//------------------------------// // Making Real Friends: // Story: Afterlife // by Star Sparkle //------------------------------// I sat and waited for a while, until finally I heard hoofsteps approaching, and Diamond Tiara’s voice called out when the sound got closer. “Well, well, what do we have here?” She said, in a pantomime tone. As I turned around, I saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walking over slowly, smiling at me. I smiled back, and teased, “Oh, just me.” "Ehh,” Diamond said- with a lack of energy, I thought. It didn't quite suit her. “You’ll do.” What did she mean by that? Was Sweetie Belle right that this was all a big prank being played on me? Diamond and Silver let out a few small giggles, before bursting into laughter, leaving me a bit uncomfortable. “Ha, haha, ha….” Silver wheezed,  “You should have seen the look on your face.” I forced a laugh out, but I was still a little uneasy. “Aww, come on,” Diamond said, a genuine smile on her face. “I was just kidding... You're perfect.” "Thanks... So, um, what are we doing?" I asked. I wanted to change the subject as quickly as possible. “Well,” Silver said, “We were thinking of grabbing a milkshake first?” “Sounds good!” I responded enthusiastically, and with the two fillies leading the way, we trotted a short distance to a nearby restaurant. The place looked fancy, unlike Sugarcube Corner. Where that place felt like home, this place felt like a stranger’s home; still welcoming, but not comforting in the same way (and you could never find the bathroom). I had no idea what it was even called, as the name was written in fancy swirly writing, just like my grandmother's handwriting. And after years of trying to decode her letters, I had given up, so I decided my policy applied here too. After we were seated I looked around and saw other ponies, adults, Twilight’s age and older, it felt like I was back in Canterlot with the atmosphere they gave off. “Hellooo?” Diamond’s voice took me out of my head, and she looked annoyed. “Star? Are you even listening?” “Huh, wait, what?” I asked as I got back to reality. “I asked you a question, but let me guess: you didn’t hear?” “Sorry,” I said. I needed to pay more attention, “will you repeat, I promise I’ll pay attention.” “Have you decided what you want?” Diamond asked. I looked down to see a menu, which had a red polka-dot pattern that matched the colors of the tablecloth. “Oh, I must have missed it.” “How could you miss that?” Silver asked impatiently. “I don’t know, it looks like the table… In the color I mean,” I answered awkwardly, earning nothing but a raised eyebrow from Diamond Tiara, and a sigh from Silver. “Well, we’ve already placed our order,” Diamond said. I quickly took the menu up and was looking at the milkshakes, when a hot cocoa with whipped cream and marshmallows caught my eye. It looked delicious, but it was fifteen bits, which was all of the rest of my money. I couldn’t borrow from Diamond or Silver, and as I looked at the other options, trying to find something cheaper, nothing could really defeat the almighty hot cocoa. A pony in a small white apron cleared her throat, I was holding up the waitress too. “Oh well”, I thought. “A Hot Cocoa Deluxe please.” “As you wish, young miss.” She said in a practiced and refined tone, leaving to fetch our orders. “Well, well, a Hot Cocoa Deluxe,” Diamond said, “Not my number one choice. I’m more a strawberry milkshake kinda filly, myself.” “Just wanting to try it,” I said, with a slight smile. “Did you hear what we were talking about before?” Silver asked. I shook my head and said, “No, sorry, what did you talk about?” “I was just saying that the foal free press is the laughing stock of Ponyville,” Diamond said, before she asked, “have you read it Star?” “No, what is it?” I asked. But at that moment the waiter came back with our drinks, and as I picked up the mug, ready to dive into my drink, I distinctly noticed my cup wasn’t even that warm to the touch. “Why is the cup not warm?” I asked, curious. “Why should it be?” Silver asked. “It’s got hot cocoa in it, sooooo...?” Diamond then said “You don’t know? Well, since Earth Ponies and Pegasi can’t use magic to hold a warm mug, some mugs are made with magic so they can hold it. You really need to get out of that library more.” “Hehe, maybe a little bit,” I giggled, as I raised up my mug and took a sip."If I can, I will take this cup with me, I will." I thought to myself, only half-joking. It was funny, but I was starting to realise that Diamond might actually like explaining things to other ponies- even if she did act as though they were stupid for not already knowing. “Hm, I guess there’s more to some ponies than what you first see,” I mused. I remembered what we were talking about before though, and quickly picked the conversation back up. “What about the foal free press?” I asked. “Oh, I can’t recommend it, it’s soooooooo boring,” Diamond said, “like, if I was in charge, I would make sure that all of Ponyville would want to read it!” The rest of the time at the restaurant went by quickly, as we talked about the ‘overly positive’ stories the foal free press had released. However, soon we had finished our drinks, and it was time to leave. I had spilled the rest of the money I had out onto the counter, but sweet Equestria, that cocoa was good. After we left, Diamond led Silver and me to what we would be doing next. We arrived at a shop of some kind, with a sign that read ‘Barnyards Bargain’ and we went inside. Inside the shop there were wooden shelves, with boxes of something, but I followed Diamond over to a brown stallion of the looks of it, a black mane and had a red tie, with a gold coin with an ‘E’ logo on. Diamond went over to the stallion and said “Dad, can I get some money for myself, Silver, and my new friend Star, so we can go to the spa?” “Well of course…” The stallion said with closed eyes. He then stopped, opening his eyes and confusedly asking, “A NEW friend?” He looked at me, smiled and said, “Well, hello there, name’s Filthy Rich.” As I heard his name, it sounded so odd, but again, it was a talking pony who talked to me and so I simply responded, “Hello, I’m Star Sparkle, nice to meet you.” “Hello Star, are you new in town?” “I am, or, well, I moved here around the second or third of this month.” I replied pleasantly, hoping he won’t prod too much about my past. “You could have wished for no better friend than my little Diamond! Why, the only thing that could make your day any better would be a Spa trip with my daughter and my niece- that would be a perfect day.” ‘He’s definitely proud of his daughter and, wait, niece?’ I looked at Silver Spoon, who nodded as Diamond got the money from her dad, and after saying goodbye, we left for the Ponyville Spa. As we arrived at the Ponyville Spa, I noticed that the sun was beginning its descent through the sky, and the knowledge that it was Princess Celestia herself doing that was still so otherworldly. We kept walking at a brisk pace however, so I had little time to look towards the sun, as we walked inside and Diamond spoke for us at the reception desk. “Three filly specials for me and my friends, without the bath.” She ordered politely, smiling at the two behind the desk. Aloe greeted us, “Why of course, when you’re dressed, follow me.” We got into our bathrobes and followed Aloe to the steam room. Inside the steam room I really needed to know, “So you’re cousins?” “Well, that and best friends,” Diamond responded, “you have any cousins Star?” “Umm... Not that I know of?” I said before I took a deep breath, “ahhh, this is life,” I said as I let the tension of the day go, relaxing at last. “Totally,” Silver responded. “Three for three.” Diamond agreed. We stayed in the steam room for what felt like a few blissful minutes, but was creeping up on a full hour, before Aloe came and brought us to the massage tables, and with Diamond in the middle, her and Silver told the spa ponies what they wanted. Aloe asked me if I wanted my mane and tail done like last time, and of course I replied, “Yes please, I really liked it!” Aloe smiled and got to work on my mane first, as Lotus worked on Diamond and Silver. After they were done we lay down and Aloe asked, “Would you like your extended massage miss Star?” “No thanks, I wanna try the mud bath today.” "Of course, miss Star," Aloe said before she began my massage. As usual, my mind drifted far, far away, so even if Diamond or Silver had said something to me, I would never ever know. But in this moment, that didn’t matter, nothing mattered in this moment. Aloe gently nudged me awake, and I yawned and stretched before I said, “That was perfect.” Aloe giggled as she said, “You’re very welcome, miss Star- and your mud bath is ready.” I looked to Diamond and Silver who were also ready to get in the mud. I walked over to them and said, “Hehe, sorry for nodding off for a bit.” “It’s all good Star,” Diamond said, “they’re really good at their massages, no stress, pure nothing,” I smiled as I was happy for not being the only pony this happened to. “You’ve ever tried the mud bath before Star,” Silver asked. “Nope,” I said, “but I look forward to trying it!” I then walked into the mud, and it was the strangest feeling: it was just like thick water, well, like mud, but the temperature was a bit on the warmer side, so it felt quite comfortable. After Diamond and Silver got in we began talking about Canterlot, though I made an effort to feign distance from Princess Celestia, remembering the sage advice she had given, and the warning that had come with it. Diamond then said, “Well, it’s been some time since Princess Celestia was here last, and truly she is nothing like the other nobles in Canterlot.” “Really?” I asked, as I hadn’t met the noble ponies, only Princess Celestia. “Yeah, my Father and Mother had taken me to Canterlot, as had been invited to a garden party in the gardens of the Canterlot Castle.” “Were you the only filly there?” “No,” Diamond smiled fondly at the treasured memory. “Silver Spoon was there as well, it’s actually where we first met- her cuteceñera funnily enough.” “Sounds like it was a nice time then,” I said, turning to Silver. “Well,” Silver said, “It was, after I met her.” “What do you mean?”  “Before I met Silver Spoon, there were some ponies our age who thought they owned the place. They wanted me to get them drinks and food, like I was their own personal servant. So after a colt, who was clearly in charge of the others, fell on his flank just after Fancy Pants, (you know Fancy Pants right?), after he departed, I asked loudly, ‘is this why you need me to hold your drink?’ ”  While I didn’t know Fancy Pants, I didn’t really mind. I began to giggle, just imagining the expression on the colt’s face, and Diamond grinned widely as she continued: “Obviously, he got angry, so I asked if he needed a nap, and I would say it worked! His friends laughed at him as he just walked away, you shoulda seen the look on his face!” Diamond Tiara beamed with pride at telling her story, Silver smiling too. We shared a few giggles, before I felt like asking her to continue. “Well can’t say that he didn’t deserve it, did you two meet after?” “Yeah,” Silver said, “I watched as it all happened, but only at the dinner did we get introduced to each other as cousins.” “Well then, a happy ending!” I said. Aloe and Lotus Blossom came over and said that it was time for grooming our coats. We got up and had the remainder of the mud washed away, though most had fallen off as we got out. As they groomed my fur they started at my head and down right next to my mane, and it reminded me of Twilight. Though I could tell these ponies were definitely professionals, and as their brushes came down to my stomach I let out an audible groan. “This is soooo good….” Diamond and Silver giggled, but it was so comfortable that I couldn’t stop. As Aloe combed my right flank, I lost control and said, "Oh, yeah… That’s the spot," and felt as my right rear leg kicked in in air, something I had only seen dogs or cats do, but as Aloe combed the right flank some more, she was firm, and it was pure bliss. After a while, Aloe was done with my coat, it felt just perfect! I really needed to get Twily to brush me more often, or maybe even Spike, I bet that with his claws he would be great at it. I got up feeling refreshed, and as I looked myself in the mirror I really liked what I saw: my coat was beautiful, and my mane and tail looked like a lovely sea of blue and pink. Diamond and Silver got up next to me and we all admired ourselves. “Wow Star, you look really beautiful like that.” Diamond said, But I saw where her eyes were, on her own mane. And I couldn’t blame her, we all looked great.  “You two look really beautiful too.” I said, though I’d be lying if I said I paid them more than a sidelong glance myself. “As if there was any doubt,” Silver joked, as Diamond and I laughed along with her. Soon we left the spa and said our thanks and goodbyes. When we walked outside I saw the town was engulfed in beautiful sunset orange, and it made me pause to reflect on my journey so far. On my second night in Equestria, I had looked at the sunset and seen my loss and despair reflected as the day was forced to an end, but now? Now I could see a new perspective, and one that brought me joy: the warm glow of the end of a fun-packed day with my friends. Silver then chipped in as she noticed the sky as well, “Sorry you two, but I need to get home for dinner.” Now that she mentioned it, maybe I should get home for dinner too, well before Twilight got upset with me. “Yeah,” Diamond murmured, relaxation still showing in her voice, “Me too.” But then I remembered my promise with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, and inhaled sharply in realisation. Hearing the sound, Diamond and Silver turned around to look at me, “You, okay Star?” Diamond asked, concerned. “I- I- I…” I stammered, unable to get the words out. No, no, no, this could not be happening to me. From around the building came the three ponies I knew I should have met much, much earlier that evening. Earlier I would have loved to hang out with them, but now I dreaded meeting them; curse this idiotic and forgetful mind. As they got closer, I feared what would happen- would they hate me? Would they forgive me? “Oh! Star, it’s only the bl-” Diamond Tiara started, before hastily correcting herself “It’s only the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Star.” As they walked over, Apple Bloom dashed a short distance ahead to greet me. “Star? Where were you? We’ve been waitin’ forya.” she said. “Sorry girls,” I said, with ears dropped all the way down, and my head bowed in shame. “After a milkshake with Diamond and Silver, I lost track of time and kinda forgot…” I explained, “It was only just before I saw you girls that I remembered, I’m so sorry!” I was begging that they’d understand the stupid mistake I had made.  “Well…” Apple Bloom muttered. For a moment, I thought they were all frustrated with me, but then Apple Bloom looked over to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, who both nodded in understanding.  “It wasn’t your fault, Star.” Sweetie Belle declared confidently, and Scootaloo smiled in kind. Unfortunately, before I could breathe a sigh of relief, I caught the trio looking towards Diamond and Silver with a venomous glare. “Oh, no.” I thought, and mentally braced myself. “Star, they haven’t changed!” Scootaloo then blurted out in pent up anger and frustration. “After you left for the hospital, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon still came over and called us blank flanks.” Diamond sounded surprised and a little bit hurt as she said, “We did not! We just asked if you wanted to play, since Star left, but noooo, you three said that you still didn’t trust us and said that it was only because Star was a nice pony that she even gave us another chance in the first place!” “Liars!” Scootaloo hissed. “Star, what they said isn’t true, they DID call us blank flanks, and they also said that you’re a gullible idiot for believing what they said!” She accused, voice raising in volume as she went on. “Yeah, and said that if we told you, you wouldn’t believe us!” Apple Bloom yelled in agreement.  “No, we didn’t, we- We promised that we would never do that…” Silver Spoon choked out, tears now filling her eyes. Diamond moved to comfort her friend, and gave the Cutie Mark Crusaders her own fiery stare. “And besides, you told us that you would make sure that Star would never give us a chance.” The three fillies had clearly had enough. “No we didn’t!” They yelled in unison. My ears were hurting, and my head ached. I took a deep breath in, and screamed: “ENOUGH!” Finally, there was a moment’s reprieve from the two friend groups’ shouting match. The silence dragged on for a few moments before I realised that all eyes were on me, and I knew I had to find something to say.  “Listen, could there have been a misunderstanding?” I clearly saw that I couldn’t stand between the two groups forever, and I couldn’t make them be friends with each other. But even if I did make the decision to choose, who would it be? My mind raced, and thinking on my feet- or hooves, I supposed, I weighed up what I knew. From what I’d seen personally, Diamond and Silver had kept their promise. So if I chose to believe Apple Bloom’s trio, would I then not be betraying Diamond and Silver? How would anypony give them a fair chance and get to know them, if all anypony did was tell horrid lies about them? Apple Bloom being AJ’s little sister didn't necessarily mean that she was telling the truth about Diamond and Silver either; it would only mean that if our big sisters got involved. Furthermore, if Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo had told me the truth, how could I reconcile that with the Diamond and Silver I had gotten to know and bond with over today? Had they manipulated me since I first met them? No, this wasn’t some poorly written detective novel, they were ten years old, how could they have possibly done that. Surely I would have noticed it, and after the fun we had today, I really wanted to believe that Diamond and Silver kept their promise, that beyond their rough exterior there really was something special within... But would they only keep their promises when they were around me? Was my first gut feeling right? That whoever asked me to choose, I should choose the other group? That would certainly help me decide if it was brought up, but I begged the world that it wouldn’t come to that. Finally, I broke out of my thoughts and asked, “Can’t we try to start over? And just to give each other some space…” I paused. “I just don’t know what to do, okay?” Diamond spoke up first, “I’m sorry Star...” She said, sheepishly, shuffling her front hooves in the ground in embarrassment. “Yeah,” Silver chimed in, “We don’t want to force you to choose between us.” I heard a snort from the three standing opposite Silver and Diamond. “You gotta be kidding me!” Apple Bloom yelled indignantly. Sweetie Belle looked at me with a mixture of sadness and disappointment, her eyes already pleading with me to please, just trust her. She redoubled her efforts to persuade me, and said something that utterly shattered my logic up to now. “And that’s all you have to say? You won’t believe a word we say unless you see for yourself? You’d rather side with a pair of bullies than your real friends?” She pressed her attack, and jabbed a hoof towards me to accentuate her final blow: “They are BULLIES, Star. What does that make you?” I needed to think of something, I- I didn’t mean- “N-no, wait- but-” But Scootaloo wouldn’t let me finish, tearfully yelled. “No buts, no more, you gotta choose!” before she said the worst possible thing, and sealed my answer. “It’s us, or them.” My heart broke, and I let out a wracking sob. I had told myself what I would do if this happened, but nonetheless I couldn’t help but feel empty and remorseful that it had come to this in the first place. I teared up, and spoke my decision. “I... I choose Diamond and Silver.” All five filles around me let out a collective “Whaaaaat?!” Though quickly, things turned sour. “How could you?!” Scootaloo yelled. She just didn’t understand, I was lost, there was no good path for me to take. “But we’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders, together forever,” Sweetie Belle sobbed. What was the point in joining their stupid club? I couldn’t get a Cutie Mark, I was just a freak in this world, like I was before. “Ah just, ah expected better’ve y’all, Star...” Apple Bloom finally said, in disappointment. That stung the most. I wanted to say we were friends, that she and the others could trust and confide in me, but I’d be lying. Today had proved what a good-for-nothing friend I had been to them. What a good-for-nothing friend I always was, in the end. It all came flooding back to me: everything I knew I had done wrong with them, everything I had said, every prior friendship broken, every person I disappointed, every potential relationship scorned, every bridge burned, every mistake of my life playing on endless repeat in my head, everything overwhelming my senses, I was drowning in the feeling, unable to breathe, everythingeverythingeverythingeverythingeverything Everything was too much. I just wanted to run away. I was dimly aware of one of them yelling “We were going to invite you to our first slumber party, but now you’re not invited!” I couldn’t stand those loud noises anymore. Tears flowed freely from my eyes as I lost control and yelled in pure anger. “I don’t wanna go to your stupid childish slumber party! I didn’t even want to join your stupid, pointless, loser club in the first place!” And then, like I always did in the end, I ran away, as fast as I could, crying uncontrollably as I went.