//------------------------------// // 55: The Bell Tolls by VelvetHeart // Story: Xenophilia: Shotglass Oneshots // by TheQuietMan //------------------------------// The Bell Tolls by VelvetHeart ************************ Ding! Ding! Play Write sighed as the schoolbell's song struck its final note, although little of it could be heard over the squealing of the foalswarm that came pouring around her legs, through the doorway, threatening to sweep her away like an undertow of concentrated adorable. Ponies lined the playground's fence outside, loyally waiting to be bowled over by the coming tsunami of hugs and excited chatter. Some had brought carts, but most were inclined to simply walk alongside their foals on the way back. Little Filthy Rich proudly held up a small jangling purse to his mother - Play Write'd need to talk to her about her son selling candy during recess sometime, but at the moment felt no urge to interfere. Soon, all was quiet, the playground empty. It was the end of another schoolda- Ding! Ding! Play Write blinked as the schoolbell began ringing again for no reason, and quickly turned to run into the building to find out the cause of the strange malfunction. That cause turned out to be a blond-maned little filly, teeth clamped around the rope as she worked herself to a sweat just to get the hefty bell to ring, often finding herself airborne as the swinging metal pulled her from the floor. "Applejack?" Play Write stepped closer. "What are you doing?" Her gaze was met with a pair of moist green eyes, "Teacher! I-I know it's wrong, but please don't make me stop! I need to ring the magic bell!" "But Applejack, it's just a schoolbell." "NO! Liar! It's a magic bell! I done seen it with my own eyes!" the little blank-flanked filly wailed. "It has ta be! It makes the parents come back for their children. If'n I ring it long and hard enough, mama'll come back and remember she's s'posed to be waitin' for me!" The little filly's voice squeezed off in a squeak. "Parents're not supposed to stay away forever..."