Chapter 7: The Talent Show
"Have a seat Diamond Tiara," Principal Celestia said firmly.
Human Diamond Tiara sighed and sat down in the chair on the other side of the principal's desk. Celestia and Luna stood on the other side, and both looked firmly at the little girl.
"I'll admit I kicked Sweetie Belle in the leg yesterday, but I would never do anything to this school," she said in defense.
"But you were seen here outside the school, as told by Silver Spoon," said Vice Principal Luna, "but she didn't see where you went. So there's no prove in saying if you did come into the school or not."
"But I didn't, honest! I went home cause my friendship with Silver Spoon ended."
"Are you sure? Or were you so angry that you decided to take it out on the entire school?"
"But that's not it at all. Just ask my parents, they'll tell you of what time I came back."
Principal Celestia raised an eyebrow at this, "you could've easily told your mother to say that you were nowhere near the school. I'm sorry Diamond Tiara, but unless someone else saw you, then we can't just go on your words."
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
Vice Principal Luna went to answer it, and found Human Sweetie Belle on the other side of the door, "we're a little busy right now Sweetie Belle, we'll talk with you in a bit."
"Actually it involves Diamond Tiara."
"Very well then, come on in."
Human Sweetie Belle had decided to help her, even though she knew she was going to regret it later. She could see small tears in Diamond Tiara's eyes while the two principals stared firmly at the two girls.
"As you know, my friend and I were working on decorating the school last night for the talent show. As we were leaving though, we overheard two seperate voices. One was Diamond Tiara and the other was Silver Spoon, they were having an argument about betrayal until Silver Spoon said their friendship was over and she walked away."
Vice Principal Luna raised an eyebrow, "did Diamond Tiara tell you to say this?"
"After the way she's been treating me and my friends, what would I have to gain by telling a story she made up?"
"Then why are you doing this?"
"Because it's the right thing to do. Anyways, my friend and I saw her head down the street towards her house, and we did not see her come back in anger. She was long gone by the time we left the school, and the decorations were all still up."
Diamond Tiara was just in shock that Sweetie Belle would defend her.
"Well then, I guess with this evidance, we have no reason to suspect Diamond Tiara. But someone else trashed the school, and whoever it was will be dealt with."
Both girls were sent back to their classroom, but they were quiet on the way back.
"This doesn't change anything you know," Diamond Tiara said as they reached their classroom door. "I'll still beat you in the talent show, by any means."
"I know you will, but I couldn't stand by and let you get blamed. It's just who I am."
She walked into the classroom and sat down at her desk. Diamond Tiara walked in next and sat down unhappily at her desk.
The police were soon called and an investigation was underway. Dark Soul and his assistant; Principal Cinch of Crystal Prep. were standing just a short distance away. The principal was smiling, "they don't deserve to look nice anyways, they are low class fools after all."
But Dark Soul was not happy, "I hope you didn't leave anything, otherwise my plans will be ruined."
"How can my actions ruin your plans?"
"Simple you fool," he said, raising his voice and staring down angerily at the principal. "They can find out what you did, go after you, in which case they'll come after me and my whole plan will go down the drain!"
"Don't you think you're being a little paranoid?"
"I've waited a thousand years for this plan of mine to work, and if it fails because of you, then the wrath of King Sombra will be the least of your concerns. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Dark Soul, of course sir, I do apologize."
Dark Soul shook his head, "if I wasn't in need of an assistant, I'd get someone else to help me. Now get back to your school before anyone sees you." Shaking in fear, Principal Cinch walked away. "It's so hard to get good help these days."
Of course the police noticed him in the area and asked if he knew anything about the vandalism in the school.
"No sorry officers, I know nothing about what happened. Shame though, the people who worked in putting those decoratons up come back to see their work ruined."
"Indeed, it's horrible," said an officer. "Thank you anyways."
Dark Soul turned and walked away, growling under his breath.
The rest of the day went on uneventful, and soon nighttime arrived. The students were all at the school, along with many family members or friends, and getting ready for their part in the talent show. The Rainbooms started off the show and performed flawlessly.
From back-stage, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Babs Seed and their new friend Silver Spoon were waiting for Sweetie Belle to arrive.
"What could be taking that girl so long to get here?" asked Apple Bloom.
"I don't know, maybe Diamond Tiara is up to her nasty tricks again," said Scootaloo.
"Well if she is, then she's going to land in big trouble," said Silver Spoon. "I can't believe I was hanging out with a bully like her for so long."
"At least you've seen the light and chosen the right path," smiled Babs Seed.
One by one, the girls went on stage and performed their talents. Apple Bloom recieved lots of cheers for her performances, even a few whistles from Applejack and Sunset Shimmer. Scootaloo got many cheers too, even a 'Way to Go Squirt!' from Rainbow Dash.
"That was amazing guys, truely amazing," smiled Silver Spoon.
"Thanks, but I never thought I'd hear that come from you," said Scootaloo.
"I know, but you better get used to it, cause I'm going to be nice to you guys for now on."
Apple Bloom then noticed that Babs Seed was missing. She was about to ask where her cousin was, when she came in, followed by Sweetie Belle pulling a little wagon behind her.
"Seriously Sweetie Belle, why did you bring her along with you?" asked Scootaloo.
"Her?" asked Silver Spoon.
The blanket on the wagon moved, revealing the face of the Pony Sweetie Belle. Silver Spoon was shocked to see this, and had to be told of what's going on.
"So that's why she's been trying to get her sister's attention," she said after a while.
Apple Bloom nodded, but then noticed, "Sweetie Belle, you haven't said a word since you came in. Is everything alright?"
Human Sweetie Belle shook her head. It was Pony Sweetie Belle who answered for her, "she was practising her singing back at the house, but she sang a note too loudly and she lost her voice."
"You lost your voice?!" the four girls cried in unison.
Human Sweetie Belle could only nod her head unhappily.
"Well there goes your spot in the show," groaned Scootaloo, "you can't perform if you don't have a voice."
"Actually she can, and that's why I'm here," said Pony Sweetie Belle. "I've been listening to her singing ever since I got here, and I know the lyrics to her songs. So all I have to do is sing while she moves her lips."
"That's lip syncing, you'll never be able to get away with it."
"Actually she can, since she and I have the same voice, nopony...uh nobody will be able to tell the difference. Besides, it doesn't matter if we win or lose, it's all about having fun."
But the four girls were not sure about this.
"I owe her anyways for letting me live in her house and eating the food from the ice box."
"You mean fridge?" asked Scootaloo.
"Yeah that's it."
"Well okay, you can give it a try, but don't say I didn't warn you if all blows up in your faces."
Silver Spoon was a little more positive though, "I know you guys will do great. Break a leg out there."
Both Sweetie Belle's nodded.
It was almost time for her to go out. She was given a headset so everyone would hear her, but it wasn't connected. The connected end was given to Pony Sweetie Belle, who would remain hidden underneath the blanket.
"And now ladies and gentlemen, it's time for our final act of the night. Please put your hands together for Sweetie Belle!"
The crowds cheered as Human Sweetie Belle walked onto the stage. She looked to the audiance, there were alot of people here, except for the one person she was hoping to see. Rarity was not in her seat.
"I can't believe she would walk out before my performance," she thought to herself. "Then again she's ignored me over the last few days, why wouldn't she do so now?"
She couldn't have known that Rarity needed to step out for a bit, and was on her way back. Still she pretended like her friends were the only ones watching. The music started, she opened her mouth and the Pony Sweetie Belle sang for her.
I wake up to another day
I don't know if I can face
All the fears that are staring me down
Yeah, I'm trying to be brave
But I'm a thread about to fray
I wanna stand but I don't know how
I look up and all I see is
Your love holding me
When I feel like giving up
When my heart is hurt too much
Feels like I've reached the end
No, I won't turn and run
This battle will be won
When I've done all I can
I stand stand stand
I stand stand stand
Some days I lose my place
It's a fight to keep my faith
But you are with me, I am not alone, no
But all around my world gives way
Toss like an ocean wave
You are my rock and the storm clouds blow
I look up and all I see is
Your love holding me
When I feel like giving up
When my heart is hurt too much
Feels like I've reached the end
No, I won't turn and run
This battle will be won
When I've done all I can
I stand, stand, stand
I stand, stand, stand
On your promise, I will stand
All other ground is sinking sand
On your promise, I will stand
All other ground is sinking sand
Sinking Sand, ohh.
It's sinking, sinking, yeah yeah
When I feel like giving up
When my heart is hurt too much
Feels like I've reached the end
No, I won't turn and run
This battle will be won, yeah yeah
So I'll stand, stand, stand
I stand, stand
I'll stand, stand, stand!
The music came to an end, and everyone in the audiance clapped and cheered for Sweetie Belle. She bowed happily, but soon it faded as she saw her sister in the doorway. Her thoughts were that Rarity had only just returned, when in fact she had arrived halfway threw the song. Human Sweetie Belle walked off the stage unhappily.
"Why is she so sad, I thought she'd be happy to sing her heart out," Rarity whispered to Sunset.
"I can think of only one reason why she would be upset," Sunset muttered, but never did say what it was.
Some time later, Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna came onto the stage to annouce the winners of the talent show. As it turns out, Diamond Tiara won nothing as her performance was terrible. However, the Rainbooms won second place, they were just behind Flash Sentry's band. Apple Bloom won third place, Scootaloo got fourth and Sweetie Belle got fifth, but she still wasn't happy.
With the show complete, it was time to go. The five young girls with one pony in the wagon, made their way towards the front doorway. As they were leaving, they heard someone calling out to Sweetie Belle. She looked back and groaned as she saw Rarity walking up.
"Sweetie Belle, I'm pleased that you got a prize, and I'm sorry for missing..."
But human Sweetie Belle would hear no more. She instead picked up the pace and walked ahead of her friends. Rarity walked faster to catch up, "Whatever is the matter Sweetie Belle? Don't you want to talk?" She shook her head. She didn't want to talk even if she could. "Look Sweetie Belle, I know we haven't spoken as much over the last few days, but..."
"Just leave me alone!" she snapped as loudly as she could.
"What's the matter with your voice?"
"She sang high notes, doesn't that tell you something?" asked Scootaloo.
Sunset raised an eyebrow, and now Princess Twilight had her suspicions of where her missing young friend might be.
"I just want to say..."
But human Sweetie Belle decided to give her a taste of her own medicane and walked away towards the doorway. Her friends helped her get the wagon down the stairs, then they walked off for Sweetie Belle's house.
"Was it something I said?"
"Really Rarity?" Rainbow Dash asked with her arms crossed, "you don't know? Cause everyone of us knows."
But Rarity wasn't really sure, mostly because she hadn't noticed the way she had been acting to Human Sweetie Belle. "Well I'll deal with her later, we got to get back to the search."
"Actually there is no need," said Sunset Shimmer. "We'll meet up tomorrow outside your house Rarity, and I think we'll find what we're looking for."
Not too far off from the school, Dark Soul had the pendant wrapped around his neck. It was glowing again, which pleased him. But as he got closer to the school, the light vanished.
"What in the name of King Sombra? Did the pony just go back to Equestria?"
He walked to the portal, only to discover it was still closed. He turned and ran off before Sunset and her friends walked out of the building. Instead of walking off in different directions though, they all left together.
"They know something, maybe the location of where my power source is. Maybe I should keep an eye on them." He pulled out a cellphone and dailed a number. "Cinch, it's Dark Soul, I have a little assignment you can help me with tomorrow."
The night went on without anymore eventful moments and everyone got a good night's rest. All that was except for human Sweetie Belle. She was still angry and was punching her pillow. Pony Sweetie Belle listened from her end of the bed and was really worried for her human counterpart.
Morning soon arrived and with it came the return of Human Sweetie Belle's voice, but it wasn't perfect as she couldn't sing for the rest of the day. At least though she could talk.
"It looks to be a beautiful day today. I only wish we could go to the park and enjoy the weather."
"I'd like that," smiled Pony Sweetie Belle, "but I really need to get home. I've been away for several days and I'm sure my sister is missing me badly. I know cause I miss her."
"I wouldn't miss mine if she went missing."
Pony Sweetie Belle was surprised to hear this, "that's harsh to say. You guys care for each other."
"I got a news flash for you Sweetie Belle, my sister and I are not like you and your sister. Here it's every sibling for themselves."
"Is that why you've given up telling her about me?"
"No, I..."
"I know you're lying. You wrote it in your journal and I read it, you wrote and I quote 'I don't want to lose the only Belle in this family that will actually listen to me, so I'm not telling Rarity about the Filly and I will keep her'."
"You actually read my journal? But that's private!"
"I'm a Sweetie Belle too, so the rules don't apply to me."
Human Sweetie Belle kicked the ground unhappily, "I seriously need to put a lock on that thing."
"Don't get me wrong, you are a good friend and I am grateful for what you have done, but I got a home back in Equestria and a sister who's worried about me. And in spite of what you think, your sister would go looking for you if you went missing."
"Not really, she'd be happy to see me go."
"That's not true."
Human Sweetie Belle huffed, but before she could say anything else, the front door to the house opened and in walked eight girls, one of which was her own sister.
"Sweetie Belle, I think we need to talk."
Human Sweetie Belle groaned, "great, just great."