetie Belle had always assumed she would be set free. Looking back, that was a completely ludicrous suggestion. She would be a witness to murder, even if she was complicit in it. Her co-conspirators would almost certainly have her killed, so she could never pose a threat to them. Performing tomorrow would be the equivalent of suicide. No matter who killed who, she would end up dead. There was no question of that.

The real question was: did she care? She lived a pitiful existence as it was; her own personal hell. As morbid as it was, death might be preferable to slavery. And she was getting older. Azure kept her around for her singing talents, but how long would those talents last? Would she still be able to sing like this in five years? Azure wouldn't keep her if she couldn't, but he certainly wouldn't let her go free.

Live two months as a slave and die free, or live five years as a slave, and die a slave. On paper, it would be an easy question to answer - live quick and die free. But such bravado quailed in the face of reality. Sweetie Belle feared death. She didn't know what would happen to her, but she knew murderers went to Tartarus. Everypony said so. But what about killing evil ponies? Surely she wouldn't be punished for killing Azure, when he had done so much worse to her. Of course, Tartarus could be a myth. But what else was there? Nothing. An endless void, meaningless.

Sweetie Belle couldn't save herself from death. But she could do everything she could to ensure she mattered. And right now, the one thing she could do, to ensure she made her mark, was to take Azure down with her.

This simplification of her situation gave her peace. Rolling over, she finally fell asleep

Sweetie Belle performed Crystal Romance the next day, to rapturous applause. At the back of the club, separated from the other ponies, stood a mare Sweetie Belle had never seen at the club before. At the end of the song, the mare gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod.

A month later, Azure first mentioned the Hearth's Warming Eve party. He did not invite her - he told her she was going.

'Sweetie Belle! Listen, I've got a party coming up this Hearth's Warming Eve, and I want you to attend. So make sure you learn some festive songs, because I want you to perform there after dinner. Understood?'

'Yes, Sir'.

If her performance was scheduled to be after dinner, Sweetie Belle saw no reason to learn a single song.

'Hmpf. You're getting a little sloppy with your makeup, by the way. Sort that out'.

Fuck you, Azure. 'Of course, Sir'.

'A lot of... colleagues will be there, so I expect you to be polite to all of them. Don't drink, don't act up, don't show me up in any way. If you do, then there'll be consequences. None of them will care about anything you tell them, so don't try to pull some kind of pity act either'.

'Yes, Sir'.

Seemingly disappointed he hadn't gotten a rise out of Sweetie, Azure wandered off. Sweetie Belle returned to practicing the songs she had selected for tonight's lineup. She still had three hours to make any tweaks she wanted to tonight's script. Given that she only had a month left to live, it seemed pointless to live cautiously...

'Good evening, everypony!'

Sweetie Belle strutted onstage, running her script through her head one last time. She had spent the rest of her evening producing today's performance, and it was certain to be a memorable one.

'Okay, first up, I wanna ask for a big round of applause for our host, Azure. I'd also like to thank him for inviting me to a Hearth's Warming Eve party. Nothing say 'gentlecolt' like locking a girl up and then making her go on a date with you, after all'.

Silence. Almost every single pony in attendance was gazing at Sweetie Belle with awe. Others were already moving towards the exit, sensing trouble. One or two, however, were grinning and stifling laughter. At the back of the room, Azure clenched in jaw.

'Are you gonna make me ask twice?'

Ponies began to applaud, some cautiously, others enthusiastically. After the pitiful display was over, Sweetie Belle launched into her first song, closely watching the reaction of the audience. Most ponies relaxed during the song, and began to laugh and talk among themselves. Some ponies left immediately, but very few. Azure was sitting at the back, probably wondering if he should interrupt the show or not.

Sweetie Belle knew Azure loathed being joked about, especially in front of other ponies. But she wasn't just anypony. She was the star attraction at the Flawless Rainbow. If she suddenly 'disappeared' after a performance where she made fun of Azure, everypony would quickly figure out what had happened. Azure might get away with a lot, but Sweetie Belle didn't think his business would survive if he openly murdered one of his performers for making fun of him.

As she concluded her first song, she prepared for her follow up. Next was 'Illusions', a erotic song about two stallions perpetually beset by misfortune. It belonged to the same subculture as 'Crystal Romance', expect this one was banned. It had taken Azure a week to get hold of an original copy, and he resented the fact she had not yet sung it. Now it was time to recognize his hard work.

'Okay, this next song is for you, Azure. Honestly, I never thought you'd be able to get hold of this single, since it's so rare. Who knew you'd have it in your personal collection?'

As she launched into 'Illusions', the ponies who recognized it burst into real, genuine laughter, and the room was filled with cat-calls and laughter, much of it directed at Azure, who had gone red with embarrassment and fury. One of Azure's 'berserk buttons' was ponies assuming or accusing him of being a coltcuddler. Azure might run a gay bar, but he was no more tolerant of coltcuddlers and fillyfoolers than the rest of Equestrian society.

Azure lurched from his chair, as if to charge the stage, but halted before taking the first step forward. Instead, he stormed upstairs, slamming the door behind him.

Sweetie Belle made a few other jokes in the nights performance, but since Azure wasn't there to see them, she saw little point. She also decided to ignore Azure's instructions and go talk to the ponies in the club. Most of them expressed delight that she was talking to them again, but they all had the same thing on their mind - warning her not to provoke Azure. All of them were so... boring. But then, they all had things to live for.

Sweetie Belle wasn't sure when Azure was going to return, or if he would return at all. If he wasn't around to watch her, she could attempt to slip away into Fillydelphia, and never return. But Azure wasn't stupid. He wouldn't have left her alone if she wasn't being watched by somepony else.

Azure eventually returned, red-faced and obviously drunk, just as Sweetie Belle was wrapping up her performance. Sweetie Belle had prepared a few final gags, but the look on Azure's face dissuaded her from reading them out. As fun as taunting Azure was, Sweetie Belle was worried she had tipped him over the edge.

Sweetie Belle returned backstage and began to remove her makeup. Normally, Azure would collect her and escort her home, and lock her up. Tonight, however, she was met by another, unfamiliar stallion.

'Sugar Note? I'm here to take you home, on behalf of Azure. Says he can't make it tonight'.

Sweetie Belle said nothing, just raised her eyebrows and continued to dab at her face.

'Uhh... Okay. Oh, and by the way, big fan. N-Not that I visit... I'm not like... I... I just came here once! Just to see you perform! I don't like-'

'Shut up'.

The stallion looked somewhat taken aback, and a little upset, but he complied.

Perhaps she was being uncharitable, but this stallion was here to lock her up and continue her enslavement to Azure. To call himself her fan was grotesque.

'Okay, I'm ready. Get moving, I'm missing out on so much back there'.

Azure was not there when she was returned to his home. The stallion took her to her room and locked the door without batting an eyelid, which mad Sweetie Belle feel better for belittling him all the way home.

Sweetie Belle's sleep that night was interrupted by an enormous bang. Sitting upright in bed, Sweetie Belle recognized the sound as the front door slamming open. Moments later, she heard Azure bellowing from upstairs.

'SWEETIE BELLE!'

As Sweetie Belle scrambled to her feet and shook herself awake, she heard Azure thunder downstairs, followed by a grating sound as he attempted to unlock her door.

As the lock turned and finally the door swung open, Sweetie Belle began to call out to Azure.

'Azure, wait, I know you're mad, and I would be too, but you can't just-'

Ignoring her, Azure charged forwards, swinging wildly at Sweetie Belle. Before Sweetie Belle had a chance to defend herself, Azure slammed his hoof into the side of her head. Sweetie Belle was flung sideways, but quickly recovered and staggered to her feet.

Azure was seemingly impressed. He thought he had killed her with that blow, or at least knocked her out cold. This did nothing to abate his anger, however, and he advanced on Sweetie Belle a second time, more methodical in his approach. As Sweetie Belle raised a hoof in defense, Azure knocked it to the side and struck her again on the side of the temple. Sweetie Belle's vision flickered red, and she passed out.

Sweetie Belle awoke in her room. Azure was gone, but there was a note left on her bed. A pool of blood had formed around her head and soaked into the carpet. Picking herself up, she inspected herself in the mirror for any damage. Lots of bruising, but nothing serious. No broken bones, as far as she could tell.

The note on her bed was poorly written, filled with misspellings and long winded, rambling spiels that bore no relevance to the rest of the letter, but the general message was clear.

Sweetie Bell

You are stupid. You think you know lots but I know more. What is even point in trying? I am much bigger than you. Who said you could make a comedy show? I do not think it was me. Stupid.

I dont want to go to hearts warning eve. I hate them. They hate me. Why do we do this?

You dont do that again. I will be mean. I will hurt you and friends. What is orange pegasus name. She will be hurt. hahaha. See? now your scared of me.

I am Azure (so you know). Not another pony.

I am not think so good now. I will make up punish in morning. This note is to scare you but i am not supposed to tell that.

Sweetie Belle had no idea what Azure was on, but it probably wasn't just alcohol. Azure might have spared her for now, but she only had a few more hours until he administered punishment.

The thought of being punished didn't scare Sweetie Belle. It would probably involve no more than Azure beating the crap out of her. She also found herself disturbingly unnerved by the threat of Azure harming her old friends - specifically Scootaloo. After all, they were her old friends. 'Friends' was a concept now alien to her.

Sweetie Belle tossed the letter in the trash and fell into her bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

'Quick, do it now!'

Sweetie Belle's eyes flew open, but before she could react, she felt a sharp prick in the back of her neck. Almost instantly, her limbs went numb and became unresponsive. She was still in her bed, and she was surrounded by at least five stallions. As she took in this turn of events, the stallions produced ropes and a small bag. Sweetie Belle's legs were secured to her frame, rendering her immobile, and the bag was roughly shoved over her head. She was then hoisted into the air, and carried up the stairs. As she reached the top, she heard a familiar voice call out:

'Is everything secure?'

'Yes, Sir. We can do it now, if you want?'

'Good. I want to be there'.

Sweetie Belle heard Azure lean in, and suddenly her head was snapped backwards as Azure grabbed her mane and pulled her up to his face.

'This is what happens to ponies who think they're smart, Sweetie Belle'.

Azure released her, and Sweetie Belle's head lolled in place. Azure said a few more words, but she could hear nothing over the hammering of her heart. She had never been this terrified in her life. Azure was going to kill her. He had finally snapped, driven mad by Sweetie Belle's taunting, and now he was going to take it all out on her.

Sweetie Belle felt herself being loaded into what felt like the back of a carriage. She could hear Azure's thugs whispering in amazement.

'Sweetie Belle? You don't think it's that kid from all those years ago? The one those fillyfoolers kidnapped?'

'I don't know, and I don't really wanna know. It's worth more than what he's paying us'.

'Yeah, but still... wow. I always thought she was dead'.

'Do yourself a favour and stop talking like that. She is dead now'.

At those last words, Sweetie Belle stiffened. So, this was it.

She could have cried, or screamed, or begged to be set free. But it wouldn't make any difference. None of them would care. Right now, the only thing Sweetie Belle could do for herself was refuse to die like this, with nothing but the searing pain of the ropes cutting into her skin and the endless darkness to accompany her.

I am in Ponyville. I'm just a filly again. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are here too... We're all here. The Cutie Mark Crusaders.

'Sweetie Belle? SWEETIE BELLE! Wake up, you're falling asleep!'

Sweetie Belle's eyes opened a fraction. Then, when she made out a bright orange purple blob in front of her, they shot open.'

There was Scootaloo, kneeling down to check on Sweetie Belle with a concerned look on her face. Scootaloo. Her friend.

'Scoots!' Sweetie Belle bawled, flinging herself at Scootaloo. Scootaloo had no time to react, and both of them collapsed in a heap, Scootaloo yelling in protest as Sweetie Belle began to crush her ribs in a hug. Behind her, Sweetie Belle heard a loud gasp. Sweetie Belle spun on the spot, not daring to believe it.

Sure enough, there was Apple Bloom, as radiant and beautiful as she had ever been. Sweetie Belle composed herself, quickly pulling any knots out of her hair and brushing her coat free off the mud it had picked up when she tackled Scootaloo

'Sweetie, what in tarnation has got into you? You's acting like you ain't seen us in years'.

'Oh, AB, I'm just so glad to see-'

Something's wrong.

'-you, you know?'

What was that? A voice in her head? That was the last thing she needed. Something's wrong?

'Ah'll say! Anywho, Have you two got any more ideas for crusadin'?'

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo both simultaneously glanced at each other and shook their head.

'Uhh... We have some ideas!' Scootaloo hovered over too Sweetie Belle. 'Like mountain climbing, or card house building, and, uhh... shark taming?'

'Scoots, how is you plannin' on taming a shark?'

'We could get it to do tricks! Like jump through hoops!'

'You mean like those dolphins do?'

'Yeah! Don't look at me like that, it was just a suggestion. Sweetie Belle, back me up here'.

Sweetie Belle gave a resigned smile. 'I don't think-'

Something's wrong. Something's VERY wrong.

'-thats very practical, scoots. Card house building sounds good, though!'

As Scootaloo sulked, Sweetie Belle tried to figure out what the voice meant. Something's VERY wrong. But what? Was this all some kind of sick trick Azure had pulled to taunt her one last time? Impossible. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were right there, arguing in front of her. Nothing unusual about that.

And yet...

None of this made sense. Sweetie Belle had been about to die. She had been hauled away in a carriage, and then she was suddenly back in Ponyville, with her childhood friends. There was no way the last six years of her life could have been a fleeting dream. So what was going on?

Weary with confusion, Sweetie Belle flopped sideways onto the grass. It was then that she saw it.

Her Cutie Mark!

It was the same as it had been before - a single black musical note. But why did she have it? She had never had a cutie mark when she was living in Ponyville, and certainly not this one. Was it just her? She had to check, but subtly, so she didn't start anything.

'Hey, girls! Have I got some dirt on me?'

Scootaloo flicked her eyes towards Sweetie Belle. 'Yeah, you got a smudge on your... flank... SWEETIE BELLE! YOUR CUTIE MARK!'

Wasting not a second, Scootaloo bounded over to Sweetie Belle and began to intensely study the new mark. Apple Bloom followed not long after, demanding to know what the fuss was over, until she saw the same mark on Sweetie Belle's flank.

'It’s a-a-a-a musical note? How could you have got that, you weren't even singing!'

Scootaloo nodded in agreement. 'Yeah, you can't have just got it now, Sweetie Belle. How did you miss it?'

SOMETHING IS WRONG, SOMETHING IS VERY VERY WRONG

'Yeah'. Sweetie Belle replied to the voice, ignoring the exclamations of Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. 'Something is wrong'.

'Okay, the hole's dug. Get her out'.

Sweetie Belle should have seen it from the beginning. Apple Bloom's southern accent wasn't that strong. Scootaloo could barely fly, let alone hover. And she didn't have her Cutie Mark. But try as she might, she simply couldn't imagine what her flank looked like bare. It had just been so long.

She didn't remember her friends perfectly, either. That's why the one's she was talking to now seemed strange. They were nothing more than figments of her imagination. Ponyville, too, was slightly off - some of the buildings seemed misplaced or unfamiliar, and if Sweetie Belle looked inside, she was certain most of them would be empty.

'This isn't the real Ponyville, is it?' Sweetie asked the question out loud to the two ponies in front of her. Both of them solemnly shook their head.

'So where am I really?' Sweetie Belle asked, dreading the response she knew was coming. Her throat began to constrict, and she began to cry.

'Right now, you're being buried alive'. Both the voices replied in union.

Sweetie Belle nodded, and felt more tears flow. 'So I'm going to die?'

Apple Bloom nodded, but with a kind smile. 'Yes, but don't worry. It'll be okay. We'll be with you until the end'.

'Cutie Mark Crusaders forever, right?' Scootaloo chipped in.

Sweetie Belle shook her head. 'No. We're not the Cutie Mark Crusaders. You're just... fakes'.

Both Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked a little upset, but not defeated. 'Thats's not true, Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo might not actually be here, but you three are still the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Nothing can change that.'

'They both probably hate me. They probably won't even care that I'm dead'.

'Scootaloo won't! She helped you run away, remember? And she defended you on the news afterwards! Think about what that must have cost her, to openly stand up for you even after everyone knew you were a fillyfooler!'

Sweetie Belle had never even thought about that. It was true Scootaloo had gone on the TV and Radio speaking in her defence, but Sweetie Belle had never even considered what the ramifications must have been for Scootaloo to defend a known fillyfooler. What was Scootaloo's life like today? Had she gotten over loosing Sweetie Belle? Had the CMC survived? Was she happy?

So many questions, so little time. She shook her head. 'Ok, so Scootaloo stuck by me. But Apple Bloom didn't. She left me, and Scootaloo too'.

'But why? Maybe she just didn't want ponies to think she was soft on fillyfoolers. Maybe, if you'd spoken to her privately, she would've listened. You've known her for years, Sweetie Belle. Think of all the experiences you've had together. Do you really see Apple Bloom as the kind of pony who'd throw away a great friendship over something like this?'

Sweetie Belle desperately turned to Apple Bloom. 'Is that true?'

Apple Bloom smiled and shrugged. 'Ah've no idea. I'm just part of yer imagination, Sweetie Belle. Nuthin more, nuthin less'.

Sweetie Belle felt her chest grow heavy and found it was becoming harder and harder to breathe. This wasn't her choking on tears - this was it.

A sudden, sharp pain in her forehead awake Sweetie Belle, dragging her into a nightmare. Harsh lighting surrounded her, and stallions were standing high above her, shovelling dirt on top of her. The source of the blow was a tall, thin pony who was shouting at her, a wide, psychopathic grin on his face. Even in her delirium, Sweetie Belle recognized Azure. This was the last thing she would ever see in this world, but Sweetie Belle felt no desire to savour it. Instead, she relaxed and let exhaustion take her.

She was back with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, but things had changed. It was now nighttime, and they were no longer in Ponyville. Instead, they were standing on a hill, just outside the Everfree forest. There was no more time for speeches, or hugs, or reminiscing. This was just a farewell.

As midnight grew near, and Sweetie Belle felt her breathing grow thinner and raspier, Apple Bloom leaned in.

'Don't worry about the way things end, Sweetie Belle. Just remember the time we were friends. This is the last time we'll ever see each other, so it'd be a terrible shame if you forgot me'.

As Apple Bloom pulled away, Sweetie Belle caught the last of her breath and tumbled into the waiting abyss.

Author's Note

So, I'd just like to point out this is not the end of the story, even if It seems like it. This is the first part of a multi-part chapter. Other than that, apologies for the haitus, and let the ride begin anew!

Part 2, Chapter 5 - Phantoms II

Nothingness. Sweetie Belle had awoken in a seemingly endless void. She did not feel a sensation of floating, nor falling - she was just suspended by the space around her.

So this, Sweetie Belle thought, is death.

In all honesty, she was a little disappointed. She hadn't a clue what she had been expecting, but it would at least have been something. It was a huge letdown to find something so... meaningless.

The void was dark, devoid of any light, yet at the same time it was not black. It lacked any colour whatsoever, failing to meet any description. It was infinite, and it was totally featureless. That was all that could be said about it.

Sweetie Belle wasn't scared; she was well past such emotions. Nor was she angry at having died young, or having lived such a grim life. She had made her choices, right and wrong, and this was where they had taken her. She had crafted her own fate.

So many ifs. If she hadn't taken up Azure's offer, she wouldn't be here. If she hadn't written that note, she wouldn't be here. If Ponyville hadn't found out about her, she wouldn't be here.

But those things had happened. And Sweetie Belle couldn't change that. All she could do now was drift.

It seemed Tartarus had been a myth after all. Unless, of course, this was Tartarus, trapped in an eternal void with nothing but her emotions. Sweetie Belle how long it would take for her to go insane. Time was meaningless here; she could have died ten minutes ago, or ten millennia ago. Impossible to tell.

This didn't seem like the Tartarus ponies talked of. There were no flaming pits, no monsters, no Cerberus. Maybe this was where everypony ended up. A gruesome thought, but not impossible.

Still, if this was Tartarus, it wasn't too awful. At least there was no suffering here. In fact, it was quite peaceful. Her opinion might change in a few centuries, but-

Sweetie Belle's train of thought was cut off by the appearance of a tear in the void. It was pitch black, yet it seemed to shine like the sun in comparison to the aether it floated in, causing Sweetie Belle to flinch and avert her gaze. From the darkness, a pony stepped forward. As Sweetie Belle's eyes adjusted to the brightness, she was able to focus on the pony in front of her, and her jaw dropped.

'Miss Cheerilee?'

Cheerilee stepped forward, filling Sweetie Belle's vision. It was definitely Cheerilee - the coat, mane and cutie mark were all unrecognizable - but she wore an expression Sweetie Belle had never seen before. It was an infinitely mature look, and her eyes seemed to bore into Sweetie Belle, reading her like a book.

'Uh, Miss Chee-'

'I'm not actually Miss Cheerilee, Sweetie Belle'.

The voice that came from Cherilee was new as well. It seemed to come from everywhere at once, with crystal clear pronunciation.

Cheerilee continued: 'I'm not here to explain what I actually am. For our purposes, think of me as a God. I have come, Sweetie Belle, to teach you one last lesson. About hate'.

Sweetie Belle was silent as Cheerilee continued: 'You have hatred within you, Sweetie Belle. Hatred for many ponies - your parents, your sister, your old school friends, and of course, Azure. It is fully understandable why you hate them. Your life has been a short and bitter one, and you are probably glad that it's over. But a major part of dying, Sweetie Belle, is learning to let go of the old world. If you still hold grudges against ponies you knew in life, you can never truly enter death. Do you understand?'

Sweetie Belle nodded cautiously. 'You want me to forgive them all?'

Cheerilee shook her head. 'Forgiveness is not necessary. You must simply prove that you have let go of your hate'.

'And how do I do that?'

'There will come a time when you will have to make a personal sacrifice - you must choose to ignore your hatred, and then you will be free'.

'When? How?'

'I cannot say'.

Sweetie Belle decided to change course. 'What happens then?'

'If you are able to let go of your hatred when this time comes to pass, then you will move on'.

'And if I don't?'

'You will be tethered to life forever, even after death'.

Sweetie Belle considered this. She had no idea what sort of test could possibly present itself here, but it would be easy to spot when it arose. So the question was - was she willing to let go of her grudges? Of course, it made no difference if she did or didn't - Azure had already won, and she could do nothing about that. The only thing she could do now was move on.

But where was she now? None of this made any sense - why would she have to give up her hatred, but not other things - memories, love, other things that tethered her to this world? Was this just an illusion? Perhaps she had already lost her mind.

Perhaps she could ask? 'Where am I now?'

Cheerilee hesitated. 'I can't answer that, Sweetie Belle'.

Sweetie Belle pressed on. 'Why not? I'm already dead, right? So why does it matter?'

Cheerilee's eyes flared. 'What makes you think you have a right to answers? What's so special about you?'

'Why are you getting angry? You're God, right? Can't deal with a simple question?'

Cheerilee roared, slamming her front hooves into the void. Sweetie Belle backed up. Of course, antagonizing God was probably a bad idea, but she had nothing to lose. She certainly wasn't going to forget the ponies who had wronged her in life, so any punishment meted out for this was meaningless - if the worst punishment around was being tied to life for eternity, she would gladly accept it.

As Cheerilee glowered at Sweetie Belle, more cracks, blindingly bright in their blackness, began to appear in the void, accompanied by a horrifically distorted noise. Upon listening closer, Sweetie Belle could make out the voice of a stallion grunting in frustration.

Sweetie Belle turned to face Cheerilee. 'What's going on?'

Cheerilee turned away from Sweetie Belle, head held low. Sweetie Belle rushed up behind her, shaking her while shouting in her ear. 'Cheerilee? I'm sorry! Please tell me what-'

Sweetie Belle grabbed Cheerilee by her head and pulled her face up to hers, recoiling when she saw what was there. Where Cheerilee's kindly face should have been, Sweetie Belle instead saw a horrific mix of faces, all morphing in and out of recognition. Her Father, Rarity, Apple Bloom, Comet Spark, and finally Azure. Azure's face was a mess - he was sweating profusely, and his normally neat hair was soaked in sweat and mud.

Azure reached out, seizing Sweetie Belle, and lifted her up, up, and out of the void.

Sweetie Belle awoke with a start, coughing and choking on dirt. Rolling over, she spat out as much filth as possible. Above her, she heard Azure laughing with glee.

'Thank Celestia. I thought you'd died. That would have bee a bitch to explain'.

I'm still alive. Sweetie Belle expected to feel relieved, but instead she felt indifferent.

'Well? I was expecting some kind of reaction. Aren't you happy?'

Sweetie Belle lifted her head a fraction. Azure and she were alone. She struggled to speak.

'Why... aren't... I... dead?'

Azure seemed amused by the question. 'Sweetie Belle, I'm not stupid. You're the biggest star I own. Did you really think I'm so vain as to have you killed for making a few jokes?'

As Sweetie Belle laid her head in the dirt, Azure continued. 'For your sake, I will assume your performance was intended to be light-hearted humor, as opposed to an attempt to deliberately humiliate me. But I'm going to warn you now - don't do it again. This little stunt is to send a message - it wasn't real this time, but it could well be the next. Got it?'

Sweetie Belle looked up to Azure and nodded.

'Right. Good. Come on then, I want to get back before sunrise. It's already three in the morning. You're off sick today, so you don't need to worry about practicing. Just get some rest'.

Everything moved like a blur for Sweetie Belle. In the space of two hours, she went from believing she was dead to being locked back up in her room. Azure didn't seem to realize the impact a near-death experience could have on a pony - or perhaps he just didn't care. In any case, Azure clearly expected Sweetie Belle to simply shake this experience off.

Sweetie Belle's earlier bravado had quailed in the face of reality. In it's place, her fear of death had come to reclaim her. Her vision in the earth had terrified her. Of course, it had all been a figment of her imagination, but it still felt like a taste of death. She now knew she could not die, no matter the circumstances.

It was far too late to come to this decision, of course. She had already agreed to kill Azure. If she failed to uphold her part of the deal, she would be killed. If she upheld her part of the deal, she would also be killed.

Of course, Azure was going to die anyway. And the moment he did, she would be in danger, regardless of whether she chose to aid his killers or not. As repulsive as it was, her life depended upon Azure's.

There were three interests to consider. Azure wanted to live, and to keep Sweetie Belle. Azure's enemies wanted to kill Azure, and kill Sweetie Belle. And Sweetie Belle wanted to escape Azure, and kill him if possible. Right now, Azure represented her far better than his enemies. And Azure's enemies believed she was on their side.

So logically speaking, Azure had to win for her to live. And if he was going to do that, he would need her help - somepony his enemies trusted, who was on his side. And if Sweetie Belle helped him, she could try to negotiate his victory on her terms. And she knew what those were.

Sweetie Belle spent her day off practicing in the mirror. She wasn't singing - instead, she was perfecting her composure. There could be no hesitation, no stuttering. She was striking a deal with Azure, not begging for sanctuary.

Azure returned home later than usual that night. Sweetie Belle heard him enter the kitchen, fumble around for a few minutes, and then leave. He headed downstairs, and pushed a plate of food through the flap at the bottom of her door.

'Azure, wait!'

Sweetie Belle usually never spoke to Azure when he delivered her food. Azure didn't react immediately, pausing just as he reached the foot of the stairs.

'Well?'

Sweetie Belle grimaced. 'Sir?'

Azure turned around. 'What is it? If you're going to complain about what I did, then I'm not interes-'

Sweetie Belle cut across him. 'Azure, please listen to me. Somepony is trying to kill you!'

Azure wasn't fazed. 'Nothing new there'.

'But they're really close! They wanted me to do it, and they know-'

Sweetie Belle got no further. Azure let out a roar, and seconds later Sweetie Belle heard the locks on her door clicking open. Azure threw to door open, grabbed Sweetie Belle by the neck, and pinned her to the floor.

'Who? Who the hell is it? And how do they know about you!'

'I-I don't know! There's a lot of them, and the one who asked me to help was that stallion you were arguing with- something about using foals! I swear, that's all I know! They wanted me to poison your food at the Hearth's Warming Eve party, because you were too well guarded!'

'AND YOU SAID YES?'

'Yes! I'm so sorry, please, don't kill me!'

So much for striking a deal.

Azure swore, and picked himself up off Sweetie Belle. Immediately nearly collapsing, he scrambled to his feet, using the side of her bed as a prop. Sensing another attack was imminent, Sweetie Belle seized the opportunity to make her case.

'Azure, I'm only telling you this because I'm on your side!'

That seemed to calm Azure down, enough to get him to sit. 'Why are you helping me? I don't see much mutual interest here'.

'They're going to kill me, aren't they? As soon as you were dead, they would have killed me too. At first, I didn't care, but when I was buried... I don't want to die. Not if it's like that'.

Sweetie Belle wished she would sound a little less pathetic.

'And what makes you think I won't kill you right now? What makes you think I've got anything to lose?'

Sweetie Belle looked up at Azure. He no longer looked angry - instead, he looked stressed, and terrified. It was the most beautiful thing Sweetie Belle had ever seen.

'The ponies you're talking about... If they want me dead, then I'm dead. You're rooting for a corpse'.

Sweetie Belle's blood ran cold. If Azure, with all his connections, couldn't protect himself, she had no chance.

'Azure, they don't know I've told you about all this. They still trust me. So I could help you. If you'll help me'.

Azure drew himself up to full height, eying up Sweetie Belle. 'Why should I help you? Why don't I just kill you now, and go into hiding?'

Sweetie Belle swallowed. 'You said it yourself, Azure. They'll find you. You need them dead, as much as I do'.

Azure exhaled heavily. It seemed to take all of his strength to continue. 'Okay, Sweetie Belle. Let's make a deal'.

Azure collapsed on his bed, exhausted from arguing. Sweetie Belle had behaved like a demanding child, simply repeating the same condition over and over. She wanted to be free, and she wanted Azure to leave her alone. Not that Azure had been expecting any different.

In truth, Azure had suspected his coworkers were planning to murder him for some time now. He had spent much of the past few years planning for his retirement - he had enough wealth to support him for the rest of his life, even without regular income from his operations - both legal and illegal - in Fillydelphia. Normally, ponies like him didn't retire, but worked until their deaths, but that had never appealed to Azure. He was well into middle age, and wanted to spend the rest of his life in comfort.

And when it came to excuses to retire, an assassination attempt seemed fitting.

Sweetie Belle could have her freedom, for all he cared. She would never turn him in, since she was still a runaway herself. And even if she did, it would be impossible to find him, much more impossible to prove he was Azure Meadows. Besides, Sweetie Belle had saved his life. It seemed only fair she should get another chance at hers.

As Hearth's Warming Eve drew closer, Azure grew more complacent with Sweetie Belle's care, often leaving her door unlocked and not complaining when she wandered around the house. Sweetie Belle assumed this was meant to signal trust between them. Despite this, she spent most of her time locked in her room with the door closed. The familiarity of it was a comfort to her.

Azure took her out of the Flawless Rainbow a week before it Heath's Warming Eve, to condition her for the party.

'From what you've told me, they plan to have you poison my food before it's served. They're probably only going to give you enough poison to spike one meal, so I'll give you some more. Stick around until we order our meals, and then make up an excuse to leave. They'll assume you're off to poison my food, so it won't look too suspicious. I'll order something distinct, so you know which one is mine'.

Sweetie Belle nodded.

'One last thing - don't try anything. I'm bringing bodyguards along, and you're not leaving until I say you get to. Got it?'

'Yes'.

'Good. Now, the poison I give will be fast acting, so we should see results in a matter of minutes. When everypony is dealt with, you can leave. You're on you own from then on, but if you want my advice, you should stick to Fillydelphia. You've got a reputation there, so it should be easy enough to find work - lots of bars are mimicking your format, and they'll be delighted to have the real deal performing'.

Sweetie Belle nodded.

'And... try to pick more carefully this time. Don't get caught up with another bastard like me. You deserve better than that'.

Sweetie Belle was surprised - she didn't think Azure thought of anypony as more than a pile of dirt - but she didn't say anything.

Azure paused for a moment. 'What I'm trying to say, Sweetie Belle, is that what I did was never a personal-'

Sweetie Belle wasn't about to listen to this. She interrupted with a sneer: 'I don't need your pity, Azure. I don't care why you did what you did. I also don't really care if you feel bad about it. It doesn't change anything - it just irritates me'.

Azure turned away, grimacing. 'You certainly know how to end a deal, Sweetie'.

Sweetie Belle exploded. 'A deal? A DEAL? What the fuck is wrong with you? You don't care, do you? This is normal to you! How many ponies have you done this to?'

Azure jumped back, but quickly regained his composure. 'A few'.

Sweetie Belle's rage was back. Resisting the urge to seize the table lamp and club Azure to death to it, she fought to lower her voice and calm herself. Arguing with Azure at this stage was pointless.

'How do you sleep at night?'

'Very comfortably, thank you'.

No further words came to Sweetie Belle. Instead, she looked pointedly at the floor layout on the table.

'Let's just get this over with. And don't call me Sweetie'.

Hearth's Warming Eve dawned. Sweetie Belle had avoided Azure ever since her outburst, and Azure seemed relieved about this, on all counts. Perhaps he was worried Sweetie Belle might snap and turn him in. Maybe he just didn't want to spend time arguing with her. For whatever reason, he had given her a wide berth until today.

Azure gave her a final briefing before they left. Sweetie was given twelve sachets of to hide poison under her dress. Sweetie wasn't sure what type of poison it was, but Azure gave specific instructions on how to use it.

'It's very important they actually swallow it. Make sure it covers the entire plate, because once they eat it, they'll know in a minute, maybe less. We can't afford to have only some of them die, understand?'

Azure had been deliberately vague as to the nature of the party, other than a brief description of it as 'a sort of elite social gathering. Ponies come from all across Equestria - politicians, actors, designers, businessponies, singers and the like'.

'And criminals?'

Azure shook his head. 'Of course not, Sweetie Belle. When we're at this party, I'm a businesspony. As are the others. We'll be having our own private meal, of course, so that will be our time to strike. It shouldn't be difficult to do this quietly - even if bodyguards are present, they're unlikely to get involved once their employers are dead'.

As Azure finished, a carriage pulled up outside the house. The passenger door opened, and a burly stallion in a tuxedo climbed out.

'All ready, Azure. Ready to leave?'

Sweetie Belle was ushered into the carriage, where she was met by four other stallions, all wearing similar garb. Presumably, this was Azure's security detail. Azure climbed in after her, and the carriage set off.

Almost an hour later, they arrived. Following Azure out, Sweetie Belle was greeted by a glistening mansion. Entire walls of the place seemed to be made of glass, and ponies were everywhere, as far as the eye could see.

'Impressive, no?' Sweetie Belle heard Azure mutter in her ear. 'Stay close to me. I don't want you slipping off'.

Sweetie Belle was far too overwhelmed to even consider such a plan. For years, her experience with large crowds had been limited to the Flawless Rainbow, which could never fit more than a hundred ponies, even at breaking point. Here, ponies numbered in the thousands, and were accompanied by an omnipresent buzz of chatter, laughter and camera flashes.

Azure and Sweetie Belle were escorted to a set of iron gates, where a prim-looking pony ran their names through a list and checked their tickets, finally admitting them with a wave of his hoof.

As they made their way through the crowd and up to the mansion, Sweetie Belle recognized numerous faces, famous ponies from all walks of life. Some stopped to chat to Azure, but none gave her more than a second glace. Sweetie Belle didn't mind - she was quite happy to be left alone - but she resented the way some of them looked at her, like she was Azure's trophy.

The wave of stimuli hitting her was far worse inside the mansion than it was outside. The chatter of outside was now accompanied by raucous bursts of laughter, raised voices and theatrical shrieks. Sweetie Belle couldn't possibly imagine ponies doing this for fun.

Eventually, they made it into the main building, where they were greeted by a cluster of ponies. Among them was the pony who had initially approached Sweetie Belle with the promise of killing Azure, though he made no sign of recognizing her. Azure wasted no time in greeting them all, and then introducing each one of them to Sweetie Belle. As they all gathered around her, Sweetie Belle heard a whisper:

'Dinner is in three hours. The kitchen is on the bottom floor, in the room next door to this one. Wait until he's ordered, then just sprinkle it into his food'.

As the words were said, she felt something slip into her bag.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Azure turned to Sweetie Belle. 'Did they give you it?'

Sweetie Belle nodded, and opened her bag. Inside was a small sachet, which Azure seized. Scanning the writing on the sachet, his face split into a triumphant grin, and he stuffed the sachet inside his jacket.

'Excellent. Well, it's all up to you now. Meet me at the foot of the main stairs in three hours - and don't be late. Until then, enjoy the party, I guess'.

With that, Azure and his bodyguards vanished into the crowd, leaving Sweetie Belle alone.

Sweetie Belle spent the first twenty minutes of her freedom gorging herself on the buffet, drawing numerous disapproving looks from ponies around her. Compared to the food Azure had fed her, this was a banquet fit for an empress.

When left to wander, she spent most of her time exploring the vast ground floor of the mansion. One room, which Sweetie Belle could only describe as a main hall, had an enormous stage set up, and ponies were swarmed over it, fixing the lights and cleaning the floor. An exhibition? A play? Sweetie Belle could only guess.

She hadn't planned on socializing, and most ponies around her showed no interest, but she was surprised when she was approached by a small group of mares her age. They introduced themselves one by one, but somehow Sweetie Belle found herself completely incapable of remembering their names.

The mares were all much younger than the rest of the guests, and extraordinarily beautiful, so Sweetie Belle was unsurprised to hear they were attending the event as the invitees of other stallions, eager to socialize with the upper rungs of Equestrian society. Having seen Sweetie Belle come in with Azure, they had assumed she was here for the same purpose.

'So, what's up with the old geezer? Couldn't you get anypony better? Not to brag or anything, but I'm here with Straight Sprint'.

Sweetie Belle blinked.

'The Canterlot Bulls' quarterback? You know, the hoofball team? You do know who he is, right?'

Sweetie Belle cringed and turned away. Mustering all her strength, she was able to produce a tiny squeak. 'I-I don't really pay attention to hoofball... or o-other sports'.

'Uh, okay. Anyway, you should really set your standards higher. You're waaay prettier than me, so I don't see why you had to stick with that guy. Is he loaded, or something?'

'N-No! I-It's not like that, he's actually m-my friend...'

The mares around her burst into laughter.

'Yeah, right!'

'Pull the other one. Come on, you don't need to make up excuses. We're all doing it, right?'

No. I'm not like you.

Sweetie Belle wasn't sure why she couldn't say the words out loud. She had no problem standing up to Azure earlier, but when it came to dealing with mares her own age, she couldn't even rebuke them? Then again, when was the last time she'd met a mare her own age? Instead of reply, she lowered her head and stared fixedly at the floor.

The group were beginning to look frustrated, and eventually the who seemed to be leading them gave Sweetie Belle a wide, sympathetic smile, turned, and headed off, with her group in trail.

Sweetie Belle turned to leave, but before she could go, she heard the group of mares laughing between themselves.

'What a freak!'

'Pumpkin, shut up!'

'Why? I don't care if she hears. Hey, that old dude's probably her dad or something!'

The entire group exploded in laughter as Sweetie Belle left the room.

The attractions laid around the mansion now seemed grayer, less interesting than before. The ponies around her no longer seemed to be ignoring her - instead, they were staring, pointing, laughing.

Doing her best to ignore everypony around her, Sweetie Belle found herself wandering back into the main hall. An announcer was onstage, speaking rapidly into a microphone, and ponies had gathered around to listen. As Sweetie Belle approached the stage, the lights dimmed and spotlights around the stage flickered on.

'... and gentlecolts, we welcome you to the Equestrian Winter fashion tour! This event tonight is bought to you by some of the biggest names in Equestria, from Canterlot to Manehattan, as well as exotic displays from the Crystal Empire and even some Griffon fashion modified for ponies...'

You sure know how to kiss your own ass, Sweetie Belle thought. Around her, the cooing and gasping of the ponies seemed to falter somewhat.

'Did he say Griffon fashion?'

'Calling it "fashion" is a bit much. I can't see them needing any clothes other than armour, given how violent they all seem'.

'Well, what would you expect from mountain savages?'

The stallion onstage had clearly picked up on these remarks, because he swiftly changed the topic.

'Of course, we've got something for everyone! But first, we'd like to open our event with a display by an Equestrian rising star! Cue it!'

The room was immersed in blackness for a split second, and then the stage was lit up with harsh white lighting. For the first time, Sweetie Belle got a good look at the stage, and was able to make out the outline of a catwalk. Two ponies emerged from the velvet curtains at the mouth of the stage, both dressed in exquisite dresses. Above the stage, a screen flashed up with a single word: 'LOTUS'. Presumably, the name of the line.

The display took twenty minutes, but for Sweetie Belle that time flew by. The dresses were not just beautifully crafted - they gave Sweetie Belle a feeling she had not felt in a long time. The sense of familiarity, of nostalgia.

Like a bird returning to roost.

And the moment that thought swam through her head, the gears in her brain began to spin, faster than they ever had in her life, and Sweetie Belle knew what was going on, knew she had made a terrible mistake coming here. She was already reeling from shock before the announcer even spoke up.

'Everypony, could we all get a big hoof for the designer - Rarity!'

Part 2, Chapter 6 - Phantoms III

Azure was relieved this was the last time he would have to go to a party like this. The youth of the ponies around him made him realise he was a fossil, a relic of a time long gone. Even most of the politicians in attendance seemed younger than him. He easily beat his all his colleagues by at least ten years. No wonder they wanted him dead.

He didn't feel unusually on edge tonight, even though he knew he was mingling with his prospective murderers. Partly, this was because of how public the event was, but it was mostly because he already knew who they were, why they wanted to do it, and how they planned to do it. Being one step ahead made their efforts seem almost amusing.

And he had Sweetie Belle to thank for it. If somepony had told him six years ago that the little filly he had discovered singing on Fillydelphia's streets would save his life, he would have laughed right in their face. Sweetie Belle hated him, of course. But they all had. None of them ever saw how lucky they really were - to be rescued from their pathetic situation and given money, clothes and food, all in exchange for menial work.

When Azure had found Sweetie Belle, he thought he had struck gold. Her predecessors had inevitably come bundled with issues - many were uncomfortable working in the Flawless Rainbow, many more had psychological problems, and all of them attempted to leave when they found out more about Azure's line of work. And all of them had lost their musical talent as they entered their teens, forcing Azure to discard of them.

But Sweetie Belle was going to be perfect. She would have relished working in the Flawless Rainbow. She was already in hiding, which would make it easy to control her. And she didn't lose her voice as she grew older, as he had feared. Of course, she had certainly changed - that was obvious to see - but she had changed for the better. Her decision to help him, to put aside her emotions for her own self-preservation, reminded Azure of himself.

'Sir?'

A nervous-looking bodyguard brought Azure back to reality. Excusing himself from the circle of ponies, he allowed himself to be lead into a deserted hallway. There, the stallion immediately launched into an explanation.

'You've got a visitor'.

It was another stallion, much younger than Azure. His eyes constantly darted left and right, scanning the shadows as if he expected figures to emerge from them and drag him in. Azure recognized him as a new member of his circle - a small time crook from Canterlot who had struck it big committing insurance fraud, whose name he forgot. Out of his depth, in all regards. Azure was fairly sure he knew what this was about before the stallion even began to speak, in a voice so low and so fast, he might as well be admitting his own guilt.

'I don't really wanna be here, so I'll make it quick for ya. If ya value your life, you'll leave this place now and ya won't look back'.

Azure cocked his head to one side, amused. 'Really. And why might that be?'

The other stallion had clearly not been expecting this answer. 'Why? What are ya, deaf or something? I said scram. It's the others, they want ya dead. Think you're old news. I didn't agree with it, so I said, hey, I quit, but I wanted t'warn you before ya left'.

'You quit?'

'Yeah'.

That wouldn't do. Tonight was meant to be a clean-up operation, no witnesses left. If one of them left early, he would be exceptionally difficult to track down later. Of course, nothing precluded him taking action now.

Azure laid one hoof on the stallion's shoulder. He slipped the other underneath his jacket. As he began to recite a long, heartfelt thanks to the informant, he started ripping holes in the sachet of poison he had taken from Sweetie Belle.

The stallion seemed disturbed by this display of emotion from Azure, and began to push him off, pacing backwards from Azure. 'Uh, thanks for hearing me out, I guess. I'm actually gonna leave now, so-'

Azure struck mid-sentence, tackling the stallion and sending him to his knees. Simultaneously, he brought his hoof crashing down on the stallion's muzzle. Instinctively, the stallion's mouth sprung open to scream in pain, and Azure took this opportunity to pull the poisoned sachet from his jacket and force it down the stallion's throat.

The effect was instantaneous. Foam began to pour from the stallion's mouth, and his eyes rolled back up inside his head. Within seconds, he had stopped moving, save for the occasional spasm. Pulling himself to his hooves, Azure shuddered to think how close he had come to the same fate. Collapsing by the side of the corpse, his gaze landed on the bodyguard who had brought him out here. The bodyguard looked pale, and broke gaze with Azure the moment it was established.

'I quit'. Azure snorted. 'What have we come to...'

Azure rose and grabbed hold of his bodyguard. 'Get the rest of them and clean this mess up. I don't care how, just do it. If you're caught, you're just as screwed as me, so try to do a decent job'.

Azure removed his jacket, wiping his hoof clean on it, and threw it over the corpse as the bodyguard sprinted back into the adjacent room, screaming for the others.

Sweetie Belle had expected herself to collapse. If it had not been for the crowd around her hemming her in, she felt certain she would have. For a moment, she was almost certain she had misheard. Coincidences like this didn't happen, surely. There had to be a misunderstanding.

But despite all common sense, onto the stage strode her sister. She had aged, and aged well. The Rarity Sweetie Belle remembered had always conducted herself with unusual grace, of course, but it had always seemed so forced. But there was nothing fraudulent about the aura projected by the Rarity onstage. Sweetie Belle was reminded of the way the Princesses had conducted themselves - effortless grace and extravagance.

Sweetie Belle expected to be recognized immediately. Even though she was older, and her mane was different, and her cutie mark had appeared, she could not imagine Rarity would miss her.

But she did. Rarity's eyes swept the crowd, some gazing back in rapt awe, some scribbling frantically in notebooks, and her gaze passed right by Sweetie Belle. As the last of the models returned backstage, Rarity began to make an announcement.

'Why, thank you, darlings! I must say, I was delighted to get an invitation to the annual Hearth's Warming Eve Reception at the Princesses' Eye, and even more so when I was invited to showcase my latest line here. These designs will be going out next summer, but it's never too early to book!'

Sweetie Belle began to back out of the crowd, who eagerly parted to let her through, squabbling over who would take her place.

'Of course, this line will require personalized fitting, so make sure to include any measurements with your order. I think-'

As Sweetie Belle pushed her way free of the crowd and headed for the nearest exit, Rarity suddenly stopped dead. Sweetie Belle also stopped dead in her tracks. Summoning all her nerve, she turned her head to the stage to see - to her horror - Rarity staring directly at her.

Time seemed to slow to a trickle as Rarity blinked, blinked again, and suddenly - inexplicably - broke into a wide smile and waved to her.

'Darling, where are you going? The show's barely begun, you can't run off now!'

Sweetie Belle felt as if she would collapse with relief. 'Uh... Thanks, but I'm not really into... fashion... and all that...' her voice trailed away miserably as she began to slowly resume her escape.

Rarity shook her head, undeterred. 'Nonsense, nonsense! Every mare needs a good sense of fashion. What's your name? Can we bring her up on stage?'

The crowd around the catwalk was beginning to grow restless at this unorthodox turn of events, but some were smiling and calling out reassuringly to Sweetie Belle. Some were even calling for her to get on stage.

Sweetie Belle couldn't possibly imagine a more horrific prospect. If she went up, Rarity would recognize her. She would have to. On the other hoof, if she bolted, she would draw unwanted attention to herself. Before she had time to think further, she felt something from behind push her towards the stage. Turning around, she saw the three of the mares from the group she had met earlier, grinning and shoving her onstage.

Before Sweetie Belle knew what was happening, she had been forced onstage with the three mares, who wasted no time in introducing themselves and Sweetie Belle - who had suddenly become their 'bestie'. Rarity seemed momentarily overwhelmed by the sudden stage invasion, but quickly recovered herself and swooped down upon Sweetie Belle.

Rarity was so close now that Sweetie Belle could make out her individual eyelashes. Rarity still, however, did not seem to have recognized her.

'Sugar Note, is it? Well, I've got a good eye for measurements - let me see...'

As Rarity began to measure Sweetie Belle up with her eyes, Sweetie thought she was going to burst out laughing, despite her terror of being recognized. The whole scenario was so absurd - her own sister was looking at her long-lost sibling right in the eyes, and yet the years of absence had done their work. Sweetie Belle was completely unrecognizable to her.

'Darling, I must meet your manestylist, such skill! Oh, and such a beautiful coat... I know stylists in Canterlot who'd just murder for you... Why, I've seen mares in haute couture houses who could barely hold a candle to your raw talent! Such a shame about the horn, but then, it happens...'

Mercifully, the three mares onstage with her seemed anxious to get their dresses measured, as well. Eventually, they dragged Rarity's attention away from her, and exploiting the distraction, Sweetie Belle slipped off the stage, through the crowd, and out the door.

The moment she entered the hallway, she broke into a trot, then a gallop, not stopping until she reached the nearest exit. She calmly made her way outside, closed the door so nopony could hear her, and broke down.

Screaming and sobbing, pounding at the floor. Retching, choking to breathe. She didn't care if other ponies heard, she didn't care if she died right here. What a sick joke. Azure must have known. He must have known, but he didn't care. Because he didn't care about anypony but himself. Fuck him.

She was going to kill him. She would poison his food, then stab him to death with his steak knife. He had taken everything from her. Except, before he had even met her, her whole life had been stolen away, just because of who she was.

And it was going to happen to other fillies, just like her. Again and again and again. An endless cycle of misery, and the only ponies it benefited were bastards like Azure.

She was going to go back. She was going to charge the stage and be reunited with her sister, no matter what it took. She would beg, cry and plead until Rarity recognized her. They would hug, cry, laugh, and to Tartarus with the consequences! She would see them all again - Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, her Parents!

But, of course, she wasn't going to do any of those things. She was going to cry herself hoarse and go back inside. If she killed Azure, she would be next. If she reunited with her sister, she would be lobotomized. And nopony would want anything to do with her anyway.

Composing herself, she checked her reflection in a nearby window. She looked tired, haggard, but presentable. How long did she have until dinner? Not long, that's for sure. She should get ready.

Azure was waiting for her when she arrived at the main staircase. Normally, lateness would earn her a clip around the ear, but Azure didn't seem to care.

'Ah, Sugar Note! Good to see you. We'll be eating upstairs. Come with me.'

'My sister is here.'

Azure's eyes bulged. 'Quiet.' Looking around frantically, he hustled her into a stairwell and rounded on her. 'If I were you, I wouldn't risk blowing it so close to freedom.'

'You should have told me.'

'I didn't know until a few days ago. I was quite hoping you two wouldn't meet. She didn't recognize you?'

'No.'

Azure breathed a sigh of relief. 'Good. I was worried for a moment.'

Sweetie Belle felt tears begin to sting in her eyes but forced them back. She was done trying to wring sympathy out of Azure. 'Let's just go. I never want to see this place again.'

Azure nodded, then gestured for her to follow him. He proceeded to lead her up three flights of stairs, then finally through a narrow corridor. Pausing outside a door, he took one last look at her. 'This is it. Try to look a little more... demure. And don't forget - all over the plate.'

The dining hall was more luscious than Sweetie Belle could ever have imagined. Dripping with gold and jewels, it was like a glimpse of heaven.

Azure introduced her, hoof draped over her like a trophy. She was quickly escorted to a seat and seated next to Azure. There were no bodyguards in the room - in fact, other than the mobsters, the only other pony was a waiter, a thin, wiry looking pony with a moustache.

Idle chatter commenced. Sweetie Belle sat there and looked pretty. Eventually, time came to order. Azure ordered smoked mixed vegetables. Sweetie Belle ordered a salad.

The waiter left. Sweetie Belle counted to sixty. Then again. Then again. Then again.

'Could I be excused?'

Every head whipped in her direction. Several knowing looks were cast at her. Azure spoke up. 'Of course, Sugar. Don't be too long!'

Giggling, she nodded graciously and swept from the room, allowing the door to close behind her.

Wasting no time, she began the journey downstairs. One, two, three... through the staff corridor... and there it was. The kitchen. There was only one present, the chef. How to get rid of him.

She wasn't too worried about being caught. She was pretty and cute. Who would suspect she was about to murder nine ponies?

The next ten minutes passed agonizingly slowly. Smoked mixed vegetables took a long time to prepare, so everypony else's dish was ready well before. Laid out, waiting to be fixed.

Sweetie Belle seized the first chance she got, concerned she wouldn't have another. The moment the chef ducked into the food cupboard, she seized the door with her magic and slammed it shut, then toppled a cupboard full of books in front of it. As the chef began to hammer at the door, she ran over and began to rip open sachets, sprinkling the white powder within onto every dish except her own. All in all, it took her less than two minutes. Carefully gathering up the sachets and hiding them under her dress, she bolted for the door, only to run headfirst into another pony.

'What in Tartarus is going on here?'

The stallion was wearing a thick white apron. Another chef. Quick, think of an excuse. Oh, of course.

Sweetie Belle stepped back and fluttered her eyebrows. 'Oh, thank Celestia! Sir, this heavy bookcase has fallen over and trapped some poor pony! Please, will you rescue them?'

The stallion stepped backwards and flushed. 'Uh, of course ma'am. No problem.'

As the stallion went over to lift the bookcase out of the way, Sweetie Belle bolted out the door. Three stories up... down this corridor... here!

She paused outside the door. Took a few seconds to compose herself. Then pushed the door open. Smiled graciously at a room of dead ponies paying her compliments. Took her seat. Waited.

The conversation seemed more heated than before. Azure and the others made occasional snide remarks at each other. Most of the mobsters had started drinking, some heavily.

When the food was passed around, it was a solemn ceremony. All eyes rested on Azure's plate. Azure, on the other hoof, seemed perfectly calm, going so far as to lead the toast.

'Well, we've had our differences, but tonight, let them be gone! To your very good health, my friends!'

From around the table, in union, echoed the unusually solemn response. 'And to yours.'

Glasses were settled. Before she had taken even one bite, she felt something poke her in the leg. Looking down, she saw a morsel of food. From Azure's plate.

She looked across the table at Azure. He mouthed one, unmistakable word.

Eat.

Without a second of hesitation, Sweetie Belle grabbed the morsel and swallowed it whole. She stared at Azure, daring him to challenge her. He did not. Instead he smiled and began his own meal.

A minute passed. There was now an obvious discomfort around the table. The mobsters were not looking as alert. Some were swaying in their seat.

In the next minute, the first one collapsed. As he laid on the floor, he suddenly began to writhe in seeming agony. More and more fell. Plates and glasses smashed against the floor. Eventually, only one pony was left standing - the stallion who had first contacted her. His face was contorted in a visage of pure hatred, directed solely at Azure.

'You... How...'

Azure rose and strode across to him, gloating. 'My, my, Woodcrest. How sloppy of you, trying to turn a Stallion's own worker against him. Why, Sugar Note over here came running to me like an obedient puppydog the moment you spilled all your filthy secrets to her.'

Sweetie Belle felt Woodcrest's eyes burn into her. Unabashed, she stared coolly back. Woodcrest's breath caught in his throat. Suddenly, he violently coughed up a mass of blood and flesh, then collapsed. The light faded from his eyes.

Sweetie Belle surveyed the carnage she had created. It did not bother her, like she had expected it to. She had defended herself. She didn't revel in it like Azure, but she certainly wasn't going to waste any tears on them.

Azure took a few more minutes to sadistically mock his dying opponents, then returned to her side.

'Enough. Let's get out of-'

Azure was interrupted by the sound of a door opening. In stepped the waiter.

'Fillies and Gentlecolts, may I take your-'

He stopped. His eyes widened at the bloodbath in front of him. He began to back out of the door. Before he had made even two steps, Azure surged forwards and seized him.

Sweetie Belle quickly looked away. Two dull thuds. A crack.

'Fuck. I'm sorry, Sweetie Belle. I didn't think he'd be back this soon.'

Sweetie Belle stood still, shocked by the suddenness and brutality of the innocent stallion's death.

'He didn't deserve that.' She sounded like a little filly.

'I know. It sucks, but it happens. Put it out of your mind and let's just go.'

Azure wasted no time in bundling her out of the mansion. Waiting for them outside was the coach they had arrived in.

Azure stepped up. 'We're done. Let's go.' He turned to Sweetie Belle, and made his blunt goodbye. 'I'm off. You're free. Enjoy it.'

Sweetie Belle nodded. She didn't think there was anything to say.

'You can catch a ride with a buscoach into Fillydelphia. Or wherever. You can go and live in those bushes for all I care. But one last thing.'

Azure reached inside the coach and produced a thick pair of saddlebags, with loud clinking noises coming from within. He threw it at her feet and grinned. 'Your earnings from the Flawless Rainbow. Never let it be said I don't pay my debts.'

Sweetie Belle nodded. She shed the constrictive dress and adorned the saddlebags, surprised at how heavy they were. Azure certainly wasn't skimping on her payment.

Sweetie Belle opened her mouth to say something, anything. But before she could, a blood-curdling scream rang out from the mansion grounds.

Azure snapped into position. 'That's my cue. Goodbye, Sweetie Belle.'

With that, he shut the coach door. The driver whistled, and they were off. Sweetie Belle watched her captor and saviour ride out of her life forever.

As soon as they were gone, she began to walk. She had no particular destination, but somehow, she ended up beside a bus stop. There, she waited for a while, till a buscoach pulled up. She knew there was only one place she could really go.

'Single for Fillydelphia Central.'

The room was silent. Sweetie Belle had nothing more to say. Outside, the sky had grown dark. Amethyst's head was bowed. Finally, she spoke up.

'You're a murderer.'

Sweetie Belle nodded. 'I suppose.'

'You killed people. You... killed people.'

Sweetie Belle said nothing.

'I-I don't know... I don't know what to say.'

'It was me or them. I don't regret it.'

Amethyst shook her head, unable to think straight. 'What happened after that?'

'Nothing major. Came back to Fillydelphia. Sang in bars. Met you. Fell in love.'

'Don't, just... don't. You've been lying to me for over a year. This... you're not real. You're a fake, a fraud.'

'No, Amethyst!' Sweetie Belle jerked upright. 'I swear, this is who I am! What does the name matter? I'm still Sugar Note, I haven't changed!'

'I know. And I don't blame you, of course. You couldn't tell me the truth, but... Sweet Celestia, this is a lot. I just... I never thought you'd be capable of anything like this.' Amethyst looked her dead in the eyes.

'What you've done in the past... It's history. But one thing bothers me.'

Sweetie Belle relaxed slightly. 'What?'

'Azure. What if he decides to come back for you? What if he decides you're a loose end, sends somepony back to-'

'Shhh.' Sweetie Belle smiled. 'Don't worry. Azure's long retired, and I haven't heard from him since. I promise. He'll never come back for us.'

Amethyst looked up at her, total trust in her eyes. 'Promise?'

'I promise.' Sweetie Belle embraced Amethyst. 'We're safe. Now and forever.'

It was the dead of night. Amethyst had gone to bed almost an hour ago. Sweetie Belle had stayed up, thinking about the past.

It was good to come clean. Not totally clean, of course. Sometimes, the truth had to be embellished to protect those close to you. Sweetie Belle knew that better than anyone.

Sweetie Belle was glad Amethyst still accepted her. After all, she had only been acting in self-preservation. She had wrought no pleasure from the death of the mobsters.

The money Azure had given her had seemed like a king’s ransom at the time, but Sweetie Belle wasn't stupid. She was bound to lose it sooner or later, so she had spent it all as quickly as possible. It proved very easy to track down a member of Azure's bodyguard team. That money was quickly spent, for the answer to a question.

Where is Azure Meadows?

Sweetie Belle had never experienced a greater pleasure, a greater rush of adrenaline, than when she had walked up to Azure in his mountain home and gutted him with that steak knife. Revenge for six years of lost life. Mocking him as he writhed in agony.

Of course, Amethyst could never hear about that. She wouldn't approve. She would think Sweetie Belle was evil. As if she could possibly understand or comprehend Azure's twistedness. Sweetie Belle had delivered justice, and loved every second of it. But like Amethyst had said, what Sweetie Belle had done in the past was history.

Tomorrow was another day.

End of Part Two

Part 3, Chapter 1 - Geists

~ Five Years Later ~

'You're up, Sugar Note!'

'Okay, okay!'

Sweetie Belle checked herself one last time in the mirror. Mane - check. Makeup - check. Eyelashes - double check. As she made her way to the stage, she ran her eyes over the song list. If the police put in an appearance, she wasn't supposed to play any of the songs with a red cross next to them.

Unlike the Flawless Rainbow, which had been a private, members-only club, the Foundry was a public bar. Unofficially, however, it had a reputation as a gathering point for Fillydelpia's gay crowd. The owner was fully aware of this, but kept his mouth shut. After all, money was money. From time to time, the police would show up, make all sorts of accusations, and leave. But they hadn't caught them yet.

Sweetie Belle held fond memories of the Foundry. After all, it was where she had first met Amethyst. It was a night she would never forget - the bits of it she could remember, that is.

'Sugar Note!'

'Coming!'

Sweetie Belle rushed onstage and was hit with a wave of applause.

'Thaaaaa-ank you, Fillydelphia! How are we all doing tonight!'

More cheers, applause and wolf whistles. As much as it reminded Sweetie Belle of her past, she truly loved the stage. The danger of being caught gave her a certain thrill, a rush she couldn't get anywhere else. Poor Amethyst, stuck behind the counter of a jewellery shop all day.

Sweetie Belle scanned the crowd, but she could see no police ponies in sight. Breathing a slight sigh of relief, she cleared her throat, and launched into her routine.

Five years was a long time, but things in Equestria moved slowly. The ponies, the politics... the social progress.

Sweetie and Amethyst were no freer now than they had been when they had first met, but in a way, that didn't matter to Sweetie. The danger kept them together. Kept Sweetie Belle feeling... alive.

Amethyst had forgiven her past. In fact, she hadn't mentioned it in the last five years. Both of them were happy, working, renting...

Originally, Sweetie Belle had intended Fillydelphia to be a temporary place to stay. Given her status as a missing pony, she had always assumed she would be discovered some time, and, when that happened, she would have to hit the road.

But it never happened. Sweetie Belle had faded from the public's consciousness, and even if she hadn't, her appearance had changed so radically since then that... that...

That even her own sister wouldn't recognize her.

'Thanks for all the help, Amethyst!'

Smiling, Amethyst waved away the stallion, watching him as he slowly passed from view. The moment he did, the smile slipped from her face and she rolled her eyes. The stallion had been shopping for an engagement ring for the past two months, coming into her store and fretting over increasingly trivial aspects of his purchase. Heart-warming at first, but sometimes it got to be too much.

Amethyst sighed, glancing at the clock she kept on the wall. Closing time.

As she began closing up, she heard the entrance bell ring. Standing in the doorway was an orange mare she didn't recognize. A Pegasus, short and with scruffy hair, with a hammer for a cutie mark.

'I'm sorry, we're closing-'

'Oh, I'm not here to buy!' The mare gave a huge, goofy grin and extended a hoof. 'I'm just saying hello! I'm buying a shop nearby and I just thought I'd drop by and say hello.'

Amethyst paused, then smiled and motioned for her to come in. 'Great to meet you. I'm Amethyst Charm.'

'Scootaloo. I'm opening a carpentry store across the road'

Amethyst raised her eyebrows. 'A carpenter? Strange profession for a Pegasus.'

Scootaloo smiled and scratched her head. 'Yeah. But I, uh, y'know, I wasn't really cut out for flying.'

Amethyst frowned and glanced at the mare's back. Her wings were somewhat small, and they seemed limp in comparison to other Pegasi.

Scootaloo saw her looking and gave a sad smile. 'Never even got myself off the ground.'

Amethyst whipped her head back and blushed. 'I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to-'

Scootaloo grinned and shook her head. 'Don't worry, I've had worse.'

Amethyst returned the smile, desperately thinking of how to change the subject. 'So, uh, where are you from? Your accent is... central Equestria? Maybe... Canterlot?'

Scootaloo nodded. 'Close, but not quite. I'm from Ponyville.'

Ponyville. Same town as Sweetie Belle... No, Sugar Note! Don't call her that... That's not who she is.

Amethyst eyed up the mare in front of her. She looked about the same age of Sweetie Belle, and Ponyville was a small town...

'So, Ponyville? I suppose nothing ever happens around there. Not like Fillydelphia.'

Scootaloo tilted her head back, as if thinking. 'Well, not really, but every now and then...'

Amethyst leaned in. 'Yes?'

'Well... have you heard of a filly - well, I suppose she'd be a mare now - called Sweetie Belle?'

'WHAT!?'

Sweetie Belle spat out her drink and stared at the bartender with disbelief.

'Like I said, no more. For Celestia's sake, it's nearly 4 in the morning. I'm not even allowed to serve alcohol this late! You and all your friends need to leave now.'

Sweetie Belle opened her mouth, then closed it again. 'Fine. Dust, Silver - let's go.'

Grumbling to themselves, Sweetie Belle, Dust Spark and Silver Stud made their way out. Stepping into the cool night air, Sweetie Belle turned to the two stallions and shook her head. 'We're not getting in anywhere else this late. Call it a night?'

Dust Spark nodded, struggling to keep Silver Stud up on his hooves. 'Yeah, that'd probably be for the best. Hey, do you want us to, like, walk you home, or-'

Before he could finish, Silver Stud slipped out of his grip, collapsed to his knees, and threw up. Sweetie Belle jumped aside to avoid being hit, but Dust Spark was not so fortunate.

'Ewwww.' Dust was normally very particular about his appearance, but it seemed his affection for Silver Stud won out over his desire to be kempt. Kneeling down next to Silver Stud, he began to console almost catatonic Earth Pony.

Sweetie Belle surveyed the scene, wondering if she was willing to risk walking home alone over being seen with two vomit-soaked stallions.

'Dust, brah, I'm fine, I just-'

Mid-sentence,Silver Stud stopped, shook, then promptly threw up again. Dust Spark wrapped his arms around him, and slowly but steadily lifted him to his hooves.

Sweetie Belle took a step back. 'I'll save you the trouble. But, uh, see you again soon, I guess.'

Dust Spark gave her a weak smile. 'Of course. Take care!'

Halfway down the street, Sweetie Belle heard another huge heave from Silver Stud, and shuddered. As good a friend as he was, Silver Stud could learn a thing or two about restraint. And decency. It was a miracle he had made it this far without Dust Spark to look after him.

Although Sweetie Belle had only had a few drinks, she found her vision somewhat blurred, her senses less attentive than she would have liked. By the time she arrived at Amethyst's store, she was exhausted. Dragging herself up the stairs, she pushed open the door to their flat.

Inside was Amethyst, pacing back and forth. As she walked in, Sweetie Belle saw her face light up with relief. 'There you are! Sweetie, I've been so worried, you'll never believe what happened...'

The rest of her voice became a blur to Sweetie Belle, who nodded politely, and collapsed on the floor.

Birds tweeting. The sun shone through a crack in the curtains, slowly awakening Sweetie Belle from her slumber. A pillow had been placed under her head, and a blanket draped over her. She felt something attached to her forehead and pulled it off. A note.

We need to talk. If you're not up by my lunch break, I'm pouring cold water over you.

- Amethyst

Sweetie Belle pulled herself up and allowed her eyes to focus on the clock in front of her. 11:37. Great.

Trotting downstairs, she found Amethyst polishing a set of jewelled buttons. As she approached, Amethyst set the buttons aside and looked at her.

Turning on her most charming grin, Sweetie Belle sauntered up to Amethyst. 'Thanks for the pillow-'

'Don't even try it.' Amethyst's voice cut across the room like ice, and Sweetie Belle immediately shut up. Amethyst sighed and rose to her hooves.

'We've got a problem. A big one.'

Sweetie Belle frowned and waited for her to continue.

'Remember your friend, Scootaloo?'

Sweetie Belle was taken aback. Over all these years, she had never mentioned Scootaloo's name to anypony, not even Amethyst. 'H-how did you know about her?'

'She just moved in across the street.'

Sweetie Belle felt her body go numb, and her legs start to shake. 'What?' Immediately, she crouched behind the counter and peered out the glass panes at the front of the shop. Sure enough, the shop parallel to them had been completely done up, and a new sign adorned its roof. Scoot's Joinery.

'The sign was up last night. Not that I suppose you noticed.'

Sweetie Belle rose to her hooves, her face green and eyes twitching. 'W-w-what are we going to do?'

'I have an idea. You go in there right now and say hello.'

Sweetie Belle glanced at Amethyst. Clearly, she had gone completely insane, and was possibly in need of immediate medical attention.

'I know, it sounds crazy, but think about it. Rarity didn't recognize you when she saw you, did she? So, by all logic, Scootaloo definitely wouldn't realize it's you. It's only a matter of time before you walk into her on the street. Better to get it done on your terms than hers.'

Sweetie Belle mulled it over. What Amethyst was saying made sense. And she was right - she couldn't put off meeting Scootaloo forever. Besides, how could her own sister not realize who she was, but Scoots could?

'Okay.' Sweetie Belle felt a wave of reassurance flow over her. 'Want to come with me?'

'I'm reopening for the afternoon shift. But don't worry, you'll be fine.'

Sweetie Belle nodded, gave Amethyst one last hug, then exited through the front door. Pacing her way across the street, she gazed up at the shop sign.

What were the odds? Sweetie Belle pondered. Then again, maybe this wasn't some random fluke. Maybe it was destiny. Or some sick joke played on her by fate.

The door gave a small ding as she pushed it inwards. Behind the counter was a bright orange mare, mane long and shaggy, eerily reminiscent of Rainbow Dash's.

'Hey!' Sweetie Belle plastered a big, fake grin on her face. At the sound of her voice, Scootaloo looked up from her desk and fixed eyes on her. 'My names Sugar Note, I live just-'

'SWEETIE BELLE?!?!'

Fuck.

Scootaloo had stared at Sweetie Belle, mouth agape and lip trembling, for a solid two minutes, before she finally did the last thing Sweetie Belle had expected - her eyes rolled up inside of her head, and she fainted.

When Scootaloo came to, she first thing she saw was Sweetie Belle's concerned face staring down at her. 'Scoots! Are you all right?'

Scootaloo nodded feebly, before shaking her head clear and stuttering stupidly, while a million different throughs crossed her mind at once. Finally, she managed to choke out a coherent sentence. 'I-it's really you. Sweetie Belle.'

Sweetie Belle considered denying it but saw no point. Her alibi would collapse under the slightest investigation, after all, so she simply nodded. 'Been a long time, sister.'

Slowly, Scootaloo rose to her hooves, gripping tightly onto the counter. Reaching out, she poked Sweetie Belle right in the chest, as if expecting her hoof to pass straight through the unicorn. When her hoof instead made a hard connection, she whimpered.

'Oh, my Celestia.' Seeing that Scoots was dangerously close to collapsing again, Sweetie Belle maneuvered her into a nearby chair. 'I can't believe it.'

'Me neither.' Sweetie Belle gave a reassuring smile. 'Don't worry, I'm not here to impose. I just-'

At that, Scootaloo jumped to her feet. 'No-NO! No, please, you have to stay! I-I want to hear everything! Please, let me get some tea...' Scootaloo sped into the storeroom and reappeared almost immediately with two cups of hot tea. Setting one down in front of Sweetie Belle, she motioned for her to sit, which she did, smiling graciously. 'Scootaloo, thank you so much.'

Scootaloo was still staring at her with a look of wonder, but at that, she snapped back to reality, and her face clouded over slightly. 'Don't apologize. If anypony should be sorry, it's me. I abandoned you, along with everypony else. The biggest regret I ever had was that I didn't board that train with you.'

Sweetie Belle felt tears well up in her eyes. 'Don't be stupid. I was the one they were after. I couldn't ask you to throw your life away just to look after me.'

Scootaloo sighed and shook her head. 'Even if it meant throwing you away?'

Silence fell once more. Scootaloo took a long sip from her mug and leant inwards. 'Come on. I need to hear everything.'

Scootaloo truly was the perfect audience. As Sweetie Belle wove her tale, she wept, cheered and otherwise acted as a fountain of emotion.

When she was finally finished, Sweetie Belle leant back and exhaled. Scootaloo sat curled up in her chair, looking pensive. The mugs of tea sat between them, cold and forgotten.

Sweetie Belle was the first to break the silence. 'So, I suppose I have to ask. How is Ponyville?'

Scootaloo perked up at that. 'Different. Everything changed so much after you left.'

'How so?'

'Well, your parents moved. I suppose it was only to be expected - fillyfooler daughter and all that. Rarity stayed, through. I suppose, what with the elements of harmony, she had no choice. She still does all that fashion stuff. She can be a little... hysterical. But I'd say she's doing okay.'

Sweetie Belle couldn't resist. 'Have you seen my parents since then?'

Scootaloo nodded. 'They moved up north. They've... moved on. Gotten older. It's... probably best you don't disturb them. They took you leaving very badly.'

'How so?'

'Let's just say you're not their daughter anymore.'

Sweetie Belle felt tears well up in her eyes but forced them back. 'What about... y'know... Applebloom?'

'She took over the farm from Applejack and Big Mac. I actually haven't seen her since Granny Smith's funeral, and she didn't seem to want anything to do with me then. I've been... kind of alone. That's why I decided to move to the city, you know, reinvent myself. I guess I didn't expect to dig up the past along the way.'

'How's everypony else?' Sweetie Belle was hanging onto Scootaloo's every word.

'Fine. Rainbow Dash joined the Wonderbolts, got some high-up snooty rank too. Twilight's still occupying that stuffy old Library. Oh, Pinkie Pie actually owns the Cake's Bakery now!'

'What about Fluttershy?' Sweetie Belle was anxious to learn more about the fate of the mare who had helped her escape her old life.

'Still cooped up in that animal sanctuary. I heard she actually knew about you, you know, before everypony else did. Did she?'

'Yeah. Gave me a lot of help too.' Sweetie Belle supposed now was as good a time as any to broach this topic. 'Listen, I'm still... you know...'

'A fillyfooler?' Sweetie Belle was surprised to see a sly smile of Scootaloo's muzzle. 'Your secrets are safe with me, sister.'

Sweetie Belle's jaw dropped. 'You?'

Scootaloo shrieked, a genuine explosion of pure mirth. 'Celestia, No! I just mean, you know, it doesn't matter to me. But don't get too comfortable!'

Sweetie Belle grinned back. 'Sorry. It's so tiring to keep the act up all the time.'

Scootaloo nodded. 'I get you. Don't worry, you can kick back and relax here.'

'Oh yeah?' A devilish look crept over Sweetie Belle's face. 'Okay then: Cadence, Luna and Celestia. Kill, Marry, Buck?'

Scootaloo nearly fell off her seat from choking with a mix of outrage and laughter. 'Sweetie Belle!' She made a feeble attempt to struggle to her hooves, before giving in and falling to the floor in a fit of laughter.

When both of their giggles had subsided, Sweetie Belle helped Scootaloo back up, and the two exchanged a genuine, warm smile.

'It's good to see you, Scoots.'

'You too, Sweetie Belle. Listen, have you ever thought about... going home?'

The laughter evaporated as quickly as it had developed. Sweetie Belle could see Scootaloo was deadly serious.

'I'm sorry, but I can't. It's just too much of a risk. I'm sorry.'

Scootaloo nodded in understanding. 'What about the next best thing?'

'Oh?' Sweetie Belle's wasn't sure where this was going. 'What would that be? The Ponyville experience?'

'Something like that.' Scootaloo trotted over to her workbench, summoning Sweetie Belle as she did so. On top of the bench laid a glossy pamphlet. Stick-thin, haughty-looking models adorned it, trussed up in a variety of impractical, drab looking outfits. But what caught Sweetie Belle's attention was the name at the top. RARITY PRESENTS - CLOUDBREAKER.

'Oh, you'd better not be thinking what I think you're thinking.'

'Sweetie Belle, listen to me for a moment.' Scootaloo looked her right in the eye, causing Sweetie Belle to divert her gaze despite herself. 'Rarity has... changed a lot since you left. I think that, when she lost you, she lost a part of herself.'

Scootaloo turned to the pamphlet. Reaching into a drawer, she pulled out several dozen just like it. Surveying the scene, Sweetie Belle felt her eyes widen. Rarity's work had changed, dramatically. Gone was the colour, the volume, the life that had once imbued her dresses. Now, her work followed a dark, black and grey theme. The models seemed somehow sallow, unhealthy, and the dresses took a more frenzied, distraught look to them. Sweetie Belle sighed and closed her eyes.

'I get it. This is her work after I left.'

'That's right.'

'And she's not able to sell her new work. So, you want me to go see her, try and snap her out of this?'

'What?' Scootaloo looked up. 'Oh, no, the dresses are selling fine. In fact, Rarity practically invented the rompun-chic movement single hoofed.'

'So, what's the problem?'

For a second, Scootaloo was shocked. 'What's the- Sweetie Belle! This is the problem! This is a very big problem! I haven't seen Rarity smile once since you left! Not once! Don't you think you at least should let your big sister know you're okay?'

Sweetie Belle, initially taken aback, felt herself swell with shame. Of course. Rarity was her sister. Sure, sisters had their ups and downs, but when it came down to it, sisters were meant to look out for one another. A new look of conviction shining in her eyes, Sweetie Belle nodded fiercely. 'You're right. But how do I get close to her? I can't just saunter backstage like, hey, I'm that filly everyone thinks is dead and I'd like to see my sister!'

Scootaloo waved her hooves in front of her face. 'Uh, close family friend. I'm sure Rarity will see us. If she doesn't, I'll just arrange a meeting another time.'

Sweetie Belle sat back in her chair. Scootaloo chimed in one last time.

'The show is in a week, so you've got that long to decide. I don't know how Rarity will react, but you can't abandon her, Sweetie. She needs you.'

Sweetie Belle closed her eyes. And opened them. 'I don't need a week. I'll do it.'

Part 3, Chapter 2 - Petite-Soeur

'Miss Rarity? We're ready. You can choose now.'

Rarity glanced over the legion of mares standing in front of her. All of them pale, unhealthy, sallow stick figures. They would be perfect. Now, to detach the wheat from the chaff.

She hesitated slightly, then raised a hoof and began pointing. 'Her, and her, and her and her and her and her. Oh, and her.'

The seven chosen nodded and stepped forward, while the remaining mares gave various sighs of defeat and left.

'All right.' Rarity gave the models in front of her a smile. 'Let's get you all fitted. This is a very ambitious project, and I expect there to be no obstruction. Got it?'

All seven chosen nodded in unison.

'Very good. Head over to tent B and the red unicorn with scarf will take your measurements.'

Rarity watched them leave, and gave a sigh. Fashion was so... boring. When she had been younger, of course, it had given her a sense of duty, of meaning in the world. Important ponies from across Equestria would visit, criticise and critique her work, and she hung onto their every word.

But that was before her success. Before her stardom. Now, ponies meekly agreed with whatever she said. Surrounded by sycophants and yes-mares, Rarity had lost her passion for the craft.

'Miss Rarity?'

The first of the models had returned, clutching a piece of paper in their mouth with a list of measurements.

'Thank you, dear. Let's get you dressed.'

For the next hour, the models were prodded and poked, pushed and pulled, and generally fussed over while Rarity attempted to fit them correctly. Finally, she stepped back, and, wiping the sweat from her brow, surveyed her work.

The colours blended perfectly. The fit was exact. So what was wrong?

Suddenly, Rarity snapped at the model at the end of the row. 'Stop smiling!'

Perfect.

Sweetie Belle sighed, and curled up into a nearby chair. Amethyst's relief at her safe return had quickly turned to panic and rage at the Sweetie Belle's plan.

Amethyst had cried and begged, but Sweetie Belle hadn't relented. Eventually, Amethyst had stormed off into their bedroom, slamming the door behind her. Sweetie hadn't heard a word from her since then.

Sweetie Belle understood - and partly agreed with - Amethyst's point of view. She was taking a huge risk. In her head, a monstrous visage of Rarity cruelly rejecting her, casting her aside and into the heartless hooves of the Equestrian authorities had constructed itself. But somehow, Sweetie Belle knew she was making the right decision. Almost as if she was moving to the end of some great struggle.

The bedroom door creaked open. Amethyst poked her head out. Her mane was frazzled and her eyes were bloodshot. She was shaking, seemingly in anger.

Sweetie rose, but Amethyst waved her off. 'Sit.'

Sweetie Belle opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, Amethyst interjected. 'No. Stop it. You're going to listen to me this time.' She breathed out, and began.

'I haven't been honest. I have a... a personal reason why I don't want you to meet your sister.'

Sweetie Belle sensed a change in atmosphere change. A hostile, almost vengeful aura seemed to radiate from Amethyst.

'I told you I was abandoned by my family when I was younger. I suppose it was that or let me be taken away, so I don't blame them that much. But I never mentioned how I got found out.'

'When I was younger, I always knew I was different. I always wanted to talk about it, but I never had a chance. Of course, I wasn't stupid enough to try asking my parents. My older sister was off limits. In fact, I didn't have a chance until I was fourteen.'

'I did a lot of apprentice work - pretty common for a jeweller. One of the ponies I worked under was the exclusive supplier of adornments to a major Equestrian fashion icon. Hoity Toity.'

Sweetie Belle knew the name well. Hoity Toity had been convicted of sodomy and lobotomized.

'So, here I am, this foal, and I'm making rings and necklaces for this superstar. Of course, I'm starstruck. But because I'm just a foal, I guess he lets his guard down. One day, I'm delivering some newly struck rings to his house. Huge mansion, of course, with a separate entrance for manual labourers. And when I come in, he's with this other stallion, getting some serious tongue action. If you know what I mean.'

Amethyst chuckled at the memory. 'He nearly had a heart attack. Began offering me money, land, all sorts, just so I would keep my mouth shut. But I didn't want anything like that. I was too amazed to find somepony just like me. All I wanted, I told him, was someone to talk to about being different. Damn near broke into tears.'

'We kept in touch for a few months. Then, of course, he's busted, his house is raided, and all my letters are discovered. I managed to destroy all of the letters he sent me by the time my house was raided, but it didn't matter. My name and signature was on those letters, and there was enough evidence to convict me a thousand times over.'

'I was never actually charged with 'unnatural relations', since they didn't have any evidence of that. But they wanted me to go into therapy. And if my parents couldn't afford it, I was going to be taken away.'

Sweetie Belle patted Amethyst on the back. 'I'm sorry. I know it hurts. But why-'

'I'll get to that.' Amethyst spat. 'I didn't know how Hoity Toity was caught at first. He was always so careful, I assumed he had it all figured out. But it turned out he didn't slip up. Somepony else found out, and snitched.'

Amethyst looked Sweetie Belle right in the eyes. 'Who do you think would do that? Who would have an interest in eliminating any competition in Canterlot fashion, to corner the market themselves?'

Sweetie Belle knew what was coming next, but she couldn't bring herself to say it.

'It was Rarity. Your sister. Hoity Toity's friends told me. Of course, I'm sure she acted like she was doing it to preserve Equestria's dignity, and everypony kissed up to her for it. But not me. I know the truth. I know why she did it.'

'Because of that... bitch... I ended up homeless. I haven't seen my parents in over ten years. I don't even know where they live. They could be dead. Or anything. Don't you get it? She doesn't deserve you, Sweetie Belle! Why should she get to be happy?'

Sweetie Belle was said nothing. Simultaneously, she felt sensations of boiling rage - how dare Amethyst accuse her sister? - and overwhelming pity.

'Amethyst, I-'

'Save it.' Amethyst seemed disinterested now, as if she suddenly had nothing more to say. She paced over to a cabinet in the corner and produced a bottle of wine. 'I can't do this any more, Sweetie Belle. Go and see your sister if you think it'll make you happy. And-'

Amethyst choked.

'-And when... if... you do go... then don't come back. Leave me be.'

'Amethyst?'

Sweetie Belle rose to her hooves. 'We've been together six years. Don't tell me you're going to throw away everything because of something little like this!'

Amethyst shook her head, eyes brimming with tears. Sweetie sighed. 'I can't leave things the way they are. I'm sorry, Amethyst.'

Amethyst nodded. 'Fine. You choose her.'

With that, she swept out of the room and slammed the door behind her.

The next week passed unbearably slowly for Sweetie Belle. Most of her time was spent with Scootaloo, talking about the past and helping her move in. She didn't try to talk Amethyst out of her room. Sweetie figured that made her a gutless coward, but she simply didn't have the strength to face her.

As the day of the show dawned, preparations were drawn. Scootaloo was in fact right - Rarity had been perfectly willing to confer backstage passes to her and her plus-one, 'Sky Star'. Although she couldn't make time in her schedule to meet them beforehand, as Scootaloo had hoped, she would be sending a chariot for the two of them.

'I'll introduce you, then basically get out of your way. I'd, uh, make sure she's sitting down when you explain things to her. Remember how she likes to faint over every little thing? We don't want a concussion on our hooves.'

Before she knew it, Sweetie Belle was standing outside her home. She had considered a wide variety of dresses, flowers and other gifts before simply settling on a plain black dress. A gift would be far too twisted.

The chariot was driven by a burly stallion wearing the ceremonial armour of the Fillydelphian Town Guard. Sweetie Belle had no idea Rarity had enough influence to order the Town Guard around, but Scootaloo didn't look fazed. He eyed the pair suspiciously. 'This your place?'

Sweetie Belle nodded. The Royal Guard nodded, then jerked his head towards the chariot. 'Get in.'

The chariot ride was surprisingly smooth, which was a mercy, as Sweetie Belle felt that the slightest jolt would cause her to throw up. Scootaloo made a few feeble attempts at a conversation, but otherwise the journey was spent in silence. Sweetie Belle instead opted to gaze out of the window - which proved to be a mistake.

Rarity was everywhere. Every billboard, every streetlight seemed to have a poster with her big sister's face on it. As they neared the complex where the show was taking place, Sweetie Belle saw a crowd of ponies clustered around a single figure.

She feared the worst, but upon disembarking the chariot, she was relieved to see it wasn't her sister. It was a mare who bore an appearance not dissimilar to that of one of the ponies she had met five years ago at the party Azure had taken her to. Huh. Small world.

Scootaloo looked just as uncomfortable as she did, and made no attempt to disguise it. 'I don't get it. Never did. All this fuss over who's clothes are the fucking prettiest. Let's just find your sister.'

Sweetie Belle shivered slightly and shot her a glare. Scootaloo grimaced. 'Sorry. Didn't mean to be insensitive. We can take as long as you like.'

The complex was just as large on the inside as it appeared to be on the outside. Camera flashes blinded them in every direction as photographers captured everything in their sight, presumably in hopes of seeing somepony famous tripping over or some other equally frivolous tabloid fodder.

Scootaloo took point, leading her along a winding path of stairways and halls, each dripping with gold and gems of every colour, until finally they arrived at an inconspicuous-looking plain door with a single "6019" printed on it. Scootaloo turned to her. 'This is it. You ready?'

Sweetie Belle gave a shaky grin. 'As I'll ever be.'

Rarity had aged well. That was the first thought that Sweetie Belle had when she clapped eyes on her sister for the first time in five years. Emotions boiled and stirred inside her, and she was merciful when Scootaloo spoke up.

'Rarity!'

Rarity turned around, and her perpetually dull eyes seemed to light up slightly at the sight of Scootaloo. 'Darling! Oh, it's been too long, come in, come in!' Her eyes flicked to Sweetie Belle, who braced for the possibility of being found out.

'And this must be your friend... Sky Star? Well, don't just sit in the doorway! Sit down, I... Oh, I suppose neither of you have met Commander Nettlekiss? He was kind enough to provide your chariot for tonight.'

Absurdly, Sweetie Belle realized for the first time that they were not alone. A tall, thin unicorn stallion with a thick grey coat and almost comical moustache was stood beside a faux fireplace, levitating a large glass of whiskey. He waved a dismissive hoof in the air at the comment. 'Think nothing of it. I couldn't allow two young mares to walk the streets of Fillydelphia late at night, could I? Especially ones so close to your dear sister here.'

Sweetie Belle gave a wide and appreciative smile, but deep down she felt nothing but loathing. Commander Nettlekiss was well known for his vitriolic homophobic prejudices, and arrests had more than doubled during his tenure as Commander of the Town Guard.

Scootaloo cleared her throat, flashing Nettlekiss an equally charming smile. 'Thank you, Commander, we appreciate it. I was wondering if I could have a little time alone with Rarity? It's been so long since we've been able to catch up, and I wouldn't want you left out of the conversation.'

Nettlekiss chucked heartily. 'Very well! I have other business to attend to this evening, so I'll leave you mares be.' Downing his glass in one impressive gulp, he shuddered and set the glass down neatly on top of the mantlepiece. 'Well, till we meet again!'

Sweetie Belle waited until the sound of hoofsteps faded before securely locking and bolting the door. She definitely didn't want intruders this night.

Rarity eyed her with suspicion. 'Excuse me, but I quite like not being trapped in a locked room with a pony whom I, if you'll forgive me for being blunt, don't know.'

Scootaloo opened her mouth as if to speak, but Sweetie Belle beat her to it. 'Rarity, it's... it's me. Sweetie Belle.'

Rarity froze, then shook her head. 'You're not the first mare to try and pull something like that on me. What is it you want, hm? Money? Maybe a modelling career? Oh, or do you want a book deal too?'

Scootaloo began to speak, but Rarity cut her off. 'I don't want to hear it! I know you're the real Scootaloo, but how could you do this to me? If you're in need of money, I would have happily helped, but this is just... sick! Please, just leave before-'

'Fillies don't have "crushes" on fillies. It's not natural, and it's not right.'

Rarity froze at that. Her snow white complexion somehow seemed to pale as Sweetie Belle continued to speak. 'This is just a silly phase you're going through. You are not to talk to anyone about these silly feelings, and you are most certainly not to talk to Apple Bloom about them. You will grow out of this, Sweetie.'

Rarity clutched the side of her chair to steady herself. 'Sweetie Belle?'

Sweetie felt her eyes tear up, even as a smile split her face in two. 'Been a long time, sis.'

Rarity gave a squeak, then promptly fainted.

Rarity didn't take long to come around, but when she did, she was so hysterical Sweetie was worried she was going to faint again. She cried, hugged Sweetie, slapped her, hugged her and cried some more. Sweetie Belle could do nothing but hold on tight to her sister, fearing if she let go she would lose her again forever.

They talked for hours. Sweetie and Rarity talked about their lives, their shared memories. It seemed there was no end to the conversation, the memories. Sweetie Belle felt as if she could live in this moment forever and never grow tired.

Rarity had wandered aimlessly since losing Sweetie Belle. 'When I found that note at the boutique... Oh, Sweetie Belle, I was so distraught. I didn't speak to anypony else for weeks. If it hadn't been for Fluttershy, I don't think I ever would have.'

'Fluttershy?' Sweetie Belle leaned in. 'What did she say to you?'

'She told me about your conversation. About how you were confiding in her, instead - instead of your own sister!' Rarity sighed. 'That's what got me to snap out of it. It's when I saw how self-pitying I was being. I could have done so much to help, but I kept wishing it would just go away.'

'I'm sorry.' For the first time, an air of melancholy surrounded Rarity. 'I - we didn't give you the help you needed. I don't deserve your forgiveness. I daresay you're more generous than I.'

Eventually, the conversation died down, and the two mares found themselves sat in silence opposite each other. Rarity looked better than Sweetie Belle had ever seen her, her face animated and lit up with a glow that somehow made her whole demeanour so much more welcoming.

It was Rarity who first broke the uncomfortable silence. 'Why didn't you come to me sooner?'

'Fillydelphia's a long way from Ponyville. And I didn't exactly have the money to hop on a train.'

Rarity shook her head. 'I meant immediately. Surely you didn't think I would have allowed any of this to happen if I'd known?'

Sweetie Belle fidgeted in her seat. 'I didn't know that. Besides, it wouldn't have been fair for me to get you mixed up in all this. I mean, look at you! You're the fashion superstar you always wanted to be. It wouldn't have been fair for me to take that from you.'

Rarity gazed around the room with distain. 'Please. This industry is soul-crushing. I long for an excuse to burn it all down and take to the wilds.' She cleared her throat. 'I am to assume, then, that you are still, uhm, wearing comfortable horseshoes?'

Sweetie Belle snorted. 'Sweet Celestia, I haven't heard that one in a while. Yeah, I'm still a fillyfooler, if that's what you're asking.'

Rarity's gaze slid towards Scootaloo. 'And...'

'You too? Should I start taking this personally?' Scootaloo shot back. 'I don't like dresses. Doesn't make me a fillyfooler.'

Rarity gave a delicate smile. 'Apologies. This is all somewhat new to me.' Once more, she turned her gaze back to Sweetie Belle, as if unable to believe her sister was really sitting in front of her. 'So. What happens now?'

Nettlekiss hadn't believed it at first. But as the conversation went on, his doubts had been washed away. Rarity, Canterlot darling, not only in contact with her long-lost sibling, but a fillyfooler sympathiser too boot! Leaning against a nearby wall, he considered his options. This was some serious scandal. Play it right, he could make national headlines. He'd be promoted for sure. Maybe even a position to the E.U.P., if he was lucky. To serve the Princesses... It was everything he had ever wanted.

But first, he had to act quickly. He needed more than his word - he needed witnesses. Seizing the nearest Guard, he began barking orders into his muzzle. 'You! I need the stallion who drove the chariot that brought those two mares - the friends of Rarity! You know who he is?' The terrified guard nodded quickly. 'Then fetch him, and don't waste my time!'

Within minutes, the requested guard was brought before him. Nettlekiss eyed him with greed. 'Tell me - what house did you pick that unicorn up from? Actually, never mind. Go there immediately and arrest anypony present on my authority.'

The two guards gave a brisk nod and left, a new spring in their step. Nettlekiss watched them depart with a smug sense of triumph. In a few hours, he'd have all the evidence he needed.

'You can't be serious!'

'Rarity, what choice do I have?'

Rarity faltered. Sweetie Belle pressed on. 'I have to keep a low profile. I almost didn't risk coming out here tonight because I was worried something would happen to one of us. Or to you.'

Rarity sunk into a nearby chair. 'It's just... not fair. To lose you immediately after getting you back...'

'I'm not losing you, Rarity. I'll never let that happen again. We can meet up every so often. Just as long as it's not too often, and we don't-'

'No!' Rarity was distraught. 'I don't want to meet you in private every so often, like you're some fugitive! You're my sister!'

'I am a fugitive, though.'

The words hung in the air. There was something of a deathly finality to them. It was Rarity who spoke next.

'What if you didn't have to be?'

The knock on the door wasn't... right. That was Amethyst's first thought. She didn't have an agreed secret knock with Sweetie Be- Sugar Note. Maybe she was hammered.

Her bleary eyes focused on the clock by her bedside. 2:25 A.M. That had to be a new low. For a moment, Amethyst considered leaving her out there. But even she wasn't that cruel.

As she entered the main shop, the knocking grew in intensity and volume. The transparent glass revealed that the visitor wasn't Sugar Note, as Amethyst had suspected. Instead, it was two burly stallions she didn't recognize. She hesitated, but eventually decided against going back to bed. There was something about the pair that suggested a sense of urgency.

As the door opened, the stallions peered down at her. 'Is your name Amethyst Charm?'

'Yes. Who are you?'

The stallion ignored her. 'I am to understand there is a unicorn here who goes by the name of Sugar Note?'

'Not here right now, but yeah, she lives here. Why? And who are you?'

The other stallion spoke up. 'We're with the town guard. I think it's best you come with us, Amethyst. We have some... questions we'd like to ask you.'

Author's Note

Rare footage of HorseStories returning to FimFiction.

Part 3, Chapter 3 - Speech

'You can't be serious.'

Sweetie Belle couldn't believe her ears. Judging by the expression on Scootaloo's face, neither could she.

'Well, why not?' Rarity seemed remarkably calm. 'There's no law against political lobbying. I have more money than I wish to detail. And if they wish to accuse me of being a fillyfooler myself - well, I believe my somewhat regretful marital record will shut them up.'

Sweetie Belle opened her mouth, but before she could respond, Rarity continued. 'Sweetie Belle, please. For these past 12 years, I have not only feared you dead, but that your passing would be at my own hooves. Meanwhile, I fought tooth and hoof to enter Canterlot high society, only for ponies to sniff at my work because of my sister. Are you actually asking me to choose them over you?'

Sweetie Belle didn't respond. She couldn't.

Rarity's mind was made up. 'I love you, Sweetie Belle. Never forget that. One day, I hope we'll be able to see each other openly again. But I know now you can't just wish for something to be so. You have to fight for it. And fight I shall.'

'Thank you for visiting me tonight, Sweetie Belle. I cannot help but think it must be fate you decided to visit me on tonight of all nights.'

Sweetie Belle frowned. 'Why?'

Rarity giggled. 'Commander Nettlekiss wasn't visiting me just to catch up. He's looking for a promotion - some big snooty Canterlot position, I gather. I am to speak at a Canterlot dinner this week, and he wished me to throw in a few comments in his favour. Rumour has it Celestia herself will be in attendance. In return, I would have been allowed to design the Royal Guard's uniforms for the next season. I may have to make some adjustments to my script.' A mischievous look danced in her eyes, and all of a sudden, she was a decade younger.

The sisters embraced each other one final time. Rarity opened her mouth as if she had something else to say, but she was interrupted by a sudden, harsh rattling at the door.

'Town Guard! Open this door immediately!'

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo froze. Rarity seemed unfazed. 'Just one minute, darling!'

Turning to Sweetie Belle, she took a concerned glance at her chipped horn. 'Can you get yourself and Scootaloo out of here?'

Sweetie Belle nodded. 'What about you?'

Rarity flashed her a dazzling smile. 'Getting myself out of tight spots is a habitual talent of mine. Go, quickly!'

A million thoughts flashed through Sweetie Belle's mind. There was so much to say and so little time with which to say it.

'Open the fucking door right now!' Nettlekiss sounded unhinged. Flustered, Sweetie Belle seized ahold of Scootaloo by the wing and the pair disappeared in a flash of light.

Before Rarity could even reach the door, a burly Stallion crashed through it, sending broken shards of wood and splinters everywhere. Nettlekiss strode in, his steely eyes scanning the room. Seeing only Rarity, he immediately rounded on her.

'Where are they?' Nettlekiss snarled. Rarity didn't flinch.

'Who?'

'You know who! Your fillyfooler sister mare and her crippled friend! I know they were here, I overheard you, don't even try to deny it!'

Rarity returned the hateful gaze Nettlekiss had affixed to her. 'If you are referring to Scootaloo, I would appreciate if you would not refer to my close friends which such derogatory language. With regard to her Unicorn friend, I'm afraid you're mistaken. I've never met Sky Star before in my life. She most certainly is not my long lost sister. I assure you, I would recognize her.'

Nettlekiss looked like he was about to have a heart attack. Turning to his stallions, he gestured wildly to the room at large. 'Tear this place apart, and don't stop until you find them! I will be taking Miss Rarity into custody on the grounds of... of...'

'Of?' Rarity queried sweetly.

'Of... aiding and abetting a fugitive from justice!' Nettlekiss proclaimed triumphantly. 'Your sister is wanted on several counts of crimes against nature. You can come quietly, or I can escort you. Your choice.'

In the end, Rarity deigned to come quietly. 'Custody' transpired to be the adjacent room, empty aside from a table and two chairs. Nettlekiss seated himself opposite her. Both ponies eyed each other coolly, sizing each other up. Rarity spoke first.

'I wonder how this will affect your promotion, Commander? Having such a prominent fillyfooler sympathiser involved in your campaign will no doubt be embarrassing.'

Nettlekiss sneered. 'No scandal on earth could blot out one-millionth of the prestige I will earn for snaring another one of you fashionista sodomites. And I thought Hoity Toity was a good catch!' He cackled at the memory. 'Oh, don't be so sanctimonious. After all, you were the first one who brought it to my attention. Oh, how the mighty have fallen!'

Rarity stiffened. 'You tricked me. You said there were therapies... cures! Not... that!'

Nettlekiss spat on the floor. 'He's cured now. And with Celestia as my witness, your sister will join him. It's only a matter of time before we catch her now what city she's in. A simple DNA test should confirm who she is.'

A guard leaned into the door frame. 'They're not in there, sir. Should we dispatch a search patrol?'

Nettlekiss leaned back on his chair, a wide smile on his lips. 'Make that ten.'

Sweetie Belle wasted no time. The second they landed. she took off, Scootaloo hot on her heels.

They raced through the streets of Fillydelphia, their surroundings blurring into nothing but indiscriminate streaks of colour and light. Sweetie Belle had only one place on her mind, one mare.

Sweetie's worst fears were confirmed when she arrived at the shop. The front door had been smashed in, and covered with a notice from the town guard. Premises raided as part of an ongoing investigation.

Blood pounding, Sweetie Belle tore past the notice and entered the shop, shouting at the top of her voice. 'Amethyst! Amethyst!'

Scootaloo grabbed her before she could shout a third time. 'Quiet! They'll be looking for us, don't make it easy!'

Sweetie Belle shook her off, glaring. 'What am I supposed to do? Nothing?'

'You need to get out of here!' Scootaloo shook her head. 'I'm sorry, but Sweetie, if you keep looking for her, they'll just catch you both. Trust me. You have an emergency bag?'

Hesitantly, Sweetie Belle nodded, then shook her head. 'It doesn't matter! I'm not leaving without Amethyst, end of discussion!'

'Sweetie Belle, you've got maybe a few minutes before the Town Guard figures out this is the first place you'd go. Maybe they're on their way now. Just grab your bag and go! You won't be Amethyst any favours by getting yourself caught too!'

Sweetie Belle hesitated, torn. Scootaloo grabbed her and hugged her tight. 'It's been so good to see you again, Sweetie. You don't know how much I've missed you. But everything everypony has sacrificed to get you here is going to be wasted if you're caught tonight. So, please, just go. Get out of here. Before you can never leave again.'

'Sir?'

Nettlekiss turned to see a guard standing in the doorway. 'We got one of them.'

Scootaloo looked tired, grumpy and irritated. 'This better have been worth waking me up for. I have to open a shop tomorrow.'

Nettlekiss eyed Scootaloo with some distaste. 'And Sweetie Belle?'

'Nothing so far. We've searched all the administrative districts twice. I'd wager she's left the city, maybe even the country by now. It'll be hell to find her. We still have her partner in custody, but she's not cooperating.'

A vein twitched in Nettlekiss's forehead. 'Fine. Continue sweeping the city limits. Anything else?'

The guard looked away. 'You've got a visitor.'

Another mare entered. Her blue mane was cut short, and her eyes rested behind a pair of almost comically thick glasses. 'The name's River Lane. Attorney at law. I'm here to see...' Theatrically, she peered at a piece of paper with a name scribbled on it. 'Miss Rarity. I understand she is being detained here.'

Nettlekiss snorted. 'I don't think so. I'm not having her pull some voodoo legal trick out of her-'

'The law,' River Lane interrupted, 'Mandates that all freeborn Equestrian citizens enjoy the right to counsel. Failure to provide said right can result in charges being thrown out of court. I'm sure you're aware of this, Commander.'

Nettlekiss swore. 'Very well. It changes nothing. I will interrogate the cripp... pegasus in the meanwhile.' Rising to his hooves, he motioned for Scootaloo to follow him. For the first time, Rarity spoke.

'I'm willing to cover her legal fee, if she's willing to accept it. That won't be a problem, will it, River?'

River Lane adjusted her glasses. 'Not at all.'

If looks could kill, Nettlekiss could have cleared the room. As it stood, he opted to instead violently slam the door on the three of them. River Lane sighed theatrically, then seated herself on the now-empty chair. 'Moron. No, don't explain, I heard the whole sorry story from one of his guards downstairs. I'm not even going to ask how much of it is true. I've never seen such a flagrant disregard for the legal process. I'll speak with Nettlekiss and get him to see reason. Anything else?'

Rarity nodded. 'I actually wanted to let you know something. I intend to destroy my career and reputation as explosively as possible this week, so I foresee a lot of litigation coming my way. Do you want in?'

River Lane's brisk demeanour wavered slightly as a smile played upon her lips. 'Am I to assume this is related to the scandalous accusations about your sister?'

'Most definitely.'

'Then count me in.' Rising to her hooves, she nodded towards Scootaloo, whose mouth was agape. 'Evening.'

River Lane swept from the room. The muffled sound of discussion between her and Nettlekiss quickly grew until both ponies were all but screaming to be heard over the other. Rarity turned to Scootaloo. 'Is she safe?'

Scootaloo nodded, seemingly in awe. 'Oh, yeah. She said she knew someplace in the mountains she could hunker down for a while. You should have seen her emergency bag, it had wigs, colour contacts, everything. I don't know where she's going after that.'

Rarity breathed a sigh of relief. 'Thank you, Scootaloo. Just... thank you. So much.'

Scootaloo eyed her wearily. 'Are you... are you going to be all right, Rarity? This must be... hard.'

Rarity smiled, and ruffled Scootaloo's mane. 'Oh, I'll be fine. In fact, I'm feeling better than I've felt in a long, long time.'

One Week Later

Nettlekiss hadn't been underselling the dinners clientele. Senators, Chancellors, and even Celestia herself was in presence. She flipped through the new speech she had prepared. It was a little rough around the edges, but it came from the heart. That was enough.

Of course, Nettlekiss had fought hard to have her disinvited, but this was Celestia's party, not hers. Although after tonight, she doubted she'd be attending any more of Celestia's parties. From across the room, he could do little but glower at her. Rarity had returned his murderous stares with a elegant smile.

She had had a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach the whole night. At first, she'd been unable to place it, but then she realized it was fear. For years, she had lived a comfortable, predictable life. She knew how each day would start and end. That was, after all, how you sold well. By being predictable. Stockholders liked predictable, marketers liked predictable, and the public liked predictable. The only ponies who liked spontaneity were artists, and Rarity wasn't an artist. She was an institution.

Tomorrow, she might wake up to find all her friends had abandoned her. She might lose everything she owned, wake up homeless, despised and ruined. She might even wake up in a prison cell. One thing was certain - life would never be the same again.

From her seat, she silently listened to an wealthy aging stallion ramble on about Nettlekiss. She had been offered a seat next to the princess, but she had politely declined. Instead, that seat was now occupied by the ambassador to the Griffon Empire.

As the speaker drew to a close, Rarity shuffled her speech one final time. She was up. An attendant took to the stage to announce the fact.

'Mares and Gentlecolts, we hope you're having a pleasant night. We will now hear a few words from Rarity, one of Equestria's most prominent fashion designers.'

Rarity was greeted with a smattering of applause as she took to the podium. A hundred or so weary faces greeted her. They'd not be bored of her for long.

'Good evening, mares and gentlecolts.' Her voice was perfectly pleasant, yet not without a slight edge to it. 'It's so good to have the opportunity to speak tonight, especially in front of so many prominent individuals. I have a lot on my mind, so I do hope you'll excuse me if my speech takes a little longer than I originally intended.'

No response. The ponies in front of her looked bored. Even Celestia's eyelids drooped imperceptibly. Rarity pressed on, regardless.

'Today, I want to speak about something close to me. That is... the matter of my dear sister, Sweetie Belle.'

The effect was instantaneous. a murmur rippled across the crowd, who now seemed to hang onto her every word. Rarity hadn't mentioned Sweetie Belle since her disappearance. Even Celestia blinked, as if she didn't quite believe what she'd heard. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Nettlekiss's jaw drop.

'The past twelve years have been the hardest of my life. I have suffered socially, artistically, and most of all, emotionally. Not just because I lost a sister. Because I lost a part of myself.'

Silence. The crowd looked sympathetic, but Rarity knew that sympathy was for her. They couldn't care less about Sweetie Belle.

'Sweetie Belle, however, was not the victim of circumstance, or accident. She was not lost to natural causes, nor taken in any criminal act. She was taken from me by a nation which has, for millennia, systematically deprived it's citizens of their inalienable right to express their love for members of the same sex through laws targeted to persecute and intimidate these individuals into silence, and, failing that, to incarcerate and torture them into non-existence. Laws which I stand here today calling to be repealed.'

For a few, sweet, precious seconds, a shocked silence hung over the crowd. Then, there was uproar.

Several diners simply rose and left. Others - Nettlekiss amongst them - rose to shout abuse at the stage. A few said nothing, simply shook their heads in disbelief. Celestia simply stared dispassionately at her, as if daring her to continue.

She was less than a twentieth of the way through her speech, but Rarity knew there was no way she could shout over the baying crowd, which had begun to advance upon the stage. Several burly Royal Guards stepped forwards to surround her, though Rarity noticed a few held back, contempt in their eyes. The barrage continued.

'Fillyfooler!'

'Pervert!'

'Degenerate!'

'You see!' There was no mistaking the booming voice of Nettlekiss. 'We forgive her for the crimes of her sister, and what do we get? A deviant who seeks to subvert our values, to corrupt our youth, to change our nation!'

A cheer rose across the room. Rarity locked eyes with Celestia, the only pony in the room who had yet to voice her opinion. In response, the princess rose to her hooves.

Celestia's voice cut across the room like a hot knife through butter. Instantly, all competing voices were silenced. 'Peace. This display demeans you all.'

The ponies in front of Rarity immediately sunk into a deep bow at their leader's words. Rarity, meanwhile, remained standing.

Celestia ignored them, instead fixing her attention on Rarity. 'I do not appreciate my good will being hijacked to pull some form of political stunt. Please leave, or I will have you escorted out by the Guard.'

At her word, two Royal Guardsmen appeared by her side. Rarity glared at them. 'I'd like to finish my speech.'

'That will not be possible.'

Anger bubbled up inside Rarity. Before anypony could stop her, she hurled the speech at Celestia, who was knocked off-balance slightly by the stack of paper, falling to one knee. 'It's worth a read.'

The flustered princess blushed red with anger. 'Take her away!'

Rarity was seized by the Guards, and roughly dragged away. The last thing she saw before the princess disappeared from sight was a triumphant Nettlekiss helping her to her hooves, a barely disguised grin on his face.

The guards gave her a few kicks when they'd dragged her onto to street, but overall, she could have had it worse. She was barely limping at all by the time she arrived at the Carousel Boutique.

The next week passed like a blur. Twilight was the first to visit.

She hadn't come in, even when invited. Instead, she had simply hovered in the doorway, before asking her question. 'Is it true?'

Rarity nodded. 'Yes.'

Twilight shook her head pensively. 'I didn't want to believe it.'

And with that, she had simply turned and left.

Fluttershy was next. She, too, didn't believe the stories she'd heard, but had reacted far more sympathetically. Still, she had declined to join Rarity on her crusade - which Rarity could hardly fault her for.

As for Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Applejack, Rarity simply never saw any of them again.

Of course, there was the mail. So much of it, the post office had to assign Rarity her own mailmare. Most were variations of the same, outraged mares and stallions denouncing her and declaring they'd never buy another one of her dresses again. It was to be expected. Rarity's name had slipped from billboards. Every one of her orders had been cancelled. But she wouldn't have been able to honour her obligations anyway.

Rarity spent almost every waking hour making phone calls, scheduling interviews, responding to inquiries. At first, the only papers willing to print her were tabloids, gutter press who'd like nothing better than to squeeze a few bits out of a shamed fashionista's dying career. Rarity didn't care - as long as her voice was out there, it didn't matter.

Then came the offers to appear on radio shows. Her voice had become too big to ignore, and now plenty of ponies was looking to knock her down a few pegs, mostly obscure conservative commentators, real red-blooded stallions who could shout as long and as loud as she could. With each segment, her fame grew, multiplied and spread.

Her major epiphany had come when she was discussing the legal minutiae of a lawsuit from one of the many groups claiming to represent Equestrian morality with River Lane. The media, she reasoned, was invested in the status quo. To combat this, she had to create an alternative, something that would not only sell, but send a message.

The first print of Shine magazine was seized by the courts under obscenity laws. To her everlasting credit, River Lane had not won the series of prolonged legal battles that followed, she had done so with a poise and grace that was utterly absent in the prosecution. The first print had sold out in hours. The second print sold within a similar timeframe, even though it had printed ten times as many copies.

Now, it seemed for every letter she received denouncing her, she received one supporting her. Ponies would spit at her in the street, yet others would greet her warmly, shake her hoof, thank her for her work.

Rarity was never at rest. There was always an interview to take, a speech to give, a protest to march at. Years passed, yet every day she seemed younger. As cliché as it was, she knew she had found the calling in life. It was to help society's unfortunate. To be generous.

And after a life of catering to the whims of the spoilt, pampered elite of Canterlot society, she was thankful for every day she spent doing it.

Epilogue - The Memories of Sweetie Belle

~ Ten Years Later ~

Sweetie Belle stared out of the window, listening to the chilling sound of the wind whistling by, rattling the panes of glass. Behind her, she heard the radio playing, loud and clear.

'Another momentuous victory for the pro-homosexual advocates today, as Filllydelphia struck the last of it's remaining lobomtomy-based sodomy laws off the books! Former fashionista turned social justice campaigner Rarity has hailed the victory as, quote-on-quote, "Yet another crucial blow to the twisted system we seek to destroy."'

Her sister had always had a knack for drama. Sweetie Belle knew the future youth of Equestria would be in good hooves. Slowly, but surely, bit by bit, Equestria would become safe for ponies like her. Like a fish, entangled in a mass of barbed hooks, being gently and carefully freed from each one.

Sweetie Belle sighed, and rose to her hooves. Trotting over to the stove, she mulled over what to cook for dinner. Beans on toast? She was feeling lazy today. Grabbing a can and a can opener, she placed a pan on top of the oven and began to heat it up.

Some scars, of course, were permanent. Some hooks, too deeply embedded to dig out. Sweetie Belle alone knew this better than anyone. The ponies of the old ways had inflicted immesurable damage on her generation, and the generations that preceded her. One day, she hoped, they would get a taste of their own medicine.

The toast popped, and the hob began to whistle. Sweetie Belle arranged two plates of toast neatly, crusts removed, and generously poured over each a serving of baked beans. Just how she used to like them.

'Honey? Dinner's ready!'

Silence. Sweetie Belle glanced out the door into the hallway. Sometimes, it took a few shouts.

'Hellooo?'

Sweetie Belle distinctly heard a shuffling in the adjacent room. Shuffling gave way to hoofsteps, and soon enough, Amethyst's head poked through the door.

'There you are! Sit down, it's time to eat.'

Amethyst said nothing, just shuffled over to the table. Clumsily crashing into her seat, she grabbed a nearby fork with her magic, and began to wolf the meal down.

'Hey, slow down! A thank you would be appreciated.'

But she wasn't going to say thank you. She wasn't going to say please, or hello, or ask her how her day had been. Because Amethyst didn't do that. In fact, she didn't do anything any more.

Because along the base of Amethyt's skull, running across her now-shaven head, and ending between her eyes, was a gruesome, ugly, deformed scar, showing where the doctors had come and taken away what made Amethyst unique. What made her special. What made her the mare Sweetie Belle had fallen in love with. Gone, forever.

Silently, Sweetie Belle paced to the other side of the table, and sat opposite to Amethyst, who didn't even look up from her meal. Sweetie Belle felt her eyes swell with tears.

'Amethyst... please, say something.'

THE END

Author's Note

You can hate me all you like, but I just *couldn't* have a true happy ending. It wouldn't be a tragedy if it did. There had to be something, and unfortunately, this was it.

This is the end of Just a Phase. It's been an incredible (and highly disjointed) journey. I've always enjoyed writing stories about strange ideas applied seriously. I have an idea for another story, which is currently in the works.

I'm probably going to discontinue Paradox Gardens. As much as I felt something upbeat would be a nice change of pace from the heavier themes explored in this story, it ultimately was just a side project, and not one I'm overly fond of. Any aspiring writers out there are free to take up the story, just message me and I'll be happy to transfer the ownership to you, provided you don't write anything overly distasteful.

Part 1, Chapter 7 - Note

Mum and Dad.

I don't quite know what to write here. I suppose it doesn't matter, since I'll probably never see you again. I'm sorry this all had to happen. I'd like to say I'm sorry I was born this way, but I'm not. At least, I'm not anymore. I think it's okay to like mares, and I don't care what everyone else thinks. Maybe that's just me being arrogant, but I honestly don't care. Coming to terms with myself has done me more good than trying to fix myself ever has.

Dad, I don't know if you ever told mum about me. I like to think you did, but I'm not sure. I suppose you'll have to now. I know you were only trying to help me, but you didn't. All you did was make my life unbearable, and let Comet Spark do whatever he wanted. I don't hate you, but I don't love you anymore. I'm sorry.

Mum, I'm a fillyfooler. You might just stop reading here, but in case you didn't, I want you to let you know that I'm still Sweetie Belle, and I'm still your daughter. I know you're trying right now to think of something you did wrong, that made me this way, but you honestly didn't. You were the best mother anypony could ask for. Please don't take this out on dad. I don't blame him, honestly, and I don't want you to either.

Rarity, I haven't seen you a lot recently. I'm fairly sure dad never mentioned anything about my 'situation' to you, but he didn't need to. I already told you, years ago, when I was only small. I know back then you told me it was 'only a phase' and that I was going to grow out of it, but I guess you were wrong. I think you knew all along, anyway, but you never said anything about it to me, just kept pushing boys my way. Our parents might not show you this letter, so I'll slip a copy under the door of the Carousel Boutique. Please don't freak out.

I'm not on my own. I'm with two other mares from Ponyville, ponies like me. I can't tell you their names, but we're going to Manehattan. I want a chance to start a new life, and I know you won't let me do that. That's the only reason I did this. I don't have a chance in Ponyville - everypony knows about me, because Brisk Spark told them, and he got it from his brother - Comet Spark.

I have to go now. Please try to understand.

Goodbye.

- Sweetie Belle.

Rarity was feeling pleased with herself, as always. Once again, she was ahead of schedule with her work, giving her time to begin drawing up a new set of designs for next season. She had managed to keep drama out of her life for a long time now - no fights with her friends, no artistic disagreements with her customers, and no family troubles.

In fact, Rarity was in such high spirits that she nearly missed the piece of paper that had been shoved under her door. Levitating it to eye level, she immediately took in the neat, cramped writing that could only belong to Sweetie Belle.

Rarity had, despite Sweetie's suspicions, been fully aware of Sweetie Belle's treatment. Of course her father hadn't told Rarity, preferring to treat her like a child rather than a capable and fully independent mare. Rarity very quickly suspected that something was wrong with Sweetie Belle - the excitable filly she once knew had been replaced these past few weeks by a moody, quiet pony who rarely spoke. Although many other ponies - all of her friends, for instance - had simply chalked it up to 'teenage years', Rarity knew her sister well enough to see that something else had caused this rapid shift in personality.

Her first action was to quiz Twilight. Rarity knew Sweetie Belle had spent a lot of time in the library recently, and that it had caused a lot of strife between Sweetie Belle and her parents, but Twilight had not been able to tell her much, just that Sweetie Belle visited the library to read about medicine. Next, she had asked Fluttershy, who Rarity knew had been speaking quite regularly with Sweetie Belle. This endeavor proved far more fruitful. As soon as she began asking questions about Sweetie Belle, Fluttershy visibly grew anxious, and with only a little bit of pushing, told Rarity all about Sweetie Belle's therapy sessions.

Rarity was not surprised to learn that Fluttershy sympathised with their 'struggle', but she had no idea her parents knew about Sweetie Belle. Rarity had kept that fact a secret for years, so she could only assume Sweetie Belle had told them. Silly girl.

As soon as Rarity heard about theses therapy sessions, she backed off. She had no right to lecture her parents on how to raise their foal - after all, her parents had raised her, and Rarity considered herself a well rounded individual. On the other hoof, Rarity hadn't come with Sweetie Belle's complications.

Rarity had known, ever since Sweetie Belle had confessed to her all those years before, that this condition was a time bomb, ticking away slowly. Some day, sooner or later, it was going to erupt, therapy or no therapy.

It was therefore no great surprise, although still a horrible experience, to read the letter Sweetie Belle had crammed through her door. Rarity had known a day like this would come, when Sweetie Belle's - situation - would cause her to do something drastic. This did not, however, make her feel any better.

As Rarity finished the letter, laying it flat on the table, two major details resonated through her head.

Manehattan.

Two other mares, ponies like me.

Sweetie Belle had gone to Manehattan, lead off by two fillyfoolers who presumably had some sort of twisted, insidious designs on the poor filly. Rarity knew exactly what fillyfoolers and coltcuddlers did to young foals like Sweetie Belle - it seemed there was a new case every week, some poor foal being led off and...

Rarity dashed over to her phone, and frantically dialed the emergency number. It took a few seconds, but finally she was connected.

'Emergency services, what service do you require?'

'Police! NOW! My sister had gone, she's been foalnapped by some awful-'

'Slow down there ma'am. Is this the Sweetie Belle case?'

'Yes, that's her! Please tell you've found her already!'

'Sorry ma'am, but this is actually the second call we've received about this foal. A pony named Magnum called us earlier. Do you know-'

Rarity slammed down the phone and bolted for the door.

After slipping the note under Rarity's door, Sweetie Belle had headed straight for the home of Lyra and Bon-Bon. To disguise her recent injuries, she had taken a cloak from her wardrobe, pulling it close around her frame.

Lyra and Bon-Bon lived in a small, pretty cottage just outside Ponyville town center. Sweetie Belle didn't know why they wanted to move away from this idyllic countryside environment to a hectic city like Manehattan. On the other hoof, Sweetie Belle knew it would be rude to pry into their personal lives. Whatever reason the couple had for leaving Ponyville, she was sure it was a good one.

Lyra and Bon-Bon were outside, checking their luggage. Lyra spotted Sweetie Belle first, and raised a skeptical eyebrow. Sweetie Belle hesitated, unsure, and then remembered Fluttershy's instructions.

'Angel'.

Lyra nodded, and turned to Bon-Bon. 'That's her'.

Sweetie Belle stepped closer, partially sliding back her hood so she could see clearly.

'So, Sweetie Belle, we just - holy shit.'

'Lyra!'

'No, Bon-Bon, seriously, come and get a look at this'.

'Lyra, don't scare - oh my goodness, Sweetie Belle. Who did this to you?'

Sweetie Belle realized the extent of her bruising, and shook her head. 'It doesn't matter. Let's just go'.

'Sweetie Belle, it does matter? Was it your parents?'

'No! No, it was.. someone else'.

'Are you sure you're okay?'

Sweetie Belle nodded. 'The faster we leave, the sooner I'll feel better'.

Bon-Bon wasn't sure, but she did want to get moving. It wouldn't be long before Sweetie Belle was noticed missing. In fact -

'Sweetie Belle, does anyone know where you've gone?'

'Uh, I think so. I left a note'.

'You did what!?!'

Frantically, Bon-Bon grabbed bags and hoisted them onto her back. 'Lyra! We have to go, now!'

Sweetie Belle shrunk back. All of a sudden, the decision to leave a note seemed to stupid. Why did she think it was necessary?

'Bon-Bon, I'm sorry-'

'Save it.' Bon-Bon spat. 'If you want to help, grab some bags'.

Rarity was sitting in her parent's kitchen. Just a few minutes before, she had burst through the front door, only to find her parents huddled around the kitchen table. Initially, she had vented molten fury at her parents, calling them every name under the sun, blaming them for Sweetie Belle's predicament. Her father and mother had not even attempted to defend themselves, simply sat limply.

Eventually, all of the rage drained out of Rarity and was replaced with sorrow. Her father had begun to explain about Sweetie Belle's therapy, but Rarity had cut him off, telling him she knew.

'But what have you done about this?'

'We told you, Rarity. We called the police, what more can we-'

'For goodness sake, Father! Some predators have carried her off, and you're not even looking? Have you checked the train station?'

'I... I'm sure the police will-'

Rarity snorted. It was so typical of her father to be lethargic and inactive in a crisis.

'I don't care if the police are looking, we should be looking as well!'

Rarity stormed out. Although she hated to admit it, she was going to need some help. Three unicorns wouldn't be able to cover much ground on their own. She needed someone fast, someone who could cover lots of ground quickly...

Rainbow Dash had initially been insolent and grumpy when woken, but upon hearing of Sweetie Belle disappearance, she snapped up and soared out of her door, right before getting as much information as possible. Her plan was to scout out the train station - Rarity had said Sweetie Belle was headed for Manehattan, and the only way to get from Manehattan to Ponyville was by train.

In fact, Rainbow Dash was so preoccupied with looking for Sweetie Belle that she hardly noticed where she was going, and walked straight into Lyra Heartstrings.

'Oof!'

Rainbow Dash picked herself up, muttering.

'Sorry, Rainbow!'

'It's okay. Hey, Lyra, have you seen Sweetie Belle anywhere?'

'S-Sweetie Belle? Umm, nope. Isn't she, like, Rarity's sister, or something?'

'Yeah. Don't, like, tell anyone, but she's run off. Said in a letter she was headed to Manehattan with some creeps. Keep an eye out, would ya?'

'Sure, Rainbow. No problem.'

Sweetie Belle was hot, uncomfortably and finding it difficult to breathe inside the suitcase, but she supposed it was apt punishment for her mistake. On the outside, she heard Lyra talking to somepony, and then silence again. Her confinement ended abruptly when the suitcase was opened and she tumbled out.

'Sweetie Belle, did you tell people where we were going?'

Sweetie Belle let out the tiniest affirmative squeak.

As the train started moving, Lyra swore violently and slammed her hoof into the wall of the compartment. 'That's it. We're sunk. Thanks a million, Sweetie Belle.'

'Lyra, don't be so defeatist'.

'Defeatist? Bon-Bon, you heard what Rainbow Dash said. Manehattan station is gonna be crawling with police ponies, and they're all gonna have her description, as well as the fact that she's got two foalnappers in tow'.

Bon-Bon sighed, and turned to Sweetie Belle. 'Me and Lyra are just gonna have a little chat, okay Sweetie Belle?'

Sweetie Belle nodded, eager to not screw anything else up.

Bon-Bon escorted Lyra outside, and shut the door.

'We can't keep her. You know that.'

'What are we supposed to do then, Lyra? Throw her off the train?'

'Listen, I don't want to see her come to harm any more than you do, but face it. If we even set foot in Manehattan with her, we're goners. We can't risk putting her in a bag, because they do random searches there, and even if we could get her through the station, we're talking about spending an entire life with a wanted runaway. We can't keep her a secret forever, Bon-Bon. Why should we ruin this new chance for our selves?'

'We could... disguise her. Dye her coat, her hair...' Bon-Bon faltered.

'And then what? Oh hey, this is our filly who has the exact same voice and broken horn as that runaway, and her tail's turning purple in places? Get real, Bon-Bon. You know what happens if we get caught. They're just gonna label us foal abusers and abductors. You know what happens to them, Bon-Bon. This is our lives we're risking here. If we get caught, it's the death penalty, do you understand, Bon Bon? They. Will. Kill. Us'.

'Well, do you have a secondary plan?'

'Actually, yes...'

Lyra and Bon-Bon returned to the carriage, Lyra looking stony faced, Bon-Bon looking sick.

'All right, Sweetie Belle. This train calls at Fillydelphia, so why don't we stop there for a bit?'

Sweetie Belle did not understand. 'I thought we needed to get moving as quickly as possible?'

'Yeah, but that was before we got out of Ponyville. Now we can take our time!'

Sweetie Belle wasn't sure this was wise, but she had never been to Fillydelphia before, and it made sense to stop during a long journey.

'Okay, Lyra. Whatever you say'.

Fillydelphia was a beautiful city. Skyscrapers towered over Sweetie Belle, sometimes so tall they got lost in the clouds. Although she was anxious to see more, Lyra seemed very keen to find 'somewhere to sit down'. Sweetie Belle assumed they planned to shout at her for her letter, but she didn't care. Now she was away from Ponyville, things were already starting to look up.

Eventually, Sweetie Belle was taken to a cafe by Lyra and Bon-Bon.

'What do you want, Sweetie Belle?'

'Uhmmm... I don't know yet.'

'Okay. Well, me and Bon-Bon are just gonna check out the starter menu, right Bon-Bon?'

Bon-Bon sat, fixed in place, gazing at Sweetie Belle. 'Right, Bon-Bon?'

'Yeah'. Bon-Bon broke her gaze. 'Starter menu. Sounds great'.

Suddenly, Bon-Bon turned to Sweetie Belle. 'Sweetie Belle, I'm sorry'.

'Bon-Bon!'

Sweetie was confused, both at the overly emotional state of Bon-Bon and Lyra's agitation. They sure were strange ponies.

Sweetie Belle watched the couple round the corner into the cafe.

'Nothing, Rainbow Dash?'

'Sorry, Rarity. She must have slipped past me. Or maybe she's still in town? in fact, that whole Manehattan thing could have been a decoy.'

Rarity sunk to her hooves. 'Oh, Sweetie Belle... please come back'.

Sweetie Belle had been waiting at the cafe for nearly an hour now. Although she had at first tried to deny it, she now knew Lyra and Bon-Bon were gone. Sweetie supposed she only had herself to blame. After all, she had been so stupid as to lay out exactly what she was going to do in her little note.

Sweetie Belle had been getting dirty looks from the cafe owner for some time now, and realized she had overstayed her welcome. She slowly left her table, hoping against hope that Bon-Bon and Lyra would make a last-minute appearance, with some wild explanation as to why they had been gone so long. Sweetie Belle wouldn't have questioned it, just accepted any story, even if she knew it was a lie. Anything to make them come back.

Of course, they didn't come back. Sweetie Belle knew they wouldn't, but she preferred to pretend.

Sweetie Belle felt like she should cry, but didn't. She couldn't, not in Fillydelphia. Although most of the horror stories about foal runaways came from Manehattan, Fillydelphia was still prominently featured. Momentarily, Sweetie Belle considered returning to Ponyville, but she couldn't. She couldn't take another day as a prisoner in her own home, in her own mind, being violently beaten up weekly by Comet Spark.

Sweetie Belle knew she was going to have to find somewhere to sleep, but every corner or alley she passed looked less and less inviting. Many ponies looked pointedly away from her, or even crossed the street to avoid her. Sweetie Belle attributed this to her appearance - the bruises, cracked horn and swollen eye all gave her the appearance of one of Fillydelphia's many street rats.

At least nopony would look upon her as easy pickings.

As the sky darkened, Sweetie Belle became more and more intimidated and dizzied by the sheer size and complexity of Fillydelphia. She was long lost, although she supposed that didn't matter now. Ponies at night were more aggressive than the ones during the day, and Sweetie Belle had many kicks, obscenities and vile comments thrown her way.

Finally, she collapsed after having walked for hours on end. Sweetie Belle crawled into a small back alley, between two small fast-food joints, and fell into a deep, fitful sleep.

End of Part One

Author's Note

Well, that's part one finished. The next part is 'coming soon', meaning I don't know when, but It'll probably be when I have more free time, as I want the beginning of the next chapter to be well done.

Prologue - The Wedding of Cinnamon Star

'Mares and Gentlecolts, we are gathered here today...'

Sweetie Belle sighed under her breath. Weddings were - in her opinion - drawn out to the point of being insufferable. Sweetie could not begin to fathom what Cinnamon Star saw in the groom. From her worldview, most colts were crude and abrasive, and she most certainly didn't rate any of them as marriage material. She had voiced this opinion to Rarity prior to the start of the wedding, but Rarity had just laughed her off.

'All fillies think that when they are your age, Sweetie Belle.' Rarity had said. 'Why, I felt the same way about colts when I was a filly'.

'Why did you change your mind, Rarity?' Sweetie Belle inquired.

'All mares do, Sweetie,' Rarity sighed. 'Just take it from me. You'll start to notice colts soon – don’t shake your head, I know you will - and when you do, you might just appreciate weddings the same way everyone else does'.

Sweetie Belle was thoroughly unconvinced she would ever look at a stallion with the same gooey, doe-eyed expression the bride was wearing, but her sister was much older than her, and Sweetie trusted her completely. Rarity's right, thought Sweetie Belle. I should give it more time.

Absentmindedly, Sweetie's gaze wandered round the room, sliding across the crowds of ponies in attendance, the architecture on the walls, and finally coming to rest on the bride herself.

Sweetie Belle only vaguely knew the bride - an old friend of Rarity's - but ever since the bride had walked up the aisle, Sweetie had been struck at how beautiful she was. Her mane was made in such a fashion that it seemed to move at the slightest impulse, more fluid than solid, and her dress, which shimmered in the summer sun, seemed to surround her in a glowing aura. Had Sweetie Belle not recognized the pony she was looking at, she would have sworn this pony was an angel.

'...If anypony here has any lawful reason why these two should not be pronounced mare and colt, speak now'.

A deafening silence followed, during which Sweetie Belle took in the features of the groom. He was handsome, yes, but possessed none of the mare’s raw beauty. What in Equestria did the bride see in him? As she turned this question over in her head, Sweetie Belle was only vaguely aware of the service resuming.

'...then I now pronounce you mare and colt. You may kiss the bride'.

And as the groom leaned in to kiss his wife, only one thought crossed Sweetie Belle's mind.

Ew.

'So, Sweetie Belle, did you enjoy yourself today?'

It was late in the evening. The wedding has wrapped up some hours ago.

'Huh?' Sweetie Belle looked up at her sister, who was wearing an expectant smile. 'Uh, yeah. It was really...umm...fancy?'.

'Hmm. Well, I for one thought that Cinnamon Star looked absolutely gorgeous in that dress. I only wish I could say the same for the lucky stallion. You know, I don't think he even combed his tail before the ceremony'.

Sweetie had not noticed the stallion had neglected to comb his tail, or that that he had spilled coffee on his jacket, or even the colour of the suit he was wearing, but still she nodded in agreement to what Rarity was saying.

In truth, Sweetie had been thinking about what Rarity had said just before the wedding. Other fillies in her class had already begun talking about crushes, even the tomboyish Scootaloo, who for weeks had spoken of little but a colt in the year above, and Sweetie Belle felt as if she was being left behind. At the same time, Sweetie had begun to look at the other fillies in her class in a new way, one that to her was both entrancing and confusing.

To Sweetie Belle, other fillies had become her object of desire. While other fillies were pinning up posters of colt bands or arguing over which colt at school was cuter, Sweetie Belle had struggled to deal with her new emotions alone, emotions that she had been experiencing for the last few months. While she had contemplated sharing her feelings with her close friends, she had not yet told them, for two reasons.

Firstly, Sweetie Belle knew that fillies were not supposed to like fillies the same way she did. If she told anyone, she feared they would tease her. Diamond Tiara, in particular, would be just awful, but she also did not know how her fellow Crusaders would react. Dealing with teasing from Diamond Tiara was one thing, but losing the Cutie Mark Crusaders would crush Sweetie Belle entirely.

And secondly, there was Apple Bloom. Despite the fact the two were close friends (which made Sweetie Belle's emotions even more complex) Sweetie Belle had become inadvertently closely attracted to Apple Bloom in a manner she could not understand. While the two were close friends, Sweetie pined for Apple Bloom's affection, as well as her friendship.

But that couldn't be right. Only fillies and colts had crushes on each other, Sweetie Belle knew that. And Apple Bloom certainly didn't feel that way about her.

So what was this new emotion towards Apple Bloom?

Perhaps it was time to call in an expert.

'Rarity?'

'Yes, Sweetie Belle?'

'Can I ask you a question?'

'Of course, darling'. Rarity looked up at Sweetie Belle, noticing the worry in her voice, preparing herself to forgive the filly for whatever she had broken.

'You know how you said I would eventually start to notice other colts my age?'

Quick as a flash, Rarity replied: 'Who is he, Sweetie? He's not that Button Mash you invited over yesterday, is he?'

Sweetie Belle flushed red. 'NO!' she yelped. 'I-I mean, Button is really nice and everything, but just - no, he's not-'.

'Sweetie Belle' Rarity cut in. 'Who is he?'

'Rarity, will you promise not to discuss this with anyone?' Sweetie begged.

'Of course, Sweetie'.

'Okay'. Sweetie took a deep breath. 'It's not a colt, anyway. It's another filly'.

The moment Sweetie Belle felt the words leave her lips, she felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. All of her fear over telling other ponies seemed foalish now - it was such a minor thing.

At the other end of the room, Rarity froze.

After a few seconds of silence, Sweetie Belle spoke up. 'Uhh - Rarity?'

'Sweetie Belle...'

Rarity looked up.

'Sweetie Belle, that is such a ridiculous thing to say. You can't have a... "crush" on another filly'.

'Oh.' Sweetie visibly shrank in stature, the bubble of optimism in her chest deflating rapidly. 'Well, I thought I liked Apple Bloom'.

Apple Bloom... Sweet Celestia, why do you do this?

'Of course you like her. You're best friends, after all'.

'Yeah but Rarity... it's different to being friends. I mean, she's really pretty, too, and she's always so kind to me...'

'Sweetie Belle, be quiet now'. Rarity didn't raise her voice, but Sweetie immediately shut up.

'Sweetie, I want you to listen to me very carefully'. Rarity poured as much threat into the words as possible, each word dripping with venom. 'I love you, and nothing will even change that, but you must stop this ridiculous game right now. Fillies don't have "crushes" on fillies. It's not natural, and it's not right'.

'This is just a silly phase you're going through. You are not to talk to anyone about these silly feelings, and you are most certainly not to talk to Apple Bloom about them. You will grow out of this, Sweetie'.

'B-But Rarity, I-'

'No buts, Sweetie. Now go to your room'.

Sweetie Belle laid on her bed, thinking back on what Rarity had told her. If Rarity was right, and these emotions would all go away by themselves, then Sweetie Belle surely had nothing to worry about.

Rarity, she was certain, would not lie to her.

But could Rarity be wrong? Possibly. Surely, it would make more sense to ask someone else. Sweetie Belle sat up. Twilight, of course. Twilight knew everything. Tomorrow, she would go down to the library and...

Then Sweetie remembered.

..You are not to talk to anyone about these silly feelings...

Rarity, surely, was looking out for her best interests. How would Twilight react if Sweetie asked her about liking fillies? Rarity had said liking fillies was... bad. Unnatural. Twilight might not believe her, or even worse, tease her about it.

Sweetie Belle whimpered. Perhaps I'll wait, she decided. Maybe it will go away, like Rarity says it will.

Rarity sighed, and laid her head in her hooves.

She contemplated telling Applejack about Sweetie's attraction to her sister, but quickly decided against it. If Applejack knew, she would stop Apple Bloom from ever seeing Sweetie Belle again, which Rarity knew would tear Sweetie Belle's world in half.

It will go away, Rarity thought. It's just a phase, and it will go away.

And if it didn't?

Then we can deal with it at a more appropriate time.

Rarity loved her sister, and wanted more than anything for her to be... normal. But Rarity could not tolerate having one of them for a sister.

Sweetie Belle the fillyfooler. Rarity could hear the schoolyard chants now. More than that, she could see it printed on a criminal record.

Not only did the law of Equestria enforce standards of morality, society would too. Rarity fully understood that if this issue was not stamped out in childhood, Sweetie Belle would be dealing with a major handicap for the rest of her life, both legally and socially.

On the other hoof, this could be nothing, just the rambling of an easily-excitable filly. To contact some kind of therapist would attract attention - word spreads fast in a small town like Ponyville. The ponies of this town were not stupid. If Rarity set Sweetie Belle up with a conversion therapist, she might as well announce the news from a megaphone.

Perhaps she could ask Twilight? No. Twilight was Rarity's good friend, but this was strictly a family matter. Besides, Twilight was the personal student of Princess Celestia. If the Princess heard about this, she might arrange for Sweetie to be taken away by Foal Protective Services. As unfair as it might sound, parents in Equestria were expected to produce well rounded individuals, and being a fillyfooler or a coltcuddler was about as far away from well rounded as you could get.

Leave it, Rarity. She had come to a decision. Rarity would, for now, ignore the issue. Given time, Sweetie would change her mind about this whole silly business.

After all, every foal goes through phases.

Author's Note

Please keep criticism constructive, and tell me if I misspelled anything below.

Since this is the first story I have written on this site, I would especially appreciate any input on my writing style.

This prologue is set early on in the show's run. The universe diverges at this point into the show canon (where the above issue is not addressed) and our storyline.

Obligatory Disclaimer: I am not at all homophobic, and I oppose homophobia and discrimination in all it's forms.