The train ride from the Crystal Empire to Ponyville was a long one; it had been some time since Predator had been back to that quaint small town. She had been keeping in regular contact with Rarity, sending letters to tell her of her days studying under Cadance, minus the growing feelings for the Princess of Love of course. She would’ve visited Rarity when she and her fellow Entities were in Canterlot, but decided against it, seeing as how they were recovering from a recent near disaster.
“Butcher,” whispered Predator with venom.
It was no secret that the lights of Rage and Love were on the opposite ends of the Emotional Spectrum. Predator knew it wouldn’t be long before the Entity of Rage showed his ugly face. And when he does, I’m going to make sure he doesn’t breed hate within this world!
Thankfully her thoughts of how to deal with her polar opposite kept her mind entertained long enough for the train to pull into Ponyville Station. With jerking motion of the train stopping and the hiss of the steam, Predator took hold of her bags and disembarked along with other ponies who had visited the Empire. It wasn’t long before Predator spotted her fellow unicorn friend, waving and looking excited to see her. The Entity of Love grinned happily as she trotted up to Rarity, the two sharing a hug.
“Star, it’s been a long time darling!”
“Sure has, at least this time I warned you in advance.”
The two mares shared a laugh over their private joke. After their initial meeting, Predator and Rarity made their way to Carousel Boutique. All the while Predator was looking over the town, happy to see that her friend’s home was not damaged during the incident a couple of months ago.
“It’s amazing that Ponyville has recovered so quickly from that volcano thing,” said Predator.
“Oh, it was quite the harrowing experience. Mind you, I was not involved with the actual fighting of the disaster; I was one of the many ponies helping with the evacuation. But it was horrible, thankfully though, Ponyville didn’t suffer much damage aside from some collapsed roofs and some polluted water. But we were able to get that all that settled fairly quickly.”
“Sounds like you guys are used to disasters hitting the town from time to time.”
Rarity chuckled nervously, blushing slightly. “Well…that is thanks, in no small part, to my friends and me. We tend to get involved in some of the most bizarre and dangerous situations, either here in town or somewhere nearby. It’s gotten to the point that Twilight had to help Mayor Mare create a ‘Rainy Day Fund’, as it were.”
Predator raised an eyebrow in confusion, “‘Rainy Day Fund’, what’s that?”
“Oh just a portion of Ponyville’s money set aside for when disasters such as the last one should happen. It’s meant to help recovery efforts should a natural disaster or…ahem…ones caused, inadvertently, by us.” Rarity chuckled nervously at mentioning a special fund set up to protect the town from the six’s adventures.
“Hmm, does that thing I did during Nightmare Night fall on you guys or me?”
Rarity actually stopped walking to think about it for a moment. “I don’t really think that really counts, since Twilight and Princess Luna were able to convince most of Ponyville it was an elaborate Nightmare Night stage act. By the way darling, that was an impressive illusion spell you cast.”
“Illusion spell, yeah, that’s what it was! A-Anyway, you think anypony will remember that?”
“Oh Star, that was months ago, I doubt anypony remembers that particular incident with everything that happens around here.”
Just as Rarity said that a group of ponies was passing by, they stopped for a moment and stared at the pony walking alongside her. The dark pink, violet eyed unicorn mare, who held a strong mixed aura of intimidation and allure. Many of the ponies’ eyes twitched.
“SHE’S BACK!” They shouted.
After that they all scattered to whereabouts unknown. Predator gave Rarity a look that said “Yeah right they don’t remember.” Rarity cleared her throat and began walking again towards her home, not really giving a response to her friend.
Eventually Rarity and Predator made it to Carousel Boutique, with Rarity ushering the young mare into her establishment. When Predator entered the home/business she noticed that Rarity had added new clothes to her line, if the ones on display in the windows and on the rack of any indication, it was good to see that her friend’s business was still good. Rarity showed Predator to the guest room where she began to unpack what sparse stuff she owned.
“So, despite near disasters, has anything else happened?”
“Actually you’ll never believe it, but one of my friends, Applejack finally has a –!”
*Ding*
The familiar chime was heard ringing all the way upstairs, alerting Rarity that somepony had entered the boutique.
“I’ll be right back,” she said quickly.
Predator was about to take out the first item from her bag when something made her snap to attention. There was dull ache in her heart, her eyes shifted from the normal eyes of a pony into slit, cat-like eyes, glowing with the violet-pink light of Love. Her head jerked towards the door, the source of the ache emanating from downstairs.
Love lost! Someone’s heart is broken!
The Entity of Love quickly rushed towards the stairs, creeping down them silently as to not alert Rarity or the new arrival of her presence.
“Sweetie Belle you’re home early, I thought you would be out with your friends a little longer,” said Rarity’s voice.
“I…I really didn’t feel like hanging out with them…it’s hard, still. Besides, I thought we could hang out together, you know, have some sister time?”
“Well…Sweetie I…”
Rarity stopped when she heard the creaking of the stairs behind her. Predator had cursed under her breath for not paying attention. No point in being stealthy now. After regaining her composure, Predator descended the rest of the stairs and flashed the visitor a smile. Predator eyed the visitor quizzically, she had the same coat color as Rarity, her pink and purple mane even had the same natural curls. The little unicorn filly eyed Predator with suspicion.
“Who’s that,” asked Sweetie Belle.
“Well, Sweetie, this is my friend, Star Sapphire. She’s the apprentice of Princess Cadance.”
Predator slowly trotted towards the two sisters and smiled kindly at Sweetie Belle.
“Hi there, so you’re the Sweetie Belle that I’ve heard about. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
Sweetie Belle shifted her gaze between Rarity and Predator, an annoyed expression was starting to form on her face, along with a slight amount of anger.
“Now I know why you were surprised to see me back so early. Sorry to interrupt your make out time, sis,” said Sweetie.
“Sweetie Belle! We were doing no such thing!”
“Isn’t she a little young for you, she’s like, what, sixteen or something?”
“That is enough! Star is a friend I met during Nightmare Night last year, and where are your manners,” scolded Rarity.
Sweetie Belle lowered her gaze and then huffed. The unicorn filly pushed past Rarity and Predator and made her way upstairs to her room. It wasn’t long before the two unicorn mares heard the stomping of hooves and the slam of a door, making Rarity wince from the sound.
“I am terribly sorry, Star. Sweetie is…well…she’s going through a rough patch at the moment.”
“She’s heart broken,” said Predator simply.
Rarity blinked at that, “W-What!? You can tell!?”
Predator gave the mare a sly smile.
“Right, apprentice to the Princess of Love. It’s a bit of a long story; I’ll make us some tea.”
After the tea was made, and they were comfortably seated at the dining table, Rarity began to tell Predator the rather sad tale about Sweetie Belle’s crush.
“I never really saw it as such, I blame myself. Had I’d paid more attention I could’ve helped Sweetie Belle cope with her eventual heartache concerning Scootaloo. I just wrote it off as nothing more than the two of them being very close friends…”
Predator took a sip of her tea before answering, “Don’t blame yourself Rarity, it seems obvious that Sweetie Belle was dealing with new emotions she wasn’t sure of. From the sounds of it, she was afraid to ruin the friendship she had with Scootaloo, while at the same time not wanting to hurt Adara, her friend as well.”
Rarity sighed heavily at the predicament her little sister was in. “What she did for them was the greatest act of love and generosity I’ve seen. Sacrificing her chance to allow another to have theirs, even though she says she is alright, Sweetie is spending less and less time with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Adara. I really don’t want their friendships to just slowly deteriorate as time goes on and she grows to resent them.”
The Entity of Love absorbed the information, periodically glancing in the general direction of the ceiling where Sweetie Belle’s room was. It saddened her to see such a young filly already give up on finding love. And because of it, her love for her friends was suffering for it. What weighed on Predator at the moment was the best way to approach this, used to she would just possess the being and fill their heart with the light of love. Of course, the downside to that was that the host would soon after hunt down the object of their love, steal them away, and place them in crystal stasis. Predator thought that that wouldn’t go over too well.
“Would you like me to talk with her, Rarity?” Predator asked.
“I’ve tried to talk to her about it, but she usually walks away or tells me to drop it. Ugh! I’m now starting to understand how my parents felt when I was that age…” Rarity then smacked her forehead, realizing that she just called herself old.
“Well, maybe a fresher perspective might help?”
“I’d love it if Sweetie could find some way to feel better about this, but you’re on vacation Star, I couldn’t just ask you to put that on hold to deal my family’s personal problems.”
“Friends help friends, simple as that. Besides, my special talent won’t stop nagging at me till I do something about it.”
Rarity had almost forgotten how powerful Star’s love magic could be, maybe there was a chance for her to get Sweetie Belle out of her dower mood. But then another thought entered her mind.
“Remember, Star, she’s just a filly, just a filly. Not a grown mare, so go easy on her in whatever you discuss with her.”
Predator rose up and started walking towards the staircase, “Jeez Rarity, you think I was about to set your sister up with me or something.”
“Yes that, that kind of stuff. Don’t, just don’t.”
Predator rolled her eyes but complied with her request. The pink unicorn ascended the stairs, the dull ache growing stronger when she reached Sweetie Belle’s room. There was sorrow behind that door and from one so young. Among other things, Predator also sensed a faint glimmer of hope in her heart, and now she was wondering if bringing Adara with her to this little talk would be helpful. No that would definitely make it worse, probably. Here goes nothing…
She gingerly knocked at the door and waited for a response. It didn’t take long for Sweetie Belle to come to the door with a hopeful look on her face, but when she noticed that it was Predator that expression morphed into a frown.
“Hi, again, Sweetie.”
“…Look, I’m sorry about what I said…”
“Actually I –”
“I didn’t mean to go off on you and Rarity, it’s none of my business who my sisters does and doesn’t date.”
“Well to be honest we aren’t dating Sweetie Belle, we’re just friends.” Predator clarified.
“Oh…sorry…”
“Don’t be, I understand why you’re sad, it’s the reason why I came to see you. Do you mind if I come in?”
Sweetie Belle stuck her neck out from the door, glancing down each end of the hall to see if her big sister was lurking about, trying to pull something.
“I guess…”
The unicorn filly retreated back into her room, leaving the door open for Predator to enter. The sensation was intensified within Sweetie’s room, the aching was stronger here, and it took most of Predator’s concentration not to leap inside of Sweetie Belle and use her light to comfort her. This must’ve been where it all happened…
Predator watched as Sweetie Belle climbed up onto her bed and curled up into a ball, with her tail wrapping around to complete her closed off body language.
“So, what was it that you wanted?”
“I wanted to talk you about Adara and Scootaloo, and, most importantly, you.”
Sweetie Belle winced upon hearing those names. “What about Adara and Scoots…?”
“I know you love Scootaloo,” answered Predator.
“It doesn’t matter, Scootaloo and Adara are…are fillyfriends now…”
“That doesn’t mean you have to give up on love, or think that you cannot be loved.”
Sweetie rose up and looked at the unicorn mare as if she were crazy. “I am too loved, my parents, and my sister love me! So do my friends!”
“That is familial love Sweetie, born from the bonds of mother, father, and siblings, that kind of love will never abandon you. The other you speak of is platonic, one born from close friendships of others who care about you and your wellbeing. Those you still have within you, and are strong. It is the third that you have trouble believing in.”
“And what is the third?”
“Romantic, love given and reciprocated in kind, Sweetie Belle you needn’t bottle up the hurt in your heart –”
“I’m fine! Why do you and Rarity think I’m not!? I’m happy that Scootaloo is happy! What kind of pony would I be to get angry at Adara because she also loves her!? I want them to be happy!”
Predator moved closer to the edge of Sweetie’s bed. “But you think that you have lost your chance, your only chance. Am I right?”
Sweetie Belle open and closed her mouth several times, trying to come up with an argument to tell the mare before that she was wrong. But every time an idea popped into her head it was quickly quashed by this mare’s ability to read her. Finally, Sweetie Belle gave up on arguing the point and conceded to Star.
“Yes…I never felt like that about anypony…I used to think I only liked colts, I would get a kind of fluttering feeling in my stomach…but then I noticed I got that same feeling when around other fillies, Scootaloo in particular.” Sweetie Belle blushed at revealing her feelings about colts and fillies to a stranger, but something about this mare made Sweetie believe she was trustworthy and would not judge.
“You needn’t be shy with me, Sweetie Belle, you may continue.”
Sweetie Belle sighed, the weight of being judged having been lifted from her small shoulders. “I’ve wanted to tell her, but every time I want to I remember how ticked Scootaloo would get when somepony called her a…a…” Sweetie Belle looked to Predator with an almost pleading expression, as if asking if she really needed to say it. Luckily, the dark pink mare nodded, silently telling Sweetie that she knew what she was going to say. “Well whenever they’d call her that I was scared that she’d think I was making fun of her, or she’d say no because she was afraid being labeled that.”
“Obviously she does not fear being called that now, correct?”
Sweetie nodded.
“I can’t help but notice all the good Adara’s done for her, I don’t know how to explain it, but I feel like she’s the one who’s been giving Scootaloo the strength to get through the things that have happened to her…So…” Sweetie eyes began to water. “So…after I said what I had to say to Adara and Scootaloo, I let them be…but it’s hard to be around them, seeing them together.”
Predator could see that this was hard for Sweetie to talk about; she moved closer to the bed till her chest bumped against it. She then held out her forelegs, offering a hug. Sweetie Belle took the offered hug, crawling towards Predator and allowing her to embrace her. It pained Predator, truly, to see a young one such as herself so forlorn. It was then that Predator got an idea.
“Sweetie Belle?”
“Hmm…?”
Predator separated herself from Sweetie a little, looking directly into her eyes. “You think you have lost your only chance to be happy, and for that you believe love has forsaken you, it hasn’t. You’re still young, one day you’ll meet your special somepony.”
“I doubt it…”
“What if I could show you,” she queried.
Sweetie Belle gave Predator a skeptical look, “How?”
Predator separated herself further from Sweetie Belle, scooting till she was at the center of the room. She then motioned for the young filly to join her. With a shrug, Sweetie Belle hopped off her bed and sat on her haunches beside Predator.
“Now place your hoof on me, and open your mind.” Sweetie gave her an incredulous look. “I’m serious!”
Sighing in indignation, Sweetie Belle placed her right hoof on Predator’s side, and “opened her mind” the best she could. After making sure the filly was ready, Predator tapped into her light of Love. Her eyes shined with the violet-pink energy that engulfed the two ponies. Sweetie Belle closed her eyes for a moment, slightly startled by what the unicorn mare was up to. After a few seconds Sweetie Belle
opened her eyes and gasped.
Gone was her room, now she and Predator stood in a vast network of violet-pink lights that streaked across the expansive nothingness. Sweetie Belle looked down and yelped when she realized that there was no floor. She quickly latched herself to Predator, eliciting a chuckle from the Entity of Love.
“W-W-Where are we!? What is the place!?”
“We’re still in your room Sweetie Belle. I’ve merely stripped away the surface and granted you a peek into something that only a chosen few can see. Do you see these?”
Predator stretched out her right hoof and grasped onto one of the many light streams. To Sweetie’s surprise it didn’t pass through her, or burn her. Though Predator did hold it with tenderness and care as if it were a newborn.
“What is that?” Sweetie asked.
“It goes by many names, in Neighpon myth, it is often called the ‘String of Fate’, the invisible thread that links one ponies life with another’s, the two destined to become a couple. For me, I call them Sapphire Tethers, a tightly woven thread connecting to your true love, and taking you to them no matter where they are.”
Sweetie Belle eventually released Predator, after tapping the nonexistent ground with a cautious hoof. Once assured that she wasn’t going to fall into forever, Sweetie Belle began examining the Tether. She touched it lightly and felt a great surge of love, the love of two different ponies who were separated by great distances. Sweetie removed her hoof from the Tether, shaking her head to regain her senses.
“This is pretty, and wonderful, but I don’t get it? What does this place have to do with me?”
“Watch, I shall isolate your Sapphire Tethers.” With a flash of her horn and wave of her hoof, Predator wiped away the incalculable amount of Sapphire Tethers, leaving behind a sparse few, all of which lead directly to Sweetie Belle’s heart. “These are yours.”
Sweetie jumped at the sight of so many Tethers connected to her heart, afraid that they might remove her heart if she wasn’t careful.
“These Tethers belong to those whose love stems from a familial bond.” Predator tapped three of the Sapphire Tethers each of which, at the opposite ends, showed a construct image of Sweetie Belle’s mother, father, and her big sister, Rarity. Predator dismissed those Tethers. “These are the ones that stem from platonic love, born of friendship.” Another tap of the strings and Sweetie was presented with the images of Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Twist, Spike, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Cheerilee…there was even one for Adara and Scootaloo. “Lastly, the remaining Tethers from romantic love.”
With another flash the Emotional Tethers were thinned out leaving behind ten to twenty threads, each one going off into a different direction. Sweetie Belle’s eyes widened at the sight of so many Tethers, she knew she couldn’t possibly be in love or have that many crushes.
“What’s going on here, I thought you said that these ones were supposed to show me my special somepony?!”
“I never said I’d show you, I said I would show you that you are loved. These Tethers are connected to you because they hold possibility.” Predator noticed the confused look on Sweetie’s face. “In other words, although Scootaloo was precious to you and you do indeed hold onto that love.” Predator reached out and touched one of the Tethers, its form becoming that of Scootaloo’s. “But there are others, ones that you have yet to realize, and others who have yet to notice you.”
“So you’re saying that these are ponies that I’m in love with?”
“They are ones that you could fall in love with. The future is full of possibilities Sweetie Belle and you are still young, and full of life. One day, one of these Tethers will lead you to your special somepony, and you will again find the love you seek.” Predator placed a hoof on Sweetie Belle’s chin, raising it up to meet her eyes. “Fret not, Sweetie Belle, for love has not forsaken you. So please, do not forsake it.”
Sweetie Belle took a moment to think, seeing so many of those Tethers, knowing that one of them would one day lead her to her special somepony, it made her happy. Yes, it still hurt that Scootaloo would no longer be the center of her thoughts, but she was still in her heart, loved as friend and more than a friend at the same time. There was even one connected to Adara, which actually made her even more happy, even if she still felt like she did, her heart was telling her that there was still a place for Adara in it, and everypony else she cared about.
The unicorn filly cried a little, and Predator sensed that love had found its place in Sweetie’s heart once again.
“Thank you, Ms. Sapphire.”
“Call me Star. We’re friends too aren’t we?”
Sweetie Belle hugged the leg of the teenage mare and smiled happily. “Yes, of course we’re friends.” After hugging Star, Sweetie separated herself from the teenage mare and smiled sheepishly. “Guess I need to apologize to Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Adara…right?”
“That would be a good start, if they are the wonderful friends that I sensed from your Tethers then I am sure they will be understanding.”
Predator’s horn flashed blindingly bright, and within the next few seconds, both of them were back in Sweetie Belle’s room. With newfound determination Sweetie Belle opened her door and rushed out, passing by her big sister and through the doors of Carousel Boutique.
Rarity looked out the door with worry as to where her little sister was going, she then heard Predator coming down the stairs and immediately trotted to her.
“Star, what happened, is she alright, did you remember to keep your power in check?!”
“Ahem, in order, I just had a talk with her and reminded Sweetie that she was still loved, yes she’s alright, she’s just going off to talk with her friends, and lastly, I resent that.”
(The Next Day)
Predator and Rarity were taking a Spa Day, an activity that the Entity of Love was starting to enjoy, soaking in the mud baths and resting while they each traded little tidbits of gossip.
“C’mon Rarity, you’ve been holding onto something juicy sense yesterday, so dish, what is it!?” Predator asked.
“Well you remember my friend Applejack, don’t you?”
“Orange earth pony mare, blond mane and tail, three apples for a cutie mark, cute freckles, and always wears a Stetson hat? Yes, I remember her.”
“Well – wait – what about her freckles?”
“I didn’t stutter, go on Rarity,” said Predator, trying to get past the description.
“Yes, well, apparently she’s finally gotten a special somepony!” Rarity gushed a bit upon revealing the news.
“Wow, that’s great! So who’s the lucky stallion, or mare? I always saw her as having bi-curious tendencies.”
Rarity’s eye twitched at the thought of Applejack being into mares; though for some reason the thought was tempting to fantasize about. The fashionista quickly shook her head to dislodge those thoughts, and to prevent her from blushing.
“Really darling, I’m starting to think you enjoy saying those embarrassing things, either that or you’re completely unaware of it.”
Predator stared at Rarity, and then cocked her head to the side. “Unaware of what?”
Apparently it is the latter.
“Never mind, anyway, it is a stallion, and it turns out to be that Ion fellow who started working as their farmhand last year!”
“ION HAS A FILLYFRIEND!?”
“I know, isn’t it just like something out of a romance novel!? The handsome farmpony stallion and the headstrong and beautiful farm filly, both working side by side, their passion smoldering while giving each other loving glances from afar, oooh it’s so cute, and completely not what I expected from Applejack!”
I can’t believe this! Adara AND Ion have fillyfriends now! I mean, Adara, I could see that happening easily, but ION, that lunk head!? I swear, if Butcher, Parallax, or Ophidian manage to find some kind of love connection there is no justice!
“NO JUSTICE!” Predator shouted aloud, rising from the mud bath and shaking her hooves in the air angrily.
“No justice for what, Star?”
“Oh, did I just – What I meant was – Um – There’s no justice in this world if Applejack wasn’t able to find her special somepony!”
“Honestly, I think that mare was married to her work. I know she loves Sweet Apple Acres, heaven knows Twilight and I know what it can be like to wrap yourself up in your work. But there comes a time when the heart wants more, I know her cutie mark represents her drive and love for her family’s farm, but that doesn’t mean she has share in that joy alone.”
Predator looked at Rarity, “So, has she told you anything?”
“Ugh! Unfortunately no, she won’t divulge any information, like, when did she realize that she had feelings for Ion?”
I’d like to know that too.
“Did Ion feel the same way, obviously he did, but for how long?”
Again, something else I’d like to know.
“Did you know that those two kissed already and right after the whole volcano incident?”
At least they haven’t gone further than that…Come to think of it, could we even go further?
Rarity then sighed, “Sadly neither of them has even propositioned the other for a date! And I would so relish the chance to help Applejack with her first real date!”
“Yeah…”
After another hour or two of pampering, Rarity and Predator exited the Spa, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to take on whatever the day was going to throw at them. And apparently the day decided to throw a green earth pony stallion there way. Predator immediately sensed the presence of Willpower as the stallion got closer, now that Star looked closer, Ion was actually galloping towards her.
“Is that Ion?”
“Yes, yes it is.”
The stallion skidded to a stop right in front of the two mares, he then quickly grabbed hold of Predator.
“Need help, need to talk, now! Hi Rarity, bye Rarity! C’mon!”
Ion then lifted Predator up and threw her on his back and shot off into the distance like the wind. Rarity stood there, blinking several times as her mind tried to grasp what just occurred.
“Rarity?”
The unicorn mare turned to the familiar southern accented voice, watching as Applejack trotted towards her with a confused and slightly angered look on her face.
“Applejack?”
“Care to tell me why Ion just marehandled that teenage friend of yours, threw her onto his back and took off like the wind?”
“I have no idea. That was almost as random as Pinkie Pie.”
“Oh no, I could be way more random than that.”
“WAH!”
Rarity jumped into the air, prompting Applejack to catch her startled friend. Both mares then noticed that Pinkie Pie had suddenly appeared right next to the spot Rarity was standing at a moment ago.
“Told ya, anyway, see ya later girls, la-la-la-la-la-la.” Pinkie Pie then happily bounced away down the road as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
After a minute past Applejack let Rarity go so that she could stand up.
“Thank you Applejack, but to answer your question I don’t really know why he did that, Ion almost looked desperate.”
Applejack sighed, “Well, Ion probably just wants to catch up with her or somethin’, been awhile since Ah saw that filly, last year’s Nightmare Night, right?”
Rarity nodded, but then a devious grin split her face. “Oh Applejack, now that you’re here, perhaps you can indulge me my curiosity into yours and Ion’s relationship…?”
Applejack’s face went slightly pale, knowing that when it came to Rarity and gossip the mare wouldn’t let go of juicy sources when it was presented.
“Oh, gee, would ya look at the time! Ah gotta go finish grocery shoppin’, see ya later Rare!”
Applejack was about to make a mad dash towards the market, but was effectively ensnared by Rarity’s strong telekinetic grip around her tail.
“Oh Applejack, it’s been such a long time since you and I girl talked. Come, let us adjourn to my house where you may divulge every, sorted, detail.”
Applejack tried to get loose of her friends hold, and several times tried anchor herself to some random object, sadly this was a wasted effort as Rarity started to suspend Applejack in midair. Soon they reached the Boutique, the last thing that anypony heard was the chiming of the little bell that hung above the door.
After being unceremoniously carried off by Ion, the two Entities finally stopped somewhere a little outside of town. Predator was looking a little peeved at having been taken away in such a manner
“Okay, so, mind telling me why I was just kidnapped?” Predator asked.
“Well…um…you see…” Ion was rubbing the back of his head nervously, his eyes darting to random spots, trying to avoid direct eye contact with Predator.
The dark pink unicorn was starting to get a little irritated by Ion’s pensive demeanor. “Look, when you feel like you can form a coherent sentence, feel free to come and kidnap me again, till then, I was busy trying to enjoy my vacation.”
Predator turned her back to the stallion and began to walk away when Ion finally blurted out, “I need your help!”
The Entity of Love stopped mid step and turned around to face Ion. Now the Entities of the Emotional Spectrum considered themselves family, a dysfunctional, sometimes want to rule the universe and beat the other to pulp, but a family nonetheless. Ion often acted as the older brother, since he was technically the first of the seven to be born, taking charge and looking after Proselyte, Adara, and herself, while trying to keep Butcher, Ophidian, and Parallax in line. So it was a rare occurrence when the Entity of Willpower needed help, and Predator wasn’t about to pass up the chance to find out why.
“What exactly do you need my help with?”
“Predator, what exactly am I going to do for a date!?”
She blinked, “Huh?”
“I don’t know the first thing about dating! I mean, we’re freaking cosmic entities, dating wasn’t exactly a thing to worry about! I really don’t want to blow it with Applejack, so I was wondering if you could give me some advice or something…Predator, you alright?”
The dark pink mare’s cheeks were bulging, after about ten whole seconds Predator broke into a fit of laughter. She then collapsed onto the ground, rolling back and forth as she held onto her aching sides. Ion just stared at the display with a deadpan expression.
“Your compassion for my troubles is very comforting.”
“AHA HA HA…S-S-Sorry, Ion, if you wanted compassion, talk to Proselyte!” Predator started to come down off of her laughing fit and regained her composure. “Okay, but seriously, you want me to give you dating advice!?”
“You have been studying love under Princess Cadance. I thought maybe there was something I needed to know when it came to dating in Equestria. Any customs, rituals, or presents I’m supposed to bring, anything!?” Ion asked throwing his forelegs into the air.
“Firstly, no, there aren’t any special customs as far as I know. From what I understand, dating here is similar to that of Earth, with some minor variations. So you should be fine.”
Ion didn’t seem sure about that. “But…”
Predator walked up to Ion and placed a hoof on his shoulder to gain his attention. “Look, just take her out to dinner and see a movie, that’s pretty much standard OP for dating. After that, you’re on your own.” The look of skepticism was still etched upon Ion’s face. “Believe me when I say, you could have the crappiest date in history, but so long as you two are having a good time, and she’s happy, that’s all that really matters. My only real advice is to not plan everything.”
Ion raised a curious eyebrow, “Isn’t it good to plan it out?”
“To a degree, yes, but love is spontaneous and chaotic, you have to quickly adapt to the situation or you’ll end up being devoured by it,” Predator gave Ion a playful wink, “take it from the Predator.”
“ION!!!”
The Entities turned towards the voice, recognizing it as Applejack’s. The earth pony mare was angry, and blushing at the same time.
“And that’s my cue to leave! Wow, she looks mad, good luck with that!”
Without a second to lose, Predator’s horn flashed and in an instant she had teleported away, leaving Ion at the mercy of his fillyfriend.
“Hey, AJ, what’s u – OMPH!”
When Applejack got close enough, she jabbed the stallion in the gut. “That’s fer leavin’ me alone with Rarity after that little display! Do ya have any idea what she put me through!? She started grillin’ me about every little detail about meh love life, Ah swear, if hadn’t said anythin’ she probably would’ve tied me to a chair and tortured meh till Ah did! Now what do ya got to say fer yerself!?’
Ion waited till his lungs got in enough air to form a sentence. “Do you want to go out next week…?”
(3 Days Later)
Predator was lying on one of Rarity’s couches, it was nearing the end of the day and the sun was starting to set. The Entity of Love draped her right foreleg across her forehead, although her day wasn’t eventful, the last two were quite exhausting, prompting another trip to the Spa, something that Rarity didn’t mind at all. For the last three days Predator had, for some odd reason, has been helping others with their own relationships. Counting Sweetie Belle and Ion, others had come forth wanting her help.
Bonbon and Lyra had needed some help with, ahem, “spicing up” their love life. That hadn’t been an entirely unpleasant conversation. The day after that she was asked by a schoolteacher named Cheerilee on how to ask out a stallion by the name of Big Macintosh, apparently the two were friends and she didn’t want to risk ruining that friendship and making things awkward between them. Today was almost over, and it looked like there was going to be no one to bother her, but still.
Looks like almost everyone has someone…Ion and Applejack…Adara and Scootaloo…Proselyte and Fluttershy – even though their relationship is ambiguous at best…So what am I going to do with me and Cadance…?
Ever since their shared kiss atop that hill after the encounter with the Changelings, Predator and Cadance had been going about normal business as if it didn’t happen, it weighed on Predator about what Cadance thought of her? Yes she was married, and Predator respected that, not to mention that she did find Shining Armor attractive to a degree. She wouldn’t even mind being in polyamorous relationship with them! Yet still, without any real sign from Cadance that their relationship was nothing more than friends and master and apprentice, Predator could only go on what she felt.
Am I just grasping at straws…? If there’s anyone more suited for me to be with then I haven’t met them yet.
*Knock*
*Knock*
“Star, could see who’s at the door please? I’m ‘in the zone’ as it were and can’t step away at the moment.” Rarity asked from her workroom.
“On it!”
Predator got up from the couch and made her way to the front door. Upon opening it she was surprised to see two ponies she’d thought she’d never see again.
“Sunset, Trixie!”
“Hi, Star,” said Sunset.
“Hello Ms. Sapphire,” spoke Trixie.
Predator looked between the mares, sensing that something was amiss. “Not that it isn’t good to see you guys again, but, how did you know I was here?”
“Oh, well, Sunset used a locator spell to track you down. Trixie must admit, she didn’t think it would work, given all that was involved, but apparently you have a strong and unique magical aura, lucky us!”
“Okay…but, why did you look for me?”
At this both mares had uneasy looks, shifting their glances between each other and Predator.
“It’s kinda private, do you mind if we talk inside?”
“Ummm…I’m just visiting, this isn’t my place, it’s my friend’s so I’ll need to ask her.” Predator took a few steps back till she was at the base of the stairs. “Rarity, um, a couple of friends of mine stopped by to talk! Do you mind if I let them in?!”
“Of course Star, go right ahead!” Rarity shouted back.
Predator thought if Rarity knew who exactly was visiting she wouldn’t be quite as hospitable. With that settled, Predator ushered the two mares inside, once inside she directed them towards the dining room table. All three sat down, with Predator glancing between Trixie and Sunset Shimmer.
“Okay, so, what was so important that you two needed to track down me of all ponies?” That’s not to say Predator wasn’t flattered that by the act.
“You see…Sunset and I we’ve…Well, this is hard to put into words exactly…”
“We’ve hit a wall in our relationship!” Sunset blurted.
Predator fixed the two mares with a blank stare. “Define ‘a wall’.”
“Like Trixie said, it’s hard to put into words…” Sunset stopped for a moment, tapping her chin with her hoof as she thought about how best to describe it. “It just feels like we’ve hit brick wall in our relationship, like something’s keeping us from really moving forward…”
“Do you two still…?” Predator left the question hanging to gauge their response.
“Oh no! We do still love each other!” Trixie said quickly. “And Sunset isn’t the only one feeling it, I am as well…”
Predator loved these two, really she did, but that still didn’t stop her from letting out an exasperated sigh. “So you two came to me to find out what this ‘wall’ is?”
“Since you are studying under Princess Cadance, we believed that you were the best choice to ask.” Trixie explained.
“And the only one who probably wouldn’t run away when we did. We don’t have the best reputations when it comes to Ponyville and Twilight Sparkle…”
Predator didn’t know how much more she could take now. She was basically playing love doctor for three days straight now! It was fine with Sweetie Belle, I wanted to help her. Ion, funny, but he was clueless, so he needed help. But after three days of helping other ponies in the town with their love problems, it’s starting to wear on me! How am I supposed to relax and sort out my own feelings, when everypony in Equestria asking me questions!
“Uh, Star, you okay there…?” Sunset asked with trepidation.
“F-Fine, why do you ask?”
“Your face seems to be twitching and your horn is giving off sparks of magic.” Trixie answered.
Predator glanced up at her horn, which was indeed giving off magical sparks. She then set her sights back on the two mares, grinning nonchalantly as if there was nothing wrong, though her twitching eye would say otherwise.
“Oh I’m fine, just fine!” Predator tried to calm her frustrations down. “Look, I’m not the goddess of love or anything,” I’m actually the Entity of Love but that’s beside the point, “I can’t really help you guys with this supposed ‘wall’ unless you two know, it’s either that or take wild pot shots at figuring it out.”
Sunset and Trixie looked to each other worriedly, Predator could sense that the two of them did not want whatever this problem was to ruin what they have, as the embodiment of all love in the universe, it was pretty much Predator’s duty to ensure love thrived everywhere.
“Alright, I might, might be able to help.” Predator noticed how Trixie and Sunset’s faces lit up. “I want you both to close your eyes and concentrate on the thing that you believe is keeping you from each other. I’m going to try a spell, so hope for the best.”
The two unicorn mares did as instructed, shutting their eyes as they brought up the image their supposed blight in their minds’ eye. Predator concentrated, channeling the combined powers of her violet light of Love and the magical powers. Predator went for a variation of one of Cadance’s spells that would stop two ponies who loved each other from arguing over petty things, and reminding them of their love for one another. The only difference was, hopefully, this spell would bring to light the problem and once out in open, again hopefully, should be relatively easy to handle.
Predator let loose the spell, a heart made of violet light and magical energy floated in front of her. The heart then broke into two halves; one half flew around Trixie’s head, while the other flew around Sunset’s. The two halves then met at the center of the couple, bathing them in its radiance and flowing into their bodies. After a few seconds the spell died out, and there was silence in the room. A minute passed and both unicorn mares opened their eyes, making Predator quirk an eyebrow at what she saw.
Both Trixie and Sunset’s eyes had a faint glow of violet light on the edge of their irises. Predator didn’t know what to make of this, since this was the first time she used this spell and it was the first time altering it with her light. The two mares then started to smile; it wasn’t a normal smile either. It bordered on devious and sultry, and Predator didn’t know if that was good thing or a bad thing, yet.
“Trixie…Sunset…you guys okay?”
Sunset Shimmer glanced to her lover, “Trixie, I didn’t know that was what was bothering you too.”
Trixie gave Sunset the same sideways glance, “Same to you, guess we really are meant for each other.”
“Sooooo…you two know what’s been bothering you?”
They both nodded in unison.
“And there’s nothing else you need.”
Trixie and Sunset shook their heads. Sunset then rose to her hooves looking out the window to an unknown location. “Then I guess there’s only one thing for me and Trixie to do…”
The azure mare then rose up as well, “Yes, there is indeed Sunset…”
Before Predator could inquire further Sunset’s horn flashed with aquamarine light, teleporting the two of them away to parts unknown. Predator wondered if she should be worried about the altered states of the two mares, they seemed too calm and both sported very…unsettling expression. Predator simply shrugged, they were happy, the problem was solved, the sun had set, and it was officially time
for some rest.
“And that was my good deed for the day.”
Predator was currently sleeping in her bed, wondering if she would have the dream about her, Cadance, Rarity, and some strangely alluring stripped socks. That was until she was given a rude awakening when the door to her room swung open. Predator opened her eyes and saw that it was in fact Rarity, looking all kinds of distressed.
“Rarity what’s wrong!?”
“Star, you have to come see this, Twilight might be in danger and you might be the only one who can help, hurry and follow me, quickly!”
Predator wasted little time, she immediately bolted from her bed followed Rarity as quickly as she could. All kinds of thoughts raced through Predator’s mind, especially considering that Princess Twilight was in trouble. Could it be Butcher, I wouldn’t put it past him to try and attack one of the royals just to draw us out!? Maybe Ophidian, from what I hear Princess Twilight has a lot of magical power, he’d probably want to steal that and make it his own!? Parallax…Ion said that he encountered him a few weeks ago, but otherwise he hasn’t seen him again! This would so be his style, sneak and attack when everybody’s got their guard down! Well, whichever one them it is, they’ll see the might of Love unleashed!
Soon the two unicorn mares arrived at their destination, Golden Oaks Library. The library was strangely encased in a dual layered shield; one layer glowed with a magenta colored light, while the second had a aquamarine glow. Predator immediately smacked her forehead; she knew exactly who it was that did this. The Entity of Love took a look around and saw Rainbow Dash beating against the barrier, while Spike, Scootaloo, Adara, and Owloicious were standing outside, watching with worried looks.
“What happened?” Predator asked.
Rainbow Dash didn’t stop her assault to tell, prompting Spike to be the bearer of bad news. “You won’t believe this! Both Trixie and Sunset Shimmer are in the library! One minute everything’s fine, and then suddenly, those two appear out nowhere! Sunset teleported all four of us outside the library, and afterwards they put up these barriers so we can’t get in!”
Rarity looked to Predator with a pleading gaze, “Star, you must know of a way to break through it! Oh poor Twilight, trapped with those two of all ponies, one who stole her Element of Magic and the other who nearly enslaved Ponyville!”
Predator sighed heavily; she was really hoping that this wouldn’t come back and bite her in the flank. With a flash of her horn, Predator summoned forth a quill and parchment paper, and floated the two over to Spike.
“Spike, I want you send a letter to Princess Cadance, tell her it’s a Code Violet.”
The baby dragon looked at her skeptically, “‘Code Violet’?”
“Trust me she’ll know what it means and be here in the blink of an eye.”
Spike didn’t have time to argue, if it would get Cadance there fast he wasn’t going to question the how and why. After writing the two words on the letter Spike lit up the paper and sent it off.
“And now we wait…” After about five seconds there was a flash of royal blue light coming from the space next to Predator. The light faded and revealed Princess Cadance, who apparently wasn’t wearing her regalia, most likely having been woken from sleep. “…Wait’s over.”
“Okay, what happened here?” asked Cadance.
Rainbow Dash had finally given up on trying to breach the dual barrier and flew down to catch Cadance up to speed with the situation. “Code Violet” was something that Cadance came up with, a simple phrase that would alert her to rush over to Predator because somehow or another her powers caused something to happen, whether voluntary or involuntarily. After getting briefed on the situation, Cadance had an idea of what to do.
“Alright, Rainbow Dash, keep the others back. Star get ready to tear down the barrier!”
“Right!” Predator’s horn flared along with Cadance’s, she then glanced to her fellow love wielder and smiled sheepishly. “I honestly didn’t think this would happen, at all! I’m going to get an earful about this later, aren’t I?”
“Right now I’m more concerned about Twilight than giving you a lecture!” Cadance spoke in a hushed tone.
And that’s my only saving grace at the moment.
The pink alicorn and dark pink unicorn then fired twin magical blasts that struck the side of the barriers. The two attacks proved effective as the barrier began to crack and shatter from their combined power.
“Rainbow Dash, Rarity, stay out here in case they try to make a break for it. Star and I will head inside and deal with them!”
After getting nods of agreement, Cadance and Star rushed inside the house. There was nobody on the first level. They could hear
Twilight’s voice, which sounded like it was in pain. Cadance and Predator gulped, wondering what kind of scene they would walk in on. With that noted they disappeared up the stairs. A minute passed and nothing could be heard. Thirty seconds elapsed after and soon both the Princess and Entity of Love came walking down the stairs. Their eyes were bulging out of their skulls while their jaws slacked. Cadance was blushing hard, her pink coat turning a bright crimson at what she witnessed.
“Was Trixie on to –?”
“Yes.” Cadance answered
“And was Sunset at the botto –?”
“Yes.”
“And Twilight was in the mid –”
“Yes.”
The two of them stood there in stunned silence for a while, while the numerous noises from upstairs only served to make it worse.
“S-Should we help her…?” Predator asked.
Cadance thought this over carefully, “I don’t know…She wasn’t resisting…and I didn’t sense any spells that were manipulating her mind…Also, I could…could feel that she was…enjoying it…”
“Oh, so you weren’t the one only either…I was wondering if I should say anything…So, what do we do now…?”
Cadance looked back at the stairs, hearing another round of mortifying noises. “Keep the others outside until…Ugh…until they’re done…”
The next day couldn’t arrive any quicker for Predator. Luckily, whatever her spell made them do also wiped their memory of last night’s events, which helped tremendously, since she didn’t feel like telling them.
“So…You guys really don’t remember what happened last night,” asked Predator.
“Not really, it’s just a great big blur,” said Sunset.
“And yet, for some reason, I feel…free, I guess that’s the right word. As if whatever was bothering us was resolved,” said Trixie.
Sunset nuzzled her marefriend, showing that she too was of the same mind. Predator looked upon the two mares, wondering if it was a good idea to tell them what it was they did to get over the “wall” in their relationship. Apparently they both had some sort of unresolved issues concerning Twilight Sparkle, and neither one of them wanted to voice that they had…less than pure thoughts about the Princess. So, without realizing it, Predator’s spell actually freed them of their inhibitions and allowed them to…“release” their pent up frustrations.
Can’t believe they both harbored feelings for Twilight, yet they wanted to be with each other. And all it took for them to get over their feelings was –!
“Star, you alright, you look deep in thought?” Trixie asked.
Predator shook her head vigorously, smiling kindly at her two friends. “Oh no, I’m alright, just glad I could help you two.”
“We’re glad too, thank you Star. And sorry for cutting into your vacation time,” said Sunset.
“No problem.”
The three of them eventually made it to Ponyville Station without any incident. Now that they’re problem was resolved Sunset Shimmer and Trixie no longer had a reason to stay, though they did want to spend some time with Predator, they didn’t want to intrude further into her vacation.
“I hope we can return the favor someday, Star. After what you did to help us, I feel like we owe you one,” said Sunset.
“Trixie doesn’t normally like owing others, but in your case, we’ll make an exception.”
Predator blushed slightly, as much as she appreciated the gesture, she didn’t think she needed that kind of “help,” although, it might be worth considering. With that said, both mares hugged Predator and said their goodbyes.
“I hope you two will be very happy together…” Predator glanced down the road, her eyes resting on the sight of Cadance who was currently talking with a blushing Twilight and a slightly angry Rainbow Dash, “…I wonder if we’ll ever be that happy…?”