Nothing Spreads
Morning arrived in the small village. The birds peaceful chirping echoed about the town as the sun’s rays slowly crept up the horizon. But one pony was already awake. Twilight sat in the library flipping through a book, feeling refreshed after her spa treatment the other night.
If flu season has started early this year, I’m sure some ponies will come here seeking help.
She levitated a book from a high shelf down to her level.
Let’s start with prevention methods.
She quickly reviewed book after book, absorbing the information at an almost unnatural pace. Tome after tome, she continued to skim searching for a cure. The stacks of books began to pile higher and higher until they became dangerously unstable. Suddenly the front door flew open, knocking over several stacks of books as Rarity skidded into the foyer.
“Twilight! TWILIGHT! Where are you!?”
*Mmph,* said a pile of books shuffling a bit.
“Oh! I’m sorry dear!” She said, throwing literature wildly in her attempts to free her friend. “I really need your help!”
She reached for Twilight’s hoof and pulled her free from the heap. Twilight winced once and then jumped to her hooves. “What’s wrong? Are you ok?”
“I’m fine, but I can’t find Sweetie Belle anywhere! I woke up this morning and looked in her room, but she was nowhere to be found!” yelled Rarity, on the verge of hysterics.
Twilight’s stomach dropped.
“What!? She’s not in the Boutique?”
“She’s not! I searched through and through!” she exclaimed, bursting into tears. She fell to the ground, sobbing as she buried her face in her hooves.
“Maybe she’s out with her friends?” Twilight said quickly, trying to calm the distraught unicorn.
“But she… wouldn’t worry me… like that, would she?” She said peeking up at her friend a bit.
“It wouldn’t be the first time she’s snuck out without permission. I’m sure she’s out crusading.”
“You’re probably right Twilight. Lets find them quickly.” She stood and wiped her eyes. “I’ve got a few words for her.”
The two walked out of the library, but didn’t get far before hearing a familiar cry from the clouds. They looked up in confusion for a moment until finally spotting the sentient rainbow flailing through the air and plummeting toward the earth. As her voice grew louder, Twilight threw open a magic net just above the ground to catch her. The net stretched, almost touching the ground and then bouncing back up and tossing Rainbow Dash up and then back down with a slight ~thud~
“Rainbow Dash. Can I ask you a question?”
“What’s up Twilight?” The flamboyant blue Pegasus asked, brushing herself off.
“Have you seen Scootaloo or Apple Bloom anywhere?”
“I haven’t seen that orange fur ball all day, but I think I saw Apple Bloom with her sister on their farm. Why? What’s wrong?”
“Sweetie Belle has gone missing. And we think she might be with Apple Bloom.” Rarity said with a sniffle.
“Missing? What do you mean ‘missing’?” Rainbow Dash asked tilting her head a bit.
Twilight looked to both of them and said, “Come on Rainbow. We’ll tell you on the way.”
The three quickly made their way to Sweet Apple Acres. The town was as bustling as always, ponies went about their everyday lives. When all of the sudden, the trio was stopped by a frantic Lyra.
“Have you seen Bon Bon?” she asked without hesitation.
“Um, no. I’m sorry. Is something wrong?” Twilight asked, leaning in with a raised eyebrow.
“I can’t find her anywhere!” she shouted as she galloped to another group of ponies.
The three exchanged worried glances. Rarity turned to Twilight. “You don’t think…”
“It’s just a coincidence. Let’s hurry.” She said, speeding her pace.
They galloped through Ponyville to Sweet Apple Acres, Not stopping for anything. As Soon as they arrived, they spotted Applejack and her little sister carrying basketfuls of fresh apples into the barn. Big Macintosh sat next to the barn chewing a piece of straw and Granny Smith sat in a rocking chair fast asleep. But who they didn’t spot, was Sweetie Belle.
“Hey, girls.” Twilight called out to Applejack. “Have you seen Sweetie Belle anywhere?”
The orange pony turned and pondered for a second. “Ah can’t say that Ah have. Last time Ah saw that little cutie was when she came over two days ago with Scootaloo.”
“Wait.” Apple Bloom piped up. “Ah saw her last night on my way home. She was going to your shop, Rarity.”
“Was she ok?” Rarity asked, moving closer to the filly.
“She seemed fine, just a little jumpy. She didn’t want to admit it, but I think she’s scared of the dark.”
“And after that?”
“Well, Ah came here and she went home. Why? Did something happen?” She asked with growing concern.
“We can’t find her anywhere!” Rarity exclaimed.
“What!”
“Well, it seems ponies are disappearing.” Twilight explained. “I’ve heard Bon Bon and several of your classmates are gone as well. If we’re going to find them we need help. I think it’s time to call a town meeting.”
“Oh yes, let’s.” Rarity pleaded.
“Good thinking Twilight!” Rainbow Dash said brashly.
“Count us in.” Applejack offered. “Ain’t nopony gonna vanish if Ah have anything to say ‘bout it.”
The group set off for Ponyville’s town hall.
*****
The mayor contacted and the hall opened. The citizens gathered outside and wondered what was going on. The prattle rose in volume louder and louder until Twilight finally stepped up to the podium. Rainbow Dash arrived shortly with Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie and gave the signal that all of the citizens were present.
Twilight cleared her throat and began the proceedings, “Citizens of Ponyville. I believe we have an emergency on our hooves. Ponies are disappearing.”
A worried whisper stirred the crowd. Twilight silenced them before continuing.
“But do not panic! The Mayor has a few things to say about the epidemic.” Twilight took a few steps to the side. “If you would, ma’am.” she said, turning backstage.
To everyone’s surprise, Rarity rushed out.
“She’s gone!”
Total silence filled the hall.
A tiny voice piped up, “Now do we panic?”