The Element of Generosityby SeanessyChaptersCuriosity PeaksRarity Reflects Magnum's SecretCuriosity Peaks“Sweetie Belle, please!” “No! I can’t take it anymore! This always happens!” “If you would just try to under–” Rarity’s words were cut short by the clank of her front door slamming shut. A low growl rumbled in her throat before she emitted a deep sigh. No matter what she said, her words fell upon deaf ears to the young sibling. The phrase ‘It’s just business’, was usually enough to excuse Rarity from their bi-weekly bonding time, but this weekend proved to be the last straw. While in the middle of a sister to sister discussion about school over cupcakes at Sugarcube Corner, Sapphire Shores stormed in frantically begging the unicorn for twelve new designs by the end of the weekend to replace the ones that got backordered in Fillydelphia. Understanding the dilemma, Rarity humbly obliged and also, promised her sister to get done expediently, so that the two could continue enjoying each other’s company, a promise Rarity constantly made but struggled to keep every time a client came desiring assistance. Rarity opened the door in an attempt to possibly offer a few consoling words but her sister was moving her bags towards an upcoming taxi carriage. “Sweetie, if you would just let me–” “No! I’m so sick of it! It’s the same thing every time I come to visit!” Sweetie Belle grunted as she pushed the stack of luggage forward. “Sweetie, let me at least help with your things?” “I got it, thanks.” The sardonic tone in the filly’s voice stopped Rarity in her tracks. She remained stationary at the doorway as the carriage stopped in front of her house. The vehicle was occupied by two unicorns, the first, a white pony with a short brown tail and a straw hat that sat atop his brown mane covering his horn. He also sported a royal blue Hawaiian shirt tattooed with blue and yellow flowers to make for an interesting design. Upon his flank sat three footballs. Next to him, a pink pony with a purple mane streaked with light purple highlights styled to what would be referred to as the “bump” look. Upon her head lie a light blue visor, and her outfit consisted of a red shirt with a white laced collar that connected to a shell at the front, and white pants. Sweetie Belle approached the two ponies as they exited the vehicle. “Well hey, frowny filly! What’s with the sad face?” said the white colt. “Nothing, dad…” “Didn’t ya have fun with your big sis?” inquired the pink mare. “We started to,” Sweetie Belle looked at Rarity who still stood at her front door trying her best to beam an innocent smile toward her sister, “but as ALWAYS, fashion got in the way.” The two adult ponies looked at each other as their youngest daughter started to neatly load her own things into the trunk of the taxi carriage. They approached Rarity and observed her tousled mane and tail; her baggy eyes doing their best to hide the stress of lack of sleep and endless work as their precious daughter beamed a weak smile. “’Nother rough weekend, sugarplum?” Rarity stifled a yawn and nodded. “Yes, father.” “Hon, I know you work hard on all your dress makin’, but don’t forget, she’s still your lil’ sister. And family comes first.” “I know mother, I actually had so much planned for us this weekend but,” Rarity lowered her head. “another, unexpected rush order came in. Before I was aware of it, three days had passed in the blink of an eye. I try to at least have her spend time with her friends when this happens so sh–” “That’s great and all hon, but sometimes there’s nothing quite like quality time with your sis. Just remember that.” Rarity opened her mouth to further excuse herself with an attempt to discuss the trials and tribulations of the fast paced industry for which she worked, but decided against it. She curled her lips into a warm smile and nodded. “You’re right mother, thank you.” “I swear Pearl, she talks more and more like a Canterlot pony every time we see her. I mean how formal can ya get? “Mother?” “Father?”” The colt chuckled at his own joke as he watched his daughter’s cheeks turn bright red. “Oh Magnum, leave her alone. You know Canterlot is where she really belongs.” the pink mare winked as she played along. “I know, sometimes I just miss the good ol’ days of “Mommy” and “Daddy”. Especially “Daddy” since, you know, that was her FIRST word.” Pearl rolled her eyes and put a hoof to the side of her mouth as she leaned in to whisper to her daughter. “Your first word was really “Momma”, but we’ll just keep letting him stick with his story. I think it helps him sleep better at night.” Rarity’s entire face flushed with embarrassment, but she couldn’t help but to emit a slight laugh at her parent’s mood uplifting banter. Pearl stood upright again and rubbed her nose against her husband’s gently and the two exchanged loving smiles. Sweetie Belle approached the three family members dragging her hooves and letting out low grumbles. “I’m ready to go…” Magnum ran a hoof across his older daughter’s already disheveled mane. “See ya, in another couple of weeks sugarplum?” “Of course, and I promise, I will be mindful of what you two have said.” The two parents embraced their eldest daughter tightly. As the separated, Pearl glazed over at Sweetie Belle whose head was turned to the side, casting a disinterested gaze at the taxi. “Sweetie, aren’t ya gonna give your big sis a hug goodbye?” Rarity beamed a warm smile at her sister and extended her forlegs in hopes for some kind of affection that would insist the young filly would soon be able to once again forgive her, but Sweetie didn’t even bother to turn her head. She walked back to the taxi carriage with not even an utterance of words to her sister. “I’ll be in the taxi.” Rarity’s arms and shoulders drooped like heavy weights as she watched her sibling stroll away. Before sadness fully consumed her, she was embraced by another hug from her mother. She tightly wrapped her forelegs around her mom tightly as if the embrace was the only thing keeping her from bursting into tears. “We’ll talk to her.” “Just don’t tell her th–” “I know hon, I know.” The white mare sniffled as a few tears traversed their way down her cheeks. They were soon wiped away by her father who smiled and gently put a hoof under her chin. “We’re so proud of you, Rarity. You were truly a blessing to us in every way a daughter could be. Just remember to never lose focus on what’s truly important.” Rarity nodded and sniffed again. She gently rubbed her neck against her father’s shirt as he wrapped his forelegs around her. “Thank you, daddy, and mommy.” They smiled, Magnum brushed his wife with his elbow. “Don’t know if you’re keepin’ score but…she said daddy first…AGAIN.” Rarity let out a few chuckles as his father protruded his chest victoriously while her mother simply rolled her eyes. “Oh, you two.” “We’ll see ya later, hon.” The two adult ponies turned to walk back to the carriage. “Mom? Dad?” Both Pearl and Magnum turned their heads. “When will you allow me to make you both new outfits so you can throw those dingy old ones away?” “When they stop being so important to us!” Magnum retorted. Rarity sighed and shook her head. “So, never.” “Ya got that right, hon!” A small smile took over Rarity’s face as she watched the proud parents get into the taxi cart with her younger sibling. The smile slightly faded as she noticed the unnerving glare that focused on her from Sweetie Belle until the carriage pulled out of sight. “Sweetie Belle...” Sweetie Belle sat with her hooves folded across her chest. As she stared out of the side of the taxi carriage, she would occasionally mumble to herself. Pearl and Magnum looked at each other and with a simultaneous nod they turned to their young daughter. “What’s on your mind sport?” Sweetie continued to mumble under her breath, not even gazing at her father. “Sweetie Belle.” Magnum’s voice cut through the air with authority. Sweetie sighed and looked at her father. “I just get tired of always going to Rarity’s, and not getting to do fun things with her. It’s always fashion this and fabric that. Then when we do finally have a chance to do something fun, some stupid designer or somepony else comes in, and complains about needing something. Then I’m left to be bored all day, or I have to go out and find other ponies to spend time with.” “Well hon, ya know that’s her livelihood.” “Sometimes I just wish that whole place would burn to the ground or something.” the young filly said looking down at the cushioned seats. The two adult ponies eyed their daughter, almost stunned silent by her words. “Sweetie Belle, don’t talk like that! Your sister works very hard.” “Right, too hard. She doesn’t even think about us. When was the last time we all spent real time together? She’s always busy! Even on holidays, we’ll only see her for a few hours before she has to go off and make a bunch of dresses!” “Hon, holidays are very busy times in the fashion world. She tries her best t–” “Well her best really sucks!” Sweetie Belle barked now looking directly at her parents. She looked down as her eyes began to water. “Sometimes, I wish I didn’t even have a sister.” “Now you hold it right there young lady!” Magnum scolded. “There will not be any kind of talk like that! Your sister–.” “Is a self-centered, fabric freak who only cares about fashion and not her sister, let alone her family.” The young filly’s glance focused back on the passing scenery. Her mother sighed and lowered her head defeated. Her father’s eyes twitched and his lip quivered. He grit his teeth attempting to hold back his words but they bellowed out as fast as he thought of them. “If it weren’t for her you wouldn’t have even been in this family!” Pearl’s head snapped up and she stared at her husband. “Magnum!” Sweetie Belle’s gaze softened, her bottom lip quivered and her eyes glazed over with slight shock. "Wh-what?” “Honey, we agreed not to tell her until a certain time!” “Well now seems like the time.” “Tell me what?” Pearl let out a sigh and looked out at the scenery that sped by as the carriage moved briskly. “It was quite some time ago, you weren’t even born yet.” “Magnum, hon! Get in here!” We were so happy. It was the proudest day in our lives. “What is it sugarbear?” The colt’s eyes widened as he observed his wife. Her belly, had a slight protruding bulge. Magnum slowly reached out and placed his hoof on it as if touching precious china. His breath became staggered and tears welled up in his eyes. “You’re pregnant!” The two ponies embraced tightly, tears streaming down both of their faces. “Rarity! Hon, come here!” A young white filly came drudging down the stairs with small bag around her neck. Her purple mane and tail tousled and clumped with many strands out of hair out of place. The parents giggled noticing the site of their daughter who sighed to herself. “Looks like you had a rough night, sugar plum.” “I was trying so so so hard to curl my mane and tail like the fashion ponies do! But I keep messing up! How will I ever be a fashionista if I can’t even curl my own hair?” “Don’t worry hon, you’ll get it eventually.” “But what if I can’t?” “Hey now little lady,” the white colt scolded. “you can do anything you put your mind to dontcha know. You said the same thing about these here hats you made us two weeks ago, and didn’t they turn out great?” “Not to mention I simply love these white pants, hon! So don’t ever think for a second think you can’t do something. Clear?” Rarity nodded and sighed before giving her parents a warm smile.“Yes mommy, yes daddy.” Magnum rubbed his hoof against his daughter’s head as he smiled. “Oh, I almost forgot!” said the filly. She reached in her bag and pulled out two folded shirts with her magic. “I made these for you!” She proudly presented a royal blue collar shirt decorated with blue and yellow flowers in the stitching and a red shirt with a shell in front of the collar connecting holding together white lace. The two parents eyes widened as they examined the fine work their daughter created and they smiled at each other as they slipped on the two shirts. They posed in the mirror and Magnum chuckled as his wife’s shirt didn’t quite fit over her now protruding belly. Rarity let out a slight whimper as she viewed her work, befuddled that she didn’t get the right size. “Oh nooo! I made it too small!” “No, no hon, it’s fantastic, I love it! It would’ve been the perfect size but… It’s just… well… you’re going to be a big sister.” The filly’s eyes widened as her brain put together the pieces of the puzzle. Silence filled the air and the two parents eyed their first born’s blank stare. The lack of expression in the dead silent room began to concern the parents. Soon, a scream ripped through the air and the tiny white mare jumped up and down all over the house. “I’M GONNA BE A BIG SISTER! I’M GONNA BE A BIG SISTER!” From that point on, your sister did everything she could to help your father and I as we prepared to bring you into this world. Then, when you were born… Ear shattering screams sliced through the air coming from a sobbing Sweetie Belle. Magnum did her best to cradle the young foal, while Pearl dangled a set of toy keys in front of her. The distraction of the jingling settled the young pony for a bit, but the peace and quiet lasted only for about a few seconds as she, once again, ripped through the sound barrier with her cries. Eventually, the young foal wept herself to sleep, restoring the serenity of the home and giving its inhabitants ears a rest. “She sure has some powerful lungs; maybe she’ll be a singer.” the white colt joked. “I hope so. Rarity didn’t even cry this loud.” “Which reminds me, we need to get more diapers.” “How did that remind you of diapers?” “Because they are two aisles away from the earplugs.” Pearl shook her head as she daintly adjusted the blanket in her youngest daughter’s crib, tucking the fabric gently so the cold could not seep in and discomfort the young foal. “Oh Magnum, but who’s going to watch Sweetie Belle?” “I think our lovely Rarity can.” “Are you sure that’s a good idea hon, what if Sweetie wakes up?” “We won’t be long.” The colt glanced over to his youngest daughter as she slept soundly in the crib, “Plus, I don’t think she’s waking up anytime soon after that little concert she gave us.” “Did I really cry that loud?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Oh yes hon, you actually made our next door neighbors move.” “Nu uh!” “No kidding.” “So, what happened after that?” “Mag, hon?” Magnum cleared his throat and continued the story. “Well, when we got back to the house we heard you crying again. We rushed out to make sure both you and Rarity were ok, but as we went up the stairs your cries turned to giggles.” Pearl was the first one to open the door to Sweetie Belle’s room. Magnum was right behind her. Both of them, out of breath, they stared at the two sisters, soon after smiles curled onto their faces. Rarity sat outisde the crib with her sister, holding her forelegs while occasionally lifting her up to give the young foal the sensation of jumping and dancing. All while doing this, she softly sang a familiar tune. “Hush now, Quiet now, It's time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now, Quiet now It is time to go to bed. Drift off to sleep, Leave the exciting day behind you. Drift off to sleep, Let the joy of dreamland find you.” Pearl wiped the oncoming tears from her eyes and rushed to go get the camera. Magnum smiled and approached the two siblings. Rarity looked up at her father and beamed the most joyful smile at him. “Daddy, I love her more than anything in this world.” The white colt covered his face with his hoof, doing his best to hold back his tears. He sniffed as they began to soak the sleeve of his shirt. Seconds later, Pearl arrived with the camera and snapped a picture of the two adorable siblings. “Rarity really said that?” the young filly asked. Pearl wiped her eyes and sniffed as Magnum nodded. He sighed and smiled at his wife as he planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. Sweetie Belle cast a slight smile at her parents. “Then what happened?” Magnum let out a low sigh and began to look out of the carriage. “Dad?” Pearl placed a hoof on her husband’s shoulder as she looked at him. “Mag, hon, if we’re gonna tell her, we gotta tell her everything.” The white colt closed his eyes and bit his lower lip. “Magnum.” “I can’t sugarbear…” “Hon, you s–” “I know, but I started thinking about it and I just… can’t!” The white colt covered his head with his hooves, grit his teeth and mumbled something to himself. Sweetie Belle leaned towards her father. “Dad, what’s wrong?” After a few seconds of silence and gentle caresses from his wife, Magnum sat up and sighed. “It’s nothing Sweetie Belle.” “But Dad you ne–” “Sweetie Belle, enough! I think that story is beyond proof your sister cares about you.” “Used to care! What changed?” “Nothing!” “How do I know? She left for Ponyville when she was my age! Before she even got her cutie mark! If she cared so much about me, why did she leave?! Why did you let her!?” “Sweetie Belle! That’s enough!” Pearl exclaimed as tears began to form in her eyes. The young filly looked at her father’s stern face. She stared him down for about five seconds then pouted and went back to her folded hoof position. A single tear began to find its way from the colt’s left eye and he wiped it away. The taxi carriage remained eerily quiet for the rest of the ride home. Rarity Reflects Rarity Reflects Rarity let out a deep sigh, as she began to neatly put away her fabric. She retightened each roll and slipped them in her cabinet by hue coordination, lined up each mannequin single file, set out her sewing tools for the next day and put the ones she would no longer need in a nearby drawer. She smiled as she overviewed the neat room, occasionally remembering how she once scolded Sweetie Belle for tidying up the exact same way. “Organized chaos…” She allowed herself a slight chuckle as the term seemed slightly silly to her now. She yawned as the responsibilities of the weekend finally took a toll on her body. Her shoulders suddenly felt like bricks and every step she took felt like trudging through quicksand. She dragged her hooves up the stairs and into her bed room where she plopped face first onto her Egyptian cotton bed sheets. She raised her head, breathing in the sweet scent of the peach morning spritzer detergent she used to wash them, and caught the eye of the artwork that hung on her wall. She smiled staring at the pink piece of paper encrusted with blue sapphires in the shape of a heart with a crudely drawn Rarity and Sweetie Belle in the middle. “Sweetie Belle…” The unicorn shifted her body weight and reached under one of her cushions. She pulled out a tiny framed picture and laid it upon her pillow. Her eyes began to get misty as she observed the picture of her filly self and her newborn sister. She clutched the picture tightly against her chest and laid down as her mind began to slowly wander into the past. “Mag, hon, it’ll be alright. We’ll figure out something.” “I can’t believe how fast we lost our savings. I-I could’ve sworn we had so much more.” “I know, honey.” “How can… how can you even want to stay married to me?” “Magnum! How could you ask me that? I love you!” “How can you love a colt who can’t even provide for his own family!? A colt who can’t afford to renovate the kitchen or buy a new oven so our children don’t have to grow up on burnt food! A colt who doesn’t even have money to support his oldest daughter and barely enough to keep his youngest in diapers!?” “Honey…” Rarity frowned as she gently pressed her ear against the door. “All we have left is a bit from our “Cloudy Skies Fund”, and what we’re saving for Rarity to go to magic school and study under Princess Celestia.” “Maybe magic school can wait, hon?” “No! We have been saving since she was born to give her this opportunity! I will not be the father that takes it away from her. She’s passed her magic test; she’s gotten her acceptance letter. The ponies who gave her the test said she showed the most prestigious and beautiful magic they had ever seen and that she might even be good enough to study under Princess Celestia herself! How can we take that away from her?” “But is it so important that we’d have to risk the chance of taking food from our youngest daughter’s mouth?” “Never! I would NEVER allow that to happen! Magnum slammed his hooves on the table and glared at his wife, his blue eyes emitting a burning passion to protect everything he held dear. “I’ll lie… I’ll cheat, I’ll steal, I’ll kill a Manticore with my bare hooves and cook it myself if I have to!” The colt grit his teeth and closed his eyes tightly avoiding his wife’s gaze. His upper body rested on the table as defeat started to consume him. The emotional ache of being a father and not having a clue on how to take care of his kin clutched his heart and bound it to a point that made him feel sick. Tears soaked his cheeks as his wife huddled over him grasping his body to absorb the pain from his mental burdens. Tears of her own began to cascade down her face and dampen the back of her husband’s collared shirt. “Listen to yourself hon, this isn’t you…” Rarity gently slid the door open and peeked through the slit. Her eyes became misty as she watched what appeared to be never ending pain tormenting the strongest ponies alive; her providers, her caregivers, her support system, her superheroes, her parents. Magnum titled his hat in front of his eyes. He gently moved Pearl as he motioned to stand. “Maybe… we can only afford to have one daughter…” “Hon, what are you saying?” Magnum remained silent and titled his head lower and drooped his shoulders. “No! We can’t put Sweetie up for adoption! She’s our daughter!” “And we want her to have the best don’t we?” “Hon, ho–” “Sure, we could cancel Rarity’s admission to magic school and use that money to feed the kids for a little longer, but soon, we’ d be right back here where we started. Then what, Pearl?” Pearl sniffled through staggered breaths as she turned away from her husband. “She’s our daughter…” “And we had kids so we could give them the best! Give them opportunities we never had! We’re barely doing that with Rarity! We could take that away and have our kids live hoof-to-mouth or…” Magnum swallowed as he struggled to spit out his next words, “… or we could send Rarity to magic school, so she can be the best she can be… and give Sweetie Belle to an infertile couple, so they can give her what we can’t, and help her be the best she can be.” Rarity slapped a hoof over her mouth as a short gasp attempted to expose her eaves dropping. Tears began to form in her eyes at the thought of losing her sister just so she could go to magic school. Within the thirty seconds she sat there eyes closed trying to push the thought out of her head, the scenario played out in her brain over a hundred times, each more heartbreaking than the last. She sprinted away from the door and up the stairs into the room of her slumbering little sister. “HOW COULD YOU EVEN THINK THIS?! YOU’RE NOT THE COLT I MARRIED!” Pearl began to mercilessly slap her husband’s face repeatedly. Tears of betrayal and confusion blinded her mind refusing to contemplate living a life without both the young fillies that came from her womb. “SHE’S OUR DAUGHTER! SHE’S CALLED US “MOMMY” AND “DADDY”! HOW COULD YOU EVEN THINK OF DESTROYNIG THAT BOND?! YOU SELFISH. THOUGHTLESS. HEARTLESS. IDIOT!” Magnum took each hit his wife dealt him, not once flinching or raising his hooves to defend himself. Pearl’s muscles became limper with each blow she delivered until she was nothing but a weeping rag doll in her husband’s arms. Magnum held her tightly, blood and tears gently seeped down his face as he cried with her. A part of him thought the physical pain would help relieve the emotional stress, but it didn’t. Nothing could ever heal this. “I’m s-s-sorry, Pearl.” As the two ponies wept downstairs, Rarity snuggled tightly against her sister, who still lay sound asleep. She wrapped her forelegs around her with only one intention; to protect her from the rest of the world under any circumstances. “I won’t let anypony take you from me. I’ll give up everything I have. Everything I love. But I won’t lose you.” --- “You want to what?” Pearl asked her daughter, desperately trying to wrap her head around the question. “I want to go to Canterlot and study fashion.” Magnum raised a brow and stared at his daughter, back to his wife, then again to his daugther. “Absolutely not.” “But daddy!” “We just don’t have the money for it right now sugarplum.” “You could use my magic school money!” “Absolutely out of the question, that money is for your education. After you graduate, then we can talk about studying fashion.” Rarity’s bottom lip began to quiver and high pitched whimper began to fill the air. “Daddy, please! Please, please please!” “Rarity! You stop right now, you know how I feel about whining!” “But Daaaaaaaaaadyyyyyyyyyy!” Pearl sat down in front of daughter. “Hon, why are you so eager to go to Canterlot to study fashion all of a sudden? Why can’t it wait until after you graduate?” “It just can’t!” “Why not?” “Because!” “Because why? What aren’t you telling us?” Rarity avoided her mother’s inquisitive gaze and fixated it upon the ground below her. Feeling her parent’s eyes burning a hole through her coat eventually made her spill.“Because I don’t wanna lose Sweetie Belle!” The two parents gasped and their eyes widened. Rarity, still staring at the ground, continued. “I-I-I heard you guys talking about putting her up for adoption a few days ago… I thought that if I went to Canterlot, I could become an intern and get a job and send money so we could keep Sweetie Belle.” Pearl covered her mouth with her hoof. She was completely speechless and she looked at her husband attempting to find the words in him. He sighed and sat down in front of his eldest daughter. He put a hoof under her chin and looked into the unicorn’s tear filled eyes. “That’s very generous of you Rarity, but you’re just a filly. That kind of decision is too adult for you to make. Besides, living in Canterlot is expensive. What would you do if you didn’t get a job right away? What if you ran out of money while you were down there? Then what would you do?” “I-I…” “I know it’s hard to understand right now, but you want the best for your sister right?” Rarity’s lips began to quiver again. “The adoption agency will make sure she goes to a good home, and she’ll be with a family that loves her and will take care of her, better than we can. You’ll still get to visi–” Rarity slapped her father’s hoof away and glared at him. “I’ll sell my designs on the streets if I have to! I won’t let you take her! I love her! She’s a part of this family!” Rarity closed her eyes as she tried to stop the oncoming tears. “She’s… my sister.” “Sugarplum, I know it hurts, and I know you have good intentions but you just can’t go to Canterlot and jump into that industry just like that.” “I can do anything, I put my mind to… didn’t you teach me that daddy?” The white colt gently dropped his hoof and looked away from his daughter. “If you don’t send me there… I’ll run away myself. I’ll get a job, I’ll send money back every time I get paid. I can do this. I know I can. Just, please, mom and dad…” --- “ALL ABOARD!” The train’s whistle whirred loudly through the air as the gray furred conductor checked tickets and guided the ponies to their necessary cabins. Rarity timidly approached the conductor and presented to him her ticket. The conductor adjusted his glasses slightly and stared at the filly. Her mane was a tousled mess and her blue bag had shown signs of what appeared to be decades of overuse. However, her unique white fur coat along with the determined gleam in her young azure eyes spoke highly of her innocence. “Little young to be travelin’ alone at this hour, little miss, dontcha think?” “Oh, I’m used to it. I’m always riding the train to visit my relatives in Canterlot!” The conductor pony laughed, not once had he seen the young filly in the several years which he worked the station, but the green colored mark on her ticket was good enough reason to let her on the train. He gave her a warm smile, checked her ticket and escorted her in. “Well, let me upgrade you to our first class suite little miss, since yer such a frequent customer and all…” The gray pony took a red marker from the front pocket of his navy blue uniform and scribbled a check over the green mark. He winked and handed the young filly her ticket back. “Just go in, make a left and keep walkin’ til you see the first class cart. Enjoy yer ride little miss.” Rarity smiled at the conductor pony. “Thank you, sir.” She tucked her ticket in her bag and trotted into the train car, going left and walking down the aisle, she reached a door labeled “First Class Suite” and she pushed it open. She pushed past red curtains and her eyes widened in awe. The aisle was draped with a red carpet, there were scarlet curtains draped on every window and the seats weren’t black and plastic like the other cars, these were royal blue cushioned seats. Rarity placed her bag in the seat next to her and hopped onto one of the seats, her eyes fluttering as the soft cushion hugged her body. “This is amazing…” “Kinda young to be traveling so early and by yourself aren’t you?” Rarity’s ears perked up and her head darted to the left. Across the aisle was a mature looking milk chocolate colored unicorn sporting an elegant silky black dress. Her jet black and slight streaks of gray mane and tail were styled in beach curls that flowed down elegantly beside her. Her hazel eyes, coated with a thin layer of mascara wore an obvious ensemble of sleep deprivation. The young filly’s mouth fell agape as her nerves sealed her vocal chords shut. When her mind fully processed that this moment was real, she uttered as best she could, “Y-y-you’re T-T-Tyra Flanks!” “Dingdingdingding!” the brown mare exclaimed. Her horn illuminated with a bright golden glow and a microphone appeared. The curtains turned from scarlet red, to a silk black with laced with silver lining. A large blue banner appeared over Rarity’s head that had golden letters to spell out “Congratulations” across it. “We have a winner folks and her name is…?” Rarity’s eyes widened in awe of the magic, a blink snapped her back into reality as she looked down at the levitating microphone in front of her. “R-Rarity.” “Well R-Rarity, tell the audience how you were able to do so well on “Guess That Mare?”.” “You’re my idol! You’re the most prestigious, elegant and fashionable unicorn in ALL of Equestria!” Suddenly all the decorations vanished in thin air and Tyra put a hoof over her face to mask the flush of red reaching her cheeks. “Oh, stop it, you! You’re making me blush!” Tyra leaped from her seat and fell in front of the filly eliciting a giggle. She pressed her hooves against Rarity’s cheeks. “Tell me, young one, do you think I’m…beautiful?” Rarity nodded and buried her face in her hooves as her giggles erupted into laughter. “And what, may I ask, is so funny?” Rarity licked her lips and darted an innocent look at the fashionable diva. “It’s just, you’re really dramatic, nothing like your pictures in the magazines or the paper.” The brown unicorn stood up and took a seat next to Rarity. “Yeah, the life of a fashionista requires me to be extremely serious about my work, so rarely will you ever see a picture of me unless I’m sporting some elegant, sexy, mysterious stare.” Tyra took a moment to reenact one of her poses as she her mane slightly covered her left eye. She flipped it back and smiled, “I originally wanted to do theatre plays but I couldn’t STAND the week before the play. Did you know they will have rehearsals for 12-18 hours at a time every day before the week of the show? I applaud them, but a lady like myself needs her beauty sleep!” “So, how did you get interested in fashion Ms. Flanks?” “Please, darling, call me, Tyra.” Rarity smiled. “How’d you get into fashion, Tyra?” “Well, as I mentioned, I loved theatre, but I just simply couldn’t manage those hours. So, I got into costume designing. Turns out, I had quite the knack for it. I was a visionary of sorts. It was as if, I was the director of the play, visually. Sure, the director makes an enticing story, controlling the emotions of the audience. But when it came down to what the audience would see, it was my duty to make the world they were about to enter, realistic.” Rarity’s eyes glimmered with awe as Tyra talked. “And so, one play led to the next, soon, my designs were being written about more than the actual story line of the plays themselves. Ponies everywhere clamored for my work. I branched out into the fashion industry, have been doing well, and I’ve even made designs for some of the most famous ponies and some who show real promise. Which reminds me, keep an eye on a Ms. Sapphire Shores. She’s new but I have no doubt she’s going to blossom, and she’s going to be needing some great designs from avid aspiring fashionistas like yourself.” Rarity went star-struck again and could only bring herself to nod furiously. “Which brings me back to my question. What in Celestia’s name is a young filly like yourself doing on a train this early?” Rarity’s eyes widened. She swallowed and tried her best not to avert her gaze from Tyra’s eyes. “I’m…I’m your new intern!” Tyra raised a brow. “Really?” “Yes.” “Aren’t you a little young to be interning? Typically you have to pass beauty school before they let you intern.” “Oh, I was…a special exception. Yeah, I was top in my class, and the youngest filly they had ever seen with such a vast knowledge of fashion.” Tyra chucked to herself as Rarity sported an obvious nervous smile. “I don’t know if I’m getting older or the talent is just blossoming quicker.” Rarity allowed herself an internal deep sigh as Tyra extended a hoof. “I’m looking forward to working with you, Miss Rarity.” Rarity smiled and raised her head high, meeting Tyra’s hoof-shake. Magnum's SecretAs if believing he could feel the heat coming from her glare, Sweetie Belle continued to stare out of the kitchen window as her father sat silently outside, fishing. When five more minutes of unbroken focus on her father’s back proved not to do anything but make her angrier, she let out a frustrated groan and slammed her hooves on the table. Pearl trotted into the kitchen just as Sweetie Belle was burying her face in her hooves. “You still upset with your father, hon? “Yes! Why won’t he tell me the rest of the story!? What’s the big deal? I get it, we were poor. That doesn’t explain why you let Rarity leave! What’s the big secret?!” Pearl sighed and gazed at her husband through the window. Her heart pounded in her chest as the conflict within made her blood churn. She knew it would be too hard for Magnum to tell the story, but Sweetie Belle did deserve to know, and there was no calming the filly’s curiosity at this point. She didn’t have to discuss the whole story, just the right piece to ease her daughter’s thoughts. Pearl bit her lip and took a deep breath before looking at her youngest daughter. “Sweetie Belle?” Sweetie Belle raised her head to meet her mother’s stern gaze. “Yeah, mom?” “What I’m about to tell you, does NOT leave this kitchen, understand?” Sweetie Belle nodded. “We, didn’t necessarily let Rarity leave… she ran away…” “Wh-what? Why?” “She needed to go to Canterlot and study fashion. I…I need you to just try to understand that ok, Sweetie?” “Ugh! You sound just like Rarity! “Try and understand” I’m tired of “”trying to understand”! What was so important about Rarity going to Canterlot that she couldn’t spend time wi-” “We were going to put you up for adoption, Sweetie Belle.” a sharp voice pierced through the air. Sweetie Belle turned around to notice her father standing in the door way, hat covering his eyes. Magnum let out a low sigh and turned to his wife and daughter. Sweetie Belle’s lips parted, her mouth hanging agape as she her eyes focused on her father. She looked up and blurted out the only words her mind could process.”Wh-what?” Pearl’s concerned gaze forced the white colt to put a hoof on her shoulder. “M-Mag, hon.” “It’s time, sugarbear,” Magnum’s eyes fell back on his youngest daughter as he sat down. “Sweetie Belle. We weren’t the wealthiest of ponies before we had you, but we were confident we’d be able to take care of a second child. Turns out, we were wrong. We wanted you to have the best, so we considered giving you to an infertile family so they could give you what we couldn’t.” Sweetie Belle’s eyes began to water as she tried to assess the truth in her father’s words. His stern glare confirmed that this was no fable and now she almost wished she hadn’t been told, yet, for some reason she couldn’t curb her ongoing curiosity. “B-but what about, Ra–.” “Rarity overheard us talking about it, and she decided she wanted to go to Canterlot to study fashion. We told her she was too young…but that didn’t stop her…” “MAG! MAG, HON! WAKE UP! WAKE UP!” Mag snorted and his eyes were assaulted with jolting scenery as his wife shook him furiously. He sat up and placed his hooves on her shoulders to calm her down, and so his brain could process what was happening. “What’s wrong, Pearl?” “SHE’S GONE! RARITY’S GONE!” “What!?” Pearl sprinted out of the room and Magnum followed her. He got to the doorway of Rarity’s room to find his eldest daughter not sleeping in her bed. He turned to his wife. “I checked the whole house, hon! Where did my baby go!?” Magnum’s eyes darted left and right, scanning the room as if the answer would materialize in front of them. They suddenly focused on the ground and he lifted his head as the realization came to him. He ran back into the room and fiddled through the back of the closet. He pushed a few boxes aside and found nothing was behind them. “No, no, no, no, NO! Pearl rushed in and gasped as she saw her husband come out of the closet. “Mag, she didn’t?!” Magnum nodded. “She did. She took her magic school money.” “But where would she…” Pearl’s eyes widened as the horrific realization struck a nerve that sent chills throughout her entire body. “…CANTERLOT!” Magnum grit his teeth, turned around and began storming down the stairs. “I’m bringing her back.” “I’m coming with you!” Pearl used her magic to quickly prepare a saddle bag of Sweetie’s things. She levitated her gurgling daughter out of her crib and down the stairs into her baby carriage. She closed the door behind her as she caught up with her husband. --- “I need two tickets for the next train to Canterlot!” Magnum bellowed as he slammed his hooves on the table. The brown pony working the desk raised a brow at the white colt beaming with rage. “I’m sorry sir, but the train is undergoing service. The next train to Canterlot won’t be leaving for another three days.” “I don’t think you understand, I need to get to Canterlot today!” “No, I don’t think you understand, sir. There’s nothing I can do.” Magnum reached under the ticket hole and pulled the brown pony up against the glass. “You listen to me, bub, you better find a way to get me to Canterlot or I swear I’ll…I’ll.” Pearl put her hooves on her husband’s back. “Mag, hon!” Magnum let go of the pony and took a deep breath. “Can you at least tell me if you saw a young filly come by here between last night and now?” “I-I-I just started my shift an hour ago, sir.” “Is there anyone else working right now who would’ve been here at that time?” Pearl chimed. “Well, Herb, the conductor. He drives the train and checks the tickets, so if a young filly were to board an early train I’m sure he’d know something about it.” “Where can we find him?” “He’d be outside, he’s required to stay around the train when it’s in service.” Pearl and Magnum rushed outside to see a gray pony eyeing the train and giving instructions to the workers. “Yeah, I get a little bit of a pull when I try to brake, and I think there may be some coal residue caught up in the engine somewhere.” “Herb?” Pearl inquired. The gray pony turned around and smiled. “That’s my name? What can I do ya for?” “Herb, did you at all see a little filly come this way between last night and now. She’s got a white coat, purple mane and tail, the most adorable azure colored-“ “Ahhh yeah, I remember that sweet little filly.” Pearl and Magnum looked at each other and gasped. The gray pony continued. “She was so cute, she was sayin’ somethin’ about visiting her relatives in Canterlot and how she’s always on the train this early. O’course I knew that couldn’t be true because I had never seen the young girl before and I always work the late night/early morning shift.” Magnum blinked and shook his head. “Wait, so…you let her on even though you knew she was lying to you?” “Well, yeah, she had paid for her ticket, I even upgraded her to fir-“ The conductor’s words were cut short by a blow to the face from Magnum. He pounced on top of the gray pony and began to deliver pound after pound into his face. Pearl screamed and tried to pull her husband off. “Mag, hon! Stop!” “ARE YOU STUPID?! WHY WOULD YOU LET A FILLY GET ON A TRAIN BY HERSELF! YOU IGNORANT, OLD, STUPID, THOUGHTLESS, FOAL!” Pearl kept trying to stop her husband’s blows until the noise from the yelling caused Sweetie Belle to cry. She rushed over and tried to calm her. Hearing the yelling and screaming, a couple of nearby officer ponies arrived and, noticing the beating, tackled Magnum and started carrying him away. “Magnum!” Magnum grunted and struggled as he tried to get free of the officers’ grip. “LET GO OF ME!” --- “Two days?!” Magnum eyed his wife’s disapproved glare before stomping his hooves into the ground. He pressed his head against the metal bars that separated them. “You’re lucky it wasn’t more, hon.” Pearl gently rocked her daughter to sleep before gently setting her in the carriage. The mother’s loving gaze scrunching into one of ire as she looked up at her husband. “What were you thinking?” “I don’t know, Pearl. The thought of somepony being so stupid as to let a filly that young get on a train, and that fact that it was our daughter…I…I just snapped.” Pearl shook her head in disgust. “I can’t believe you.” “You’re seriously putting all the blame on me? What about Mr. “Oh she was such a sweet filly, I just had to let her get on the train!” Magnum shook his hooves while mimicking the elderly pony’s vernacular. “He was doing his job. Rarity paid for her ticket. He was obligated to let her go.” The slap from his wife’s comment caused Magnum to raise a brow and cock his head back. “So you’re on his side now?” “I am on the side that makes sure my Rarity gets home safely.” “What do you think I was trying to do, sugarbear?” a condescending tone rolling off of Magnum’s tongue. “By using your hooves to rough up every pony you see? You’ve never been that violent before!” “Forgive me, if I’m so passionate about my child that I tend to lose my patience with morons!” “The only moron here is you, Magnum!” Magnum squinted in disbelief, he blinked a few times and looked left and right to assure he wasn’t in some weird dream, then looked back at his wife. “Excuse me?” “Yes! You. Are. A. MORON!” “IF BEING A MORON MEANS PROTECTING MY FAMILY TH-” “AND HOW ARE YOU PROTECTING US RIGHT NOW MAGNUM?! HUH?! HOW ARE YOU PROTECTING RARITY BY USING YOUR HOOVES TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS AND GETTING LOCKED UP IN HERE FOR TWO DAYS!? TELL ME THAT!” Magnum opened his mouth to respond then curled his lips and swallowed. “I…I wasn’t thinking…” “EXACTLY!” Pearl bellowed, tears now welling up in her eyes. “You’re the head of this household and you didn’t think! What if you had killed him, Mag?! You’d be here for LIFE! Did you ever stop to think about that? Think about what it’d be like to only have your daughters see you during visiting hours?!” “I lost my temper. ok?! I admit it! I’m sorry!” Magnum’s breathing became heavy and staggered. Tears filled his eyes as he shook his head and looked around before looking back at his sorrowful wife. “It’s just…I’ve never felt so emasculated, sugarbear...” Pearl sniffed and wiped her eyes with her hooves. “I lose my job, then our money, and…and now my first born daughter?” Magnum gently grabbed onto the metals bars as his eyes danced around the room. His reality closed in on him like a slow immune destroying virus, his breaths became more staggered and he struggled to fight tears with deep inhales that only erupted as short gasps. He turned around and slid down the bars as they were the only thing that supported the back of his head as he stared at the gritty cement ceiling. “What kind of stallion am I?” Pearl’s gaze softened with each word Magnum spoke. She swallowed, attempting to stop new tears from forming, but the ones flowing freely from her husband’s eyes shattered her spirit. She wasn’t sure if she was upset at herself for crying, or upset at Magnum for making it happen. She wanted to be mad at him, mad at his decision that could’ve been more costly had the police not stepped in, but she couldn’t. As each tear from his face hit the ground with what seemed like an ear shattering splash, Pearl’s annoyance at him faded away. Magnum’s sorrow was not one of the artists’ whose style had grown old and underappreciated over the changing times, nor was it the sorrow of a celebrity, whose reputation was no longer recognized by the public. This was the grief of a stallion who sacrificed his small something to give his family everything only for him to receive nothing and lose everything Yet, here she was, scolding him, for making physical what had been a mental and emotional fight since the day he lost his job. She kneeled down and stuck one hoof through the metal bars and removed the hat from his head to stroke his mane, her eyes producing more tears than his as she stared into his broken gaze. She put her horn against his and continued to run her hoof through his mane, sliding the other one past the bars to rest on his chest, cuddling him the best way she could. “You’re the greatest stallion, a mare could ever ask for.” Magnum’s staggered breaths began to space out as his eyes met Pearl’s. “P-Pearl…” “You’re a fantastic colt, a great husband, and even more important, a wonderful father.” The two ponies closed their yes and basked in a few second cuddle cry. When the tears dried, they stood up again and smiled at each other. Magnum gazed at his hat, the beautiful straw piece his on the run daughter had made reminding him that time was of the essence. “Sugarbear, my stupid decision got me locked up in here bu−“ “Say no more, hon.” Pearl said as two tickets to Canterlot levitated in front of them. “Train leaves tonight.” “Two tickets?” “For me and Sweetie Belle.” “Why not just leave her here with me? Leave her diapers and foo−” Pearl puts a hoof on Magnum’s head. “Sugarbear, what are you doing?” “Checking to see if you have hay fever, because you must be sick if you think for a second my baby is spending two days in ANY cell.” Magnum couldn’t help but chuckle. “You always know how to make me smile.” The two ponies embraced with a short passionate kiss. Magnum looked at the carriage where is younger daughter slept soundly, and then back to his wife. “Be careful.” “I will, hon.”
Curiosity Peaks“Sweetie Belle, please!” “No! I can’t take it anymore! This always happens!” “If you would just try to under–” Rarity’s words were cut short by the clank of her front door slamming shut. A low growl rumbled in her throat before she emitted a deep sigh. No matter what she said, her words fell upon deaf ears to the young sibling. The phrase ‘It’s just business’, was usually enough to excuse Rarity from their bi-weekly bonding time, but this weekend proved to be the last straw. While in the middle of a sister to sister discussion about school over cupcakes at Sugarcube Corner, Sapphire Shores stormed in frantically begging the unicorn for twelve new designs by the end of the weekend to replace the ones that got backordered in Fillydelphia. Understanding the dilemma, Rarity humbly obliged and also, promised her sister to get done expediently, so that the two could continue enjoying each other’s company, a promise Rarity constantly made but struggled to keep every time a client came desiring assistance. Rarity opened the door in an attempt to possibly offer a few consoling words but her sister was moving her bags towards an upcoming taxi carriage. “Sweetie, if you would just let me–” “No! I’m so sick of it! It’s the same thing every time I come to visit!” Sweetie Belle grunted as she pushed the stack of luggage forward. “Sweetie, let me at least help with your things?” “I got it, thanks.” The sardonic tone in the filly’s voice stopped Rarity in her tracks. She remained stationary at the doorway as the carriage stopped in front of her house. The vehicle was occupied by two unicorns, the first, a white pony with a short brown tail and a straw hat that sat atop his brown mane covering his horn. He also sported a royal blue Hawaiian shirt tattooed with blue and yellow flowers to make for an interesting design. Upon his flank sat three footballs. Next to him, a pink pony with a purple mane streaked with light purple highlights styled to what would be referred to as the “bump” look. Upon her head lie a light blue visor, and her outfit consisted of a red shirt with a white laced collar that connected to a shell at the front, and white pants. Sweetie Belle approached the two ponies as they exited the vehicle. “Well hey, frowny filly! What’s with the sad face?” said the white colt. “Nothing, dad…” “Didn’t ya have fun with your big sis?” inquired the pink mare. “We started to,” Sweetie Belle looked at Rarity who still stood at her front door trying her best to beam an innocent smile toward her sister, “but as ALWAYS, fashion got in the way.” The two adult ponies looked at each other as their youngest daughter started to neatly load her own things into the trunk of the taxi carriage. They approached Rarity and observed her tousled mane and tail; her baggy eyes doing their best to hide the stress of lack of sleep and endless work as their precious daughter beamed a weak smile. “’Nother rough weekend, sugarplum?” Rarity stifled a yawn and nodded. “Yes, father.” “Hon, I know you work hard on all your dress makin’, but don’t forget, she’s still your lil’ sister. And family comes first.” “I know mother, I actually had so much planned for us this weekend but,” Rarity lowered her head. “another, unexpected rush order came in. Before I was aware of it, three days had passed in the blink of an eye. I try to at least have her spend time with her friends when this happens so sh–” “That’s great and all hon, but sometimes there’s nothing quite like quality time with your sis. Just remember that.” Rarity opened her mouth to further excuse herself with an attempt to discuss the trials and tribulations of the fast paced industry for which she worked, but decided against it. She curled her lips into a warm smile and nodded. “You’re right mother, thank you.” “I swear Pearl, she talks more and more like a Canterlot pony every time we see her. I mean how formal can ya get? “Mother?” “Father?”” The colt chuckled at his own joke as he watched his daughter’s cheeks turn bright red. “Oh Magnum, leave her alone. You know Canterlot is where she really belongs.” the pink mare winked as she played along. “I know, sometimes I just miss the good ol’ days of “Mommy” and “Daddy”. Especially “Daddy” since, you know, that was her FIRST word.” Pearl rolled her eyes and put a hoof to the side of her mouth as she leaned in to whisper to her daughter. “Your first word was really “Momma”, but we’ll just keep letting him stick with his story. I think it helps him sleep better at night.” Rarity’s entire face flushed with embarrassment, but she couldn’t help but to emit a slight laugh at her parent’s mood uplifting banter. Pearl stood upright again and rubbed her nose against her husband’s gently and the two exchanged loving smiles. Sweetie Belle approached the three family members dragging her hooves and letting out low grumbles. “I’m ready to go…” Magnum ran a hoof across his older daughter’s already disheveled mane. “See ya, in another couple of weeks sugarplum?” “Of course, and I promise, I will be mindful of what you two have said.” The two parents embraced their eldest daughter tightly. As the separated, Pearl glazed over at Sweetie Belle whose head was turned to the side, casting a disinterested gaze at the taxi. “Sweetie, aren’t ya gonna give your big sis a hug goodbye?” Rarity beamed a warm smile at her sister and extended her forlegs in hopes for some kind of affection that would insist the young filly would soon be able to once again forgive her, but Sweetie didn’t even bother to turn her head. She walked back to the taxi carriage with not even an utterance of words to her sister. “I’ll be in the taxi.” Rarity’s arms and shoulders drooped like heavy weights as she watched her sibling stroll away. Before sadness fully consumed her, she was embraced by another hug from her mother. She tightly wrapped her forelegs around her mom tightly as if the embrace was the only thing keeping her from bursting into tears. “We’ll talk to her.” “Just don’t tell her th–” “I know hon, I know.” The white mare sniffled as a few tears traversed their way down her cheeks. They were soon wiped away by her father who smiled and gently put a hoof under her chin. “We’re so proud of you, Rarity. You were truly a blessing to us in every way a daughter could be. Just remember to never lose focus on what’s truly important.” Rarity nodded and sniffed again. She gently rubbed her neck against her father’s shirt as he wrapped his forelegs around her. “Thank you, daddy, and mommy.” They smiled, Magnum brushed his wife with his elbow. “Don’t know if you’re keepin’ score but…she said daddy first…AGAIN.” Rarity let out a few chuckles as his father protruded his chest victoriously while her mother simply rolled her eyes. “Oh, you two.” “We’ll see ya later, hon.” The two adult ponies turned to walk back to the carriage. “Mom? Dad?” Both Pearl and Magnum turned their heads. “When will you allow me to make you both new outfits so you can throw those dingy old ones away?” “When they stop being so important to us!” Magnum retorted. Rarity sighed and shook her head. “So, never.” “Ya got that right, hon!” A small smile took over Rarity’s face as she watched the proud parents get into the taxi cart with her younger sibling. The smile slightly faded as she noticed the unnerving glare that focused on her from Sweetie Belle until the carriage pulled out of sight. “Sweetie Belle...” Sweetie Belle sat with her hooves folded across her chest. As she stared out of the side of the taxi carriage, she would occasionally mumble to herself. Pearl and Magnum looked at each other and with a simultaneous nod they turned to their young daughter. “What’s on your mind sport?” Sweetie continued to mumble under her breath, not even gazing at her father. “Sweetie Belle.” Magnum’s voice cut through the air with authority. Sweetie sighed and looked at her father. “I just get tired of always going to Rarity’s, and not getting to do fun things with her. It’s always fashion this and fabric that. Then when we do finally have a chance to do something fun, some stupid designer or somepony else comes in, and complains about needing something. Then I’m left to be bored all day, or I have to go out and find other ponies to spend time with.” “Well hon, ya know that’s her livelihood.” “Sometimes I just wish that whole place would burn to the ground or something.” the young filly said looking down at the cushioned seats. The two adult ponies eyed their daughter, almost stunned silent by her words. “Sweetie Belle, don’t talk like that! Your sister works very hard.” “Right, too hard. She doesn’t even think about us. When was the last time we all spent real time together? She’s always busy! Even on holidays, we’ll only see her for a few hours before she has to go off and make a bunch of dresses!” “Hon, holidays are very busy times in the fashion world. She tries her best t–” “Well her best really sucks!” Sweetie Belle barked now looking directly at her parents. She looked down as her eyes began to water. “Sometimes, I wish I didn’t even have a sister.” “Now you hold it right there young lady!” Magnum scolded. “There will not be any kind of talk like that! Your sister–.” “Is a self-centered, fabric freak who only cares about fashion and not her sister, let alone her family.” The young filly’s glance focused back on the passing scenery. Her mother sighed and lowered her head defeated. Her father’s eyes twitched and his lip quivered. He grit his teeth attempting to hold back his words but they bellowed out as fast as he thought of them. “If it weren’t for her you wouldn’t have even been in this family!” Pearl’s head snapped up and she stared at her husband. “Magnum!” Sweetie Belle’s gaze softened, her bottom lip quivered and her eyes glazed over with slight shock. "Wh-what?” “Honey, we agreed not to tell her until a certain time!” “Well now seems like the time.” “Tell me what?” Pearl let out a sigh and looked out at the scenery that sped by as the carriage moved briskly. “It was quite some time ago, you weren’t even born yet.” “Magnum, hon! Get in here!” We were so happy. It was the proudest day in our lives. “What is it sugarbear?” The colt’s eyes widened as he observed his wife. Her belly, had a slight protruding bulge. Magnum slowly reached out and placed his hoof on it as if touching precious china. His breath became staggered and tears welled up in his eyes. “You’re pregnant!” The two ponies embraced tightly, tears streaming down both of their faces. “Rarity! Hon, come here!” A young white filly came drudging down the stairs with small bag around her neck. Her purple mane and tail tousled and clumped with many strands out of hair out of place. The parents giggled noticing the site of their daughter who sighed to herself. “Looks like you had a rough night, sugar plum.” “I was trying so so so hard to curl my mane and tail like the fashion ponies do! But I keep messing up! How will I ever be a fashionista if I can’t even curl my own hair?” “Don’t worry hon, you’ll get it eventually.” “But what if I can’t?” “Hey now little lady,” the white colt scolded. “you can do anything you put your mind to dontcha know. You said the same thing about these here hats you made us two weeks ago, and didn’t they turn out great?” “Not to mention I simply love these white pants, hon! So don’t ever think for a second think you can’t do something. Clear?” Rarity nodded and sighed before giving her parents a warm smile.“Yes mommy, yes daddy.” Magnum rubbed his hoof against his daughter’s head as he smiled. “Oh, I almost forgot!” said the filly. She reached in her bag and pulled out two folded shirts with her magic. “I made these for you!” She proudly presented a royal blue collar shirt decorated with blue and yellow flowers in the stitching and a red shirt with a shell in front of the collar connecting holding together white lace. The two parents eyes widened as they examined the fine work their daughter created and they smiled at each other as they slipped on the two shirts. They posed in the mirror and Magnum chuckled as his wife’s shirt didn’t quite fit over her now protruding belly. Rarity let out a slight whimper as she viewed her work, befuddled that she didn’t get the right size. “Oh nooo! I made it too small!” “No, no hon, it’s fantastic, I love it! It would’ve been the perfect size but… It’s just… well… you’re going to be a big sister.” The filly’s eyes widened as her brain put together the pieces of the puzzle. Silence filled the air and the two parents eyed their first born’s blank stare. The lack of expression in the dead silent room began to concern the parents. Soon, a scream ripped through the air and the tiny white mare jumped up and down all over the house. “I’M GONNA BE A BIG SISTER! I’M GONNA BE A BIG SISTER!” From that point on, your sister did everything she could to help your father and I as we prepared to bring you into this world. Then, when you were born… Ear shattering screams sliced through the air coming from a sobbing Sweetie Belle. Magnum did her best to cradle the young foal, while Pearl dangled a set of toy keys in front of her. The distraction of the jingling settled the young pony for a bit, but the peace and quiet lasted only for about a few seconds as she, once again, ripped through the sound barrier with her cries. Eventually, the young foal wept herself to sleep, restoring the serenity of the home and giving its inhabitants ears a rest. “She sure has some powerful lungs; maybe she’ll be a singer.” the white colt joked. “I hope so. Rarity didn’t even cry this loud.” “Which reminds me, we need to get more diapers.” “How did that remind you of diapers?” “Because they are two aisles away from the earplugs.” Pearl shook her head as she daintly adjusted the blanket in her youngest daughter’s crib, tucking the fabric gently so the cold could not seep in and discomfort the young foal. “Oh Magnum, but who’s going to watch Sweetie Belle?” “I think our lovely Rarity can.” “Are you sure that’s a good idea hon, what if Sweetie wakes up?” “We won’t be long.” The colt glanced over to his youngest daughter as she slept soundly in the crib, “Plus, I don’t think she’s waking up anytime soon after that little concert she gave us.” “Did I really cry that loud?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Oh yes hon, you actually made our next door neighbors move.” “Nu uh!” “No kidding.” “So, what happened after that?” “Mag, hon?” Magnum cleared his throat and continued the story. “Well, when we got back to the house we heard you crying again. We rushed out to make sure both you and Rarity were ok, but as we went up the stairs your cries turned to giggles.” Pearl was the first one to open the door to Sweetie Belle’s room. Magnum was right behind her. Both of them, out of breath, they stared at the two sisters, soon after smiles curled onto their faces. Rarity sat outisde the crib with her sister, holding her forelegs while occasionally lifting her up to give the young foal the sensation of jumping and dancing. All while doing this, she softly sang a familiar tune. “Hush now, Quiet now, It's time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now, Quiet now It is time to go to bed. Drift off to sleep, Leave the exciting day behind you. Drift off to sleep, Let the joy of dreamland find you.” Pearl wiped the oncoming tears from her eyes and rushed to go get the camera. Magnum smiled and approached the two siblings. Rarity looked up at her father and beamed the most joyful smile at him. “Daddy, I love her more than anything in this world.” The white colt covered his face with his hoof, doing his best to hold back his tears. He sniffed as they began to soak the sleeve of his shirt. Seconds later, Pearl arrived with the camera and snapped a picture of the two adorable siblings. “Rarity really said that?” the young filly asked. Pearl wiped her eyes and sniffed as Magnum nodded. He sighed and smiled at his wife as he planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. Sweetie Belle cast a slight smile at her parents. “Then what happened?” Magnum let out a low sigh and began to look out of the carriage. “Dad?” Pearl placed a hoof on her husband’s shoulder as she looked at him. “Mag, hon, if we’re gonna tell her, we gotta tell her everything.” The white colt closed his eyes and bit his lower lip. “Magnum.” “I can’t sugarbear…” “Hon, you s–” “I know, but I started thinking about it and I just… can’t!” The white colt covered his head with his hooves, grit his teeth and mumbled something to himself. Sweetie Belle leaned towards her father. “Dad, what’s wrong?” After a few seconds of silence and gentle caresses from his wife, Magnum sat up and sighed. “It’s nothing Sweetie Belle.” “But Dad you ne–” “Sweetie Belle, enough! I think that story is beyond proof your sister cares about you.” “Used to care! What changed?” “Nothing!” “How do I know? She left for Ponyville when she was my age! Before she even got her cutie mark! If she cared so much about me, why did she leave?! Why did you let her!?” “Sweetie Belle! That’s enough!” Pearl exclaimed as tears began to form in her eyes. The young filly looked at her father’s stern face. She stared him down for about five seconds then pouted and went back to her folded hoof position. A single tear began to find its way from the colt’s left eye and he wiped it away. The taxi carriage remained eerily quiet for the rest of the ride home.
Rarity Reflects Rarity Reflects Rarity let out a deep sigh, as she began to neatly put away her fabric. She retightened each roll and slipped them in her cabinet by hue coordination, lined up each mannequin single file, set out her sewing tools for the next day and put the ones she would no longer need in a nearby drawer. She smiled as she overviewed the neat room, occasionally remembering how she once scolded Sweetie Belle for tidying up the exact same way. “Organized chaos…” She allowed herself a slight chuckle as the term seemed slightly silly to her now. She yawned as the responsibilities of the weekend finally took a toll on her body. Her shoulders suddenly felt like bricks and every step she took felt like trudging through quicksand. She dragged her hooves up the stairs and into her bed room where she plopped face first onto her Egyptian cotton bed sheets. She raised her head, breathing in the sweet scent of the peach morning spritzer detergent she used to wash them, and caught the eye of the artwork that hung on her wall. She smiled staring at the pink piece of paper encrusted with blue sapphires in the shape of a heart with a crudely drawn Rarity and Sweetie Belle in the middle. “Sweetie Belle…” The unicorn shifted her body weight and reached under one of her cushions. She pulled out a tiny framed picture and laid it upon her pillow. Her eyes began to get misty as she observed the picture of her filly self and her newborn sister. She clutched the picture tightly against her chest and laid down as her mind began to slowly wander into the past. “Mag, hon, it’ll be alright. We’ll figure out something.” “I can’t believe how fast we lost our savings. I-I could’ve sworn we had so much more.” “I know, honey.” “How can… how can you even want to stay married to me?” “Magnum! How could you ask me that? I love you!” “How can you love a colt who can’t even provide for his own family!? A colt who can’t afford to renovate the kitchen or buy a new oven so our children don’t have to grow up on burnt food! A colt who doesn’t even have money to support his oldest daughter and barely enough to keep his youngest in diapers!?” “Honey…” Rarity frowned as she gently pressed her ear against the door. “All we have left is a bit from our “Cloudy Skies Fund”, and what we’re saving for Rarity to go to magic school and study under Princess Celestia.” “Maybe magic school can wait, hon?” “No! We have been saving since she was born to give her this opportunity! I will not be the father that takes it away from her. She’s passed her magic test; she’s gotten her acceptance letter. The ponies who gave her the test said she showed the most prestigious and beautiful magic they had ever seen and that she might even be good enough to study under Princess Celestia herself! How can we take that away from her?” “But is it so important that we’d have to risk the chance of taking food from our youngest daughter’s mouth?” “Never! I would NEVER allow that to happen! Magnum slammed his hooves on the table and glared at his wife, his blue eyes emitting a burning passion to protect everything he held dear. “I’ll lie… I’ll cheat, I’ll steal, I’ll kill a Manticore with my bare hooves and cook it myself if I have to!” The colt grit his teeth and closed his eyes tightly avoiding his wife’s gaze. His upper body rested on the table as defeat started to consume him. The emotional ache of being a father and not having a clue on how to take care of his kin clutched his heart and bound it to a point that made him feel sick. Tears soaked his cheeks as his wife huddled over him grasping his body to absorb the pain from his mental burdens. Tears of her own began to cascade down her face and dampen the back of her husband’s collared shirt. “Listen to yourself hon, this isn’t you…” Rarity gently slid the door open and peeked through the slit. Her eyes became misty as she watched what appeared to be never ending pain tormenting the strongest ponies alive; her providers, her caregivers, her support system, her superheroes, her parents. Magnum titled his hat in front of his eyes. He gently moved Pearl as he motioned to stand. “Maybe… we can only afford to have one daughter…” “Hon, what are you saying?” Magnum remained silent and titled his head lower and drooped his shoulders. “No! We can’t put Sweetie up for adoption! She’s our daughter!” “And we want her to have the best don’t we?” “Hon, ho–” “Sure, we could cancel Rarity’s admission to magic school and use that money to feed the kids for a little longer, but soon, we’ d be right back here where we started. Then what, Pearl?” Pearl sniffled through staggered breaths as she turned away from her husband. “She’s our daughter…” “And we had kids so we could give them the best! Give them opportunities we never had! We’re barely doing that with Rarity! We could take that away and have our kids live hoof-to-mouth or…” Magnum swallowed as he struggled to spit out his next words, “… or we could send Rarity to magic school, so she can be the best she can be… and give Sweetie Belle to an infertile couple, so they can give her what we can’t, and help her be the best she can be.” Rarity slapped a hoof over her mouth as a short gasp attempted to expose her eaves dropping. Tears began to form in her eyes at the thought of losing her sister just so she could go to magic school. Within the thirty seconds she sat there eyes closed trying to push the thought out of her head, the scenario played out in her brain over a hundred times, each more heartbreaking than the last. She sprinted away from the door and up the stairs into the room of her slumbering little sister. “HOW COULD YOU EVEN THINK THIS?! YOU’RE NOT THE COLT I MARRIED!” Pearl began to mercilessly slap her husband’s face repeatedly. Tears of betrayal and confusion blinded her mind refusing to contemplate living a life without both the young fillies that came from her womb. “SHE’S OUR DAUGHTER! SHE’S CALLED US “MOMMY” AND “DADDY”! HOW COULD YOU EVEN THINK OF DESTROYNIG THAT BOND?! YOU SELFISH. THOUGHTLESS. HEARTLESS. IDIOT!” Magnum took each hit his wife dealt him, not once flinching or raising his hooves to defend himself. Pearl’s muscles became limper with each blow she delivered until she was nothing but a weeping rag doll in her husband’s arms. Magnum held her tightly, blood and tears gently seeped down his face as he cried with her. A part of him thought the physical pain would help relieve the emotional stress, but it didn’t. Nothing could ever heal this. “I’m s-s-sorry, Pearl.” As the two ponies wept downstairs, Rarity snuggled tightly against her sister, who still lay sound asleep. She wrapped her forelegs around her with only one intention; to protect her from the rest of the world under any circumstances. “I won’t let anypony take you from me. I’ll give up everything I have. Everything I love. But I won’t lose you.” --- “You want to what?” Pearl asked her daughter, desperately trying to wrap her head around the question. “I want to go to Canterlot and study fashion.” Magnum raised a brow and stared at his daughter, back to his wife, then again to his daugther. “Absolutely not.” “But daddy!” “We just don’t have the money for it right now sugarplum.” “You could use my magic school money!” “Absolutely out of the question, that money is for your education. After you graduate, then we can talk about studying fashion.” Rarity’s bottom lip began to quiver and high pitched whimper began to fill the air. “Daddy, please! Please, please please!” “Rarity! You stop right now, you know how I feel about whining!” “But Daaaaaaaaaadyyyyyyyyyy!” Pearl sat down in front of daughter. “Hon, why are you so eager to go to Canterlot to study fashion all of a sudden? Why can’t it wait until after you graduate?” “It just can’t!” “Why not?” “Because!” “Because why? What aren’t you telling us?” Rarity avoided her mother’s inquisitive gaze and fixated it upon the ground below her. Feeling her parent’s eyes burning a hole through her coat eventually made her spill.“Because I don’t wanna lose Sweetie Belle!” The two parents gasped and their eyes widened. Rarity, still staring at the ground, continued. “I-I-I heard you guys talking about putting her up for adoption a few days ago… I thought that if I went to Canterlot, I could become an intern and get a job and send money so we could keep Sweetie Belle.” Pearl covered her mouth with her hoof. She was completely speechless and she looked at her husband attempting to find the words in him. He sighed and sat down in front of his eldest daughter. He put a hoof under her chin and looked into the unicorn’s tear filled eyes. “That’s very generous of you Rarity, but you’re just a filly. That kind of decision is too adult for you to make. Besides, living in Canterlot is expensive. What would you do if you didn’t get a job right away? What if you ran out of money while you were down there? Then what would you do?” “I-I…” “I know it’s hard to understand right now, but you want the best for your sister right?” Rarity’s lips began to quiver again. “The adoption agency will make sure she goes to a good home, and she’ll be with a family that loves her and will take care of her, better than we can. You’ll still get to visi–” Rarity slapped her father’s hoof away and glared at him. “I’ll sell my designs on the streets if I have to! I won’t let you take her! I love her! She’s a part of this family!” Rarity closed her eyes as she tried to stop the oncoming tears. “She’s… my sister.” “Sugarplum, I know it hurts, and I know you have good intentions but you just can’t go to Canterlot and jump into that industry just like that.” “I can do anything, I put my mind to… didn’t you teach me that daddy?” The white colt gently dropped his hoof and looked away from his daughter. “If you don’t send me there… I’ll run away myself. I’ll get a job, I’ll send money back every time I get paid. I can do this. I know I can. Just, please, mom and dad…” --- “ALL ABOARD!” The train’s whistle whirred loudly through the air as the gray furred conductor checked tickets and guided the ponies to their necessary cabins. Rarity timidly approached the conductor and presented to him her ticket. The conductor adjusted his glasses slightly and stared at the filly. Her mane was a tousled mess and her blue bag had shown signs of what appeared to be decades of overuse. However, her unique white fur coat along with the determined gleam in her young azure eyes spoke highly of her innocence. “Little young to be travelin’ alone at this hour, little miss, dontcha think?” “Oh, I’m used to it. I’m always riding the train to visit my relatives in Canterlot!” The conductor pony laughed, not once had he seen the young filly in the several years which he worked the station, but the green colored mark on her ticket was good enough reason to let her on the train. He gave her a warm smile, checked her ticket and escorted her in. “Well, let me upgrade you to our first class suite little miss, since yer such a frequent customer and all…” The gray pony took a red marker from the front pocket of his navy blue uniform and scribbled a check over the green mark. He winked and handed the young filly her ticket back. “Just go in, make a left and keep walkin’ til you see the first class cart. Enjoy yer ride little miss.” Rarity smiled at the conductor pony. “Thank you, sir.” She tucked her ticket in her bag and trotted into the train car, going left and walking down the aisle, she reached a door labeled “First Class Suite” and she pushed it open. She pushed past red curtains and her eyes widened in awe. The aisle was draped with a red carpet, there were scarlet curtains draped on every window and the seats weren’t black and plastic like the other cars, these were royal blue cushioned seats. Rarity placed her bag in the seat next to her and hopped onto one of the seats, her eyes fluttering as the soft cushion hugged her body. “This is amazing…” “Kinda young to be traveling so early and by yourself aren’t you?” Rarity’s ears perked up and her head darted to the left. Across the aisle was a mature looking milk chocolate colored unicorn sporting an elegant silky black dress. Her jet black and slight streaks of gray mane and tail were styled in beach curls that flowed down elegantly beside her. Her hazel eyes, coated with a thin layer of mascara wore an obvious ensemble of sleep deprivation. The young filly’s mouth fell agape as her nerves sealed her vocal chords shut. When her mind fully processed that this moment was real, she uttered as best she could, “Y-y-you’re T-T-Tyra Flanks!” “Dingdingdingding!” the brown mare exclaimed. Her horn illuminated with a bright golden glow and a microphone appeared. The curtains turned from scarlet red, to a silk black with laced with silver lining. A large blue banner appeared over Rarity’s head that had golden letters to spell out “Congratulations” across it. “We have a winner folks and her name is…?” Rarity’s eyes widened in awe of the magic, a blink snapped her back into reality as she looked down at the levitating microphone in front of her. “R-Rarity.” “Well R-Rarity, tell the audience how you were able to do so well on “Guess That Mare?”.” “You’re my idol! You’re the most prestigious, elegant and fashionable unicorn in ALL of Equestria!” Suddenly all the decorations vanished in thin air and Tyra put a hoof over her face to mask the flush of red reaching her cheeks. “Oh, stop it, you! You’re making me blush!” Tyra leaped from her seat and fell in front of the filly eliciting a giggle. She pressed her hooves against Rarity’s cheeks. “Tell me, young one, do you think I’m…beautiful?” Rarity nodded and buried her face in her hooves as her giggles erupted into laughter. “And what, may I ask, is so funny?” Rarity licked her lips and darted an innocent look at the fashionable diva. “It’s just, you’re really dramatic, nothing like your pictures in the magazines or the paper.” The brown unicorn stood up and took a seat next to Rarity. “Yeah, the life of a fashionista requires me to be extremely serious about my work, so rarely will you ever see a picture of me unless I’m sporting some elegant, sexy, mysterious stare.” Tyra took a moment to reenact one of her poses as she her mane slightly covered her left eye. She flipped it back and smiled, “I originally wanted to do theatre plays but I couldn’t STAND the week before the play. Did you know they will have rehearsals for 12-18 hours at a time every day before the week of the show? I applaud them, but a lady like myself needs her beauty sleep!” “So, how did you get interested in fashion Ms. Flanks?” “Please, darling, call me, Tyra.” Rarity smiled. “How’d you get into fashion, Tyra?” “Well, as I mentioned, I loved theatre, but I just simply couldn’t manage those hours. So, I got into costume designing. Turns out, I had quite the knack for it. I was a visionary of sorts. It was as if, I was the director of the play, visually. Sure, the director makes an enticing story, controlling the emotions of the audience. But when it came down to what the audience would see, it was my duty to make the world they were about to enter, realistic.” Rarity’s eyes glimmered with awe as Tyra talked. “And so, one play led to the next, soon, my designs were being written about more than the actual story line of the plays themselves. Ponies everywhere clamored for my work. I branched out into the fashion industry, have been doing well, and I’ve even made designs for some of the most famous ponies and some who show real promise. Which reminds me, keep an eye on a Ms. Sapphire Shores. She’s new but I have no doubt she’s going to blossom, and she’s going to be needing some great designs from avid aspiring fashionistas like yourself.” Rarity went star-struck again and could only bring herself to nod furiously. “Which brings me back to my question. What in Celestia’s name is a young filly like yourself doing on a train this early?” Rarity’s eyes widened. She swallowed and tried her best not to avert her gaze from Tyra’s eyes. “I’m…I’m your new intern!” Tyra raised a brow. “Really?” “Yes.” “Aren’t you a little young to be interning? Typically you have to pass beauty school before they let you intern.” “Oh, I was…a special exception. Yeah, I was top in my class, and the youngest filly they had ever seen with such a vast knowledge of fashion.” Tyra chucked to herself as Rarity sported an obvious nervous smile. “I don’t know if I’m getting older or the talent is just blossoming quicker.” Rarity allowed herself an internal deep sigh as Tyra extended a hoof. “I’m looking forward to working with you, Miss Rarity.” Rarity smiled and raised her head high, meeting Tyra’s hoof-shake.
Magnum's SecretAs if believing he could feel the heat coming from her glare, Sweetie Belle continued to stare out of the kitchen window as her father sat silently outside, fishing. When five more minutes of unbroken focus on her father’s back proved not to do anything but make her angrier, she let out a frustrated groan and slammed her hooves on the table. Pearl trotted into the kitchen just as Sweetie Belle was burying her face in her hooves. “You still upset with your father, hon? “Yes! Why won’t he tell me the rest of the story!? What’s the big deal? I get it, we were poor. That doesn’t explain why you let Rarity leave! What’s the big secret?!” Pearl sighed and gazed at her husband through the window. Her heart pounded in her chest as the conflict within made her blood churn. She knew it would be too hard for Magnum to tell the story, but Sweetie Belle did deserve to know, and there was no calming the filly’s curiosity at this point. She didn’t have to discuss the whole story, just the right piece to ease her daughter’s thoughts. Pearl bit her lip and took a deep breath before looking at her youngest daughter. “Sweetie Belle?” Sweetie Belle raised her head to meet her mother’s stern gaze. “Yeah, mom?” “What I’m about to tell you, does NOT leave this kitchen, understand?” Sweetie Belle nodded. “We, didn’t necessarily let Rarity leave… she ran away…” “Wh-what? Why?” “She needed to go to Canterlot and study fashion. I…I need you to just try to understand that ok, Sweetie?” “Ugh! You sound just like Rarity! “Try and understand” I’m tired of “”trying to understand”! What was so important about Rarity going to Canterlot that she couldn’t spend time wi-” “We were going to put you up for adoption, Sweetie Belle.” a sharp voice pierced through the air. Sweetie Belle turned around to notice her father standing in the door way, hat covering his eyes. Magnum let out a low sigh and turned to his wife and daughter. Sweetie Belle’s lips parted, her mouth hanging agape as she her eyes focused on her father. She looked up and blurted out the only words her mind could process.”Wh-what?” Pearl’s concerned gaze forced the white colt to put a hoof on her shoulder. “M-Mag, hon.” “It’s time, sugarbear,” Magnum’s eyes fell back on his youngest daughter as he sat down. “Sweetie Belle. We weren’t the wealthiest of ponies before we had you, but we were confident we’d be able to take care of a second child. Turns out, we were wrong. We wanted you to have the best, so we considered giving you to an infertile family so they could give you what we couldn’t.” Sweetie Belle’s eyes began to water as she tried to assess the truth in her father’s words. His stern glare confirmed that this was no fable and now she almost wished she hadn’t been told, yet, for some reason she couldn’t curb her ongoing curiosity. “B-but what about, Ra–.” “Rarity overheard us talking about it, and she decided she wanted to go to Canterlot to study fashion. We told her she was too young…but that didn’t stop her…” “MAG! MAG, HON! WAKE UP! WAKE UP!” Mag snorted and his eyes were assaulted with jolting scenery as his wife shook him furiously. He sat up and placed his hooves on her shoulders to calm her down, and so his brain could process what was happening. “What’s wrong, Pearl?” “SHE’S GONE! RARITY’S GONE!” “What!?” Pearl sprinted out of the room and Magnum followed her. He got to the doorway of Rarity’s room to find his eldest daughter not sleeping in her bed. He turned to his wife. “I checked the whole house, hon! Where did my baby go!?” Magnum’s eyes darted left and right, scanning the room as if the answer would materialize in front of them. They suddenly focused on the ground and he lifted his head as the realization came to him. He ran back into the room and fiddled through the back of the closet. He pushed a few boxes aside and found nothing was behind them. “No, no, no, no, NO! Pearl rushed in and gasped as she saw her husband come out of the closet. “Mag, she didn’t?!” Magnum nodded. “She did. She took her magic school money.” “But where would she…” Pearl’s eyes widened as the horrific realization struck a nerve that sent chills throughout her entire body. “…CANTERLOT!” Magnum grit his teeth, turned around and began storming down the stairs. “I’m bringing her back.” “I’m coming with you!” Pearl used her magic to quickly prepare a saddle bag of Sweetie’s things. She levitated her gurgling daughter out of her crib and down the stairs into her baby carriage. She closed the door behind her as she caught up with her husband. --- “I need two tickets for the next train to Canterlot!” Magnum bellowed as he slammed his hooves on the table. The brown pony working the desk raised a brow at the white colt beaming with rage. “I’m sorry sir, but the train is undergoing service. The next train to Canterlot won’t be leaving for another three days.” “I don’t think you understand, I need to get to Canterlot today!” “No, I don’t think you understand, sir. There’s nothing I can do.” Magnum reached under the ticket hole and pulled the brown pony up against the glass. “You listen to me, bub, you better find a way to get me to Canterlot or I swear I’ll…I’ll.” Pearl put her hooves on her husband’s back. “Mag, hon!” Magnum let go of the pony and took a deep breath. “Can you at least tell me if you saw a young filly come by here between last night and now?” “I-I-I just started my shift an hour ago, sir.” “Is there anyone else working right now who would’ve been here at that time?” Pearl chimed. “Well, Herb, the conductor. He drives the train and checks the tickets, so if a young filly were to board an early train I’m sure he’d know something about it.” “Where can we find him?” “He’d be outside, he’s required to stay around the train when it’s in service.” Pearl and Magnum rushed outside to see a gray pony eyeing the train and giving instructions to the workers. “Yeah, I get a little bit of a pull when I try to brake, and I think there may be some coal residue caught up in the engine somewhere.” “Herb?” Pearl inquired. The gray pony turned around and smiled. “That’s my name? What can I do ya for?” “Herb, did you at all see a little filly come this way between last night and now. She’s got a white coat, purple mane and tail, the most adorable azure colored-“ “Ahhh yeah, I remember that sweet little filly.” Pearl and Magnum looked at each other and gasped. The gray pony continued. “She was so cute, she was sayin’ somethin’ about visiting her relatives in Canterlot and how she’s always on the train this early. O’course I knew that couldn’t be true because I had never seen the young girl before and I always work the late night/early morning shift.” Magnum blinked and shook his head. “Wait, so…you let her on even though you knew she was lying to you?” “Well, yeah, she had paid for her ticket, I even upgraded her to fir-“ The conductor’s words were cut short by a blow to the face from Magnum. He pounced on top of the gray pony and began to deliver pound after pound into his face. Pearl screamed and tried to pull her husband off. “Mag, hon! Stop!” “ARE YOU STUPID?! WHY WOULD YOU LET A FILLY GET ON A TRAIN BY HERSELF! YOU IGNORANT, OLD, STUPID, THOUGHTLESS, FOAL!” Pearl kept trying to stop her husband’s blows until the noise from the yelling caused Sweetie Belle to cry. She rushed over and tried to calm her. Hearing the yelling and screaming, a couple of nearby officer ponies arrived and, noticing the beating, tackled Magnum and started carrying him away. “Magnum!” Magnum grunted and struggled as he tried to get free of the officers’ grip. “LET GO OF ME!” --- “Two days?!” Magnum eyed his wife’s disapproved glare before stomping his hooves into the ground. He pressed his head against the metal bars that separated them. “You’re lucky it wasn’t more, hon.” Pearl gently rocked her daughter to sleep before gently setting her in the carriage. The mother’s loving gaze scrunching into one of ire as she looked up at her husband. “What were you thinking?” “I don’t know, Pearl. The thought of somepony being so stupid as to let a filly that young get on a train, and that fact that it was our daughter…I…I just snapped.” Pearl shook her head in disgust. “I can’t believe you.” “You’re seriously putting all the blame on me? What about Mr. “Oh she was such a sweet filly, I just had to let her get on the train!” Magnum shook his hooves while mimicking the elderly pony’s vernacular. “He was doing his job. Rarity paid for her ticket. He was obligated to let her go.” The slap from his wife’s comment caused Magnum to raise a brow and cock his head back. “So you’re on his side now?” “I am on the side that makes sure my Rarity gets home safely.” “What do you think I was trying to do, sugarbear?” a condescending tone rolling off of Magnum’s tongue. “By using your hooves to rough up every pony you see? You’ve never been that violent before!” “Forgive me, if I’m so passionate about my child that I tend to lose my patience with morons!” “The only moron here is you, Magnum!” Magnum squinted in disbelief, he blinked a few times and looked left and right to assure he wasn’t in some weird dream, then looked back at his wife. “Excuse me?” “Yes! You. Are. A. MORON!” “IF BEING A MORON MEANS PROTECTING MY FAMILY TH-” “AND HOW ARE YOU PROTECTING US RIGHT NOW MAGNUM?! HUH?! HOW ARE YOU PROTECTING RARITY BY USING YOUR HOOVES TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS AND GETTING LOCKED UP IN HERE FOR TWO DAYS!? TELL ME THAT!” Magnum opened his mouth to respond then curled his lips and swallowed. “I…I wasn’t thinking…” “EXACTLY!” Pearl bellowed, tears now welling up in her eyes. “You’re the head of this household and you didn’t think! What if you had killed him, Mag?! You’d be here for LIFE! Did you ever stop to think about that? Think about what it’d be like to only have your daughters see you during visiting hours?!” “I lost my temper. ok?! I admit it! I’m sorry!” Magnum’s breathing became heavy and staggered. Tears filled his eyes as he shook his head and looked around before looking back at his sorrowful wife. “It’s just…I’ve never felt so emasculated, sugarbear...” Pearl sniffed and wiped her eyes with her hooves. “I lose my job, then our money, and…and now my first born daughter?” Magnum gently grabbed onto the metals bars as his eyes danced around the room. His reality closed in on him like a slow immune destroying virus, his breaths became more staggered and he struggled to fight tears with deep inhales that only erupted as short gasps. He turned around and slid down the bars as they were the only thing that supported the back of his head as he stared at the gritty cement ceiling. “What kind of stallion am I?” Pearl’s gaze softened with each word Magnum spoke. She swallowed, attempting to stop new tears from forming, but the ones flowing freely from her husband’s eyes shattered her spirit. She wasn’t sure if she was upset at herself for crying, or upset at Magnum for making it happen. She wanted to be mad at him, mad at his decision that could’ve been more costly had the police not stepped in, but she couldn’t. As each tear from his face hit the ground with what seemed like an ear shattering splash, Pearl’s annoyance at him faded away. Magnum’s sorrow was not one of the artists’ whose style had grown old and underappreciated over the changing times, nor was it the sorrow of a celebrity, whose reputation was no longer recognized by the public. This was the grief of a stallion who sacrificed his small something to give his family everything only for him to receive nothing and lose everything Yet, here she was, scolding him, for making physical what had been a mental and emotional fight since the day he lost his job. She kneeled down and stuck one hoof through the metal bars and removed the hat from his head to stroke his mane, her eyes producing more tears than his as she stared into his broken gaze. She put her horn against his and continued to run her hoof through his mane, sliding the other one past the bars to rest on his chest, cuddling him the best way she could. “You’re the greatest stallion, a mare could ever ask for.” Magnum’s staggered breaths began to space out as his eyes met Pearl’s. “P-Pearl…” “You’re a fantastic colt, a great husband, and even more important, a wonderful father.” The two ponies closed their yes and basked in a few second cuddle cry. When the tears dried, they stood up again and smiled at each other. Magnum gazed at his hat, the beautiful straw piece his on the run daughter had made reminding him that time was of the essence. “Sugarbear, my stupid decision got me locked up in here bu−“ “Say no more, hon.” Pearl said as two tickets to Canterlot levitated in front of them. “Train leaves tonight.” “Two tickets?” “For me and Sweetie Belle.” “Why not just leave her here with me? Leave her diapers and foo−” Pearl puts a hoof on Magnum’s head. “Sugarbear, what are you doing?” “Checking to see if you have hay fever, because you must be sick if you think for a second my baby is spending two days in ANY cell.” Magnum couldn’t help but chuckle. “You always know how to make me smile.” The two ponies embraced with a short passionate kiss. Magnum looked at the carriage where is younger daughter slept soundly, and then back to his wife. “Be careful.” “I will, hon.”
