They stared at me, lost for words was all I could imagine going through their heads. Disbelief as I spilled out every bean that was locked in the can. I had told them I was a princess, that I had a job to do: save an empire. That Spike wasn't only my pet here, but that he was a dragon, a friend, someone that would grow into a strong, and powerful beast...my heart beat sorely as I thought of him. I was so worried, worried enough to risk all of Equestria. Did he truly mean that much to me? More than all of my other friends, my home, my princess' empire...my lady, Celestia, and of course Luna. Could I really justify losing a whole realm over a single, small baby dragon?
Yes was the only answer inside of my broken heart, inside of my cracked mind. I needed for him to be okay, and my heart screamed that he wasn't. That I needed to find him, to save him from whatever hell he was suffering through. I could literally feel quakes of pain and fear running through my soul. Delicate glass breaking, hair line fractures running along the stiff heart, ripping into veins, pulling apart to reach said soul, to torment it as worry swelled inside.
I was lost without him, misguided enough to tell secrets that weren't mine to release. I looked at them as their eyes dried from staring at me for so long. They hadn't blinked, or breathed from what I've seen since I explained everything. Unsure if they could at this bit of information, so instead of pressing, I let it go, and let them process. Let them decide if they should call the police, to drag my unwilling body into an insane asylum.
...I wouldn't stand for it. I would use whatever tool was at my disposal. I could break out with ease, honestly at this point, as frail, broken as I was right now, I can say that I have never felt so empowered. I had strength running rampant through my veins. The loss of him, of Spike, sent my nerves spiraling out of control. I felt that I could move a mountain to reach him, yet be knocked over by the slight bit of heartache from his small, fragile self.
I love him so much. Tears came to my eyes, and I dipped my head to wipe them, sniffling. I was scared crapless, but knew that I had to be brave for him, so rather than let the enemy see my pain, I would allow these two...friends, yes, these two friends see. I had been foolish to think otherwise. They had been here for me, whether they know that, or not.
They talked to me when I had no clue, trusted me with the most meaningful part of their lives without knowing me, helped me without second thought, catered to without cooperation on my part. They were good people, and now they had just been given the biggest shell shock of their lives, I could easily note.
Rainbow Dash was the first to break the awkwardness, shaking her head a bit, taking in a breath that needed to be let in many minutes ago, "I can honestly say, that I don't know what to say..." Rarity snapped out of it, and nodded, agreeing.
I bit my lip, "I know it's alot to take in, but it's the truth...you didn't need to know, I rather you just forget about it." I stood sharply, heading for the door. Fear overtook my body at the thought of them knowing. I guess I should have thought of that before hand, but I knew now. I knew they couldn't handle it, and who was I to expect them to? How crude to think that they could understand, that they needed this overwhelming weight on their shoulders? A crazy person was the last thing Rainbow Dash of this world needed on her plate right now, and I knew that, deep down before I even spat out the first sentence.
Before I knew what happened though, I was spun around, a shaken, crying Rainbow Dash crushing me with a hug I hadn't seen coming. I stood there, unsure of what to do, or say.
"You can't leave! We need t-to find Spike." She stuttered out, and I was shocked. As was Rarity.
"What?" The purple hair girl almost whispered. I could see her raise from her seat, disbelief on her pale, pretty face, "She's insane!" She yelled, throwing her hands in the air, falling back down in her seat.
I would have agreed if the shoe had been on the other foot.
Rainbow shook her head into my chest, pressed tightly against me, "No, if...if you'd told me that I would be pregnant a week ago, I would have told you the same thing...b-but I know now anything is possible."
All air that was left in the room left in a swift motion as Rarity fell back into her seat, eyes wide, mouth agape. I was shocked. I wrenched my arms up, holding Rainbow, thanking her silently. She understood without understanding, I think. She wanted to relate, more than believe. But regardless, I took it. Anything is better than nothing at this point, I reasoned.
"So...we have a crazy princess, and a pregnant superstar...great." Rarity mumbled in a stage whisper, shaking her head in disbelief. I'm sure this was the biggest bit of gossip she had gotten all year, and I'm more over sure she had no intent of knowing it. Rather she wanted to be a part of Rainbow Dash's life, I could read all over her face she didn't need the drama. She may be one to spread it through hurtful, or pleasing words, she didn't want to live it herself though. She was the only one without a problem I noticed, as I peeled an emotionally wrecked Rainbow off.
Pinkie Pie, last I saw, was broken and crying, Fluttershy shell shocked with grief, an AJ with lack of guidance, not knowing who she truly is, or worse knowing and letting it fly to the wind for everyone to see...she had no problem, other than starting them for others. Maybe she wasn't just like the Rarity at home...
Rainbow Dash sniffed, rubbing her face hard, "I think you're crazy you know?" She hiccuped, giving me a bashful smile, "But, I want to help. 'Cause if you're not crazy, then maybe no one will look at me..." she ended on a dull note, bringing her hand down and stroking her belly. My heart twitched, wondering what that statement could mean for the little one inside of her. I still didn't know what to say about it, but I knew I had to say something, anything at this point.
I put my hand on her shoulder, "I'm not crazy. I promise. And I'll be here for you, whatever you decide." She nodded slowly, hiccuping with a faint smile. We both turned to Rarity, who's face read like a book. She was confused, worried, and lost for words all in the same breath.
We just stood there, looking at one another, afraid we'd get lost in each others gaze, like the Bermuda triangle I had read about. I shifted my feet, worried, biting my lip.
"I don't know what to say..." She rose from her seat, and walked over to us, putting a hand on Rainbow's, pulling it close, and looking her straight in the eye, "but she's right. I'm here for you too." My mouth fell at that. What was up with them ignoring the elephant in the room?
"And..." she side eyed me. Oh how I wished she'd kept ignoring the elephant in the room, the look of that girl, as if I should be popping pills, I shivered at her lack luster feelings toward me, no longer the happy, peppy girl I knew ten minutes ago, "if she isn't insane...which I'm sure she is," Rainbow Dash couldn't help but laugh at that, hiccuping, pulling away and rubbing her smiling face, "then that will be just one more cool thing that happened to me this year."
Cool thing? What's so cool about learning that a dog's really a dragon that could one day kill you, that a normal girl is really a princess, that the formal queen is really a being from a different-alright I had no clue where I was going with that...
oOo
We talked all night, talked of Rainbow's pain, of Spike, of home. I felt...hopeful. I could see similarities between my friends back home and the ones that I was slowly warming up to here. Rainbow Dash was really sweet, didn't talk bad about anyone, just that she was devastated when she found out she was pregnant, and that Sunset was being...well, a really bad word about it. Rarity though...the more she talked, the more I wondered if she was even the slightest bit like my Rarity...
A plan, that's all I should be focusing on.
So the next day we walked into school, exhausted, confused, and worried. More over for Rainbow Dash. Though I did find it a bit odd we were more worried about a prego teen than an alien, to put it in Rarity terms. We did make a plan out of the night, though, all I could think about even through all of the crazy stories I had, and the heartache for RD, that each one of us would skip one class, and all three lunch, to comb the school to find Spike. That seemed to be the key, though I wasn't sure after last night if they could handle the truth. They could barely handle Dashie being pregnant, much less indisputable proof that I was from another world.
I wasn't even all that sure I could handle it. I mean, come on. I was sent here, alone, more or less, to find the crown, and get back safely. If Celestia could see me now, why I'm sure she'd faint with my lack of respect for her. I hung my head as we parted ways, Rainbow heading to the gym for first, and Rarity to the bathroom to 'powder her nose.' I wasn't in the mood to head to class, so I made up my mind this would be my skipping class.
I headed down the halls with a heavy heart, and started with our makeshift bedroom. But found nothing. I sighed, closing the door.
"Oh, Spike...where are you?" I asked the stiff air around me, hugging myself. I was tired, worried, and even more than that, I had to come up with a campaign to win the fall formal crown. At least, that's what Rarity told me. So after a good part of an hour without luck of finding my scaly friend, I headed toward the gym, hoping I could find a party-planning Pinkie Pie.
Which I didn't, but I did spy a tired looking Rainbow Dash, throwing balls into a hoop. I waited for the teacher to blow a whistle, and for the class to sit down. I walked over and sat down next to her, nudging her sides, "You're pretty good." I smiled, trying to stay light hearted. Her pain was as clear as perfectly blown glass. I wanted so bad for her to feel better, but I had to worry about the formal, and Spike...
"Huh? Uh, yeah, I guess." She laughed it off, rubbing the back of her head, popping open a water bottle, gulping down large mouthfuls.
"So I already did my sweep...sooo I was hoping you could do the next?" The bell rang, and she nodded quickly, grabbing her bag and standing up to give me a stiff, sweaty hug.
"Sure, hun! I just gotta grab a quick shower, 'K?" I nodded as she hurried across the gym.
"Oh, wait! Dashie!" I called, running after, "I forgot to ask, but Rarity said I should start planning my campaign for the fall formal," she nodded, agreeing, giving me an odd lopsided grin. I giggled, shrugging it off, "And I was hoping you knew if Pinkie Pie was gonna be in here? So I can ask-"
"You don't need to talk to her." Stiff, cold. She gave me a look, a look I couldn't place...it made my spine curl in on itself, curdling, spoiled.
"W-why?" Shivers ran up my arms, hair standing on end, I hugged myself.
We stood there for a moment, her eyes piercing my very soul, screaming at me, scaring me. I had never seen such a look...comprehensible, I just knew it left me feeling broken, hurt...angry.
She shook her head, snapping her eyes toward the showers just a few steps away, and started to walk off, almost forcing a laugh, "Uh, I mean...just don't worry about it, I'll help you out...later."
I stood there as she went in the locker room, staring blankly at the double doors. My whole body felt pain, like that of losing a loved one, but...tears came to my eyes, and I shook it off.
I couldn't lose him.
I ran out of the gym, I needed to find Rarity if I couldn't find Pinkie Pie.
oOo
It had been hours before I saw Rarity, and I found her in lunch, gnawing on an apple. My mouth watered, but I had better things to worry about than a growling stomach. So did she I thought, as I walked up to her, blood pressure rising, I slammed my hand down next to her. She spit out the apple, almost choking.
"Oh, ugh, Twilight!" She threw her apple across the table, blushing shamefully, "I was just about to go find-"
I raised a hand, rolling my eyes. She gave an apologetic smile, standing up just as I sat down. She rose her brow, "Huh, I thought-"
"I think something's wrong with Rainbow Dash." I stated flatly, she shot a quick grin then dropped it, sitting down with a forced worried face.
"I have a feeling this isn't about the...you know..." She leaned in close, whispering, "baby?" I shook my head, and she stayed close, "Then, what?"
I wasn't sure if I should tell her, as I looked in her prying eyes. She showed no emotion for others, other than catty-ness. As if others were her play thing. She wasn't like Rarity back home, I knew this now, felt it deep down, but honestly I had no time to find anyone else that could help me, or Rainbow Dash. So instead I forced my lips to move, "I...does she not like Pinkie Pie?"
That struck a nerve, one that was deeply rooted. Her eyes widened, mouth falling to the floor, "What...where did you hear that from?" Her voice held no feelings, no meaning. She was playing blank, stupid. My brows rose, and she shut her mouth close with a snap, and went to stand, "I think that can of worms needs to stay closed."
I grabbed her arm as she went to walk off, "What? I need to know, because she doesn't want me to ask her for help, but if she's anything like my Pinkie, she could really help-"
"Drop it, Twilight!" She snapped, harshly pulling her arm out of my grasp. I sat there shocked. She frowned, sighing, and sat back down reluctantly. I shifted away from her as she took in a deep breath, putting up a pinkie finger, "If I tell you, you can't say a word. Not to anyone, not even your Spikey-poo, alright?" I nodded, a bit hurt that she would bring Spike into this.
I wrapped my pinkie around hers, "I cross my heart, and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." I promised, sticking my free hand in my eye. She gave me a weird look, but nodded, closing in, and wrapping an arm around my shoulder, whispering almost too low to hear, ears straining, I pressed against her, curiosity overtaking my senses.
"She hates Pinkie Pie, and when I say hate, I mean loathe..." she pulled away, rubbing up her arms. I sat there waiting for more, for words to spill out and for her to blab for hours on end, but instead, we sat there...and sat there.
"-And?" I asked, rolling my hands like I was lassoing words out of her mouth. She shrugged.
"That's all I know. But my bet, it has something to do with her...you know..." she closed in, "baby." I rolled my eyes, pushing her away.
"Why? How on Earth would Pinkie Pie have anything to do with that?" I clinched my jaw, annoyed at her. She was playing with me!
She shrugged again, "I think that...well, by how Pinkie acts, that her baby-daddy's, well, um..." she sturred, rubbing the back of her head. I rolled my eyes again, pushing on her shoulder, gesturing for her to go on. She took in a deep breath, "Flash Sentry."
I nodded dumbly, forgetting that even though she had confided in us, she conveniently left out Flash, for a good reason I'm sure, as I looked at her amazed eyes, wide with excitement. I quickly withdrew my nod, shaking my head, faking, "Oh, F-F-Flash Sentry, uh you mean that-"
She punched me in the arm heartily, "Oh please! Drop the act! You knew! I know..." she trailed off, doing the creepy pyramid drumming, "so I was right about the fight." Fight?
"What fight?" I asked, forcing myself to focus, even though I had just betrayed someone that was to fragile right now, too fragile to deal with this...I looked her up and down, this Gabby Gums of this world.
"Pinkie and her! In fact...they had a fight the same day I met you." We both gave each other a look, hers questioning, mine full of...something. I didn't know how I felt about that, honestly, "She was really upset, and I overheard...well, I dropped in, and heard her yelling about her ex-boyfriend, Flash Sentry. And Rainbow was oh, so mad at her. They got into it bad, and Pinkie Pie ran off crying." She shied off a bit, "I had no clue it was about her having his baby..." she whispered with something I hadn't heard from her before: genuine concern.
"Hey guys." We screamed, jumping the small gap between us, hyperventilating, bug-eyed.
"Rainbow Dash!" We both yelped out, hopping up and grabbing an arm on either side, pulling her along, "Come on, we got a dragon-dog to find!" I chimed, trying my hardest to hide my emotions, trying to be hopeful that we could find him, rather than feel sorry for Rainbow and Pinkie Pie. I didn't want her mad at me, if she knew I told Rarity...
"Hey, hey!" She growled, pulling out of our grip, spinning around, laughing, "I can walk, could ever since I stopped crawling." We forced a laugh, nodding, and we all three headed out of the cafeteria.
oOo
Before we knew it though, the bell had started to ring, and the halls flooded with people. We rushed into the nearest bathroom, Rainbow guarding the door as Rarity and I leaned against the stalls.
"So, you two clearly had no luck, neither did I..." I trailed off, scratching the back of my head. They shook their heads. Even all three of us together couldn't find him.
"Maybe we should ask Celestia?" Rarity suggested, shrugging, giving up.
"No!" I shouted, and they jumped, "I mean...no. She doesn't want me running against her daughter, so..." I bit my lip, and they both let out an 'Oh.'
We stood there for a moment, thinking. I couldn't focus though, couldn't wrap my brain around all of this. I knew Spike wasn't the only thing I had to worry about. I had to find the crown, to regain the element of harmony. "I guess we can look for him...later," that stung, hurt right were it counts, "I should probably find Pinkie-"
Rarity elbowed me in the stomach, hard. Rainbow Dash shot her a hard look, then back at me as I bent over in pain, catching my breath.
"You know, don't you Rarity?" She asked, never taking her eyes off of me.
"What? Know what?" She tried to laugh it off, pulling me upright. I shot her a damning glare, coughing, stomach tight.
"Don't play dumb with me, you told her, didn't you?!" She screamed at me, stomping, "How could you...I trusted you!" I don't know why, but I felt so...hurt by that. How could I? How could she! She made me leave Spike behind, who knows, maybe I could've found him that night, now all hope seemed lost, and she was whining about a little gossip? About a father that was someone else's?
I know I didn't just think that...
"Rainbow..." I tried to talk, but I still couldn't find air as I clinched my stomach. It didn't matter though, 'cause as soon as I did find the air I desperately needed, she had already stormed out, Rarity on her coat tail, begging for...oh I don't care. I was so angry, broken. I had to find Pinkie Pie, whether she wants me to, or not. I had to. She was the only way I could plan how to take care of the fall formal, maybe she could even help me with Spike...
So that's just what I did. I set out to find her, looking in the gym after every bell, with no luck. I could hear over the speakers that the formal dance was coming up fast, and voting would start tomorrow.
"And don't forget to drop by the gym after school! Our party-planners can't do it all by themselves!" The Luna of this world, her voice was soothing. I smiled, leaning against a wall. It reminded me alot of Celestia, my Celestia.
"Wait, what?" I pushed myself up, looking up at the speakers, "What did you just say?"
"And Pinkie Pie, our star planner is always willing to show anyone the ropes, same with AppleJack, and Big Mac! So come-"
"Yes!" I fist pumped the air, so happy that there was only a few minutes left of school. I could head to the gym, get Pinkie to help me out, maybe even see if she was holding the crown for the fall formal. It was all coming together, and after I could find Spike, and we could go home-
And to do that I had to make my way back to the gym, again, and hope that Pinkie Pie would be there. Which she was. So was AJ, and Big Mac, the whole gym was covered in glitter, and streamers, and balloons of all colors, tables littered with apple cider, and big bowls I'm sure for holding snacks. It was so pretty, so...Pinkie Pie. And done so quickly, it couldn't have taken them more than ten minutes to set this all up. Heh, just like my Pinkie Pie.
"Ya' sure do got a pretty smile, little miss."
I shook my head, "AppleJack, hey..." I rubbed the back of my head, blushing. I wasn't really in the mood to be her play thing, or eye candy right now, "I need to talk to Pinkie Pie." I leaned to the side, eyeing the peppy pink party-planner as she filled balloons, while ordering Big Mac around, placing cider on every table, just so.
"Oh? I don't think dat's such a good...I mean...uh...listen little las, why don't I see if I can help ya out, huh?" She shot me a beautiful smile, eyes shining. I blushed deeper, shaking my head.
"No, really, I need her help." I walked past her, or tried rather. She grabbed my arm gingerly.
"I don't think she wants ta see ya right now, honey-bee." She mumbled, dipping her head down under her cowboy hat as I trotted over to the peppy pink planner.
oOo
Rainbow Dash darted out of the bathroom. How could Twilight Sparkle tell Rarity? Rarity, of all people? She would tell the whole school! Then she wouldn't have to worry about Sunset Shimmer, or her career...or Flash Sentry. She slowed, taking in laps of breath. He wouldn't talk to her again, he was embarrassed of her, of the baby, his baby. And that's just fine! She didn't need a man in her life to be happy. But still-
"Oh, Rainbow DASSHHH!" Rarity called after, coming up fast on the tired looking girl. Just as she got to her, she spun around, grabbed her and threw her against the wall, a little less lady like than she was used to being handled, in fact it was down right rude for her own tastes.
"If you tell anyone, and I mean anyone, I will kill you. K-I-L-L." She emphasized, poking her in the chest with each letter.
A sweat droplet slid down her perfectly powdered face, "I won't say a word, honestly...what kind of a girl do you take me for?" She asked, pulling at the collar of her shirt, smiling lopsidedly.
Dashie sighed, pushing herself off of her. What was she going to do with this girl? With Twilight, and the baby, and the father? How could she balance all of this with school, and her family, and games? All of a sudden she realized she had a large plate, at a buffet she wasn't sure she wanted to eat at.
The speakers started to buzz to life, and they both exchanged looks.
"I don't want Pinkie Pie helping..."
"I know-"
"Then why did you tell her she would help? Why couldn't we?! I mean, god Rarity! I'm like the star of all the freakin' sports, and you're...you're..." She rubbed her chin, looking the pretty purple curly hair girl up and down. She was shocked, appalled actually.
"Oh, you can't think of anything, can you!" She pointed to herself, getting in Rainbow's face, "I'll have you know I'm on a fast track to doing high fashion, couture, runway! My life's lined up for me honey!" She screamed, eye twitching.
"I suggest you get out of my face..." Rainbow warned the small girl.
"No, no, no! Not if you think that my life is any less important than your football games!" She gave up, twirling around, throwing her hands in the air for emphasis.
Her eyes squinted, "Excuse me? I don't even play football, you bimbo!"
Rarity gasped, "Why you-!"
"And Pinkie Pie, our star planner is always willing to show anyone the ropes, same with AppleJack, and Big Mac! So come on down, colts. We need your help to make this the best fall formal ever!" Luna's voice boomed over them, and they both looked up at the speakers, then back down at each other.
"Twilight?" Rarity asked, refusing to look her in the eye.
She nodded, huffing, "Twilight..."
They headed toward the gym once the bell had rung, keeping to themselves. That is, until they got to the gym, which was decked out, with balloons, tables, streamers, glitter, a disco ball...and a perfectly placed Twilight Sparkle in the middle of the floor, in the fetal position, and a very angry looking Pinkie Pie swatting at her!
"Twilight!" They both squeaked, rushing over, pulling Pinkie off of her.
"Get off of me! You ho!" She screamed, smacking Rainbow Dash across the face as Rarity peeled her off of Twilight.
She rubbed her reddened cheek, shocked...that bitch just hit her!
oOo
No sooner than I got to my feet, Rainbow and Pinkie Pie were on the ground, screaming, biting, warning, threatening, kicking, punching. Oh no, I had to stop them, before they got hurt!
"Rarity, help me get them apart!" She nodded, wide eyed. She was clearly as clueless about this as I was.
We carefully tried grabbing arms, holding down feet, covering their eyes. Nothing worked! In the end I ended up an even deeper purple. I plopped down, rubbing my sore face and arms, "STOP FIGHTING!" I screamed, and Rarity jumped, still pulling at Pinkie Pie's arm, who was now on top of Rainbow, clawing at her face.
"You...really...think that's...going to work?" She asked, heaving. I shrugged, exhausted. I didn't know what would work, dang it! All I wanted was a little help with a campaign! Why did everything have to be so complicated here?
"That's enough, all of you...THAT'S ENOUGH!" My heart stopped...Celestia, great. Where did she even come from? I jumped to my feet, and Rarity jumped off of the girls.
"I can't believe you two! Of all people, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie...I thought better of you two!" Her words dripped like acid as she grabbed them both by the arm.
"Ow! She started it-" Pinkie pleaded, squinting in pain.
"Me?! You're the one that can't get over the fact he doesn't care about you anymore!" Ouch...even I could see that one cut deep.
"Enough! You both, my office, noooow!" She demanded, tossing them ahead of her, "If I find out you two laid one more hand on each other, I promise I will make your lives a living hell, understand?" They both nodded numbly, glaring at each other, keeping at arms length as they limped out of the gym.
"And you two," she spun around, looking down at us with daggers for eyes, "if you two can't stay out of trouble, and by that I mean if I even so much as see you again," she poked us harshly in the chest, earning myself a yelp of pain, "I will personally see to it you fail this year, and the next if I'm feeling generous." She threatened, turning on her heel and stomping out.
"W-wait, you can't hold me back! I didn't do anything!" Rarity yelled after, crossing her arms.
Celestia stopped, turning around, glaring at her, giving her a pity look, as if she was something below her, something she'd find on her shoe at the end of the day, to peel off and throw away without a second thought, "Try me, little girl. In fact," she started waving her over, "come on. Now! You have detention!"
"What?!" We both said in unison. She couldn't get detention! She was the only friend I had that wasn't held up right now! This couldn't be happening...
"Now, Miss Rarity! And since you have so much to say," she started, cursing me with her cold, dead purple eyes, "you can join her. Now girls!" She pointed to the double doors.
We both exchanged looks, sighing. I give up. I'm never going home. I'll never get the crown, I'll never find Spike. I let Celestia down, my Celestia, my second mother...how could I ever face her again? I let down all of Equestria. All of my friends...maybe I should just go home now, before the portal closes, not like I can do anything here. I was useless. I was beaten down. These people were nothing like my friends back home. Tears came to my eyes. I don't think I can do this anymore...
I won't. I have to go home...