Beasts and Burdens Chapter 4:
Rarity the Mood Pendulum
Rarity screaming was nothing new to Ponyville. The fancy fashion designer could have a nervous breakdown over just about anything. Even so, there was at least somepony who took her seriously, even when she didn't deserve it. Or at least, there was a certain dragon.
Spike did not typically get up during the night. At least, not since his master, the studious librarian Twilight Sparkle, stopped her late-night pacing. But for Rarity, he would make an exception. He would go through fire and water for her, and would even forgive her for waking him from an ice cream dream. He rushed over to Carousel Boutique with a very groggy Twilight in tow.
"I guess this is payback for all the times I dragged you out of bed," mumbled Twilight. "Look, Spike. I know you're worried and all, but this is Rarity we're talking about. She's probably fretting over nothing."
"We could at least check," said Spike. "She never screamed like this in the middle of the night before."
Twilight was too tired to argue. "Alright, fine. You win," she said, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Let's just make this quick, okay? We have a busy day tomorrow."
Spike shrugged, and knocked on the door. After a pause, there was another ear-splitting scream. Now Twilight was getting worried.
"Rarity, are you alright?" she asked.
The door suddenly flew open, and Twilight gasped in horror. Right behind a very frazzled-looking Rarity was a large hole, right in the middle of her floor.
"Oh, it's horrible, Twilight! Just horrible!" Rarity bawled. "Of all the worst things that can happen, this is..."
"Let me guess," said Twilight, not in the mood for her friend's melodrama. "The worst possible thing, right?"
Rarity gave Twilight a deadpan glare. "I have a distinct feeling that you're mocking me, Twilight Sparkle, and I do not appreciate it."
Twilight sighed. "I'm sorry, Rarity," she said with a yawn. "I'm just out of it right now. Besides, you say that about everything."
"But I mean it this time!" Rarity insisted, thrusting the note into Twilight's face. "Just read this and tell me this isn't a disaster!"
Twilight read over the note, and immediately saw Rarity's point. "Good heavens! No wonder you're so upset!"
"What? What does it say?" asked Spike.
"Sweetie Belle has been ponynapped by Diamond Dogs!"
Spike clenched his claws into fists. "Those mangy mutts. I thought they learned their lesson from last time."
"Apparently, they did," said Twilight. "They're holding her hostage so that they can force Rarity to work for them without complaint."
"Whoa. Now that's just low," fumed Spike. "Well, never fear, fair Rarity! I shall venture into the caves and rescue Sweetie Belle for you!"
Rarity gave Spike a sad smile and patted him on the head. "Oh, thank you, Spiky-Wikey. However, I want to do this myself."
"You do?" asked Spike.
Rarity nodded. "Of course I do, darling. Sweetie Belle is my sister, and I want to personally make those brutes pay if they harm a hair on her pretty little head!"
"Well, that's very noble of you, Rarity," said Twilight. "But, how are you going to do it?"
Rarity's eyes went wide. "I beg your pardon?"
"You're the one the Diamond Dogs want," explained Twilight. "They're going to expect you to follow them and attempt a rescue. You'd be playing right into their paws."
"B-b-but Sweetie Belle..." Rarity whimpered, her lip quivering.
"I know. I'm worried about her, too," said Twilight, placing a hoof around Rarity's shoulder. "But we need a plan."
"A plan? A PLAN?!" Rarity was slowly becoming hysterical as she gripped Twilight's shoulders and began to shake her. "Twilight, we don't have time for a plan! I might be able to handle those Diamond Dogs, but Sweetie Belle is probably sitting in one of their dusty cells, all scared and alone! We have to do something, and we have to do it now!"
"Rarity, get a hold of yourself!" Twilight snapped, using her magic to pry Rarity off of her. "Panicking is not going to solve anything."
"Those Diamond Dogs are going to be the ones panicking once I get my hooves on them!" Rarity proclaimed angrily. "I understand that they have a problem with me, but they will not get away with dragging poor little Sweetie Belle into this! It! Is! ON!" She was about to gallop out the door when she felt a tug on her tail. She turned to see it bathed in magenta light as her fellow unicorn was holding her back with her magic.
"Rarity, if you just rush off blindly, the Diamond Dogs win!" Twilight grunted as Rarity struggled against her magic. "We need to think!"
After a few more seconds of struggling, Rarity relented. "You're right, Twilight. We should probably come up with something. I'm sorry for being so, silly."
"Believe me, Rarity. I understand the gravity of this situation," said Twilight. "Which is why it's important to come up with a plan."
"Oh, but Twilight. I have no idea what to do," said Rarity, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Every minute we waste is another minute Sweetie Belle remains in the paws of those ruffians. I-I just can't bear to think of how frightened she is. I don't even know what to tell Mother and Father. They've always trusted me with her, and I *sniff* feel like I betrayed that trust."
"Oh, Rarity. We know it's not your fault," Twilight assured her. "I'm sure your parents will agree, too."
"Yeah," said Spike, placing his arms around the weeping unicorn. "Besides, I know we'll think of something. We always do, don't we?"
Rarity smiled through her tears and hugged Spike back. "Ooh~. You two are the best friends a pony could ask for," As she released him, she stood tall and proud. "With Celestia as my witness, I will save Sweetie Belle from those uncouth scoundrels!"
Twilight raised an eyebrow at Rarity.
"Um, after we come up with a plan, of course," said Rarity, laughing nervously.
"Better," said Twilight. "And luckily for us, I think I may have an idea."
"Already?" said Rarity. "My, that was quick. And here I thought it was going to take hours. All this time, I was getting worked up over nothing."
Twilight gave an exasperated sigh. "Just follow me, Rarity. I think I might know someone who can help. You too, Spike."
Rarity was a bit confused, but she knew that there was no time to argue. As soon as Twilight put Spike on her back, the two of them galloped off towards the Everfree Forest.
Hold out for just a little while longer, Sweetie Belle, Rarity thought as she kept pace with her studious friend. Your big sister is coming for you...