Author’s Note:
The Extra bits are chapters that I’ll post at the end of every arc, showing the free time events for every character. That includes events for the deceased. Since this is the end of Chapter 1, I’ll do everypony’s first Free time Event except for Grace Lightning due to her absence for the majority of Chapter 1.
Yeah.... These are only the first ones that all take place during Chapter 1.
The only reason I’m even doing this, is because I want you guys to get attached to these characters!
Now feel free to roll back the clock and read these Free Times.
____________________________________________________________________
Featherweight Free Time Event (1)
I find Featherweight at the back of the clothing shop, looking inside for clues.
“Yo, Shady! What’s up? Need any help?” Featherweight asked when I approached him.
“Nah, just asking to hang out.”
“I could use a break break from investigating I suppose. I haven’t found any way out yet, but I won’t give up! I’m just not used to wrecking my brain this much.” He grinned.
After heading to the coffee shop, the two of us decided to chat about old times to get our minds off of the current events.
“To this day, my bro keeps telling me to lift some weights so I can defend myself, but I really doubt somepony’s gonna fight me.”
“Not so sure about that. Somepony’s always looking for a fight because they can. We’re not a perfect species after all.”
“I can always just keep my distance, otherwise, I can talk my way out! Or learn the language if it’s a dragon or something... I dunno.”
“You can’t be serious.” I lowered my eyelids at how crazy that sounds.
“Well of course! Sometimes, you have to try and be just a little understanding! Peer into their hearts, drill’em if you have to! I mean, giving just a little bit of hope makes one heck of a difference! I tell my brother that all the time, but he has a point when he says I’ll have to at least take a hit.” Featherweight cringed when he said that last bit.
Is that all there is to it? Believing in hope?
“Is hope really that special?” I had to ask.
“Of course it is! Well, of course you wouldn’t believe it. You’ve always been all grumpy, man!”
“Yeah, I get that a lot. Even your bro noticed. Why do you think he tried to get me all roped up in working out? That’s your deal, not mine. I don’t see how he can lift so many weights.” I sighed, but smiled at the same time.
“He’s been working out before I was even born! Why do you think he’s so huge?” Featherweight grinned.
“And shrunk his wings in the process? Yeaaaaaaah...” I looked away, but Featherweight figured out what I thought right away.
“No, he doesn’t do ‘roids, hahahahaha!”
Featherweight laughed at where I was going with that. We always joked about those tiny wings on Snowflake, and it’s great how he never took any offense to it.
Either way, it was good to just chat and have a great laugh. This ever optimistic featherweight, I doubt he’ll ever lose it.
____________________________________________________________
Diamond Tiara Free Time Event (1)
I find Diamond Tiara by the district map, scanning it for any new locations.
“Hmph! What do you want? Make it quick!” Diamond Tiara glared at me the moment I approached her. Of course, she’d take a quick glance at my flank before focusing on me.
“Wanna take a break? From investigating I mean.” I asked, expecting something like, no way, you blank flank!
“Mmmm... Give me a minute! I’ll think about it!”
What.
“You actually have to think about it...? Look, we don’t have to-” I tried to spare her the trouble, but she’d have none of that.
“Alright, fine! But just this once, got it?! You’re a blank flank, so I really don’t want to be seen with you! I’d rather go someplace secret!” She demanded.
“It’s just us and the others. Nopony els-” I said, but of course, she won’t let me finish.
“THAT’S THE POINT! My name would be ruined! I’m Diamond Tiara! You can’t possibly think you’re good enough to ‘hang out’ with somepony as pretty as me!”
“But I never said-”
“What are you waiting for? Let’s go drink coffee. You drink the low brand!” She stormed off, expecting me to just follow her. Guess I’ll humor her.
.........
Despite being so unreasonable, I drank coffee with her anyway while letting her bark ridiculous orders at me.
...what was I thinking?
“Hmph. This coffee tastes okay at best. You’re probably making it taste bland with your blank flank.” She said after another sip of the coffee, then putting a little sugar into her cup.
“This coffee was supplied by Monobear. Blame him.” I sighed.
“Oh don’t worry I do. He’s worse than you afterall, or at least whoever’s behind him.” Tiara winced in disgust after taking another sip.
“You mean the mastermind.” I stated the obvious.
Tiara slammed her hoof on the table hard enough to make the teacups jump slightly. “Well duh! I won’t submit to the whim of a teddy bear! Can you believe it? A teddy bear trying to order someone like me around! I’m Diamond Tiara! I won’t stand for it! I’m too good for this treatment!”
“For once I agree.” I nonchalantly said, sighing afterward.
“For once!? You should always agree!”
“Has anyone ever disagreed with you, ever?”
Just curious.
“Hmph! Why should they? I’m pretty, I’m smart, and I’m very talented unlike the average mare! Especially compared those three blank flanks!”
“The cutie mark crusaders?” I guessed.
Now that I think about it, why did her and Silver Spoon target those three anyway?
“Who else did I mean, you and your parents?!” Diamond asked smugly.
“I don’t have parents.” I answered in the most deadpan tone ever. Diamond Tiara even cringed when I simply continued sipping my coffee. I wasn’t mad, but I guess she can’t stand being seen as crazy.
“H-haha! D-d-d-did I say your parents? S-silly me, I meant you and your um,” Diamond’s eyes scanned her entire surroundings desperately until she came up with something new, “uh, imaginary friends! Yeah, that’s right! Whaddya say to that!?”
......
She’s hopeless...
Even so, I guess I somehow got a little closer to her, whether or not she’ll admit it.
_______________________________________________________
Silver Spoon Free Time Event (1)
Seeing Silver Spoon by the gate to the next district, I decide to talk to her. Whether or not this’ll end well, is left in the air. She is a mare of class after all.
“Pardon?” Her eyes peering through her glasses made me feel like she doesn’t wish to be spoken to.
“Well, I thought it’d be a good idea to take a break from investigating. For a little bit.”
“Hmm... I am quite tired. Perhaps cup of tea would suffice.”
I went with Silver Spoon to drink tea like a gentlecolt.
...... Not my thing, but I still had fun i guess.
“Now what do you wish to speak to me about?” Silver asked, setting down her teacup.
“I’m curious, why do you guys bully the Cutie Mark Crusaders?”
“Ah. Perhaps it’s a desire for freedom a little bit. It’s tough when you have to create and endlessly maintain a persona of perfection.” She calmly answered.
“Persona of perfection?”
“Yes. Father and Mother expect only the best, pristine and well-mannered behavior from the heir of the Sterling family. As such, I sometimes feel quite envious of my friend for knowing herself.” Silver said.
I didn’t think she even envied Diamond Tiara.
Wait, I thought they both came from rich families?
“I didn’t even know you felt that way.” I commented.
“It would be quite foolish to let it show, so of course. But I merely go along with it to release stress, so-to-speak. You’re free to condemn me if you wish.”
“No, I won’t. I mean, I’m stressed out, and normally I don’t take my frustration out on anypony. Featherweight would have none of that.” I explained.
I’m not kidding. If I acted the way they did, Featherweight would punch me, then follow up with a long winded lecture like some comic book hero.
Silver Spoon giggled a little bit, her lips making a slight curve. “I see... Perhaps, if I didn’t just simply go along with her whims, then perhaps...” Silver Spoon trailed off, but quickly cleared her throat. “Ahem. I’ve said too much already. Please forget what you heard.”
Oh, come on.
“But you started it!”
“And my family has power; more than you’ll ever believe. It’s a super power. Surely you wouldn’t dare expose any potential secrets to the press, yes? I do have the means to... decrease your societal ranking to that of a common bug.”
Silver Spoon’s cold stare, and her knowledge of me working for the press... I better agree to her whims.
“..........Yeah, I heard nothing.” I gulped on any further comments.
“Good. You learn well, Shady Daze.” Silver Spoon smiled, and walked away.
Even though her words just now sent one heck of a shiver down my spine, I still felt like we grew closer. Or maybe I’m just a little delusional.
Who knows.
___________________________________________________________
Truffle Shuffle Free Time Event (1)
“Darn... I should be on Doggy Duty... me! Life's been quite a cruel mistress ever since I’ve learned her tricks!”
Truffle was here at Miss Cheerilee’s doghouse, mumbling to himself about our teacher as usual. Guess I’ll see what he’s even talking about.
“Hey, Truffle?” I called out to him, causing him to jump in response.
“Wha?! Ahem. Shady Daze! You nearly gave me a heart attack!” Truffle wiped the sweat off his forehead.
With the way you eat, that may come sooner than later.
...
I might want to keep Pipsqueak away from this guy.
“I just wanted to talk. Got a minute?” I asked.
“Of course I have one minute! Doesn’t everypony have just one minute!? I just wish I could be using that minute to find a way to set Miss Cheerilee free!” Truffle pointed out his hoof at me, showing off his determination.
But yes, I only want to talk for one minute. Totally.
...........
The two of us hung out and discussed plans to get Miss Cheerilee free.
That totally didn't take longer than a minute.
“I don’t want that toy listening to us! You have no idea how much trouble I’d be in if that bear heard me! I could be breaking the rules!” He held his head in his hooves.
“Yes, but we’re fighting this bear... somehow.” I reassured him.
I’m not really lying though, but with our current position, there’s not much we can do.
“Right... I need to calm down. It’s bad for my blood pressure.” Truffle said, calmly taking a series of deep breaths.
“Why are you so active to rescue Miss Cheerilee anyway?” I asked.
“Because nopony else cares! They just go along with this doggy duty thing like it’s natural! It’s indecent I tell you! If it were me, I’d gladly find some way to set her free!” Putting his forehooves together, he made his determination clear.
But...
“I mean, why do you care so much? It’s... borderline creepy.” I asked.
I had to be honest.
“C-c-c-c-c-c-c... CREEPY?!” Truffle’s eyes widened with shock, his mouth agape, twitching even.
“Uhh... Truffle?” I waved a hoof in front of his eyes, but he just stared off into space, still in shock.
.....................
I decided to walk away since he refused to say anything else.
I have no idea what’ll happen from here on out. All I did was be honest with him, because deep down, I want him to approach this differently.
I honestly see that he cares for Miss Cheerilee.
He just needs to understand that he's not alone in this.
But there has to be a better way. I guess I want him to succeed somehow.
_______________________________________________________________
Dinky Doo Free Time Event (1)
I saw Dinky Doo over by the Coffee Shop entrance, looking through the window.
“Heya Shady! What’s up?” She called out to me the moment I walked up to her.
“Wanna hang out? Thought I’d talk for a bit.”
“Eh? Hmmmmm...” Dinky Doo closed her eyes, pondering seriously. “Ah! Hey, you read Daring Do, right? RIGHT?! I gotta talk about the latest issue and it’s been reaaaaaaaaaaaally eating my head up outside in! I can feel the dangerous snake’s teeth biting in!”
What?
“I normally don’t-”
“Then let’s go!”
Disregarding my unfinished denial, she drags me off to the coffee shop to ramble about Daring Do.
I only understood the first word that came out of her mouth.
“As I was saying...” I cleared my throat, “I’m normally don’t have time for books.”
“Books? Pshaw! I’m talking about the comics!” She rolled her eyes.
“Oh, those. The books are normally more famous.”
Seriously. I hear about the book series all the time.
The comic wouldn’t even exist if Rainbow Dash didn’t promote the heck out of it. She became more open about her love for the series.
It’s just one day, she spoke to somepony who just happened to be a comic book artist, and here I am today, listening to a new Daring Do fan ramble on.
“Yeah, but the comic series has been gaining plenty of steam! It all started when my super mom bought me a comic from the store when it was supposed to be a magazine or something. Sure, she messed up, but I so glad she DID! It was the greatest experience eveeeeeeeeeeeeer! Totally cheered me up when I had a bad day at school! You gotta read it when we get outta here! I’ll even let you borrow all the issues I bought!” Dinky rambled on.
She’s optimistic, huh?
“If we get out of here.”
“Puh-leeze. Daring Do would be so disappointed around a depressing colt like you! She wouldn’t be uttering that stupid two letter word if she was trapped in a pit full of flesh-eating locusts!” Dinky chided, but grinned afterwards.
...............
All I could do was let out a dry laugh in response.
I didn’t think she’d take offense to the word ‘if’.
Nah, that’s putting it strongly. She’s just more positive than I imagined.
This talk of Daring Do never thinking of ‘if’... just doing...
Ah, she’s just a fictional character. They usually always overcome their challenges.
“You’re thinking, ‘she’s just a fictional character, she can overcome anything anyway,’ aren’t you?! You’re freaking terrible!” Dinky blurted out, scowling at me.
..........
Despite the scolding, we got a little closer.
That’s scarily accurate though. Can she read minds?
____________________________________________________________________
Pipsqueak Free Time Event (1)
While looking for someone to take a break with, I decide to approach Pipsqueak, who was standing outside his assigned home.
...
Or so I thought. The moment I approached him, he sort of vanished all of a sudden. I rubbed my eyes, thinking I was probably seeing things.
“BOO!”
“AGH!”
Yeah, that feeling went away in an instant with an instant scare.
How the heck did he do that?!
“Hey! What’s up? Gettin’ lazy, huh?” Turns out it was Pipsqueak as usual.
“You know that’s not in my code.” I replied.
“Heh, I guess so! Not for a Super Hard Worker ya know? Hahaha!” He laughed.
“No, I’m just looking to take a break, that’s all.”
“Oh, why didn’t ya say so?”
“Because you somehow managed to sneak up and scare me?” I responded.
“Oh yeah, I did, huh? Anyway, let’s hang. We gotta talk anyway!”
“Yeah, sure...”
So I reluctantly talked to Pipsqueak about a lot of scary stories.
...
There goes any pleasant dreams I planned on having...
“C-c-can we change the topic...?” I nervously asked.
“Whoa, did the story about the Sweet Apple massacre scare you that much? I thought it coulda been better, ya know? More fight and less gore maybe? Hmm...” Pipsqueak pondered, pursing his lips.
...... I don’t want to remember what we just discussed.
“Anyway, why do ya think I got this crazy title anyway? Super High-School Level Horror Connoisseur? I wonder if It’s because I like Nightmare Moon, ya know?”
“What.”
Has he lost his mind? It’s been nearly a decade, but Nightmare Moon nearly destroyed Equestria. Thankfully the Elements of Harmony saved the day, but still.
How does he like that fiend!?
“Come on, you don’t think I’m crazy too, do ya? I mean, isn’t that the whole purpose of Nightmare Night? To tell scary stories about Nightmare Moon, cosplay, have fun, eat candy? She’s the origin of that holiday. So I owe her something, ya know?” Pip said while wearing a big grin on his face.
“Oh. I never thought of it that way...” I replied.
I really hadn’t. I tend to forget that Nightmare Night is named after Nightmare Moon, but I’ve always only saw her as just a villainess who tried to annihilate us with Everlasting Night.
“Yeah! And besides, when I learned that Princess Luna can transform at will, I was so stoked! Heck, the reason I agreed to come back from Trottingham and attend the tour is so I can meet her again, get her to become Nightmare Moon, and snap a few pictures! Thinking about it gets me all pumped and excited, ya know?! I’m hoping she’ll do a jump scare when we meet again!” Pip finished making his point with a beaming smile.
.............
It’s great he’s so enthusiastic about Nightmare Moon. I doubt I’ll be able to look at her as anything other than a villain, but maybe I need to learn to let that go. It’s in the past, right?
Thanks to that, I think I got a little closer to Pipsqueak.
____________________________________________________________________
Ginger Snap Free Time Event (1)
I found Ginger at the second Alleyway, looking around for clues like the rest of us.
“Oh, Shady. I thought we were supposed to search for an escape route of some sort...” Ginger said as she saw me. She must’ve known I wanted to take a break.
“Yeah, and that hasn’t changed, but I’m thinking of taking a break and hey, you look like you could use one too.”
“Fair enough. My eyes hurt trying to search with all this light. Let’s have a chat over some coffee, okay?” She asked, giving a light smile.
“Gotcha.”
Heading for the coffee shop, we had a talk about her days as a girl scout on the way there.
“To be honest, I wonder how I’m able to be here, why the higher ups let me go.” Ginger muttered to herself, looking into her empty cup of coffee.
“Let you go? You mean to attend the tour?” I asked, watching as she took her beret off.
“Yes. Sure, the higher ups would allow me to attend school, sure, but a mere tour is just that. Then again, considering our situation now...” Ginger sighed, taking another sip from her cup, despite it being empty.
She soon realized that, and quickly shook her head.
“I know. We’re trapped.”
“Yes, but you have noticed that this place feels like a dome, right?” Ginger put her hat back on, then smiled. “It makes me think we should just dig our way out.”
“What? We’re on solid ground, not dirt. We can’t just go digging. And I seriously doubt that Monobear would just watch.” I pointed at the security cameras, reminding her.
“It’s no different from that time I had to dig my way out of a cave-in...” Ginger sighed, saying that like it’s no big deal.
“What.”
“As a Canis Canem Edit girl scout, I’ve had adventures that’ll make even the Elements of Harmony a little jealous.” Ginger smiled kindly.
A little?
“Just what kind of adventures?”
“Oh, the ones me and my fellow scouts had to go on that tested us as future royal guards.” She answered calmly, carefully rubbing the tip of her right forehoof around the tip of her cup in a circular motion.
“That is a dangerous job, despite how safe it looks on the surface.” I commented.
To be a member of the Royal Guard, one must be ready to protect the princesses from anything, even with their lives.
They dedicate themselves to the service, taking on dangerous missions to ensure Equestria’s safety.
...
Which brings many questions as to why this situation isn’t resolved yet...
“Yes. One step at a time, I’ll prove my worth to them...”
“Who’s ‘them’?”
Ginger’s eyes widened for a second, but she calmly answered, “Don’t worry about it for now. I’ll tell you some other time. I’d like to continue looking around if you don’t mind.”
“Alright, see ya later then.”
She wants to join the Royal Guard? Guess that explains a little about her casual talking about dangerous things, but I still don’t know enough.
I do feel we got a little closer, so I might be able to learn more later.
____________________________________________________________________
Snails Free Time Event (1)
I found Snails sitting outside his assigned home, yawning.
“Yo, Shady! What’s up?” He asked after quickly getting up.
“I’m still investigating, but I do want to take a break.” I answered.
“Dude, I was thinking the same thing! My head hurts! I seriously hate thinking all day.”
“Fair enough.”
“So in that case, I say I we talk all day about how awesome and amazing the Great and Powerful Trixie is!”
“Err, I don’t thin-”
“Let’s go! To the calm and relaxing coffee shop!”
Snails dragged me off to the coffee ship just as he said, somehow getting me sucked into his rambling about Trixie.
...
Now my head hurts.
“Okay, so enough about her amazing talent and magic shows. Tell me how you got to be her apprentice. Because that kinda bugs me.” I asked.
“Well that is my talent~!” Snails proudly said.
“Not what I meant.” I replied, letting him know that I wasn't making puns here.
“Hmm... How I became the Great and Powerful Trixie’s apprentice...”
Snails closed his eyes, frowning as if he wanted to construct the entire story. As he did that, small butterflies started floating around his hat.
I only want a summary, and I'm worried that those butterflies might just run away.
Even then, a smile formed, and he began to speak.
“Well, truth be told, It was a couple of years ago. Snips and I had vowed to never speak of that err... thing again. But I honestly couldn’t take my mind off of it.” Snails opened his eyes as his tone grew more serious. “I decided that the New and Revived Trixie had to be worth seeing. As you know, she’s a show mare through and through. A real magician unlike the other posers. To be honest, I’ve been a huge fan for years, long before that Ursa Minor deal.”
“I remember that. The news of her being a fraud spread like a wildfire. Me printing an article about that at the Foal Free Press back then made me a fan.”
Yes, I know that the choice of words was kinda bad, but I seriously couldn’t resist.
“Yeah, real funny, dude.” Snails lowered his eyelids, sending signals of ‘you’re not helping.’ to me.
“Sorry, but go on.” I gave him the green light.
“Right, right. But like, after that newest show, I decided to meet Trixie backstage. I snuck in, but eh, who cares about all the security and sneaking in on her changing clothes like that i mean-” Snails suddenly began running his mouth faster when he got to that last bit...
“Slow down! You’re going to fast!”
Seriously. What a motor mouth.
“Ah~hahaha...?” Snails nervously laughed, scratching the back of his head. “But still! I had to ask some questions! About her tricks and technique! That kind of thing! Like, she’s a unicorn and all, yeah, but dude, she’s so freaking amazing, you gotta see it to believe it! Honestly, I wanted to be just like her!”
“Be just like her? What, all stuck up and whatnot?” I asked, remembering the Trixie I first saw.
“Nah, she’s long past that. Sure, she’s still all hard and whatever, but she’s not as arrogant as she used to be. Not since that incident.” He said.
“What incident are you referring to? You’re either talking about the Ursa Minor thing or that Alicorn Amulet business.” I asked, hoping he'd clarify.
“I... would rather not talk about it. I can’t risk triggering Snips. Sorry.”
“It’s fine. We’ll talk another time.”
“Yeah. Hopefully you’ll respect the Great and Powerful Trixie just as I do!”
He really admires that mare, huh? Aside from some questionable choice of words here and there, I can tell that he really cares about the Great and Power...
Just Trixie. I will not say the whole name.
I guess I got closer to Snails, but it doesn’t mean I’ll become a fan of Trixie.
____________________________________________________________________
Apple Bloom Free Time Event (1)
“Hey Shady! Got a cutie mark yet?” Apple Bloom asked the moment she laid eyes on me, immediately focusing on my flank. “Aww, guess not.”
“Err, I don’t care about cutie marks.”
“Yer sure? Ah’ mean, you could have a loooootta fun with us! Ya should join the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”
“No thanks.” I made a swift decline.
She’s tried to recruit me a while back, and I said no before. She’s definitely stubborn about cutie marks though.
“Ah’ bet Ah’ can change your mind after a nice chat~!”
“I’ll chat, but there are no guarantees.”
So I headed for the coffee shop with her, and let her go on about how it’s important to find my special talent.
...
I only half paid attention.
“Look, I guess the main perk you mentioned is Diamond Tiara not calling us blank flanks anymore, and I don’t even care about that. But, why do you think it’s so important to figure out your special talent? Why the rush?” I asked.
“A rush? Whaddya mean? Ah’ just want my cutie mark as soon as possible! What's wrong with that?”
“That’s what I mean, right there. You speak as if you’re desperate.” I pointed out.
In fact, her behavior gives off a vibe of desperation rather than fascination most of the time.
“Ya know, Applejack told me that Ah’ll get my cutie mark sooner or later, but look how long it’s been! We still dun have our cutie marks!” Apple Bloom stomped down on the floor. I wasn’t feeling any sort of bad vibes from her tone, but still.
“I know, but just don’t see why you need to have one so bad. Considering our situation, that should be the least of your concerns.”
“Why don’t you want a cutie mark then?” Apple Bloom tilted her head, scowling curiously.
“Look, if I do get one, great. But if I don’t, that’s fine too. I’d rather not focus on finding a cutie mark right now. I just don’t see why it’s so important and why everypony treats it like some important factor of life itself. As long as I show my worth to society through hard work and take care of myself, then I don’t need a talent.” I answered, hoping to give her a perspective on why you don’t need a cutie mark so quick.
“But having a talent makes others recognize you!” She argued back.
Wait, this can’t be about attention, right?
“Maybe I don’t wanna be recognized.” I said.
“Hmmm...” Apple Bloom closed her eyes, sighing. Her expression soon turned into a frown, looking away from me.
Is she sad or something?
“You don’t get it, huh?” She asked, eyes half closed.
“Get what?”
“Why a cutie mark is important.”
“You’re right, I don’t. But I still don’t understand why you’re prioritizing the need for a talent above trying to get out of this place.”
I'm genuinely curious. Maybe a bit concerned.
“Ah have no cutie mark. Ah’ don’t even have a super talent.” Apple Bloom soon got up out of her chair and started walking away. “We’ll talk again later! Gotta go find my cutie mark~!” She cheerfully said.
Somehow, that tone seemed somewhat forced, making me feel a little bad.
Was I too hard? Eh... whatever. I’ll ask again later. I can’t stop feeling uneasy about her talent obsession.
It’s like she doesn’t care what happens as long as that stupid mark appears...
Only way to help is to try getting closer I suppose...
____________________________________________________________________
Sweetie Belle Free Time Event (1)
I Find Sweetie Belle standing on the right side of the Rarity statue, gazing with eyes of sadness.
“Shady...” Sweetie Belle mentioned my name in a solemn tone.
“You sound sad. Is there something on your mind?” I asked.
“I-i-it’s fine! I was just spacing out! Nothing else!”
“You normally don’t space out when nothing’s on your mind. Unless you’re an idiot.” I added, just to tease a little.
“It doesn’t work like that!” Sweetie Belle chided. “Geez, what is it?”
“Just thought you wanted to hang out, that’s all.” I stated my reason for approaching her.
“O-oh... alright. I do need something to take my mind off of it...” Sweetie Belle said, walking past me. “We’ll have some tea while we chat. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, that’s fine.”
The two of us headed to the coffee shop.
the entire time, she remained silent.
...
How awkward.
“Sooooooooo... anything else on your mind?”
“Else? Hmm... Well, I do want to talk about my title I guess.”
“Oh, you got Super High-School Level Songwriter, right?”
“Yeah. Just because I managed to lead everypony to sing with me a few times, doesn’t make me some super singer!” Sweetie Belle complained.
“I suppose, but it is a bit uncanny how you can make a song out of anything.”
“It’s not like I want to, it just happens and the time of the place has to maaaaaaatteeeeeer!~” Sweetie said in a singsong tone.
.......
“There it is again.”
“Eep! Err, Look! I-I just want to know what the title means! If I’m such a super singer, how come I haven’t gotten a cutie mark for it? It’s strange, don’t you think?” She frantically asked.
“You have a point. I doubt there’s a cutie mark to symbolize hard work.” I remarked, followed by a slight giggle.
Doesn’t change the fact that the titles are very strange though.
“I wonder about that. You’ve only ever been around Ponyville, so there might be a pony or two with a hard-working cutie mark!” Sweetie Belle made her rebuttal.
“Pot calling the kettle black.” I shot back, then followed up. “Truth be told, I’d rather not worry about my cutie mark right now.”
“O-oh! That’s right... you don’t like cutie marks.”
“It’s not that I dislike them, I just don’t care. I don’t see why they’re so important.”
“To be honest, I don’t get it either. But when Scootaloo and I joined Apple Bloom that day, I hoped to discover that answer.” Sweetie Belle smiled gently.
“On why the Cutie Mark is so important?” I asked.
“Yes. I thought that maybe if I earn my cutie mark someday, I’ll finally see why they’re so important. Haven’t you ever wanted to know?”
“I... never really bothered to search for that answer. Like I said, I don’t care for cutie marks.”
“I see. Well, if I get my cutie mark, I’ll be sure to tell you my answer!”
“Yeah, but only when we get outta here.”
“Yeah!” Sweetie Belle’s smile displayed her strength, staying sane despite being in this ‘kingdom’.
It’s obvious she’s worried about her sister still, constantly thinking if she’s okay or not.
I would imagine that it would take a lot to smile while worried, but I still feel like she has something on her mind.
I’m sure she’ll talk when she’s ready.
____________________________________________________________________
Scootaloo Free Time Event (1)
I find Scootaloo in the Clothing Shop, looking at the girl’s section.
Is she trying to find a new outfit?
“Scootaloo?”
“Gah! W-what?!” Scootaloo stumbled, knocking over several clothes off their hangers. “Ah, come on...”
After grumbling and complaining, she put all the clothes back at a surprisingly fast pace.
“Now what is it?” Scootaloo asked, scowling.
“Just wanted to hang out, but if you’re busy trying to fix your wardrobe then-”
“I don’t wanna fix my wardrobe, I just wanted to see what kind of clothes this had! Is there a problem!?”
.....
“Sure, let’s go with that.” Yep.
I’ll just go along with her assumption.
“Ugh,” Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Okay, I guess we can hang out, but I’d rather stay here.”
“Alright. But I’m guessing you have something you wanna talk about?”
“You know, I gotta ask, what outfit would make me look cooler?”
“Cooler?”
“Yeah, cooler! Haven’t you wanted to look cooler?”
“Not really. I’m usually too busy to think about that, so...”
“Geez, you’re so lame!”
I don’t think a girl wearing a hoodie should call me lame based on my clothing preferences...
“Anyway, what’s this about wanting to look cooler?”
“I hear you live longer the cooler you look and how awesome you are!”
“Awesome... err, is that some classic Rainbow Dash wisdom?”
“You bet! She’s always the coolest! I definitely strive to be just like her!”
“Yes, but she’s known as Equestria’s number one flyer.”
“Tch... you know, I really wish everypony would stop reminding me about that...”
“Sorry, I-”
“Save it. I’m sure Dashie would’ve said the same thing.” Scootaloo sighed.
“I doubt that. I think she would’ve done something about it instead of bringing it up for the hell of it.”
“She tried already, but sometimes, you’re just not meant for certain things.”
That’s strange... Don’t all Pegasi learn how to fly? Sure it’s a little late for her, but she can still learn, right?
“You just thought “Oh, she can still learn”, didn’t you?!” Scootaloo snapped me out of my thoughts, glaring at me. “I told you, I’m not meant to fly! I bet it’s why I got this stupid title too. Shady, why don’t you leave me alone for a bit, alright? I gotta think about some things.”
Watching her put her hood on and grumble about her title, Super High-School Level Bad Luck, it makes me wonder...
Did something happen to her wings?
I would rather not ask right now though. She might tear me a new one if I keep pressing her.
Oh well. It’s not my business.
____________________________________________________________________
Rumble Free Time Event (1)
I found Rumble standing on the roof of the clothing shop.
...
What the heck was he doing up there?!
The moment he saw me, he swooped down and began approaching me.
“There you are. I’ve been wanting to speak to you.” Rumble coolly declared.
“You did?” I rose an eyebrow, confused at his request.
“Yes. I don’t suppose you have time, right? I have something on my mind, and I wish to borrow a bit of your time. A little. Not too much, just enough to get what I have on my mind off my chest.”
“Err... okay? Sure, if you want?” I rose an eyebrow, a little unnerved by his approach.
“Not here.” Rumble scowled at the surrounding area, noticing the others are still investigation. “This isn’t something that I want heard.”
“Weirdo.” I muttered under my breath.
Rumble lead me to the coffee shop, then looked around to make sure nopony was there before finally sitting down.
Beginning with a sigh, he finally spoke what was on his mind at last.
“The Cutie Mark Crusaders...”
“What about them?”
“Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Snips and Snails. You and Featherweight.”
“.....huh?!”
Okay, he’s really strange.
“I’m worried about all of them.”
“Oh. You’re referring to Monobear’s game, right?”
“Yes. But, what if they betray one another? I’m scared, Shady. I’m terrified that those friendships may break.” Rumble said, biting his lip.
He may have been a little weird, but he does have a legitimate worry.
I’d hate to see these friends betray each other myself.
“Just do me a single favor, Shady Daze.”
“Yeah?”
As long as you don’t keep saying my full name like that.
“Don’t ever let despair poison your friendship with Featherweight.”
“O...kay?”
He didn’t have to remind me. I already have it in my mind to work with Featherweight and get everypony out of here.
What the heck is Rumble talking about anyway? He sounds like these friendships are some goldmine or something.
“Thanks for hearing me out. Now if you’ll excuse me.” Rumble pushed himself away from the table, fell to his hooves and walked out of the door.
...
I guess we got closer, but what a weird guy.
Seriously.