//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Missing // Story: Twilight's Life As A Teenage Pony // by Bullie //------------------------------// "Taco, or corn dog?" The hefty lunch lady asked with a blank look on her face. I forced a smile, wincing as I pointed toward the messy all meat and little cheese taco. She kept the emotionless poker face, and tossed the messy taco on my tray. I thanked her, and headed toward the tables. "Oh, yoohooo!" I heard a familiar voice shout, and peering around I saw Rarity with her phalanges outstretched, waving frantically my way. I gave a soft smile, and trotted over to her empty table. Not many people had gotten their food yet, so the room was rather vacant. "Hey, Rarity." Simple and short. I'd rather not get into another long, drama-filled talk. Not with so much on my plate as it is. I had a crown to retrieve, a hell-raiser to stop, a formal to win, a game to attend, an upset Rainbow Dash...need I go on? "Soooo, I heard that you had a crush." She gave me a toothy smile, fluttering her big blues at me, phalanges cupping her face-with a large bug on one of them. I went bugged eyed and started to swat at her, screaming, which in turn made her scream and swat at me! Soon enough we were flailing around on the floor, squealing. "Omg, Twilight! What are you doing?!" She pushed me away, sitting up and brushing bits of food off of her tight dress. I wiggled around, heaving. "T-there, w-was a b-b-b-bug on your phalanges!" I cringed, hopping to my feet. "My what now?" She asked, dumbfounded as she seated herself back at our table. I rose a brow and waved my phalanges around, "These, phalanges, you have them too, Rarity." I laughed at her for a moment, but slowly stopped as she stared at me, mouth agape, "Hehe...heeh...eh...what? Is there something on my face?" She busted out laughing, "You mean my HANDS? Omg, Twilight, you are such a NERD!" She squeaked out. I froze, eyeing my phala-...hands. Well that was a rather old text book...and I suppose I could've read the whole page...I was just in a hurry and...oh my face must have been so red as I shyed away from her laughter. I tried to shrug it off with a bit of gossip, "Heh...so, um, I'm going to the fall formal kickoff games later today, are you going? I'm suppose to meet up with Rainbow Dash." That caught her attention. "Rainbow Dash? THE Rainbow Dash?" She slammed her hands on the table, leaning over to look me right in the eye with an open mouth, "Why on Earth would SHE want to hang out with YOU?" "Excuse me?" I asked, offended. "Oh, hush! You're a fine gal, just that...well she's like the star of like every single sport that a girl can play in, other than football. Which she was in for a number of years, before the boys got too big for her...I just can't understand why a popular girl like that would want to hang out with the new girl." She finished, leaning back into her own seat. I shrugged, taking a sip of my milk, "She said she wanted someone to talk to, someone that wouldn't...I don't know how she put it, she was kind of upset at the time she invited me." I snapped my mouth shut, covering it with my hands. I looked up to met Rarity's evil grin, and thumping fingers forming a pyramid. "Upset? Oh, you must dish, dish, dish, dish!" She ordered, bursting out into giggles. I shook my head. She asked me not to say a word, and here I was blabbing to, I'm sure, the biggest gossiper in the whole school. I sighed, trying to change the topic, "You said something about a crush?" I froze. A crush...on me? Who would have a crush on me this fast? Or at all for that matter? Sure, I'm not the worst pony in the bunch, but nor am I the prettiest, or the simpliest. Sometimes I think I'm too smart for my own good, too much of a nerd. I should be off on some sitcom with dead ends that lead to heartache. "Hmm...I do want to gab, but this isn't the last I want to hear of Rainbow Dash." I nodded, untruthfully, and she leaned in close, gesturing for me to move in closer. "Closer?" I asked, as she waved me further still. We came within a hair of one another, and she whispered- RIIIIIIIIIIIIING! "OH!" We both screamed, jumping out of our skins. I threw myself back in my seat, taking in deep breaths, clinching my chest. She did the same for a moment, then quickly rose to take her tray over to a trash can. I followed suit after a minute of regaining my bladder. I hate that dang bell... "So, what were you about to say?" I elbowed her after throwing my less than appetizing meal away. She shrugged, and I gasped. She wasn't going to tell me! "Maybe tomorrow, doll. I gotta go, my favorite class is starting!" She grabbed me, hugging tightly before rushing off and out of the lunch room. I sighed, biting my lip. I ducked my head and made up my mind to head to mine and Spike's room. oOo "Mmm...I wonder what Sunset Shimmer was threatening her with?" Spike asked once I had finished my report. I rolled my eyes. "That's all you got out of that? Not that I found out that she didn't have the crown, or that the formal is a contest that I could very well win, or that I could steal the crown 'cause maybe it's there today being displayed? But that she was black mailing this world's Rainbow Dash?" I crossed my arms, shaking my head. He rolled his eyes as well, "Well excussssse me for trying to help somepony, jeez!" He threw his paws in the air, and suddenly I felt bad. I dropped my arms, frowning. He was right. I should find out why. It could have been something really imporant to Rainbow, and here I was worried about...I shook my head. "No! Equestria is counting on us! We have no time to help these people! Not much anyway..." I rubbed my arms, little quakes going up and down them.. I felt bad for her, and maybe I could help her feel better, but for the most part, I can't do very much. Not if I'm going to stay on track. I have until the end of the fall formal to regain the crown, maybe not even that long. Spike nodded slowly, a frown on his maw. I frowned right back, and patted his little furry head, "Maybe in another lifetime, Spike, just can't be this one..." he flopped on the ground as I stood up and went to leave. "The school days up next bell, so I should probably try to find Rainbow, or Rarity. They're both going to the formal kick off games, and I have no clue how to act, or where to go, so they're goin' to show me the ropes." He nodded, laying his head on his paws. "Yeah, yeah. Just bring me something to eat, okay?" He asked cutely, and I promised. He must be starving. With all this crazy going on, I forgot all about feeding the little guy. I left the room and closed it gingerly. I took in a deep breath, stood up as straight as I could and turned to- "AAAHHHH!" I screamed, falling backwards into the door, hyperventilating. A tall, lean dark hair woman was standing dangerously close to me, glaring. Where did she even come from? I thought, regaining my breath. "Cutting class I see, miss Twilight Sparkle?" How'd she know my name. I shook my head none the less. "I...was just...I had to use the bathroom." I lied. Her thin brows rose, "In the cleaning closet?" She asked in a bored tone, "If you're going to lie, miss Twilight, at least make it a good one. I've heard them all." She reached for my arm, and grabbed me roughly. "Ow..." I whined as she pulled me down the hallways, and into the principal's office. Well, vice principal's office. She set me down in a tight room with poor lighting, and sat down behind I'm guessing her desk. She took in a deep breath, and leaned back into her seat, "So, miss Twilight, why were you skipping your classes? In fact, the only thing you've been to all day was lunch." She leaned over her desk, propping herself up with her elbows, eyeing me carefully, "Which you didn't even pay for." She stated matter-of-factly. I shrugged, "I...I was nervous." She rolled her eyes. "Nervousness does not account for ditching class, young lady." She stated, standing and strolling around her dim room, pawing at a few books on a nearby shelf, facing a window that was blinded, "If it happens again, I will have to talk to Celestia, and to be frank with you, I'd rather not get my sister upset right now." "Your sister? So...you're Sunset Shimmer's aunt?" I asked, dumbfounded that the fire haired girl could be related to her. She turned half way, looking over my head blankly, she shot a sickeningly sweet smile, "Unfortunately." She sat back down and waved me out, "Get to History, miss Twilight Sparkle." She begun to go over papers as I headed out. I closed the door to her room softly, taking in a relaxed breath. Thank goodness she was nothing like the Celestia of this world, not quite like my Luna either...but better than Celestia. I headed down the hallways to go to class. If I didn't, I was sure that Celestia would make up a story as to why I couldn't go to the fall formal kick off games. Right before I got to class, however, I spied Rainbow Dash. She was leaned against the wall, with a tall boy with an arm on either side of her head. His spiky blue hair and blue eyes left me breathless. Who was he? I hid so I could eavesdrop...I don't know why I did that, but I felt like I needed to know him. "I told you I can't...I just can't, Dashie." The tall boy sounded close to tears as he cupped one of Rainbow's cheeks, leaning in close. She tore away. "Yes you can, you just won't!" She shoved him, "What if I want to keep it, then what Sentry? Are you just going to-" "I have no choice!" He yelled over her, "I can't just leave her. You know what she can do..." He pleaded, grabbing Dashie by her hips and pulling her close, touching foreheads, "I don't need this right now. Neither do you. She could ruin us both. Just...move on." He ended with a longing kiss on her forehead, and peeled away, she clawed at his jacket as he went to walk away, tears in her eyes. "But...you said you loved me..." I could see she was breaking. Whatever they were going on about, was ripping her apart. Anyone could see she cared about him. He frowned at her, and lightly pulled away, "I know what I said..." he started, and went to walk away again, leaving Rainbow Dash to fend for herself as she slid down the wall, tears streaming down her face, and a body shivering. "A-and?" She called as he went 'round a corner. He stopped short, looking back, longing in his gaze, with a hint of something I couldn't place my finger on..."I didn't mean it." She lost it. "Rainbow Dash!" I called sympathetically, rushing to her side. She seemed a little shocked, but went to hug me regardless. "Oh, Twilight! What am I going to do?!" She begged for an answer I couldn't give. I just held her, telling her he was stupid for not wanting to be with her, and that Sunset Shimmer would pay for this. "N-no she won't! She's a monster! She's ruined the best part of my life..." she hicuped, wiping her tear-stained face, "a part that wasn't even mine to start with." She looked down at the ground, arms holding her knees to her chest. She looked ashamed. I frowned, patting her shoulder, "It'll be okay. She has no right to tell you what's yours and what's not yours." She just looked at me, lost. I could feel the waves of emotions coming from within her broken heart. I wanted so terribly for her to feel better, but I didn't know how to do so. So instead I told her reassuring things, got us both up and heading to class. I told her to meet me at the library after the last bell. She agreed, and we went our separate ways. oOo "Hey Twilight!" I smiled as a peppy Rarity ran up to hug me. I asked her after history to meet me at the library to, so we could all go as a group. She agreed happily, though I wasn't sure if that was because she was excited about the kick off games, or the fact she was hanging out with 'The Rainbow Dash.' "So, where's Rainbow Dash?" She asked, pulling away. "Right here." She jumped, and spun around. Dashie smiled, hands on her hips, and started to walk past us, grabbing an arm from each of us, pulling us along. "Come on ladies, we have a game to attend." oOo "WHOAAAAA! GO RAINBOW DASH!" Rarity screamed, waving her arms side to side as Rainbow scored the last point for the soccer game. I smiled, leaning away from her, afraid she would jump on me, or fall on me one. We had sat through a football game, a cheering rally, and now the soccer game. Next up was the starting of the fall formal. I could only hope the crown was on display. "Whoa! What a game ladies and gents!" A tall woman, with dark pink hair yelled over the intercom, "A big thanks to all of our star players!" The crowd went wild. I could barely hear over Rarity's squeals for joy as the stars of each game came rolling out. "Big thanks to Rainbow Dash!" The crown roared, "And Big Mac!" I could make out Apple Jack's screams over anyone, "And Flash Sentry! You all did a great job today!" The crowd went wild for a few minutes as the players linked arms, giving a bow, then silence fell as a large stage was wheeled out. "And now, for the start of the fall formal! If there is any last minute signups for the queen position at the dance, come up and claim your crown! Heh, well if you dare." Just then, Sunset Shimmer came out on stage, and the whole mood shifted. The fun in the air was sucked out, and a crushing anxiety filled everyone's lungs as she started to speak. "Hello everyone! I just wanted to thank Pinkie Pie, our star party planner, for setting up the dance, as usual, she did an...okay job," she gave a less than selling smile, "but, I jest. To wrap up the day's fun, I would like to announce that anyone-" I froze, breath leaving my shaken body as she locked eyes with me, me out of everyone in the large crowd, "-and I do mean anyone, can come sign up after the formal kick offs to challenge me in the formal running's." she started to clap for herself, and the crowd fell in unison. I hadn't even noticed when they stopped, and the players got on stage. Nor could I pay much mind as speeches were given. After that, everything went fuzzy, but the thought of her piercing, soulless eyes. Freezing me in a stone-like terror. She had looked at me, out of everyone. Had she figured out who I was? What I was here for? Was she fearful that I would truly win the crown? No. She was so prideful, so strong in her hateful stance. She had no fears, no worries. She was not blind to the fact that she had the school wrapped around her fingers. She could get away with murder, and as I looked around at the scared students, I wasn't all that sure she hadn't already... oOo The fall formal kick off games went well, but this wasn't going along as pleasingly...I looked on at a hurt-feelings-Rarity, as Rainbow Dash asked her to give us some time. Honestly, time I didn't have, not that I didn't want to spare it. I wanted very much so to make her feel better, but I wasn't sure I knew how. I had never been in a position such as this one. Where a pony needed me, needed me for more than my skills, more than my opinion. She truly needed me, for more than I knew how to give, emotionally wise. Just as I started to lose myself in my own head, Rarity walked past, bumping into me, I'm sure on purpose, whispering, "Help her." My heart sank. I felt so wrong for the fleeting feeling I got just then as she left her 'favorite class room.' I knew I hadn't the time to sit around and gossip, or try to patch a broken heart, at least not one that I knew nothing about what smashed the glass, spreading the shards so thick on the surfaces, that the soul could no longer be seen. "Twilight..." her voice was soft, almost a question. Begging for help... "Yeah?" I replied breathlessly, unsure if I wanted to know what she wanted to talk about. Since the game ended, and she fled from Flash Sentry, she had been shaking, sick, and tearful. Whatever that boy did to her, she was heartbroken, unsure of her self worth. It was as if she wanted a way out, any way out, even to talk to someone she barely knew, seemed better than her facing this problem alone. "Okay, so if I don't say it now, I won't." I nodded as she sat on a nearby desk, "And honestly, I think it'd be good for me to, you know?" Again, I nodded, "If I keep these feelings, and...other things," she rubbed her shoulders, shivering, "I'm sure I'll lose myself..." once more, I nodded, gestering for her to go on. She took a deep breath, and stood up in one quick movement, froze, and belted out: "I'm pregnant." I stood there, looking at her as she forgot to breathe. I almost knew the answer before she had said it, but I didn't really know what to say. She wasn't married, she clearly wasn't with the father, and once more she was very young. Even the thought of any of my friends back home being with foal would send me into a downward spirl. Rather with happiness, or a judging opinion, I wasn't sure. We stood still, looking at one another for a good part of five minutes, then, taking in a large breath of anxiety, I asked, "Who's the father?" I smacked myself inwardly for that... She blushed, and turned away, finally moving from her frozen stance of fear and hopelessness, "Flash...Sentry...but he...he..." she stuttered, so I reached for her shoulder. She quivered. "I know. What are you going to do?" Why I asked that I'll never know. I had other things to do, a whole kingdom to save. Yet here I was, huddled with a girl in a vacant class room, discussing things that a young pony-or human, should never even think about, much less live through. I had no clue how to help her, unsure if I should even try. I frowned as she shook her head, unsure of anything at this point. "If he knows, and doesn't want to help, then are your parents going to?" She shook her head, leaving me questioning. "If your parents aren't going to help, then..." I paused for food for thought, unsure of what else to say, but thankfully she cut me off- "I'm not going to keep it." Flat, simple, cold. Those words hung over my numb head. I wished so badly she hadn't cut me off... I opened my mouth to say something, then closed it. I repeated this action, looking much like a fish out of water for quite some time. I raised a finger, then dropped it. I had no clue how to react, if I should react. Not keeping it could mean many of a thing, but for some unholy reason my heart broke, and my skin felt flaky, as if the simplest of wind could send it flying. I felt weightless, wanting an anchor for security, for certainty. I felt...pain. Pure pain in every inch of my body, but not for her. Just then, the door opened, taking what little air was left in the room out, "Twilight, Rainbow, they're closing the doors." Rainbow Dash nodded automatically, and pushed past my inundate body. I stood there for a moment as the girls yelled for me to follow suit. I wasn't coherent enough to focus my mind on the tasks I had at hand. I had little time to concentrate on a problem that wasn't my own, I had to get the crown, save Equestria... ...why it didn't seem as daunting with this little ray of black light, this storm that had yet to erupt, I had no clue. My heart wept for something I hadn't even meant to walk into. "Twilight, are you coming?" Rarity's voice was thick, worried. I shook my head, and plastered on a fake smile. "Yeah, but there's just one thing I have to do before we leave." I said with forced enthusiasm, walking out past them. I had a job to do. I couldn't forget that. Don't forget that, I preached to myself. oOo Spike's little furry belly roared with hunger, as he walked into the dimmly lit cafeteria. The school's lights had fallen a few minutes ago, and now was his time to strike, to take down any lunch special there was! He hurried along, weaving through tables until he hit the kicten, and found cans of food, labels reading mouthwatering flavors, such as sloppy meat mix, taco meat, tomatoes, diced potatoes, sliced pears. His mouth drooled as he went to grab one, but found he couldn't hold it. Instead, he tilted his head, and reached with his mouth. With a can of sloppy meat in maw, he trotted out of the cafeteria, and found his way back to his, and Twilight Sparkle's room. He plopped down in front of the door, dropped his can and went to jump up at the door handle. He fell short, and jumped again, each time getting a little closer. He growled inwardly at himself, he should of left the door open. Why he flicked it closed, he would never know. He jumped again and again with a growling tummy, until finally he knocked it open. He fell flat on his rump, huffing, "Gottcha!" He cheered, pawing at the air, and happily picking up his can of mix meat when he froze. A voice stunned him, and he turned around, dropping the can with a clatter- "Well, I found the princess' pet. How unfortunate..." He couldn't move, couldn't breathe. Her pale hands reached for his collar, and for a moment he didn't move, "...for you." She ended with a lust in her voice that would terrify anyone. He snapped. He growled out, and started to bark repeatedly. His heart raced, his fur leathered with sweat. He was scared, and worse, he was too small to fight back...she had him, and there was nothing he could do about it... oOo "You're entering the fall formal contest? Are you crazy?" Rarity's voice hit a pitch that sent myself, and Rainbow Dash into hiding. We covered our ears as she ranted, "You can't run against her! She'll destroy you! You don't have a chance, darling..." she slowed, a look of concern on her pale face. Rainbow Dash nodded, agreeing with her, "She has a point...you have no idea what she can do. Plus, like everyone in the school votes for her. Always." I rolled my eyes, grabbing a pen and a piece of paper off of the decorative table set up in front of the gym, and stuffed it into a cute pink box, I'm sure that Pinkie Pie made. They both gasped, grabbing the box and shaking it upside down, trying to get it out. "Guys, hey! It's fine!" I laughed, pushing them back, "I know what I'm doing..." Correction. I hoped that I knew what I was doing. They both took in laps of breath, shaking their heads, "You have no clue, Twilight, no clue at all." Just then, the lights fell in the school, and we all three squealed. "Um...guys..." I mocked as I peeled both shaken girls off of me, Rainbow huffing, going on about how she was worried about us, hence the holding for protection...blah blah. I laughed at her, not buying her story, "Well, I guess I'll see you guys tomorrow." I smiled, and waited patiently for them to walk away. Instead they just eyed me, funny looks adorning their faces, "What?" I asked, laughing nervously. "Aren't you going to walk out with us?" Dang. I hadn't thought of that... "I...can't think of a reason why not..." I shot them a fake smile, and we started, I paused, mouth open, then closed it. Nope, no reason at all... As we walked down the dim halls, Rarity scooted closer to me, Dash falling behind, lost in her own...I don't know what you'd call it. Sorrow, pain, confusion. I just didn't know, and it seemed Rarity wanted to know. Her body language screamed she needed to know, for whatever reason. It was Rainbow's business, not hers, and I told her just that when she asked what we had talked about. She pouted, "But, Sparkle Pants!" She pleaded, big, lush blue eyes batting at my inner weakness for pleasing someone. I gulped, held up my finger, and- "Did you hear that?" Rainbow asked out of nowhere. Rarity and I jumped, unused to her voice, being she was so quiet these past few minutes. We thought she had gone insane as we strained our ears, but just as we were about to move on- "Barking." Spike. Oh no... I left them, and ran as fast as I could down the halls, heading toward our room, our make shift hotel. Why was he barking...I found I couldn't run fast enough as the barks got louder, more frantic. "Spike!" I yelled, heart sinking as the barks got fewer, and lighter. Drowned out by...pain, it was pain. Tears came to my eyes as I ran faster, as fast as I could, until finally- "SPIKE!" I screamed, slamming into our door. I shook my head, rebounding and swinging open the door. Nothing. No Spike. I panicked, and wrecked the room, was he hiding? I heard a clank, and froze. My heart beat out of my chest as I swallowed lapes of air, and turned around slowly. Sloppy meat mix. Food...I reached for the can, cradling it, tears falling freely, "Oh Spike...I forgot to feed you...you were hungry..." I felt lost, pure sadness swept over my entire body. Something was wrong, something I knew couldn't be fixed. I had never felt this way before...confused, depressed, lost...I couldn't breathe. I threw the can and got up, and started to run down the hallways, yelling for him. I yelled until my throat hurt, I ran until my feet were sore. I could faintly make out Rarity's and Rainbow Dash's voice over my own frantic calls. I knew something was wrong, something wasn't right. Spike was gone. "Spike..." I whispered more than yelled, leaning agaisnt a wall, tears splattering all over my red face, cheeks puffy, "...where are you?" "Twilight!" Rarity and Rainbow were beside me, picking me up. I didn't even realize I'd fallen. They pulled me into the nearest bathroom. Water on my face. A towel for my nose. Words that fell on deaf ears. All that was going through my head was this feeling...this...devastating...painful...I couldn't hold my eyes open. I was shaking, pushing them away. "I have to find Spike!" I screamed, jumping up from a seat I didn't know I had taken, and ran past them. They both grabbed an arm, sling-shotting me back down. "Let me go!" I screamed, kicking. I was acting like a child, I know... "Twilight, please! We'll help you find him, but not tonight...school security will be doing rounds soon...we can't be here..." Rarity pleaded as Rainbow Dash stayed watch. I shook my head. "No. I can't leave him." I wouldn't have it. I couldn't have it. He was my best friend, my apprentice, my... Child. "Someone's coming. We gotta get out of here." Rainbow ordered in a hush tone. I shook my head, went to yell, but Rarity shot her hand over my mouth. I grumbled, fighting back, but Dashie grabbed me, and they both pulled me out of the ladies' room, and down a short length of the hallway, and sooner than I wanted, out an exit. They pulled me forcefully along until we were in a parking lot, with only a few cars. "Which one's yours?" Rarity asked, looking over at Rainbow, holding my mouth with one hand, and struggling to pin one of mine with the other. She gestured with a head bob that a small black car, with two doors was hers. They walked over, and threw me in the front seat, finally letting me go. I took in a deep breath, and went to jump out- SLAM! The door was shut, Rarity pushed herself in the back, and before I could do anything, the door was locked, and Rainbow had started the car, and we were leaving... ...leaving Spike... oOo "This is your house?" Rarity asked, hopping out of the small two door car. I just sat there, emotionless. I didn't want to overflow with pain...anger... I was so mad. I wanted to slap them both. "Yeah, pretty nice, huh?" Rainbow boasted, walking up steps that lead to a large two story house. I needed to find him, what if he was hurt? "Yeah it is!" Rarity giggled, overjoyed with the fact she was with Rainbow Dash, at her house. 'The Rainbow Dash'. The house was big, lush with green plants littering the front yard, and rows upon rows of flowers rounded the large porch. I had to go back, what if...what if... "My dad has a good job so, heh, we have a downstairs game room, and-" I screamed. Screeched really. How could they..."How could you..." faint, but clear, I rose from the car, "how could you just leave him..." tears fell from my sore eyes as my fist balled up, I screamed, "WHAT IF HE'S HURT?! How could you, I don't even know you!" I belted out, stomping, flailing around, throwing a full-blown temper-tantrum. They froze, sweat rolling. After a good minute of raspy breathing, Rainbow Dash walked down her steps, off her porch, and was in front of me, arms pulling me in, whispering. "We'll find 'em. Don't you worry, but not tonight.." she pulled me along. I was numb. Dull. I couldn't fight back as she pulled me into her house, and sat me in her large living room, full with chairs, a couch, large tv, rugs, lamps...if I wasn't devastated right now, and so worried for my friend, I could see myself having a good time here. "I'll make something to drink, make yourselves at home." She said, heading into her nearby kitchen. Rarity sighed, taking a seat beside me. She draped an arm over my shoulder, bringing me in close. "Don't worry, that story I told you of Fluttershy..." I held up a hand, her eyes widening. "Don't, just...don't. He's more than just a pet." She sat there, her arm leaving dead weight. I wanted to punch her. I wanted to burn her with my newfound dark magic, I needed some kind of an outlet... "I hope you guys like sweet tea!" Rainbow's voice rocked us, and we both jumped apart. I could see her nod out of the corner of my eye, and Rainbow sat down across from us in a comfy looking recliner. She placed glasses filled with sweet ice tea down in front of us on an intable. I stared blankly at it, watching the dribbles of condensation roll down the sides. Silence hung in the air, thick, daunting. Finally, Rarity broke it- "You know what, this is silly!" She rose from her seat beside me, arms snapping to her side, "He's a dog, Twilight, a dog!" Her words...she had no idea what she was saying. She stomped around, over to Rainbow, who shyed away, sipping on her tea, refusing to look me in the eye. "Just a dog..." I repeated it, over and over, until finally, I snapped. I shot up, fist balled, screaming, tears falling, "He's my best friend! More than that, he's...he's my kid! I'm responsible for him! If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't even be here, no one would have faith in me! I would have never had a shot, dang it!" I fell back into my seat, shaking, exhausted, broken, beaten. They just stared at me, lost. They were unsure, and I knew I had gone too far. They had no way of knowing that he meant so much to me. That my whole life plan; careful planing was riding bare back on the hopes and dreams of this small being, without him I felt hopeless, lost- "He's a dog, and you his owner, but either way, we'll find him." Rainbow chimed into my clouded thought. My mouth agape, along with Rarity's. She side eyed her, sending her waves of emotions, of signals she either didn't catch, or over looked one. We stood there for a moment, frozen in a time stamp that I didn't know how to write. I was lost in a world I didn't know. I was without a friend, I had new ones that I now know I didn't want, they were trouble, they didn't care...clearly. I had to save the world. My world. I had no time for them... ...no time for Spike. My heart felt shocked, as if a bolt of lightning struck through it. I shook it off, standing. "I have to go." They both fell back a bit, but quickly rose, trying to stop me with words I didn't want to hear. I held up a hand as I reached the door, "I have more urgent things to take care of..." "Like what?" Rainbow Dash snapped. I flinched, and reached for the door, not wanting to look at her, "What could be so urgent, so important? I have...I have better things too I could be dealing with, but instead I'm here, in my own house playing hostess to a person that I barely know, to figure out a plan to find a dog, a dog that shouldn't even be at school! And you have the gall... you are something!" She screamed, holding her belly tight, she went on, enraged, balling her fist, "What? What is so important!" She ended with a plead of anger, tears coming to her eyes. "Rainbow Dash..." Rarity's voice was hushed. I didn't know what to say, didn't know what I could say. I felt guilt override my circuits, filling me with repentance. I felt broken all a new, sorrow running through my veins. I stood there, hands longing to reach for the door...but instead, I spun around, yelling, hiccuping an answer I knew they couldn't accept- "You think you have problems...you want to know mine?" They stood there, Rarity had a hand on Rainbow Dash, holding her upright, hand clenching her belly, "I have so much, so much more than you. So much more responsibility, more than you could ever wrap your mind around!" I scolded cruelly, tapping my head with a finger, bending over in mock pain. They glared, and I went on, not wanting to, but...needing to. Need was in my body, and it had to be let out. "I'm a princess. A princess with a job to do. An empire to save. A...from what I've seen, a demon to stop. I'm not even from this world! And you're trying to lessen my task with...with...meaningless nonsense!" I finished, hands reaching for the air, face draining of color. We stayed in silence for a long time. Longer than a clock could measure. Were they mad at me...why I had distanced myself from them, their problems, I had no idea...I couldn't understand why I was so mad, so hurt so...so needy. I needed for them to know. For someone to help me...I needed my friends. After what seemed like forever, Rainbow opened her mouth, a blank stare adorning her usually bright, purple eyes, "So...you're a princess?"