//------------------------------// // Meeting Family // Story: The Beauty and the Nerd // by HattieForest //------------------------------// Time flew by, and before Twilight knew it, the school day had ended. Despite the deal with Rarity, and the drama Rainbow Dash had caused, she felt uplifted with a day's worth of new knowledge put into her mind. Happily, she trotted down the stairs of the school's front, followed by Fluttershy and Pinkie. Pinkie had roped them into following her home; they were supposed to help plan the party, and it all looked like it would be an interesting experience- "Twilight, darling, surely you haven't forgotten about our tutoring deal?" From behind her came that sweet, self-assured voice. Rarity's voice. Twilight turned around, surprised. Rarity was by herself, although Twilight could see Glitter Rain and some of her posse down the road, waiting for a carriage. "But-" "No buts, darling. I have a positively awful time with classic Equatrian literature, and who, but the star pupil of the school could help me satisfactorily? I do deserve the best, after all." Confused, Twilight gaped, looking back to her friends, then to Rarity, then to her friends. "Umm-" "Go!" Pinkie urged her, whispering. "This is your chance to make things good! She must have forgiven you, so go ahead and make friends!" "But the party-" "We can handle it! Now, GO!" Pinkie said, giving Twilight a light push in Rarity's direction. She then hurried Fluttershy away, the two headed for Pinkie's place alone. Twilight was not quite sure what to say. A carriage- the same as had transported them before- pulled up, and Rarity stepped inside. "Are you coming, darling?" Confused, Twilight walked in. What had caused this change in attitude? "Look, Rarity-" she said, but she was immediately cut off. "Listen, you presumptuous, silly, arrogant pony," Rarity spat. "I am going to talk, and you are going to listen." Twilight nodded, her heart sinking. "You came into my house yesterday and had the gall to say that my social life, the one thing I pride myself on, was hollow, empty. Useless! Do you realize what awful tact that is?" "I'm sor-" "Be quiet!" Rarity snapped. "To be told this, from somepony... somepony..." A tear trailed down her cheek. "To be told this by somepony I just met was absolutely awful, Twilight Sparkle. You really should think twice." Twilight nodded, feeling tears burning at the edge of her eyes. "But you are not a malicious pony, Twilight Sparkle. I am an excellent judge of character, and you said what you said out of compassion. And... well, the reason it upset me so badly was... it was true. That was what hurt, Twilight Sparkle." Twilight blinked. What? What with the what-what? "Um-" "Still not finished. I am still cross with you for being so insensitive, you know." Twilight nodded. "Now... did you know there is a fashion show, right this afternoon? Don't answer. There is, and it is hosted by a famous Swezian designer. I have tickets for me and all my... friends. And I am not going." Twilight blinked again. What? "I am not going, because honestly, I am fed up. None of those ponies would follow me, I am sure, if I hadn't had those tickets, that influence, that power. They are a shallow lot- well, most of them are, at least, and it's a circus I have had quite enough. None of them seem to want. They just hope to find a nice colt, settle down and live happily off his money. You and I, at least we have ambition!" "What?" "I am saying, I would rather spend my evening studying with you. You are a tactless misfit, but you are an honest, well-meaning tactless misfit." "Oh..." Twilight said, unsure what to think. "Thanks... I guess." "On that note, I would like to apologize." "What?" "I did take you on because my father asked you to. That was dishonest of me; I led you on. I am not entirely blameless." Rarity, humbling herself? She was... saying sorry? What?! "I thought you would be some needy, whiny nerd I would have to babysit for my father's ambition's sake, and I am sorry. You turned out to be far better. That is all I have to say on that matter." "So, now..." "Now, we study. Not because my father wants me to, but because I want to." Twilight nodded, smiling wide. "I have a most efficient note system, if you are interested - " "If it will help my dismal classic Equatrian literature grades, then I am indeed interested. I am afraid I am failing the class." Twilight's jaw dropped. "Really? Er...that was tactless, wasn't it?" "Slightly." Rarity gave her a small smile. "But do not worry yourself. You are my friend. Now, about that note system...?" Twilight produced a binder from her bag. She laid it out between her and Rarity on the seat, and began explaining how it worked. Each subject had a number, and each number was divided up into colors, the most important information beginning the section, and helpful tricks for the subject being in the back of the section. Rarity studied the notes pertaining to classic Equatrian literature. "I don't recall this class," Rarity murmured, reading Twilight's notes for one of the Great Equestrian Plays. "Oh, no, I do remember. We had to read aloud the play in those awkward accents." Twilight pulled out the play in question from her bag. "It is rather enjoyable if you don't try to adhere to what ponies think they sounded like." Rarity laughed. "I suppose so. Do you mind if I copy down your notes?" Would that be cheating? Twilight didn't know, but she was too happy to be friends with Rarity to say no. "Go ahead. Here, I have the pens for you -" Rarity began the long, tedious task of copying Twilight's notes onto her own paper. She dutifully copied each color, and each list of information exactly in the same order. Twilight did notice Rarity changed a few words here and there, which did not change the meaning, but Twilight guessed the changes would make it easier for Rarity to remember the information. "We are nearing your home, Lady Rarity," Sky Blade called back. "Thank you, darling." Rarity replied. She closed her binder and tucked it away. Twilight gathered up her own binder and books. The coach came to a gentle rest in front of Rarity's house. Twilight hopped out, and looked to her own house. Her mother would be arriving in a few hours, getting ready to live in the Mayor's Home for the weekend. Twilight grinned. "Hey, Rarity, when we're done studying, do you want to come to my house?" she asked. "I will be delighted to visit your home," Rarity accepted. The two fillies headed for the house, and this time Twilight didn't feel so overwhelmed. Knowing that Rarity felt the same way she did helped her feel more in place. "There you are, my darling daughter!" a joyful mare voice rang from somewhere. "Mum?" Rarity asked. She looked to the manor's entrance. Twilight followed her gaze. An older version of Rarity walked gracefully over to them. Rarity's mother had no malice or cold in her person. In fact, she seemed to be rather like Rarity. Or, Twilight mused, Rarity was like her mother. "Yes, Darling, I have just finished telling your father why Sweetie Belle must be here this weekend. Your dad and I must attend a business conference that only allows adults. Quite a pity, Sweetie Belle looked forward to skiing. But enough of my prattling! Who is your friend?" She gave Twilight a warm smile. "Of course! Mum, this is Twilight Sparkle, my best friend. Twilight, this is my mother, Pearl Elegance." "Nice to meet you," Twilight said. Best friend? Why would Rarity say that? Then Twilight realised she was Rarity's only friend, which by default made her the best friend. Well, even if it was just default, she would live up to the title! "And you, Twilight Sparkle." Pearl turned back to her daughter. "I'm sorry your dad could not make it. He sends his love, and his hope you'll come back to your senses and come home to Manehatten. Actually, we both do. I do not know why you choose to stay here with your father. You could very well live with us and visit him on alternate weekends like your sister." "No, Mum, I can't. My life is here. Also... father needs me." "He needs mirrors, glitter and flattery. But I will not say any more on the matter. Twilight!" "Yes, ma'am?" "Oh, don't ma'am me, it sounds so old. Just Pearl, darling. Do you like the zoo?" "The zoo?" Twilight echoed. "Oh no, Mum - " Rarity began. "Oh yes, Opal Rarity." Rarity winced. "Mother!" Pearl continued on: "I told Sweetie Belle that Rarity would bring her to Canterlot's Public Zoo tomorrow. I am asking if you like the zoo, Twilight, to see if you want to visit it with my daughters." Rarity responded: "No, Mum, we simply cannot go - " "Why not?" Rarity sighed. "Pinkie Pie is throwing a party in honor of Twilight tomorrow. We must go to the party, it will be incredibly bad taste if the guest of honor and her best friend do not attend." "When is this party?" "In the afternoon - " "Then go in the morning. The zoo opens at six am. Surely you can fit a few hours for your sister in that time. She sees you so rarely, and she does love you so! She looks up to you, you know, why just three days ago she turned one of our curtains in the living room into a dress. A badly put together dress, but a dress all the same. Like her big sister Rarity." Rarity sighed. "Alright, Mum, I'll take Sweetie Belle to the zoo. Twilight, you don't have to come." "Nope, but I will." Rarity looked to her and smiled - a genuine, big smile. "You will?" "Yup." "Well, now that everything is settled, I must go." Pearl checked her watch. "Oh dear, my teleportation appointment is so close! It was nice meeting you, Twilight Sparkle. Rarity, we see each other far too less." Pearl gave Rarity a kiss on the cheek, which Rarity returned. "And your dad will be here Sunday afternoon to pick up Sweetie Belle. Good day, fillies." Pearl left just as gracefully as she had entered. "I'm sorry!" Twilight blurted. Rarity raised an eyebrow. "Parden?" "I thought your mother was like your father, but she is so warm, and ladylike, and I'm sorry for being such a bad judge and -" "Twilight, do shut up." Twilight clamped her mouth shut. "Apology accepted. And don't apologise unless you are caught, some ponies will take your apology and use it against you." "I - uh - what?" Twilight frowned. "Come. You must meet Sweetie Belle - " "Wa-hooooooo!" a young filly shouted. A blur of orange and pink sped past them, knocking right into a statue and causing it to fall to the ground, and bust open. "No Scoot!" another voice wailed. "No!" "What is the meaning of this?" Esquire Antique asked, his voice dangerously low. He stood in the doorway, from where Pearl Elegance had come from. "Oh nothing, father dear." Rarity said casually. "This young pegasus only helped liberate you of this incredibly tacky statue. You should be grateful." "That was a genuine Montrardre!" Esquire Antique growled. "By jove, I ought to-" "What, father? Take your hoof to a little pegasus filly who isn't even your own? Yes, I am sure this shall be quite the story for Canterlot society. Filly abuse is always such a conversation starter." Twilight blinked. Was Rarity defending the young pegasus to spite her father? "Right shall be right, Rarity," the colt sneered, "and somepony shall have to pay for this twenty-thousand bit statue!" "By all means, father. Sue her aunt and uncle. I am sure Equestrian society will not think you petty or cruel for suing an orphan out of house and home." Rarity said, smiling. The little pegasus was crying at the thought. Sweetie Belle had rushed over to comfort her and was now hugging her friend. Both mumbled apologies through tears, but Rarity and Esquire both ignored them. "That cost twenty thousand bits-" "You make fifty thousand bits a day, father, and there were at least a dozen of these busts made. As far as artists go, Montrardre sure has a penchant for mass production. Really, all this costs you is the terrible inconvenience of having to send a servant down to his studio." The sarcasm was dripping from Rarity's voice, and her father- apparently considering her points- backed down. "This sort of behaviour isn't-" "Father, when you place dozens of statues outside, this sort of thing is bound to happen. If it were so valuable to you, you should not have put it within range of the street. Why, it's like a candy store to any potential thief." Snorting, Esquire walked back into the house. "You..." "Yes, Twilight." Rarity said. "I just did this to spite my father. It's hardly as if I would ever do anything out of charity." At first confused by her haughty, cold tone, Twilight eased up when she saw the small smile on Rarity's face. It was not triumphant or self satisfied, simply happy. Putting on a more serious face, the unicorn walked up to the little pegasus. "And you, young lady," she said strictly, "you need to be more careful where you speed." "Y-yes, miss." Scootaloo sniffled. "I'm so sorry. Please don't sue my aunt and uncle, they could never-" "Oh, don't fuss." Rarity said dismissively. "Frankly, that statue was mediocre, and it used up space. The garden is better off without it." "What?" Scootaloo said, drying her tears. "Just run along now. Play with Sweetie Belle, or something. We will speak no more of statues, I assure you." Happily, the pegasus shouted a quick: "Thanks!", and ran off into the gardens with Sweetie Belle. "Rarity, I am impressed!" Twilight cheered. "That was so... nice!" Rarity nodded. "I am not quite as cold as I seem, Twilight Sparkle. Besides, I do love an opportunity to make my father back down." "Those two are a handful, though." Twilight said. "You don't know the half of it." Rarity sighed. "Tomorrow they will be joined by a third miscreant, the little sister of an old acquaintance of mine, and the three of them together are the worst possible little hellions you could imagine. Frankly, I am relieved somepony will be following me to that zoo." Twilight swallowed. Was she getting herself into more than she could handle? Rarity led the way to her room, quietly talking about her sister and how she rarely sees her - and how she was a bit worried of Sweetie Belle being alone in the house after Scootaloo leaves. Twilight mulled it over silently. And idea occurred to her. "Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo can come over for dinner, too," she offered. "Thank you, Twilight, but that wasn't what I was getting at - " Rarity stopped mid sentence at Twilight's confused look. "Oh, I do need to teach you the nuances of proper socializing." Rarity's room was nearly identical to how Twilight remembered it. One thing stuck out - her scarf was nowhere in sight. A sinking feeling nestled into her stomach. "Um..." "Here you go, Darling!" Rarity gently put the scarf on one of her sewing tables. Twilight smiled. "I really butchered it, didn't I?" "Come now, it is not that ... all right, it looks horrendous. But one cannot learn if one does not put effort and time into what they wish to master. I believe this scarf has seen its end. Begin another." Twilight did so, and as the time passed, she kept thinking that she was just an amateur learning from a master artist. "Rari-teeeee!" Sweetie Belle called. "We're hungry, and the servants are busy preparing Father's food." Rarity frowned. "Cloud River -" "Father told her if she doesn't do her work, he'll fire her." Sweetie Belle hopped into her sister's room. She grinned at Twilight. Twilight grinned back. She couldn't help it. "Oh, the tyrant," Rarity muttered crossly. Scootaloo bounded in, nearly knocking over a sewing machine before standing beside Sweetie Belle. Twilight checked the clock on Rarity's wall. "My mum should be home. Wanna trot over?" "Ooooo, do we get ice cream?" Sweetie Belle asked eagerly. "Sweetie Belle! Manners!" Rarity said sharply. "I'm sorry, Twilight. May we have ice cream if you have any at your house?" "I'm sure we do, and I'm sure my mum wouldn't mind." "Yay!" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo chorused. Sweetie Belle said happily: "Let's go! Er...which way is your house?" Rarity snorted. It was so unladylike it took a moment for Twilight to process. Rarity was speaking: "Sweetie Belle, you must really work to contain yourself." Sweetie Belle raised her head high. "You are right. I wanna be like you." "'Want to', Darling, not 'wanna'." "I want to be like you." Twilight watched in fascination. So this is how siblings - sisters, to be precise - acted. The four of them trotted over to Twilight's house. It was a short walk, but Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle had a way of making things... interesting. Twilight began wondering whether a leash wouldn't be a good idea. She said as much to Rarity, who let out a hearty laugh. "Oh believe me, I have considered it many times now. Still, I couldn't bring myself to do it. The poor things would be humiliated." "I suppose you're right." Twilight mumbled. Once in Twilight's house, having fed the two youngsters a bowl of ice cream each and let them into an old room Twilight hoped was expendable, she turned to Rarity. "Can I ask you something?" "Ask away, Twilight." "Why... don't you live with your mother instead? Your parents are separated, right?" Rarity nodded. "It's just that ... she seems so much, you know..." "Nicer? Oh yes, quite so." Rarity agreed. "But I have my reasons. First of all, my mother casts quite a shadow. I am rather tired of being just her daughter. And... Pearl is one of those ponies who absorb attention like a sponge. Wherever she is, there isn't much social space left for anybody else." "Beg pardon?" Twiligt said, confused. "When I had my first designing line launched, when there was a party held to celebrate my success, who should make the event all about herself but my mother? My father is an overbearing ass, but at the very least I enjoy freedom staying with him." "But... she seemed so..." "Oh, she is. She does not do this intentionally. She is affable and well meaning, but she also sucks up all your energy. If you ever thought I was bent to the melodramatic, then you should see my mother on a bad day. Why, I would seem like your friend Fluttershy in comparison." Twilight blinked. Rarity had distanced herself from her mother intentionally? How could anyone- it was her mum! "I realized back then, Twilight Sparkle, that I could never succeed under her shadow. As soon as I graduate, I shall use whatever pull my father has, start a boutique of my own, quite disassociated with my mother. She is a lovable pony, but not the kind you would want to spend any prolonged time with. I hope to support Sweetie Belle as well- already, the little tyke looks up to me more than our mother." At that instant, Twilight just felt very sorry for Rarity. All the riches in the world, and parents she only wished to distance herself from. It was the saddest thing; she felt like weeping silently at the thought. Something must have betrayed her emotion because Rarity grimaced, and said: "Really, Twilight, I don't need to be pitied. I am doing quite well for myself. I know I could have been born to the gutters, without even any parents to resent. I'm not ungrateful, I just feel a need to be my own. Desperately so." "I'm sorry." Twilight mumbled. "I didn't mean to-" "I'm not offended." Rarity said, reassuring her. "I know you only mean well, Twilight. This honesty of yours is something I appreciate, so fret not." "O-okay." Twilight said. "Um, so... would you like to go say hi to my mum?" "Oh Twilight darling, I would LOVE to!" Rarity exclaimed. They found Celestia in one of the sitting rooms, surounded by ponies who looked quite official. Twilight recognized none of them. After a few moments of quick discussion - Twilight didn't understand most of it, as it was too quick - the ponies who worked for her mother left, most giving her a small smile or the like as acknowledgement. She gave them small smiles in return. "Twilight Sparkle, my dear daughter!" Celestia rose gracefully from her chair. Her smile widened. "Rarity! How nice to see you again!" Twilight frowned. When did her mother meet Rarity? "Hello, Celestia!" Rarity replied. "Twilight graciously offered to share the evening meal with Seetie Belle, Scootaloo and I." "We would be happy to have you. Your father is not joining us?" "Ah, no. He is already having his dinner, if I'm not mistaken." "That is too bad," Celestia replied. "It would do him good to eat with somepony out of that dreary meal room." "Quite. Unfortunately, he told the staff to prepare the meal or be fired - " Celestia - who never said a sour word against anypony - sighed and murmured, "When will he learn?" She brightened. "But you said Sweetie Belle was here, no? I have not seen her since your "Foals in Need" line launched." Aha, that is where her mum met Rarity. "We're done playing!" Scootaloo shouted. She came bounding in with Sweetie Belle. "Everything's okay!" "But the couch is in half - " Sweetie Belle began. "Hush." "Easily fixed," Celestia said. "I shall go to the kitchen and see if dinner will be ready soon." She winked at Scootaloo and headed towards the kitchen. "I like your Mum," Scootaloo told Twilight. "She doesn't get worked up from my spirit. That's what my uncle calls my and Dash's feirceness - spirit." Scootaloo bounced. Dash...Dash is Scootaloo's cousin? "You're related to Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked, her curiosity awakened. "We're next cousins." Scootaloo said proudly. "She's the coolest pony ever, you know. I want to be just like her because she's tough and even though she didn't have it easy, she's still really cool. She doesn't ever give up!" Twilight gave a quizzical expression. "Is she close with you?" "She lives with her mother two blocks down from us. She usually hangs with her cool friends, but sometimes she shows me how to do awesome flying tricks. My uncle says it's a damn shame and that she should be living with us, 'cause then she would be properly cared for and not neglected by that stupid bitch mare-" "Scootaloo, shush!" Sweetie Belle said, nudging Scootaloo's side. "...oh. This is one of those times where I need to keep my mouth shut or I would be so-ci-ally in-appro-pri-ate, isn't it?" Scootaloo said. "You're learning." Sweetie Belle said, smiling and nodding approvingly. Twilight was a little befuddled. Dash had a tough living situation? Well, it would explain a number of things... "Twilight, darling?" Rarity said. "Uhm? Yes?" "You looked a little... lost in thought." "Oh. Right. Well, never mind that. I was just, ah, thinking." "Girls, would you like to help me cook?" Celestia's voice came from the kitchen, pleasant like a melody. "We're making root stew." "Your mother... cooks her own food?" Rarity said, shocked. "Mhmm!" Twilight said, nodding enthusiastically. "Whenever she has the time. She says it's important to not lose touch with the essentials of everyday life if you're going to be in a position of authority. Humility and all, you see?" "...quite." Rarity said, not sure what to make of that. "Well, I suppose that's... a good attitude." Twilight frowned. "Is something wrong?" "...I never learned how to cook anything." Rarity admitted, looking defeated. "I can't even boil grass." "Well, if you're going to live on your own after you finish school, then you'll need to know. You won't have servants then, right?" "Quite." Rarity said, putting a look of determination on her face. "Very well, Twilight. I shall help you cook this dish with you and your mother." Twilight smiled, trotting into the kitchen. "...it's not going to be dirty, is it?" Rarity asked anxiously. "You might get your hoofsies a little sticky, but it's easy to wash up." Twilight said. "Besides, you're a unicorn, and using magic makes it a lot easier then if you're a pegasus or an earth pony. No pain, no gain." "To be lectured in matters regarding life by you of all ponies..." Rarity murmured, following her into the kitchen. Nevertheless, she did do her best, and Twilight was surprised with how much Rarity could stand to do if she only tried to. The peeling of roots was a little messy, and the broth was slightly burned, but once they all were done, Rarity and Twilight had helped make a wholesome, tasty stew. After dinner, when Rarity oversaw Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle carrying in the dishes to the kitchen, Twilight managed to catch her mother before she headed to her office to do whatever official work she had- paperwork again, probably- for a quick talk. "Twilight?" Celestia said. "Umm. I have a question. If you have the time. I mean, I know you are busy and all-" "Well, ask away." Celestia said, giving her an encouraging smile. "I raised you to ask questions, and I would be a poor parent if I didn't take time to answer them." "Well, um..." Twilight said, scratching her hoof on the floor, awkwardly, "I have this friend..." "Oh, you have a friend?" Celestia said, smirking. "Y-yes." Twilight stammered. "And she likes another mare. But some of the other ponies at school thinks it's weird and, um, disgusting for a mare to like another mare, and she's very insecure about it." "Twilight, if you like mares, you can tell me." Celestia said, gently. "I promise I won't judge you." Twilight blinked. "What? Oh no no no no no! I really DO have a friend-" "There's nothing to be ashamed of." Celestia said. "There are plenty of mares-" "No, it's not me, it's Rainbow DASH!" Twilight almost shrieked. "And it's super secret so you can't say anything, and I just want to know what to do because she is really insecure even though most ponies don't really care, and-" Celestia let out a long, cheerful laugh. "That's not funny." Twilight said, giving her mother a deadpan look. "Oh, not at all." Celestia said, wiping a tear from her eye. "It just sounded a lot like 'I have this friend, who definitely isn't me', and I couldn't for the world figure out why you would be that awkward about something that natural." "Well, I DO have a friend. And she's a filly-fooler." Twilight said grumpily. "And I just want to know how to help her." "Well, firstly, you shouldn't call her "filly-fooler". It's derogatory." Celestia said. "And secondly... sometimes mares like colts, and sometimes mares like mares, and that's really all there is to it. The best unicorn scientists tell us it's something you're born with, and when you have so many more mares than colts, it's bound to happen. As for your friend... just be a friend to her, and she will probably get over it eventually. Be supportive." "Thanks, mum." Twilight said, hugging Celestia. "You're welcome." Celestia said. "Now, I am afraid paperwork is calling. Have fun with your new friend." "I will!" Twilight headed back to Rarity. When she came around the corner, Scootaloo was standing there, her eyes big as saucers. "My cousin is a filly-fooler?" "Oh no!" Twilight rushed. "Nononono, she likes mares, and there's nothing wrong with that, and don't tell anyone!" "Why not? If there's nothing wrong with it, why can't I talk about it?" Scootaloo glanced around nervously, and shifted on her hooves. "Because some ponies are meanies." Twilight sighed and sat beside Scootaloo. "Remember when Dash first came to Canterlot?" "Yeah. Two years ago. I was really little then, but I remember other ponies being mean to her." "Do you know why?" "My uncle says they hated her spirit." "Yeah. And her mane and tail are multi-colored, like a rainbow. It's really rare. Rare things tend to either be prized or feared. I'm not sure why. From not understanding it, probably." Scootaloo nodded. Twilight wasn't sure if the little filly truly understood. "I won't tell anyone, I promise." Scootaloo looked at Twilight. "Do you like mares, too? Are you the one that Dash likes?" "I don't like mares, and I don't like Dash that way. I'm too occupied with my studies for romance. Dash and I are friends, nothing more. " "Okay." Scootaloo motioned to the living room. "Sweetie Belle wants to sing for us." Twilight followed Scootaloo into the living room. Sweetie Belle and Rarity were arguing quietly about where Sweetie Belle should stand for her song. Upon seeing Twilight, Sweetie Belle decided she would stand wherever Twilight could see her best from what ever chair Twilight took. "I'm the hostess, so I think Scootaloo should choose which chair she wants to sit in," Twilight said. Scootaloo hopped onto the couch. "Hooves!" Rarity reminded. Scootaloo made sure her hooves were not on the couch. "Rarity?" Twilight asked, gesturing to the seats. Rarity nodded and chose her spot. Twilight sat where she judged that if Sweetie Belle did stand where she would best be seen by Twilight, the other fillies would see her just as well. Sweetie Belle stood where Twilight had guessed she would stand. Sweetie Belle cleared her throat. She began singing Equestria's national anthem. To Twilight's surprise, Sweetie Belle had complete control of her voice, and it was clear. When she was finished, she beamed at them, so proud of herself Twilight wondered how anypony could be so hopeful after living with Esquire Antique. She remembered Sweetie Belle lived with her mum and dad, not her father. Twilight joined her guests in clapping. "Wow, Sweetie Belle!" Scootaloo shouted. "I didn't know you could sing like that!" "It's nothing special," Sweetie Belle said. She was pleased, though. The clock chimed. "I better get going, or my aunt will be worried." Scootaloo hugged a surprised Twilight, then hugged Rarity, and lastly hugged Sweeite Belle. "See you in school tomorrow, Kid." In a blast of energy, Scootaloo was gone. "Now what?" Sweetie Belle asked softly. "Well, I need some tutoring from Twilight on my literature - " "Is that schoolwork?" "Yes, it is, and do not interrupt other ponies when they are speaking." "Yes, Rarity." "I have some crayons and paper if you want to color," Twilight offered. "Yeah! Oops. I mean, yes please, Twilight." "Alright. Do you want to color in the kitchen?" "Can I color in the breakfast nook?" "Of course." "Yay!" Twilight retrieved the art supplies, and let Sweetie Belle have free reign of the breakfast nook. While Twilight did that, Rarity set up the study materials on the kitchen table. This way she could keep an eye on her sister, and still have room enough to study and to ask Twilight any questions. Time flew by for Twilight as it only did when she studied in her most beloved books, and her zeal for study, strangely enough, felt all the richer for sharing her knowledge with Rarity, actually teaching an individual older than herself, gently poking her in the right direction. The experience was refreshing, wondrous- this was the advantage of having a friend? Twilight felt forced to, in the name of intellectual honesty, admit that she had been wrong. To herself, at least. Rarity, though not quite as enthusiastic, embraced Twilight's words, occasionally stopping her when a more detailed explanation was needed. Literature was a dreadful bore- at least the one the curriculum forced her to read- but discussing and learning through somepony relatable and quite tolerable, unlike her teacher, the experience was at the very least decent. "Come now, Darling, are you honestly telling me Shakeshayes' main motivation was affluence? How could he have written such a compelling romantic piece as "Romera and Jules" if all he cared about was the money he would make?" Twilight giggled. "Actually, the concept of "Romera and Jules" is at least two thousand years older then Shakeshayes. The two tragic lovers was first performed in ancient Peloponnessos. He simply copied an existing work, expanded on it and wrote it in poetic form." "You don't say!" Rarity said, baffled. "This is quite a shock; I always thought he was the single greatest writer of the Equestrian language as a whole." "Well," Twilight said. "He was a very skilled poet, but also a businessman. For example, he wrote "Macpones" solely to please King Aimes I. And it worked, too. He got his own theater, and went on to write dozens of plays, and died rich and old." "I say, that is simply baffling." Rarity said. "I never knew!" "Well, most classes on ancient Equestrian tend to skip those facts, since there is a very strong romantic following around his work, but I never eschew facts." The two laughed, and the studies, dull, daunting and boring though they had seemed, passed without trouble. Before they knew it, darkness had fallen. "Thank you for having us to dinner, Twilight," Sweetie Belle said. "You're very welcome!" Twilight replied. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" "Twilight, Darling, we live next door. I believe we can manage." Rarity gave her a smile. "We shall see you early tomorrow morning." Sweetie Belle grinned. "The zoo! I forgot! Quick, we need to go to bed so tomorrow will come quick!" "Quickly," Rarity corrected. "Quickly. Good-bye Twilight!" "Good-bye." Twilight waved at them as they left. She wandered back into the kitchen. Sweetie Belle had cleaned up her supplies, yet Twilight felt something was missing. What was it that tugged at the back of her mind? Was it the nervousness of tomorrow - the zoo, and the party - or was it something else? "Something else," she muttered. It was the same feeling she had felt in school when Pinkie had decided to throw her a party, and the same feeling when Pinkie had words with Glitter. Something was going to happen. Something Twilight did not want to face. Twilight shook her head. No, that was just a silly superstition. Everything was going to be fine. Really, what was the worst that could happen?