Chapter 6: Star of Generosity, Part one: Sweetie Bell
“This is the 20th meeting of the cutie mark crusaders.” Scootaloo Said officially. “First order of business, admitting Cobalt into our order. All in favour say aye.”
“Aye” The two fillies and colt replied.
“Motion carried.” Scootaloo banged on her gabble.
“Second order of business, cutie marks.” Scootaloo read from her list.
“Well, I have a proposition. I believe your talents are hiding in plain sight. So if I observe you for one day. I’ll be able to tell what your talents are. And I will help you realize your talent. Are you in?”
“Well...” Scootaloo said thoughtfully.
“I’m in.” Sweetie Bell said hastily.
“I guess it wouldn’t hurt.” Apple Bloom added.
“Well then who’s first up.” Cobalt asked.
“Oh pick me. Pick me.” Sweetie Bell said.
“OK Sweetie Bell. Since It’s about noon I’ll do my observations tomorrow.”
“Seems fair.” Sweetie Bell said.
…......
In the morning Cobalt was up early. VERY early, Celestia’s sun hadn’t even broke over the crest of the mountains. When Cobalt knocked on the door of the boutique there was no answer for over ten minutes. But when the door opened Cobalt wished he stayed in bed. Rarity was wearing her “rejuvenating” face mask and robe.
“Cobalt? What are you doing here so early?” Rarity asked.
“Your sister has volunteered for an observation experiment.” Cobalt said.
“‘Observation experiment’?”
“He’s going to help me find my talent.” Sweetie bell said yawning as she came down the stairs.
“Oh, well um...” Rarity said.
“I’ll start on breakfast.” Cobalt said while letting himself in.
…......
“Wow, you do make a very appetizing pancake.” Rarity said while dabbing the corners of her mouth with laced napkin.
“Thanks. Since I am just looking at a regular day just pretend I’m not here.” Cobalt said.
“Sounds good. Just let me take a quick shower.” Sweetie Bell said.
“That’s fine.” Cobalt said. Sweetie Bell smiled and went up the stairs.
“So...Cobalt, how have you been lately.” Said Rarity starting up some small talk. Before Cobalt could reply a melodious vocalization from the up stairs.
“Is that Sweetie Bell?” Cobalt asked in awe.
“Yes she is a quite talented little singer but she doesn’t seem to realize that.”
“Interesting.” Cobalt said. “Thank you.” Cobalt tilted his head and smiled.
“While your here I’ll make and ensemble for you.” Rarity said.
“That will not be necessary.” Said Cobalt making a break for the door. But his tail was caught in a blue glow. Effectually holding and dragging him back. and then she put him on her pedestal.
“No I insist. I now have a new design problem. Compensating for your wings and horn.” Rarity said pensively.
“Unless you’re going to make a hat, the horn won’t be a problem.” Cobalt pointed out.
“Details, details.” Rarity brushed off. As she measured Cobalt height with a measuring tape. Sweetie Bell then came down the steps her mane wrapped up in a towel.
“I see that Rarity has caught you in her web.” Sweetie Bell said.
“What do you think Sweetie? Ruby satin maybe.” Rarity said.
“Ya, the contrast of his coat will make it look amazing.” Sweetie Bell said.
“And maybe a top hat?” Rarity asked.
“Yes!” Sweetie Bell said.
“I’m sure I’ll find some use for it.” Said Cobalt rolling his eyes.
“Well your suit should be ready in about a month or so.” Rarity said and started jotting down a few designs.
“Well that's good. Also Sweetie Belle I know your talent. But I’m afraid you might not like it.”
“NOT LIKE IT? I SPENT MONTHS LOOKING FOR A TALENT HOW WOULD I NOT LIKE IT?” Sweetie Belle yelled.
“I’ll tell you at the club house today.” Cobalt said.
…......
“SINGING?” The three fillies cried out in unison.
“Yes, singing. You have a very melodious voice.” Cobalt tried to convince the filly.
“But singing is more of well... a hobby.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Most talents start as hobbies.” Cobalt said.
“So how are you going to help me realize my talent.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Well I think you need to do some kind of performance.” Cobalt said.
“Um... performance. Like in front of crowd?” Sweetie Belle asked nervously.
“That’s the idea.” Cobalt said.
“Um...ah” Sweetie Belle stumbled.
“Something wrong Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Well It’s just I’ve never really sung in front of anyone but my sister and you guys.” She said.
“I think I might have seen a spell while stuck in bed sick.” Cobalt said. “I’ll do some research and get back to you later.”
“OK... I guess.” Sweetie Belle said.
…......
“What did you find?” Asked Sweetie Belle.
“The veil spell.” Cobalt set an aged scroll on the table. On it “It causes a barrier to form. It’s usually used to make you invisible to every other pony. But with a few tweaks it could make every other pony invisible to you.”
“You can tweak spells?” Scootaloo asked.
“Ya, any unicorn with proper skills and knowledge can.” Cobalt said. “Makes them a bit more complicated though. Now we need a DJ and a list of songs you know.”
“I’ll get started on the list but I don’t know where to find a DJ.” Sweetie Belle said. Suddenly the bone shacking booming of a bass turned up WAY to loud came from outside.
“I think we should start there.” Apple Bloom said. The three fillies and the colt ran out the club house and then they ran towards the music. When they reached the point the music was originating from there was a white mare with a pointy purple mane wearing sunglasses with a large boom box blaring rap music.
“WHAT IS THAT MONSTROUS NOISE” Reese said.
“It’s called music!” The strange mare shouted back at the grey alicorn. The claw marks on his face had scabbed over.
“WOLVES DO NOT HOWL TO MUSIC PAL!” He roared back. The mare ruluctenly
“Technically it’s a Cains Reese.” Cobalt said. Then he turned his attention to the strange mare. “Hi, My name’s Cobalt. This is Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle.”
“The names Vinyl Scratch, but most ponies call me DJ-PON-3.” Vinyl said.
“So... you’re a disk jockey?” Cobalt asked
“That’s what the name implies.” Vinyl said.
“That’s perfect! You see we were planning this concert,” Cobalt started
“Wait, now it’s a concert?!?” Sweetie Bellel said worriedly. Cobalt ignored her worries.
“And we need a DJ.” Cobalt said. “You in? She turned towards Sweetie Belle
“Aren’t your Rarity’s sister?” DJ said.
“Yes.” Sweetie Belle
“I DJ’ed for her once” She said. “Worse experience of my life.So...no.”
“That’s no good.” Cobalt said. “Know about any other DJ’s that can help us?”
“Eh... nope.But I know one hay of concert Cello player.” DJ said
“We need a DJ not just one instrumentalist no matter how good she is” Cobalt said.
“Well I can’t help you.” Pon-3 said
“Well I can’t make my show go on with out a DJ.” Cobalt shouted.
“You know the cello player might be a good idea.” Reese said.
“What?!?” Cobalt said. “How could that be better!?!
“Well....for one acoustic is better than electronic” Reese said.
“Agree to disagree.” Pon-3 said
“Two, I know Octavia is able to work without petty experiences getting in the way.” Reese continued.
“Wait how’d you know her name was Octavia.” Scratch said.
“Me and Tavia go way back.” Reese said “In Canterlot she lived ,cross the street from Twilight and I.”
“THAT’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH.” Cobalt said. “WE NEED MORE AMPLIFICATION!”
“You can use my sound system.” Vinyl said.
“I though you weren't going to help us?” Scootaloo said
“I never said that I just said I wouldn’t DJ.” Pon-3 said
“Well that’s covered now we just need a location.” Cobalt said.
“We can use the south field the flim flam brothers emptied when they were here.” Apple Bloom suggested.
“That should work.” Cobalt said. “Now we need to advertise it.”
“I could make fliers.” Apple Bloom said
“And I might convince Rainbow Dash to do a flying banner.” Scootaloo said
“How bout we don’t advertise and just invite a few close friends?” Sweetie Belle said.
“It won’t be the same.” Cobalt said. “Those are great ideas. You can get on that while I work on my spell and Sweetie Belle chooses and practices her song.”
“OK.” Said Apple Bloom
“I’ll go find Rainbow.” Scootaloo said while hopping on to her scooter.
“Hey Reese, do you think you can build a stage and bleachers for us?” Cobalt asked.
“Sure thing.” Reese replied
“I ring up Tavi and ask her if she can come.” DJ added. Cobalt turned and saw Sweetie Belle nervously shacking
“Sweetie Belle, sorry If I’m going a bit to overboard but I promise that you’ll love it.” Cobalt said. With absolutely no warning Sweetie Belle ran off.
“Sweetie Belle, wait!” Cobalt called after her. Then he took off after her. When Cobalt finally found her she was sitting under an tree by the river looking down.
“You okay Sweetie Belle?” Cobalt asked gently.
‘No I’m not OK!” She shouted at him. “I can’t believe you just pulled me into this. You don’t really care what I think!” Cobalt was taking a bit back at her shouting
“Of course I care what you think Sweetie Belle.” He said.
“Obviously you don’t. If you really cared you would actually ask me before jumping into things!” She said raising her voice even more. “I’m not doing this Cobalt!”
“Fine, if you don’t want to do this I’ll stop!” Cobalt said starting to retaliate.
“Good!” Sweetie Belle barked back.
“Good!” Cobalt copied
“Fine!”
“Fine.” The filly and the colt went there separate ways unaware the Reese had seen the whole argument.
…......
The other two fillies were waiting for Cobalt by the library when he came back with his head down.
“Hey Cobalt, Rainbow said she would do the banner.” Scootaloo said.
“Tell her thanks, but no thanks.” Cobalt said somberly.
“Wait... Are you saying where no longer doing the performance?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Yes, Sweetie Belle and I had a falling out and she said that she wouldn’t do it.” Cobalt said.
“Cobalt?” Twilight called out from inside.
“Out here Twi,” Cobalt called back. Twilight opened the top half of the door.
“This came for you.” Twilight handed Cobalt a Scroll which had a red silk ribbon and a golden seal which had three inter-joined circles on it. Cobalt opened it and read aloud.
Our dearest Cobalt,
We would like to invite you and one guest to the royal banquet. On the first of January of the 1003rd year of our peaceable reign.
We would also like to remind you that the attire is strictly formal.
We do hope you can attend.
Signed,
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
P.S. We would also be very much pleased if you decide to have your permanent dwellings in Canterlot Castle with us.
“An invitation to the royal banquet?” Twilight said in awe.
“I don’t see whats the big deal.” Cobalt said.
“The royal banquet is the most exclusive social event in all of Equestria!” Twi pointed out.
“Ya, not even some royals get in.” Scootaloo said. “You have to do something major, like solve world hunger or something.”
“I never got invited to one.” Twilight said. “And I was Celestia's protegee!”
“Ya, but there’s also the last bit.” Apple Bloom pointed out. “We might never see Cobalt again if he moves to Canterlot with the Princess’.”
“It’s clearly said here It’s my decision though.” Cobalt said.
“And It’s not for an other month or so, so you have plenty of time to make up your mind.” Twilight added.
“Ya, It’s still going to be tough one.” Cobalt said.
…......
Sweetie Belle was crying in her room when Scootaloo and Apple Bloom showed up.
“Sweetie Bell?” Apple Bloom said knocking on her door.
“What do you want?” Her muffled voice answered from inside.
“We heard about your fight with Cobalt.” Scootaloo said.
“I told him I’m not singing.” She barked.
“We weren’t going to ask you to sing we just were going to tell you that he might be moving away in a month.” Apple Bloom said. Sweetie Belle’s door swung open.
“What!” She nearly screamed. “How, why?”
“The Princess’ invited him to live with them in Canterlot Castle.” Scootaloo explained
“He can’t leave he just got here!” She exclaimed. “He can’t leave, he just can’t.”
“Yes he can. But he still is undecided.” Apple Bloom said. Sweetie Belle paused thoughtfully.
“Tell him I’ll do the performance.” Sweetie Bell said decisively.
“But I thought you said...” Scootaloo started.
“I know what I said.” Sweetie Belle said. “But I changed my mind because A. My performance might persuade him to stay and B. If he does decide to go I don’t want his last memories of me to be bitter and angry ones. Rarity?”
“Yes Sweetie Belle?” Rarity said from down the stairs.
“Do you think you could make a costume for me.” She asked
“Of course Sweetie Belle.” Rarity replied cheerfully.
…......
“She agreed?!?” Cobalt said utterly amazed.
“Ya, she had a change of heart I guess.” Apple Bloom said.
“Well that’s great!” Suddenly Cobalt’s face change from joy to worry.
“Something wrong Cobalt?” Scootaloo asked.
“I need to start working on that spell. I need to master the actual spell before I make tweaks.” He said opening a spell book.
“I’ll get started on my fliers.” Apple Bloom said.
“And I’ll see how Reese and the DJ are coming along.” Scootaloo said.
…......
The next couple weeks were some of the busiest in the colt’s and fillies lives. Cobalt had to help with almost everything from advertising to stage assembly. Not to mention master and change a complex spell with the pressing stress of the upcoming, life changing decision he had to make. Also Sweetie Bell had to practice her song with Octavia who came all the way from Canterlot to help, and also have almost constant alliterations on her costume. Apple Bloom was posting fliers all over town. And Scootaloo had to keep breaking up fights between Reese and the DJ. It was all very, very tiring.
Finally the week of the performance arrived and It was still in havoc. The sound and light systems still needed to be set up. Octavia insisted that they needed more practice. Rarity still was making the costume perfect. And Cobalt’s spell improved spell still had a few glitches. It almost looked like they wouldn’t make it in time. But buy some miracle of Celestia It all got ready buy the night of the performance.
The bleachers Reese welded were jam packed full of ponies from Ponyville. Off stage
Rarity was making final adjustments to Sweetie Belle’s outfit. It was a white gown with a pink stripe running down the side.
“Ow!” Sweetie Belle said when Rarity accidentally pricked her with a pin. Right then Cobalt came in. He had an head set on and was looking very official.
“You’re on in five.You’ll be amazing Sweetie Belle!”Cobalt said.
“Thanks.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Are you nervous?” Cobalt asked
“A bit.” She said turthfully.
“Don’t be, you’re way to talented to embarrass yourself.” He replied and started to leave.
“Cobalt?” Sweetie Belle called.
“Ya, Sweetie Belle.” Cobalt said putting his head in.
“I think I can do this without the spell.” She said
“Are you sure?” Cobalt asked her seriously.
Sweetie Belle took a deep breath in and said “Yes.”
“If you’re sure...” He said.
“Thanks.” She said.
“Oh and Sweetie Belle.” Cobalt said popping in one more time.
“Yes?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Break a leg.” Cobalt smiled
…......
Sweetie Bell walked out into the bright spot light and blinked a few times.
She finally said. “I’d first like to thank you all in advance for coming out tonight and hope that you all enjoy my singing. I few weeks ago I would have never gotten up here. But I met a friend that gave me encouragement and made this all possible. So I’d like to dedicate this song to him.” She gave Octavia a nod and then sung this.
I’ve heard it’s said,
that ponies come into our lives,
for a reason,
bringing something we must learn,
and we are led,
to those who help us most to grow,
if we let them,
And we help them in return.
Well I don’t know if I believe that’s true,
but I know I’m who I I am today,
because I met you.
like a comet pulled from orbit,
as it passes a sun
like a stream that meets a boulder,
half way through a wood.
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better,
but because I knew you,
I have been changed for good,
It well may be,
that we may never meet again,
In this life time,
So let me say before we part,
so much of me,
is made from what i learned from you,
You’ll be with me,
like a hoof print on my heart.
And now what ever way,
our stories end,
I know you have rewritten mine,
by being my friend.
Like a ship blow from it’s mooring,
by a wind off the sea,
like a seed dropped by a sky bird,
in a distant wood,
who can say if I’ve been changed for the better,
but because I knew you,
because I knew you,
I have been changed for good.
The crowd paused for a moment but then erupted into a roar off stomping and cheering. Sweetie Bell stopped and immersed herself in the cheering. Suddenly her flank started to glow. Then three bells appeared on it. Cobalt uncontrollably ran onto the stage and lifted Sweetie Belle up in his haunches and spun around once.
“You did it!” he said.
“It’s all because of you.” Sweetie Bell said modestly.
“There’s one thing I don’t get though.” Cobalt said still holding her in his haunches.
“What’s that?” Sweetie Bell asked
“The ‘we may never met again’ part.” He said.
“Well Scootaloo and Apple Bloom told me you might move to Canterlot.” She said.
“I’d never leave you.” Cobalt said.
“KISS HER!” Pinkie shouted from her front row seat.
And he did so.