//------------------------------// // Episode Nine: Shipping and Handling // Story: Discovering Friendship // by Saro0fdemonz //------------------------------// Oh no, oh no, oh no. LET GO! Sweetie Belle screamed at herself, holding her friend in a literal deathgrip as she drank her dry. She felt Rarity's hands on her shoulders. "Stop it Sweetie Belle! This isn't who you are!" Rarity cried. Twilight called to her magic, hoping to seperate the two somehow, stopping as the door opened, Vinyl shaking her head. "Too late sis. She's gotta let go on her own. If you try an rip her off you'll kill the kid, cause she's taking that throat with her." Vinyl said, leaning against the doorway. "Then help me!" Rarity demanded. Vinyl sighed, pushing past her sister and resting a hand on Sweetie Belle's shoulder. "Belle, this is your friend. If you don't stop, she's gonna die and you'll have to live with that for the rest of your life." Vinyl whispered to her. Sweetie Belle felt tears sting her eyes. I'm trying! she screamed in her head, blinking as Scootaloo wrapped her arms around her weakly. "Don't listen to her Belle. Adults don't know what they are talkin' about...though, I'd kinda appreciate it if you let go...feelin' kinda dizzy here..." she mumbled weakly. Sweetie Belle gasped as she pulled away, stumbling backwards and panting heavily. Her eyes were a fierce blood red, her fangs showing for the entire world to see. Rainbow quickly snatched up Scootaloo, staring in shock as the wound in her neck closed itself, though the girl was out cold. "Belle..." Applebloom took a step towards her friend, her eyes filled with concern. "NO! S-Stay away Applebloom! I-I don't wanna hurt you too!" She cried, everyone in the room staring at her. She scrambled to her feet and ran as fast as her legs would carry her, which after a fresh meal, was rather far. "I told ya Rarity. We're just lucky she decided to let go, but who knows what trouble she is gonna get into out there." Vinyl scoffed, grunting as Rarity spun, smashing her fist across her face. The fashionista said nothing as she turned and chased after her sister. Applejack sighed, adjusting her hat. "Applebloom, ya'll stay with Twilight an Rainbow, keep an eye on yer friend." she said softly. "Where are you goin?" She pouted. Applejack stopped, her back to them as she spoke. "To keep an eye on mine." Rarity blinked, finding Applejack running beside her. " 'Fore ya'll try an argue, ah remember what yer sis said. When she put a stop t' yer rampage she was at full strength or somethin like that right? An last time ya'll had a snack was yer little fight with her," Applejack spoke before Rarity could pester her with questions. "Applejack, you can't seriously be considering..." "Will ya shut up an bite me 'fore ah come t' my senses?" Applejack grumbled, her cheeks flushed slightly. Rarity sighed, the two friends skidding to a stop. "I-I won't take much." "Take what ya need. ah'm tougher than ya'll think." Applejack winked. Rarity hesitated for a moment, accepting Applejacks' hand and digging her fangs into the soft flesh. Applejack winced slightly, watching as her friend suckled on her like a newborn on its mother. Rarity gently let go, giving the wound a slow lick. "Was that really needed Rares?" Applejack asked, looking at her hand, watching the spit sink into the bite marks. "In a manner of speaking, yes. You'll thank me when you don't get an infection darling. Now..." Rarity paused, her red eyes scanning the town. She hooked her arm in Applejacks', calling to her magic. "Wait! Don't...!" Applejack felt her entire world turn in on itself as Rarity teleported them next to Sweetie Belle. They found the girl curled up in a corner in her bedroom. "Sweetie? Are you alright?" Rarity asked quietly, unsure if her sister could actually tell the difference between her and a meal. "I hurt Scoots...I-I couldn't stop myself..." she sniffed, curling up tighter in her corner "But you did stop yourself. You've already shown how strong you are..." Rarity said softly. She knelt down in front of her sister, holding out her arms. "You're stronger than I was, stronger than I am Sweetie Belle. Sure, you took a nibble of your friend, but she'll live and she'll forgive you." Rarity promised. "I'm a monster...J-Just leave me alone." She hugged her knees to her chest, resting her chin against them. "Sweetie Belle, how many people do you think I bit when my time came?" "I dunno...didn't Vinyl keep you locked up?" "Only after I'd eaten half of the town. It took her nearly two hours to catch me. But you...you came straight home...you fought down the urge...Belle, no one in our family has ever been able to fight this like you did." "H-How can you live with yourself? knowing what you did a-and the people you hurt?" Sweetie Belle demanded. "Because I wasn't myself...I had no control over what I was doing. Its not easy...every day I remember each and every one of them and remind myself why its so important that I don't lose control. Let me help you...like I should have before." Rarity's eyes faded to normal, her arms still held out. Sweetie Belle hesitated, crawling the short distance to her sister and accepting the hug. Rarity rubbed a hand up and down her back, her other hand cupping the back of her head gently as the younger sister cried against her. Applejack bit her lip, unsure if she should leave or stay. "Applejack, would you mind putting on some tea?" Rarity asked softly. "Uh...sure Rares." Applejack sighed to herself as she left the room, finding her way to the kitchen and putting on a pot of water to boil. Rarity came downstairs a moment later, managing to reach her chair before breaking down. Applejack sat beside her, rubbing her back. "Rarity..." "This is my fault Applejack...I should have acted sooner. I should have kept an eye on her!" Rarity choked. "Ya'll were there fer her when she needed ya, that's what matters." Applejack said softly, pulling her friend into a gentle hug. "Applejack...thank you...I don't suppose..." "What? Ya'll think jus' cause ya got a fancy set o' chompers on ya that its gonna change things between us?" Applejack asked. "Well, yes..." Rarity admitted, blinking as Applejack cupped her cheek, placing a soft kiss against her lips. Rarity pulled away, stammering and blushing. All the while Applejack smiled at her. "I wasn't quite expecting that..." Rarity mumbled "Rares, we been goin' out, fer a few months now. Ah been waitin' t' make a move cause ah didn't wanna rush ya. But the timin' seemed right. Ah'm sorry if ah pushed ya bu-WHOA-MMF!" Applejack gasped as the fashionista tugged on her shirt, pulling her into a passionate kiss. She slowly let go, smirking as she pulled away. "I was worried I might scare you away if I went any further...and...eventually you would learn the truth about me. I just couldn't imagine losing you so I..." "Tucked yerself in a corner an hid? Ain't that th' exact opposite o' what ya'll just told yer sister t' do?" Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow. Rarity sighed, burying her face in her hands. "Gods forgive me for being an idiot." she mumbled. "Ah don't know 'bout them. but ah s'pose ah can forgive ya fer that. 'sides, yer my idiot." Applejack grinned. Rarity gave her a blank stare, an insult hanging on the edge of her tongue and interrupted by the tea kettle "I got it!" Sweetie Belle said, pulling it off of the stove and dropping two teabags into it. Applejack and Rarity stared at her for a moment. "What?" she asked, looking between them. "D-did I do something wrong?" "Belle...h-how long...were you um..." "I saw the whole thing." she said quietly. Rarity sighed and smiled. "Would you like to share some tea with us? It'll help with the uh...aftertaste..." Rarity bit her lip, watching as her sister mulled it over. "I'll just take a cup to my room. I need a little more time." she replied softly. Rarity nodded, pulling three cups from the cabinet and pouring out the tea, adding three cubes of sugar to Sweetie Belles' and giving it a little stir with her magic. "Careful, its hot." she warned, smiling as she watched her make the trip up the stairs. "I think...she's going to be okay, with some time anyway." Rarity sighed in relief, letting out a squeak as Applejack wrapped her arms around her from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder. "Told ya so. Ain't nothin t' worry 'bout sugarcube." "Perhaps its not something to worry about now, but there are going to be more bumps in the road for her, and for us." Rarity sighed. "Not jus' us Rarity. Ah'm surprised ya'll ain't caught on t' RD yet." Applejack chuckled "Oh I'm well aware of her infatuation with Twilight. But I thought it best to let things happen on their own. I just hope Pinkie Pie feels the same." Rarity rolled her eyes, intertwining her fingers with Applejacks' at her waist. "Should we tell em?" Applejack asked softly. "That they are perfect for each other? Maybe." "No, not that...Ah mean 'bout us." Applejack bit her lip as Rarity stiffened in her grip. "Ain't no one asked, so ah ain't had t' lie or nothin', an ah ain't bein' impatient with ya. But..." "After Scootaloo recovers and things settle down. I think that would be the best time Applejack." Rarity interrupted, turning in her hold and smiling. Applejack grinned slightly, stealing a quick kiss. "You should go check on your daughter." Rarity whispered. Applejack swore under her breath, rushing out of Raritys' home, pausing at the door. "This ain't over Rarity! Ah'll be back ya know!" Applejack chuckled, tipping her hat before taking off. The Magian smiled to herself as she watched the farmer go, sighing as she glanced at the untouched cups of tea. Maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay. Applebloom yawned loudly, gripping the railing of Scootaloo's bed and trying to stay awake, meanwhile Twilight and Rainbow Dash stood outside the room. Twilight was lost in thought as she paced back and forth, while Rainbow kept blaming herself for letting this happen. "You said the wound just closed itself?" Twilight asked softly. "Yea...as soon as I grabbed her, it was gone." "Maybe the potion was a bit too strong, or maybe that's just an effect..." "Ugh...crud my head hurts..." Scootaloo groaned as she woke up. "Scootaloo! Oh thank goodness. Twilight! Rainbow! She's awake!" Applebloom called out to them, both running into the room. "Kid...I'm so sorry..." "Um, why?" Scootaloo stopped her. "I'm suppose to take care of you and I let...' "There was no way you coulda known she was gonna bite me. How the heck were you gonna stop it?" Scootaloo deadpanned. Rainbow sighed, gripping the railing. "Besides, I feel fine. Except for a killer headache..." "Probably just from the blood-loss. It'll fade away." Twilight tossed in. Scootaloo touched her neck, feeling the scarred flesh. "Am I gonna turn into a vampire?" Scootaloo wondered. There was no fear in her voice when she asked the question, merely curiosity. Twilight couldn't help but laugh as she shook her head. "No Scootaloo. You aren't going to turn into a vampire. You'll recover just fine and be out of here in no time." Twilight assured her. "Aww, I was kinda lookin' forward to it. Then Belle wouldn't be all alone..." Scootaloo paused as she looked around the room. "Uh, where is she anyway?" "Scoots, she ran away..." Applebloom said quietly "What?! And you let her?!" The Skyborn yelled angrily "She wouldn't let anyone near her! Ah tried but she was scared o' hurtin me an took off so fast ah could barely see her move!" "Ain't no need t' worry. She's safe an sound at home with her sister." Applejack said as she stepped into the room, grunting as Applebloom hugged her tightly. Scootaloo pulled out her IV, slipping out of bed. "Hey, where are you goin'?" Rainbow stopped her "I'm gonna go see Belle. She's probably beating herself up over this and I gotta see her." Scootaloo said. "Uh...where are my clothes?" she wondered, realizing she was in a hospital gown. "Being washed. But I had Spike get you something to change into." Twilight answered, holding out a pile of clothes. "Twi', you're gonna let her go?" Rainbow asked in shock. "Her friend needs her. If it were you and me, what would you do?" Twilight asked. Rainbow sighed, crossing her arms and grumbling under her breath. "I'd check in on you..." she admitted. Twilight nodded, shoving everyone out of the room. "Go ahead and get changed Scootaloo, and then you can go check on your friend." Twilight smiled, closing the door behind her. Applejack and Rainbow just stared at her. "What?" "You're uh...kinda good at this mom thing." Rainbow realized "Well I did take care of Spike...even if I wasn't really taking care of him..." she sighed, rubbing her arm. "Well, take it from a parent, ya'll would make a good mom Twilight." Applejack smiled. "Thanks Applejack." "Ready!" Scootaloo called out, stepping out of her room dressed in a Wonderbolts hoodie, a matching pair of jeans and wearing Rainbows lucky red cap. "Where'd ya get these anyway?" Scootaloo asked. "They're mine kid. And now they're yours." Rainbow said, placing her hand on her head. "This cap belonged to my dad...its the last thing I have of his." Rainbow smiled, watching as Scootaloo took off the cap. "But...why give it to me if its so important to you?" Scootaloo asked. Rainbow grabbed the cap, placing it firmly on Scootaloo's head. "Because you're just as important kid. Now come on, we gotta check on your friend." "You know Dash, ya'll make a good mom too." Applejack whispered to her friend in passing. Rarity raised an eyebrow as she opened the door, Applejack winking at her "Told ya ah'd be back." she grinned, Rarity barely managing to hide a blush. "I take it you are here to see Sweetie Belle?" she asked. Scootaloo nodded in determination. "Alright, she's still a bit...touchy on the subject. So please don't swarm her." "Its fine, I'll talk to her alone." Scootaloo said. "You sure kid? What if she has another episode?" Rainbow asked. Scootaloo hefted up the hoodie. "Worse case scenario? She gets a mouthful of Wonderbolt and I get another trip to the hospital. The nurse was kinda nice anyway." she shrugged. "Ah'm goin' with ya Scoots. She's my friend too." Applebloom crossed her arms. "Alright, but let me do the talkin' okay?" Scootaloo asked. Applebloom nodded, the two heading up the stairs to see their friend. "Should we keep an eye on them?" Twilight asked. "Nah, ah trust everythin' is gonna be fine." Applejack said. glancing at her daughter. If it came down to it she was sure Applebloom could stop Sweetie Belle before she hurt anyone, and the noise would draw their attention. "Speaking of which...Twilight, Rainbow. Could I speak with you a moment?" Rarity asked. The two looked between each other and shared a shrug, following their friend. Rarity chewed her lip as she handed out cups of tea, Rainbow leaning against the counter and staring at her cup as if the liquid would bite her. Twilight accepted a seat, taking a sip of her tea. "Mmm! This is delicious Rarity." "Why thank you, its my own special blend. It helps calm my nerves." "I'm not gonna get some weird vampy thing happening if i drink this am I?" Rainbow asked. "No ya ninny. Ah can vouch fer that." Applejack rolled her eyes, enjoying her tea. "Ya know, speakin' of that. I've noticed the two of you have been spending a lot of time together...are you turning into a girly girl or something AJ? You aren't secretly puttin' on dresses behind our backs are you?" Rainbow grinned. "No, ah ain't gettin' gussied up like some southern bell." Applejack said over her cup. Twilight fell silent, focusing her attention on her cup. "We simply enjoy the company of one another, as I've noticed you and Twilight rather enjoy each others company." Rarity said slowly Scootaloo gulped as she knocked on the door. "Belle?" she called out. "S-Scoots?!" she gasped, jumping to the door and locking it. "C'mon Belle! Lemme in!" Scootaloo yanked on the knob. "Just leave me alone!" Sweetie Belle cried. "Quit bein' an idiot an open th' door. We jus' wanna talk!" Applebloom yelled. "Bloom?! W-why are you here?!" "Cause ah'm yer friend too! Ain't no one mad at ya! At least let Scoots in!" Applebloom demanded. The door cracked open, Scootaloo stepping inside. "Belle?" she jumped as the door slammed shut, Sweetie Belle slamming the lock closed. "You shouldn't have come here Scoots...what if I lose control again? What if next time I don't let go?" "Then thats my bad. You're my friend Belle and I don't wanna lose you. So you bit me, it was kinda cool. For a moment there I thought I'd turn into a vampire a-and then you wouldn't be alone..." "you...You aren't mad?" "Well my neck hurts, but no, I'm not mad." "B-But I could've killed you!" "Yea, but you didn't. So its cool." "H-How can you just forgive me...j-just like that..." Sweetie Belle hiccuped, trying to wipe away her tears. Scootaloo rubbed her thumb across her cheek, wiping them away for her. "Because when I was all alone and there was no one there for me...you were there. You made me wanna get up outta bed in the morning, to actually go to school an try living my life. If I didn't have you Belle, I'd still be alone. Now I've got you, an Bloom, an even Rainbow Dash." Scootaloo smiled, pulling her friend into a hug. Sweetie Belle panicking. "Belle, just calm down an hug me before I get sick of being mushy." Scootaloo chuckled. Sweetie belle bit her lip, wrapping her arms around her gently. She sniffed, tightening her hold slightly. "See? No big deal." Scootaloo chuckled. Sweetie Belle shook as she struggled to pull away. "Uh...you can let go now...Belle?" Scootaloo gulped. "Belle?!" She yelled, watching as her friends eyes faded to red. "CRAAAAAAAAAP. Sorry Belle." she slammed her head forward, trying to fight her way out of her friends hold. Though in her current position she was a bit off her mark, ending in a rather awkward kiss between the two. Sweetie Belle's eyes widened as she pulled away, stammering and blushing. The Magian eventually fell silent, covering her mouth with her hands. Oh my gosh she just kissed me... she realized. "Belle? You okay?" Scootaloo asked. "I...I don't know. I think so." She stammered. "So, um...I uh..." Scootaloo coughed, her cheeks burning as her friend turned to her. "That was an accident wasn't it?" Sweetie Belle realized, the disappointment in her voice rather obvious, even to the junior daredevil. "You uh...didn't want it to be did you?" Scootaloo asked, moving a bit closer to her "Does it have to be?" Sweetie Belle wondered, closing the distance between them. "That depends..." Scootaloo smiled, merely inches away "On what?" Sweetie Belle whispered, lips nearly touching "You aren't gonna bite my lip are you?" Scootaloo joked, earning a punch to the shoulder. "Ow! Crap Belle, when did you get so tough?" She winced, rubbing her shoulder "Uh...when I bit you..." she mumbled. "Oh right, vampire. Ugh, do I have to read up on that or somethin'? Is this gonna be a thing if we're dating?" "D-Dating?!" Sweetie Belle gasped. "Well, yea...I mean, we did kinda kiss...And we've been friends forever. I mean, its cool if you don't-Oof!" she gasped as Sweetie Belle tackled her to the ground "You really gotta warn me before you decide to break my ribs Belle." Scootaloo joked, sighing as her friend sobbed against her chest. "Belle? uh..." "S-sorry...I just...I didn't think..." "Belle, I'm really not use to bein' this mushy, but...aw screw it." She sat up, grabbing her friends shoulders and planting a heavy kiss against her lips, Applebloom shoving the door open and staring. "Uh...my bad." she mumbled, slamming the door shut. Sweetie Belle wore a goofy grin, staring into empty space, Applebloom knocking on the door. "Is it safe t' come in?!" she called out. "Y-Yea!" Scootaloo called back, trying to fight down her blush. "Things were kinda quiet an ah started t' worry...So...everythin' good?" the farmgirl asked slowly. Scootaloo glanced over at the still dazed Sweetie Belle. "Uh...Yea, I think..." Scootaloo said, waving her hand in front of Sweetie Belle's face. "Ah think ya broke her Scoots." Applebloom chuckled. "She started it!" Scootaloo argued. "Well, ya sure finished it!" Applebloom laughed. Sweetie Belle shook herself, looking between Scootaloo and Applebloom, her face flushing red. "A-Applebloom! w-when did you get here?" "My bad..." Scootaloo chuckled. "What the heck are you talkin' about Rarity?" "Well. All I am saying is that you two have been rather...close as of late. You certainly wouldn't share such a tale of your past with the rest of us, though we still count ourselves your friends and don't find any harm in it." Rarity defended. "I'm helping her with Scootaloo. Of course she'd be spending more time around me and she told me about her past because I asked." Twilight reasoned. "All of that is true, but if I had asked, would you have told me everything in such detail Rainbow?" Rarity asked. Rainbow opened her mouth to argue, feeling a shudder run up her spine as Applejack raised an eyebrow. It was completely impossible to lie around Applejack, even if you didn't know you were lying. She swore the Gaian was secretly using some kind of ancient magic. "I dunno, maybe? N-No..." Rainbow sighed. "Okay, so I trust her, big whoop. What are you tryin to get at anyway?" she demanded. "I am simply pointing out that there is a strong connection between the two of you. Something wonderful that you shouldn't ignore." "Um...I'm not quite sure what you're saying Rarity...I'm still a little new to the friend thing..." Twilight admitted. Rarity sighed in exasperation, glancing over at Applejack. The farmer raised an eyebrow as the fashionista bit her lip. "Ya'll sure?" she asked. "Positive." "What are they doing?" Twilight asked quietly "How should I know?!" Rainbow whispered harshly. The two of them watched in shock as Rarity and Applejack shared a soft kiss. "Oh my gosh....Pinkie totally owes me 20 bits." Rainbow mumbled. Applejack cleared her throat, grabbing Rarity's hand "What we're tryin' t' say, is we know how ya feel cause we feel th' same way." Applejack spoke up. "Whoa whoa whoa! Time out Aj. You, an...Rarity? How long?" Rainbow asked. "A few months now ah s'pose...we were both kinda busy with our own lives an never really had much time fer each other." "Yea, great. How the heck does that even happen? Rarity can't go near a speck of dirt without having a heart attack and you're like half dirt." Rainbow argued. "Well, opposites attract as they say. Truth be told, it all started with that camping trip we took." Rarity sighed dreamily. "The one where you got lost?" Rainbow asked. Twilight remained silent, observing and making mental notes, this was a part of friendship after all and would be important information for her report. "Its' a bit o' a long story, but that's where it started fer us. So we know what we're talkin' 'bout here." Applejack explained. "Okay...so you two are playing matchmaker? I'm not interested in any kind of relationship. I thought you guys would realize that with my track record, or in case you forgot, even Fluttershy dumped me." Rainbow choked out. "Rainbow..." Twilight reached out for her, the Skyborn shoving her hand away. "I'll catch ya later Twi'" Rainbow mumbled, making her way outside and taking off before anyone could stop her. "So much fer lettin' things happen." Applejack sighed. Twilight chewed on her lip, her thoughts a blur. "What do I do?" "You give her some time to cool off, and then you go after her. Twilight, you came here to make friends, yes?" Rarity asked. Twilight nodded. "Yes, that's what my assignment was..." "This is just another step in being friends, a bigger, somewhat frightful step, yes. But a step nonetheless. I would bet my entire business that Rainbow Dash loves you, she's just too hurt to see it." "But..." "What 'bout yer feelin's? Well, what 'bout em Twi'? How do ya feel when Rainbow is 'round? When th' two o' ya'll are together?" Applejack smiled, watching the realization dawn upon her Magian friend. "Take our advice. Wait until Scootaloo is ready to come down, take her home and when Rainbow Dash comes around, tell her how you feel." Rarity smiled. "Why is this so important to you two?" Twilight asked softly. "Because you're our friend and we want to see you happy. Is that not a good enough reason?" Rarity replied. Twilight hung her head, staring into her tea. Applejack cleared her throat "Things have been mighty quiet upstairs, ahm gonna go check on th' young'ins." she said softly, leaving the Magians alone. Silence filled the room, until Twilight finally decided to voice her thoughts in a panic. "What if she gets angry with me? Wh-what if she tells me no and runs off and never comes back?" Twilight fell silent as Rarity held up her finger. "My thoughts were the same before Applejack and I were together. It turned out, she was as frantic as I was and our little incident in the forest brought everything out in the open." Rarity chuckled softly. "She wanted to let everyone know about us...but I was afraid...and she was so understanding...I really don't deserve her, but fate thinks otherwise." "Sounds rather romantic." Twilight offered. "I suppose it is...But not quite as romantic as you and Rainbow." Rarity pointed out. Twilights blank stare caused her to sigh. "You really need to get out more dear...Twilight, you sacrificed ten years of your life, because Rainbow Dash needed you, because that girl needed you. Thats quite a big leap." Rarity elaborated. Applejack came back downstairs with Applebloom in tow. "Rarity, ah'm headin' out. Ah'll try t' stop by later fer our uh...normal get together." Applejack called out. "Alright Applejack, I look forward to it." Rarity smiled, watching her friend leave. She sighed, looking into her empty cup. "What's it like?" Twilight asked. "Sometimes, its tough. You don't always agree on everything and you wonder why you bothered to take the plunge. But every other day, you realize it was worth it, worth the fights, worth the apologies and the effort." Rarity smiled, wiping away a gentle tear. "You two can come out of hiding now." Rarity called out. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo blushing as they slunk out of their hiding space on the stairs. "I trust everything turned out well?" she asked the two of them with a knowing smirk. "Uh, yea! Everything turned out awesome. No more bites." Scootaloo chuckled nervously. "You've a bit of lipstick smudged on you dear." Rarity mouthed, tapping her lips. Scootaloo blushed, rubbing it off into her hoodie. "Belle! Why were you wearing lipstick!?" "I was trying to look pretty..." she mumbled. Scootaloo groaned. "Belle, how many times do I gotta tell ya not to bother. You look amazing as you are." "Who knew you were such a little romantic?" Rarity teased, Scootaloo grumbling under her breath. She glanced around the room, focusing on Twilight. "Um...where'd Dash go?" she asked, worried. "Sh-She had to go take care of something important. But she'll meet us at the Library later." Twilight explained. "Oh...Okay. So uh..." Scootaloo gasped as Sweetie Belle hugged her, grumbling as she hooked an arm around her, giving her shoulder a squeeze. "Catch ya later Belle!" Scootaloo called as she rushed for the door. "I guess that's my cue to leave." Twilight smiled. "OH, Twilight. Think on what I said." Rarity winked. Scootaloo felt like a million bits. For once in her life, she didn't have to fake her health, she'd kissed the hottest thing to walk the planet, and she was adopted by her idol. Years of bad luck were flipping on their head for the young speedster. Twilight on the other hand was a nervous wreck, thoughts of Rainbow filling her mind and causing her to panic. What was she going to say to her? How was she going to react? Scootaloo glanced up at Twilight, noticing the panic in her eyes. "Twilight? Everything cool?" Scootaloo asked, causing the Magian to jump in surprise. "Huh? Oh, yes, um...Just lost in thought. Sorry about that...I've a lot on my mind at the moment." "Oh, important grown-up stuff huh?" Scootaloo sighed. "You could say that." Twilight answered, watching as Spike in his armor along with his guards made their way to a chariot. He paused as he spotted Twilight, saying something to the others before heading over to her. "Miss Sparkle, we have an urgent matter to tend to in Celamont. We will return as soon as we are able. I trust you and the others can take care of yourselves without us. You've already proven that." Spike spoke up, his voice sounding quite a lot deeper inside of his armor. "O-Of course. Have a safe trip." Twilight watched him leave, sighing as she entered the Library. She froze, catching eyes with Rainbow Dash. She was saved from an awkward conversation by Scootaloo rushing inside "Hey kid, how'd things go with little miss vampy?" Rainbow asked with a grin, noticing the smudged makeup "Oh, ya know, we just kinda talked things out." Scootaloo shrugged. Rainbow tugged on the hoodie, showing the smudge. "Seems like a lot more than talkin' kid." Rainbow joked, Scootaloo blushing and looking away. "She almost bit me...I was just tryin' to get free an one thing kinda led to another, ya know? I mean, not that I mind...she is kinda cute." Scootaloo admitted. "Heh, good for you kid. Why don't ya go get cleaned up? I gotta talk to Twi' about some boring grown up stuff." Rainbow grinned, ruffling Scootaloos' hair and giving her a gentle shove towards the stairs. Rainbow waited until she had vanished out of sight to speak up. "Twi', about what Rarity an Applejack were talkin' about..." "Its okay Rainbow." Twilight interrupted; "I-I understand if things seem a little strange and that we're just good friends." she said quickly, biting her tongue. She didn't want to make Rainbow uncomfortable. "Right, uh...not really what I was gonna say. I mean..." Rainbow sighed, hanging her head. "What if...what if they were right?" she said barely above a whisper. Twilight remained silent, waiting for Rainbow to continue. The Skyborn stood, clenching her fists. "I'm tired of sleeping in a cold bed, tired of being alone..." Rainbow shook, tears dripping down her cheeks and falling to the carpeted floor below. Twilight bit her lip, unsure of what to say. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted Pinkie Pie hiding in one of her plants. "Kiss her!" the baker mouthed, before somehow managing to vanish into the plant. Twilight gulped, taking a step forward. "Rainbow, you aren't alone. You've got me and the rest of our friends a-and Scootaloo!" Twilight argued. "Twi', you know thats not what I mean...I-I wanna try...I mean, I'm cool if you don't wanna...crap, I didn't even ask if you swing that way. Geez, this must be awkward...way to go Dash." Rainbow reprimanded herself, blinking as Twilight grabbed her shoulders. The two stared into one anothers eyes, the space between them closing slowly. "UHHHH...Twilight?! How do I turn off the water?!" Scootaloo yelled, water pouring down the stairs. Twilight sighed. "I-I should go fix that..." she mumbled, letting go of Rainbow and moving away. I'm losing my chance. I gotta do this now! Rainbow yelled at herself, grabbing Twilight by the arm and, before the Magian could argue, pulled her into a kiss, her arms wrapped tightly around her. Twilight let out a surprised squeak, her eyes wide. If not for the water filling her home she would've gladly stayed there, but the safety of her books and the little girl panicking upstairs demanded her attention. Twilight panted slightly as the kiss broke. "I uh..." "Should check on Scoots, probably a good idea." Rainbow interrupted, standing there as Twilight rushed upstairs. Rainbow nearly jumped out of her skin as Pinkie popped up behind her, tossing confetti into the air and blowing a fanfare into her skull. "YAY DASHIE!" Spike and his guards entered the throne room, kneeling before Celestia and Luna with their prisoner in tow. "This is the one you spoke of?" Celestia asked softly. "Yes. We were caught by surprise by her tactics. If not for your student we may not have captured her." Spike answered. Celestia turned to her sister, the two sharing a glance before the younger of the two made her way down to them. Trixie glared at the Princess of the Night, baring her teeth and struggling against her bindings. "Calm thyself child. We mean no harm to you." Luna said softly. "Sure, just like the nobles never meant any harm to any of the children in the street." Trixie spat. "We cannot vouch for the Nobles, we rather dislike them ourselves and have little understanding of their purpose. But you show great promise. We have heard of your skill in magic and your natural ability to control Chaos." Luna replied, circling the magician. "Of course you've heard of Trixie's talents. Everyone has." "Hm, great skill, but overconfident. Surely you will make a great student." Luna smirked and for the first time in a long time, Trixie felt her blood go cold. Just what was this crazy Princess planning to do with her? She watched as a guard entered the throne room, the man kneeling before Princess Celestia. "You wished to see me Princess?" "Yes, Shining Armor, I did. This woman here, she goes by the name of Trixie Lulamoon. You are to guard her with your life and to make sure no harm comes to her and to make sure she does not leave Celamont. Am I understood?" she spoke. Shining Armor glanced at Trixie and gave a nod. "Yes Princess. I will guard her with my very life." What is going on... You are going to become my pupil. To train in Proper Dark Magicks and to better your skills as a true Magian. In time your power will truly rival that of Twilight Sparkle. She, the Faithful Student, and you, the Dark Apprentice Luna's voice filled her thoughts. Trixie gulped, feeling her bindings fade away. And what is to stop Trixie from running away? she thought back. Luna smiled, glancing over at Shining Armor. Why, the brother of your rival of course. The magic of Starswirl is strong in their family. We doubt that even we could break free of his holding spells at full strength. You may try though, it will be a good exercise for what is to come, my Dark Apprentice. Luna let a slight chuckle slip past her lips as Trixie dashed for the door, Shining Armor tossing a barrier in the way. "She's a slippery one. I guess I'll have my work cut out for me on this one. OH, Princess?" "Yes?" Celestia hid a smile. "Please don't tell Cadence you have me watching another girl for you. It didn't go so well for me last time..."