Desperate Cutie Marksby The Demon of SlothChaptersChapter 1-The adventure begins!Chapter 2- Getting to the Everfree ForestChapter 3: The dangers withinChapter 4:The shocking truthChapter 5: Home of the Hearts DesireChapter 6: Identity revealedAuthors notes and apologiesChapter 1-The adventure begins! A cutie mark represents a pony's special talent. Getting one was not easy. Many ponies have their stories on how they got their cutie marks. Some had to go through difficult tasks to get it. Others just got it by doing something simple like cooking to get theirs. But, what if a pony doesn't want to wait and desperately want to get theirs? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Applejack! Come quick! You just gotta see this! Bring big mac and granny smith too!!" Applebloom squealed to her big sister. "Calm down Sugarcube, tell me what's makin' ya so excited." Applejack said in a soothing voice as she walked to the fields where Applebloom was sitting. Suddenly, she felt that something wasn't right. Something was different about her. She saw an black spot at her flank. "What the hay, could this be true?" Applejack felt her hooves full with energy as sher ran closer to her sister. When she was close enough, she saw reality sink in. Apple bloom did it! She finally got her cutie mark! It was a half sliced apple, and itside it was a paintbrush painting a heart in red paint. "My, my Applebloom! You finally got your cutie mark! I'm so proud if you!" Applejack cried as she embraced her sister tightly. After a few moments, they finally let go of each other, "so, care to tell me how--" Applejack was cut short by Granny Smith. "What's da' commotion about? What's so..." "Honey bunches! You finally got your cutie mark!" Granny Smith exclaimed as she nuzzled Applebloom. Big mac was next to Granny Smith, and said "Eeyup!" "Care to tell us how ya' got your cutie mark?" Applejack said a sthe family gathered round Applebloom to hear her story. Applebloom squealed in delight. "Okay, I woke up at 6 in the morning cause I was woken up by some noises made by some animal. I went downstairs to check it out. Even though it was still early, I had to go to see if I can stop it from making noise disturbing me. When I got down, I saw a bird's nest being squished on the ground. The bird was really sad and started chirping loudly. I felt sorry for the bird, so i rushed to get twig, hay and shedded feathers to make a nest for it. I even painted it with many bright colours. After it dried, I gave it to the bird and helped it put it up onto the branch. It chirped happily, like it was thanking me. I then realised that the apple trees were dry and yellow. I used the water sprinkler and watered the trees. When I was done, I saw a bright light flashing on my flank, and my cutie mark appeared." The others were amazed. Two talents, one cutie mark! ***************************************************************************************************************** "C'mon Scootalo! you can do it!" Rainbow Dash cheered as Scootalo looked at the rings of fire. "Can I do this?" "Of course you can! Believe in yourself!" Scootalo locked her eyes to the fire rings straight at her. She flapped her wings vigrously, flew of the patch of cloud and straight to the fire rings. She was able to go through the first few rings as they were lined straight. The othere needed a little steering to get through. While she was trying to get through a fire ring, the fire burned the tip of the wing. She was shocked! She looked behind her and saw the tip of her wings was black. She was to busy looking at her injured wing that she did not look ahead, which was a fire ring! "Watch out Scootalo!" Rainbow shouted. Scootalo looked in front, realising she was going to crash! she tried to dodge, but her body was burned by the flames. She could feel the fear inside her as she lost control. She felt as if she was going to die, but a message flashed through her mind: "No! you can't die yet! Your still young,and you haven't even got your cutie mark!" Cutie mark. Those words got her to get back to her senses, and conquer the challenges and difficulties. She fearlesssly flew through the fire rings at an incredible speed. As she passed the last fire ring, she flew back to Rainbow Dash who had he rmouth open in shock. "What? Is there something wrong apart from my injuries?" Scootalo asked in confusion. "Look at your flank..." "My flank? What's wrong with--" She turned her head and spooted.... her cutie mark! It was a orange and purple flaming lightning bolt! "Oh my gosh! Scootalo! You earned your cutie mark! Congragulations!" Rainbow dash screamed as they did a high-five with their hooves. ************************************************************************************************************************ "Why aren't Applebloom and Scootaloo here yet? They called me here to meet. What's up with them?" Sweetie Belle thought to herself as she sat on the rug in the CMC clubhouse. Soon she heard someone climbing up the ladder. It was Applebloom and Scootalo. They were wearing dresses! "Why are you 2 dressed up? What's the occasion?" Sweetie Belle asked, with a confused look on her face. Both fillies grinned, then they removed their dresses, revealing their cutie marks! Sweetie Belle looked at them, mouth open wide, then she smiled. "Congrats!" The three hugged each other excitedly. "Care to share how you got your cutie marks?" ************************************************************************************************************************* Sweetie Belle looked out of the window of her room. She could see Luna's moon and stars, twinkling in the beautiful night sky. Miss Cheerilee told them 1000 years ago, Princess Luna turned to Nightmare moon because she was jealous of her sister's day and the ponies ignored her beautiful night. Who said the night wasn't magnificent? Sweetie belle LOVED the constellations made by the stars. She especially adored the Cygnus constellation, as her favourite animal was the swan. As she looked at the constelations aove the black sky, she wondered "Why did Applebloom and Scootalo already got their cutie mark, and not me? I tried everything I could think of to get mine, but why does it not appear?" She just imagine a life with a cutie mark. She would be reconized by the students by her cutie mark, and Diamond Tiara and Silverspoon wouldn't tease her for being a blank flank. She was told that she had to wait , good things come to those who wait, but she had waited long enough! It was already October, and no cutie mark! Her friends founded the CMC club during the start of the school year. She took a total of 9 months to find her's, but still..... She remembered that Applebloom used heart's desire when she was desperate to ger her cutie mark, which she ended up making a grave mistake, giving her the cutie-pox. If Sweetie Belle wanted a cutie mark the easy way AND withiut making the mistake Applebloom made, it was going to be a challenging task. "The heart's desire is in the Everfree forest,so I must go there and get that flower!" thought Sweetie Belle. She was determined and willing to do anything to get her cutie mark. She took out her saddlebag from the cupboard, sneaked out of her room silently and took some food, water, a torchlight, ropes and other neccesary things she needed for the journey. After she was done, she placed her saddlebag back to the cupboard and went back to sleep. "Tommorow, tommorow." she thought. "I would begin my mission." Chapter 2- Getting to the Everfree Forest "RIINGGGGG!!!!" "What the hay, why so early, alarm clock?" Sweetie Belle groaned as she reached for the button to silent her alarm clock, when she knocked it off the drawer top. "Oh great, just great...." She staggered out of her bed to retrieve the alarm clock, when she saw the saddlebag. "OH, YEAH!! I should be going now!!!!!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, then cupped her mouth with her hoof.She did not want to wake her sister up. Quietly, she went to the bathroom to wash up, took some food to eat as breakfast, then returned to her room to retrieve her saddlebag. She looked at her watch she was wearing (She got that watch on her birthday). It was 6am now. If she hurried, she might be able to get out of town before 7, when ponies wake up and go to work or to school. Sweetie Belle sneaked out of her house with her black cloak, and walked cautionsly on the dirt paths. She was not sure of a shortcut to the forest, but she didn't want to waste her precious time finding one, so she just continued walking. She tried her best to aviod windows and doors of houses, tried to hide behind anything she could find as she walked, and hid when she heard a noise to arose her suspicion that somepony was coming. After dodging and hiding, twists and turns, she reached Fluttershy's house. Her house was a few killometers away from the everfree forest, so she just needed to pass her house to reach her destination. She tried really hard to walk quietly so as not to wake up the sleeping animals. When she was near the chicken coop, she walked really slowly and extra quietly so as not to wake up the chickens. She remembered Fluttershy telling her that one of her chickens, Elizabeak, was very sensitive to noise. Whenever she hears loud, creepy, or any noise that was unfamiliar to her, she would screech really loudly. Her heart beat really fast at every step she took, afraid to awake the chicken she was so scared to awaken. Better safe than sorry. After she walked a few meters away from the chicken coop, she heard the rooster shrieked "COCK-A-DOODLE-DOOOO!!!" The noise made Sweetie Belle galloped really fast, her cloak tailing behind her. She glanced at her watch. It was already seven! The sun soon rised to the dark violet sky, turning the sky's colour from dark violet to orange and light yellow. The sunrise was beautiful. It was so beautiful that she stopped for a while to look at the sunrise. At one moment she felt so peaceful, another moment she realised that she needed to rush into the forest to hide. She galloped as fast as ever. She ducked under a branch and hid behind a tree. At that moment, Fluttershy stepped out of the door. She fed the animals, then left to the market to buy her weekly groceries. Sweetie Belle sighed in relief. "If I had not hid fast enough, I would have been caught red handed!" She then turned to a dirt path and went into the depths of the forest. ********************************************************************************************* "DIING DONGGG!" The bells of the kindergarden rang, signalling the start of school. Students bid farewell to their parents as they ran into the classroom, sat on their desks and waited for their teacher to come in. A few minutes later, Miss Cheerillee stepped into the class. The students stood up and greeted their teacher, then sat doen again. Miss Cheerilee placed her books on her desk, she took the attendance list and started taking the class attendance. "Applebloom?" "Here." "scootaloo?" "Here." (After 3 minutes of calling names) "Sweetie Belle." "......." "Isn't Sweetie Belle here today?" " Miss Cheerilee, Sweetie Belle is absent today." Dinky said as she raised her hoof. "Then, let's start today's lesson, shall we?" *********************************************************************************************** School had just ended. All the students packed their bags and ran out of the classroom to their parents who bought them home. "Let's go to Sweetie Belle's house to give her today's homework. Okay?" Scootalo said. "Ok." said Applebloom. When thay reached Sweetie Belle's house, they heard Rarity scream " .......This is the WORST POSSIBLE THING!!" The two fillies walked into the house, they saw Rarity lying on her couch with her right hoof on her forehead.Her Friends were there, looking around frantically. Twilight walked towards them and asked "Have you seen Sweetie Belle today?" "Nope, we came here to give her today's homework." Scootalo replied. "Is something wrong?" "Well, Rarity woke up this morning to find Sweetie Belle missing. She also left this piece of note..." Twilight explained as she showed them the note. It stated: "Dear sister: Sorry that I ran away from home,but I have left to find my cutie mark--my destiny! It's been nine months and no cutie mark! Applebloom and Scootaloo already got theirs, so am I! Wish jme luck! You little sis, Sweetie Belle. P.S: Do not look for me in the Everfree forest because Im not there." "OH NO!! Sweetie Belle went to the Everfree forest! She's alone too! What'll happen to her?" Applebloom exclaimed, with tension in her voice. "We've gotta find her then!" Twilight said in a determined voice as she called everyone round. "Here's our plan........." *********************************************************************************************** "Let's go then!!!" What are we waitin' for? Christmas?!" Pinkie pie exclaimed a sshe raced out of the door along with the others. "Can we come along? after all, Sweetie Belle's our friend! Can we, please? We know it's dangerous, but we cannot just sit here and do nothing! Can we, Please?????" Scootaloo and Applebloom chourused together. Twilight thought for a moment, then sighed "Alright then, but don't cause any trouble while we're there!" "You can count on us!" The fillies saluted to Twilght, then ran to catch up with the others. "Don't worry, Sweetie Belle! Your friends will save you!" Chapter 3: The dangers withinThe dead leaves and rotten twigs crunched underneath Sweetie Belle's hooves in every step she took. Even though those sounds didn't bother her the least bit, in her heart she was still afraid. "What if I run into some beasts on the way? What will I do, I don't have any defences!" She thought nervously as her heart hammered wildly. She was too busy into her thoughts that she did not notice a green scaly tail blocking her path. She tripped over it, landing on the dirt with a loud thud. The young unicorn winced in pain as she stumbled back up. she turned her head around to see what she had tripped on, which then made her freeze, and shake in fear. "The Cockatraice!!" Sweetie Belle thought in horror as she noticed the animal getting up, annoyed by whoever woke it up. A message flashed through her mind "Quick! Get yourself out of here before the Cockatraice sees you!!!" She immediately dashed off, her cloak tailing behind her. The cockatraice immediately gave chase. Her heart pounded furiously as sweat trickled down her forehead to her chin. She wanted to see if she lost the Cockatraice, but in her heart she knew well that if she looked into it in the eyes, she would turn to stone. She gulped in fear. she did not want to turn to a statue now, not so soon! As soon as her imagination grow wilder, she felt energy humming through her legs as she ran fast like never before. She squeezed her eyes shut, too afraid to open them. Wrong desicion. She hit on her head on a tree trunk. She soon saw stars, then squeezed her eyes shut as she buried her eyes with her hooves. The aggresive animal used its claws to scratch it, trying to make eye contact. Sweetie Belle squeezed her eyes really tight till she shedded tears. She couldn't look, not even peek.Her breathing rate shot higher as the Cockatraice succesfully removed her hooves from her face. As just as it was going to turn the poor filly into stone, it heard a noise that made it yelp in surprise and flew away into the drooping leaves of the trees. Sweetie Belle breathed heavily as she slowly opened her eyes, panting . She gingerly stood up and looked around her. What made the Cockatraice ran away? Definately not Fluttershy, as she could have used the stare to frighten it. So it was something or someone might have scared it off. But, who or what was it? A horrible stench snapped her out of her thoughts. She covered her nose, disgust written all over her face. The stench came from a nearby bush. She soon saw glowing eyes staring at Sweetie Belle. She shivered slightly, then tried to stand back, but her legs were numb, she couldn't move. She was paralysed with fear! The glowing eyes approached her, the stench stronger now. Then many glowing eyes followed behind the figure that edged closer to Sweetie Belle. The figure soon gingerly walked out of the shadows, revealing branches and twigs with leaves. She felt like screaming, but nothing came out of her throat. Cold sweat trickled down her forehead as she backed away, realising that she was face to face with a herd of timberwolves! She then suddenly she broke into a run. The Timberwolves chased her, snarling. Sweetie Belle ran and ran, panting heavily, She was starting to wear out, but the Timberwolves were hot on her heels. If she stopped, she would become the Timberwolves lunch. She swiftly doged the obstacles ahead of her, but she knew she couldn't keep on running forever. She had to hide. But, where? Suddenly, she accidentaly tripped over a stone. She fell flat on her face. The timberwolves surrounded the frightened unicorn filly. Fear gripped her throat as the Timberwolves edged closer to her, the stench emmiting from their mouths was unbearable. She felt nausea as her face turned slightly green. The sharp fangs glistened from their jaws as they opened wide, ready to chomp Sweetie Belle into pieces! Just as she almost fainted from fright, a blast of brilliant green magic knocking the hungry animals as they collasped into a pile. She felt a sea of relief, and heaved hard. Who was her saviour anyway? She turned around to see a tall figure, with glittery, rippling mane and tail. Her magnificant wings were flapped open as the figure walked closer to Sweetie Belle. Her hooves slippers glittered in the darkness. A black cloth with a cresent was wrapped around her neck. (Is that a cloth or something?) Her long horn was also shown with a small crown on her head. As she waled close enough, she extended her hoof to her, and said in a calm, soothing voice "Hello, my dear. What are you doing in the dangerous Everfree forest?" Sweetie Belle looked up, and saw her moderate cyan eyes soften with concern. "Princess Luna........" Chapter 4:The shocking truth Meanwhile, the mane six, alongside with Scootalo and Applebloom, where heading to the Everfree forest to find Sweetie Belle. Twilight turned to Fluttershy and asked "Fluttershy, did you suspect anything suspicious this morning?" "Well, I am not sure, but... Oh yes! I remember one of my owls telling me that before he went to bed, he saw a little white uncicorn filly rushing into the Everfree forest. She was wearing a black cloak, but her horn gave her away." "So, we can be sure that Sweetie Belle is in there?" Applebloom exclaimed eagerly, turning her head around to face Futtershy and Twilight. "Of course then, since the owls said so." Scootalo replied to her friend. Applebloom's eyes sparkled. "WHAT ARE WE WAITIN' FOR THEN? CHRISTMAS?! LET'S GO!!" Applebloom shrieked, alongside with a really hyper Scootaloo as they dashed off track to the forest. "Wait up, sugarcubes! Stick together!" Applejack shouted as the mane six chased after them. ********************************************************************************************** "Princess Luna? What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Canterlot?" Sweetie Belle asked the Princess of the night. Luna giggled and replied "Oh, about that, I actually know that you are going to find the Heart's Desire, isn't that right, darling?" Sweetie Belle looked confused. "But.... how do you know that I am going to find the flower anyway..... oh, I think you witnessed what I was dreaming last night, huh?" Sweetie Belle blushed at the thought of the dream she had last night. Sweetie Belle walked aimlessly around the forest. “Where am I going to anyway?” She thought to herself as she looked around her surrounding. There was green mist everywhere, thick branches sticked out of the bare trees. Thorns from torn bushes infested most of the ground, ready to prick on anypony that step on it. Sweetie Belle walked carefully, avoiding the thorns and branches that were going to scratch her face if she were not careful. She soon stumbled across an ancient castle. The castle walls were now “decorated” with ivory clinging on it, cracks on the walls, dust and cobwebs could be seen everywhere. Sweetie Belle walked up a spiral staircase which led to the top floor of the castle. When she finally reached the top, she sat down and panted heavily, trying to catch her breath. Boy, there are so many stairs to climb! Sweetie Belle noticed a huge chest which was locked shut. It looked almost impossible to open. Except, only the key was right next to it. Sweetie Belle *sweat dropped. She hastily unlocked the chest with the key and opened the heavy lid with a “creak”. When she opened it, she saw the thing that she wanted dearly. Hearts Desire! Finally, it was in her hooves now! Suddenly the Hearts Desire glowed brightly in a magical magenta aurora. Sweetie Belle’s flank shined with light, soon the light settled, which revealed her………….. "Then I woke up." Sweetie Belle sighed. I didn't get to see what my cutie mark was. Luna giggled again, shaking her head. She knew many blank flanks have always dreamed that they got their cutie marks, This wasn't surprising. Luna then said "I am actually here to inform you that... the Hearts Desire is not here." Sweetie Belle turned pale, she looked like as if she was going to faint. She suddenly burst into tears. "Why? I risked my life to find it, and now you are telling me that the Heart's Desire is not here?" Luna hugged the unicorn filly, patting her head gently with her hoof. "There, there. Don't cry, darling. I didn't come all the way here just to find and tell you that a flower is not here." Luna comforted Sweetie Belle as she looked at Luna with her teary eyes. "What is it then?" She asked out of curiosity. "I'm also going to inform you that the Heart's Desire is somewhere at the far east of Equestria, near the Changeling Kingdom. Only a few ponies know that, as it is a secret place. When they try to get it, they only end up captured by the Changelings and to feed their brood." Sweetie Belle gasped in horror. How pitiful! She just could imagine the poor ponies captured by the Changelings and squeezing out all their love for food. Luna noticed Sweetie Belle's discomfort and she was scared, worried, depressed, all kinds of negative emotions written all over her face. She decided to cheer her up by adding "I am also here to help you get the Hearts Desire!" "Really?" "Yes, seeing you desperately wanting to get your cutie mark and your perseverance, I think you are actually worthy to get that rare plant." "Then, what are we waiting for? Let's go Princess!" "Woah, there, you can just call me Luna, I'm your friend now, formal language would rather be used in public. Alright, let's go! Hop on , Sweetie!" Luna kneeled down low enough for Sweetie Belle to climb on. She then spread open her wings and flew up into the sky. "Whee! This is so much fun!" Sweetie Belle squealed in excitement as she grabbed Luna's blue rippling mane as they headed to their destination! *********************************************************************************************** Meanwhile, the others were shouting out at the top of their lungs "SWEETIE BELLE! SWEETIE BELLE! WHERE ARE YOU?!" Rarity and Fluttershy were already out of breath from screaming and shouting. "We are never going to find my darling! This is the WORST- POSSINBLE- THING! Rainbow Dash managed to catch Rarity before she fainted. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie shrieked " Lookie look! There's Princess Luna, oh and Sweetie Belle!" Everybody looked up and saw Luna with Sweetie Belle! They are even not even heading anywhere close to Ponyville neither Canterlot! "Where in the wide wide world of Equestria is Princess Luna bring Sweetie Belle to?" Twilight wondered aloud. "I don't know, but we gotta find out! Applejack said as she ssignalled to the others to follow the Princess. **************************************************************************************** Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle was having a whale of a time flying with Luna. Yet, she did not notice Luna's eyes flashed an evil green. She smirked and whispered : "Oh, Sweetie Belle, you are about to make things more interesting..." Chapter 5: Home of the Hearts Desire The mane six and the CMC's were struggling to chase up Princess Luna and Sweetie Belle. They were flying at an incredible speed! It was really tough to catch up with them, even Rainbow Dash was panting and flapping her wings vigrously to catch up. "We are never going to catch up to them!" Applejack panted between breaths. "Oh yes we will! Don't give up!" Twilight encouraged. Twilight found it strange.No alicorn can fly that fast! She read from the books that alicorns are made up of 3 races, Earth, peagus and unicorns. Peaguses have light bones so it's easier for them to fly. So, the princesses have bigger wings to help them fly. Flying can be very tiring, so they usually travel on flying carriages. Things just did not make sense. Princess Luna was flying so fast, even Rainbow can't even catch up! "C'mon girls! I've got a plan!" Twilight's horn then glowed brilliant rasberry.Soon everyone's bodies were glowing, then dissapeared. ******************************************************************************* Meanwhile, Princess Luna was too busy focusing on reaching her destination to notice what was happening below. The more she thought of it, the more her evil laugh grew louder and her eyes were frequently flashing green. Sweetie Belle noticed Luna's peculiar behaviour, and got a little tensed up. Luna never acted like that! It was unlikely for a princess for her eyes to flash green and laugh evily, unless she's insane.... "Um, Luna? Why are you laughing so evily? Your eyes keep flashin green! Is anything wrong? "Oh, uh, nothing! Absolutely nothing! It's just... err.... A new trick I learned during Nightmare Night!" "Ohh! That's awesome! Can you teach me too? Pretty please!" "Alright, after you get your cutie mark, I'll teach you the trick! How does that sound like?" "Yipee! That way, I get to earn a cutie mark AND a new trick! Awesome!" "Yes, it will be when the blood on your little body and your cutie mark...' Luna thought to herself. Soon Luna flew above a vast and dry desert, with no signs of life except the cacti with sharp and threathening thorns. Bones were scattered everywhere and the stench of rotting meat was strong. Maggots were seen feeding on the meat that sticked on the bones. Dried blood caked the bones and stained the sand, only to be swept away the desert winds. The weater was extremely harsh, the sunlight was really strong, sending harmful rays down to the sandy ground.The sandstorms sent sand and whatever was on it's path a few yards away. This desert is definately not a tourist attraction. Sweetie Belle felt faint. The sight was too terrible for a young filly to witness. Luna coaxed her by saying "Hold on, we are almost there." At last they reached their destination.It was a huge cave entrance. Inside of the cave was too dark too see. Awkward and creepy sound could be faintly heard from the inside. Sweetie Belle gulped. However, Luna ignored her. She used her magic to shine some light, so they could see where they were going. After the light was at a brightness that was preffered, she signalled Sweetie Belle to follow her.Sweetie Belle nooded, with shaky legs, she gingerly followed Luna into the depths of the cave. ******************************************************************************* A bright, eye piercing light filled the darkness. Soon, the light settled to reveal six mares and three fillies. Twilight wiped her sweaty forehead and said "Well, that was one crazy ride, but it worked!" Rarity flicked her mane and replied in an annoyed manner "Oh, that WAS one bumpy ride I got, but why are we here? Do you know where we are anyway? The ground is making my hooves dirty!" Applejack groaned in annoyance and retorted "Hey, Twilight was trying to help! Would you rather run or teleport? besides, we are here to look for your sister!" Rarity was too busy on bothering how she looked and almost forgot her sister! she soon gasped in pure shock and whinned "Then what are we standing around for?! Wait until whatever-has-gotten-with-the-lunatic-princess do something bad to my darling?!" Twilight walked to Rarity, placed her hoof onto Rarity's back, and assured her by saying "it's alright, I used a spell that teleportes us to Princess Luna's destination, and now I suspect that she took Sweetie Belle into that cave." She ended by pointing at the cave with her hoof. The two fillies of the CMC's could not stand still anymore. They were all pumped up and shivering with excitement. They rushed into the cave without informing their sisters. "Wait up you two! You don't wanna get lost in the cave, do you?" Rainbow Dash shouted to them, waving her hoof and chasing after them. The rest followed after the blue peaguses into the darkness of the cave. Chapter 6: Identity revealed "Um... Luna, are you sure you know where we're goin'?" "Sweetie Belle, that's the fifth time you've asked, and the answer is as usual, yes..." Sweetie Belle shivered when a sudden cold wind rushed past them. Her green eyes scanned her surroundings desperately and worriedly. It couldn't be a ghost -- can it? Sweetie Belle was told that whenever somepony feels a cold wind pass thorough, that means that a ghost has floated past. The unicorn filly never believed in supernatural stuff, which she thinks it's all mumbo jumbo, make believe to be exact. however, on a day like today - she reconsidered whether ghosts are an old mare's tale anymore. As the cave's floor was rough and bumpy, there was a high chance that she might trip over. Sweetie Belle tried to be more careful when she walked. Jumping over stones, leaping over boulders (small ones) and tip toeing over sharp edged stones. Luna was strolling when she suddenly stopped. "Why'd you stop?" Luna turned her head to face the curious white unicorn filly and spoke in a serious tone: "There are many strange and dangerous creatures living here in this very cave. Whatever you do, don't wander off on your own." "O -- okay." Luna gave her an eerie smile and patted her little head. "Good filly." Sweetie Belle giggled nervously. Something was definitely wrong with Luna. **************************************************************************** Fluttershy quivered like a leaf in fear. Even though they have not ventured a mile deep in the cave, she looked like she would snap into two like a twig. "Umph -- umph... ca -- can I st -- stay here while you go find Sweetie Belle...?" "C'mon Fluttershy! Don't be such a scardy cat! What did you come here for? Now get those hooves going!" Rainbow lamented, pushing Fluttershy into the cave. The dirt was flying in all directions as fluttershy's hooves flailed desperately. Twilight sighed in annoyance, staring at the two bickering ponies. Twilight used her magic to levitate Fluttershy, and then trotted into the cave. Rainbow landed on the dirt floor on her face with a thud. Rainbow got up and spitted out the dirt in her mouth, like an unsatisfied animal spitting out its food that was served to it. "Eww, gross." Rainbow complained, disgusted. "Hurry up Rainbow!" Applejack called to the pegasus, who groaned and reluctantly trailed along behind the gang. The cave was definitely not welcoming. It was pitch dark, bats flapping its wings could be heard, strange cricketing filling up the empty space of the cave and squishing noises from walking creatures. Fluttershy was quivering like a leaf in fear. She wanted to rescue Sweetie Belle and get out of here -- quickly. **************************************************************************** "Here it is, Sweetie Belle." Luna declared to her. After a day of travelling, it was all worth it. There it laid the heart's desire in full bloom. Its vibrant petals glowing softly. Sweetie Belle's emerald eyes gleamed in awe and excitement. She couldn't wait to get started! "Oh, oh! Luna! Let's start, shall we?" "Of courssse we can. Jussst follow me." Luna hissed, with a tingle of evil in her voice. The unicorn filly shivered and managed to flash a weak smile. A soon as Sweetie Belle reached close enough to the flower, Luna's eyes and horn flashed brilliant green. Shadows started looming around the cave. Suddenly, a black figure lashed out at Sweetie Belle. She yelped in surprise. Her eyes widened in horror. It was a changeling. A/N: So sorry for the SUPER LONG update. My inspiration flame has been put out, but now it's back. This chapter is short, I'm so sorry! :( Authors notes and apologiesI am very sorry to say, I am cancelling this. I don't have any inspiration to continue anymore. Thank you all who have been supporting this fic all the while, it is gladly appreciated. For the ending, The mane six and Sweetie Belle's friends arrived just in time. They had to fight off the changelings, winning in the end. Even though Sweetie Belle hasn't earned her cutie mark, she learned a very important lesson, which is to be patient and not rush into things. Thank you for the people who enjoyed reading this fic, it has been a pleasure. Have a nice day ~Aqqo
Chapter 1-The adventure begins! A cutie mark represents a pony's special talent. Getting one was not easy. Many ponies have their stories on how they got their cutie marks. Some had to go through difficult tasks to get it. Others just got it by doing something simple like cooking to get theirs. But, what if a pony doesn't want to wait and desperately want to get theirs? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Applejack! Come quick! You just gotta see this! Bring big mac and granny smith too!!" Applebloom squealed to her big sister. "Calm down Sugarcube, tell me what's makin' ya so excited." Applejack said in a soothing voice as she walked to the fields where Applebloom was sitting. Suddenly, she felt that something wasn't right. Something was different about her. She saw an black spot at her flank. "What the hay, could this be true?" Applejack felt her hooves full with energy as sher ran closer to her sister. When she was close enough, she saw reality sink in. Apple bloom did it! She finally got her cutie mark! It was a half sliced apple, and itside it was a paintbrush painting a heart in red paint. "My, my Applebloom! You finally got your cutie mark! I'm so proud if you!" Applejack cried as she embraced her sister tightly. After a few moments, they finally let go of each other, "so, care to tell me how--" Applejack was cut short by Granny Smith. "What's da' commotion about? What's so..." "Honey bunches! You finally got your cutie mark!" Granny Smith exclaimed as she nuzzled Applebloom. Big mac was next to Granny Smith, and said "Eeyup!" "Care to tell us how ya' got your cutie mark?" Applejack said a sthe family gathered round Applebloom to hear her story. Applebloom squealed in delight. "Okay, I woke up at 6 in the morning cause I was woken up by some noises made by some animal. I went downstairs to check it out. Even though it was still early, I had to go to see if I can stop it from making noise disturbing me. When I got down, I saw a bird's nest being squished on the ground. The bird was really sad and started chirping loudly. I felt sorry for the bird, so i rushed to get twig, hay and shedded feathers to make a nest for it. I even painted it with many bright colours. After it dried, I gave it to the bird and helped it put it up onto the branch. It chirped happily, like it was thanking me. I then realised that the apple trees were dry and yellow. I used the water sprinkler and watered the trees. When I was done, I saw a bright light flashing on my flank, and my cutie mark appeared." The others were amazed. Two talents, one cutie mark! ***************************************************************************************************************** "C'mon Scootalo! you can do it!" Rainbow Dash cheered as Scootalo looked at the rings of fire. "Can I do this?" "Of course you can! Believe in yourself!" Scootalo locked her eyes to the fire rings straight at her. She flapped her wings vigrously, flew of the patch of cloud and straight to the fire rings. She was able to go through the first few rings as they were lined straight. The othere needed a little steering to get through. While she was trying to get through a fire ring, the fire burned the tip of the wing. She was shocked! She looked behind her and saw the tip of her wings was black. She was to busy looking at her injured wing that she did not look ahead, which was a fire ring! "Watch out Scootalo!" Rainbow shouted. Scootalo looked in front, realising she was going to crash! she tried to dodge, but her body was burned by the flames. She could feel the fear inside her as she lost control. She felt as if she was going to die, but a message flashed through her mind: "No! you can't die yet! Your still young,and you haven't even got your cutie mark!" Cutie mark. Those words got her to get back to her senses, and conquer the challenges and difficulties. She fearlesssly flew through the fire rings at an incredible speed. As she passed the last fire ring, she flew back to Rainbow Dash who had he rmouth open in shock. "What? Is there something wrong apart from my injuries?" Scootalo asked in confusion. "Look at your flank..." "My flank? What's wrong with--" She turned her head and spooted.... her cutie mark! It was a orange and purple flaming lightning bolt! "Oh my gosh! Scootalo! You earned your cutie mark! Congragulations!" Rainbow dash screamed as they did a high-five with their hooves. ************************************************************************************************************************ "Why aren't Applebloom and Scootaloo here yet? They called me here to meet. What's up with them?" Sweetie Belle thought to herself as she sat on the rug in the CMC clubhouse. Soon she heard someone climbing up the ladder. It was Applebloom and Scootalo. They were wearing dresses! "Why are you 2 dressed up? What's the occasion?" Sweetie Belle asked, with a confused look on her face. Both fillies grinned, then they removed their dresses, revealing their cutie marks! Sweetie Belle looked at them, mouth open wide, then she smiled. "Congrats!" The three hugged each other excitedly. "Care to share how you got your cutie marks?" ************************************************************************************************************************* Sweetie Belle looked out of the window of her room. She could see Luna's moon and stars, twinkling in the beautiful night sky. Miss Cheerilee told them 1000 years ago, Princess Luna turned to Nightmare moon because she was jealous of her sister's day and the ponies ignored her beautiful night. Who said the night wasn't magnificent? Sweetie belle LOVED the constellations made by the stars. She especially adored the Cygnus constellation, as her favourite animal was the swan. As she looked at the constelations aove the black sky, she wondered "Why did Applebloom and Scootalo already got their cutie mark, and not me? I tried everything I could think of to get mine, but why does it not appear?" She just imagine a life with a cutie mark. She would be reconized by the students by her cutie mark, and Diamond Tiara and Silverspoon wouldn't tease her for being a blank flank. She was told that she had to wait , good things come to those who wait, but she had waited long enough! It was already October, and no cutie mark! Her friends founded the CMC club during the start of the school year. She took a total of 9 months to find her's, but still..... She remembered that Applebloom used heart's desire when she was desperate to ger her cutie mark, which she ended up making a grave mistake, giving her the cutie-pox. If Sweetie Belle wanted a cutie mark the easy way AND withiut making the mistake Applebloom made, it was going to be a challenging task. "The heart's desire is in the Everfree forest,so I must go there and get that flower!" thought Sweetie Belle. She was determined and willing to do anything to get her cutie mark. She took out her saddlebag from the cupboard, sneaked out of her room silently and took some food, water, a torchlight, ropes and other neccesary things she needed for the journey. After she was done, she placed her saddlebag back to the cupboard and went back to sleep. "Tommorow, tommorow." she thought. "I would begin my mission."
Chapter 2- Getting to the Everfree Forest "RIINGGGGG!!!!" "What the hay, why so early, alarm clock?" Sweetie Belle groaned as she reached for the button to silent her alarm clock, when she knocked it off the drawer top. "Oh great, just great...." She staggered out of her bed to retrieve the alarm clock, when she saw the saddlebag. "OH, YEAH!! I should be going now!!!!!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, then cupped her mouth with her hoof.She did not want to wake her sister up. Quietly, she went to the bathroom to wash up, took some food to eat as breakfast, then returned to her room to retrieve her saddlebag. She looked at her watch she was wearing (She got that watch on her birthday). It was 6am now. If she hurried, she might be able to get out of town before 7, when ponies wake up and go to work or to school. Sweetie Belle sneaked out of her house with her black cloak, and walked cautionsly on the dirt paths. She was not sure of a shortcut to the forest, but she didn't want to waste her precious time finding one, so she just continued walking. She tried her best to aviod windows and doors of houses, tried to hide behind anything she could find as she walked, and hid when she heard a noise to arose her suspicion that somepony was coming. After dodging and hiding, twists and turns, she reached Fluttershy's house. Her house was a few killometers away from the everfree forest, so she just needed to pass her house to reach her destination. She tried really hard to walk quietly so as not to wake up the sleeping animals. When she was near the chicken coop, she walked really slowly and extra quietly so as not to wake up the chickens. She remembered Fluttershy telling her that one of her chickens, Elizabeak, was very sensitive to noise. Whenever she hears loud, creepy, or any noise that was unfamiliar to her, she would screech really loudly. Her heart beat really fast at every step she took, afraid to awake the chicken she was so scared to awaken. Better safe than sorry. After she walked a few meters away from the chicken coop, she heard the rooster shrieked "COCK-A-DOODLE-DOOOO!!!" The noise made Sweetie Belle galloped really fast, her cloak tailing behind her. She glanced at her watch. It was already seven! The sun soon rised to the dark violet sky, turning the sky's colour from dark violet to orange and light yellow. The sunrise was beautiful. It was so beautiful that she stopped for a while to look at the sunrise. At one moment she felt so peaceful, another moment she realised that she needed to rush into the forest to hide. She galloped as fast as ever. She ducked under a branch and hid behind a tree. At that moment, Fluttershy stepped out of the door. She fed the animals, then left to the market to buy her weekly groceries. Sweetie Belle sighed in relief. "If I had not hid fast enough, I would have been caught red handed!" She then turned to a dirt path and went into the depths of the forest. ********************************************************************************************* "DIING DONGGG!" The bells of the kindergarden rang, signalling the start of school. Students bid farewell to their parents as they ran into the classroom, sat on their desks and waited for their teacher to come in. A few minutes later, Miss Cheerillee stepped into the class. The students stood up and greeted their teacher, then sat doen again. Miss Cheerilee placed her books on her desk, she took the attendance list and started taking the class attendance. "Applebloom?" "Here." "scootaloo?" "Here." (After 3 minutes of calling names) "Sweetie Belle." "......." "Isn't Sweetie Belle here today?" " Miss Cheerilee, Sweetie Belle is absent today." Dinky said as she raised her hoof. "Then, let's start today's lesson, shall we?" *********************************************************************************************** School had just ended. All the students packed their bags and ran out of the classroom to their parents who bought them home. "Let's go to Sweetie Belle's house to give her today's homework. Okay?" Scootalo said. "Ok." said Applebloom. When thay reached Sweetie Belle's house, they heard Rarity scream " .......This is the WORST POSSIBLE THING!!" The two fillies walked into the house, they saw Rarity lying on her couch with her right hoof on her forehead.Her Friends were there, looking around frantically. Twilight walked towards them and asked "Have you seen Sweetie Belle today?" "Nope, we came here to give her today's homework." Scootalo replied. "Is something wrong?" "Well, Rarity woke up this morning to find Sweetie Belle missing. She also left this piece of note..." Twilight explained as she showed them the note. It stated: "Dear sister: Sorry that I ran away from home,but I have left to find my cutie mark--my destiny! It's been nine months and no cutie mark! Applebloom and Scootaloo already got theirs, so am I! Wish jme luck! You little sis, Sweetie Belle. P.S: Do not look for me in the Everfree forest because Im not there." "OH NO!! Sweetie Belle went to the Everfree forest! She's alone too! What'll happen to her?" Applebloom exclaimed, with tension in her voice. "We've gotta find her then!" Twilight said in a determined voice as she called everyone round. "Here's our plan........." *********************************************************************************************** "Let's go then!!!" What are we waitin' for? Christmas?!" Pinkie pie exclaimed a sshe raced out of the door along with the others. "Can we come along? after all, Sweetie Belle's our friend! Can we, please? We know it's dangerous, but we cannot just sit here and do nothing! Can we, Please?????" Scootaloo and Applebloom chourused together. Twilight thought for a moment, then sighed "Alright then, but don't cause any trouble while we're there!" "You can count on us!" The fillies saluted to Twilght, then ran to catch up with the others. "Don't worry, Sweetie Belle! Your friends will save you!"
Chapter 3: The dangers withinThe dead leaves and rotten twigs crunched underneath Sweetie Belle's hooves in every step she took. Even though those sounds didn't bother her the least bit, in her heart she was still afraid. "What if I run into some beasts on the way? What will I do, I don't have any defences!" She thought nervously as her heart hammered wildly. She was too busy into her thoughts that she did not notice a green scaly tail blocking her path. She tripped over it, landing on the dirt with a loud thud. The young unicorn winced in pain as she stumbled back up. she turned her head around to see what she had tripped on, which then made her freeze, and shake in fear. "The Cockatraice!!" Sweetie Belle thought in horror as she noticed the animal getting up, annoyed by whoever woke it up. A message flashed through her mind "Quick! Get yourself out of here before the Cockatraice sees you!!!" She immediately dashed off, her cloak tailing behind her. The cockatraice immediately gave chase. Her heart pounded furiously as sweat trickled down her forehead to her chin. She wanted to see if she lost the Cockatraice, but in her heart she knew well that if she looked into it in the eyes, she would turn to stone. She gulped in fear. she did not want to turn to a statue now, not so soon! As soon as her imagination grow wilder, she felt energy humming through her legs as she ran fast like never before. She squeezed her eyes shut, too afraid to open them. Wrong desicion. She hit on her head on a tree trunk. She soon saw stars, then squeezed her eyes shut as she buried her eyes with her hooves. The aggresive animal used its claws to scratch it, trying to make eye contact. Sweetie Belle squeezed her eyes really tight till she shedded tears. She couldn't look, not even peek.Her breathing rate shot higher as the Cockatraice succesfully removed her hooves from her face. As just as it was going to turn the poor filly into stone, it heard a noise that made it yelp in surprise and flew away into the drooping leaves of the trees. Sweetie Belle breathed heavily as she slowly opened her eyes, panting . She gingerly stood up and looked around her. What made the Cockatraice ran away? Definately not Fluttershy, as she could have used the stare to frighten it. So it was something or someone might have scared it off. But, who or what was it? A horrible stench snapped her out of her thoughts. She covered her nose, disgust written all over her face. The stench came from a nearby bush. She soon saw glowing eyes staring at Sweetie Belle. She shivered slightly, then tried to stand back, but her legs were numb, she couldn't move. She was paralysed with fear! The glowing eyes approached her, the stench stronger now. Then many glowing eyes followed behind the figure that edged closer to Sweetie Belle. The figure soon gingerly walked out of the shadows, revealing branches and twigs with leaves. She felt like screaming, but nothing came out of her throat. Cold sweat trickled down her forehead as she backed away, realising that she was face to face with a herd of timberwolves! She then suddenly she broke into a run. The Timberwolves chased her, snarling. Sweetie Belle ran and ran, panting heavily, She was starting to wear out, but the Timberwolves were hot on her heels. If she stopped, she would become the Timberwolves lunch. She swiftly doged the obstacles ahead of her, but she knew she couldn't keep on running forever. She had to hide. But, where? Suddenly, she accidentaly tripped over a stone. She fell flat on her face. The timberwolves surrounded the frightened unicorn filly. Fear gripped her throat as the Timberwolves edged closer to her, the stench emmiting from their mouths was unbearable. She felt nausea as her face turned slightly green. The sharp fangs glistened from their jaws as they opened wide, ready to chomp Sweetie Belle into pieces! Just as she almost fainted from fright, a blast of brilliant green magic knocking the hungry animals as they collasped into a pile. She felt a sea of relief, and heaved hard. Who was her saviour anyway? She turned around to see a tall figure, with glittery, rippling mane and tail. Her magnificant wings were flapped open as the figure walked closer to Sweetie Belle. Her hooves slippers glittered in the darkness. A black cloth with a cresent was wrapped around her neck. (Is that a cloth or something?) Her long horn was also shown with a small crown on her head. As she waled close enough, she extended her hoof to her, and said in a calm, soothing voice "Hello, my dear. What are you doing in the dangerous Everfree forest?" Sweetie Belle looked up, and saw her moderate cyan eyes soften with concern. "Princess Luna........"
Chapter 4:The shocking truth Meanwhile, the mane six, alongside with Scootalo and Applebloom, where heading to the Everfree forest to find Sweetie Belle. Twilight turned to Fluttershy and asked "Fluttershy, did you suspect anything suspicious this morning?" "Well, I am not sure, but... Oh yes! I remember one of my owls telling me that before he went to bed, he saw a little white uncicorn filly rushing into the Everfree forest. She was wearing a black cloak, but her horn gave her away." "So, we can be sure that Sweetie Belle is in there?" Applebloom exclaimed eagerly, turning her head around to face Futtershy and Twilight. "Of course then, since the owls said so." Scootalo replied to her friend. Applebloom's eyes sparkled. "WHAT ARE WE WAITIN' FOR THEN? CHRISTMAS?! LET'S GO!!" Applebloom shrieked, alongside with a really hyper Scootaloo as they dashed off track to the forest. "Wait up, sugarcubes! Stick together!" Applejack shouted as the mane six chased after them. ********************************************************************************************** "Princess Luna? What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Canterlot?" Sweetie Belle asked the Princess of the night. Luna giggled and replied "Oh, about that, I actually know that you are going to find the Heart's Desire, isn't that right, darling?" Sweetie Belle looked confused. "But.... how do you know that I am going to find the flower anyway..... oh, I think you witnessed what I was dreaming last night, huh?" Sweetie Belle blushed at the thought of the dream she had last night. Sweetie Belle walked aimlessly around the forest. “Where am I going to anyway?” She thought to herself as she looked around her surrounding. There was green mist everywhere, thick branches sticked out of the bare trees. Thorns from torn bushes infested most of the ground, ready to prick on anypony that step on it. Sweetie Belle walked carefully, avoiding the thorns and branches that were going to scratch her face if she were not careful. She soon stumbled across an ancient castle. The castle walls were now “decorated” with ivory clinging on it, cracks on the walls, dust and cobwebs could be seen everywhere. Sweetie Belle walked up a spiral staircase which led to the top floor of the castle. When she finally reached the top, she sat down and panted heavily, trying to catch her breath. Boy, there are so many stairs to climb! Sweetie Belle noticed a huge chest which was locked shut. It looked almost impossible to open. Except, only the key was right next to it. Sweetie Belle *sweat dropped. She hastily unlocked the chest with the key and opened the heavy lid with a “creak”. When she opened it, she saw the thing that she wanted dearly. Hearts Desire! Finally, it was in her hooves now! Suddenly the Hearts Desire glowed brightly in a magical magenta aurora. Sweetie Belle’s flank shined with light, soon the light settled, which revealed her………….. "Then I woke up." Sweetie Belle sighed. I didn't get to see what my cutie mark was. Luna giggled again, shaking her head. She knew many blank flanks have always dreamed that they got their cutie marks, This wasn't surprising. Luna then said "I am actually here to inform you that... the Hearts Desire is not here." Sweetie Belle turned pale, she looked like as if she was going to faint. She suddenly burst into tears. "Why? I risked my life to find it, and now you are telling me that the Heart's Desire is not here?" Luna hugged the unicorn filly, patting her head gently with her hoof. "There, there. Don't cry, darling. I didn't come all the way here just to find and tell you that a flower is not here." Luna comforted Sweetie Belle as she looked at Luna with her teary eyes. "What is it then?" She asked out of curiosity. "I'm also going to inform you that the Heart's Desire is somewhere at the far east of Equestria, near the Changeling Kingdom. Only a few ponies know that, as it is a secret place. When they try to get it, they only end up captured by the Changelings and to feed their brood." Sweetie Belle gasped in horror. How pitiful! She just could imagine the poor ponies captured by the Changelings and squeezing out all their love for food. Luna noticed Sweetie Belle's discomfort and she was scared, worried, depressed, all kinds of negative emotions written all over her face. She decided to cheer her up by adding "I am also here to help you get the Hearts Desire!" "Really?" "Yes, seeing you desperately wanting to get your cutie mark and your perseverance, I think you are actually worthy to get that rare plant." "Then, what are we waiting for? Let's go Princess!" "Woah, there, you can just call me Luna, I'm your friend now, formal language would rather be used in public. Alright, let's go! Hop on , Sweetie!" Luna kneeled down low enough for Sweetie Belle to climb on. She then spread open her wings and flew up into the sky. "Whee! This is so much fun!" Sweetie Belle squealed in excitement as she grabbed Luna's blue rippling mane as they headed to their destination! *********************************************************************************************** Meanwhile, the others were shouting out at the top of their lungs "SWEETIE BELLE! SWEETIE BELLE! WHERE ARE YOU?!" Rarity and Fluttershy were already out of breath from screaming and shouting. "We are never going to find my darling! This is the WORST- POSSINBLE- THING! Rainbow Dash managed to catch Rarity before she fainted. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie shrieked " Lookie look! There's Princess Luna, oh and Sweetie Belle!" Everybody looked up and saw Luna with Sweetie Belle! They are even not even heading anywhere close to Ponyville neither Canterlot! "Where in the wide wide world of Equestria is Princess Luna bring Sweetie Belle to?" Twilight wondered aloud. "I don't know, but we gotta find out! Applejack said as she ssignalled to the others to follow the Princess. **************************************************************************************** Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle was having a whale of a time flying with Luna. Yet, she did not notice Luna's eyes flashed an evil green. She smirked and whispered : "Oh, Sweetie Belle, you are about to make things more interesting..."
Chapter 5: Home of the Hearts Desire The mane six and the CMC's were struggling to chase up Princess Luna and Sweetie Belle. They were flying at an incredible speed! It was really tough to catch up with them, even Rainbow Dash was panting and flapping her wings vigrously to catch up. "We are never going to catch up to them!" Applejack panted between breaths. "Oh yes we will! Don't give up!" Twilight encouraged. Twilight found it strange.No alicorn can fly that fast! She read from the books that alicorns are made up of 3 races, Earth, peagus and unicorns. Peaguses have light bones so it's easier for them to fly. So, the princesses have bigger wings to help them fly. Flying can be very tiring, so they usually travel on flying carriages. Things just did not make sense. Princess Luna was flying so fast, even Rainbow can't even catch up! "C'mon girls! I've got a plan!" Twilight's horn then glowed brilliant rasberry.Soon everyone's bodies were glowing, then dissapeared. ******************************************************************************* Meanwhile, Princess Luna was too busy focusing on reaching her destination to notice what was happening below. The more she thought of it, the more her evil laugh grew louder and her eyes were frequently flashing green. Sweetie Belle noticed Luna's peculiar behaviour, and got a little tensed up. Luna never acted like that! It was unlikely for a princess for her eyes to flash green and laugh evily, unless she's insane.... "Um, Luna? Why are you laughing so evily? Your eyes keep flashin green! Is anything wrong? "Oh, uh, nothing! Absolutely nothing! It's just... err.... A new trick I learned during Nightmare Night!" "Ohh! That's awesome! Can you teach me too? Pretty please!" "Alright, after you get your cutie mark, I'll teach you the trick! How does that sound like?" "Yipee! That way, I get to earn a cutie mark AND a new trick! Awesome!" "Yes, it will be when the blood on your little body and your cutie mark...' Luna thought to herself. Soon Luna flew above a vast and dry desert, with no signs of life except the cacti with sharp and threathening thorns. Bones were scattered everywhere and the stench of rotting meat was strong. Maggots were seen feeding on the meat that sticked on the bones. Dried blood caked the bones and stained the sand, only to be swept away the desert winds. The weater was extremely harsh, the sunlight was really strong, sending harmful rays down to the sandy ground.The sandstorms sent sand and whatever was on it's path a few yards away. This desert is definately not a tourist attraction. Sweetie Belle felt faint. The sight was too terrible for a young filly to witness. Luna coaxed her by saying "Hold on, we are almost there." At last they reached their destination.It was a huge cave entrance. Inside of the cave was too dark too see. Awkward and creepy sound could be faintly heard from the inside. Sweetie Belle gulped. However, Luna ignored her. She used her magic to shine some light, so they could see where they were going. After the light was at a brightness that was preffered, she signalled Sweetie Belle to follow her.Sweetie Belle nooded, with shaky legs, she gingerly followed Luna into the depths of the cave. ******************************************************************************* A bright, eye piercing light filled the darkness. Soon, the light settled to reveal six mares and three fillies. Twilight wiped her sweaty forehead and said "Well, that was one crazy ride, but it worked!" Rarity flicked her mane and replied in an annoyed manner "Oh, that WAS one bumpy ride I got, but why are we here? Do you know where we are anyway? The ground is making my hooves dirty!" Applejack groaned in annoyance and retorted "Hey, Twilight was trying to help! Would you rather run or teleport? besides, we are here to look for your sister!" Rarity was too busy on bothering how she looked and almost forgot her sister! she soon gasped in pure shock and whinned "Then what are we standing around for?! Wait until whatever-has-gotten-with-the-lunatic-princess do something bad to my darling?!" Twilight walked to Rarity, placed her hoof onto Rarity's back, and assured her by saying "it's alright, I used a spell that teleportes us to Princess Luna's destination, and now I suspect that she took Sweetie Belle into that cave." She ended by pointing at the cave with her hoof. The two fillies of the CMC's could not stand still anymore. They were all pumped up and shivering with excitement. They rushed into the cave without informing their sisters. "Wait up you two! You don't wanna get lost in the cave, do you?" Rainbow Dash shouted to them, waving her hoof and chasing after them. The rest followed after the blue peaguses into the darkness of the cave.
Chapter 6: Identity revealed "Um... Luna, are you sure you know where we're goin'?" "Sweetie Belle, that's the fifth time you've asked, and the answer is as usual, yes..." Sweetie Belle shivered when a sudden cold wind rushed past them. Her green eyes scanned her surroundings desperately and worriedly. It couldn't be a ghost -- can it? Sweetie Belle was told that whenever somepony feels a cold wind pass thorough, that means that a ghost has floated past. The unicorn filly never believed in supernatural stuff, which she thinks it's all mumbo jumbo, make believe to be exact. however, on a day like today - she reconsidered whether ghosts are an old mare's tale anymore. As the cave's floor was rough and bumpy, there was a high chance that she might trip over. Sweetie Belle tried to be more careful when she walked. Jumping over stones, leaping over boulders (small ones) and tip toeing over sharp edged stones. Luna was strolling when she suddenly stopped. "Why'd you stop?" Luna turned her head to face the curious white unicorn filly and spoke in a serious tone: "There are many strange and dangerous creatures living here in this very cave. Whatever you do, don't wander off on your own." "O -- okay." Luna gave her an eerie smile and patted her little head. "Good filly." Sweetie Belle giggled nervously. Something was definitely wrong with Luna. **************************************************************************** Fluttershy quivered like a leaf in fear. Even though they have not ventured a mile deep in the cave, she looked like she would snap into two like a twig. "Umph -- umph... ca -- can I st -- stay here while you go find Sweetie Belle...?" "C'mon Fluttershy! Don't be such a scardy cat! What did you come here for? Now get those hooves going!" Rainbow lamented, pushing Fluttershy into the cave. The dirt was flying in all directions as fluttershy's hooves flailed desperately. Twilight sighed in annoyance, staring at the two bickering ponies. Twilight used her magic to levitate Fluttershy, and then trotted into the cave. Rainbow landed on the dirt floor on her face with a thud. Rainbow got up and spitted out the dirt in her mouth, like an unsatisfied animal spitting out its food that was served to it. "Eww, gross." Rainbow complained, disgusted. "Hurry up Rainbow!" Applejack called to the pegasus, who groaned and reluctantly trailed along behind the gang. The cave was definitely not welcoming. It was pitch dark, bats flapping its wings could be heard, strange cricketing filling up the empty space of the cave and squishing noises from walking creatures. Fluttershy was quivering like a leaf in fear. She wanted to rescue Sweetie Belle and get out of here -- quickly. **************************************************************************** "Here it is, Sweetie Belle." Luna declared to her. After a day of travelling, it was all worth it. There it laid the heart's desire in full bloom. Its vibrant petals glowing softly. Sweetie Belle's emerald eyes gleamed in awe and excitement. She couldn't wait to get started! "Oh, oh! Luna! Let's start, shall we?" "Of courssse we can. Jussst follow me." Luna hissed, with a tingle of evil in her voice. The unicorn filly shivered and managed to flash a weak smile. A soon as Sweetie Belle reached close enough to the flower, Luna's eyes and horn flashed brilliant green. Shadows started looming around the cave. Suddenly, a black figure lashed out at Sweetie Belle. She yelped in surprise. Her eyes widened in horror. It was a changeling. A/N: So sorry for the SUPER LONG update. My inspiration flame has been put out, but now it's back. This chapter is short, I'm so sorry! :(
Authors notes and apologiesI am very sorry to say, I am cancelling this. I don't have any inspiration to continue anymore. Thank you all who have been supporting this fic all the while, it is gladly appreciated. For the ending, The mane six and Sweetie Belle's friends arrived just in time. They had to fight off the changelings, winning in the end. Even though Sweetie Belle hasn't earned her cutie mark, she learned a very important lesson, which is to be patient and not rush into things. Thank you for the people who enjoyed reading this fic, it has been a pleasure. Have a nice day ~Aqqo
