//------------------------------// // L67.2 // Story: A little loopy. // by FaelaArts //------------------------------// “I’m just not sure the ponies will support this reform if it means they lose money in the end.” Sweetie frowned as she discussed the subject with various ponies around the table. A few at the table disagreed with her, but were trying to hide it. Most were considering her view, and consider the best way to broach the subject. “It isn’t a matter of the money in this case. This research could put us fifty years into the future! Klein Stein swears his ‘electricity’ can do things that magic cannot.” Opposite Sweetie was a purple pony, and she was having a hard time not comparing him to a beetroot. Pursing her lip, she considered his words. “Let me think for a moment,” she spoke, and small conversation began around the room. While she doubted this electricity would go anywhere, it did sound promising. Especially since Klein had shown an example of it. A part of her wanted to not make the decision in case the Princesses told her she had made the wrong one last. Raising her head, silence descended almost instantly. “How soon can he start his research?” Seeing their pleased and excited faces, Sweetie felt a swell of pride. It was strange, feeling pride for ponies like she was their superior. It left her with a disconnect, but she absorbed the experience with gusto. These were her ponies, and they were her responsibility. Was this what Rarity felt when Sweetie came to her and showed off her artistic skill? “Onto the next subject, a Mr Hydealyn Jackl’ has reported that his research has resulted in giving him a split personality. At first both were at each other’s necks, but have now come to an agreement to split the time between them.” As a report was handed to her, Sweetie noticed that the first personality had been given slightly more time than the other, barely an hour on some days. “That is relieving to hear. Tell him to start research into duplication. It is likely he can split his personalities into two bodies if he succeeds.” Sweetie watched as the pony nodded, and wrote down her notes. Inwardly sighing, she wondered what idiot had thought making that was a good idea. “How goes our Envoy in Griphonia?” Glancing to one pony beside her, Sweetie watched him pull out a document, and open it. Skimming through it, he began to talk. “Her presence has met with mixed results, but the Gryphons are starting to accept her. It helps you picked one of our strongest Pegasi.” The stallion’s words lined up with her impression of Gilda. Sweetie was glad she had gotten that right. “Announcing the return of Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna!” As trumpets sounded, Sweetie glanced to the ponies, one inch away from leaping out of their seats, and chuckled softly. Standing up, she folded up her notes, placing them in her saddlebags. “Let’s call it a day.” No sooner had she spoken, Sweetie was alone in the room. Stepping outside, she walked over, greeting the two. Looking at them, she could feel their refreshed nature. “Swee-Dawn! We had so much fun! Thank you!” Luna, who seemed to be drunk, leapt at Sweetie, tackling her to the floor, and hugged her. Celestia, who seemed slightly more sober, chuckled as she lifted Luna off. “Oh Luna, you were never good at holding in alcohol.” Motioning with her head, Celestia turned and headed down the corridor. Sweetie took the hint, and followed closely behind. Pulling out a stack of papers, she quickly went over her work. “You’ve done well. There are a few things that show your maturity, but nothing I wouldn’t expect from Luna.” Opening the door, Celestia (Did the Dinosaur) gently placed Luna into her bed, and crept out of the room, joining Sweetie outside. “Hrm,” said Sweetie as she pursed her lip. What did Celestia mean by ‘maturity?’ Regardless, she handed over her list, watching as Celestia went over it. Walking once more, Sweetie saw Celestia’s intent before the mouth even opened. “It’s a pity we can’t re-use this information every Loop. It would save us much time.” Smiling, Celestia glanced to a window as they passed it. Sweetie growled in annoyance. “Tch, Fine! I’ll send a copy of the information to you via magic every Loop. Happy?” The satisfaction in those eyes irked Sweetie. Regardless, she couldn’t exactly say no now, could she? Besides, she could always not do it anyway. Not like Celestia would remember. “My thanks,” replied Celestia, satisfaction hidden behind grateful eyes. Sweetie smiled warmly in response. Seeing Celestia turn away, she was disappointed that Celestia had neither picked up on her lie nor noticed her annoyance at her obvious satisfaction. ’Such a chore, they give me all these jobs, but never give me something I can use. Discord and the Dragon gave me something. I know they helped me learn magic spells, but what have they done for me recently? Well, they did allow me to experience this, but I just...ARGH!’ Words escaped Sweetie, and she realised she didn’t know what she wanted to say. A feeling she couldn’t describe. After a flashy exit, Sweetie said goodbye to Canterlot, and took the train back to Ponyville. She would arrive late, and it wouldn’t be long before she could return to her room. Musing on her thoughts as she took a seat, she sighed. Closing her eyes, she tried to understand what she felt. It wasn’t that she disliked Celestia, but something had changed. Was it like her boredom? Loss of sympathy? No, none of those were correct. Why did she want to snap at Celestia, shout and scream about how much she hates her? But Sweetie didn’t hate Celestia. So why? Why did she want to do such things? A headache began to form, and she rubbed her temple. ‘They’re getting stronger. I’m going to have to find something stronger to do with my magic. And there’s also the problem with my Mark.’ Glancing down, Sweetie watched as her Mark slowly transformed before her eyes, reverting from her normal Mark back to one similar to Twilight’s. A third pattern had formed, but it wasn’t recognisable. “The world is getting more pale,” she muttered, opening her eyes to look out at the scenery. Mouth down-turned, she decided it was time to see somepony new.