The Cutie Mark Maresby deadpansnarkerChaptersChapter 1: PrologueChapter 2: The Journey HomeChapter 3: Apples To The CoreChapter 4: A Distracted DesignerChapter 5: Sisters For LifeChapter 1: PrologueHaving spent the day pretending to be grown-up mares just so they could enjoy some time at the Appleloosa County Fair without adult supervision, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were just about ready to change back into silly fillies. Yes, you read that right. Rather than donning some elaborate disguise to fool the carnies, the CMC had gone one better by accidentally making a wish by an enchanted flower discovered by Starswirl The Bearded which gave them a huge boost in height, strength… Not to mention voice pitch. Even to their own ears, they sounded weird. In any case, the jig was now up, they were so busted and their little scheme was rumbled. Or to be more specific, Twilight had turned up with Fluttershy in tow to reverse the spell. As usual, she had to be the one to ‘save the day’. It was getting to be a habit. They’d arrived just in the nick of time to stop a cute but highly destructive Whirling Mungtooth called Floofy (species not known at the time) from devastating the fair, by helping its co-owner Spur calm it down. Now Spur and her friend Biscuit stood amazed with them at the train station as the still fully-grown Crusaders admitted they were actually youngsters all along, and their ‘adult’ advice was just a cruel charade to cover up for their complete lack of experience. I mean sure, they had managed to help out hundreds of colts and fillies with their destinies, but when it came to non-Cutie-Mark-related conundrums, they still had a long way to go. Regardless, the time for re-transformation was upon the naughty fillies. Twilight had brought the magical plant all the way from Ponyville so they could make their final wish, which coincided with the singular amount of petals left. In other words, there was just enough juice for another command, before the flower became as useless as a crushed daisy. “I’m pretty sure the three of you know what to wish for…” Twilight smiled at the trio of regretful Crusaders. “...And I’m pretty sure Starswirl won’t mind.” But as Twilight levitated the plant over to where the fillies stood ready to revoke their newfound adulthood, something quite unexpected happened. You see, having been informed that the ‘older’ mares they’d hung out all afternoon with were mere children even younger than them, not to mention rumblings of a mystical flower that’d helped along with the process, Spur and Biscuit had a few questions of their own… ...And they weren’t about to wait for some spell to be cast before they got answers. “What is going on around here?” Spur demanded, understandably confused at all the convoluted exposition they’d just heard. “Yeah, I wish you’d just tell us already.” Biscuit agreed with his friend, just before the CMC were about to reverse the transformation on themselves. This unintended command had the predictable effect of making the final petal on the flower wilt away, before the Crusaders (still in their adult bodies) found their lips moving of their own accord. “We wanted to go to the fair, but nopony was around to chaperone us. We were so busy preparin’ everything else for the trip, we just plum forgot in the end.” Apple Bloom started off the shaggy dog story. “We asked my sister Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, then Twilight and Fluttershy here, but they weren’t available. I suppose we could’ve tried Pinkie Pie, but we didn’t wanna take anypony who might’ve had more fun than us.” Sweetie Belle answered honestly, unable to do anything else in the circumstances. “That was when we found this magical flower in Twilight’s castle, and then we got talking about how we wished we were grown-up so we could go to the fair unsupervised. Little did we know, we were about to have the strangest day…” Scootaloo continued, and they proceeded to take it in turns to tell the torrid tale. …………………………… “...And that’s about it!” Apple Bloom sighed with relief after the final speaker had finished talking. “After gettin’ off at the wrong stop, and meetin’ that weird ticket-takin’ pony, we got lost in the swamp before findin’ Spur and Biscuit here on their way to the fair. The rest you know already.” “Yeah, I mean we had a lot of fun today…” Sweetie Belle accepted the last few hours hadn’t been without merit. “But messing up the Animal Showcase was not part of our plan. And like we said already, we’re very sorry for any trouble we caused.” “I just wanna return to being able to fit on my hoofboard again…” Scootaloo frowned at all the funny looks she’d received from riding it that day. “C’mon Twilight, make us young again so by the time I’m this age again, I’ll be the best daredevil Equestria’s ever seen!” Having heard the Crusaders relay the extended account of how they’d gotten into this predicament with an open mouth, Twilight now stood with her head bowed as if not quite knowing what to say next. “Well? We’ve learned our lesson!” Apple Bloom wondered what the reason for the hold-up was. “No more wanting to be adults for us! Not for another hundred years or more!” Sweetie Belle was desperate to return to her precious fillyhood years. “Twilight, please! We don’t mind if they watch!” Scootaloo gestured at the utterly nonplussed Spur and Biscuit nearby, as if the process of changing the Crusaders back was a private matter. A suddenly pensive Twilight’s only reaction to hearing the eager fillies-turned-mares chirp their requests was to turn back to glance at an equally morose Fluttershy. The yellow pegasus’s only contribution to the conversation was a sad shake of the head, and this seemed to confirm Twilight’s worst fears. “Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo… I don’t know how to tell you this, but… your last wish has just been used up. Also, due to the nature of this legendary flower’s power and how incredibly rare it is, I don’t know another way to return you to your proper ages now. I’m so, so sorry but… I’m afraid you’re stuck as mares.” Author's Note I've just been rewatching the last season in preparation for some fics I want to write, and this idea came to me. I wanted to write down my broad outline for the main plot before I got distracted, so here you go. Hope you enjoy what I've written so far, and I'll be back soon! Chapter 2: The Journey Home“B-But that can’t be possible!” “I-It was only supposed to be for a day, s-so we could go to the fair…” Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle reeled from the shock news that they wouldn’t be returning to their filly selves anytime soon, tears evident in their grown-up eyes and looking as if their stronger, longer legs were about to buckle from underneath them. Scootaloo was the exception to this rule. She seemed to be doing some rough calculations in her head and then, having finally reached a conclusion, set her sights on a completely mollified Biscuit, still standing next to his bestie Spur. “You!!” Biscuit’s demeanour quickly turned from surprise to horror as the queen-size Scootaloo unhesitatingly charged him, pinning him down under muscular orange hooves and screaming into his ear hysterically. “You’re the reason we’re stuck like this! If you hadn’t made that stupid wish, we’d be back to normal by now! Do you even realise what you’ve done? How are we supposed to go home, looking like this? What will my parents think? My aunts? Rainbow Dash? W-Why didn’t I take her advice, and just stay in Ponyville today…?” Without needing to be told, Scootaloo got off a trembling Biscuit at that point, as if realising further anger directed towards the teenage stallion would be futile. After all, when all was said and done it was just an accident, and no amount of cross words would change her or her friends' fates now. “Um, I don’t mean to interrupt a tense moment…” Fluttershy chimed in by making a signal to the rest of the grim-faced group. “But the train is about to arrive, and we’ll miss it if we’re not careful.” “Understood.” Twilight nodded to the yellow pegasus, before turning back to the notably paler Crusaders. “Listen to me: even though you three must be going through all kinds of emotions right now, we won’t be able to get anything done by just staying here. Let’s get on the train shall we, and on our return I’ll personally go to each of your houses to explain what happened, and what the next course of action should be. Things might seem impossible now, but one thing I can be sure of is that you have a lot of ponies who care about you…” “D’ya really think Applejack’s gonna treat me the same way again, when I look like this?!” “Rarity would always tuck me in when I stayed with her. Now I probably can’t even fit in my own bed!” “What’ll my parents say when they find out I’m too old for school? How am I supposed to get a job?! I can’t even do basic math yet!” Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo interrupted Twilight’s solemn speech to share their very real concerns, whilst everypony else at the station just stood and stared at this odd mismatched group led by a Princess. Looks like dealing with this unfortunate incident will be my top priority for the foreseeable future, whether I like it or not. Twilight realised, attempting to keep an optimistic expression on her face even if her actual mood was anything but hopeful. Why oh why did you have to send me that accursed flower, Star Swirl? You’ve really landed me in a sticky situation here, that keeps getting stickier with every passing second. ………………………………… The journey back to Ponyville was conducted in relative silence, as you’d probably expect. The Crusaders needed time to come to terms with their new appearances and loss of youth, whilst Twilight and Fluttershy couldn’t say much more to reassure them everything would be fine without resorting to outright lies. They might not be as honest as Applejack, but they knew that giving the fillies-turned-mares false hope would not be a great long term strategy. Speaking of the orange farm pony, she was the one currently occupying Apple Bloom’s tempestuous thoughts. What’s she gonna do when she finds out I disobeyed a direct order not to go to Appleloosa, the results of which are obvious just by lookin’ at me now? Lecture me something fierce, and work me extra hard, that’s what. And in the body I’m in right now, the sad truth is I can probably handle it. Sweetie Belle was equally in two minds about the new outlook she found herself facing. Good news: No more modelling stupid baby clothes for Rarity! Bad news: She’ll probably move you onto the adult line. Also, I might be old enough now to start a professional singing career, but without going to talent camp for years as a filly, will I really be good enough? I just don’t know. As for Scootaloo, she was more concerned with the here and now. I think Biscuit accepted my apology in the end. But maybe that was more because he was scared of me than anything. Him and Spur left really quickly afterwards, and I can’t say I blame them. What must they have been, finding out they spent the day with children in adult bodies and then being threatened by one? Pretty darn freaked out would be my guess. As each CMC member sat deep in thought about what exactly would happen next, they didn’t even hear the whistle of the train to indicate the vehicle had come to a screeching halt. “We’ve arrived in Ponyville! Could all passengers who want to get off here please depart the train now!” The driver announced loudly, which finally roused the Crusaders from their shared state of contemplation. With Twilight and Fluttershy taking the lead, the five mares wordlessly began to leave the vehicle via the nearest entrance… ...Only to find there was a little welcoming committee waiting to ‘greet’ them on the sidelines. Applejack, Big Mac and Granny Smith to be exact (Winona the dog made it four). The orange earth pony stepped forward first. “We came as soon as we got the message about the young un’s gallopin’ off to Appleloosa, though you didn’t really go into a lotta detail. Big Mac was sick earlier, but he insisted on comin’ cos he said nothing would make him sicker than his littlest sis goin’ missing. Anyway, Did’ya find them in the end… wait, who are your new friends? They seem familiar somehow… h-hold up, those Cutie Marks… it can’t be…” Author's Note Thanks to everyone who followed this story in the few hours since I published it. As a special treat, here's a quick upload of the next chapter. Enjoy, and don't forget to comment! Chapter 3: Apples To The CoreApplejack’s straightforwardness and no-nonsense attitude were legendary. She could cut through the chaff of any given situation and immediately get to the heart of the issue: in other words, no beating around the fruit tree for this living testament to practicality. Unfortunately, in response to her oh-so-accurate speculation regarding the identity of the new Ponyville arrivals, Princess Twilight’s jumbled thoughts weren't quite at a level where she was prepared to provide a coherent answer. “E-E-Er…” The alicorn pondered nervously for a couple of seconds, which when faced with the fate of your nearest and dearest sister is at least a few moments too long. “Land’s sake…” Applejack could be seen to shake her head slightly at the non-reply from a visibly sweating Twilight, so the farm mare made her own move by trotting over to the filly-turned-adult Apple Bloom herself. “Okay, you. I’ve got some questions… so listen up, and listen good ‘cos I’m only gonna ask you them once.” “W-Well, okay.” “What are the names of our parents?” “B-Bright Mac and P-Pear Butter.” “Right. But somepony else might’ve told you that. How many apples did I buck last week?” “Hmm. Two thousand exactly I think, ‘cos you made me count them twice.” “Is that your final answer, sugarcube?” “W-Wait. It was two thousand and one in the end on account of a missing apple rollin’ under the barrow after we were all done.” “Right again. Either you are who I think you are, or you’re a pretty good spy all things considered. Now, if you’re ready for my last question…” Gulp. “Y-Yes.” “What do you keep hidden under your bed, which you think nopony else knows about but I do?” Applejack’s last query left her lips, and she stared blankly at her ‘little’ sister for the correct response. “W-Wha, but that’s not possible! It was supposed to be a secret!” Despite the gravity of her predicament, Apple Bloom couldn’t help but have a mini-meltdown at the revelation that her ‘elder’ sibling knew about her special project. “Ain’t no secrets between us Apples, sugarcube.” Applejack answered plainly, before gazing unerringly at her sister again. “Now, you gonna tell me, or what?” “Oh, alright then. Not that it really matters now.” Apple Bloom moaned, before announcing what ‘it’ was to the perplexed gathering around her. “I’d been stitchin’ matchin’ fedoras for us to wear at the Sisterhooves Social next week, and Granny’s been helpin’ me. Who cares anyway ‘cos mine won’t fit me now and I’m too big to enter as your ‘lil’ sis, but… hey!” Without needing to hear a syllable more, Applejack had swept over to her side to give the newly grown-up mare a firm hug, who despite now being a similar size to the orange mare felt just as crushed as ever... Not to mention loved and reassured. Despite their initial shock, Granny Smith and Winona soon joined the embrace, although the canine needed a good sniff before being convinced this yellow behemoth was actually the filly who fed her scraps under the table every night. (Big Mac was itching to join the scrum, but even in the midst of such an emotional event, he didn’t want to spread his germs. Very wise, that stallion.) Then came the tears, the explanations, the apologies… until it felt like Twilight and the others were intruding on a very personal encounter between close-knit family members. Probably because, they were. But just before Twilight was about to awkwardly suggest that maybe she take off and accompany the other two ‘youngsters’ home, Applejack broke free of her kin to let the alicorn know she wasn’t about to slip the hook that easily. “Hold on there, Twi. If you’re gonna go and tell Scoot and Sweetie’s parents about what happened today to their children, then I’d like to be a part of it. Celestia knows, we should all be pulling together at times like this: if I’m still havin’ trouble wrappin’ my head around everythin’, then who can guess what the other adults will say. Big Mac, you take Granny and Winona home. I have a feelin’ I’m gonna be here for a while…” Well, who could say no to an offer like that? Certainly not Twilight, who soberly nodded agreement as she waited for Apple Bloom’s other relations to bid her farewell before proceeding with their mission. “When ya get back, don’t ya be worryin’ ‘bout a thing. Ya maybe big now, but inside we know ya still the adorable little filly I made apple turnover for jus' this mornin’.” Granny Smith affectionately pinched the cheek of a blushing Apple Bloom. “Of course you’ll be needin’ bigger portions now… and a larger seat at the table… and what will that nice Miss Cheerilee have to say ‘bout all this chicanery?” “Yep.” Big Mac seemed to concur (in his own monosyllabically-challenged way) that explaining the situation to his old flame would be a challenge indeed. “Yip.” Winona barked, having nothing further to add apart from the odd lick to her mistress’s hooves. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo watched this whole carry-on with widened eyes, both with very different views of what they’d seen. “Isn’t it nice that Apple Bloom’s family are so accepting of everything?” Sweetie remarked with admiration. “If I were to guess right now, my parents are going to flip when they find out and Rarity… well, let’s just say that fainting couch of her’s better be close by.” “It all seems a bit sappy to me. I hope my Mom, Dad and aunts are a bit less… huggy.” Scootaloo grumbled, in contrast to her unicorn companion. “It doesn’t matter anyway, because when I tell Rainbow Dash she won’t rest 'til she finds a way to change us back. And seeing as how she’s never failed at anything before…” “We’ll all help, whenever you need any of us.” Fluttershy had been quiet for quite a while (not a surprise from her) but popped up between the conversing Crusaders to offer her support. “Don’t ever think that you have to handle this problem alone, because you won’t. That’s a promise whatever happens next.” “Exactly. I couldn’t have put it better myself.” If Twilight was at all put out that other ponies were delivering the comforting speeches she was best known for, she didn’t show it. “Anyway, shall we go? Our next port of call will be the Carousel Boutique. Sweetie Belle, you better walk alongside me. I have a feeling this might be a tricky one.” The Crusaders exchanged a nervous glance which roughly translated as uh oh before venturing on, with Applejack and Apple Bloom in the middle and Fluttershy and Scootaloo at the rear… ...Each one failing to spot a very thin-looking colt hiding around just the corner. Featherweight never did quite figure out what hitherto unknown reporter’s instinct convinced him to venture down the train station that humid evening, but considering everything he’d just heard he was very glad he did. What a scoop! The editor of the Foal Free Press thought, licking his buck teeth in pleasure at the upcoming feature-length spread he intended to publish. This could even go national! Author's Note Another update. That's about all I have to say... time to work on some other stuff. Bye for now! Chapter 4: A Distracted DesignerGenerally, Ponyville wasn’t much of a town for gossip. Everypony just minded their own business, conversed politely with each other as they passed in the street and focused solely on their individual chores without getting involved in the messy affairs of others (especially strangers). This is why the three ‘new’ mares in town didn’t provoke much of a reaction as they trotted to Carousel Boutique with Twilight and the others, although if the busy residents had tried looking closer their unmistakable Cutie Marks might’ve caused more of a kerfuffle. As things stood though, the journey to Rarity’s place was a quiet one, apart from an odd feeling from Scootaloo that the little entourage was being followed… “It’s okay, I get that feeling a lot too.” Fluttershy had attempted to settle her fellow pegasus down. “Why just the other day, I thought a wyvern was circling my cottage, waiting to gobble up all my animals the moment they came outside for a picnic!” “R-Really?” Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, her attention taken away for a second from the mysterious shadow she occasionally spotted in her peripheral vision. “What happened next?” “Huh? Well, we enjoyed a delicious, nutritious meal to suit all palettes, of course!” Fluttershy smiled at the memory, before realising she might’ve got the wrong end of the stick. “Oh, you mean with the ‘wyvern’. It was just Derpy Hooves, trying to find a place to land and deliver my mail. In the end, I had to help her off my roof when she got caught in the chimney, but that’s another story.” “Aww, I thought it would have a more exciting ending than that.” Scootaloo frowned, cross that her excitement level had been raised for nothing. “It has reminded me of something important though, that I want to check as soon as I feel brave enough.” Now it was Fluttershy’s turn to be mildly intrigued by her walking buddy’s statement. In her own nonchalant way. “Ok then. You can tell me about it, if you want to.” “As I’m sure you know, I’ve never been able to fly.” Scootaloo once dreaded saying those words, but years of acceptance and maturity had resulted in her barely blinking when she spoke on the subject now. “...Which is cool! I’ve got so much more going for me than that, like my scooter tricks and daredevil stuff. But to be completely sure I won’t ever be able to take off, now might be the right time to try again. I-If it doesn’t work out for me, at least I’ll know not to get my confidence up for the future…” An expression somewhere between hope and trepidation lingered on Scootaloo’s face, and a visibly moved Fluttershy wanted to say something meaningful, to put all her fellow pegasi’s dreams and fears into perspective… But it was a bit too late. They’d just arrived at their destination. “Now everypony, you have to be careful with how the news is broken to Rarity. You know how… emotional she can be.” Twilight turned briefly to address her friends, soon after ringing the doorbell. “It might be better to wait until we’ve all sat down, then maybe if she does feel faint she’ll be easier to attend to. Also…” Alas, whatever Twilight had to add to her statement would have to wait, because the entrance to the boutique suddenly burst open to reveal a very stressed and harried Rarity. She had a big diagram tucked under her left forehoof, her mouth was full of dressing pins and sleep was a thing of the past judging by her bloodshot eyes. “Yes, yes? Oh, it’s you Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy. With a few new faces, I see. Isn’t Pinkie the one to talk to about arranging a party for new arrivals? Well, I suppose you all came here for a reason. Come in, come in. Just be careful where you sit, because Fancy Pants is coming to collect his new design tonight, and the slightest tear or crease could result in absolute disaster! In fact, you couldn’t have come at a worse time. I’m just putting the finishing touches to it now! If you simply must enter, I’m afraid I must ask you to keep your visit brief…” “E-Erm. Alright then. This shouldn’t take too long…” Twilight grimaced as the clearly overworked mare left the door open so she and her group could go in. The fashionista sounded remarkably coherent considering her mouth full of metal, but barely glanced at her guests before hurrying back to desperately hit that crucial deadline. “Good, good. Marvellous. So glad to hear you’re doing well. Looking forward to taking the throne in a few short weeks, are you? I don’t care what anypony says, you’re ready!” Rarity was still caught up in her own little world, and studied two opposing options relating to her latest project carefully. “What do you think for the cuffs, dear? Ruffles, or plain?” Twilight had come today to be the bearer of bad news and offer a hoof to cry on if necessary, not to proffer her own limited knowledge on upmarket clothes. “W-What? Well, the ruffles I suppose. But back to why I came here in the first place…” “Hmm, you’re showing your inexperience there I’m afraid, darling. I think you’ll find it’s ‘ruffles for truffles’, which means a formal dinner. Not what this outfit is designed for at all! Clearly it was made for the dance hall, so I think we’ll go with plain. Thanks for your input anyway, sweetie!” “Then why did you ask me to… wait, ‘Sweetie’! Yes, that’s who we came to talk to you about! If you can just spare a second to listen…” “Sweetie, did you say? Oh, you ought to hear what that naughty sister of mine got up to as soon as my back was turned! She completely disregarded my strict instructions not to leave, and went off anyway! Probably with her friends to that fair she wouldn’t stop talking about, way out of town. Mark my words Twilight, they’ll be fireworks here tonight as soon as she returns...!” “Huh? Aargh! We’ll be going round in circles like this for hours if we’re not careful, and I still have Scootaloo’s relatives to inform. Sweetie Belle, could you come here for a moment please? Perhaps it would be an idea to actually show your sister…” “If you’re not doing anything right now Twilight, could you perhaps lend me a hoof with straightening out this cloth so I can make some minor adjustments?” Rarity was fully absorbed in her crucial task now, and anything else (including her visitors) could be considered just an afterthought. “I would ask my absent sibling, but she’s not here right now. I believe I might have mentioned that?” “Yes, you may have broached the subject at some point.” Twilight rolled her eyes impatiently at the distracted designer, whilst ushering a hesitant Sweetie Belle forward with her wing. “Tell you what: one of my ‘guests’ has some experience in the fashion industry. Maybe she’d be a better choice for…” “Really, darling? Why, that’s just perfect! It was kismet you knocked on my door a few minutes ago in my hour of need! Or rang, I don’t really remember which.” Rarity paused her measuring for a moment to ponder, before shrugging her shoulders and returning to work. “Never mind. You brought them here, and that’s what counts. Sit down right here, dear. Hold the hem and neckline together as one… that’s it… now. Don’t. Move. A. Muscle.” If Sweetie Belle had already been nervous about telling Rarity about her unwelcome growth spurt, now she was positively dreading it. But to her immense credit, she was as still as a Gummy in following her sister’s orders, and it wasn’t long until the fashionista was lauding over her own genius once more. “Finished!” She proudly stated, another sartorial masterpiece in the bag. “If Fancy Pants doesn’t fall head-over-hooves for this inspiring creation later on, I’ll eat his…pants! Or something like that. I really don’t know what I meant by that, darling. But what I do know is I couldn’t have done it without you! What’s your name, dear? If you’re planning a career in high fashion, you’re talking to the right mare. Just ask Sassy Saddles and Coco Pommel about everything I did for them…” A million and one possible responses entered Sweetie’s head just then. She could’ve told Rarity the reason she was so good at straightening the fabric was because she’d done it a million times already while assisting her sister. She might’ve restated her determination to be a singer, against regular pressure from her unicorn sibling to take a position as her next apprentice. She didn’t say either of those things, or any of the other countless possibilities milling around in her head. Instead, the only three words that left the now trembling mare’s lips were… “I-I’m S-Sweetie B-Belle.” “Pffff! Don’t be so ridiculous, dear! My Sweetie is about a fifth your size, and you don’t sound similar at all!” Obviously thinking this was some kind of bizarre joke, Rarity chortled slightly as she levitated her spectacle up to her eyes. “I’m afraid after working on an important order such as this since the wee hours my vision isn't exactly twenty/twenty, but let’s get a good look at you. Well, I must admit there are some minor similarities. Your mane, your tail, your coat… all would be a perfect match for my sister’s if you were just a little younger. Wouldn’t it be funny if your Cutie Mark w-was…!” As soon as Rarity spotted that inimitable shield with the three colours and song note, a slight gasp could be heard escaping from her lips. This shock sensation was only further heightened by closer examination of the two other ‘new’ arrivals, who also resembled Sweetie’s constant companions with special symbols that they’d all earned simultaneously. “I-It’s not possible! I-It can’t be true!” Oh, but it was. If any further confirmation was needed regarding the identity of the now grown-up Sweetie Belle, who should come by just then but Opal. The fact the usually stoic cat purred and rubbed herself freely against the strange unicorn’s hooves may not have meant much to most present, but for Rarity it was the final conclusive evidence. “O-Opalescence is never that friendly with anypony she’s met for the first time! U-U-Unless…” And that was it. The overwhelmed fashionista’s already scant limit for shock value had been well and truly broken, and she fainted dead away. Some would say it was bound to happen in the end. The problem was reviving her, when she was fresh out of smelling salts. Oops. Author's Note Another chapter done. Hope you're enjoying the story so far, and there's much more to come soon. Until next time then. Chapter 5: Sisters For LifeRarity looked so much more peaceful during her fainting spell than her default stressed-out expression, it almost seemed a shame to wake her. But this situation had to be resolved before Twilight left the boutique, so an action plan was quickly devised to revive the dozing unicorn. First, Applejack put her in the recovery position (the earth pony had long since been taught it, in case there were any major accidents at the farm). Then, Twilight and Fluttershy waited patiently while the Crusaders went over to a nearby sink and fetched the only item proven to rouse an unconscious fashionista if everything else failed… A big jug of freezing cold water. “Brrr! That tingles!” Were Rarity’s first words upon shivering to attention, and she glanced up at Twilight to her right to ask a very pertinent question. “I-I fainted again didn’t I, dear?” “Yep.” “I-I don’t suppose what I heard and saw before collapsing was just part of an unfortunate dream?” “Nope.” “Y-You shouldn’t talk like Big Mac, darling... it really doesn’t suit you.” “Rarity, if there’s anything we can do for you or Sweetie Belle, anything at all…” “Well you can start by telling me what the hay went on in Appleloosa for my little sister to return as my twin! That could be kind of nice, dontcha think?!” Rarity was prone to outbreaks of melodrama, but at least in this case she felt her usual histrionics were well-justified. “E-Erm, okay.” Twilight had been expecting this, but it would arguably be much harder to explain events to a clearly rattled Rarity than a calmly rational Applejack. “If you feel up to it, I’ll begin…” “Hold on there, dear... let me just go and put the kettle on.” Rarity unexpectedly lifted herself off the plush couch upon which she’d been deposited, and shuffled off in the direction of the kitchen. “If my shattered nerves are going to remain intact throughout this whole ordeal, I have a feeling I’ll need something strong to endure it. Camomile? Earl Grey? No, I have a feeling that ginseng tea is just what the doctor ordered. With just a squeeze of lemon, for that extra bitter flavour. Can I get anypony else anything?” “N-No, I think we’re good.” A flustered Twilight looked around at a chorus of shaking heads, with one exception… who now felt she was old enough to speak for herself. “C-Could I have a hot cocoa, please? With mini-marshmallows and cinnamon sprinkles, if that’s okay.” Sweetie Belle might be adult-size now, but her taste palette was clearly still that of a filly. “Y-Yes, I suppose I can do that for you.” Rarity awkwardly stated, as she rummaged around hesitantly in her uppermost cabinet. “I suppose you’ll be wanting one of my bigger mugs now, rather than the small beakers you used before.” “That sounds… n-nice.” Sweetie Belle audibly gulped at this point, the strains of pretending everything was normal clear by the muted reactions of both ponies. I hoped that visiting here personally might make things easier when it came to delivering the news, but I might just have made things worse. Twilight wasn’t exactly encouraged by the initial way this whole scenario was panning out. Well, however bad it might get, I’m not one for abandoning my friends. I won’t rest until relations improve between Rarity and her sister, before I even think about looking for a cure. As the Princess of Friendship, it shouldn’t be outside my power. I-I hope so, anyway… ………………………. “You mean to tell me, she could be stuck like this forever?!” If nothing else, Rarity’s hastily-prepared beveridge seemed to soothe her troubled mind, as she listened raptly without interruption to Twilight’s long explanation about how Sweetie aged so many years in just one day. That is, until the final moments. Twilight had intentionally saved the bleakest part until last, regarding the lack of an instant panacea for her sister’s affliction. Judging by the designer’s immediate meltdown upon being informed, the alicorn's fears were well and truly legitimised. “I don’t care if that flower is endangered, I’ll track down every last one and turn them into compost! I know I said I always wanted Sweetie to ‘grow up’, but this is ridiculous! W-What am I going to tell our parents? They trusted me to look after her while they were away! H-How am I going to look them in the eye and tell them I-I... failed?” Rarity’s rant for the ages covered the entire spectrum from anger to sadness, and Twilight wasn’t quite sure how to respond. She glanced nervously back at her companions, hoping against hope they’d have something meaningful to say which would stop the expected flood of fashionista tears which were sure to cascade upon them like a tidal wave any second now. Instead, she was greeted once more with blank stares and sheepish gazes off into the distance. Thanks a lot, girls. Some pillars of moral support you turned out to be. There was one familiar face missing from the line-up, though. This inexperienced mare knew Rarity far better than anypony else present, and she’d already trotted forward to lightly place her hoof on the sniffling unicorn’s back. “Come on sis, it’ll be okay.” A smiling Sweetie Belle gently reassured her sister, massaging her shoulders whilst doing so. “I’ll tell mom and dad this was nothing to do with you, it was all on me. I’m the one who disobeyed you. If only I’d listened, this never would’ve happened.” “Yes, but I‘m supposed to be the big sister! A-At least, I was.” Rarity quickly corrected herself, dabbing a few stray tears away with a levitating tissue. “If I hadn’t been so busy with that stupid order, I never would’ve turned my back on you, you wouldn’t have had the chance to run off and…” “We can argue about who’s to blame forever, but it won’t change anything, will it?” Sweetie Belle suddenly sounded wise beyond her years: or maybe not, considering her new age. “Mom, dad and us will deal with this problem together, and as long as we have each other I know we can get through anything. As somepony close once told me: ‘family is the most important thing in the world’.” “W-Was that Twilight, perchance?” “No it wasn’t, for once. It was Apple Bloom.” Sweetie Belle nodded gratefully at her bashful friend, before turning back to her sister. “I mean, at first I was just as upset as you are by what happened to me. But the more I think about it, the luckier I feel to have such great friends and family around to help me at times like this. It won’t be easy I know, but if we stick together and never give up…” “S-Sweetie!!” The expected torrents of water had appeared from Rarity’s ducts, but these were tears of happiness, and were much less dense in volume. Thankfully. “I love you so much! Don’t you ever forget that, and I’ll prove it to you right now. Come here!” There then followed a poignant embrace between the pair of equally-sized siblings, which almost felt like a reunion. At first, those watching were rather moved by the extended snuggle, but as time wore on, there was a growing realisation that they had to get moving. “R-Rarity? S-Sweetie Belle?” Twilight dared to intrude on this sentimental moment. “You have a little chocolate moustache, Sweetie! No matter how old you get, some things never change!” “W-Well, you have a bit of wool dangling from your ear, Not-So-Big-Sister! And I hope you know, things are gonna be different around here from now on!” “Oh really, dear? How so? This ought to be good.” “Well, for a start I request… no, demand a new bedtime. Eight o’clock for a pony of my age is just obscene!” “You know what, darling? I couldn’t agree more!” “Y-You do?” “Yes, six o’clock is a much more reasonable time for you to go to sleep, considering you’ll have to get a proper job now. Just think: our parents might even be able to retire early now, with both of us here to provide for them! Great idea, Sweetie!” “Wait. T-That’s not what I…” This was the juncture when a subtly grinning Twilight stepped away from the playfully arguing pair, and began making her way outdoors. “Wait, where are you goin’?” Apple Bloom ran after her, a look of surprise on the farm pony’s face. “Yeah, isn’t Sweetie going to come with us to my aunties’ place?” Scootaloo was equally confused at the sudden departure. “I reckon Twilight’s reached the same conclusion I have, that those two are jus’ fine by themselves for now.” Applejack told the pair of fillies-turned-mares of the alicorn’s probable thinking behind her motive. “They have a lot to discuss, and it’d be better if we weren’t hangin’ around like loose fruit to hear it.” Fluttershy was about to agree, but then saw something that made her rear back in shock. “Hey. Did anypony else see that strange shape at the window just now?” All those present stopped talking (apart from Rarity and Sweetie, still caught up in their private sisterly world) to check, but there was nothing visible save for a badly neglected potted plant. “It was probably Opal, or something.” Scootaloo shrugged off the pegasus’s concerns. “Don’t be like me, and get all paranoid. Let’s go, and show my aunts what I look like now. Hope they’ve saved up enough bits for all the birthdays they’ve missed(!)” And as Twilight silently concurred by leading her reduced entourage away from Carousel Boutique, a dishevelled but dogged journalist emerged from a nearby hedge to reflect on the fact he’d just had a very narrow escape indeed. Still, time spent in the tub scrubbing off the muck later was surely worth the exclusive to be printed tomorrow, when the Foal Free Press might just break it’s all-time sales figures under his editorship! So that’ll be around fifty copies then. Author's Note I love writing this story hopefully as much as you enjoy reading it. I'm especially looking forward to the next chapter... see you there!
Chapter 1: PrologueHaving spent the day pretending to be grown-up mares just so they could enjoy some time at the Appleloosa County Fair without adult supervision, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were just about ready to change back into silly fillies. Yes, you read that right. Rather than donning some elaborate disguise to fool the carnies, the CMC had gone one better by accidentally making a wish by an enchanted flower discovered by Starswirl The Bearded which gave them a huge boost in height, strength… Not to mention voice pitch. Even to their own ears, they sounded weird. In any case, the jig was now up, they were so busted and their little scheme was rumbled. Or to be more specific, Twilight had turned up with Fluttershy in tow to reverse the spell. As usual, she had to be the one to ‘save the day’. It was getting to be a habit. They’d arrived just in the nick of time to stop a cute but highly destructive Whirling Mungtooth called Floofy (species not known at the time) from devastating the fair, by helping its co-owner Spur calm it down. Now Spur and her friend Biscuit stood amazed with them at the train station as the still fully-grown Crusaders admitted they were actually youngsters all along, and their ‘adult’ advice was just a cruel charade to cover up for their complete lack of experience. I mean sure, they had managed to help out hundreds of colts and fillies with their destinies, but when it came to non-Cutie-Mark-related conundrums, they still had a long way to go. Regardless, the time for re-transformation was upon the naughty fillies. Twilight had brought the magical plant all the way from Ponyville so they could make their final wish, which coincided with the singular amount of petals left. In other words, there was just enough juice for another command, before the flower became as useless as a crushed daisy. “I’m pretty sure the three of you know what to wish for…” Twilight smiled at the trio of regretful Crusaders. “...And I’m pretty sure Starswirl won’t mind.” But as Twilight levitated the plant over to where the fillies stood ready to revoke their newfound adulthood, something quite unexpected happened. You see, having been informed that the ‘older’ mares they’d hung out all afternoon with were mere children even younger than them, not to mention rumblings of a mystical flower that’d helped along with the process, Spur and Biscuit had a few questions of their own… ...And they weren’t about to wait for some spell to be cast before they got answers. “What is going on around here?” Spur demanded, understandably confused at all the convoluted exposition they’d just heard. “Yeah, I wish you’d just tell us already.” Biscuit agreed with his friend, just before the CMC were about to reverse the transformation on themselves. This unintended command had the predictable effect of making the final petal on the flower wilt away, before the Crusaders (still in their adult bodies) found their lips moving of their own accord. “We wanted to go to the fair, but nopony was around to chaperone us. We were so busy preparin’ everything else for the trip, we just plum forgot in the end.” Apple Bloom started off the shaggy dog story. “We asked my sister Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, then Twilight and Fluttershy here, but they weren’t available. I suppose we could’ve tried Pinkie Pie, but we didn’t wanna take anypony who might’ve had more fun than us.” Sweetie Belle answered honestly, unable to do anything else in the circumstances. “That was when we found this magical flower in Twilight’s castle, and then we got talking about how we wished we were grown-up so we could go to the fair unsupervised. Little did we know, we were about to have the strangest day…” Scootaloo continued, and they proceeded to take it in turns to tell the torrid tale. …………………………… “...And that’s about it!” Apple Bloom sighed with relief after the final speaker had finished talking. “After gettin’ off at the wrong stop, and meetin’ that weird ticket-takin’ pony, we got lost in the swamp before findin’ Spur and Biscuit here on their way to the fair. The rest you know already.” “Yeah, I mean we had a lot of fun today…” Sweetie Belle accepted the last few hours hadn’t been without merit. “But messing up the Animal Showcase was not part of our plan. And like we said already, we’re very sorry for any trouble we caused.” “I just wanna return to being able to fit on my hoofboard again…” Scootaloo frowned at all the funny looks she’d received from riding it that day. “C’mon Twilight, make us young again so by the time I’m this age again, I’ll be the best daredevil Equestria’s ever seen!” Having heard the Crusaders relay the extended account of how they’d gotten into this predicament with an open mouth, Twilight now stood with her head bowed as if not quite knowing what to say next. “Well? We’ve learned our lesson!” Apple Bloom wondered what the reason for the hold-up was. “No more wanting to be adults for us! Not for another hundred years or more!” Sweetie Belle was desperate to return to her precious fillyhood years. “Twilight, please! We don’t mind if they watch!” Scootaloo gestured at the utterly nonplussed Spur and Biscuit nearby, as if the process of changing the Crusaders back was a private matter. A suddenly pensive Twilight’s only reaction to hearing the eager fillies-turned-mares chirp their requests was to turn back to glance at an equally morose Fluttershy. The yellow pegasus’s only contribution to the conversation was a sad shake of the head, and this seemed to confirm Twilight’s worst fears. “Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo… I don’t know how to tell you this, but… your last wish has just been used up. Also, due to the nature of this legendary flower’s power and how incredibly rare it is, I don’t know another way to return you to your proper ages now. I’m so, so sorry but… I’m afraid you’re stuck as mares.” Author's Note I've just been rewatching the last season in preparation for some fics I want to write, and this idea came to me. I wanted to write down my broad outline for the main plot before I got distracted, so here you go. Hope you enjoy what I've written so far, and I'll be back soon!
Chapter 2: The Journey Home“B-But that can’t be possible!” “I-It was only supposed to be for a day, s-so we could go to the fair…” Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle reeled from the shock news that they wouldn’t be returning to their filly selves anytime soon, tears evident in their grown-up eyes and looking as if their stronger, longer legs were about to buckle from underneath them. Scootaloo was the exception to this rule. She seemed to be doing some rough calculations in her head and then, having finally reached a conclusion, set her sights on a completely mollified Biscuit, still standing next to his bestie Spur. “You!!” Biscuit’s demeanour quickly turned from surprise to horror as the queen-size Scootaloo unhesitatingly charged him, pinning him down under muscular orange hooves and screaming into his ear hysterically. “You’re the reason we’re stuck like this! If you hadn’t made that stupid wish, we’d be back to normal by now! Do you even realise what you’ve done? How are we supposed to go home, looking like this? What will my parents think? My aunts? Rainbow Dash? W-Why didn’t I take her advice, and just stay in Ponyville today…?” Without needing to be told, Scootaloo got off a trembling Biscuit at that point, as if realising further anger directed towards the teenage stallion would be futile. After all, when all was said and done it was just an accident, and no amount of cross words would change her or her friends' fates now. “Um, I don’t mean to interrupt a tense moment…” Fluttershy chimed in by making a signal to the rest of the grim-faced group. “But the train is about to arrive, and we’ll miss it if we’re not careful.” “Understood.” Twilight nodded to the yellow pegasus, before turning back to the notably paler Crusaders. “Listen to me: even though you three must be going through all kinds of emotions right now, we won’t be able to get anything done by just staying here. Let’s get on the train shall we, and on our return I’ll personally go to each of your houses to explain what happened, and what the next course of action should be. Things might seem impossible now, but one thing I can be sure of is that you have a lot of ponies who care about you…” “D’ya really think Applejack’s gonna treat me the same way again, when I look like this?!” “Rarity would always tuck me in when I stayed with her. Now I probably can’t even fit in my own bed!” “What’ll my parents say when they find out I’m too old for school? How am I supposed to get a job?! I can’t even do basic math yet!” Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo interrupted Twilight’s solemn speech to share their very real concerns, whilst everypony else at the station just stood and stared at this odd mismatched group led by a Princess. Looks like dealing with this unfortunate incident will be my top priority for the foreseeable future, whether I like it or not. Twilight realised, attempting to keep an optimistic expression on her face even if her actual mood was anything but hopeful. Why oh why did you have to send me that accursed flower, Star Swirl? You’ve really landed me in a sticky situation here, that keeps getting stickier with every passing second. ………………………………… The journey back to Ponyville was conducted in relative silence, as you’d probably expect. The Crusaders needed time to come to terms with their new appearances and loss of youth, whilst Twilight and Fluttershy couldn’t say much more to reassure them everything would be fine without resorting to outright lies. They might not be as honest as Applejack, but they knew that giving the fillies-turned-mares false hope would not be a great long term strategy. Speaking of the orange farm pony, she was the one currently occupying Apple Bloom’s tempestuous thoughts. What’s she gonna do when she finds out I disobeyed a direct order not to go to Appleloosa, the results of which are obvious just by lookin’ at me now? Lecture me something fierce, and work me extra hard, that’s what. And in the body I’m in right now, the sad truth is I can probably handle it. Sweetie Belle was equally in two minds about the new outlook she found herself facing. Good news: No more modelling stupid baby clothes for Rarity! Bad news: She’ll probably move you onto the adult line. Also, I might be old enough now to start a professional singing career, but without going to talent camp for years as a filly, will I really be good enough? I just don’t know. As for Scootaloo, she was more concerned with the here and now. I think Biscuit accepted my apology in the end. But maybe that was more because he was scared of me than anything. Him and Spur left really quickly afterwards, and I can’t say I blame them. What must they have been, finding out they spent the day with children in adult bodies and then being threatened by one? Pretty darn freaked out would be my guess. As each CMC member sat deep in thought about what exactly would happen next, they didn’t even hear the whistle of the train to indicate the vehicle had come to a screeching halt. “We’ve arrived in Ponyville! Could all passengers who want to get off here please depart the train now!” The driver announced loudly, which finally roused the Crusaders from their shared state of contemplation. With Twilight and Fluttershy taking the lead, the five mares wordlessly began to leave the vehicle via the nearest entrance… ...Only to find there was a little welcoming committee waiting to ‘greet’ them on the sidelines. Applejack, Big Mac and Granny Smith to be exact (Winona the dog made it four). The orange earth pony stepped forward first. “We came as soon as we got the message about the young un’s gallopin’ off to Appleloosa, though you didn’t really go into a lotta detail. Big Mac was sick earlier, but he insisted on comin’ cos he said nothing would make him sicker than his littlest sis goin’ missing. Anyway, Did’ya find them in the end… wait, who are your new friends? They seem familiar somehow… h-hold up, those Cutie Marks… it can’t be…” Author's Note Thanks to everyone who followed this story in the few hours since I published it. As a special treat, here's a quick upload of the next chapter. Enjoy, and don't forget to comment!
Chapter 3: Apples To The CoreApplejack’s straightforwardness and no-nonsense attitude were legendary. She could cut through the chaff of any given situation and immediately get to the heart of the issue: in other words, no beating around the fruit tree for this living testament to practicality. Unfortunately, in response to her oh-so-accurate speculation regarding the identity of the new Ponyville arrivals, Princess Twilight’s jumbled thoughts weren't quite at a level where she was prepared to provide a coherent answer. “E-E-Er…” The alicorn pondered nervously for a couple of seconds, which when faced with the fate of your nearest and dearest sister is at least a few moments too long. “Land’s sake…” Applejack could be seen to shake her head slightly at the non-reply from a visibly sweating Twilight, so the farm mare made her own move by trotting over to the filly-turned-adult Apple Bloom herself. “Okay, you. I’ve got some questions… so listen up, and listen good ‘cos I’m only gonna ask you them once.” “W-Well, okay.” “What are the names of our parents?” “B-Bright Mac and P-Pear Butter.” “Right. But somepony else might’ve told you that. How many apples did I buck last week?” “Hmm. Two thousand exactly I think, ‘cos you made me count them twice.” “Is that your final answer, sugarcube?” “W-Wait. It was two thousand and one in the end on account of a missing apple rollin’ under the barrow after we were all done.” “Right again. Either you are who I think you are, or you’re a pretty good spy all things considered. Now, if you’re ready for my last question…” Gulp. “Y-Yes.” “What do you keep hidden under your bed, which you think nopony else knows about but I do?” Applejack’s last query left her lips, and she stared blankly at her ‘little’ sister for the correct response. “W-Wha, but that’s not possible! It was supposed to be a secret!” Despite the gravity of her predicament, Apple Bloom couldn’t help but have a mini-meltdown at the revelation that her ‘elder’ sibling knew about her special project. “Ain’t no secrets between us Apples, sugarcube.” Applejack answered plainly, before gazing unerringly at her sister again. “Now, you gonna tell me, or what?” “Oh, alright then. Not that it really matters now.” Apple Bloom moaned, before announcing what ‘it’ was to the perplexed gathering around her. “I’d been stitchin’ matchin’ fedoras for us to wear at the Sisterhooves Social next week, and Granny’s been helpin’ me. Who cares anyway ‘cos mine won’t fit me now and I’m too big to enter as your ‘lil’ sis, but… hey!” Without needing to hear a syllable more, Applejack had swept over to her side to give the newly grown-up mare a firm hug, who despite now being a similar size to the orange mare felt just as crushed as ever... Not to mention loved and reassured. Despite their initial shock, Granny Smith and Winona soon joined the embrace, although the canine needed a good sniff before being convinced this yellow behemoth was actually the filly who fed her scraps under the table every night. (Big Mac was itching to join the scrum, but even in the midst of such an emotional event, he didn’t want to spread his germs. Very wise, that stallion.) Then came the tears, the explanations, the apologies… until it felt like Twilight and the others were intruding on a very personal encounter between close-knit family members. Probably because, they were. But just before Twilight was about to awkwardly suggest that maybe she take off and accompany the other two ‘youngsters’ home, Applejack broke free of her kin to let the alicorn know she wasn’t about to slip the hook that easily. “Hold on there, Twi. If you’re gonna go and tell Scoot and Sweetie’s parents about what happened today to their children, then I’d like to be a part of it. Celestia knows, we should all be pulling together at times like this: if I’m still havin’ trouble wrappin’ my head around everythin’, then who can guess what the other adults will say. Big Mac, you take Granny and Winona home. I have a feelin’ I’m gonna be here for a while…” Well, who could say no to an offer like that? Certainly not Twilight, who soberly nodded agreement as she waited for Apple Bloom’s other relations to bid her farewell before proceeding with their mission. “When ya get back, don’t ya be worryin’ ‘bout a thing. Ya maybe big now, but inside we know ya still the adorable little filly I made apple turnover for jus' this mornin’.” Granny Smith affectionately pinched the cheek of a blushing Apple Bloom. “Of course you’ll be needin’ bigger portions now… and a larger seat at the table… and what will that nice Miss Cheerilee have to say ‘bout all this chicanery?” “Yep.” Big Mac seemed to concur (in his own monosyllabically-challenged way) that explaining the situation to his old flame would be a challenge indeed. “Yip.” Winona barked, having nothing further to add apart from the odd lick to her mistress’s hooves. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo watched this whole carry-on with widened eyes, both with very different views of what they’d seen. “Isn’t it nice that Apple Bloom’s family are so accepting of everything?” Sweetie remarked with admiration. “If I were to guess right now, my parents are going to flip when they find out and Rarity… well, let’s just say that fainting couch of her’s better be close by.” “It all seems a bit sappy to me. I hope my Mom, Dad and aunts are a bit less… huggy.” Scootaloo grumbled, in contrast to her unicorn companion. “It doesn’t matter anyway, because when I tell Rainbow Dash she won’t rest 'til she finds a way to change us back. And seeing as how she’s never failed at anything before…” “We’ll all help, whenever you need any of us.” Fluttershy had been quiet for quite a while (not a surprise from her) but popped up between the conversing Crusaders to offer her support. “Don’t ever think that you have to handle this problem alone, because you won’t. That’s a promise whatever happens next.” “Exactly. I couldn’t have put it better myself.” If Twilight was at all put out that other ponies were delivering the comforting speeches she was best known for, she didn’t show it. “Anyway, shall we go? Our next port of call will be the Carousel Boutique. Sweetie Belle, you better walk alongside me. I have a feeling this might be a tricky one.” The Crusaders exchanged a nervous glance which roughly translated as uh oh before venturing on, with Applejack and Apple Bloom in the middle and Fluttershy and Scootaloo at the rear… ...Each one failing to spot a very thin-looking colt hiding around just the corner. Featherweight never did quite figure out what hitherto unknown reporter’s instinct convinced him to venture down the train station that humid evening, but considering everything he’d just heard he was very glad he did. What a scoop! The editor of the Foal Free Press thought, licking his buck teeth in pleasure at the upcoming feature-length spread he intended to publish. This could even go national! Author's Note Another update. That's about all I have to say... time to work on some other stuff. Bye for now!
Chapter 4: A Distracted DesignerGenerally, Ponyville wasn’t much of a town for gossip. Everypony just minded their own business, conversed politely with each other as they passed in the street and focused solely on their individual chores without getting involved in the messy affairs of others (especially strangers). This is why the three ‘new’ mares in town didn’t provoke much of a reaction as they trotted to Carousel Boutique with Twilight and the others, although if the busy residents had tried looking closer their unmistakable Cutie Marks might’ve caused more of a kerfuffle. As things stood though, the journey to Rarity’s place was a quiet one, apart from an odd feeling from Scootaloo that the little entourage was being followed… “It’s okay, I get that feeling a lot too.” Fluttershy had attempted to settle her fellow pegasus down. “Why just the other day, I thought a wyvern was circling my cottage, waiting to gobble up all my animals the moment they came outside for a picnic!” “R-Really?” Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, her attention taken away for a second from the mysterious shadow she occasionally spotted in her peripheral vision. “What happened next?” “Huh? Well, we enjoyed a delicious, nutritious meal to suit all palettes, of course!” Fluttershy smiled at the memory, before realising she might’ve got the wrong end of the stick. “Oh, you mean with the ‘wyvern’. It was just Derpy Hooves, trying to find a place to land and deliver my mail. In the end, I had to help her off my roof when she got caught in the chimney, but that’s another story.” “Aww, I thought it would have a more exciting ending than that.” Scootaloo frowned, cross that her excitement level had been raised for nothing. “It has reminded me of something important though, that I want to check as soon as I feel brave enough.” Now it was Fluttershy’s turn to be mildly intrigued by her walking buddy’s statement. In her own nonchalant way. “Ok then. You can tell me about it, if you want to.” “As I’m sure you know, I’ve never been able to fly.” Scootaloo once dreaded saying those words, but years of acceptance and maturity had resulted in her barely blinking when she spoke on the subject now. “...Which is cool! I’ve got so much more going for me than that, like my scooter tricks and daredevil stuff. But to be completely sure I won’t ever be able to take off, now might be the right time to try again. I-If it doesn’t work out for me, at least I’ll know not to get my confidence up for the future…” An expression somewhere between hope and trepidation lingered on Scootaloo’s face, and a visibly moved Fluttershy wanted to say something meaningful, to put all her fellow pegasi’s dreams and fears into perspective… But it was a bit too late. They’d just arrived at their destination. “Now everypony, you have to be careful with how the news is broken to Rarity. You know how… emotional she can be.” Twilight turned briefly to address her friends, soon after ringing the doorbell. “It might be better to wait until we’ve all sat down, then maybe if she does feel faint she’ll be easier to attend to. Also…” Alas, whatever Twilight had to add to her statement would have to wait, because the entrance to the boutique suddenly burst open to reveal a very stressed and harried Rarity. She had a big diagram tucked under her left forehoof, her mouth was full of dressing pins and sleep was a thing of the past judging by her bloodshot eyes. “Yes, yes? Oh, it’s you Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy. With a few new faces, I see. Isn’t Pinkie the one to talk to about arranging a party for new arrivals? Well, I suppose you all came here for a reason. Come in, come in. Just be careful where you sit, because Fancy Pants is coming to collect his new design tonight, and the slightest tear or crease could result in absolute disaster! In fact, you couldn’t have come at a worse time. I’m just putting the finishing touches to it now! If you simply must enter, I’m afraid I must ask you to keep your visit brief…” “E-Erm. Alright then. This shouldn’t take too long…” Twilight grimaced as the clearly overworked mare left the door open so she and her group could go in. The fashionista sounded remarkably coherent considering her mouth full of metal, but barely glanced at her guests before hurrying back to desperately hit that crucial deadline. “Good, good. Marvellous. So glad to hear you’re doing well. Looking forward to taking the throne in a few short weeks, are you? I don’t care what anypony says, you’re ready!” Rarity was still caught up in her own little world, and studied two opposing options relating to her latest project carefully. “What do you think for the cuffs, dear? Ruffles, or plain?” Twilight had come today to be the bearer of bad news and offer a hoof to cry on if necessary, not to proffer her own limited knowledge on upmarket clothes. “W-What? Well, the ruffles I suppose. But back to why I came here in the first place…” “Hmm, you’re showing your inexperience there I’m afraid, darling. I think you’ll find it’s ‘ruffles for truffles’, which means a formal dinner. Not what this outfit is designed for at all! Clearly it was made for the dance hall, so I think we’ll go with plain. Thanks for your input anyway, sweetie!” “Then why did you ask me to… wait, ‘Sweetie’! Yes, that’s who we came to talk to you about! If you can just spare a second to listen…” “Sweetie, did you say? Oh, you ought to hear what that naughty sister of mine got up to as soon as my back was turned! She completely disregarded my strict instructions not to leave, and went off anyway! Probably with her friends to that fair she wouldn’t stop talking about, way out of town. Mark my words Twilight, they’ll be fireworks here tonight as soon as she returns...!” “Huh? Aargh! We’ll be going round in circles like this for hours if we’re not careful, and I still have Scootaloo’s relatives to inform. Sweetie Belle, could you come here for a moment please? Perhaps it would be an idea to actually show your sister…” “If you’re not doing anything right now Twilight, could you perhaps lend me a hoof with straightening out this cloth so I can make some minor adjustments?” Rarity was fully absorbed in her crucial task now, and anything else (including her visitors) could be considered just an afterthought. “I would ask my absent sibling, but she’s not here right now. I believe I might have mentioned that?” “Yes, you may have broached the subject at some point.” Twilight rolled her eyes impatiently at the distracted designer, whilst ushering a hesitant Sweetie Belle forward with her wing. “Tell you what: one of my ‘guests’ has some experience in the fashion industry. Maybe she’d be a better choice for…” “Really, darling? Why, that’s just perfect! It was kismet you knocked on my door a few minutes ago in my hour of need! Or rang, I don’t really remember which.” Rarity paused her measuring for a moment to ponder, before shrugging her shoulders and returning to work. “Never mind. You brought them here, and that’s what counts. Sit down right here, dear. Hold the hem and neckline together as one… that’s it… now. Don’t. Move. A. Muscle.” If Sweetie Belle had already been nervous about telling Rarity about her unwelcome growth spurt, now she was positively dreading it. But to her immense credit, she was as still as a Gummy in following her sister’s orders, and it wasn’t long until the fashionista was lauding over her own genius once more. “Finished!” She proudly stated, another sartorial masterpiece in the bag. “If Fancy Pants doesn’t fall head-over-hooves for this inspiring creation later on, I’ll eat his…pants! Or something like that. I really don’t know what I meant by that, darling. But what I do know is I couldn’t have done it without you! What’s your name, dear? If you’re planning a career in high fashion, you’re talking to the right mare. Just ask Sassy Saddles and Coco Pommel about everything I did for them…” A million and one possible responses entered Sweetie’s head just then. She could’ve told Rarity the reason she was so good at straightening the fabric was because she’d done it a million times already while assisting her sister. She might’ve restated her determination to be a singer, against regular pressure from her unicorn sibling to take a position as her next apprentice. She didn’t say either of those things, or any of the other countless possibilities milling around in her head. Instead, the only three words that left the now trembling mare’s lips were… “I-I’m S-Sweetie B-Belle.” “Pffff! Don’t be so ridiculous, dear! My Sweetie is about a fifth your size, and you don’t sound similar at all!” Obviously thinking this was some kind of bizarre joke, Rarity chortled slightly as she levitated her spectacle up to her eyes. “I’m afraid after working on an important order such as this since the wee hours my vision isn't exactly twenty/twenty, but let’s get a good look at you. Well, I must admit there are some minor similarities. Your mane, your tail, your coat… all would be a perfect match for my sister’s if you were just a little younger. Wouldn’t it be funny if your Cutie Mark w-was…!” As soon as Rarity spotted that inimitable shield with the three colours and song note, a slight gasp could be heard escaping from her lips. This shock sensation was only further heightened by closer examination of the two other ‘new’ arrivals, who also resembled Sweetie’s constant companions with special symbols that they’d all earned simultaneously. “I-It’s not possible! I-It can’t be true!” Oh, but it was. If any further confirmation was needed regarding the identity of the now grown-up Sweetie Belle, who should come by just then but Opal. The fact the usually stoic cat purred and rubbed herself freely against the strange unicorn’s hooves may not have meant much to most present, but for Rarity it was the final conclusive evidence. “O-Opalescence is never that friendly with anypony she’s met for the first time! U-U-Unless…” And that was it. The overwhelmed fashionista’s already scant limit for shock value had been well and truly broken, and she fainted dead away. Some would say it was bound to happen in the end. The problem was reviving her, when she was fresh out of smelling salts. Oops. Author's Note Another chapter done. Hope you're enjoying the story so far, and there's much more to come soon. Until next time then.
Chapter 5: Sisters For LifeRarity looked so much more peaceful during her fainting spell than her default stressed-out expression, it almost seemed a shame to wake her. But this situation had to be resolved before Twilight left the boutique, so an action plan was quickly devised to revive the dozing unicorn. First, Applejack put her in the recovery position (the earth pony had long since been taught it, in case there were any major accidents at the farm). Then, Twilight and Fluttershy waited patiently while the Crusaders went over to a nearby sink and fetched the only item proven to rouse an unconscious fashionista if everything else failed… A big jug of freezing cold water. “Brrr! That tingles!” Were Rarity’s first words upon shivering to attention, and she glanced up at Twilight to her right to ask a very pertinent question. “I-I fainted again didn’t I, dear?” “Yep.” “I-I don’t suppose what I heard and saw before collapsing was just part of an unfortunate dream?” “Nope.” “Y-You shouldn’t talk like Big Mac, darling... it really doesn’t suit you.” “Rarity, if there’s anything we can do for you or Sweetie Belle, anything at all…” “Well you can start by telling me what the hay went on in Appleloosa for my little sister to return as my twin! That could be kind of nice, dontcha think?!” Rarity was prone to outbreaks of melodrama, but at least in this case she felt her usual histrionics were well-justified. “E-Erm, okay.” Twilight had been expecting this, but it would arguably be much harder to explain events to a clearly rattled Rarity than a calmly rational Applejack. “If you feel up to it, I’ll begin…” “Hold on there, dear... let me just go and put the kettle on.” Rarity unexpectedly lifted herself off the plush couch upon which she’d been deposited, and shuffled off in the direction of the kitchen. “If my shattered nerves are going to remain intact throughout this whole ordeal, I have a feeling I’ll need something strong to endure it. Camomile? Earl Grey? No, I have a feeling that ginseng tea is just what the doctor ordered. With just a squeeze of lemon, for that extra bitter flavour. Can I get anypony else anything?” “N-No, I think we’re good.” A flustered Twilight looked around at a chorus of shaking heads, with one exception… who now felt she was old enough to speak for herself. “C-Could I have a hot cocoa, please? With mini-marshmallows and cinnamon sprinkles, if that’s okay.” Sweetie Belle might be adult-size now, but her taste palette was clearly still that of a filly. “Y-Yes, I suppose I can do that for you.” Rarity awkwardly stated, as she rummaged around hesitantly in her uppermost cabinet. “I suppose you’ll be wanting one of my bigger mugs now, rather than the small beakers you used before.” “That sounds… n-nice.” Sweetie Belle audibly gulped at this point, the strains of pretending everything was normal clear by the muted reactions of both ponies. I hoped that visiting here personally might make things easier when it came to delivering the news, but I might just have made things worse. Twilight wasn’t exactly encouraged by the initial way this whole scenario was panning out. Well, however bad it might get, I’m not one for abandoning my friends. I won’t rest until relations improve between Rarity and her sister, before I even think about looking for a cure. As the Princess of Friendship, it shouldn’t be outside my power. I-I hope so, anyway… ………………………. “You mean to tell me, she could be stuck like this forever?!” If nothing else, Rarity’s hastily-prepared beveridge seemed to soothe her troubled mind, as she listened raptly without interruption to Twilight’s long explanation about how Sweetie aged so many years in just one day. That is, until the final moments. Twilight had intentionally saved the bleakest part until last, regarding the lack of an instant panacea for her sister’s affliction. Judging by the designer’s immediate meltdown upon being informed, the alicorn's fears were well and truly legitimised. “I don’t care if that flower is endangered, I’ll track down every last one and turn them into compost! I know I said I always wanted Sweetie to ‘grow up’, but this is ridiculous! W-What am I going to tell our parents? They trusted me to look after her while they were away! H-How am I going to look them in the eye and tell them I-I... failed?” Rarity’s rant for the ages covered the entire spectrum from anger to sadness, and Twilight wasn’t quite sure how to respond. She glanced nervously back at her companions, hoping against hope they’d have something meaningful to say which would stop the expected flood of fashionista tears which were sure to cascade upon them like a tidal wave any second now. Instead, she was greeted once more with blank stares and sheepish gazes off into the distance. Thanks a lot, girls. Some pillars of moral support you turned out to be. There was one familiar face missing from the line-up, though. This inexperienced mare knew Rarity far better than anypony else present, and she’d already trotted forward to lightly place her hoof on the sniffling unicorn’s back. “Come on sis, it’ll be okay.” A smiling Sweetie Belle gently reassured her sister, massaging her shoulders whilst doing so. “I’ll tell mom and dad this was nothing to do with you, it was all on me. I’m the one who disobeyed you. If only I’d listened, this never would’ve happened.” “Yes, but I‘m supposed to be the big sister! A-At least, I was.” Rarity quickly corrected herself, dabbing a few stray tears away with a levitating tissue. “If I hadn’t been so busy with that stupid order, I never would’ve turned my back on you, you wouldn’t have had the chance to run off and…” “We can argue about who’s to blame forever, but it won’t change anything, will it?” Sweetie Belle suddenly sounded wise beyond her years: or maybe not, considering her new age. “Mom, dad and us will deal with this problem together, and as long as we have each other I know we can get through anything. As somepony close once told me: ‘family is the most important thing in the world’.” “W-Was that Twilight, perchance?” “No it wasn’t, for once. It was Apple Bloom.” Sweetie Belle nodded gratefully at her bashful friend, before turning back to her sister. “I mean, at first I was just as upset as you are by what happened to me. But the more I think about it, the luckier I feel to have such great friends and family around to help me at times like this. It won’t be easy I know, but if we stick together and never give up…” “S-Sweetie!!” The expected torrents of water had appeared from Rarity’s ducts, but these were tears of happiness, and were much less dense in volume. Thankfully. “I love you so much! Don’t you ever forget that, and I’ll prove it to you right now. Come here!” There then followed a poignant embrace between the pair of equally-sized siblings, which almost felt like a reunion. At first, those watching were rather moved by the extended snuggle, but as time wore on, there was a growing realisation that they had to get moving. “R-Rarity? S-Sweetie Belle?” Twilight dared to intrude on this sentimental moment. “You have a little chocolate moustache, Sweetie! No matter how old you get, some things never change!” “W-Well, you have a bit of wool dangling from your ear, Not-So-Big-Sister! And I hope you know, things are gonna be different around here from now on!” “Oh really, dear? How so? This ought to be good.” “Well, for a start I request… no, demand a new bedtime. Eight o’clock for a pony of my age is just obscene!” “You know what, darling? I couldn’t agree more!” “Y-You do?” “Yes, six o’clock is a much more reasonable time for you to go to sleep, considering you’ll have to get a proper job now. Just think: our parents might even be able to retire early now, with both of us here to provide for them! Great idea, Sweetie!” “Wait. T-That’s not what I…” This was the juncture when a subtly grinning Twilight stepped away from the playfully arguing pair, and began making her way outdoors. “Wait, where are you goin’?” Apple Bloom ran after her, a look of surprise on the farm pony’s face. “Yeah, isn’t Sweetie going to come with us to my aunties’ place?” Scootaloo was equally confused at the sudden departure. “I reckon Twilight’s reached the same conclusion I have, that those two are jus’ fine by themselves for now.” Applejack told the pair of fillies-turned-mares of the alicorn’s probable thinking behind her motive. “They have a lot to discuss, and it’d be better if we weren’t hangin’ around like loose fruit to hear it.” Fluttershy was about to agree, but then saw something that made her rear back in shock. “Hey. Did anypony else see that strange shape at the window just now?” All those present stopped talking (apart from Rarity and Sweetie, still caught up in their private sisterly world) to check, but there was nothing visible save for a badly neglected potted plant. “It was probably Opal, or something.” Scootaloo shrugged off the pegasus’s concerns. “Don’t be like me, and get all paranoid. Let’s go, and show my aunts what I look like now. Hope they’ve saved up enough bits for all the birthdays they’ve missed(!)” And as Twilight silently concurred by leading her reduced entourage away from Carousel Boutique, a dishevelled but dogged journalist emerged from a nearby hedge to reflect on the fact he’d just had a very narrow escape indeed. Still, time spent in the tub scrubbing off the muck later was surely worth the exclusive to be printed tomorrow, when the Foal Free Press might just break it’s all-time sales figures under his editorship! So that’ll be around fifty copies then. Author's Note I love writing this story hopefully as much as you enjoy reading it. I'm especially looking forward to the next chapter... see you there!
