//------------------------------// // New Responsibilities // Story: Sweet Affection 3 // by Masterob //------------------------------// The following day came, more planning would be done for the big Festival Twilight had planned. She already had plans to utilize the talents of Starlight's friends very well. Since Spike would be busy with his own tasks, she needed somepony to help her double check things, and she already had one in mind. Sweetie Belle was already making her way over to Twilight's castle. She knew Rumble was gonna be there and knew he had a special task that Twilight had given him, and now she wants to see what it was. As she made her way over, she heard Scootaloo call to her. "Hey Sweetie Belle, wait up!" Sweetie Belle turned to greet her friend, "Hey Scootaloo." Scootaloo trotted over to Sweetie Belle's side, "I saw you walking over to the castle, so I figured I'd join you." "Sounds good," Sweetie Belle said, walking alongside her friend. "I'm just going to see Rumble, Twilight asked a favor from him." "Wow, Rumble's getting favors from Twilight? Royal favors or just something random?" Scootaloo asked. "I'm not too sure, he did make it sound important though," Sweetie Belle said. "I guess it doesn't matter, Rumble would do just about anything Twilight asked I'm sure," Scootaloo said. "You know it's been almost a year since the two of you started dating." Sweetie Belle cringed a bit. "Yeah, it has been, and it's been amazing." Sweetie Belle didn't like talking about Rumble too much with Scootaloo, at least about their relationship. She still feels like deep down Scootaloo still feels some hurt in not getting Rumble as a coltfriend, and she certainly hasn't forgotten that Scootaloo did kiss Rumble at least once, which was after they were dating. Sweetie Belle wasn't mad at Rumble since Scootaloo was the one who kissed him and he clearly didn't care for it. "You're luckier than Apple Bloom at least, it’s a shame she and Tender Taps are barely together, guess he's not ready to be a coltfriend," Scootaloo said. Sweetie Belle felt some relief, at least Scootaloo's not talking too much about their relationship. "Tender Taps can make a good coltfriend I'm sure, Apple Bloom just needs to be a little more patient." "They went on several dates and Tender Taps barely did anything with her, at least anything they haven't already done as friends, did they even kiss at all?" Scootaloo asked. "I don't know, they never said anything about it," Sweetie Belle said. "Kinda sucks for Apple Bloom if she didn't, he's not bad to kiss," Scootaloo said, fondly remembering the kiss the two shared a year ago. Sweetie Belle shook her head at that memory, "Why haven't you tried dating him then?" "I wanted to ask him, but I don't think he wants a marefriend right now, he probably feels like he messed up," Scootaloo said. "I don't see the big deal, besides it's just dating, they weren't actually coltfriend and marefriend. When me and Rumble started dating it took us a while to acknowledge each other as that," Sweetie Belle said. "Well that was because you were only pretending to date him, before you somehow actually started to like him," Scootaloo said, though started to back away from Sweetie Belle when she noticed her glare. "Sorry, that didn't come out right." Sweetie Belle huffed a little. "My point's still there, anyway just remember that dating him was yours and Apple Bloom's idea, not my fault he turned out to be so sweet. Besides I did ask him about you and-" "I know Sweetie Belle, he wasn't interested in me, I get it," Scootaloo finished. "I'm not mad, maybe I'm still a little bummed and confused. He doesn't want a filly that's too assertive or whatever, but look at him now, he's much more confident and has more of an attitude than he did a year ago." "Even so, he's still mostly easy going and relaxed. He does admire you Scootaloo, just not in that way, but I'm sure you know that," Sweetie Belle said. "Yeah, I know. He's fun to be around, it's just hard since I do still kinda like him," Scootaloo said. "Don't you also like Tender Taps?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I like both of them, they're both cute and I wouldn't mind dating either one," Scootaloo said. "Unfortunately one's taken and the other seems to like Apple Bloom more, meanwhile I'm by myself with nopony to date." "You have plenty of time to find somepony to like, just because I'm dating somepony doesn't mean you have to," Sweetie Belle said. "I know I don't, it's just frustrating. I just get jealous when I see you two, not because you have him and I don't, just because you both have somepony at all," Scootaloo said. Sweetie Belle pitied her friend a bit, somewhat understanding her a bit more. "Just remember Scootaloo, I'm ready to help you find somepony whenever you want." "Yeah, I know. Thanks Sweetie Belle, I know I've messed up, but at least I'm lucky to have a friend that's so forgiving of that," Scootaloo said. Sweetie Belle gave a friendly smile, though started to wonder who could make Scootaloo happy. She did want somepony for her friend, not just to keep her from thinking of Rumble, but because she would like her friends to feel the same happiness. Plus Sweetie Belle did promise Scootaloo a coltfriend, and that coltfriend didn't necessarily have Rumble. The two arrived at the castle and knocked. Spike arrived moments later, greeting the two fillies. "Hey Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo...um where's Apple Bloom?" Spike asked. "She's bucking some apples for this festival thing," Sweetie Belle said. "I still don't get what it's about though," Scootaloo said, trying to think of the possible reasons. "You'd think this is the Summer Sun Celebration she's planning." "I keep asking Twilight and she says to wait," Spike said, looking a little annoyed. "Honestly I'm just gonna go with it and accept whatever reason she has. Twilight might be a little too peppy at times but they're usually for a good reason, I'm sure it will be worth the wait." "I hope so, I just want to see what everything's about," Scootaloo said. "Anyway we're here to see Rumble, he's supposed to be here getting a special task from Twilight" Sweetie Belle said. "Yeah, he's getting it right now, and boy is he in for it," Spike said. "Huh? Why?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Come in and see," Spike said, gesturing the fillies into the castle. Meanwhile in map room of the castle, Rumble is standing before a somewhat intimidating Shining Armor. While he tried to look calm, Rumble was pretty worried that the Captain of Celestia's Royal Guard, as well as the Prince of the Crystal Empire was glaring down at him. "So, you're the pony my little sister said would be watching over my little girl?" Shining Armor asked. Rumble gulped and nodded, "Yes sir, Mister Shining Armor." Shining Armor looked to Twilight, "You're sure he can handle this? He's still a kid himself." "He did protect her from Changelings very briefly, and he's very mature for his age," Twilight explained. "Besides I think this can be good for him." Shining Armor looked back to Rumble, who did his best to hide how nervous he actually was. "You really think you can handle watching over my little girl?" Rumble nodded with a gulp, "Yes sir, I can totally handle it, no problem." Rumble wasn't that confident in his word but he was too nervous to admit otherwise. Cadance walked over to the two, "Easy Shining Armor, don't make him too nervous." She turned to Rumble, affectionately rubbing his mane. "Don't worry too much about my husband, we're just protective over Flurry. She's a good little filly though, I'm sure she'll listen to you if you're calm and understanding, which I think you are, at least that's what Twilight always says." "He's calm, sensitive and really sweet, he's perfect to watch over Flurry," Twilight said. Shining Armor sighed, figuring he'd give this colt a chance. "Alright, but he better not mess up, he doesn't wanna know what I'll do if that happens." That caused Rumble's pupils to shrink, the young colt now trembling before the royalty. "Big brother..." Twilight lightly warned. "Please don't make him more nervous." She then stroked Rumble's mane to calm him. "Relax honey, you'll do just fine, I believe in you." Rumble started to feel a little more calm, then looked up at Twilight with such admiration. "Thanks Twilight." Cadance gestured Rumble and led him over to her daughter, Princess Flurry Heart. "Here she is Rumble, the little Princess you're going to care for." Cadance turned to her daughter, "Flurry, be a good little filly for Rumble alright?" Rumble looked down to Flurry Heart, and one look was all it took for the nervousness to vanish. She had such beautiful eyes, puffy cheeks, lovely mane and a giggle that warmed his heart. He's seen Flurry before, and each time he feels so warm inside. He can't help but love her this little Princess, she makes it so easy to do so. "You get more beautiful every time I see you Flurry." Rumble said. Flurry then moved over to nuzzle Rumble affectionately, getting a happy sigh from the colt. "Yeah, you're definitely a little filly I wanna care for." Flurry stood on her hind legs to hug Rumble better, and then gave him a kiss on the cheek, getting a minor blush from the colt. "Aw, see she likes you," Cadance said. "Like I said, he did keep her safe from Changelings," Twilight reminded. "I'm sure she remembers and really appreciates that." Rumble lifted up Flurry onto his back, "There, you can get comfortable, I'll walk you around." He turned to her parents. "So is there anything I should know or anything you want me to do?" "Just keep her entertained, it helps if you have her Wammy with her," Cadance said. "Wammy? What's that?" Rumble asked. Cadance showed off a little toy to Rumble, "This is her Wammy, if she gets upset just give it to her and she'll usually calm down." Rumble grabbed the toy, observing it a little. "Cute toy." He gave it to Flurry as she immediately hugged it. "Anything else?" "Nothing really, just keep watch over her. There's a room here you can let her play in, maybe later you can take her to Sugarcube Corner and let her play with the Cake Twins," Cadance suggested. Rumble nodded, "Sure thing Princess Cadance." He turned to Shining Armor. "I promise to keep your daughter safe and happy." "I hope so," Shining Armor said, still unsure of this colt. Rumble understood Shining Armor's lack of trust, he's just a worried father. He then heard his name called. "Rumble?" The colt turned to see his marefriend along with Scootaloo and Spike. "Oh, Sweetie Belle, glad you're here. Good to see you too Scootaloo." As Scootaloo waved, Sweetie Belle curiously approached her coltfriend, noticing the little filly on his back. "Oh, you have Flurry on your back" "Yeah, I get to watch over Flurry Heart now," Rumble said.. Sweetie Belle looked amazed, seeing her coltfriend asked to watch over a really important pony. "Wow, such a big responsibility for you Rumble." "Yeah, I know," Rumble said, turning to face Flurry. "It shouldn't be too hard, she seems like a good little filly." "I'm sure Sweetie Belle can help watch over Flurry Heart too, imagine how cute it would be for you two to watch over a baby," Twilight said. "Yeah, you can be like parents," Spike said. "The funny thing is that Flurry is an Alicorn, so you each already have something to teach her. Rumble can teach her about flying, and Sweetie Belle can teach her about magic." "I would love it if our baby was an Alicorn, sometimes I imagine it to be one," Sweetie Belle said. "Too bad it doesn't work like that," Scootaloo said. "She's already good at both I would say," Rumble said. "I mean her magic's strong enough to block Changelings from attacking." "If anything I might need to train to be stronger than her, how embarrassing," Sweetie Belle said. "And she flies better than I do, that's almost humiliating," Scootaloo said. "Well she is an Alicorn, nothing to be ashamed of," Spike reassured. "I bet she'll grow up to be a powerful Alicorn, she'll be able to help protect Equestria from all sorts of danger," Rumble said. Cadance giggled a bit, "I'm glad to know ponies have that type of faith in my daughter." Rumble began to trot off, "Alright, let's go play together Flurry, you coming Sweetie Belle? And you Scootaloo?" "I would but I also wanted to go see Rainbow Dash and see if she needs any help," Scootaloo said. "Alright, then you can come Sweetie Belle, we'll watch over her together like if she was our baby," Rumble said. "I'll lead you to the room she's gonna be staying at then," Spike said, leading Rumble away. "I guess this could be fun," Sweetie Belle said, following her coltfriend and the filly on his back. Scootaloo had made her way out of the castle to find Rainbow Dash, hoping to help the pony she views as an older sister. The foals then left the room with Spike, leaving Shining Armor with a look of uncertainty, "I really don't know if those two should be watching over Flurry, aren't their any other ponies that can do that?" "Twilight believes Rumble can, she wouldn't have suggested him if he couldn't handle it. Plus he seems really eager to," Cadance said. "That doesn't make him a good choice," Shining Armor said and focused his attention to his younger sister. "Twiley isn't there anypony else that can watch over Flurry?" Twilight however wasn't really focusing, she was lost in thought after having seen Rumble with Flurry, already feeling like this was going to be a great idea. "Twiley!?" Twilight snapped out of her daze, "Huh?" She focused her attention to a somewhat annoyed Shining Armor. "Oh, were you saying something big brother?" Shining Armor sighed, "Never mind." He then trotted off, leaving Twilight a bit confused. "What's going on?" Twilight asked. "I think he's still a little nervous about Rumble having to watch over Flurry," Cadance said. "All Rumble has to do is watch over her for a little while, he's gonna be staying in the castle and he takes his responsibilities very seriously, he does wanna be a Wonderbolt one day, and he's seen how hard his brother works as one, so he wants to be just as good," Twilight said. "A Wonderbolt huh? I hope he achieves that goal," Cadance said. "Yeah, me too," Twilight said. In one of the castle’s hallways, Starlight's village friends were wandering around, trying to find their way around. They couldn't seem to get from their rooms to the front of the castle without a guide of sorts. "It's easy to get lost in here," Double Diamond said. "Why does Twilight need a castle this big if not many ponies live here?" "Remember, she didn't expect to have a castle, it just happened," Night Glider said. "Plus since having this castle, she's been able to help ponies across Equestria," Party Favor said. "Yeah, including us," Sugar Belle added. The group continued to look around, though stayed close, not wanting to get separated and get more lost. "Maybe we should have waited for Spike to come get us," Night Glider said. "We're gonna be late to whatever tasks Princess Twilight had planned for us." "None of you figured out what this was about right?" Double Diamond asked, getting a collective 'no' from his friends. "Wish somepony would tell us, gets me kind of excited," Night Glider said. "Whatever it is, we just need to do our best with it," Sugar Belle said. "I want to make the most delicious cupcakes and pies for everypony in this town." "I get a chance to do work alongside Rainbow Dash, and she's a Wonderbolt too," Night Glider said. "Maybe you'll impress the ponies so much the bakery that Pinkie Pie lives at will want Sugar Belle to work with them," Double Diamond said. "Or the Wonderbolts will want Night Glider," Party Favor said. That led to a brief chuckle, though the stallions started to feel a little sad at the idea of their friends leaving. They enjoyed staying in the same town together and seeing each other everyday, it would be really odd for them to not see their friends. "That would be amazing," Night Glider said. "But I might miss town too much to join The Wonderbolts." "I'm fine with my own bakery in Our Town, I wouldn't mind assisting The Cakes if they wanted me to on occasion though," Sugar Belle said. The stallions felt some relief that their friends wouldn't be so quick to leave, though at the same time, they don't want them to give up on anything if they had the chance. "We'll worry about that if the time comes," Party Favor said. "But I do like all of us doing things together, I mean even we saved Equestria at one point, sort of." "You mean when we got Twilight and her friends their Cutie Marks back?" Sugar Belle asked. "If we hadn't, then they wouldn't be able to help other ponies, granted I don't think I want to fight Changelings or that Tirek monster we heard about, but it's still something," Party Favor said. "Yeah, it was cool doing that, I personally wouldn't mind fighting strong monsters though," Night Glider said. "I already beat up some Changelings." "I would fight too, if to keep my friends safe," Sugar Belle said. "We stick together and fight together, just the way it should be," Double Diamond said. "That's what friends do for each other," Night Glider said. "And I'm really glad we're all friends," Sugar Belle said. The others agreed on that sentiment, and confirmed it with a group hug. They would not let anything separate them and they would fight for each other at any moment. During this, they heard a slight giggle, turning to see Lightning Dust. "Wow, you're all so sappy," Lightning said. Sugar Belle glared a bit, "That's a bit rude to say." The others nodded in agreement. "Sorry, not trying to be rude, just truthful," Lightning said. "Anyway I take it you're trying to find Twilight." "Yeah, but we're a bit lost," Party Favor said. "This castle is pretty big, and it wouldn't be friendly of me not to help," Lightning said. "Come follow me, I'll take you straight to Twilight." "Thanks, I think," Night Glider said. "No trouble, let's go find my favorite Princess," Lightning said, leading them away. As they trotted, Double Diamond turned to Night Glider. "By the way, even though I wouldn't want you to leave, I think you would make for a very talented Wonderbolt. I know you would make all of us proud of your accomplishments." Night Glider blushed at the compliment her friend had given her, "Thanks, means a lot." Double Diamond also blushed a little, she looked really cute at times, and this was no exception. At another part of the castle, Spike is still leading Rumble and Sweetie Belle to a room to watch over Flurry. As they walked they saw Starlight, Trixie and Tender Taps walking on the other side. "Oh, I see Starlight, Trixie and Tender Taps!" Sweetie Belle said, getting the attention of the three. "Hi Sweetie Belle," Starlight said, then noticed Rumble with Flurry Heart on his back. "Oh Rumble, I see you picked up Flurry." "Yeah, I'm gonna be watching over her, it's so cool!" Rumble said. "I'm sure it will be," Tender Taps said, approaching Flurry. "You're so adorable Flurry, it's always a pleasure to be around you." Flurry giggled at Tender Taps's compliment, even more when he lightly tickled her tummy. "She's got such a pretty laugh too." "She does, and I get to be the one to make sure she has even more pretty laughs," Rumble said. "Technically she's giggling," Trixie pointed out. "Almost the same," Rumble said. "But I do want to at least keep a smile on her pretty face." "You're a charming colt Rumble, you'll have no trouble doing just that," Starlight said. "You can be Flurry's little knight." Sweetie Belle looked a little surprised at hearing that, but before she could say anything, Rumble spoke up. "Being a knight to pretty fillies is what I do best." "Maybe that can be your Cutie Mark," Tender Taps said, Rumble shrugged in disinterest, "I guess so. Still, kinda nervous about watching over her, I'm flattered that Twilight chose me but I feel like she could have chosen somepony better. Plus I get the feeling that Shining Armor isn't too confident in me." "He's just protective as a father, can't blame him," Tender Taps said. "Just prove yourself as a good protector and that's all." "Just watch out for her magic, it's extremely powerful," Starlight warned. "I also hear she's quite the strong flyer for her age," Trixie said. "Heh, I can handle the flying part, I guess the magic I'll have to avoid, but I'm guessing I just need to keep her calm," Rumble said. "Come to think of it, how come Flurry's able to fly so well, but Scootaloo has trouble?" Tender Taps said. "Flurry's an alicorn, maybe she was just born with the talent," Rumble said. "Besides most Pegasus ponies have trouble flying, that's why my brother is so impressed that I can fly as well as I do." "I just hope it's not too awkward for her, even Pound Cake can fly pretty well," Tender Taps said. "Let's not worry about it, I'm almost certain Scootaloo's eventually gonna learn to fly well, she might end up in The Wonderbolts too," Rumble said. "That's nice of you to show that support Rumble," Starlight said, then turned her attention to Sweetie Belle, who had been pretty quiet for the most part. "Sweetie Belle? You've hardly said a word, are you feeling ok?" "Huh?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Oh, I'm fine, don't worry." Starlight looked a little unsure with Sweetie Belle's reply. "If you say so." "Well we should get going, Spike was taking us somewhere to watch over Flurry," Rumble said. "Are you gonna be staying at the castle as well?" Tender Taps asked. "I don't think I am," Rumble turned to Spike. "Am I?" "Twilight didn't say, but if you asked her I'm sure she wouldn't mind, she's already letting Tender Taps stay, not to mention all of Starlight's friends also staying," Spike explained. "Twilight seems to enjoy having other ponies stay, this is a big castle after all," Starlight said. "I can ask my brother, this way I can be here for Flurry," Rumble said. "How sweet, so attentive to his duties," Starlight said. "I'll ask him when he comes, anyway let's go Sweetie Belle," Rumble said, walking off with Spike, Flurry still hugging her toy as she rode on Rumble's back. "Sure thing Rumble," Sweetie Belle said, not very enthusiastic as she followed Rumble. "I have things to do as well, I'll see you all later," Spike said, also walking off. Starlight seemed a little concerned, "Something seems to be bothering Sweetie Belle." "Probably not looking forward to watching over an Alicorn filly, I know I wouldn't be," Trixie said. "Come on, watching over Flurry shouldn't be that hard," Tender Taps said. "Right, you watch over a baby that has ridiculously strong magic she can barely control," Trixie said. "In any case we'll be there to help Rumble if he needs it," Starlight said. "I'm good with helping out my best friend," Tender Taps said. "We should also see what's bothering Sweetie Belle," Starlight said. "Maybe she's worried about being a mom at such a young age," Trixie teased. "I doubt it's that," Starlight said. "I'm sure it's nothing, probably worried over something silly, she seems like the type, especially after seeing her older sister," Trixie said. Starlight furrowed her brow, "You could try being nicer when talking about Twilight's friends." "Hey, they're hardly nice to me, if anything the only reason they tolerate me is because I'm your friend," Trixie said. "And I want you to be their friend, so let's start with you not saying such mean things about them, I know you're better than that," Starlight said. "Same here," Tender Taps said. "The closest you've made to another friend is Lightning Dust, and it's not for the best reasons either." "Why? Just because she finds Twilight's friends annoying like I do? Especially that Rainbow Dash?" Trixie said. "I think Rainbow Dash is really nice and sweet, she's just very confident in herself, that's all," Tender Taps said. "Why is it confidence when it's Rainbow Dash and arrogance when it's me?" Trixie asked. "Can we please focus on a more important issue? Now I think it would be good if we did our best to stay near Rumble and offer help should he need it," Starlight suggested. "I know Tender Taps is willing, I just need you to agree on this Trixie." "I'll think about it," Trixie said, getting an annoyed glare from Starlight. "Fine, I'll do it." "Try to be nice Trixie, you'll find that Rumble's a nice boy once you really get to know him, he's also cute and affectionate as well," Starlight said. "I have Tender Taps as the cute and affectionate little colt, I don't need anypony else," Trixie said. "But I'll do my best at least." Starlight huffed angrily, while she loved Trixie as her best friend, she could be a real pain to deal with. What she cared about most at the moment though was not just Rumble, but also Sweetie Belle. For some reason Sweetie Belle looked unsure, something Starlight was very curious about. Starlight has quite a few things to figure out right now.