//------------------------------// // xxi - Sisyphus' Cycle // Story: The Path of Absolution - Punishment // by Morningstar1337 //------------------------------// Apple Bloom went to Sweet Apple Acres. She checked the trash can and found an issue of the Foal Free Press. She carefully read the gossip section and went to the treehouse. Meanwhile, Scootaloo went to the path where Rainbow Dash practiced. She saw a sign and an empty case there. Her eyes were attracted to the empty case. She decided not to examine it and left. Sweetie Belle went to Carousel Boutique. She saw Rarity was working on some wedding dresses. She seemed to be too focused to noticed her. She saw the paper on the ground there and read it. The gossip column read, "The Truth Behind Gabby Gums." at the top of the column. Ponyville, I'm sure by now you know that 'Gabby Gums' is actually three fillies: Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo. And we would like you to know that we don't care. We know you want the scoop and we know you want it now. So mark our words, We will leave no stone upturned, no trash can un-dived, and we will not rest until we bring you the latest scoop on all Ponyville. And to show we mean business here's some dirt on ourselves." Sweetie Belle saw the embarrassing photos on the page. She went out of the fashion store to let Rarity work on her dress. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were back at the treehouse. “So,” Apple Bloom said, “Applejack wasn't there but I found the paper, It’s exactly the same as before.” “Rainbow Dash still wasn’t here.” Scootaloo said. “The note was, but there was no paper.” “I saw Rarity,” Sweetie Belle said, “but she was working on wedding dresses instead of snowsuits.” “So,” Scootaloo said. “Is it a time loop or not?” “I dunno,” Apple Bloom said. “It feels like it was three days ago, but some things are different.” “Guess we wait until tomorrow?” Scootaloo said. “Sure, I guess,” Sweetie Belle sighed. The three Crusaders left the treehouse and went home. The next day, in Canterlot, Cadence was checking on the preparations for the reception. Twilight Sparkle was looking from behind one of the marble pillars. Twilight wondered why Applejack and Rarity didn’t notice that Cadence was being rude to them. She thought, ‘This was their first time meeting her, but still they still should have noticed something’s off with Cadence.’ After Pinkie Pie did a dance, she said, “I think this reception’s gonna be perfect. Don’t you?” Cadence said, “Yeah, perfect-- if we were celebrating some six-year-old’s birthday party.” She trotted away in disgust. Pinkie gasped. “Thank you!” Twilight thought, ‘She threw away Applejack’s treats, had Rarity change her dresses, and now she insulted Pinkie’s party plans?’ She glared at the bride as she left. As soon as Cadence left, Twilight exited the hall. Lyra and Bon-Bon were trotting in the garden. Tears rolled down Lyra’s cheek. “There there,” Bon-Bon comforted. “She doesn’t deserve you as a bridesmaid anyway.” Silver Spoon noticed the pair and saw that lyra was still crying. She approached the two. “Is something wrong?” Silver Spoon said. “Lyra had to quit her job at the wedding.” Bon-Bon said. “Why?” Silver Spoon asked. Lyra pointed to Princess Cadence as the three saw her shouting at one of Fluttershy’s birds. Silver Spoon looked closely at Cadence. In many ways she was reminded of Diamond Tiara. She thought, ‘I hoped she doesn’t turn out to be another Diamond Dust.’ She wondered if there was a way to save Diamond Tiara, she wondered if she even wanted to be saved. Lyra and Bon-Bon left. Silver Spoon wondered if there was any way she can comfort Lyra. She remembered helping Diamond Tiara bully the Cutie Mark Crusaders. She regretted these actions. Meanwhile, Twilight was spying on Cadence and Fluttershy from a bush. Fluttershy took the birds somewhere else. Cadence saw Bon-Bon, Lyra. and Silver Spoon. She said, “Oh look, if it isn’t my ex-bridesmaid” --she looked at  Bon-Bon-- “and I suppose this is your stupid friend?” Bon-Bon said, ”Why you--” Silver Spoon said, “How would you know? You think you’re so special just because you’re getting married. That doesn’t give you the right to insult these ponies.” “It’s not just because I’m getting married.” Cadence said. ‘It’s because I’m a princess.” “So?” Silver Spoon said. “That still doesn’t excuse you from insulting and looking down on everypony. I know cutie marks,  my friend and I looked down on three fillies for not having their cutie marks, and if there’s two things I learned from that experience; it’s that one: you shouldn't bully others because they're living up to your standards and two: you do not deserve that cutie mark! Enjoy your wedding, because that’s the only way you can actually get someone to like you, let alone love you.” Silver Spoon left the area, Lyra and Bon-Bon followed her. Twilight thought ‘Wow, glad somepony noticed that Cadence was a jerk.’ She wondered if the wedding should be stopped. She left the garden to meet up with her friends. Gale Force, Star Song, Thunderlane, Flitter, and Cloudchaser were inside a large room in the castle. The room was decorated with several runes and circles. A mural with fire and ice and winds and lightning adorned the ceiling. “So,” Thunderlane said, ”What are we doing here?” “We’re preparing you to combat the windigos in case the shield fails.” Gale said. Just then, Element Shield emerged from one of the streets of the city and approached Thunderlane. He said, “So this is the one who needs the barriers?” “Yes.” Gale said. “This is the rookie I told you about.” “Wait,” Thunderlane said, “Rookie?” “Yes,” Cloudchaser said, “Rookie.” Element Shield said, ”You may want to leave, Your barriers already charged.” “Gotcha,” Gale said. “Hope you enjoy the theatrics, rookie.” Gale Force left the room. “Wait,” Thunderlane said, “What theatrics?” Flitter and Star Song giggled as they left the room Cloudchaser said, “Don’t worry, this won’t hurt a bit.” and left. The door closed. Thunderlane shivered as Element Shield cast his magic. An hour later, Thunderlane emerged from the room. The other pegasi saw that same same sphere of wind and lightning with a flame above it and a ring of ice around it. “Not funny.” Thunderlane said. “Told you it wouldn't hur.,” Cloudchaser said. Element Shield left the room. He knew that Over Cast was missing and looked at Gale’s face. He decided not to ask for now. “Well,” Element Shield said, “He is ready. I suppose I don’t need to tell you to exit the blizzard before the shields vanish.” “Of course,” Thunderlane said. “Very well,” Element Shield said. “Take care now.” Then, he left.