//------------------------------// // My Envy // Story: My Melody // by DouglasTrotter //------------------------------// The mare's furious hoof tapped against the tiled marble floor. Several boxes stood around her, stacked one on top of another. Her right ear twitched; it's rhythm remained in sync with her mind's perfect internal clock. She levitated one box towards her, threaded a needle, and stared at the empty dress form on the pedestal. "Sweetie Belle!" Rarity shouted. Her voice resonated throughout Carousel Boutique. It carried up the elegant stairs, down the hallway, and into the guest bedroom. She turned. At her side stood the unicorn filly with a dress on her back. Rarity's eyes widened in disbelief, "No Sweetie Belle, not that color. The other one. You know which one I mean. The 'rouge' one." Sweetie Belle looked at the dress then back to her sister. With a slight tilt to her head she raised an eyebrow then resumed her composure after a final look at the dress. "There's like five colors of 'rouge' up there. Dumb fabric...." She backed up, shying away from her big sister. Sweetie Belle repeated her frantic action as she darted back up the steps and returned with another "rouge" colored dress on her back. A quick "no" was hurled her way, and she found herself being side stepped by Rarity, Sweetie Belle's big sister mimicking her actions. "This is the rouge I needed." Rarity said, returning to the room then ending with a sigh. Her head shook from side to side in a slow fashion before her eyes fixated on the dress form. "I must teach you proper terminology for color identification and naming conventions if you are to assist me in the world of fashion. I'll remind myself to do it when I'm not so busy." "I don't understand--" Sweetie Belle Said "Before you finish that sentence, 'YES,' it is a 'big' deal." Rarity said. She turned back towards the mannequin, surrounded by mirrors, in front of her. Sparks shot from the mare's horn. The dress slid onto mannequin. She assaulted it with needles, fabric, emblems, and adornments. Rarity's ear continued its nervous twitch, each tick still in sync with her mental clock. She stopped. Her head shot up, eyes widening, as she said, "Co-coming...." Rarity peaked around the corner to see Carousel Boutique's ornate wooden door close behind the silhouette of a stallion. She darted back behind the wall, turned toward the dress, and continued the battle. Tense moments passed. Time slowed to a crawl with the final needle sliding through the masterful creation, gliding through the eyelet of a precious adornment. Her approval given, Rarity removed the dress from the mannequin, and then trotted into the main room with it floating in front of her. "Wow, Twily said you did good work, but I didn't expect this level of detail." Shining Armor said. His eyes glanced over the "special" stone he secured from an expedition, and the three gems surrounding it. "What do I owe you?" "It's my honor to work on a dress for Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. I'm sorry. I mean Princess Cadence, your highness." Rarity said, blushing as she stared at the dress. Her eyes traced the intricate outlines leading toward the adornment. "This is my 'Magnifique de royale robe.' If all the ponies in the Crystal Kingdom see their princess attending soirees and festivities in this, it will send my business through the roof." Rarity giggled to herself, jumping up and down in the process. She adjusted her mane and moved closer to Shining Armor after Sweetie Belle tapped her side. In a hushed voice she said, "you've got quite the party planned for her. I hope Pinkie Pie doesn't ruin it." Shining Armor smiled. He tossed a sac of bits to her and said, "We'll consider this gratuity for the rush job. Thanks again. Same to you too, Sweetie Belle." Carousel Boutique grew quiet; its hectic atmosphere dissipated. Rarity levitated several bolts of fabric into a box. Supplies packed away, she floated the boxes back to her room. Sparks spewed forth from Sweetie Belle's horn. The volcanic eruption of sparks increased with each attempt to levitate the bolt of fabric that fell out of the box. Several groans and a heavy grunt permeated Carousel Boutique's still air. Sweetie Belle, under a quiet but heavy breath muttered, "Dumb fabric. Why can't I levitate you?! I could levitate that stupid broom in Twilight's library. Ack!" Sweetie Belle's horn illuminated, glowing a fierce magical light. Her voice resonated throughout the large display room as the fabric roll shot upward and embedded itself in the ceiling. To the unicorn filly's horror, she witnessed the tube's protruding end combust into bright purplish flames. Rarity rocketed down the steps, pulled the piece out of the ceiling, and doused it in the kitchen sink. She patted her sister on the back as Sweetie Belle buried her face into her front hooves, "It's alright. There wasn't enough left on that expensive roll to make so much as a hoof warmer." Rarity stopped then mumbled to herself, "Good going Rarity, make your sister feel even worse why don't you." Sweetie Belle meandered up the steps, back towards the guest room. She hopped into bed. The unicorn filly's swift hoof yanked the covers over her head. "You do know it's ten in the morning." Rarity said. After a quick grumble from her little sister, she trotted towards the bed and ripped the covers off. "Now now, a 'lady' doesn't frown or grumble. It will give her wrinkles. If you want, you can accompany me to Canterlot. I have some business to attend to with the others. After that, we can grab some late brunch at Cafe De Magnifique in the--" The firm, gentle hug stopped Rarity. She patted her sister on the head then grabbed her saddle bags before heading to the train station with Sweetie Belle at her side. *** *** *** Sweetie Belle and Rarity's front right hooves tapped against the wood planks of the station's platform. Rainbow Dash landed with a thud. Fluttershy and Applejack trotted up. Twilight came behind with a thick list in front that obscured her vision, Pinkie Pie bouncing behind her. "Hey there Sweetie Belle, you commin along too?" Applejack said. "Yea. Rarity said she'd take me to Cafe De Magnifique once she's done." Sweetie Belle said. She tapped a hoof against her chin. "Where's Apple Bloom? Isn't she coming with you?" Applejack grinned. Before she turned towards Rainbow Dash, Sweetie Belle repeated her question. The filly received a shrug from Applejack then Rainbow Dash, Sweetie Belle asking about Scootaloo. "You don't know where they are?" Sweetie Belle said. "Sweetie Belle, that's enough. Applejack and Rainbow Dash don't keep tabs on your friends whereabouts. They aren't their keepers. Besides, aren't 'we' going to Cafe De Magnifique?" Rarity said, eyeing her sister. "Good. I need to pick up some fabric rolls as well. This will be the perfect opportunity to teach you about the world of fabric. I can show you the ins and outs of colors, so, when I ask you for a 'rouge' piece of material, you know what I want and what I need." Rainbow Dash, after a slight snicker, erupted into full laughter. She laid on her back. Her hooves twitched in the air as she imagined Rarity in a fabric store with mountains of fabric surrounding her, Sweetie Belle drowning in a sea of the stuff. Applejack rolled her eyes at the athletic mare near her side, and then shook her head. Rarity grimaced at Rainbow Dash. Before their banter could continue, the train's whistle emanated a boisterous sound. Steam billowed forth from the locomotive's stack as it arrived with a heavy screech of it wheels coming to a stop. The six mares, plus one filly, arrived at Canterlot station after a short twenty minute trip. "Hopefully it won't take long to give the report to Princess Celestia on Tirek's defeat. I don't want to leave Spike alone with that gem I'm studying for Cadence." Twilight said "Heh, like leavin a fox in charge of a hen house." Applejack said. She adjusted her stetson, Fluttershy passing her with an annoyed look. "What? It's the truth, Shy." "Mr. Fox has guarded my chickens for as long as I can remember, and every one of them has remained safely guarded. You owe Mr. Fox and his family an apology." Fluttershy said, sticking her nose into the air. Twilight stood in front of the gates to Canterlot Castle. Commander Iron Hide stepped out, saluted her, and then commanded the gates to be opened. "I'll never get used to this 'princess' stuff." Twilight huffed, "I'm not that different. I grew a pair of wings--" "and an inch or two taller, heh heh. You'll be the same height as your 'big' brother here in a bit." Rainbow Dash said, ending with a devilish grin. "I'm not that tall!" Twilight said. Her frustration relented, giving a quiet giggle toward the friend that flew above her. Closed, ominous looking doors stood in front of the group. Twilight, after a quick nervous gulp, said, "Well, here's... the room. To be honest, this is one place in the entire castle I had no desire to enter when I was a filly. Anyways, I know Princess Celestia wants that update. Will you be ok by yourself, Sweetie Belle?" Sweetie Belle nodded with a firm smile before she trotted down the halls, receiving permission to explore from Princess Celestia. Gold thread sewn into the sides of the tapestries glinted in the warm light of the sun. Sweetie Belle's eyes fixated on the fabric's bold red color. She shook her head then continued down the ornate carpet. Near the hallway's end, her hoof shot up. Her voice grew quiet. In her mind she said, "That's odd. What are they doing in Canterlot Castle?" Scootaloo and Apple Bloom exited the room at the end of the hall. Princess Cadence and Princess Luna stepped outside. They secured the door then moved along the red carpet in front of Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle bolted behind a large plant and remained silent. She peered between the plant's leaves, her ears alert. "Thank you for helping Scootaloo with her wings, Aunt Luna." Princess Cadence said. "Please don't call me that. It makes us, I mean it makes 'me' sound like some old mare." Princess Luna said. She raised an eyebrow at Scootaloo, "I'm still baffled as to how an errant weed could cause such a reaction in a pony." her eyebrow lowered while she gave a kind smile to the pegasus filly, "Still, I won't look down upon an odd yet unique and precious gift. Scootaloo has made some impressive strides from what you told me, Princess Cadence." Apple Bloom stopped. Her eyes flashed. The group stopped. Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, and Scootaloo faced Apple Bloom as the filly eyed the plant in front of her. "That's odd. Ah could have sworn Sweetie Belle was behind there." Apple Bloom said. "You're still learning, Apple Bloom. Your ability isn't some parlor trick of a con artist. Remember, there are past, present, and future events that you can see. My abilities took twenty years to gain partial control over, though, I must say, you have made rather superlative strides in your effort to master it. You only missed ten out of the fifty apples me, Princess Cadence, and Scootaloo lobbed at you." Princess Luna said, ending with a chuckle. "Yea, thanks for remindin' me about those ten ah missed. Me and my poor flank." Apple Bloom said. She rubbed her backside then turned back towards the group. Sweetie Belle's eyes remained firmly fixed on the group in front of her. She tapped a soft hoof against her chin. Her eyes gravitated downward to see a drop of water on her hoof then looked up to see the group making their way down the hallway. She crept down the red carpet, darted behind each nearby corner, and snuck into the shadows of an adjacent hallway. Sweetie Belle -- near a small seating area -- bolted under a low table. Her ears perked up. "There it is again," Apple bloom said as her body twitched and her eyes flashed, "Ah could swear we're being followed. Sweetie Belle? Ya there? Ya best not be playin' games with us." "Has she started to lose touch? I thought you said she was getting better." Princess Cadence said. "I'm positive that she has gotten better. Do you doubt the words of your Aunt Luna?" Princess Luna said before she placed a hoof on her forehead. "Don't. Say. A word. Not a word, Princess Cadence." Princess Cadence snickered to herself. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo remained silent then chuckled to themselves. "Good work with your wings, Scootaloo. You're getting much finer control over them. That short time has ballooned into two hours rather nicely." Princess Cadence said. "Thanks. I just hope Rainbow Dash isn't jealous about me training with you and Princess Luna." Scootaloo said. "No worries. If you like, we'll keep, heh, 'Luna' a secret between you and me. I felt it best to have her help out with the strength part. I consider myself more of an elegant flyer." Princess Cadence said, receiving a stern gaze from Princess Luna. With the kitchen door opened, she trotted inside then stood in front of the three ponies. "To think you've been causing several sonic booms over Equestria. Anyways, how about I fix us some snacks. Shiny says my milkshakes are the best." Princess Luna's eyes widened, "Doust thou dare challenge us?! Our moon cakes are the most delicious!" "Ok," Princess Cadence smirked, "We'll have a little test. My treats vs. your treats, dear 'auntie.'" Sweetie Belle watched from underneath the table as the four ponies laughed at each other, moving into the kitchen. The kitchen's door closed behind the group. Sweetie Belle looked down to see another drop on her hoof. Soft hooves, and a weary heart, carried her back to the room she departed from after she extricated herself from underneath the low table. Sweetie Belle's heavy eyes closed, a tear falling to the carpet beneath her as she plopped down on the red carpet. "Sweetie Belle?" a voice said. Sweetie Belle opened her eyes to see Rarity and the others. An apologetic sorry given by Sweetie Belle, she and Rarity departed Canterlot Castle. *** *** *** Chatter resonated throughout Cafe De Magnifique. Embellished pictures hung on the stylish walls; a marble statue of Princess Celestia, at the seating area, glinted in the faint sunlight that came through the windows; the fresh polished floor appeared like a mirror, going unnoticed by the ponies that walked across it. Rarity's saddle bag placed next to her in the booth, the unicorn sat down and held the menu out in front of her. She sniffed the air then smiled. Her delighted expression fade at the sight of Sweetie Belle. Rarity lowered her menu, "If the drink isn't to your liking, you can order something else." A stallion's squeegee brushed against the window near the two ponies. He dipped it into the bucket then gave a final wipe to the window before he moved on. Sweetie Belle's ears lowered, and her gentle hoof continued to poke the small drink in front of her while hoof steps landed on the pathway outside the cafe's window. The waiter presented a cup of tea to Rarity, a small slip of paper along with her drink. Sweetie Belle took her cup and sipped its contents. She nibbled on the small peppermint stick that protruded from the container's rim. "Sweetie Belle?" Rarity said, sliding her hoof over. She paused. The unicorn turned behind her to see the doors to restaurant fly open. "What in Equestria is that ruckus?" Princess Celestia entered while Twilight descended toward the ground behind her. The two passed by several bowing ponies. They stood near Rarity, and, after a brief conversation, Rarity tossed some bits onto the table. Sweetie Belle followed behind the three through the streets of Canterlot. "What do you mean Chrysalis was spotted? I thought she retreated to her, 'ick,' hive." Rarity said. "I'm not sure," Princess Celestia said, making her way through a clear street. "We need to find the others. That's the reason I had Twilight cast the spell she devised on all of you. It will allow you to see each other's auras, preventing the changelings from trying any form of subterfuge." Twilight blushed, "You devised the spell, Princess Celestia. I just, kinda, casted it while we were all in the room." Twilight Sparkle's expression morphed into a solidified determined look, "I'm still unsure of what Queen Chrysalis is doing. Was the pony's story accurate?" "I wish it weren't. The pegasus said green flames enveloped a pony in the crowd, and the mare turned into Queen Crysalis. While the others fled, Zircon hid in a nearby cloud and managed to eaves drop on the conversation." Princess Celestia said. She crossed Canterlot Castle's draw bridge. Her hoof steps remained graceful and soft on the elegant red carpet. "Queen Chrysalis didn't appear hungry for love from the account. She was looking for a pony. Zircon couldn't remember the name, but she said it sounded feminine. It would have been better if we got more detailed information, but I understand her fleeing since she had a foal to care for." Princess Celestia's calm tone grew stern with an expression to match, "None of my little ponies will be harmed by that creature's horn or misshapen hooves. Neither foal, filly, colt, stallion, or mare shall be touched." Sweetie Belle trotted behind the three mares. She looked ahead to see an octagonal table stand in the center with a map of Equestria spread out on its top. Over the table hung an ornate chandelier, several bright candles illuminating the room. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy entered with Princess Luna in front. Sweetie Belle watched Apple Bloom and Scootaloo enter with Princess Cadence in the lead. "Sup Sweetie Belle?" Scootaloo said. She watched her friend trot toward the corner where she and Apple Bloom stood, receiving a half-hearted smile from Sweetie Belle. "Pretty crazy ol' bug breath is on the loose. She doesn't stand a chance against Princess Celestia." "Sweetie Belle, were you..." Apple Bloom said. She stopped. "I mean, what ya doin here in Canterlot? You with Rarity at Cafe De Magnifique?" "How did you know that I went to Cafe De Magnifique with my sister?" Sweetie Belle said. Apple Bloom's eyes drifted towards Scootaloo then back toward Sweetie Belle, "I, uhh, took a wild guess. I mean, it's the place that Rarity likes accordin' to my big sis. They have those 'foo-foo' drinks and all." Sweetie Belle mumbled, "Yea, more like a good 'foretold' guess." "Huh?" Apple Bloom said. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo gave sheepish grins to the nine ponies near the table, all of them staring at the three fillies. The Cutie Mark Crusaders resumed a hushed conversation. "Alrighty, ah will head on out to Sweet Apple Acres. Big Mac needs some help with the orchard. Don't worry Twi, ah doubt Queen Chrysalis will try anythin' with all of Equestria on alert." Applejack said with a hearty grin. "Yea, that old bug won't know what hit her." Rainbow dash said. She zoomed towards the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Hey squirt, how your practice go with Princess Cadence?" Scootaloo motioned a hoof across her neck several times. She turned to Sweetie Belle, "Heh heh, I'm not sure. What Rainbow Dash--" "It's ok. I know you practiced with Princess Cadence. Same with Apple Bloom practicing with Princess Luna. That was quite the 'guess' there about Cafe De Magnifique. Not to mention the planter in the hallway." Sweetie Belle said. "Sorry," Apple Bloom and Scootaloo said in unison. "Apple Bloom and I kinda found out each other's little 'secret' by accident when we came here today. We weren't sure how to tell ya about it, Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo said. She rubbed a nervous hoof against the other and said, "You wanna meet up at the club house?" "Maybe tomorrow," Sweetie Belle said. Sparks spewed forth from her horn, her saddle bag flap motionless. In her mind she said, "Why do I bother." Princess Celestia and Princess Luna made their way down the hallway of Canterlot Castle towards the throne room. Princess Cadence's horn illuminated. She vanished in a flash of light, teleporting to the Crystal Kingdom. Sweetie Belle and Rarity departed for the train station, arriving three minutes before departure. Sweetie Belle's glazed over eyes stared out the window of the train car. Dusk began to take hold of Equestria as the sun set in the distant horizon. The train car came to a swift stop at Ponyville's station. On her way home, Sweetie Belle's head remained low. She meandered towards Carousel Boutique and into the guest room. Much like Cafe De Magnifique, the world's noises fell on deaf ears as Sweetie Belle placed her bag onto the carpet near the bed. "I should be happy for them. They would be happy for me," Sweetie Belle said. Her head buried into her hooves, she said in a muffled voice, "I just... I just -- why?"