//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: Ending // Story: The Tired Automaton // by Partycannon_ //------------------------------// Twilight pushed her hoof into the door, swaying open for the both of us. The bell sung its charm before repeating it when the door returned. My big sister called before greeting our less than joyous faces. I tried faking a grin but my sister quickly bit her lip. “You should close up shop for a few hours.” Twilight motioned her forehoof to the door. Rarity flipped the sign with a blue glow without another word. My artificial smile faded. “And I need to talk with you.” The unicorn added, more softness in her voice. My sister started for the kitchen and so did the both of us before Twilight caught me in a hoof. “Give me a minute Sweetie Belle, I need to say something without you there.” I stopped, wanting to argue but not having the energy. They both entered the kitchen while I quietly eavesdropped. “She didn’t hurt herself or anypony else did she?” My big sister asked, slightly desperate for an answer. “Ye- well, it’s not like that Rarity.” “Sweetie Belle.” She stated in a whimper. “Rarity, I know you love your sister more than anything and that is why I want you to tell us, no, tell your sister the truth.” Twilight asked reasonably. “W-Whatever do you mean? I am nothing but honest when it comes to our relationship.” My sister sounded offended. The well-read mare sighed. “Sweetie Belle, can you join us?” Twilight stated in a louder volume. I waited a second before turning the corner, finding both unicorns sat at the table. I grew closer before pulling my own chair. The stares from the two grown mares choked my voice as I met with them. “Go on, you wanted to ask me something?” She asked softly. “I- Why am I a robot?” The already silent air got a little bit quieter. “Sweetie, w-what do you mean darling.” Her shoulders dropped. “Rarity, she knows, tell her.” Twilight tilted her head to me, watching the white unicorn. “What?” Blue began pouring out of her eyes, she tried wiping it away but it only stained her fur. “Y-You don’t know?” A wave of emotion hit me, I wanted to know the answer but she didn’t know the question. “We all knew something was different about you. Are you really a robot?” She asked, her eyes of sad curiosity watched for my response. I gave a light bob of my head with a frown. Rarity quickly pulled me from the chair into a hug that I reciprocated just as quickly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” Rarity apologized softly. “How could you have known?” I shook my head in my sister’s soft fur. “Because I’m your sister.” She answered without hesitation. “I- I love you so much Rarity.” I closed my eyes and dug my muzzle deep into her fur. I couldn’t help but smile. “I love you too.” Rarity stated, wrapping her hooves around me. Once all the immediate feelings left I backed away and met with my sister’s wholesome grin. “But, if you didn’t know I was a robot, how am I supposed to know why I’m like this?” I asked. “Sweetie Belle, you are who you are. Even if you were an alicorn, that wouldn’t change.” Rarity responded before rubbing her hoof in my mane. “Rarity is right, understanding your past will teach you more about yourself but it won’t change you Sweetie Belle.” Twilight chimed in. “Thanks you two.” I gave a light grin. “When did you find out? That you were a robot I mean.” Rarity asked as she thought. “When I broke the mirror.” I frowned. “Sorry I didn’t come to you sooner.” “I know you are going through a lot darling, it’s quite alright.” “While on that note, your energy bill is going to increase by a wide margin.” Twilight stated. “W-Whatever do you mean?” My sister’s tone shifted. “Sweetie Belle needs energy to charge herself.” The well-read mare said matter-of-factly. “Does that mean that Sweetie Belle is the cause of the power problems?” Rarity asked, terrified. “Yeah. Sorry to tell you.” “S-Sorry…” I responded. “No, no. its fine Sweetie Belle, it’s just going to be a lot of paperwork.” She said with unfocused eyes. “I know somepony who can help with that.” Twilight said in a smile. Rarity sighed. “Anything for you, my dear.” My sister once again pulled me into a hug. I wrapped my forehooves over her neck with a smile. “Thank you.” I whispered.