//------------------------------// // Planting the Seeds // Story: Prelude to Anon-A-Miss: Wallflower's Weekend // by CapNTilfy //------------------------------// The next morning, Wallflower woke up to the sound of birds chirping with a smile. Today's the day she begins plotting the downfall of Sunset Shimmer! She changed into her clothes, then opened her bedroom window. She took a deep breath, then exhaled. Few scents were more calming than the outdoors after rain. She ran downstairs and into the kitchen, when a soothing voice spoke. "Good morning, my little sprout." Wallflower smiled warmly at the sound of her mother's voice. She turned around and hugged her. Ericaceae Corema, or Erica as she was sometimes called, smiled and returned the hug as her daughter's hands touched her long green hair. She broke the hug after a moment, then ran an azure hand through Wallflower's hair as her brown eyes looked at her lovingly. "Sleep well," she asked. "I did. I take it dad's out at the moment?" Erica nodded. "Is there anything you'd like to do this morning?" Wallflower cupped her chin in thought for a couple of moments, then smiled. "When was the last time we both gardened together?" Erica thought for a moment. "Has it really been that long?" "It sure feels like it, mom." "Well, then," Erica said as she rolled up the sleeves on her yellow t-shirt. "Let's get to it, shall we?" ---------------------------------------------- Several hours later, Wallflower sat on her front porch in deep thought. She sighed heavily, putting her head in her hands as she struggled to come up with plans. This is harder that I thought it'd be. She lifted her head up. Then again, I'm not really the scheming type. She was broken out of her thoughts by three girls off in the distance. The girl in front was light-yellow skinned, and her long crimson hair adorned with a large pink bow bounced as her orange boots clomped on the sidewalk. "I'm so glad y'all could hang out with me," the girl said. "I've been feelin' a mite lonely since all of our sisters have been spendin' a lotta time with Sunset." Wallflower immediately snapped to full attention upon the mention of her foe's name. She crouched down slightly to be out of view, and to hear more of the conversation. "No sweat, Apple Bloom," said a raspy-voiced girl with short purple hair as she stopped for a moment to fix her green cargo shorts. "Besides, I think Sunset could use some time with them. I heard she was getting overwhelmed with all the students following her around." Just behind the other girl was a light gray-skinned girl. Her purple and pink hair was harboring a pink hairband, which matched her boots and jacket. A slight wind blew, causing her long light yellow skirt to billow. "I can't blame her for getting upset," she said. Wallflower recognized the three freshmen as the Crusaders. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Sisters of Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash respectively. A wide smile formed on her lips as an idea popped into her head. She stayed away to listen in, she didn't want to come off as too strong. "Yeah, I don't know what the big deal is," Scootaloo said, wrapping her hands on the back of her head and lacing her fingers together. "I mean, sure, she went all pony on the Dazzlings with our sisters and their friends, saving the day...but she's still just Sunset Shimmer." Wallflower got up, then stopped. She stared at the Crusaders from a distance as they walked by her house. What are you doing? She remained still. Those three freshmen know Sunset on an almost personal level! The girls continued forward, unaware of the inner conflict brewing within their watcher. This could be your big chance to finally get back at her! Wallflower began to sweat. Don't let this opportunity pass you by, Wallflower Blush! She closed her eyes and grit her teeth, then imagined her foe sneering at her. Mocking her for her inability to form any social connections. Newly determined, Wallflower's eyes snapped open and she ran to catch up with the Crusaders. "Wait," she shouted, gaining the trio's attention. She again froze in place, then steeled herself. "What do you mean, 'just Sunset Shimmer'? Have you all completely forgotten the hell she put you and all the other students through?" "'Course we haven't," Apple Bloom said with a smile. "But we've forgiven her." "How? She ruined people's lives and enjoyed every minute of it!" "That's just it," Sweetie Belle said, crossing her arms. "She 'enjoyed' it. Past tense." "And what makes you so sure she's changed," Wallflower asked. "What makes you so sure she hasn't changed," Scootaloo countered with a frown as she put her hands on her hips. "Because she's manipulated people into falling for her," Wallflower shouted, then blushed and added "Tricks! Falling for her tricks." "Our sisters believe her," Sweetie Belle said. "So we believe her, too." Wallflower sighed heavily as she put her hand on her forehead. "Okay." she said. "I can see that I won't be able to convince you, so I won't push the subject. But...if she ever does wrong you, let me know." Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "Yeah...I don't see that happening." Apple Bloom eyed Wallflower with suspicion. "Is there somethin' you're not tellin' us?" Wallflower opened her mouth, then shut it almost immediately. She already felt she was pressing her luck with the three as it was, and she feared if she told them the truth, she'd lose any and all chances of getting their help. Better to play it safe than sorry. "No," she said as plainly as she could. "If you say so," Sweetie Belle said, then turned her attention to her two friends. "C'mon, girls. Dinner should be ready by now." Apple Bloom's eyes widened. "Well what in tarnation are we waitin' for?! I'm starvin'!" "Yeah!" Scootaloo grinned, and the Crusaders ran off into the distance as Wallflower watched. Wallflower smiled as the girls left her sight. They may not be on my side now, she thought. But I can wait for as long as I need to.