After making sure that Apple Bloom was alright, Applejack turns towards Pinkie. "So, where are we headed to next?"
"I've got a feeling that the next Sanctuary deals with dresses." Pinkie says after shaking for few moments.
"Then I guess we'll be going to the boutique next!" Rarity says excitedly.
"We're not going there to shop, Rarity! We're going there for a Melody that's a source of great power," Applejack says gravely.
"I know that! I just like going to the boutique!"
Applejack puts her face in her palm.
----
The group of nine girls and the Chosen Four arrive at the Carousel Boutique, get out of their vehicles, with the exceptions of the Chosen Four who teleported there, and head towards the door.
"Do we have a way in?"
"Absolutely, Pinkie." Rarity pulls out a key. "My parents own the place." Rarity puts the key in the handle, and goes to unlock the door, only to realize that the door is already unlocked.
"Th-that's not a good sign," Fluttershy stammers.
"I have to agree with Fluttershy," Ness says, turning towards the others. "I can assume that the guardian must be inside. We must proceed with caution!"
Rarity opens the door, pockets the key, and they all go inside. When no one can find a light-switch, Ness temporarily illuminates the room with a burst of PK Flash, so everyone can get their bearings. Immediately afterward, the lights flicker on.
"Nice job finding the light-switch, Rare."
"I didn't find the light-switch, Rainbow."
"Then who turned on the lights?"
"I did."
"Sweetie Belle!" Apple Bloom, Rarity, and Scootaloo all exclaim unanimously.
"I can't let you get to the Sanctuary."
"But, Sweetie Belle, darling, we're your friends! I'm your sister! And we need the energy of this place, so we can save our world from certain destruction!"
"I'm sorry, but I can't let you get more power. It would be terrible for Giygas."
"Sweetie Belle! We both know what you're going through, Apple Bloom and I." Scootaloo says. "We both were under Giygas's influence. Please, let us show you that there's another way! Please, wake up, Sweetie Belle!"
Sweetie Belle starts to wobble sleepily as she hears her friends pleas for her to come to her senses.
"Keep talking to her. The more you talk, the more alert she'll get, and eventually she'll wake up from his influence. Bring up memories you've had with her. They'll help snap her out of it the most!" Ness says.
"Sweetie Belle, remember when we went zip-lining? Remember how much fun we had, even if we got stuck about halfway down?"
Sweetie Belle collapses onto her rear, as she slowly falls asleep.
"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity exclaims. "Is she?'
"No, she's just asleep. She'll wake up soon. But you should go find the Melody."
"Okay, just take good care of my sister while I'm looking for it." Rarity starts looking around the boutique until she feels her pocket start to heat up as she enters the back room, and hears a muffled portion of a small song. When the song ends, she heads back to where her friends are standing and helping Sweetie Belle to her feet.
"Are you all right, dear?"
"I think so. But what are we doing here?"
"We're going on an adventure to save the world!" Apple Bloom exclaims giddily.
"No you're not."
"But Applejack! Scootaloo told me about the journey you're going on , and-"
"And she only came with us to make sure you and Sweetie Bell were alright."
"But can we still come with you? We'll stay out of the way of danger."
"No."
"But"
"Let them come."
"What?" Applejack and Apple Bloom ask unanimously.
"I can protect them, and they know how to bring reason back to their friends. That could be useful later on."
Applejack sighs. "Fine, you can come, but you must stay out of danger, and be by Ness at all times." Applejack extends her hand. "Deal?"
Apple Bloom shakes her sister's hand. "Deal."