> Pegasus Feathers > by Vanilla Mocha > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The End of Summer > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birds flew through the clear blue sky of Ponyville. A slight breeze came whistling through the trees of the Everfree Forest and into a valley where the Cutie Mark Crusaders sat and talked. Mosquitoes buzzed in and out of the woods, and some friendly citizens of Ponyville strolled along the dirt road before the valley. A few flowers had some brightly colored butterflies on them, and if a certain yellow pony was here she would be having a blast. Summer was ending. The three fillies sat in the grass as the afternoon summer sun stretched out over them like a warm blanket. "School starts tomorrow. I guess summer's over." Apple Bloom said. "Yeah, I'm going to miss my extra time to work on my scooter stunts." Scootaloo sighed. "But hey, look on the bright side! We could meet a whole load of new friends at school this year, and maybe they could be apart of the cutie mark crusader club we have!" Sweetie Belle said, raising her head higher. "Who knows? Sweetie could be right!" Scootaloo said, sitting up too. "I guess so..." Apple Bloom sighed. "What's wrong, Apple Bloom?" Scootaloo asked. "Oh, nothing. It's just that every year is the same old ponies doing to same old stuff. I'll be the least bit surprised if anypony new and fun comes to our school." The three ponies were quiet, and as the sun began to set, one by one they stood up and began for their homes. Apple Bloom stayed sitting in the grass, though. Looking up at the stars she mumbled, Please let somepony new come. Please. And with that, she stood up, and headed back for the farm. The next day the fillies and colts made their way to the small school of Ponyville. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom sat at their old desks, which they had intended to keep. "Oh, look Silver Spoon! It looks like the Cutie Mark Crusaders didn't mature and get their cutie marks over the summer!" Diamond Tiara mimicked the CMC group, "Look, Scootaloo! It's mah cutie-murk! I'm App-ah Bloom 'en I love to wish fer mah 'murk, but ah now it'a nev'a happen. Boo, hoo, hoo! And I'm Sweetie Belle, and my big sister makes me so cute, and so clean, and so squeaky, and now I'm just, oh, to quote Rarity, 'simply divine, darling!'" The two bullies began to laugh. "Hey! You don't ever make fun of me and my friends!" Scootaloo stood up and yelled, seeing Apple Bloom was beginning to shed a tear. "And you never, EVER make fun of my family!" Sweetie Belle added, getting into the pink pony's face. Apple Bloom looked up. "Who's that?" She asked, and all five fillies turned to see. Two new fillies walked in through the door. The first one was a white furred pegasus with long, wavy bleach blonde hair. Her bright blue eyes lit up the room around her. The pegasus had on bright pink lipstick and had on thick black mascara and sparkly, light purple eyeshadow. She was wearing a short, tight matching purple outfit that looked like what a ballerina would wear. She also had a purple tutu on, and she was wearing purple ballet shoes. She sat down next to Apple Bloom, and lifted her head high and closed her eyes, making herself seem more 'dignified.' The other filly was a bit shorter, and she was a gray-red earth pony. She had straight black hair, and she too was wearing an outfit. She had on a black hood and cape, with the hood down and the rest going down her back and over her hind legs. She wasn't wearing any makeup like the first pony was. Slowly her dark hazel eyes looked at the chair in front of Sweetie Belle. The gray-red pony sat down in it, and she turned her head and made a small smile to the unicorn before turning her head to the front of the classroom. "Good morning, students!" Miss Cheerilee, the purple pony, said. "Good morning!" The students said back. Except the gray-red pony; she didn't say anything. Ms. Cheerilee continued. "Let's begin our lesson. Open your grammar books to pa-" The door slammed open and a new (and tardy) pony walked in. He was a light brown color, and the pegasus had dark brown hair with blonde highlights with matching light yellow hooves. His ice blue eyes stared at Scootaloo. "You're late, uh, uh-" "Ryon. My name is Ryon." He said, looking away from the orange pegasus. Scootaloo felt a small tug in her chest. Her stomach became very nervous. Her mind began to whirl. She looked at Ryon. Scootaloo knew she couldn't possibly ever like him, though. She wasn't into that kind of stuff. She made a vow to never like a colt. Or a stallion. But he was just so breath taking and mind catching to Scootaloo! The way his smooth voice sounded, the way his dreamy eyes glared at her- she couldn't even control her feelings. She wanted to jump up and run out the door dragging him, and run away together and have a happy life- just the two of them. She shook her head. I promised myself! He probably already has a marefriend anyway. Come on, why wouldn't a guy like not have a marefriend, anyway? She thought. "I knew you'd be late!" The white pegasus said in a bratty tone. "Well, Loviatar, if you didn't tr- I'll talk to you later." he said, not wanting to make a scene. "Fine, big brother. Just don't be dramatic." Loviatar said. "If anypony's dramatic its the both of you. Now sit down before you get detentions on you're first day!" Ms. Cheerilee threatened. Ryon made a mean face at his sister and sat down behind Scootaloo. "Irothrust? I didn't know you went here." Ryon whispered. The gray-red earth pony sat there, looking at him. She turned her head and looked back at the annoyed teacher. If only you knew why. I could trust you, Ryon. I could trust you. Irothrust thought. > Cakes and Shakes > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After their first day of school, the three fillies Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom trotted down the rocky, dirt road of Ponyville from the school building to Sugarcube Corner to have a snack. "I can't believe that new gray-red pony." Apple Bloom said. "What do you mean?" Sweetie asked, her high pitched voice cracking. "She's all quiet, and just kind of looks around. Never really says a word. Except to Ms. Cheerilee, of course. But besides that, she says nothing." Apple Bloom thought it was odd. "We were in school, Apple Bloom. We are supposed to be quiet." Sweetie Belle said. "Yeah, but I was her partner today. Remember? We couldn't be a group of three. You two were partners for the algebra paper, and I was partnered up with her. She just sat there and creeped me out by staring into my soul." Apple Bloom hissed. "She's probably just shy. I was shy at first." Sweetie Belle said. "Maybe. What do you think, Scoots?" Apple Bloom asked her feathered friend. "Wha- what?" Scootaloo asked. "Stop daydreaming, Scootaloo." Apple Bloom said. "Lookie-lookie! We're here!" Sweetie Belle yelled, jumping up and down. The three fillies got in line behind Lyra, who was behind Bon Bon, who was behind Derpy, who was behind a white pegasus with light blonde hair. She was wearing the same purple outfit as the new filly at school earlier. "Why, thank you ever so much!" She said turning around and frolicing out the door into the busy little tony of Ponyville. Derpy didn't take long- just the usual was ordered for her. A six pack of Lemon Surprise Muffins. Bon Bon bought some candy, and Lyra got some cupcakes. Finally the Cutie Mark Crusaders got a turn. "And what would you three little ponies like?" Mrs. Cake asked them. "I'll take a Medium Strawberry Shake please." Apple Bloom said. "I'll take a shake too, but can it be vanilla?" Sweetie asked. "Why, sure dear! What would you like, Scootaloo?" Mrs. Cake asked. Scootaloo wasn't paying attention. She was more focused on Mr. Cake; he was hanging a sign in the window. He had also put a smaller one on the counter. Help Wanted it read. "Oh, sorry! I'll take a chocolate shake. But, about that help wanted..." Scootaloo began. "It's just part time, for just the afternoons." Mrs. Cake said, opening the cash register. Scootaloo tilted her head, and squinted her eyes. The three fillies got their shakes and sat down. Maybe I should get a job. Maybe I'll get my cutie mark. she thought, drinking her shake. > No Fair > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apple Bloom drank from her strawberry shake looking at her unicorn friend Sweetie Belle, who hummed a cheerful tune. Scootaloo sat with the straw in her mouth, but she didn't drink her shake. She just stared into space. "Scoots! Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom said, waving her hoof in front of the pegasi's face. "Oh! Uh, what?" Scootaloo said, almost knocking down her cold chocolate treat. "You are daydreaming again! Knock it off, it's beginning to irritate me." Apple Bloom said. "Alright." Scootaloo said quietly. The three fillies walked out of Sugar Cube Corner, they each split into their own directions as they headed for home. Apple Bloom was walking down the dirt road to her home on the farm, when she saw the two old bullies from last school year. "Look, Diamond Tiara!" Silver Spoon said. "It's that foal again!" The pink pony replied, noticing Apple Bloom. "Hey! I ain't no foal! I'm jest as old as you two meanies!" Apple Bloom said, still walking. "I'm jest as old as you two meanies! What are you, two years old? Meanies? Really?" Diamond Tiara mocked. "She is two." Silver Spoon said, and the two harassers began laughing. Apple Bloom grunted and continued walking for Sweet Apple Acres. It's no fair. Why can't they just move away? It would do everypony some good. Apple Bloom thought. Not looking at where she was going, she bumped into somepony. But who? Sweetie Belle was also making her way home. She skipped and twirled and danced through the streets of Ponyville to the boutique. She entered, and saw her sister Rarity was busy with a customer- a familiar customer. "I'll be just a second, Sweetie Belle!" Rarity called, seeing her younger sister was in the room. Suddenly, a white pegasus from behind the divider came flying out. She had bleach blonde hair. Sweetie Belle knew right away that this was Loviatar from school. Only now, thanks to Rarity, she was wearing a long, flowing, light pink silky dress with see-through black stockings for every hoof. Her mane and tail were done in braids, and small sparkles on the dress matched her hair color. She had a small crown on her head, and it too was light pink with light blonde sparkles. In the center of it was a bright purple amethyst. "Why, thank you ever so much Ms. Rarity for the beautiful outfit!" "You are very welcome! Come back anytime, darling!" Rarity said, looking through her small red glasses. Loviatar danced in the air on the way out. She looked so beautiful. "Just look at me dance in the air! Aren't I just so gorgeous?" Loviatar asked awaiting praise from the other ponies. She looked straight at Sweetie Belle and made the evil eye at her as she spoke. As Sweetie watched the pegasus fly out the door, she right away felt sad. "Whatever is the matter dear?" Her older sister asked her, flipping around the open/closed sign in her door window. "Nothing. Nothing at all, Rarity." Sweetie Belle lied and went upstairs slowly. The small, young unicorn sat on her bed. Why can she dance better than me? I know I can't dance very well, but she doesn't have to show off. And it's no fair that I can't be that pretty. My sister should make me a dress like that. It's just no fair, she thought. > Outdone > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr.Cake hummed a cheerful tune while cleaning off the counter tops in he and his wives bakery. Suddenly there was a ring as the door opened. The yellow stallion turned, and saw a certain orange pegasus filly. Saying nothing, she nodded her head. The sun was rising. Apple Bloom was making her way to school down the Ponyville dirt roads. Sweetie Bell was running late; Rarity was making her a pink dress. Sweetie wished that today she could be the graceful one. Entering the schoolhouse was Ryon and Loviatar. Irothrust was already sitting in her seat at her wooden desk. Her big eyes scanned the room; she seemed scared. Apple Bloom walked in. Looking at the gray-red pony with the black cape and hood, she rushed over and began yelling. "You! You! That was you from yesterday! You bumped into me! You demanded apple seeds from me! You're the one! When I get my yellow hooves on you you're gonna regret it!" She yelled in the pony's face. The pony sat there, however. She starred into Apple Bloom's angry eyes. "Girls! Stop yelling! Apple Bloom! Go to your desk, now!" Ms.Cheerilee snapped at the fillies. Apple Bloom pouted over to her seat. Having one last glance at Irothrust, she turned at began her work. Sweetie Belle trotted inside. Her light pink dress with sparkles lit up the one-room schoolhouse. Matching pink horseshoes helped with the illumination. "Sweetie Belle! You look amazing!" A familiar voice said from behind her. "Thanks, Scoot!" Her voice cracked. The unicorn pranced over to her seat and sat down. Scootaloo followed and stopped to sit at her assigned seat. Sweetie Belle began to sit as her dress began to rip. It was underneath Apple Bloom's chair, who sat on her left. "Can you lift up for a minute, Apple Bloom?" Sweetie asked her friend. "Uh, sure." Apple Bloom said, sitting up, pulling her chair up as well. But she was too late- the dress already had a rip. Sweetie held back her sadness and tried to look on the bright side. "It's... it's okay... just a dress, right?" She quietly said. "Yeah, Sweetie Belle, it's just a dress." Loviatar sarcastically sneered, poking her head out from the left side of Apple Bloom and looking down the row at Sweetie Belle. "She's right. It's just a dress." Apple Bloom agreed, turning to look at the white pegasus. "Yeah..." Sweetie mumbled, wanting to cry. This was my chance to be pretty. She already outdid me, and school has barely started. Recess began, and the fillies and colts were let out to have free time on the small but sweet Ponyville Academy playground. As the others played the CMC had their meeting. "I think we should invite the new pegasus girl." Apple Bloom suggested, "Ya'll know, the one that sits to my left." "Yeah, I know." Sweetie Belle sighed. "What's wrong, Sweetie?" Scootaloo asked, not daydreaming this time. "I don't like her, uh, Loviatar, if that's her name. She sounded awfully sarcastic earlier." Sweetie Belle said. "But you two would have a lot in common. You both like fashion, you both enjoy being pretty... you both wore dresses! Ooh! Did you see hers today? It was so pretty being long and flowing!" Apple Bloom said. "That light pink silky dress with see-through black stockings for her hooves was just so beautiful!" Scootaloo added. "Even Scoots liked it! Heh, whatd'ya know? And I just love how her mane and tail were done in braids, and how the small sparkles on the dress matched her hair color. She even had a small crown on her head, and it had a bright purple gem on it!" Apple Bloom admired. Sweetie Belle sat in woe as her two friends commented about another filly's dress. "You liked my dress, right Scoot?" Sweetie Belle asked her orange pegasus friend. "Yeah, it was alright." Scootaloo said, stuttering. But I thought I looked amazing, Sweetie Belle thought. "I'll be right back." She said, and walked away into the midst of the other ponies. > The 'First' Abduction > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Where's Sweetie going?" Loviatar asked, walking up to Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. "I don't know. Hey, do 'ya wanna join us?" Apple Bloom asked the pegasus. "Sure." The fancy pony replied, sitting down, careful not to get her dress dirty. Scootaloo looked around. Wherever is the sister, must be the brother. That means Ryon is around here, Scootaloo assumed. But she didn't see him. "Are you alright, Scootapoo?" Loviatar asked. "It's Scootaloo. And I'm fine." She answered, looking down. "That's nice." Loviatar said, looking at Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom leaned over and saw the gray-red pony with the long black cape and hood. "Who's that?" She asked outloud. "Oh, that's Irothrust. She's just her own kind of special, you know. She doesn't talk much, and she just demands things from ponies when she does. And..." Loviatar paused. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo's eyes opened up wide and starred at Loviatar. The asked for more without even opening their mouths, which remained glued shut. Finally Apple Bloom broke the silence. "And...?" Loviatar gulped. The white in her eyes turned to a light pink as tears began to form. "I- I don't want to tell you. It's just too sad. It really is... I saw her do it, and I had nightmares for weeks and weeks. I can't tell you- I just really can't-" Her sobbing was now taking over her talking. Tears poured out of her eyes, and snot ran from her nostrils. "It's okay, Loviatar. You don't have to tell us. We understand, right Scoot?" Apple Bloom asked, reaching her hoof around Loviatar to comfort her. "Yeah. Now we'd better warn Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo said. "What do you mean, warn Sweetie Belle?"Apple Bloom asked. "Well, she's over there talking to Irothrust." Scootaloo said. "WHAT?!" Apple Bloom and Loviatar yelled at the same time. Their facial expressions were different. Apple Bloom looked concerned. But Loviatar looked slightly, in the smallest way, delighted. Even though her eyes were blue, they seemed to have a small, red glow. "Hi. I'm Sweetie Belle. What's your name?" the unicorn introduced herself. "Irothrust." the quiet rough-sounding voice crackled. The mysterious pony stood before her. Sweetie Belle couldn't make out the face- only the hazel eyes. They didn't appear scary to Sweetie, though. Instead, she looked more scared than scary. "Do you have any friends?" Sweetie Belle asked her. "Yes." Came the quiet reply. "Here at school? But you always seem so lonely." The unicorn observed. "No, not at school." She said. Sweetie could tell the pony didn't want to talk. "Can I be your friend? I promise I won't annoy you or anything." She asked. "Sure." Irothrust said, slowly closing her eyes. Then, as if an alarm went off, her eyes opened as quick as lightning. She gasped, as if she was drowning and reaching for air. Her pupils got small, and her eyes, which had gone from hazel to bright red, now looked down. Tears began to form in the sides of her eyes, but she held them in. Either a small white light that was barely visible surrounded Irothrust, or the sun was now shining down on her through the dark, cold shadows of the trees above the two fillies. She stumbled, but gained balance very quickly. Then, as speedy as it had occurred, she went back to normal. "Are you okay? Irothrust? Can you hear me?" Sweetie Belle asked, now feeling concerned for her new friend. "Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. I just felt an abduction." She said, sounding hoarse. "An abduction?" Sweetie asked, tilting her head to one side, looking confused. "No- never mind that. I'm fine." She said, backing up slowly. "Alrightie!" Sweetie Belle squeaked, acting like as if she had not seen it at all. Irothrust sat down. Her black cape laid down her back, and covered up her hind legs as well. Some black ants climbed up her front left hoof, and got shaken off by the notified pony. Sweetie Belle sat down next to her. Now dirt was on her dress, but she didn't care. It had already been 'ruined'. Eyeing the rip in the filly's dress, Irothrust had an idea. "I can fix that for you," she began. "The rip? How?" Sweetie Belle asked, curious. "Come with me, after school. Then can I fix it. But make me a promise, okay?" Irothrust asked. "Sure, I'll be there after school-" Sweetie said, a smile climbing on her face. "That wasn't the promise." Irothrust cut in. "Then what was?" The unicorn asked, confused. "Don't tell anypony where you are going after school. And don't tell anypony what I'll do to fix it. And just don't tell them you're my friend. It's all just to protect you. Don't ask me why. If you are really a good friend, you'll meet me in the Everfree forest after school today. Alright?" The husky voice sounded worried. "Alright!" Sweetie had another voice crack. Suddenly the sound of running hooves came closer. Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Loviatar now stood before Sweetie Belle. The breathed heavily, and looked exhausted. They had just darted from the other side of the schoolyard. Catching her breath, Apple Bloom said, "Sweetie... Belle... don't... talk... to... her..." Sweat ran from her forehead down the the dirt below the ponies. "She's not... the best... kind of... friend... you want..." Scootaloo added, breathing hard. "Trust us... Sweetie... it's for your... own... good..." Apple Bloom finished. "What do you girls mean?" Sweetie Belle asked, now feeling concerned. Looking at her new friend Irothrust, Sweetie had a sad, disappointed look on her face. "Come back... with us, Sweetie... Belle..." Loviatar began, "Aren't we... your... friends?" Not once did she look at Sweetie Belle, even though the unicorn turned her head to look at the pegasus. Instead, her eyes were focused on her brother, Ryon, who was talking with Snips and Snails. Sweetie Belle turned to look back at her new friend. But there was a problem. Irothrust wasn't there. But Sweetie Belle, or anypony for that matter, had not seen the pony walk away, or even hear her hooves. Where was she? And how did she escape so quickly? "I'll be... right back." Loviatar said, now walking away. "Come on, Sweetie." Apple Bloom said. "Yeah, and we... still have... ten minutes left... of recess. Wow, that was... the fastest... I've ever ran..." Scootaloo realized, still catching her breath. "Alright..." Sweetie sighed, now following her friends back to the grassy side of the playground. > Trainees > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The CMC, still panting from their run, were now walking back to the grassy side of the playground. "So, why were you talking to her?" Apple Bloom asked her unicorn friend. "I- I don't know. She just seemed lonely, that's all." Sweetie Belle answered. "Stick with us, Sweetie. We're your friends. Not her." Apple Bloom insisted. How would you know? How come she can't join the CMC club? Why can't we just make any new friends? I don't want to leave you guys, but we shouldn't leave her either, Sweetie Belle thought. On the other side of the yard, Snips, Snails, and Ryon sat under an oak tree talking. "So guys, how about this weekend?" Ryon asked the two earth ponies. "I think that'll work out fine! Gee, I wish that today wasn't Tuesday. I want Saturday to start right now!" Snips said, nodding his head for visual approval. "Yeah! I can't wait for the awesomeness that'll happen!" Snails commented. "What awesomeness? Why aren't I involved?" Loviatar said in a sad baby tone, walking up beside her brother. Her cold, black shadow stretched across the ground, covering Snails. "Oh, just something me and my new friends are doing this weekend." Ryon answered her, glancing at his new friends. "What are you fellas going to do?" Loviatar continued her 'baby' voice. "Just some guy stuff. You know, trade cards, meet up with a few other guys they're friends with, and stuff like that." Ryon continued, not wanting to tell his nosy sister about his plans. "Oh." Loviatar sat down next to her brother, pushing him to the side to avoid sitting by Snips. The school bell rang, and Ms. Cherrilee happily trotted out of the school building. "Recess is over my little ponies!" She shouted. The four ponies stood up and walked inside. The three colts ran, hurrying into the school building. Loviatar walked slowly, though. Then she stopped. She twisted her ears down, and squinted her eyes. Turning her head back in the direction of where Irothrust and Sweetie Belle had been, her eyes glowed a faint red. Then she looked back at the school building and continued normally walking to class. She knew she would be late. But Loviatar didn't care about school. She 'knew' that if anything could help her succeed in life, it would be power, and power alone. She was going to have plenty of that, if her plan worked itself the way it was supposed to. After a few more classes, school was finally out. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle began to walk home along the dirt roads of Ponyville. Not Scootaloo, however. She had a job to do. She grabbed her saddlebag and ran to Sugar-cube Corner. Bursting through the doors and ringing the loud, yellow bell, Mrs. Cake awaited her presence. "Drop your stuff off here, darling. Go right around back there, and Mr. Cake'll be with you in a minute." She said, her rosy cheeks illuminating her entire face. "Alright-ie." Scootaloo said, doing as the blue pony instructed. She stood in the kitchen. The bell rang on the front door- perhaps a customer? Mr. Cake cantered into the kitchen with a few aprons in his hoof. "I've been looking forward to meeting you two trainees!" Mr. Cake said. "Two?" Scootaloo asked. Turning her head at the kitchen door, she saw a pegasus. A brown furred pegasus. "Sorry I'm a bit late." Ryon said. Scootaloo's mouth dropped of joy. He's here! With me! We're going to work together! It's going to be awesome! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! She thought, her wings slightly fluttering. She didn't want to be obvious. Shaking her head and looking away from her crush, and now staring at the dirty floor, she thought, What am I doing! It's just Ryon. Nopony special. Just Ryon. Do what Rainbow Dash would do. Wait, didn't she date Soarin or somepony like that? But Ryon, oh my gosh, he's- what am I thinking? No, Scoot! Don't like him. But I must like him! He's so- No! She closed her eyes. Slowly inhaling, then following with the exhale, she calmed herself down. "What do we do first?" Ryon asked, washing his hooves. "That's a good way to start. Scootaloo, why don't you wash yours while Ryon gets his apron on?" Mr. Cake said. "Al- alright." Scootaloo stuttered, happy that both her and Ryon's names were used in the same sentence. "Excuse me, Mr. Cake, where's the towels?" Ryon asked. "They're to the left of the sink, in the cabinet, yes, right there. Here, sit them up on the counter. Oh, and, oh yes, that looks good." Mr. Cake said, smiling. As Scootaloo reached for the soap on the far left side of the sink, Ryon accidentally bumped her left front leg trying to sit the brown paper towels on the counter. Startled, Scootaloo let out an "Oh!" "Sorry! Did I hurt you?" Ryon asked, feeling very concerned. "Oh, what? No, no, no! You're fine. I should've been looking at what I was doing. My fault. Not yours. Ha, ha." Scootaloo said, slightly blushing. She quickly turned her head so that Ryon wouldn't see. "No, it's my fault. You're too perfect to be blamed." He said. Scootaloo's eyes light up. Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! I talked to him, and he called me perfect! Scootaloo screamed in mind, wanting to scream it to the big, wide world of Equestria. Ryon put on his apron, and turned his head away from Scootaloo. A small smile appeared on his face as he looked at the same old, dirty, tiled floor Scootaloo looked at. > At The Gazebo > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle trotted down the street. Sweetie Belle hummed and whistled while Apple Bloom stared at the rocky road beneath her. "Do 'ya think Scootaloo fergut us?" Apple Bloom asked, sighing. "Why'd you ever think that?" Sweetie Belle squeaked. "Well, she's trying 'ta get 'er cutie mark at Sugar Cube Corner." Apple Bloom said, still looking down. "Didn't we already try that?" Sweetie asked. "Yeah, all three of us did. It jest doesn't make any sense!" Apple Bloom continued. "How?" Sweetie wondered. "What'dya mean, 'how?' It's like she doesn't care 'bout us 'nymoar!" Apple Bloom pouted. "I don't get it." Sweetie Belle said. "What ah'm say'in is that ya'll can be friends, but ah'm go'n on my own. Din't you see how she completely ignored us at Sugar Cube Corner the oth' day? And how she keeps on do'in it too?" Apple Bloom stopped walking. "What?! Apple Bloom, don't be serious! You can't just assume and stick with it! She's our friend! Our Cutie Mark Crusader, you know? You can't just leave her like that!" Sweetie Belle yelled, standing next to Apple Bloom. "Ah'm sorry, but I jest don't thank it's goin' to work like that. She ditched us for a job. She could'ah invited us to join her, but no. Instead she went off 'lone, and where did she leave us, Sweetie Belle?" Apple Bloom asked. "She left us... here?" The confused unicorn asked, hoping to get the answer right. "She left us in the dust! The dust, Sweetie Belle! She left us in the dust! What kind of friend does that? She's the one that abandoned us. Now it's our turn to leave her. At least ah' am. 'Ya can make up yer own mand." Apple Bloom turned around and began running into the town. "No, Apple Bloom! Please stop! You can't be serious! Apple Bloom!!!" Sweetie Belle yelled, still standing in the same spot. Apple Bloom stopped in her tracks. "Ya have a choice, Sweetie. Either come along with mah, and have plenty o' friends. Or, ya' can jest stay behind with that lil' good fer noth'n Scootaloo." Sweetie Belle's heart began to beat hard. She could feel the cold sweat running down her forehead, as she wanted to take both of the choices. "Well?" Apple Bloom asked, not looking at her friend. "I'll... I... I'll go with you." Sweetie Belle said out of peer pressure. "Good choice." Apple Bloom said, walking. Sweetie Belle didn't know for sure, but she thought she felt a small, chilly tear fall down her cheek. "Finally!" Loviatar said, seeing her friend Apple Bloom approach her in the Ponyville park, inside the gazebo. The pegasus was still wearing her new dress, as Sweetie Belle was also wearing hers with the rip. "Sorry ah'm late, Lov'tar. Ah's jest busy with mah friend, see. She wanted 'ta tag 'long with mah, so ah' let 'er." Apple Bloom explained. "That's good. The more, the merrier, right?" Loviatar said, looking into Sweetie Belle's green eyes. "Right... Hey, Apple Bloom, can I talk to you, uh, in private?" Sweetie Belle quietly asked her earth pony friend. "Sure. Lov'tar, Ah'm be right back." Apple Bloom said. "Alright!" Loviatar answered, smiling. Walking a few yards away from Loviatar, Sweetie Belle asked, "Why are you friends with her?" "What da' ya' mean, Sweetie?" Apple Bloom felt confused. "Well, you guys didn't act like good friends. Earlier at recess you wanted me to ditch Irothrust. And now you're mad because Scootaloo left us behind?" Sweetie Belle asked. "That's diff'rent. 'N after what Lov'tar told me 'bout her, and after ah 'xperienced some of it mahself, it was all jest ta' protect ya'." Apple Bloom explained. "What did she do to you?" Sweetie Belle became quite curious. "On Monday she demanded mah fer some appah seeds. When ah told her no, the only thing I remember was wak'in up, an' findin' mahself in the middle of the road. Mah nose had dry blood in one nostril, and all mah appah seeds were stolen from mah seedling bag." Apple Bloom said. "Are you sure she did it?" Sweetie squeaked. "Of coarse ah'm sure she did it!" Apple Bloom replied. Sweetie Belle remained silent. The two ponies walked back to Loviatar. Sitting down inside the gazebo, Sweetie Belle remembered something. "Oh my goodness!" she accidentally said out loud. "What's wrong?" Loviatar asked. "I forgot something." Sweetie Belle replied. "What? Oh, please tell mah we don't have homework!" Apple Bloom asked. "No. It's just that..." Sweetie paused. She knew she couldn't tell them. "It's just that... what?" Loviatar asked. "I... I forgot... I..." Sweetie Belle stuttered. "Spit it out, why don't you?! Uh, you know, just tell us." Loviatar tried to keep her cool. "I've got to go." Sweetie Belle squeaked, cracking her voice once more. She stood up, and ran out of the gazebo. "Huh. Ah wondar where she's go'n in such ah huarry." Apple Bloom pondered out loud. "Oh well. Forget her, right?" Loviatar said. "But she's mah friend, Lov'tar. We've already been ditched today by somepo-" Apple Bloom began. "OVER HERE!" Loviatar yelled, waving one hoof frantically in the air. "Sorry, what were you saying?" She asked. "Noth'n..." Apple Bloom said, realizing it wasn't important at the moment. A pink pony, accompanied by her gray sidekick, walked up and into the gazebo. "Why's she here?" Diamond tiara snapped, looking at Apple Bloom. > Past The Sunset Gates > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sweetie Belle ran as fast as her small pony legs would let her. She had almost forgotten about her after-school meeting with Irothrust. She hurried to the Everfree Forest as the cold autumn wind slammed her face. She could see Irothrust in the distance entering the forest. Wait for me!, she thought as she began to run faster. Not seeing where she was going, she stepped in some mud. Slipping, she landed on her back, and her whole dress was now covered in dirt. First the rip, now this. Ugggh... Sweetie Belle opened her eyes. A black silhouette stood over her. She could only see the bright, hazel eyes, and with that, Sweetie knew right away that it was Irothrust. "Good thing you're here. Now hurry, if you want to do this, we need to get there quick." Her scratchy voice instructed. She held out her front left hoof to help Sweetie Belle get up, and the unicorn accepted. "I don't even know what I want to do, and where exactly are we going?" Sweetie asked, confused. "You'll see. But you must promise me that you'll never tell anypony. Nopony at all. Got it?" Irothrust said, in Sweetie's face. Sweetie nodded, speechless. "Okay. Now, follow me." Irothrust frolicked through the woods. Sweetie Belle followed the mysterious filly through the dark forest ahead. "Stop." Irothrust held out her hoof to block Sweetie Belle from getting in front of her. "Why?" Sweetie asked, not seeing anything special or inparticular about where they stood. "These are the Sunset Gates," Irothrust began. Sweetie Belle looked around. "I don't see any gates." She said. "Up here." Irothrust showed her, now in the canopy of what seemed like the tallest tree in the forest. "How'd you get up there so fast?" Sweetie looked back at Irothrust. "That doesn't matter. Now, get up here." The gray-red pony demanded. "How?" Sweetie Belle asked, now studying the tree. "Can't you just teleport yourself using your magic? You are a unicorn." Irothrust rolled her eyes. "No... I can barely just reach the surface of it. I'm just about the only unicorn that can't do their own magic. I guess I'm just to dumb to learn, or something." Sweetie, feeling embarrassed, confessed. "Oh... well, if anything, you're not dumb. Can't you climb it?" Irothrust suggested, trying to change the subject, or rather go back to the original conversation. "I can give it a try." Sweetie compromised. Sure enough, she was pretty good at it. She reached the top in barely any time at all. "Wow kid, you're fast." Irothrust commented. "Same to you." Sweetie said, remembering how Irothrust in not even a split second reached the very top of the tall tree. I guess so. I guess I am a kid, Irothrust thought, remembering what happened a long time ago. "Well? Where are the Sunset Gates?" Sweetie Belle asked, looking around. "Quiet. I need complete silence for this to work." Irothrust said, closing her eyes. "Okay." Sweetie Belle whispered, lowering her head. Irothrust looked over into the west, and saw that Princess Celestia was beginning to set the sun. "Almost..." She whispered, watching the big, yellow star fall lower and lower into the horizon. Sweetie Belle watched as Irothrust closed her eyes once more. She cleared her throat, and when she opened her mouth, words didn't come out. Instead, with the most angelic voice Sweetie had ever heard, singing was heard. If Sweetie Belle had not seen Irothrust now, she probably wouldn't have believed the rusty sounding pony was this good at singing. "As the world lights candles and the friction collides, the bronze and the gold seem to combine, they are the colors of fire, and the fire is mine." Irothrust sang. Suddenly, clouds of white fog covered the treetops. Tall, gold gates appeared in the distance, and like heaven, it seemed perfect. Rays of light shone through the golden bars. Small engravings on the sides and top looked like ancient hieroglyphs. They seemed to illustrate something, but Sweetie ignored it for now. The engravings were of the same three pegasi- one with straight hair, both mane and tail. What looked like a fire engraving surrounded this picture. This hieroglyph was on the right side of the gates. Another one had long, wavy hair. She had swirly lines drawn around her, and she was on the top. The third one was a colt, and he had snowflakes surrounding him. The 'Sunset Gates' opened, and Irothrust stepped off the tree and onto the cloud. Looking back at Sweetie Belle, who had not yet moved, she said, "Well? It's not any regular cloud. Unicorns can walk on it." "Oh, uh, yeah." Sweetie nervously followed Irothrust. The gates closed behind them. All Sweetie Belle could see was another forest, but it was different. The tree trunks were white, and the leaves where a shining orange, blue, and purple. Small lakes and ponds were seen in the distance, and the water looked perfect. It was a sparkling cyan. Sweetie looked around, and was amazed. "Over here." Irothrust said, standing next to an even bigger tree than before. It also had a white trunk, but the leaves and branches were different. On the right side, there was, what looked like a flame. It was made out of the branches. Every leaf on the right side was orange. The left side's branches also looked like they had twisted and turned to form a snowflake, like the picture on the gate. The leaves on the left side where blue. The top leaves were- you guessed it- purple. The branched on top appeared wavy. "What is this?" Sweetie Belle asked. > Makes and Shakes > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ryon wiped the messy, crumb-covered counter tops in Sugarcube Corner while Scootaloo was busy helping their last customer. "I'll take a chocolate shake, medium please. With extra whipped cream." The light brown mare said, acting like she was in a hurry. She looked like a serious business pony, and Scootaloo knew she'd have to impress her. Her purple suit and pink scarf, along with the matching earrings made her personality. The blonde-haired mare stood at the counter, looking the slight bit ticked. "Coming right up!" Scootaloo said, going to the shake machine. The tall, cold box began to make a crunching noise. The gadgets inside began getting louder and louder as the filly kept the medium shake container on the dispenser. "It... it'll be right out. Heh, it's just a little slow today. A lot of shakes toady, heh heh." Scootaloo said, seeing the annoyed mare was staring at her. "Is it?" Ryon whispered in Scootaloo's left ear. "Don't worry. I got this." Scootaloo said, wanting to not only impress the customer, but also her new crush. She turned around, and noticed the customer was now tapping her right front hoof on the ground impatiently. "Hurry up, kid. I have a train to catch." She mumbled. "It'll be right out. Trust me." Scootaloo said a little bit louder than before. The shake maker began crashing and churning even louder. Then, suddenly, it stopped. The machine stopped vibrating. It seemed dead. "See? Nothing to wor-" Scootaloo couldn't finish her sentence. Both of her front legs were now covered in freezing cold, wet, slimy, chocolate cream. The cup had been completely filled up when the machine stopped and dispensed, but it had given way to much. "Scootaloo! Take it off the dispenser!" Ryon said, seeing the machine was now spitting chocolate all over the floor. "Awwgh! Oh no!" Scootaloo now felt embarrassed. She quickly sat the drink on the counter, and wiped her front legs and chest off. "Here you go, ma'am....?" Scootaloo quietly said. "Keep it. I'll get one in Canterlot when I get there." The mare walked out, her head held high. Scootaloo sighed. "I probably just ruined the restaurant's reputation." she said. "No, I don't think so. It wasn't your fault. That could've happened to anypony. I would have still bought from you," Ryon said, getting some paper napkins out from the cabinet below the counter. "You don't have to clean this mess of mine up. I made it. Besides, you just cleaned the counter tops." Scootaloo sighed. "Nah. Besides, I have nothing else to do." Ryon said, now throwing away the dirty napkins. "I'll just sit this over here." Scootaloo said, holding the chocolate shake in her front right hoof. Walking over to the counter, she slipped not noticing the chilly, slimy chocolate below her. "Hold on!" Ryon's wing immediately flew open, and wrapping it around the orange filly, it managed to hold Scootaloo up. The end feather extended outwards, and the shake was caught in between it and the second feather. Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I'm in his wing! He's holding me with his wing! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Scootaloo thought, feeling giggly. "W-wow. Thanks, R-ryon." Scootaloo managed to say, blushing. "No prob. I guess I missed a spot, huh?' Ryon said, now looking down at the chocolate. "I'll get it. Wow, I'm just so clumsy today." Scootaloo confessed, now realizing how big Ryon's wings were. I know my wings are pretty small, but those look even bigger than Rainbow Dash's! At his age? How is it possible? Scootaloo thought. But she didn't care. She was to love-struck for that. It was 7:30, and Sugarcube Corner would be closing in a half an hour. Ryon sat down in a squeaky, wooden stool behind the counter. Scootaloo sat down to the left of him. Ryon looked in front of him, and eyed a shake. Thirsty, he leaned over and began to drink out of it. No realizing how hungry she was, Scootaloo looked around. She didn't want to eat the Cake's inventory. She then saw a chocolate drink in front of her. She grabbed a straw and stuck it in. Then, without realizing, they both noticed they were drinking the same chocolate shake- the one the mare would have bought. Then, they both looked down at the drink, and realized they both had a straw in it- and where using it! Ryon immediately let go. "Sorry! Was that yours? I had no idea-" "No, no. It's not mine..." Scootaloo cut in. "You can still have it, I mean, like, I didn't have that much..." Ryon said. "You have it. I barely even touched the straw." Scootaloo insisted. "No, I'm fine. You take it, Scootaloo. Unless," Ryon paused, looking into the pegasi's purple eyes. "Unless what? Do you mean-" Scootaloo began to blush even more. "Sure, why not? We were both happy like that, and it's just a chocolate shake." Ryon said. Now he was blushing. Without saying a word, Scootaloo and Ryon went back to drinking the same shake together. 8:00. Sugarcube Corner was officially closed. The shake was gone. The two ponies sat outside the front door on the steps. "I can't wait for tomorrow." Scootaloo said. "Me neither. Hey, do you have any plans Sunday?" Ryon asked. "No, I don't think so. Why?" Scootaloo's heart fluttered. "Well, I'm just busy every day this week. Until Friday I have work here, well, I guess you kinda know that. And Saturday I'll be busy with some friends, and Sunday..." Ryon paused. "Hey, sure. I don't think I'll be doing anything. Well, I had better be going." Scootaloo said. She stood up. "Bye Ryon. See you tomorrow." She said, leaving. "Bye, Scootaloo. I love you." He said. "Wait, what?" Scootaloo said, turning around. "What? What did I say?" Ryon asked, not realizing what he had thought had really been said. "You said you love me," Scootaloo sighed, a smile growing on her face. "Did I?" Ryon looked down at the ground. "Yes, yes you did. But you know what?" Scootaloo asked the colt. "What?" Ryon had no idea what to expect. "I love you, too." And with that. Scootaloo kissed his cheek, and ran off into the night. Oh my gosh! She kissed me! SHE KISSED ME! SHE KISSED ME!, Ryon wanted to explode into fireworks. He was too happy- he didn't know if this kind of happiness could exist out of heaven. It seemed surreal to him. He knew that ever since he had laid eyes on the filly that she was special, but he never knew it would lead to this! But then, he remembered his past. How could he juggle that with this? If he was going to maintain a relationship, he'd either have to tell her the truth, or let go of his secret life. But he couldn't do that- not after what his cousin had been through with another certain pony he was related to. But he wouldn't ever get hurt- would he? Ryon continued to ponder these mind-boggling thoughts. I'll do it. I'll do it, for Scootaloo. > Apple Bloom's Decision > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earlier at the gazebo with Apple Bloom, Loviatar, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon: "Yeah, why is she here?' Silver Spoon asked, walking up next to her pink bratty friend. "She's one of us, girls. You just haven't seen her at her best." Loviatar said without hesitation. "Listen, Loviatar. We don't hang with blank flanks. Look at my cutie mark! Isn't it fabulous?" Diamond Tiara said, looking down at her hind leg. "Uh, mine too." Silver Spoon said. "Yeah sure. It's good, Silver, but now's not the time. It's my turn in the spotlight, okay?" The pink pony whispered. "Fine..." Silver Spoon mumbled, hanging her head. Diamond Tiara looked back at Loviatar. Then she noticed something- the pegasus was wearing a dress. "Do you even have a cutie mark, Loviatar? You're always wearing those dresses and such, and well, you must be hiding something. Is that why you're taking up for poor, poor Apple Bloom over there? Losers stick with losers, you know." Diamond Tiara snickered. "Apparently you two haven't seen anything. Check this baby out!" At once, the pegasus jumped up, and using her wings she lifted up the end of her long dress. Her cutie mark illuminated the three ponies watching. It was lit so bright, that, in fact, it appeared to be lighting up Loviatar in the purple light as well. "What is that?!" Diamond Tiara become curious. "It's purple sparks. It represents- uh, that I am, uh, beautiful. I am very beautiful. And you thought I was a, uh, loser blank-flank!" Loviatar stumbled with her speech as she landed. "But why what looks like purple magic? A unicorn would have that." Diamond Tiara hid her jealousy. "Oh, I can see why you country ponies would ever think that. But from the big city, you know, where I have lived most of my life, we don't see it like that. Ponies that aren't unicorns that have magical looking cutie marks are considered extra-special. It's just the way it works. Unless if you don't want an amazing friend this special..." Loviatar tempted as she began to turn around and walk away from Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. "No, no. I wasn't saying- oh, forget it. You're our friend, Loviatar! Hey, don't leave us!" Diamond Tiara yelled. Loviatar stopped. "Really? I never would have known." Grinning she turned around. "We could use somepony with style. And you seem to fit. We're friends now, Loviatar." Diamond Tiara said, a small grin on her face. "My friend too, right?" Silver Spoon asked. "Yeah, whatever. But anyway, we need to do more friend-things. Like, you know, have sleepovers-" Diamond Tiara began. "Makeovers! We must have makeovers." Loviatar said. "Yes! And with a pony with your style, you'd make us look like you in no time! I must be honest, I envy your mane. It's just so beautiful!" Diamond Tiara commented. "Why thank you! You know, this plain white fur is just not enough for me. I prefer something for, well, me. Your pink fur is just so gorgeous, Diamond Tiara." Loviatar continued. "What about my fur?" Silver Spoon said. "It's nice. I like the gray in it." Loviatar replied. "You mean the gray all over it!" Diamond Tiara added. "Hey!" Silver Spoon felt embarrassed. "Hey now, don't take it too harsh. And besides, you don't need to worry about being pretty." Diamond Tiara said. "Than-" Silver Spoon began. "Because you never will be! You look like a nerd! Those glasses, that braid- and I bet you get A's, too!" Loviatar cut in. "Good one, Loviatar! Silver, you really need to take off those glasses. You are such a nerd with those ridiculous things on." Diamond Tiara said. That wasn't really that nice, but if that's what the cool kids do... but I'm a nerd too! At least I don't look like it. But poor Silver Spoon... but how many times has she bullied me? But they bullied her... but she deserves it!, Apple Bloom debated in her mind. "Okay..." Silver Spoon sighed, taking off her glasses. "That's better. Now, come on." Diamond Tiara said. She, Silver Spoon, and Loviatar began walking away from the gazebo and onto one of Ponyville's many dirt roads. "Where is ya'll go'n?" Apple Bloom asked, not moving an inch. "To my house." Diamond Tiara said, still looking straight ahead. "Come on, Apple Bloom! It'll be fun! We're your friends." Loviatar added. "Friends... right. I'm coming, wait up!" Apple Bloom ran up next to them, making her decision. "Glad ya' joined us." Loviatar said, eyeing Apple Bloom, who was on her left. "Why are you glad that measly blank-flank is here?" Diamond Tiara asked the pegasus. "She's a friend. Just because she's cutie markless doesn't mean we have to treat her like the biggest baby in the world because she hasn't hit maturity and also for a prime fact that she also currently has no special talents, even if it's true. Right Apple Bloom?" Loviatar asked. "Wait, what?" Apple Bloom asked, trying to comprehend what just happened. "Nothing." Loviatar snickered, followed by the laughter of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. The four ponies finally reached the end of the dirt road, and turned onto a private, paved driveway. Big, iron gates stood at the beginning of the paved road. "Welcome home, my friends." Diamond Tiara grinned. > The Origins & The 'Second' Abduction > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sweetie Belle and Irothrust stood underneath the massive white tree. The orange, blue, and purple leaves glistened in the sunlight as Irothrust began to answer Sweetie Belle's question. "To understand everything, I must tell you from the beginning. A long time ago, about a thousand years, before Celestia and Luna came and saved us from Discord- well, before Discord even came- there were the three tribes. The unicorns, earth ponies, and pegasi. As we all know, the unicorns raised the sun and moon. The earth ponies attended the fields, and the pegasi controlled the weather, much like today. Before the two alicorn sisters found Equestria, we had to depend on each other for everything. The pegasi had a special place to call meetings from their weather committee, and other things like such. This place wasn't too far from were the sisters built their first castle, and it was hidden away in a forest." "Is it this place?" Sweetie Belle interrupted. Irothrust nodded, and continued, "There were three very special ponies that could connect with nature with an even stronger magic than normal pegasi ponies are supposed to possess. One, the color of gold, could control fire. Another one, the color of silver, had the power to control wind. The last one, the color of bronze, controlled ice. The only ways they could use their magic was to sing, and even sometimes dance, and the magic would appear." "Ooh, beautiful!' Sweetie Belle commented. "However, the silver one became frustrated. She felt like her wind powers weren't good enough. She hungered for the golden fire magic, one that only the pegasus with that gift could possess. She became furious, and turned her majestic wind powers into frightening storm magic, one that only the evil pegasi use." "Storms aren't really that hurtful. I mean, they cause damage and such, but a small rain-shower every now and then..." Sweetie mumbled. "That is what a lot would think, Sweetie Belle. But these storms weren't like that. They will never be how she continues to get stronger. Her storms are invisible. You can't see them, but they can hurt you intensely. She has the ability to electrocute, to drown, to freeze, and to melt ponies." "That's horrible!" "And that's not even the worst on the list." "How does this have to do with the tree, though?" "The snowflake, on the left, represents the ice controller. The fire represents the golden one, and the purple part represents what used to be the wind pony. As she abducts more magic and transforms it into evil for her own use, she can only get worse. Her leaves will turn black, and the tree trunk will to. It will begin to wilt, and eventually die." "But, what does it matter if the tree dies?" "The tree unites the three ponies. If it dies, our powers will die. We can't allow that to happen, because magic can't just disappear. We don't need her to get any more dark magic, because that can only lead to more trouble. Without the tree, we may not be able to stop her." "Oh, okay. Well, how do we stop her?" "Oh, well, I didn't mean to say 'we'. What I meant to say was- oh, forget it. Sweetie Belle, I can trust you, can't I?" "Sure, why not?" Sweetie Belle smiled. "I am the golden pony that has fire magic, and Ryon is the bronze pegasus with the ice magic..." "And the wind pony is- Loviatar?!" Sweetie Belle gasped. Irothrust nodded once more. "Ohmygosh! This is so cooooooool!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "Sssh." Irothrust whispered. "Right. Sorry." Sweetie Belle whispered back. "Promise to not tell?" Irothrust asked the unicorn. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. May I ask you some questions?" "Sure." "Why are you so young?" "Our magic keeps us fillies and colts as long as we have it. We aren't immortal like Celestia and Luna, so we needed a way to stay around for so long." "And why aren't you gold?" "The more magic Loviatar abducts, the less color I have. Instead, she gets it. That's why her mane is golden." "And, why do you wear that cape?" "I like to be secretive. I don't want anypony to know- I just don't want them to see me." "Do you have a cutie-mark?" "No, not really. I guess you could say-" "That's why you wear your cape! You don't have a cutie-mark! Hey, wanna join our cutie-mark crusaders club? It's a lot of fun. We go out and venture into the wilderness to find our special talents." "Maybe. And if you want that be why I wear my cape, go ahead and think that. I'm completely fine with that." Irothrust let out a small smile. Then, reaching behind her cape she pulled out some seeds. "Hey! I know those! I've seen 'em at Apple Bloom's farm before!" Sweetie Belle squeaked. "Yes, they are apple seeds." "What are you going to do with them?" "Plant them. The more health, the more happier this place gets. Good defeats evil, and health is good. It's a small experiment I am working on. Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't. But it's worth a shot." "Why did you force Apple Bloom to give them to you? And the bloody nose? Now she has a grudge with you." Sweetie said. "Sometimes you must force. I cannot let anypony know about this place; it's too risky. I trust you, Sweetie Belle." "Okay." Irothrust planted the seeds, and then the two ponies made their way to the exit. Before they got to the gates, Irothrust began to shake. Her pupils got tiny, and her irises became bright red. Tears formed in her eyes again like last time, but she didn't hold them in. They rolled down her cheeks, and at once like steam, evaporated into the air. A small white light like before surrounded Irothrust, but it shone even brighter than the first time. Sweetie could see that the brighter it was, the more it looked like yellow than white. Then, she went back to normal, except for the fact that she now looked even more pale. "Another abduction?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Yes. And she took a lot of magic. You aren't safe, Sweetie Belle. Go home. And remember your promise." Irothrust said, her voice sounding hoarse. Then they left. > United, Then Divided > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sun was setting in Ponyville. Its cool autumn air blew past Sweetie Belle as she ran for the Carousel Boutique. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw what looked like... Scootaloo?! Sweetie skidded to a halt, unintentionally stepping on her dress in the process. The rip was torn even bigger. Irothrust was supposed to fix this, Sweetie Belle thought to herself, slightly annoyed. "Hey, Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo skipped over. Her tone could only be described as whimsical. "Uhh, Scootaloo? Are you alright?" Sweetie asked back. Concerned for her friend. "I'm better than alright! Ryon said he loved me,” Scootaloo look at the grounds, nervously kicking the dirt, then back to her friend. “and I... I kissed him!" "What?!" Sweetie Belle'e eyes shot open. "It's amazing! It's like we're meant to be together." "Don't you think that's a bit mature for us, for you?" "Naw. It's just young love. Besides, what about that little rumor about you and that certain Button Mash colt?" Scootaloo smirked at her friend. "Shh! Ok.. please keep it down." Sweetie Belle looked around in case anyone could hear them. "Haha, fine." Scootaloo said as she sat down. Sweetie Belle looked at the dirt road below her. Her mind was racing. Scootaloo has a crush on Ryon? But Ryon, he's a... oh, Irothrust never told me what the three of them together were called. But he does rule the ice. And with his sister Loviatar on the loose- wait, will Scootaloo be in danger?! "Why are you so quiet, Sweetie Belle?" "Oh, no reason." Sweetie knew to keep her promise, although she had a feeling she should tell her friend about the Sunset Gates, and everything inside of it. "Oh, okay." Scootaloo shrugged. Then another orange pony came from in the distance. "Apple Bloom! Where are ya'?" A familiar voice yelled. "Applejack? Is that you?" Sweetie lifted her head. "Scootaloo? Sweetie Belle? Da ya two fillehs know where in tarnation mah sister is? She was supposed ta be home hours ago, but she nevah came back!" "She was hanging out with Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and- Loviatar!" Sweetie Belle gasped, realizing Apple Bloom could be in danger as well. "Why is she with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon?" Scootaloo asked, surprised at her friend's odd choice. "I guess she wanted to be cool. They were at the gazebo earlier, and that's when I last saw 'em." Sweetie said. "Well, what are we waiting fah? Let's giddy on over there!" Applejack began to run to the gazebo, the two fillies following behind. "Anypony want milkshakes?" Diamond Tiara asked, trotting into her bedroom, followed by her butler who had a silver tray balancing on his hoof, with different flavored milkshakes on offer. "I'll take a vanilla!" Loviatar said. "Dibs on the cookie one!" Silver Spoon added. "Can I have the strawberry one?" Apple Bloom shyly asked. "Sure, Apple Bloom! Anything for a friend of mine." Diamond Tiara said, watching her butler give out the shakes. "Ah'm your friend?" Apple Bloom asked, feeling confused. Who knew Diamond Tiara would ever say that? "Why of course! Anypony that is a friend of Loviatar's is a friend of mine." The pink pony replied, slurping her chocolate treat. "I never knew how much fun ya'll could be!" Apple Bloom said, now laying on a sleeping bag in Diamond Tiara's bedroom. "When are we going to do the makeovers?" Silver Spoon asked. "Loviatar! Can I see your cutie-mark again? It was absolutely gorgeous earlier, and I am a little envious of such a thing." Diamond Tiara ignored her friend Silver Spoon, and focused more on the white pegasus. "Oh, uh... well, if you really insist..." Loviatar began. "Come on! Show me your cutie-mark." "Here." Loviatar lifted her dress, and underneath was the purple sparkles. Now that the fillies were inside, they could see it a lot better than they could have earlier. It was five purple sparkles- a big one in the middle, and four smaller around. Two on top, and two on the bottom. "The makeovers, Diamo-" "Not now, Silver Spoon. Now, what did you say your cutie-mark meant again?" "Ugh. They won't listen to me.” Silver Spoon sighed “Do you want to talk, Apple Bloom?" Silver Spoon looked towards the yellow filly. "Uh, sure." Apple Bloom quietly replied. "Well, I'm going to be taking an extra class after school on nursing. I find medical aid very appealing." The silver pony said. "Oh, that's uh, cool. Ah'm more into farmin' an' such. Ya' know, those kind'a things." "Yeah." Silver Spoon sighed. "What's wrong?" "Oh, nothing. I just wish Diamond Tiara would pay me some attention." "Oh, well I think-" Suddenly, there was a knock at the front door. Diamond Tiara ran to see who it was. The others watched expectantly. "A- Applejack? What brings you here?" The small pink filly asked. "Have you seen Apple Bloom? She hasn't been home yet." The work horse questioned the pink filly. "Ah'm right here, Applejack." Apple Bloom said, walking up next to Diamond Tiara. "Come on lil' filly. I neva said ya could be wanderin' round at night, goin' ta parties an' such. Let's go home." "But-" "No buts 'bout it! Now come on." Apple Bloom packed her bags. "Sorry gals, maybe another night." She sighed. As the yellow filly stepped out of the door, she noticed her sister wasn't alone. "Sweetie Belle? Scootaloo? Why are you two here?" She asked, sounding like Diamond Tiara. "We helped Applejack find you. She was really worried and-" Sweetie began. "Sweetie Belle!" Apple Bloom yelled, realizing that her friend was the one that had caused her to leave the sleepover. "Sorry Apple Bloom, but your sister was worried abo-" Sweetie Belle was interupted. "Ah was havin' the most fun!" "It's not my fault." "Yes it is!" "Girls! Stop this bickerin'!" Applejack snapped. The three fillies became quiet. Scootaloo didn't understand, why Sweetie and Apple Bloom were arguing so much? All three of them were such good friends; it didn't seem right. "I'll see you tomorrow at school." Scootaloo said, turning down a different road to her house. "You too!" Sweetie Belle said. "She was talking to me." Apple Bloom hissed. "Girls!" Applejack yelled again. Oh no, I started another argument. Is that why Sweetie Belle wasn't talking a lot earlier? Is that why Apple Bloom was with Loviatar, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon? Do they not like me? Have I been the root of the disagreements? Is it all my fault? We were united, and now we are divided. Scootaloo looked at her friends as they left, a look of worry crossing over her face. ...and it's my fault. > Notes > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The autumn sun was rising. A new day had just begun. Scootaloo's head rushed with questions and excitement from yesterday. I kissed Ryon... my best friends got in an argument... I have my second day of work today... I can help my friends feel better... I'll have a big day today, she thought. As she continued to get ready for school, the orange pegasus realized something different. Ryon's wings were pretty big... and now that I think about Loviatar's were big as well at recess yesterday... but is that because I'm not used to seeing ponies with bigger wings? But Rainbow Dash has big wings, but not as big as those! The feathers are just so long... oh, what colt would like me? I have such small wings. But he said he loved me... Scootaloo's mind wandered from Ryon and his sister, then back to Ryon as her crush wedged his way into her mind even more. Should I still consider him a crush? We've never dated, but he and I have the same feelings for each other... her mind continued to race. Scootaloo's eyes glanced over at her clock. 7:38, that's cool. 7:38?! Ohmygosh! Ohmygish! Ohmygosh! School starts in less than half an hour an it's on the other side of town! Scootaloo quickly ate breakfast, then darted of of her house and down the dirt roads of Ponyville to school. Apple Bloom sat in her bedroom, as Tears fell from her eyes. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Quickly wiping her tears off her face, she looked up to see Apple Jack, standing in the doorway. "Whut's wrong, sugarcube?" Apple Jack asked, sensing something was wrong, even though she never saw her sister crying. "Nuthin'. Ah jest dan't wanna go ta school taday." "And why's that?" "Ah... ah dan't like it anymoar." Apple Bloom sniffled. "That didn't answer mah question. Apple Bloom, what's gott'n inta ya?” Applejack placed her hoof under her sister's chin. "Ah... ah... ah don't know." The pony lied, wanting to keep her emotions secret. "Well, come on then. Let's git ya ready fer school." The older mare left the room. Apple Bloom followed her older sister out of her room, although she didn't want to. Sweetie Belle acted hyper; she had only twenty minutes until school started, and Rarity was taking her sweet time preparing a 'darling outfit' for her. "Rarity! Come one! I'm going to be late again!" Sweetie Belle squealed. "Alright, dear. Just a few more minutes and you'll look fab-" "That's what you said fifteen minutes ago!" the filly whined. "Darling, beauty comes with a price. Your price is patience right now." "But Rari-" "I don't want to hear any 'buts' or 'Rarity's' about it. Now, if you'd just stay still for a tad longer.” Shaking her legs and slightly jumping around, the pony waited. Soon she was completely dressed in a light purple silky cape that stretched all the way down her back and past her flank, ending near the ground. It was attached to a purple beaded necklace and had a matching purple beaded headband. Sweetie Belle had her mane and tail not as curly as usual, but rather wavy this morning. She was wearing light purple horseshoes with glitter coating on them. "There you are darling. Now, try not to rip this one, please. I'm already having enough trouble trying to fix the other." Rarity sighed. "Sorry about that, sis. Thank you!" Sweetie Belle quickly said, grabbing her stuff and rushing out the door. School began. Apple Bloom, who was sitting to Loviatar's right, received a folded piece of paper from the white pegasus. The earth pony quickly opened it up to read the note inside. It read: Meet me at the water fountain today at recess right away. Apple Bloom nodded, and Loviatar smirked in return. The two fillies didn't know that a certain unicorn was eavesdropping, or rather spying, on them. It was pretty easy to do, since Sweetie Belle sat to Apple Bloom's right. Although she didn't know what the note said, according to her new friend Irothrust it would be bad news. Loviatar and Apple Bloom weren't the only ones passing notes. Behind Apple Bloom sat Scootaloo, and behind Scootaloo sat Ryon. The brown pegasus quickly got out a piece of paper, and using his pen he wrote a short and fast message. Folding it quietly, making sure Ms. Cheerilee wasn't looking, he tapped Scootaloo on the back. The orange filly turned her whole body around. Ryon handed her the note, and Scootaloo quickly accepted it. Turned back around, the filly opened it, and was a little shocked to what she saw. The note read: Scootaloo... I have to tell you something later at recess. Please don't hate me. Can we still be friends after I tell you? Also, I can't tell you in writing. It wouldn't be the same. Scootaloo's mind began to ponder these thoughts. Was Ryon secretly dating somepony else? Did he not like her anymore as a marefriend? Is he not working anymore with her? Is he moving? Has he been keeping a secret even bigger than these? Scootaloo's heart began to sink into her stomach. Not even a full twenty four hours later had they been together. 'No!' she thought to herself. 'He wouldn't do that...would he?' She felt her stomach do a somersault. She thought of the time they had spent together, her eyes began to water. '...would he?' > The First Confession > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scootaloo's thoughts were interrupted by Silver Spoon. "My mom says I should go into the medical field, Ms. Cheerilee. I agree with her, and I want to become a doctor, preferably because I like doing cardiopulmonary resuscitation." the gray pony said. "What's that supposed to mean?" Diamond Tiara asked. "It's CPR, Diamond. You do it on somepony when they have a heart attack, and it helps the oxygen get back in the blood flow so that they can live." Ms. Cheerilee explained. "In fact, if it isn't done when it is supposed to, they will become unconscious almost immediately and will die in about 5 to 10 minutes." Silver Spoon added. "Nerd." Diamond Tiara murmured under her breath. She didn't want her companion to make a bad reputation for her. Diamond Tiara couldn't care less if Silver Spoon was known as a nerd, but Diamond didn't want to be looked upon as a geek. A sudden thought came across her mind. Diamond Tiara didn't care what her silver earth pony friend would think of her idea as long as she still had Loviatar. At least the pegasus was a lot cooler. "Yes, Ryon?" The teacher called on the light brown pegasus. "I was actually interested in being a doctor once," he began, "I wanted to also save lives, but not with CPR. I wanted to become a cancer specialist." "Very interesting! And that's a good goal in life, too. Alright class, you are dismissed for recess!" The purple pony said. At once the fillies and colts jumped up and raced outside. Apple Bloom trotted over towards the water fountain like Loviatar had asked her to. The yellow filly's conscience told her this was a bad idea, but she denied it. "Alright, Lo'tar. What did ya call me over here for?" Apple Bloom asked, her voice sounding scared. "Oh, nothing really. I just wanted to ask you some questions, that's all." The pegasus replied. "A-alright." Apple Bloom said, not letting Loviatar know she was nervous. Before the pegasus could ask her first question, two certain earth ponies came walking up. "So, how's it going girls?" Silver asked. "Shut up, Silver. No one thinks you're cool anymore." Diamond said. Apple Bloom's head quickly turned to look into Silver Spoon's purple eyes. Did Diamond Tiara just tell her best friend to shut up? And that she wasn't cool? "I don't get it." Silver asked, feeling concerned. She knew how Diamond Tiara had bullied others, and she didn't want to experience the same thing. "You are such a nerd! Card-o-plum-whatever is nerdy!" She snapped. "It's not nerdy! It's-" "And I thought I told you to take off those glasses!" "You're not the boss of me!" Silver Spoon raised her voice. "Oh, really? Then why are you my assistant?" "Assistant? Assistant in what?" Silver Spoon was on the verge of screaming. "Life! You help me with everything! You're my companion, maid, friend, servant..." "Companion and friend would've just been good enough. Now that I know what you think of me as, I'm going away. When you want a real friend back, just let me know." Silver Spoon yelled, galloping off into the other direction. Diamond Tiara's face lit up with a smile. Her head quickly turned around. Her eyes fell on Apple Bloom. "You aren't going to ruin our clique with nerdiness or farm-junk or any of that stuff either, are you?" The pink pony asked, her voice making it sound more like a command. "No! I mean yes, I mean I won't ruin anything." Apple Bloom choked. "Good." The pink pony said, her smile growing bigger. "Like I was about to ask, Apple Bloom, what is Sweetie Belle's favorite thing?" Loviatar continued. Scootaloo slowly walked nervously towards Ryon. As soon as his blue eyes met hers, she froze. What if he does brake up with me? "Scootaloo, I know the note was probably not the best, but I just wanted to tell you something. Something that I have never told anypony else. Please don't hate me, and please don't think I'm stupid for this. But believe it or not, it's the truth about me." He looked down at the ground. After sighing, he continued. "IamasupernaturalimmortalponywithextrainnatemagicandbecauseofmysecretsupernaturalpowersthatIwasbornwithandthereforeIamtheguardianoftheicebecausemypowerslooklikesnowflakesandIdon'treallycontroltheweatherbutIdocontrolthemagicthatlooksliketheweatherbyeithersingingormindcontrolbecausenowthatthepegasipopulationhasrisensinceoverathousandyearswe'reunneededsowejusttravelschooltoschooltonotbesuspicious!" Ryon spoke so fast that his words melted together. It was like talking to a male version of Pinkie Pie. "Could you say that a little bit, uh, slower?" Scootaloo asked. "I am a supernatural immortal pony with extra innate magic and because of my secret supernatural powers that I was born with and therefore I am the guardian of the ice because my powers look like snowflakes and I don't really control the weather but I do control the magic that looks like the weather by either singing or mind control because now that the pegasi population has risen since over a thousand years we're unneeded so we just travel school to school to not be suspicious!" Ryon said, a little bit slower than before. Scootaloo's face was blank. Then, she burst out laughing. "R-ryon! Ha! You crack me up! I'm supposed to believe that y-you're a s-supernatural pegasus with e-e-x-extra innate magic! Ha ha ha!" Scootaloo couldn't talk, she was laughing to hard. "I've literally been dying to tell somepony this for a thousand years, Scootaloo. Please, don't tell anypony. You weren't even supposed to know." Ryon sighed, regretting his confession. And I thought he was going to brake up with me! Scootaloo thought. "Hey, Ryon." A familiar voice said. Silver Spoon slowly approached. "H-hi, Silver Spoon." Ryon stuttered. "Can you help me with something? See, I was hoping that you'd know more about doctors and medical things more than Diamond Tiara." Her smooth, tempting voice continued. "Sure." He responded nervously. "Great! Well, come over here. My first aid kit is right under this tree, and-" Silver Spoon continued on. Scootaloo didn't, though. Her mind realised what was happening. Ryon tells me something stupid. Silver Spoon acts like she has work. The begin to like each other. They date. Ryon forgets about me, and my heart will be broken. I'll have nothing left, her mind whispered as she looked at Ryon and Silver Spoon, sitting under the tree with the medical aids. Ryon would say something, and Silver Spoon would laugh. They both had a smile on their face, and they looked into each other's eyes often. Tears began to form in Scootaloo's eyes. > The 'Third' Abduction > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ponies ran wildly throughout the school's front lawn. The fillies and colts ran, talked, and played. All except for three. Scootaloo sat down, acting like she didn't care that Ryon was hanging out with Silver Spoon. Soon they'd be going out. Soon Ryon would forget about about Scootaloo... if he already hasn't. Aside from Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle was also alone. She scanned the schoolyard like a hawk for a friend. She saw Scootaloo, but didn't want to be around her. Sweetie had assumed that her pegasus friend would turn her down for somepony else, like how Apple Bloom did. Somepony tapped Sweetie Belle's back. She jumped from fright, but after seeing who it was she became calm. "It's only me, dear friend." Irothrust's mysterious yet soothing voice rang. "Hi, Irothrust." Sweetie Belle replied. "I must ask of you a favor. Can you handle this?" The caped pony asked her. "Sure, I guess. Uh, what is it, exactly?" Sweetie responded. "I am going to need to unleash a new secret to you that I have never told anypony. Meet me in the forest under the Sunset Gates again after school." "Alright!" "Good. Now, if you must excuse me, I am going to talk to somepony." "Okay!" As Irothrust walked away, two other ponies walked up. "Why, hello Sweetie Belle!" Loviatar said. "Uh, hi?" "It's so nice to see a good pony around here." The white furred pegasus continued. "What do you mean, 'good pony'?" "I'm saying that you're not a mean, ugly pony!" "Who's like that?" "Just a certain pony I used to know at my old school last year. So, how do you like school this year? I know it's only Wednesday, but, three days can hold a lot of events!" "It sure can." Sweetie Belle chuckled. "You know, Sweetie Belle, if you don't mind, I'd like to invite you to a... party." "Party? I like parties! Is Pinkie Pie hosting it?" The unicorn squeaked. "No, uh, yes, maybe. I don't know..." Loviatar became confused. Clearing her mind, she continued. "So, are you in, or are you out?" "I can see if I can go. When is it?" "This Saturday. My brother will be gone with his friends Snips and Snails, so everything will work out perfect. For my party, that is." "Oh, okay! I'll try to come. It's all really up to what my sister Rarity says." "You- you are babied by your sister? Ha! D-doesn't that make you feel, oh, I don't know... insecure sometimes when she isn't around to save you from a small breeze, or even a tiny little-" "Stop it! It's not like that! I've just gotta make sure I have no plans!" "Shouldn't you already know? Or does she not trust you enough to tell you?" "Who would?" The other pony asked. That other pony being Diamond Tiara. "Can't you ponies pick on somepony else?" Sweetie Belle begged. "On one condition." Loviatar smiled. "Yeah...?" "You attend that party. From start to finish. No chickening out." Sweetie Belle gulped. The other two ponies walked away back from where they came from. "I never knew you were that good!" Diamond Tiara complimented. "You mean that bad!" Loviatar snickered. "So, what kind of party is this?" "It's my birthday party." "Why would you force her to go?" "More ponies, more presents. Who doesn't love presents? Besides, I have to build up my reputation for holding big events and such." The ponies turned the corner and found Apple Bloom right where they told her to meet them. "How'd it go?" The country pony asked. "Wonderful. Your little idea worked perfectly. Sweetie Belle loves fun, and fun is parties. She is also afraid of being publicly humiliated! Oh the fun we could have with this, girls! The pain we'll bring upon her! All because I-" Loviatar stopped. What was she doing? She couldn't let them know about her past! "All because I loving pulling harmless pranks! Ha, ha." She finished with a lie. "Can I come to your party?" Diamond Tiara asked. "Of course! You too Apple Bloom!" "Me?" "Yes! You're my friend, aren't you?" "I- I guess so." Apple Bloom sighed. Deep down she knew that she wasn't happy, but after the way these ponies seemed to have everything whereas her and her friends were always deserted by the rest of the ponies... this just seemed like a happier choice for her at first. Scootaloo sat alone on the grass, watching Ryon and Silver Spoon. She knew that she'd have to stay calm and not let her jealousy get the best of her. "Hello." A new voice said behind her. "What the- Irothrust, is that you?" Scootaloo was surprised to see this pony beside her. "Yes." "Why are you over here? Shouldn't you be with your friend Sweetie Belle?" "Don't you mean our friend?" "How do you know- did Sweetie Belle tell you about us? Our trio..." "No. I can just tell that you would be her friend. Believe it or not, I feel that Apple Bloom would be your friend, too." "She did tell you. Don't try to lie." "I am not lying, Scootaloo." The pony paused. "I am just trying to reunite you. I feel that if you three are torn apart, a lot of damage could occur as a result." Irothrust walked away into the schoolyard leaving Scootaloo curious. On her way back, a certain pegasus stopped Irothrust. "You are just begging to die, aren't you?" "What do you want, Loviatar? You know you aren't going to succeed, so why try?" "You know as well as I do that Starswirl and Commander Hurricane didn't know what they were getting themselves into when they allowed us this power!" "And that fits into the equation where...?" "They should've ranked me higher! I strive for the most power!" "So why aren't you happy with being silver? At least you're not third!" "Says the one in the top rank!" With that, Loviatar's eyes grew bright red. Irothrust gasped for air, but no matter how hard she tried it was hard for her to breath. More magic had just been abducted. > The Deeper Origins > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scootaloo placed her bookbag down behind the counter at Sugarcube Corner. It was her second day of work and she already wanted to quit. "Hi, Scootaloo!" Ryon said, walking in. Scootaloo said nothing in reply. Instead, she put on her apron and ignored the colt. "A-are you okay?" Ryon had never seen the orange filly act this way before. Once again, Scootaloo did not respond. She turned around and went over to the sink to wash her hooves. "Alright. You wanna play the silent game, huh?" Ryon said, slightly annoyed. The door opened and the bell rung. A customer walked in. "We'll be right with you!" Ryon yelled from the kitchen as he tied his apron. Scootaloo rolled her eyes. Sighing, she walked out to the counter. Never mind, Ryon thought as he turned on the sink to wash his own hooves. He began to hum. "How can I help y- Oh, hey Loviatar!" Scootaloo's face brightened. "Nice to see you, Scootaloo!" Loviatar replied. "So, can I get you anything? Maybe a cupcake?" "No thanks, only my brother. Ugh, is he back there singing again? Stupid kid. Anyways, I need to have a quick word with him." "Oh, uh, alright." Scootaloo mumbled. "Ryon... uh, Loviatar wants to see you. She's right up front and- what the hay?" Scootaloo stopped talking after seeing the colt. He was humming, and as he did his chest became light blue, almost as if there was a magic aura around him on his chest. Small light blue snowflakes came pouring out very slowly, one by one. As they floated to the ground, they disappeared into thin air, as if they were evaporated. Ryon immediately quit humming, and turned around to see Scootaloo. "How did you do that?" She asked. "I told you. I'm an- did you say my sister was here?" He quickly changed the subject. "Yeah. But wait, how did you-" "No time to talk. This is probably important." He rushed past her, not letting her talk. So he thinks his sister is more important than me, huh? I saw him humming! Snow-like magic stuff came right out of him! That's barely even possible for a pegasus! How does a pegasus do that?! Scootaloo frowned. "Hey, Loviatar. What's so important this time that you've got to take me out of work?" Ryon asked. "It's a tragic accident! The- the magic! You can't be using it all up!" "Don't talk so loud! We're in public." Ryon began to whisper. "Said the one who was back there singing!" Loviatar calmed herself down before continuing. "Ryon, the tree is dying. I don't know what is happening, but it is beginning to wilt. And as the magic guardian, it is my duty to make sure that doesn't happen!" "But how do I help? I'm just singing. Sorry if I like that song, but it's the only one I really can sing and still have complete control over my magic. Besides, I am recycling my magic. Once it touches the floor, it comes right back inside me." "You can't risk it, Ryon. Have you seen what that did to Irothrust? She was playing with her magic, and she almost-" The door swung open, and another customer trotted in. "I'll talk to you later." Loviatar said, walking out. Ryon went behind the counter, and served the pony. Little did they know, somepony was eavesdropping. "Soooo... let me get this straight. These are the Sunset Gates, and this is the magical place where only pegasi could go to discuss weather stuff?" Sweetie Belle asked, walking on the clouds. "Sort of. See, these clouds are special. That's why you can walk on them. They were created by magic, you see. That's why other ponies are, err, blind to them. Only the ones that are either emotionally connected to a sorcerer or one that is magically allowed in can see, hear and feel them, you get it?" "Oh... What's a sorcerer?" "A sorcerer, Sweetie Belle, is one of the three ponies that can use their magic here. Actually. we can use our magic anywhere, but originally we were only supposed to use it here. We weren't allowed to let other ponies find out. Sweetie, I can trust you, can't I?" Irothrust asked. "Of course!" "A long time ago, before we were even known as sorcerers, Loviatar, Ryon and I had no home. We were orphans." "Oh... sorry about that." "Don't be. It's actually made life a lot easier on me, on all of us. Being immortal, I have to see the ponies I love pass away over time. Anyways, the orphanage knew we had great potential. But since we were still under Discord's evil reign, we were unable to prove anything without something going terribly wrong. By the time we were about ten years old, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna came and defeated Discord, turning him to stone. Soon after, things became more organized, we were able to show our talent. In no time at all the Princesses came to us, and with Commander Hurricane we were known as the weather sorcerers. We also learned that Loviatar and Ryon are siblings, and I am their cousin. That was actually expected, though. See, there wasn't a lot of Pegasus population in the beginning of Equestria. Start over. There wasn't really a lot of any species, actually. And since Loviatar, Ryon and I had extra supernatural innate magic, we were intended to use it for good." "Cool!" "Not cool! Sweetie Belle, this is a the part of my past that I have never told anypony before. I am putting my faith in you. Promise me you wont tell anypony anything." "Of course!" Sighing, Irothrust nervously continued. "Celestia and Luna hoof picked us. Even back then we weren't allowed to let other ponies know who we were. Our powers had to be kept secret, and in order to do that we had to disguise ourselves. The princesses ranked us. Not only by our age, but our jobs as well." "What does that mean?" "My fur was turned golden, and my magic was turned to orange because of three things. One, I was to have my magic the same as my old coat. Second, my rank determined my new coat and hair color. And last, I was the oldest, and therefore received the most important job." "What's your job?" "Besides to use my magic for good purposes, I was made the Tree Tender. The United Sorcerers Tree, for that matter." "Is that the big, white tree with the orange, purple, and blue leaves?" Irothrust nodded in response. "Wow..." Sweetie Belle said, her voice fading. "Please don't tell anypony." "Of course not! But, if you don't mind me asking, why are you a sorcerer if you don't seem to have wings?" "It's hard to explain. This is one of those things I can't exactly tell you right now." "Oh, okay. I understand." "Sweetie Belle, I have a weird feeling." "What? Is more magic being abducted?" "No... but I have a feeling that you need to go home." "Okay. Bye, Irothrust!" "Bye Sweetie Belle!" As Sweetie Belle exited, Irothrust looked back at the United Sorcerers Tree. The trunk was light grey, and the roots looked black. The branches wilting down, and a single orange leaf fell from Irothrust's side of the tree. It quickly turned brown and shriveled up. This isn't good. > The First Of The Untold Secrets > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- But... Scootaloo wasn't unwanted... and I guess Sweetie Belle wasn't either... Apple Bloom continued her mental debate with herself. What am I thinking?! Sweetie's new friend, Irothrust, gave me a bloody nose! She knocked me out... and stole some seeds! And Sweetie took up for her... Apple Bloom shook her head. Only four minutes had passed- it was now 5:41. The sun hadn't yet risen, but yet the earth pony was wide awake. In fact, she had never gone to bed last night- she was too worried. All night questions ran through her mind, but they were never answered. What will they think if I tell them I'm going back... to being the uncool Apple Bloom? Will they tease me? Will they embarrass me? Will they be mean again? Oh Apple Bloom, what are you saying? These are your friends you're talking about! You can't leave them... after all, they should make me happy. But... why do I feel sad? A single tear ran down Apple Bloom's cheek. Why did I listen to her? Why did she ask me, anyways? Out of all ponies that Diamond Tiara bullies, I was picked? Why did they want to be my friend? Her mind pondered these strange thoughts. If Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara were really mean and didn't like me, they wouldn't have ever accepted me as a friend. And Loviatar, especially. I haven't even known her for a week and I can tell she's somepony to not play around with. If they really think this highly of me... I mustn't let them down. The filly climbed out of bed and wiped away her tears. She began to get ready for school as Celestia raised the sun. If only I didn't have to go to school today... at least tomorrow's Friday. "What do you mean the tree is dying?!" Ryon yelled as he passed through the Sunset Gates. Inside was Loviatar and Irothrust. "No, Ryon! You really need to get out more. This tree is magical! It doesn't drink or die or get sick or wither! The leaves don't fall! Branches don't break! It doesn't act like a normal tree! It's the Untied Sorcerers Tree for crying out loud!" Loviatar quickly cooled her tempter, "Irothrust, do you have any idea of what we can do to save the tree?" Irothrust sighed. "I can do my song, and I can see what's wrong with it." She paused, and glanced at Loviatar. A smiled creeped upon Loviatar's face asIrothrust's eyes had the feeling of worry in them. "Well, what are you waiting for, Tree Tender?" Loviatar asked in a rude tone, practically spitting the words. After sighing again, the caped pony began singing. "As the world lights candles and the friction collides, the bronze and the gold seem to combine, they are the colors of fire, and the fire is mine..." Her voice faded. Loviatar had not stolen any magic from her... and this was a huge surprise. Magic is the most powerful when a pony sings, so why didn't she abduct? The tree illuminated as a white glow appeared around it. Suddenly, an orange mist covered the aura around the tree, and then the magic caught on fire. Then, in the blink of an eye, it turned to ash, and the tree underneath was the same as it was before. "Well, what was wrong with it?" Loviatar asked impatiently. "Magic problems. First, there is a huge magic imbalance. Second, there is... dark magic. Dark Magic causes the tree to wither and die- the only way it dies. Otherwise, it will live on forever." Irothrust said in a scratchy yet monotone voice. "Magic problems? How's that even possible?" Ryon asked, taking a deeper look at the tree's roots. "Loviatar, you're the Magic Keeper. What do you think has caused this?" Irothrust asked, acting like as if she had no idea what was going on. "I- I don't know. I certainly don't have dark magic. If I did, I'd be some evil villain somewhere using my powers as an advantage to rule over everything! Heh, heh. But, seriously guys. Who's done this?" Loviatar asked. Both Ryon and Irothrust had blank faces. "Fine. Ryon, since you're the Sorcerer's Field Guardian, you must now make sure to lock the Sunset Gates whenever you leave. You aren't to let us come in anymore. The tree might just need rest. Sometimes magic can refurbish itself over time." Loviatar decided. "Alright." Ryon replied with a smile. "Good, now, we need to get to school." Loviatar said, prancing out of the garden known as the Sorcerer's Field. Irothrust followed, and as Ryon sang his song, a magical key appeared in front of him. He locked the gates shut, and then continued on his way to Ponyville's school. Little did he know, the mares knew that magic didn't refurbish itself. Irothrust was wondering why Loviatar had lied; did she not want her brother to know the truth? Irothrust thought that Loviatar had told Ryon what had happened to her so long ago, right after they were ranked. Irothrust suddenly realized what her tricky cousin had planned up her sleeve. > The Argument > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The young ponies sat in their seats as Ms.Cheerilee began her lesson. "Now class, today we will be studying the magic of friendship. Long ago was Discord's reign, and the world was lost in his chaotic powers. But then, our brave and heroic leaders, Princesses Celestia and Luna, rose up against him and defeated him, restoring our land." Irothrust couldn't pay attention. She was worried for her cousin, Ryon. She could tell that he was blinded from the same trap that caught her so many years ago. She wasn't. Loviatar couldn't get away with it this time. She just can't. She thought. "Irothrust! Please pay attention, now!" Ms. Cheerilee said, grasping the filly's attention, "I know that history class isn't the most exciting thing for young fillies and colts, but please listen to my lesson. You will all have quizzes, too." But, I'm not a young filly. And I should ace the quiz; I was there to witness it. Irothrust chuckled quietly to herself. Apple Bloom hadn't been paying much attention to her teacher, either. All morning she had been getting quick glances from her new friend Loviatar. The pegasus just smiled, and sometimes waved. Her kindness was becoming creepier than the fact that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had accepted Apple Bloom as their friend. "Apple Bloom! Please pay attention! Didn't you hear me just getting onto Irothrust for that?" The teacher asked, getting irritated. "Why would I pay any attention to her? She's a stupid brat that only cares 'bout herself! She hit me!" Apple Bloom screamed. Her voice was filled with anger, but the fear in her eyes was visible to those that could see past her tears, which were now running down her cheeks and onto the floor. Her hoof was pointed straight at the hooded pony. Irothrust, unlike how most ponies would have responded, just sat there as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. The teacher's focus went from Apple Bloom to Irothrust. Her face wasn't as mad as it was surprised. "Irothrust? Is this... true?" The teacher asked, slightly lifting her left hoof towards the normally quiet and well behaved student. The pony only sat there. Her bright hazel eyes gazed off into space. She didn't move at all. "Irothrust, is this true?" Ms. Cheerilee said, anger now taking ahold of her voice. After a few minutes of silence, the caped pony shook her head 'yes' in response. "I was at her farm one day earlier this week, and I was going through her things..." A smile crawled upon Loviatar's face as her cousin admitted that she had hurt Apple Bloom in exchange for the apple seeds. "Then... I gave her a bloody nose." She finished. Her eyes had not moved from awkwardly starring into the one-room schoolhouse, and they hadn't blinked, either. "Although I am angry for Apple Bloom screaming and for her use of such language a few minutes ago, I am also disappointed and equally furious with you, young filly. Giving somepony a bloody nose after stealing their personal property is extremely wrong. Apple Bloom, why didn't you tell me?" Ms. Cheerilee asked. "I- I- I..." she paused, remembering her new friends. What will they think of me after I tell everyone why I didn't? She thought. "I- I wasn't a baby. I could handle it myself, thank you." She said, folding her arms. "But... you didn't. You seemed very mad at her today. Do you to need to talk it out?" Ms. Cheerilee asked, trying to sound calmer. "No! She doesn't even talk! How am I supposed to if you are the only one she will talk to?" The earth pony asked. "She does talk. Maybe she just-" Ms. Cheerilee began, but was cut off by the sound of Diamond Tiara's voice. "Ms. Cheerilee! It's recess time!" She shouted. "Ugh... you students go to recess. Apple Bloom, Irothrust... please stay here." She said, slowly exhaling. The ponies did as they were told. "Apple Bloom, I will need Granny Smith down here tomorrow. Irothrust, hmm... you parents never came to orientation, did they? Well... I'll need to speak with them tomorrow and-" Once again, the teacher was cut off. "I have no parents." She said, her monotone voice ringing through the building. "Oh... sorry about that. Yes, well, what about a grandparent?" "No, ma'am. I'm sorry." "Don't be... do you have any older family members around here that you can call up? What about who you go home with?" "I go nowhere. I have no place to stay. I am alone." The room was silent. "Well... let's have a little talk right here. Then, if there's time left, you can go and play with the others." The teacher said, looking down at both students. Apple Bloom snorted and folded her arms tighter, and like before, Irothrust acted like as if nothing had happened. "Okay, then... Irothrust, we know that you don't have a lot of, err, food... according to how you presented the way you live outside of school. That doesn't give you the right to steal things from other ponies, however. Now, not because I'm telling you, but because you feel like you need to, tell Apple Bloom sorry." Irothrust waited a few minutes before proceeding. "I apologize for my mistakes. I ask that you might forgive me, Apple Bloom." For the first time today, she made eye contact with the yellow filly. Apple Bloom quickly looked away. "She said sorry, Apple Bloom. Now, what do you say back?" "I fergive ya." She mumbled. "A little louder, please." Ms. Cheerilee urged. "I forgive ya! Fine." Apple Bloom said, anger in the voice. Irothrust stood up, and walked to the back of the classroom. Apple Bloom followed her example, only she walked outside. "Irothrust... is there something you need to tell me?" Ms. Cheerilee asked. "No ma'am." The pony whispered, looking out the window at the ponies outside. "Well... if you want to play with your friends, go ahead. Just please be more careful next time. And, you and Apple Bloom will be serving detention tomorrow right after school for two hours." The teacher concluded her statement, and went outside to supervise the rest of her class. Irothrust stayed inside, watching the fillies and colts from the window. > The Welcoming > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apple Bloom sat at her wooden school desk. Nervousness flowed through her like a sickening chill, as she knew that she would be facing detention in about five minutes with Irothrust. For two hours she would have to waste with the mysterious caped pony. The young earth pony slumped in her chair, her eyes watching the second hand on the teacher's clock slowly tick, as if time itself wanted to torture her. Apple Bloom looked over at Irothrust. The pony sat in her seat, head on her desk. Her bright hazel eyes didn't blink; she seemed to be focusing on whatever was going on outside the window. Her hood on the black, silky cape was down, and her ears were turned back behind her facing Apple Bloom. The earth pony turned to avoid looking at Irothrust. Turning to her left, she found comfort in her new friend Loviatar. "Alright. Class dismissed! Err, Apple Bloom, Irothrust... remember. You're serving detention today." Ms. Cheerilee said, not wanting to draw too much attention to the ponies. "Apple Bloom! Remember, my party is tomorrow, so don't miss it! It'll be at Sugarcube Corner!" Loviatar reminded her friend as she flew out the door. "See ya there!" The yellow filly replied, waving her front hoof. "Alright... let's see." Ms. Cheerilee mumbled as the rest of the students left the one-room school. "We need a cleaner playground... would you two mind? You know, I do have math papers if you'd rather do tha-" "Yes! Let me clean. It's better than being in this stuffy room with her." Apple Bloom said, glancing at Irothrust with a disgusted look on her face. "Apple Bloom, now, don't act like that! You're already in detention; you don't want to end up being suspended... do you?" Ms. Cheerilee rhetorically asked. Apple Bloom sank lower in her chair, her front legs folded over her chest. "Irothrust, would you like to be outside cleaning the playground, or would you rather do math? I would choose, but, I feel that you two can be very mature.excelent Now prove it, and do whichever assignment you chose with maturity." Ms. Cheerilee said, walking back to her desk. "I will also go outside... and clean." Irothrust said. Though her monotone voice was quiet, in the small room it seemed to be louder than it really was. Apple Bloom had groaned at Irothrust's decision, but by the teacher's look on her face, she knew that it was better to keep her thoughts to herself. After about an hour through, Irothrust sat down her equipment and slowly approached Apple Bloom. "Hello." "What do you want?" The country pony asked, not bothering to make eye contact. "I must... confirm... something. Loviatar invited you to a... 'party'?" Irothrust's husky voice asked with curiosity. "Yeah. Why'd you wanna know?" Apple Bloom asked. "Err... you see... well... I can't really tell anypony. I... uh... it's private business." Irothrust said, backing away from Bloom. "You're a thief and a hypocrite! Seriously, girl! Don't be asking me my business if you will not tell me yours!" "I wish I could tell you, really- but I could get hurt if I do." "And you don't think ya hurt me when you stole me seeds and knocked me out?" "I was not trying to! There was no other way to-" "You could have asked me!" "I could not... I am not allowed to." Irothrust's eyes began to tear up as she remembered what happened between her and another pony a long time ago. "What do you mean? What sick home did you grow up in where they teach you horrible things like that!?" "I didn't have a home!" "So that's your excuse?" "No. That's my reason. I must fend for myself; I can't tell anypony why I take things- it's a part of my... uh... family type thing that I am a part of. I shouldn't be telling you these things- I swore not to." Apple Bloom chuckled sarcastically. "Nice story. But seriously, I don't believe you at all. Now, if you'd excuse me, I have to git back to work. We are serving detention after all." "Just do not go to that party. It's bad news, Apple Bloom. I know you do not believe me, but I fear you may be hurt like I was a long time ago." Irothrust turned around, and walked away into the schoolyard. The next day at noon... Already at Loviatar's birthday party, ponies were hanging out and having fun. Sweetie Belle sat nervously in a corner as Loviatar, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon gossiped about Ryon and Scootaloo. "So, like, my brother is totally in love with that disabled pegasus. Trust me, if he was here and not with his new friends Snaps and Snells or whatever their names are, they'd probably be sharing a milkshake or something." Loviatar rolled her eyes as she finished her statement. "Why would he fall for her? I mean, I know they're both blank-flanks, but seriously, he needs higher standards." Diamond Tiara commented. "A few days ago when I was talking to him during recess he told me about how he and Scootaloo worked here together. He told me this hilarious story about when he accidentally-" "Silver, we don't care about what they do. We care about how they make us look." Diamond Tiara cut in. "Oh... sorry. Uh, I'll go get some punch. Be right back." Silver Spoon lied. She walked towards Sweetie Belle and sat down. "Hey. How's it goin'?" The earth pony asked. "Nervous... scared. What about you?" "Unwanted. Hey... I know I used to bully you and everything, and that you might not trust me, but... wanna be my friend?" A knock was suddenly heard at the front doors of Sugarcube Corner. Mr. Cake trotted to open it, to see if they were on the party's guest list. "Yes! There you are. Come right in, Apple Bloom." > The Second Of The Untold Secrets > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Apple Bloom! I have been waiting to see you!" Loviatar said as she raced towards the door. "You... have?" The country pony asked, confused. "Why of course! You are my friend, and that is what friends are for!" Apple Bloom smiled for the first time in a long time. What no pony knew was that her smile was fake. "Want a piece of cake?" Loviatar asked Bloom. "Oh, no thank you. I'm fine." Apple Bloom replied. "Hello, hello!" Diamond Tiara interrupted, walking up next to Loviatar. "Hiya... Diamond." Apple Bloom nervously responded. "So, how old are you exactly?" Diamond asked Loviatar, no longer paying any attention to the country pony. "I am- what was that?" Loviatar turned her head in the opposite direction of Diamond Tiara. Her face looked worried, but behind her concerned-looking face was a huge grin. "What?" Diamond asked. "Shush! I'm trying to listen!" Loviatar said loudly. The room became quiet. "You guys stay in here- I'll be right back." Loviatar left the room and went outside the bakery. "Huh, that was weird, don't ya think?" Apple Bloom asked. "I guess." Diamond Tiara replied, lifting her head higher, as if making herself more dignified. "Hey, where's your friend, Silver Spoon?" "I don't know." "And you aren't gonna go look for her?" "Why would I care? Look, Bloom, I know this isn't really your thing, but when you are in the big leagues, friendship doesn't matter. It's everypony for themselves up here. And if you would like to be yourself again, then don't lower my own standards in the process." Apple Bloom was shaken by this. Does she really not care about Silver anymore? "Where's Loviatar?" Sweetie Belle asked, still sitting in the corner of the room with Silver Spoon by her side. "She went out those two doors." "I know that- but where is she now? It's been almost ten minutes." Sweetie gasped. "Oh no..." "What?" "Nothing... I, uh... I've gotta go home now..." Sweetie mumbled as she stood up and ran outside where Loviatar was last seen. Silver Spoon did not hesitate on following the suspicious pony. "Where are they going?" Diamond Tiara asked, noticing the two ponies leave the room. "I don't know, but it seems pretty fishy to me. I'm gonna go check it out." "Do you think they're going to find Loviatar?" "My guess is as good as yours." Apple Bloom followed them, with Diamond right behind them. Scootaloo sat alone in the same meadow from the Sunday before school started. This time it was different. I am alone... nopony wants me... it's all my fault... why is this happening to me? She pondered. She heard hoofsteps behind her. A lot of hoofsteps. Turning her head to see what was behind her, she noticed a grey silhouette walking slowly into the Everfree forest. Then, she saw... Sweetie Belle? The unicorn filly was almost to the forest, looking in between the trees, as if looking for the silhouette. Not too far behind her was Silver Spoon, and Apple Bloom with... Diamond Tiara? Nopony seemed to realize that they were being followed (except Apple Bloom, who had been talking to Diamond). None of this added up to Scootaloo, yet it caught her curiosity. As soon as all of the ponies were inside the Everfree forest, Scootaloo wanted to see for herself what was going on. Sweetie Belle stopped as she recognized where she was. This is where Irothrust had taken her only days ago: The Sorcerer's Field. She gasped as Loviatar began to sing her song. "I wish and I get the world to fall asleep My thunder makes a howling roar, as my lightning strikes down so that I can take the throne, the storms are my own!" At once the clouds appeared out of nowhere like before, and the Sunset Gates opened. Sweetie Belle climbed up, and ran in behind Loviatar, yet careful to not let her notice she was there. Silver Spoon also crept inside, and though the doors closed slowly, she wanted to hurry as to not be seen. Apple Bloom had to push the doors open to allow Diamond some room to get inside, but they all made it. The doors were only inches away from closing. Scootaloo climbed the tree anxiously. She pried the door open as it was almost closed and locked. She gasped. Sweetie gasped as well. Only a few days ago the tree trunks were white, but now they were almost black. The big tree in the middle of the garden had bright colorful leaves. Now most of them, mainly the blue and orange ones, had fallen had were shriveled. "Loviatar... what have you done?" She whispered. "Oh, hello Stinky Belle. I'm glad you've noticed me." Loviatar said, her smile growing wide. "My name is Sweetie Belle," the unicorn mumbled, "What have you done to the Sorcerer's Field? And the United Sorcerers Tree?" Loviatar gasped. Her jaw dropped, and her face went blank. Everypony stared at Sweetie with awe. Suddenly, everypony realized that they were all inside the Sunset Gates. "Silver Spoon, why are you here?" Sweetie asked the earth pony. "I- I couldn't help it- you were too suspicious and I only wanted to find out what was going on..." "What is this place?" Diamond Tiara asked as her big, blue eyes scanned the forest, "It needs a total makeover." "This, my old friend, is my home." Loviatar finally said to Diamond Tiara. "'Old friend'? But we just met this week-" "No, you're right. But you aren't my friend anymore, darling." Loviatar then flapped her wings and hovered above the ponies. Her red party dress and golden party crown seemed like the most colorful things in the forest. Loviatar had been so dignified, so recognized- and now, she was about to throw it away. > The Second Confession > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "W-w-hat do you mean, we aren't friends anymore?!" Diamond asked. "Why are you asking me- you should know." Loviatar replied, sneering. "What are you talking about?" "We popular ponies only use other popular ponies to lift ourselves up higher, don't we?" Silver Spoon interrupted. Loviatar grinned wider. "I'm glad somepony learned. Oh, wait, isn't that what happened to you... you were ditched by Diamond, weren't you? Weren't you an outcast- a total wimp after you left us? Oh well... life's good for me, and that's all I care about." Diamond gulped and glanced over at Silver, but didn't bother to make eye contact. She felt guilty and embarrassed. "What are you planning to do with the Sorcerer's Field?!" Sweetie Belle yelled, still waiting for an answer. Loviatar sighed, then replied to her by saying, "What do you think, Beetie Swelle? I'm gonna make it my kingdom- my land for my subjects- I'm going to overthrow Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Twilight Sparkle- you stupid ponies might not know anything about me, or Ryon, or Irothrust, but I know a lot about you- about your princesses, about your nation's past, and about its future!" Loviatar yelled. Her wings flapped faster and it created heavy winds. Ryon- I almost forgot, Scootaloo thought. She crept out of the forest and ran into Ponyville to go find him. Luckily for her, getting out of the gates were easier than getting inside them. "Now, you four will be my first subjects! That coward Scootiepoo or whatever her name has just ran off, probably out of fear. No wonder everypony calls her a chicken! Ha!" Loviatar laughed. Her eyes closed, and when they opened, everypony was shocked. The white in her eyes had turned to pitch black, and her iris became blood red, unlike the blue that it was only five seconds ago. A faint red glow outlined her eyes. Everypony gasped. "What?! Are you ponies afraid of me as well? Have no fear of your new ruler, my little ponies! For tonight will be your last free night before I take the throne!" Loviatar broke into evil laughter. "RYON!" Scootaloo yelled, running towards him. "Scootaloo!" He replied, standing up. The pegasus halted for a stop, and after catching her breath, spoke. "Loviatar... evil... Sorcerer... Field... help..." "What are you talking abou- wait, how do you know about the Sorcerer's Field...?" "Loviatar... was... there... she... t-turned... evil... help..." Scootaloo still tried to catch her breathe. "No..." Ryon mumbled in disbelief, "no... this can't be happening..." "But... it is." Ryon rose to his full height, and looked towards the Everfree Forest. Seconds later he sprinted into the woods with Scootaloo behind him. "You are such a monster!" Sweetie Belle yelled. She stood about five feet away from where Loviatar was hovering above them. Apple Bloom and Silver Spoon each sat against one of the many rotting tree trunks in the mystical place. Diamond stood only a few feet away from Silver, but her back remained turned towards her. From nearby the ponies heard faint singing. It was Ryon, and he was outside of the Sunset Gates. With Scootaloo by his side, he used his voice as a key to get inside the field. "Like six pointed stars sparkling in the sky, these are the flakes of snow. Water freezes in the chilly breezes, the ice I control." The gates opened, and the two ponies walked inside. Scootaloo couldn't help it, but she thought that Ryon's singing voice was really, really good. Too good. Ryon's jaw dropped when he saw his sister. "Hello, my brother! Come, and behold my masterpiece in the making!" Loviatar's voice bellowed. "What have you done to my home... our home?" Ryon asked. "It only seems fair that everypony gets a turn to be the leader, don't you think?" Loviatar asked, a smile growing on her face. "What do you mean? And where is Irothrust?!" Ryon screamed. Loviatar had been so busy, she had forgotten about her cousin. Looking around for the caped pony, she shrugged. "I don't know, and I don't care." "But she's the leader!" "No! NO! I AM THE LEADER NOW!" Loviatar broke out into a psychotically evil laugh. Her eyes closed, and her wings spread. At once, the red glow her eyes became brighter, and her mane and tail started to become black. Her eyes opened, and like before, the white had been turned to black, and her irises were red. Her teeth seemed sharper now, and her ears were also turned back and pointed. During that, Ryon's chest had turned a light blue color. His eyes shot open, and whatever he tried, they wouldn't close. He gasped from surprise. His pupils shrunk to the size of pinpricks. His eyes had gone from blue to bright red. He hung his head in shame. Tears began to form in the sides of his eyes, and he failed to hold them in. A small light purple glow was barely visible surrounded him. The tears rolled down his cheeks, and like Irothrust's, evaporated quickly into steam. When the process was over, he stumbled, but soon regained his balance. Then, as quick as it had occurred, he went back to normal. "Ryon! What was that?" Scootaloo asked, running over to him. "I- I don't know..." He mumbled, feeling his chest with his hooves, "nothing like that has ever happened to me before..." "Well, you'd better get used to it! For as long as you live, I will continue to use you!" Loviatar said, landing on the dead grass in front of her brother. "What did you do to me?!" He demanded. "The same thing that they did to me." Loviatar mumbled. > Start of Combat, The 'Fourth' Abduction, And The Third Of The Untold Secrects > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The crowd of ponies beneath her were speechless. Questions ran through Scootaloo's mind. What happened to Loviatar to make her this evil? What can be done to reverse her actions? What happened to Ryon? Was Loviatar the cause for it? Loviatar landed on the ground with a thump. Her pale white fur seemed messy; flying must have knotted it up. Her mane and tail at the scalp were staring to turn black, yet the bottom half of her hair was untouched by the darkness, remaining bleach blonde. Her eyes glowed red, and the white in her eyes like before continued to stay pitch black. Unlike most horrendous 'villains', she didn't have any scowl or angry type of facial expression- instead, she wore a smile on her face, and her eyebrows were curved down, as if she felt bad for the ponies- almost as if she felt scared for them. "What happened to you?!" Diamond Tiara finally broke the silence. "What happened to me?" Loviatar played dumb, obviously enjoying it. "Don't be stupid- I once envied you, and now you turned against me! You're such a-" "Traitor." Silver Spoon interrupted, "And you think I feel no different that you do now, Diamond? After all those years I spent with you as your friend, you- you betrayed me!" "I never betrayed you, Silver, remember? You walked away- you have to at least recall that!" "You still don't get it, do you?" Silver mumbled, turning her back towards her old friend. "Now, Ryon- give me what I deserve!" Loviatar shouted. "I don't understand what you want!" He yelled back at her, afraid and angry at the same time. "Just give me my power, and you'll be free of the misery I have planned for these ponies!" "What do you mean?!" Ryon shot a glance at Scootaloo as he said that. He didn't want anything horrible to happen to her. "Sing your song! SING!" Loviatar yelled. "No..." Ryon said rather calmly. "NO?! YOU REFUSE TO OBEY ME, YOUR NEW RULER?!" Loviatar became furious. "I will sacrifice myself if I have to- to protect Scootaloo- to protect them all. All of Equestria." Scootaloo smiled at Ryon, but then a deep feeling came into her heart. She realized that she may never see Ryon ever again. Loviatar smirked. "Fine. Have it your way, brother." At once her chest lighted up white, but as soon as she began to sing, it became a dark shade of purple. "I wish and I get The world to fall asleep My thunder makes a howling roar- as my lightning strikes down so that I can take the throne, the storms are my own!" At once, like a cloud of dust or heavy fog, a dark purple- almost black- came pouring out of her chest. Her eyes closed and the red around it became brighter than before. Her fur became darker- almost black. She broke out into hysterical, psychotic laughter as the fog formed itself into a spear. It was a very long purple staff with a black diamond and spiral design. At the top of the spear was two shards, with edges pointing out on the left and right sides. In the middle, an arrow shot through the middle, reaching up at the top of the weapon. The bottom dissolved into the fog, which was still connected to Loviatar. Everypony stepped back in fright as she swung the weapon behind her back. Everypony except Ryon. "Irothrust... was right..." he mumbled to himself. "What was that?" Loviatar asked, trotting closer to him. "Nothing... what are you doing with- that?!" Ryon hoped that his sister wouldn't sense his fear. "You wanted me to sacrifice you for Equestria, didn't you?" Loviatar then made a similar facial expression to the one earlier- the sweet smile and the humble-like eyes that seemed to share everypony else's pain and worry. "I didn't mean literally! What happened to you?" Ryon panicked. Before Loviatar could reply, Diamond Tiara suddenly noticed something- something apparently worthy of everypony else knowing about it. "Where'd your cutie-mark go- ya'know, the pretty one with the purple sparkles?" "You freaks believed that? Ha!" Loviatar smirked again, showing her white teeth against her now-black fur. Glancing over at Ryon, she demanded, "Give me my power! I have asked enough- now I tell you! Give it to me! NOW!" She swung her weapon forward, slicing the tip of Ryon's left wing. Bright red blood gushed out, and Ryon became angry at this. Loviatar only smiled. "Fight back, or surrender- whatever you want. I'll win either way." Ryon sang his song again, and as he did so his chest became light blue. A similar weapon appeared next to him- it was also a spear, but it had much more spikes on it and had a snowflake design. "You shouldn't have pushed me this far, sister." "Really? I think this is quite fun, actually." He leaped forward with his spear, and swung it sideways into Loviatar's front right leg. Unfortunately for him, she flew up into the sky before he could hurt her. "You are really so slow- you know that, right?" Loviatar teased. Ryon only groaned. He wasn't going to play her games- either she fought like she meant it, or they stopped this nonsense altogether. "Come up here!" Loviatar shouted. "Why don't you come down here?!" Ryon yelled. Loviatar flew up higher into the sky. Soon nopony could see her. "Where'd ya think she went to?" Apple Bloom asked, breaking the silence. "I don't know..." Sweetie replied. Suddenly, she swooped down with what seemed like lightning-fast speed and used her weapon's blade to slice Ryon's right side of his stomach. Shocked from sudden pain and fear, he fell to the ground. Scootaloo ran over to him- holding him in her hooves. "Don't touch him! AT ALL!" Loviatar's booming voice cried from every direction. Everypony was frozen. "What did you do to him...?" Scootaloo whispered. "He never gave me my rightfully deserved power." "I don't-t... know... what you're talking about!" He choked, lifting his head up and blinking his eyes. "Irothrust told you Monday morning, you dork. Pay attention!" "What did you do to her, anyways?!" Scootaloo questioned, hoping to change the subject. "I don't give a flying feather about where that mule is!" Loviatar yelled. It really was unnecessary- she only stood about three feet away from them, if that. "That 'mule' is right here." Irothrust said, walking in from the forest. Loviatar grinned. "So nice of you to join us- say, why don't you sacrifice yourself for Ryon since his sissy girlfriend over here would cry for eternity if he died?" "You know you have pity on him yourself." The caped pony replied. "Do you wish to fight me?" "If I can contribute to their lives, then sure- go ahead. Save them." Loviatar angrily swung her magical weapon towards her cousin. Irothrust then dodged it, and began singing, "As the world lights candles, and the friction collides, the bronze and the gold seem to combine- they are the colors of fire, and the fire is-" "MINE!" Loviatar yelled, cutting her off. The golden glow that had been surrounding Irothrust suddenly cut off as well, and Loviatar's fur became darker. Her mane and tail were completely black now, and her breathing became heavier. "No- NO! I need a weapon! I need to fight back!" Irothrust yelled. Loviatar clenched her teeth together into a menacing smile. "Noooooooooo!" Irothrust yelled- her voice sounded hoarse, and her eyes began to close. All of her magic was almost completely abducted. She then went into a coma. "Irothrust!" Sweetie Belle yelled. "Ryon..." Scootaloo whispered. > The Deepest Origins & The First Abduction > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Irothrust fell to the cold, hard ground. Her saliva flew from her mouth and her eyes shut as she was knocked unconscious. Her cold body lay on the dirt, breathing. She was alive- but unmoving. "Irothrust? Irothrust!" Sweetie Belle yelled, running towards her friend. "Maybe I can help," Silver Spoon suggested, "After all, I am studying the practice of cardiopulmon-" "STOP! I COMMAND YOU! Leave her alone- it's better for everypony that way." Loviatar shouted, cutting her off. Sweetie ducked and cowered in fear of the supernatural pegasus as she swooped down in front of Silver and her. Turning her head towards Scootaloo, Loviatar bellowed, "Step away- I need him." At once, Scootaloo backed up. Loviatar began singing, and as she did, black fog came spiraling out of her the same way her spear did, and it wrapped around Ryon's chest. A light blue aura surrounded his chest, and it was being pulled into the dark mist- she was taking his magic. Scootaloo didn't realize what was happening, but when she noticed that Sweetie Belle was crying, she became even more worried. Irothrust woke up. But she wasn't in the forest. Startled, she looked around. Then, she felt an awkward feeling of déjà vu as she realized that she was back in what the ponies now called the Everfree Forest, only a thousand years ago now. She could she the Sister's Castle in the distance- like how it used to be. The golden finish on the silver walls glistening in the sunlight- the brick walls, the long, delicate curtains- it was home. Behind her, in the forest, was the orphanage that she had grown up in. But due to Discord, it had been turned to a shack, and the young ponies that lived there were now homeless. A light blue pegasus colt flew out of the forest, near the orphanage. He had the same shade of hair, with blonde on the very end of both his mane and tail. His eyes were also ice blue. "This is gonna be so much fun!" He squealed, landing on the ground. Looking back into the forest, Irothrust noticed something that she knew she had never forgotten- Princess Celestia herself walking out from behind the orphanage. Behind her followed a light purple pegasus filly with grey hair, and a light orange filly, who was also a pegasus, with red hair. "Come, my little ponies, for today you will live your destiny in saving Equestria. For the time has come, and you shall no longer question thine abilities, but thou shalt use them for thine own good." She continued walking towards her castle. She continued walking towards her castle. Irothrust decided to follow them. ### Minutes Later~ Soon, they were in the castle. Starswirl the Bearded stood to the left of Celestia, while Commander Hurricane stood on her right. "Thou have extraordinary powers that no other pegasi have, all of thou. Thine art special." Hurricane said, smiling. "But, what will happen to thy power if I use it all up? Will I no longer be special?" The purple filly asked. "No, child! Thou cannot use your power away- it lives within thee. As long as thou live, thou power liveth." Celestia replied. "We shall never die, then?" The orange filly asked, confused. "Thou can only die if thee art robbed of your magic- as long nopony steals thine magic, thou art safe and healthy." "But what about the orphanage? How can we use our powers to protect them, and the rest of Equestria?" The colt asked. "Thee magic is unlocked by your own powers. Come, and let us show thou the way." Celestia replied. The colt stepped forward, and before anypony could go anywhere else, Starswirl said, "Stop! We must not let anypony else see these children! They will be robbed of their magic- we must disguise them." He looked at Celestia, who nodded in reply. "Thou must come forward." Starswirl directed. The three young pegasi did as the unicorn asked. His horn lit up, and he announced, "Sing what thou heart desires- sing! And thou powers shalt be unlocked, and thou may be transformed." The three ponies sang in together, at the same time, with different words. The orange filly sang, "As the world lights candles, and the friction collides, The bronze and the gold seem to combine, they are the color of fire- and the fire is mine----!" At once, she was covered in a bright white light, and her fur color came flowing off of her body. Bright orange flowed into her chest, leaving her the color gold. Her tail and mane stayed the same color. I remember this, Irothrust thought. Then, it had appeared to her that nopony had noticed her yet. It's a dream, she told herself, trying to get rid of her confusion. The purple pegasus sang "I whistle and I sing as the world falls asleep, I make a howling roar, I am invisible when I soar, Flying through meadows and valleys, I am the wind, I am the breeze----!" Like before, she too was covered in a bright white light, and her fur color came off. It flowed into her chest as well, leaving her fur silver, and her tail and mane grey. After the colt sang his song, his color, too, was wiped off his body and flew into his chest, showing that he was the color bronze underneath. On his mane and tail where it had been blue before was also covered in the shiny brown color, but the blonde highlights stayed. All of their eye colors stayed the same. "What happened?!" The now silver filly asked. "Thou art new. Thou art also ranked- You!" Celestia pointed at the golden filly, "Thou art the leader of them. Take care, and be wise. You also control the fire magic, so be gracious with your powers, and create beauty with it." Pointing at the silver filly, she said, "Thou are the keeper of the magic. Be wise in your doings- do not abuse ye powers. Thou art also the keeper of the wind magic, so be silent with your magic, and be noticed subtlety." Then finally looking at the bronze-colored colt, she said, "Thou art the possessor of the ice magic- also make beauty with it where ever thou roam. Oh, and thou art the keeper of the gates." "Gates? What gates must thou be speaking of?" He questioned. "The gates surrounding your new home! Arise, and go forth into Equestria, and thrive. Do not tell others of your sacred powers, but instead, be a blessing to those around you. But, if you do not use your powers for good, thou will transform into a monster of darkness- beware of the potential dangers! Go, and live- go!" Celestia bellowed. Starswirl nodded, and smiled at the trio. Commander Hurricane stepped forward, and whispered, "Follow me- and thou will survive." They did as they were told. ### After An Hour Of Flying~ Flying into the middle of the Everfree Forest, they landed in the middle of brush. "Go above- sing your songs. Take care of the Tree, for thou art Sorcerers, and thou art majestic in your doings. Thrive, and live. I shall now depart." He flew away into the sunset, towards the castle. The ponies did as they were told, and discovered the Sunset Gates. This is how the name 'Sunset Gates' originated- I know this already. But why am I dreaming about my past? Irothrust thought. Suddenly, the lights fell low, and the world around her became dark. Her head hurt- she wanted to scream, but had no power to do so. She was alive in a dead body. Then, as quickly as it had happened, she opened her eyes again, to see herself standing in the midst of the Sorcerer's Field. "Irothrust!" An angry voice yelled. "Who is that, that calleth my name?" Old-Irothrust asked, turning her head around. At once, the purple pegasus filly flew in from behind her. "It is I, dear cousin." "Oh, Loviatar- how good of ye to show thee face. I have been worried- were have thou been, gone for days?" The golden Irothrust asked. "I have been planning." "Planning? For what, I ask of ye?" "Power!" "Power?" "Yes! Ten years ago they ranked you the highest in all of the Sorcerers! Your fur is golden! You are a leader! You are favored! I am nothing! You are fire! I am wind- I am invisible!" She yelled. "Loviatar! I had no control over my ranking- thou know that!" "Give me thy powers!" "Never!" "Fine! So be it, Irothrust." Loviatar turned around, and hung her head. She began singing. "I wish and I get the world to fall asleep, My thunder makes a howling roar---- As my lightning strikes down so that I can take the throne, the storms are my own----!" "Loviatar! Thou art granted with the powers of wind, not storms! This is dangerous- thou cannot change thee song!" Old Irothrust yelled. Loviatar turned her head back around. Her eyes had a red glow around them, and an evil grin creeped upon her face. "Give me my power that I long for!" "Never!" "Fine! Have it the hard way!" A spear- identical to the one that had been used in the Sorcerer's Field, formed from her magic. She flung it at Irothrust, and missed. "You think I will allow you to defeat me?" Golden Irothrust asked. Loviatar only grunted, and then swung her weapon back at her cousin. It hit her left back leg- red blood came oozing out. Old Irothrust screamed from pain, but Loviatar's magic quickly rushed over her mouth to mute the sound. "Ryon must never find out about this- or else I will kill you! I will kill you and my brother to keep this a secret! Understand me? UNDERSTAND ME?!" Loviatar yelled, her bloodshot eyes starring into injured Irothrust's scarred, humble eyes. Shaking her head 'yes' in return, Loviatar grinned, and then singing her new song with the storms, she had completed the first ever abduction of magic. Her mane, unlike before, had a slight shade of blonde. It also effected her tail. Old Irothrust also had a hair color change- her mane and tail became a little more darker, and less saturated, leaving her with instead of red hair, now with a light shade of brown. Loviatar grinned. "Goodbye, dear cousin." She turned around and walked away. Old Irothrust stood up, and stumbled into the forest. Wait... this isn't a dream, Present Irothrust realized, This is a vision! But, why am I having these specific memories? Once again the world around her became black, and she grasped for air as she was pulled underneath the invisible ocean of blackness. ### 500 Years Later~ "You must listen to me- it is important!" Old Irothrust begged. She was standing next to Ryon in the Sorcerer's Field beside the United Sorcerers Tree. "If It has nothing at all to do with the tree, then I do not want to hear it- there was plenty of chaos when Discord ruled. Please, do not force me to ask Celestia to banish you to the moon as well." The colt replied, not taking his eyes off the tree." The colt replied, not taking his eyes off the tree. "But I know why it is loosing power!" "Really? Then spit it out." "Well, see... that's the thing. You must trust me. I am not allowed to say, but you must believe me when I tell you that Loviatar cannot continue to be the Magic Keeper- she abuses the power!" "Ha! How? She only uses it to make the flowers bloom early, and to make the water glisten even after dark! She creates beauty with it- you must be mislead, cousin." "How blind you are! She hath deceived you from the truth..." "If there is a truth to tell, why can you not say?" "I am scared to say- I risk our lives by doing so. But trust me, dear cousin Ryon, you must not believe her lies from the insanity inside her!" "I- I do not know what happened, but I assure you that she is not as evil as you make her out to be. Come, let us talk." Ryon finally got his eyes off the withering tree, and walked into the forest surrounding the Sorcerer's Field. "I shall look for Lovi-" "I am right here, brother." His sister's voice said. He turned around, and noticed her flying in from above. "Please, I must talk to Irothrust... alone." She said, smiling. Irothrust gulped. "Okay, then... I will be inspecting the Tree." Ryon replied, walking away. "I told you to never tell him! Do you wish to die?!" Loviatar whispered. "I cannot live like this! I must tell somepony the truth before you become an evil monster! You are already full of hatred, lies, and greed- what more can somepony as insane as you possess?" Loviatar chuckled. "You should be glad that I do not take your life now... I command you to wear this coat as a sign of shame! It is controlled by my magic, so you can never take it off- you will always be reminded that I am in control!" Loviatar sang her evil song, and as she did, Irothrust didn't even bother to fight or move. Within seconds, a black cape was on her, covering her back and hind legs. "That'll teach you, Irothrust!" Loviatar chuckled once more, and then flew into the air. The darkness took a hold of Present Irothrust once again. ### Monday Morning, Last Week~ "Now, it is a new school year at the little Ponyville schoolhouse- we will go there to not seem suspicious." Loviatar said. By now, her mane is golden, and her fur is bright white- no longer silver. "It does feel good to be home, doesn't it, girls?" Ryon sighed, looking around the Sorcerer's Field. "Yeah- definitely as huge change from Hoofington. Nice town, just no where to stay. Everfree will always be my home!" Loviatar replied. "We'd better get to school, then. We don't want to be late. That is, if we're all going to the same school." Irothrust said, turning around towards the exit. "What?!" Both her cousins asked. "I think it might be best if we split up, you know?" Loviatar smiled. Clearing her throat, she said, "Ryon, before we leave, check the perimeter- we don't want anypony else getting in here accidentally. Irothrust, dear, I must speak to you a minute." "But what if I'm late?" "Stop talkin' and start walkin', and you won't!" Loviatar sighed. Ryon nodded and flew off to do as he was told. "What?" Irothrust asked. "You have to go the school Ryon and I are going to! And don't back out of it, either! And whatever you do, don't think of telling anypony about us- about me. Don't!" She whispered harshly. Irothrust nodded in reply, nervous. "That's a good girl. Now, let's go." The fillies flew out of the field, leaving Ryon behind to finish his job. Wait- what if these visions are preparing me for something? Dreaming Irothrust thought. Then she woke up. > A Dying Legacy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Irothrust slowly opened up her left eyelid, enough to see what was happening. The grass had turned a dark shade of green without very much saturation, almost like a dark grey in color. The air had a dark purple fog, that had obviously come from Loviatar's magic. The tree trunks surrounding the middle of the Sorcerer's Field were nowhere to be seen- there were black ashes in their places, as if they had been disintegrated while she was knocked out. The only tree close to the ponies was the United Sorcerer's Tree, which was turning from white to dark grey on the trunk. The orange leaves had almost completely fallen off, and about half of the blue ones were still on. The purple colored ones, however, looked very healthy, and not a single one could be found on the ground with the other leaves. Apple Bloom, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon sat in the back near the Sunset Gates, worried. Sweetie Belle was still crying, and she sat next to Scootaloo, who looked like she wanted to cry. Her eyes did not once leave Ryon- he lay on the ground, breathing heavily. His tired, bloodshot eyes looked panicked as Loviatar approached him. "One down, two to go." She smirked as she talked. Using her magic, she picked up Ryon. Looking back behind her at the Tree, her smirk grew wider. A psychotic laughter once again came pouring out of the monster as she flew towards the tree. "What are you-" Scootaloo yelled, now crying. "SHUT UP!" Loviatar snapped back, anger rising in her voice. Scootaloo cowered down, afraid of what might happen to her, to Ryon, to everypony... Using her magic once more, Loviatar created a rope-like object. She tied Ryon's left front leg to the left branch with the blue leaves, and the snowflake design in the branches. His right front leg was tied to the right side of the tree, where the orange leaves had once been. All that remained on that side was the sculpture of fire the branches created. His neck was tied to the middle branch- the one covered in purple leaves, and the twisted sticks to look like wind. His back hooves were tied together, and his wings had been spread out. He was being hung. "Wh-why a-are you d-doing this-s t-t-o me-e...?" Ryon choked out, saliva flying. Loviatar only smiled at him. Turning around to face the others, she bellowed, "As the Tree withers, the sorcerers will wither! I shall have dominion- I shall take control! The sorcerers are a dying legacy- and my reign of revenge against you shall begin, you shall all bow down unto me, because I am powerful- I am worthy of such praise!!!" "NO! You can't kill him!" Scootaloo's emotions took over her mind. She stood up- and ran, towards the murder. "S-scoot-t-aloo, d-don't-t..." Ryon choked, grasping for air. His breathing had become heavy, and his eyes were even more bloodshot than before. "I love him, and you're not taking him away from me!" Scootaloo, although crying, yelled. Cold, salty tears ran down her face as she screamed. "You can't, you- you evil monster! Who are you?! WHO ARE YOU?!" "Haven't I already said?" Loviatar smirked. Her white teeth against the pitch black fur shone brightly through the forest. Ryon's heavy breathing continued as he gasped for air, and it was equally hard trying to exhale. Bloom, Tiara, and Spoon remained in the back, scared of what their "friend" might do to them. Loviatar, however, payed no attention to them as her eyes met Scootaloo. "Well, haven't I?" Loviatar asked the orange pegasus again. Scootaloo opened her mouth to speak, but didn't know what to say. She could tell that this wasn't who Loviatar wanted to be... but why? Why that feeling of deceit? Wasn't this who she claimed to be- wasn't this the personality Loviatar that had been destined for? Scootaloo's mind lost its train of thought as her ears picked up the sound of Ryon. His breathing had turned into a scratchy whistling sound, and his neck was dark red- almost purple. His cheeks were turning red, and his eyes were still bloodshot. Saliva fell from his mouth as he tried to remain alive- the rest of his body was limp- his front hooves were still tied to the branches above, and his back hooves were tied, like as if they were cuffed together. His wings seemed to dangle in the air, following the breeze as it swept by. His fur was pale- almost like the shade of Irothrusts'. Dark red, watery blood dripped out of the wound from Loviatar's spear that had struck his side earlier. It made a puddle of red water on the ground, next to the tree's dark grey roots. Irothrust's mind whirled. This can't happen... she'd never murder her brother... she'd kill me, but not... Ryon... her thoughts faded as she watched in fear as the black pegasus took one last look at the dying Ryon. The red fog pouring from her eyes left a red tint on Ryon's pale brown fur as the evil pegasus glared at Scootaloo. "You knew him for a week! And you love him? What kind of sick, twisted generation is this?!" Loviatar spat, lowering her tall neck to be level with the orange filly. "W-what kind of sick, t-twisted pony are you... m-murdering your brother like this?" Scootaloo whispered, afraid. "What was that? I'm terribly sorry- I didn't hear you. The choking sounds of my passing brother are muting our conversation." Loviatar grinned, her sharp, pearl-white teeth glistening. Scootaloo had enough. Inhaling heavily, she said with all seriousness in her tone,"What sick, twisted pony are you?!" "Sick, t-twisted- ha!" Loviatar broke into laughter once more. "S-scootaloo, you crack me up! And I thought- ha, oh Celestia that made my day! Actually, no- murdering my brother did... and I also assume that Irothrust is dead. I mean, she isn't moving." Hearing this, poor Sweetie Belle cried harder. Her eyes were bloodshot from crying, and her nose was pink. Scootaloo stood up taller, angered yet scared. Ryon choked again, loudly- wheezing his breaths as he fought death. "Dear brother... would you like to say a few last words before you pass?" Loviatar made her signature face- the soft, comforting eyes, the small, almost loving smile, and relaxed, compassionate eyebrows... all destroyed by the deviously evil tone in her voice. "I-I... l-love... all... of... you... e-spe-caill-y... Scootaloo... a-and... if... I... never... see... her... ag-gain... I... want... her... t-to... know..." his voice faded as his eyes began to close. "Ryon! Ryon, I love you too... what was it, that you wanted me to know? You're... you're strong. Please tell me." Scootaloo ran up to the tree, hugging it. "Th-that... I..." his harsh, whisper choked. "Noooo! You can't go! You can't die! I love you too much for that! Ryon! RYON!" Scootaloo clung to the tree tightly- Ryon was too high up for her to touch. Sobbing, she looked back at Loviatar, speechless. As the Tree withers the sorcerers will wither... I shall have dominion... I shall take control... the sorcerers are a dying legacy... These words that Loviatar had spoken ran through Irothrust's mind as she lay on the cold, hard ground in the Sorcerer's Field. The lush, green grass that had once thrived had died. Irothrust slowly picked her head off the ground, and tilted it back, looking behind her. Her black cape- one curse from her evil cousin- was still hiding her back. Sighing, she stood up. To save Ryon... to save everypony... and to kill myself. She trotted towards Sweetie, who noticed her right away. "I-Irothrust?" The weak, caped pony didn't reply. Instead, she continued walking slowly towards the tree. "Get off! I command you!" Loviatar, using her magic, grabbed Scootaloo and tore her away from the tree, throwing her onto the ground a few yards away. "Noooo! NOOOOOO!" Scootaloo yelled, tears flowing down her face. Irothrust, acting like as if she had saw nothing, continued walking. "Irothrust?" Apple Bloom whispered, squinting her eyes to get a better look at the pony that was so far away from her. "What do you mean?" Diamond Tiara asked. "Wait- is that Irothrust?" Silver leaned forward, looking at the pony. "She's dead, you cowards! You nerdy, geeky insults! You- you..." "...Friend. Best friend. I thought that's what we were... until you started bullying. Then I followed you to avoid being hurt... now look at Apple Bloom. She's my new friend... but I can't be lukewarm with my decisions any longer. I'm sorry, Diamond... but it's all over. Unless you stop being like her," Silver pointed at Loviatar, "you'll never be my friend again." Diamond was quiet for a moment. "I'm not going to turn evil and murder ponies, Silver- you're overreacting and-" "She hurt them, hurt us- you and I did the same thing. It doesn't matter what we did- pain is still pain, no matter how gruesome." Silver Spoon stood up and gave her old friend one last look. "Goodbye, Diamond." She trotted slowly into the purple fog. "Wait, Silver! ...Silver?" Diamond Tiara's voice faded into a whisper. "...Silver?" Apple Bloom watched the two ponies. Diamond stared into the dark mist as the grey filly walked away, leaving the both of them behind. A warm tear fell down onto Bloom's left cheek. It seemed to comfort her... she missed Silver Spoon. She didn't want to feel abandonment anymore. She had forced her friends to leave her behind when she befriended Diamond, Loviatar, and Silver Spoon... but the grey filly wasn't whom she looked like. She was bullied. She was scared. She was sad... and now, she stood up to the pony that was known as her best friend... her only friend. The only pony that anypony would see Silver with... and it was all done. Everything... over. Then Apple Bloom noticed something. Diamond Tiara... was crying. "You can't take him away from me!" Scootaloo screamed, jumping back onto her hooves. "Don't... move!" Loviatar slowly yelled, making sure the pegasus filly got her command. "He needs me!" "He's dying!" "We need each other!" "What do you want? To die along with him?!" Scootaloo stopped. "N-no..." "Really? I was hoping you'd say 'yes'..." Loviatar grinned. Scootaloo backed away slowly. "T-that was a joke, r-right?" "Nope." Loviatar moved closer to the nervous pony. "B-b-but Ry- Irothrust?" Scootaloo then noticed the caped pony walking. Irothrust was about five yards away from the tree, two yards away from Scootaloo and Loviatar. "Irothrust... IROTHRUST?! What the heck?! She's dead! Shut up, you ignorant-" Scootaloo didn't say a word. She only pointed at the pony. Loviatar stopped yelling, and looked at where Scootaloo was directing her. "...Irothrust?" The caped filly only looked at her cousin, before sprinting. Running as fast as she could, she jumped into the air. Only about five feet away from the United Sorcerer's Tree, she was airborne. Long, pale wings stuck out from under her cape. The strange thing is that her wings... were folded. The tips were bent under, hiding the end of all of her long feathers. All eyes were on the pony as she flew up to the top of the tree. She didn't stop. Continuing, she flew about fifteen feet above the top of the wilting tree. "...Irothrust has WINGS?!" Sweetie Belle broke the silence, wiping a tear from her eye. "Irothrust isn't dead?" Diamond Tiara whispered, watching in awe... smiling. "Irothrust... will pay!" Loviatar yelled. Singing her evil song, she absorbed more of Ryon's magic, forcing him to choke even more as he was getting closer to death. A black and extremely dark purple fog surrounded her as she screamed hysterically. Irothrust didn't pay any attention to her evil cousin. Instead, she closed her eyes, and whispered, "As the world lights candles, and the friction collides, and bronze and the gold seem to combine, these are the colors of fire, and the fire is mine..." As she finished, she opened her wings all the way, and fell backwards. Her feathers unraveled, and inside was a bright orange light- the last, remaining magic Irothrust had. As she fell, every eye was on her... except for Loviatar, who was still being consumed by the darkness. The magic fell from her pegasus feathers, and like a comet, made a streak in the sky as she fell alongside the huge tree. While Irothrust was falling, her fur turned as pale as it could get. Starting at her back hooves, which were facing up, she began to disintegrate, turning to black ash like a phoenix. The magic landed on Ryon, eating away the rope that hung him. Trying his hardest to defeat death, he didn't know how to react to the sudden action of being free. Seeing this, Scootaloo, not thinking, ran up to Ryon as he fell from the tree, weakened... and flew, catching him. "I'm- I'M FLYING! Oh my Celestia, Ryon..." Scootaloo, like many others, didn't know how to react. She was flying, holding Ryon as he looked tiredly into her eyes, smiling weakly. His eyes, though still bloodshot, were still very loving. The way they just calmed her... she'd never felt anything like this type of emotion before. His pale, cold, weak face... "I've gotta get us down... you need to breathe!" As the filly touched the ground, Ryon said, "T-thank you, Scootaloo... I... wanted... you... t-to... know that..." He was hushed by the sudden realization of the crowd around them. Silver Spoon leaned in, waving all the other ponies away. "Don't worry... I studied cardiopulmonary resuscitation, remember?" Everypony looked at her, confused. "CPR." She said, lowing her eyelids in irritation. A low mumble of 'oh's and 'ah's was heard from the crowd around her. "Now, please- let me do this. It could save his life." Silver said, kneeling down towards Ryon. Scootaloo, though jealous, was glad that Silver Spoon was doing what she was. Though she wished she could touch Ryon, see his face, be around him just a little while longer... at least he'd survive. At least he wasn't going to die tonight. Everypony watched Silver in amazement... except for Sweetie Belle. She sat alone... in the cold, crying over Irothrust's ashes. Everything had disintegrated- the cloak, the pony... all that was left of her friend. Diamond Tiara, who was standing at the back of the crowd, noticed Sweetie and walked over to her... with a smile on her face. Nothing mean looking, or even angry... an expression that Sweetie had never seen the pink pony make to her before. It was a friendly expression. All attention was drawn back to Loviatar as she emerged from the fog... because she wasn't a pegasus any longer. > The Final Abduction > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scootaloo held onto Ryon tightly in her hooves, shaking from divine fear of the creature emerging from the dark fog in front of her. The fog rippled as the limbs of the beast slowly pierced the dark fog. The young ponies sat in awe as what was once Loviatar rose out of the black and purple mist. The creatures scaly body rose high above them, dwarfing them in size. What stood before them was no longer a pony, but a monstrous fire breathing dragon. Loviatar could feel new power run through her veins that she had only dreamed of. She looked to the ponies below her and could pratically smell the fear coming off them. It made her feel indomitable. They all stared in shock at the beast before them except for Sweetie Belle who could not see her; her eyes were filled with tears as she mourned for Irothrust. "Sweetie, how can you do that?" Diamond Tiara whispered. "W-what do you m-mean?" Sweetie Belle said through her tears. "You hardly even know her... why are you crying?" Diamond asked in a soft voice which seemed weird when compared to her usually rude tone. "You don't have to know somepony very long to be their friend. Sometimes it just takes moments to get to know somepony, even if they're mysterious..." Sweetie Belle lifted her head, and forced a small smile. "She didn't have any friends. So, I decided to be there for her. I wasn't replacing my friends, just adding one more." Diamond paused in thought. "I... never thought of that. My parents always told me to get rid of my old friends to make room for the better, new ones. And, sometimes, I should keep my old friends because they're still good for my image." "That's... weird." Loviatar glanced over at Sweetie Belle. "Yes, it is. I thought that we added Apple Bloom to our little... group." She eyed Diamond. "Now, hold up ah minute here!" Apple Bloom stood up and glared at the armoured monster. "Ah ain't yer friend. Ya thought that I was going to get tricked into this but yer wrong. See, I was blinded from what the truth. But now... I see it. Scootaloo thought we should go our separate ways, Sweetie thought we should stick together... and I thought that when they started arguing, that yall would be a better choice. Boy, was I wrong. Now ah' see what yer doin'. Ya wanted us here! I see why Irothrust was caped, I see why she never talked! I thought she was being horrible, another bully, gettin' me in trouble... But no, it was you!" Loviatar's jaw dropped slightly, giving them a view of the razor sharp teeth housed inside her jaw. For the first time she didn't smile, laugh, grin, snicker... she did not even attempt to outsmart the filly. "W-well, fine! But that is not going to stop me! You all are locked in here, there is no escaping! I have more power than Celestia ever thought I would attain! And now it is almost my time for revenge!" "You want revenge on a pony that you're jealous of?" Diamond asked skeptically. Loviatar lowered her her head so that she was only meters away from them. "I know how you feel," Diamond began. "I know how it feels to want to be somepony else." Silver Spoon looked over at Diamond. "And... it isn't worth it. My parents taught me to use others to lift myself up, but when I saw those that weren't as high class as me... I became jealous. I didn't always want to be the pony I am now... I'm feared, hated, and coldhearted... and I am sick of it! You don't want to be like me. My friend was right, but I did not listen. And now, there's no turning back." Diamond sat down, staring at the dirt beneath her. I wanted what you want too but it isn't like you think. It's painful." Loviatar raised an eyebrow. "Painful? How so?" "It hurts..." Diamond replied. "I don't see any scars on your pink fur." Loviatar's red dragon eyes glowed bright. "It's not physical." "You seem healthy enough." "It's emotional pain." "I do not understand?" "... please, do not do this. I thought I saw a pretty filly in you, I thought I saw a friend but instead you've turned into a monster. You've always been a monster!!" "Oh, but you're wrong. So very wrong! It is worth it, because I want them to fear me... I want them to obey me! Now, I shall destroy you, along with all of Equestria!" Loviatar closed her eyes, but the glow of her eyes could be seen through her heavy eye lids. Standing on her hind legs, the dragon stood tall and opened its mouth. With a mighty roar, Loviator sent dragonfire spewing from her jaws. Blurrs of red, orange and yellow fire flew out of her mouth and towards the ponies. "Ruuuuuuuuunnnn!" Silver Spoon yelled. The young ponies ran as fast as their small legs would carry them. "But what about Irothrust?!" Sweetie Belle, who was still lightly crying, asked as she ran. "Don't worry about her, she's dead!" Ryon shouted back weakly. With his wing over Scootaloo, they kept running. The fire continued to erupt from the dragon's mouth and began to cover the Sorcerer's Field in flames. Devouring the remains of trees, it turned the stumps into ash... If the tree wasn't already dead and recycled. Irothrust lay in the dirt, the fire running towards her with great speed. Sweetie Belle stopped in her tracks, and facing her friend, she exclaimed, "Noooooooo!" Out of pure terror of the pegasus being burned to ashes. The other ponies stopped as well, but to their surprise, something amazing happened. As the fire hit Irothrust, the pegasus filly stood up. Her mane began to wave in the air, and so did her tail. Her eyes opened as blinding white light shone out if them. Her wings unfurled to their full length and as her body was being elevated into the air, the black cape on her back turned to ash, and fell off of her. Her body turned to a bright golden color, and her hair was light orange with red stripes in it. She seemed to be absorbing the fire, taking it in. Ryon's eyes brightened. "She wasn't completely dead!" "But, what's going on?" Belle asked him. "She's getting her magic back, the magic Loviatar abducted from her. She has pheonix powers, remember? She has the ability to withstand fire." Ryon smiled widely as he watched his cousin. Loviatar closed her mouth; that was all the fire she had. She stared at the ressurected pony in shock. "Irothrust?! How is this possible?! H-how are you-" "Alive?" Irothrust spread her wings, and with a straight face, she said boldly: "Loviatar, listen- as a Sorcerer, you were supposed to be a role model for Equestria. Look at you now! It is done, my cousin. Now everypony knows who you truly are, and what your evil motives were. There is no turning back time. The gears fate have been set in motion. We must only live the present, to change the future. You can accept this and move on... Or, you can remain in your evil ways and be sentenced to Tartarus." Loviatar lowered her head in defiance. "I chose neither!" The ponies gasped. Was she trying to take on Irothrust? "You are rid of the cape I cursed you with. That proves you are stronger than me. I made my mistake, and you were right... We're all just ponies, and we are all just Sorcerers. I shouldn't have been greedy, jealous, rude or any of those things. I want you to punish me, by yourself. Not Princess Celestia's Tartarus punishment, but instead... Your own." "Very well." Irothrust flapped her wings lightly and magic fell from her pegasus feathers. Landing upon Loviatar, it covered her in white light, and when it faded the scaled wings had been torn away along with the reptilians tails and razor claws leaving a normal-sized gray winged filly with faded purple hair. "Welcome back, Loviatar." Irothrust smiled gently, extending her hoof. Loviatar grabbed her and stood up. "I'm not a Sorcerer... I'm myself, from a thousand years ago..." The fire pony nodded. "Now you get to grow up. Now you get to have a cutiemark and now you can be the pony you want to be." Loviatar blinked as tear began forming in the corners of here eyes. "W-why? Why did you do this for me? Me? I-I deserve to be beaten, to be-" "No, you don't. I believe in forgiveness." "After all those times I tormented you?" Irothrust nodded again and simply said. "Yes." "Th-thank you... So much!" Loviatar flung her hooves around Irothrust, hugging her cousin tightly. Irothrust smiled wider and hugged back. Ryon also joined in on hugging, and before long, everypony was in a group hug. Apple Bloom looked down. "What are those?" She asked, pointing at the ground. "I thought all the plants were destroyed by the fire." Loviatar blushed lightly, sighing. She could not believe her greed and jealousy had gotten that far. "It looks like a plant." Sweetie Belle stated the obvious. "I planted them a few days ago," Irothrust explained, "I wanted to bring good health into my home." "They look like... small apple trees? The magic must've sprouted their growth awfully fast..." Apple Bloom added. Irothrust nodded, smiling. "Sorry that I did not tell you why I took the seeds, Apple Bloom. I am a Sorcerer rule-follower; I cannot tell why I need things to ponies that do not know me well." "It's fine... I shouldn't have been so rude about it." Bloom added. Smiling, she asked, "Friends?" "Friends." Irothrust replied. "Friends." Scootaloo added. "Friends." Sweetie Belle chirped. "We're friends." Ryon smiled. "Friends...?" Silver Spoon asked. Apple Bloom nodded her head in response. "May I be your friend?" Diamond Tiara asked. The group stared at her. Sweetie Belle looked uneasy, and Scootaloo looked like she needed to say something, but whenever she opened her mouth, she just closed it again. Silver Spoon glanced at her, but then smiled softly. "Yes, Diamond. We're friends, real friends." Apple Bloom replied. Diamond smiled sheepishly and walked over the group. "Thank you." Her smile grew wider. Loviatar looked up at them with sadness in her eyes. "Well, are you going to be our friend?" Sweetie Belle asked her. "I... I ruined everything." "Sis, everypony makes mistakes. What you did is in the past." Ryon added. "We forgive you, Loviatar. Will you accept our friendship?" Diamond Tiara asked. The group of young ponies looked at the pink earth pony. She extended her hoof, and Loviatar's light grey hoof took hold of her. Diamond tugged her in, and the group was in another hug. Loviatar didn't even know what was happening until moments later. Her mind whirled. Her eyes watered. Countless thoughts floated through her mind as she began to rethink what just happened within the half hour they were in the field. I almost killed Ryon... I thought I murdered Irothrust... I tricked ponies into thinking I was their friend... Irothrust abducted her magic from me... I am back to a mortal pony... They forgave me... Now... Now I have friends... Irothrust tapped Loviatar's shoulder. "Here." she whispered, "You may no longer be a Sorcerer, but I thought you'd like a reminder of who you once were. I kept your magic here, inside me. To promise yourself you'll never do it again, keep this as a reminder." She held out her hoof, and on it was one of her feathers. "It has a little of my magic on it. Here, take it." Loviatar was speechless. "W-wow... Thank you... But, won't you lose magic?" "Nope. Not even when you abducted it from me. I kept the magic hidden underneath the cape you cursed me with- it was hiding in my wings; my pegasus feathers." The grey mare smiled. The ponies finished hugging, and proceeded out of the Sorcerer's Field to the Crusader's favorite valley, which sat by the Everfree Forest-- not too far from where they were now. They laid down in the grass, looking up at the sky. The sun shine down on them, covering them in its warmth. Ryon extended his hoof around Scootaloo's neck; they both blushed. "Loviatar, want to join our crusader club? Then maybe we can all get our cutiemarks." Sweetie Belle asked the pegasus. "Um, sure!" Loviatar smiled. For once in her life, she wasn't smiling because the other pony was not, she was smiling with the other pony. "I'm so happy that we're all friends this school year." Apple Bloom added. "Me too." Silver Spoon agreed. Everypony looked at each other with a smile. This was going to be an amazing year that they'd never forget. ~The End~