The warm rays of Celestia's sun slowly began to peek above the eastern horizon at Celestia's command. Casting its loving glow upon the sleepy world below, and banishing shadows and all manner of boogiemares for yet another day while the morning mist receded beneath the protective shade of trees, and valleys. As the light of a new day fell upon the small town of Ponyville, the rays of the sun would creep into one particular window of a boutique that lay near the center of town. Slowly the ray of light slipped through the crack in the curtain, and skulk across the floor towards the sole occupant in the room. In the small bed, a unicorn filly was safely tucked in nice and snug. Her doll, Pilot, held tightly in her forelegs as her plush Zaku had become her new favorite pillow.
Sweetie Belle had been sleeping peacefully, enjoying a rather pleasant dream when the ray of mischievous sunlight brushed across her muzzle, and her eyelid. A soft groan of protest slipped from her muzzle as she turned to bury her face into the large chest of the plush zaku doll. Yet the the ray of sunlight was persistent, and tickled at the corner of her eye. Beckoning her to awaken, and greet the new day. Another groan could be heard as she tried to curl into a small ball. Pilot drawn tightly against her chest.
Suddenly, her eye popped open, and she sat up in bed. Causing the Zaku, and Pilot to tumble out of the bed, and upon the floor in the aftermath. An excitement had taken hold of Sweetie Belle as she found herself instantly awake when she realized what today was. It was the day Michael promised to spend with her for being good, and keeping Applebloom, and Scootaloo from sneaking after the others when they went to the Crystal Empire! Sweetie Belle bucked off the covers, and leaped from her bed before making a mad dash for the door. Her mind filled with all the fun things that she, and Michael were going to do today. But first she needed to clean up, and make herself "presentable".
Down in the Kitchen, Rarity was preparing breakfast for everyone. She hummed softly as she stirred the oatmeal in the pot before adding a dash of brown sugar for flavor. On the counter close by were several large apples that were hoof picked from Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack was always so considerate in making sure that her friends had some of the best apples from her orchard. There were two Macintosh apples, and a Granny Smith waiting to be sliced, and added on top of the oatmeal right before being served. Today was shaping out to be another marvelous day.
Soon, Rarity could hear the clopping of small hooves upon the stairs as she knew her sister was coming down for breakfast. Though today she could hear an excited pace from them.
"Good morn...(snirk)." Rarity started to say as she turned around only to be cut off by what she saw. She quickly covered her mouth with her foreleg to keep the laughter from exploding out.
Standing before her was Sweetie Belle in her best dress, but it was what was on her face that had Rarity turning red while stifling her giggles. Her little sister's face was plastered in almost every color of the rainbow in makeup. Rarity bit her lower lip as it was both hilarious, and adorable all at the same time.
"MORNING!" Sweetie Belle announced as she started to strut around the Kitchen.
"Swee...(muffled giggle). Sweetie Belle, what do you have all over your face?" Rarity asked, even though she already knew the answer.
"Its make up. I need to look my very best today." Sweetie Belle declared.
Rarity just smiled, and picked up a moist cloth from the sink before trotting over to Sweetie Belle, and rubbing all the make up off her face.
"Sweetie Belle, you don't put on make up like its paint. Make up is meant to accentuate your features. To draw the other ponies in, and wow them with your natural beauty." Rarity explained as she finished mopping up the make up on Sweetie's face.
Using her magic, she set the rag back by the sink before sitting in front of Sweetie Belle. "Now tell me Sweetie Belle, why were you wearing makeup in the first place?" Rarity asked.
Sweetie Belle quickly became apprehensive as she started to rub her forelegs together as if she was wringing her hands. "Well... Well, I wanted to look nice today." She admitted, her cheeks darkening to an adorable shade of red.
It would take Rarity but a moment to connect the dots as she remembered that Michael promised to spend the entire day with Sweetie today for being a good filly while he was away. It was all Sweetie Belle would talk about ever since they all came back from the Crystal Empire. A coy smile spread across her lips as she could see what had Sweetie so nervous, and yet so determined. She was thinking that this was going to be a "Date". That had Rarity struggling to keep the "D'aww" sound from slipping out, and embarrassing Sweetie Belle even further.
"Yes, this is quite an important day, isn't it?" Rarity asked rhetorically. "Perhaps then I should show you how to put on make up properly." Rarity offered.
Sweetie's eyes quickly grew to the size of saucers as what Rarity had said sunk in. Was her sister really offering to teach her how to put on make up!?
"Really!?" She squeaked.
"Yes, really. As you say, you wish to look your absolute best. As your big sister, I can't simply ignore such a plea for help." Rarity stated with a dramatic flourish. Bring her hoof to her chest before waving Sweetie to follow her.
"Come with me, Sweetie. I'll show you how to properly put on makeup." Rarity instructed as she used her magic to turn down the heat on the oatmeal so it wouldn't burn.
As the two approached the kitchen door, they heard the heavy lumbering steps of Michael as he felt his way down the stairs. While the three humans were honoring a "Cease Fire", they were still technically enemies. So Twilight, and the other princesses, agreed that not having them all under the same roof was the most beneficial. Celestia understood better than most how politics can easily "disrupt" a peaceful home. The Federation Soldiers were lent the use of the house they had originally been locked up in before as their lodgings during their stay. Since Michael was already staying with Rarity, it was only natural that the arrangement continue. Plus, having an entirely new species to make clothes for was a challenge that Rarity simple could not pass up. To help ease any financial burdens that may accrue, the royal sisters granted Rarity a stipend to house Michael while the Cakes took responsibility of the Federation pilots. Even continuing their employment at the bakery part time when they were not dealing with their duties.
"Good morning, Michael. I hope you slept well." Rarity greeted. "Could you do me a tiny favor, and keep an eye on the breakfast. I don't want to risk it burning." She asked.
"Sure, no problem." Michael groaned out as he stretched once more, popping his joints as he easily placed his hands upon the ceiling.
Michael turned to face Rarity, and saw Sweetie Belle standing right next to her. He gave the young a Filly a warm, sleepy smile. "I hope you're ready for today." Michael stated.
"Yeah, I am!" Sweetie Belle declared happily. Though her cheeks still held that blush, causing Michael to worry that Sweetie Belle might have been coming down with something.
However, before he could ask, Rarity quickly ushered Sweetie Belle out of the room leaving him to tend the oatmeal. Rarity could only chuckle to herself as she could see just how big a crush Sweetie had on Michael. Yet, she wasn't really worried. Though Michael had not been around very long, he had went out of his way to be helpful, and he was such a gentlestallion. Granted she didn't particularly like the language he used, but Michael always made an effort not to curse in front of the foals. Even if he didn't always succeed. Rarity could only imagine what their father, Magnum, would have to say about Sweetie's first crush. It was partially cause of Magnum's supected reaction that Rarity was going along with this.
When Rarity was very young, she had the biggest crush on this young handsome Guard that was transferred to Ponyville right after training. Rarity, a young filly in school at the time, would follow the stallion everywhere, and constantly try to spark up conversations with him. Even making him lunch, and snacks on her days off from school. Anything she could do to spend time with the Guard. This worried her father as he didn't know the character of the Stallion in question, and like any good father, worried about his baby filly. Though Magnum would come to discover that his daughter inherited his stubbornness, and the more he tried to keep the two apart, the more persistent Rarity became trying to get closer to the Stallion. It had gotten to the point that Magnum agreed to let Rarity go on one "Date" with the Guard. Hoping that it would get Rarity to stop pursuing the Stallion so intensely.
His plan worked. While the Guardspony was very kind, and treated Rarity like the "Lady" she claimed to be. Being able to spend time with the Stallion also showed her that while he was handsome, and kind. There wasn't really anything between them. He was a noble stallion, but simply was not her "Special Somepony". Rarity hoped that by allowing Sweetie to go on this "Date" with Michael, she too would get this bug out of her system, and return to her normal days of playing with her friends.
Sweetie would follow Rarity back to her bedroom, and watched as her big sister started to go through her closet. Pulling out dresses, and examining them a moment before putting them back. As Rarity did this, Sweetie moved over to her bed, and picked up Pilot, and her plush Zaku off the floor. She set them on her night stand as she made her bed. She was still a bit nervous about to today, and wanted to do something to take her mind off of her nervousness. When she was done, She set Pilot, and Zaky back on the bed just in front of her pillow.
"Sweetie Belle, please come here." Rarity sang right before she held up a robin's egg blue sundress.
"Why are you holding up that dress, Rarity?" Sweetie Belle asked as she looked up at her sister.
"This is the dress you'll be wearing today." Rarity declared.
"But I already have a dress. I thought you were gonna show me how to put on make up?" Sweetie asked, clearly confused.
"Yes, deary, but that dress is a bit too "Formal" for what you, and Michael will be doing today. Something a bit more casual would do much better." Rarity explained.
Sweetie Belle didn't understand, but she trusted her sister's knowledge of style, and removed the heavily ornate dress she had been wearing. Rarity would take hold of that dress, and put it aside to be properly cleaned, and hung up later before passing along the sundress. Sweetie had a much easier time putting the sundress on than the one she wore previously. She would also admit that it was also much more comfortable as well.
"Okay, what's next?" Sweetie asked, feeling that excitement creep up on her again and wanting to run around with all the energy she felt she had.
"Please have a seat. I'll be right back." Rarity instructed to Sweetie's annoyance.
As Rarity went to fetch whatever it was that she was going for, Sweetie sat upon the rug in the center of her room, and looked at herself in the full length mirror. She didn't feel pretty, nor did she feel special. Yet, remembering the power in Michael's voice that day when he demanded the monster to hand her over, it caused shivers to ripple up, and down her small body. Yes she knew if it had been any other pony he would have been just as determined to rescue them, but she liked the thought that he was extra determined just because it was her.
"Here we are!" Rarity declared as she trotted back into the room with a few items floating in her magical grasp. "Now remember Sweetie Belle. Make up is not something you slather over yourself. You use make up to accent your natural beauty. The adage "Less is More" would fit quite nicely. Do you understand?" Rarity asked as she set the items down, and sat down just in front of Sweetie Belle.
"I..I think I do." Sweetie Belle answered, though to be honest she was still quite confused.
"Just leave it to me, and trust in your big sister." Rarity stated as she brought up a tube of lip gloss.
Fifteen minutes later, Rarity drew back so that Sweetie Belle bell could see herself in the mirror. The young Filly blinked as she looked upon her image. Her eye lashes looked fuller, and longer. The liner seeming to make her moss green eyes more vibrant. Her lips had a soft sheen upon them giving the illusion of moisture. It was very minimal, but the effect was rather fetching as the soft robin's egg blue dress gave Sweetie Belle a very "Spring" aura. Rarity smiled as she felt proud of how wonderful her sister looked.
"Wow!" Sweetie Belle said as she looked upon herself in the mirror. "But this stuff on my lips feels funny. Tastes kind of icky too." She stated as she reached up with her hoof to rub it off. Yet, Rarity's hoof came over, and stopped her.
"I know, but it looks good on you, and you'll get used to it. It will also protect your lips from the harsh sun, and wind. Keeping them soft, and smooth." Rarity explained as she drew back her hoof.
"Okay, Rarity. If you say so." Sweetie Belle replied, though it did feel weird.
"Let's go Sweetie, breakfast is waiting." Rarity stated before trotting out of Sweetie's bed room. Making sure to leave the lip gloss upon Sweetie's vanity before leaving. A gift from an older sister to her younger sister.
Downstairs, the two were greeted by three steaming bowls of Oatmeal, and a tall glass of juice. In each bowl, a small pile of diced apples sat upon the top of the Oatmeal, and cinnamon was lightly dusted over the fruit. It smelled wonderful. Michael was sitting at the table, his food, and drink untouched as he had waited on the two others before starting his meal. Michael stood up as the two Ponies entered the room, and gave them both a warm smile.
"My, what a gentlestallion to wait for us." Rarity tittered as she approached the table.
Michael would pull the Girls's chairs out for for them as Rarity gave him a smile, and a practiced batting of her lashes. As Michael helped Sweetie Belle, He gave her another warm smile.
"You look wonderful this morning Sweetie Belle." He said to her. The tone of his voice honest, and warm.
Sweetie Belle's cheeks exploded in a fetching shade of rouge as she found her mind unable to form a coherent reply. After a moment, she could only mutter a soft "Thank you.".
Rarity watched this with amusement, wondering if she herself had been so shy, and bashful as a filly. If going by what that Guard thought of the purple maned filly that chased him so relentlessly, the answer was "No".
After breakfast, Michael grabbed a quick shower, and changed into some clean clothes. Rarity had gifted him a set of "Civilian" clothes after the Crystal Empire incident, and he was eager to not have to play Soldier for a day. The clothes were a pair of loose fitting khaki cargo pants, the belt was from his duty uniform, but it olive drab actually looked pretty good against the Khaki. The Shirt was simple button up Henley style shirt in deep forest green with a yellow stripe running down the short sleeves. A modest breast pocket was placed over his left breast just over his heart. A plastic pen was strategically perched there, its silver clip reflecting the light in the room. The pen being an old habit of Michael's as he often had to sign forms, and documents in the Zeon Military. Though, sadly, Rarity couldn't get shoes for him so Michael simply had to wear his boots.
"You two have fun, be back before dinner!" Rarity called out as she waved at the two departing figures from the front door of her shop.
Michael, and Sweetie Belle would wave back before continuing on towards the center of town. Sweetie Belle constantly looking up at Michael, thinking that the outfit that her big sister made for him looked very nice on him. Though every time she stare up at him, the butterflies in her stomach would flutter around more vigorously, and her cheeks would darken once more.
It was shaping up to be a beautiful day. The weather team had set a few bright fluffy clouds in the sky to break up the unending sea of blue. A cool breeze was blowing across the land to off set the warmth of Celestia's sun. To Michael, and Sweetie it was simply a wonderful day to be outside, and enjoying each other's wonderful company.
"So whats the plan for today, Sweetie?" He asked as they were making their way towards the center of town, and its market.
Sweetie stopped, and turned to answer but as she opened her mouth, nothing came out. She had nothing! No plan, no schemes, not even an inkling of what they should do. A bolt of panic shot through Sweetie's mind. She had to think of something to do! The young filly racked her brain as the two simply stood there. Michael looking down at his fun size companion and resisted the urge to pat her head, for risk of ruining her hair style or knocking her hat off.
"Hello there!" A friendly voice cried out from up ahead from Equestria's newest princess.
Sweetie was snapped out of her panic as she looked towards the source of the voice, and saw Princess Twilight trotting up to the two of them.
"I was on my way over to Rarity's to talk with you, but finding you here saved me the trip." Twilight stated happily to Michael before noticing Sweetie Belle standing by his side. "Good morning Sweetie Belle. You look nice this morning." Twilight stated genuinely as she gave the young filly a smile.
"Yes, she looks very beautiful. That dress, and sun hat looks really good on her, don't they." Michael agreed.
There were those butterflies again. Sweetie Belle could only smile as Michael not only said she was pretty, but Beautiful . Very beautiful, even. Sweetie Belle made a mental note to really thank Rarity for all her help this morning.
"That they do." Twilight nodded warmly. "Oh, the reason why I was coming to see you was that I wanted to tell you that we're ready to perform a weapon's test with the Guntank! To see if the rounds we reproduced will be usable in your weapon systems." Twilight declared as she sat down to clop her front hooves together in excitement at the prospect of such a large scale test. She was positively radiating with excitement.
"Oh?" Michael replied with a bit of caution in his voice. Twilight had a pretty bad habit of going on rather lengthy explanations, and tangents if you would give her the opportunity.
"Oh yes. It took a bit of study on the intact rounds you, and the others, lent us. The materials used to make the "bullets" aren't that difficult to get our hooves on. Lead for the cores is very common, and used in manufacturing. Brass is also very plentiful so the rounds can be easily "Jacketed"." Twilight explained, clearly enjoying her explanation as well as the new terms she learned from the Federation Soldiers. It was almost as fun for her as listening to one of Celestia's lectures.
"The Gun powder was a bit tricky, but alchemists from Canterlot were able to synthesize the formula. Though the hardest part was creating a stable primer to ignite the gunpowder. Everything that we came up with would have set the gunpowder off too easily. Creating the danger of an explosion in your magazines should the bullets be jostled too much. Though the answer would come from...Trixie, of all ponies." Twilight huffed, clearly not pleased that this "Trixie" was able to come up with the solution. For whatever reason, Michael didn't know, but didn't want to hazard breaking her off topic just to know about a past rivalry.
"Okay, so what is all this have to do with me?" Michael asked, cutting Twilight off before she can pull out her encyclopedia of notes he knew she would have prepared.
"Oh, right hehe" Twilight chuckled with some abashment. "I want you there to observe the firing. Perhaps you can see something that we, or The Federation people missed." She explained, already expecting him to agree, and follow.
When Sweetie heard Twilight asking Michael to follow her, and watch the test. She felt her heart drop as she expected him to go along with the Princess. This Test sounded really important, and who would refuse the request of a Princess?
"Sorry, Your Highness. I can't. I promised to spend the entire day with Sweetie Belle doing what she wants." Michael explained.
"Eh!?" Both Sweetie, and Twilight yelped as they looked up at him.
"But-But the test firing! We need to know if everything works." Twilight explained, trying to press the importance, as she saw this, to Michael.
Michael let out a sigh, and slowly began to lower himself closer to Twilight's eye level. Seeing how his legs folded up like that was always interesting to watch as both Sweetie Belle, and Twilight expected Michael to either fall backwards, or forwards by how unsteady he looked. Yet he remained upon his feet as he looked into Twilight's eyes. His hazel eyes finding Twilight's rich violet eyes, causing the princess to blush a bit.
"Yes, this test is very important. I understand that, Princess." Michael stated
"Then why...." Twilight started to ask, but was stopped as Michael held up his hand.
Then that very same hand would move to gently rest upon Sweetie's withers, causing the filly to look up to him, her moss green eyes finding his from underneath her straw sun hat. Michael would give her a smile that made her heart swell. Her eyes sparkling up at him
"But this is more important." He said with a simple, but soft tone that meant that he wasn't simply fulfilling this request out of obligation. That he wanted to be here with Sweetie Belle.
Twilight appeared that she wanted to protest, but after a moment, she simply let out a long sigh. "Okay. I understand that fulfilling promises is very important too." she would concede.
"Thank you for understanding, Princess. I hope you have good luck at that test." Michael smiled before turning Sweetie Belle. "Let's go, Sweetie." He requested before continuing to make their way towards the center of town.
"Okay!" Sweetie chirped excitedly, eager to continue on their date. "Um, Michael. Why didn't you want to go with Princess Twilight? That Test sounded very impor'ant." Sweetie Belle asked.
"I've been to several weapons tests, and if you're not directly involved It is kinda boring to watch. And if something does go wrong. You sure as he...,er, heck don't want to be anywhere near the place." He explained with an amused chuckle.
As the two walked away, Twilight suddenly remembered what else she was going to tell Michael. The realization causing her to stamp her hoof.
"Oh ponyfeathers! I forgot to tell him that the Princesses were forging him a new ax." She said before facehoofing.
"I'll just have Spike add it to my "To Do" list." She said, and continued off to the test firing zone.
The two would enter the Market, and see all the ponies scurrying about trying to finish their daily errands quickly so that they may, hopefully, have time to talk with friends, or treat themselves to something special at Sugar Cube Corner, or simply so they don't have to worry about it later. The Human, and little filly were hardly noticed. Though there were a few that did wave, and compliment Sweetie Belle on her outfit. However, Michael would notice several strange looks he was getting, particularly from the Mares of the town. As they continued, a large unicorn in brightly gleaming golden armor approached. Seeing the two, he would smile and approach with a spring in his step.
"Good morning, you two seem to be walking around town." The Unicorn Guard stated in a matter of fact tone.
"Yes, Captain Obvious, we are." Michael replied, a smirk on his lips showing that he was being a smart ass.
"how'ja know his name? He just came to Ponyville yesterday." Sweetie asked as she looked up at Michael in awe.
"Huh? Whadda ya mean?" Michael asked, confusion in his voice.
"The name is Blatantly Obvious. I'm the new Captain of the Ponyville Garrison." The Unicorn introduced with pride.
Michael would simply stare at the Captain a moment before he brought his hand up to his face, and shook his head. Soft mumbling of ponies, and their crazy names spoken underneath his breath before he slowly pulled his hand down. A long exhale leaving his lips before he extended his hand to shake the Captain's hoof.
"Sargent Michael Black. Zeon Terrestrial Forces. A pleasure to meet you. I can tell you're gonna be a perfect commanding officer." Michael stated in a friendly manner.
"Yes, I've been told about you, and the two others." Captain Obvious replied as he shook Michael's hand.
"Well I must be going now. I am part of the guard." He said, further pushing the truth of his name.
After that rather interesting introduction, Michael, and Sweetie Belle continued on their way through the market. They didn't have a clear destination. Sweetie had not thought that far ahead, and Michael was simply going with the flow. Letting the adorable little Filly lead the way.
As they were passing the stalls, they would occasionally stop to see what that particular pony was peddling. Some were trying to hand off Flowers, apparently for eating as snacks, while others were selling fruits or vegetables from their gardens. Some would try to sell baskets, or crockery that were 'hoof made'. The two would continue before a pleasantly familiar voice cut over the din of the market. A voice both were very familiar with.
"AP-PELS! GIT YER AP-PELS CHERE!"
Sweetie smiled as she saw her friend Applebloom standing before her family's apple stall and trying to drum up business. Though where she got all those sparklers, and a beach ball, only Pinkie Pie would know. Sweetie Belle smiled brightly as she trotted ahead of Michael to greet her friend. Michael simply bringing up the rear, and enjoying watching Sweetie Belle being so adorable.
"Heya Apple Bloom!" Sweetie called out as she trotted up to Apple Bloom whom was trying to balance herself on the beach Ball while wearing the sparklers.
Though it would appear that Sweetie Belle was just distracting enough to cause Apple Bloom to lose her concentration, and tumble down to the ground in a heap as the Beach ball bounced away for parts unknown.
"Ah~! Dat was da Fif beech ball dis morning!" Apple Bloom lamented as she dusted herself off before turning to Sweetie Belle. "Howdy Sweetie! You're looking right fancy in dem duds." Apple Bloom stated as she started to walk around Sweetie, the unicorn doing her best model poses for her friend.
"Hey Apps, how are ya doing?" Michael greeted as he approached.
"Ah'm doing great! Sis is off delivering some apples an asked me tah watch da stand." Apple Bloom replied before she could register that Michael was not in his normal uniform.
Apple Bloom would then turn to Sweetie Belle, and back to Michael before her eyes grew wide. She motioned for Sweetie Belle to follow her, and the two would move away from Michael whom appeared to be trying to listen for something.
"Sweetie Belle, are ya on a....?" Apple Bloom started to ask
"A "Date"!? "Sweetie squeaked before nodding vigorously. "Yeah, I think so! I'm so excited. He even refused to go with Twilight for some super duper important test!" Sweetie explained as the smile upon her lips as bright as the sun.
Apple Bloom wasn't sure if getting out of some test over seen by Twilight was actually that big of an shocker. Who liked tests anyways? However, she wasn't gonna ruin her best friend's big day.
"Ah'm happy fer ya. Remember how hard it was tah get Miss Cherilee her special somepony? At least ya got one early befer Heart en Hooves day." Applebloom declared.
Sweetie thought a moment as she remembered the three of them trying to set up Miss Cheerliee with Apple Bloom's Brother, Big Macintosh. It was quite an adventure to say the least. Poor Miss Crack Pot thought that the world of ending when she awoken from her afternoon nap, and found her house on the complete opposite side of Ponyville! Yeah, the girls had quite the punishment for using love poison on the two. Sweetie Belle couldn't believe there was THAT much homework in the entire world!
"Gee, thanks for reminding me." Sweetie said in a completely deadpan manner.
"Sorry, sorry." Apple Bloom stated a she laid a hoof upon Sweetie's wither. "Oh! If'in ya both mosey on by the park, say "Hi" to Scoots. She's with Rainbow Dash practicin' flyin'" Apple Boom would add as a way to change the subject.
"Okay, I'm not sure where we're headin, but I'll make sure to say Hi to Scootaloo." Sweetie Belle promised before giving her friend a hug so she can return to peddling her apples. Course, Apple Bloom wouldn't let the two go without a small bag of apples as it was approaching lunch.
Michael, and Sweetie continued towards the edge of the market when they would run across two more of Ponyville's notorious denizens. Bon Bon and Lyra, who were out, and taking a walk enjoying Celestia's beautiful day. Bon Bon, having just gotten the cast off her leg, was looking forward to walking around more on her own without the help of crutches. Seeing them, Sweetie Belle's eyes lit up, and once more she was trotting away from Michael, leaving him to catch up.
"Hiya Bon Bon, Lyra. Hows the leg?" Sweetie asked as she stopped before the two.
"Hello Sweetie Belle. I'm doing fine. The leg is a little stiff though." Bon Bon explained as she lifted the leg to stretch it out a bit.
"Cool! Does this mean you'll be making candies again!?" Sweetie Belle asked, the excitement clearly evident in the way her eyes twinkled.
Bon Bon could only chuckle softly. "Yes, I'll be starting on them tonight when it cools off a bit. I know you've been eager for more of my milk caramels." Bon Bon would reply, getting an excited squeal from the unicorn filly.
As Michael caught up to Sweetie, Lyra held up her hoof to him. He returned the greeting by balling up his fist, and bumping it against Lyra's hoof, causing Lyra to look at it in excitement for a moment as if her hoof was made of gold.
"Heya Michael, I heard about that fight in the Crystal Empire. So which one of you did the most damage? You, or the monster?" Lyra asked with a teasing lilt to her voice.
"I would have to say it was a pretty even split." Michael would laugh. "I'm just glad they're not expecting me to pay for it."
A flicker of movement in the corner of his eye caught Michael's attention as he turned toward Bon Bon. He swore he saw something moving on top of Bon Bon's head. Yet, all he saw was what looked like a large cotton ball. Was it a hair clip? If it was it looked rather out of place in Bon Bon's hair, but she didn't appear to be bothered by it in the least. Though as he continued to watch that odd cotton ball, he would see it stretch out one long spindly fur covered leg. Followed by another, and another. Five more legs would then stretch out for a total of eight while several large eyes turned towards MIchael. As it finally registered what exactly was on Bon Bon's head, Michael's eyes grew wide as it was a large white spider. The next thing he saw, and he could be imagining it, was that the spider actually waved to him!
"OH WOW!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed as she looked up, and saw the fuzzy spider. "You brought Scary with you!". Sweetie Belle waved up at the spider, and damn if Michael had not saw it, but that spider waved back to Sweetie. "Hiya Scary!" The filly called up to the spider, waving to the large eight legged cotton ball.
"Yep, I thought it would be a good to get him out of his terrarium for a little bit." Bon Bon explained before bringing a hoof up, and petting Scary a few times before bring it right back down again.
"Michael, are you okay? You're looking kinda pale." Lyra asked as she looked up at him, noticing he appeared to be leaning away from the group.
"Fine...I'm fine. Super fine actually." He replied with a bit of a stutter. Just keep that ball of "nope" away from me. he mentally screamed and nearly wished it had been crushed in his earlier brawl in town against that dragon.
"Well...okay. So long as you're sure." Lyra replied with a nod.
"Sorry we can't stay around any longer, but Lyra and I have to get going. We're suppose to meet some friends for lunch. I hope you, and Mr. Black have a good day, Sweetie Belle." Bon Bon stated. "I'll make sure to have a fresh batch of caramels tomorrow at my stall." Bon Bon promised.
"YAY!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed as she began to bounce around happily. It was enough to distract Michael from the large spider on top of Bon-Bon's head.
At least until the two mares started to walk away, and Scary waved "Good bye" back to Michael, and Sweetie Belle. The young filly waved back with enthusiasm, though Michael's was a bit subdued. As the two mares disappeared into the crowd, and the spider with them. Michael had to stifle a shutter as he tried to erase the memory of that spider looking at him with its beady eyes. Those deep..black..soulless eyes...like a doll's eyes.
"Let's head to the park next! I wanna say "Hi" to Scootaloo." Sweetie said as she looked up at Michael.
"Sure, I'm cool with that. Lead the way. We can share these apples we got from Apple Bloom with Scoots." Michael replied as he extended his hand, and playfully tussled Sweetie's sun hat. Which got his hand being batted away by a pair of small hooves. They walked just a little bit faster as Michael's subconscious was eager to get away from the spider that loved being in hair.
The park was lush, and green with many of the ponies taking a break from their daily toil to enjoy a picnic with friends, and loved ones. Several colts, and fillies were playing on the playground as their parents watched nearby in the shade of a large oak tree. Two colts were working to build a Sand Castle almost twice as tall as they were in the sand box. The young pegasus flying up to place a leaf on top of the tallest tower as a flag.
Sweetie would lead Michael to an enormous field towards the back of the Park where already the two could see rainbow colored streaks zipping across the sky. Scootaloo was sitting with a clip board, and a stop watch timing Rainbow as she slalomed through several rows of Trees.
"Hey Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle called out as she approached her friend.
Scootaloo didn't respond for a moment, her focus was completely upon the Rainbow blur up in the sky. It wasn't until that blur blew past the three, and Scootaloo pressed her hoof on the stopwatch that she turned, and smiled at Sweetie Belle, and Michael.
"Hey-ya! What's up?" She asked before jotting down some numbers on the clipboard and then continued to acknowledge the two arrivals.
"We came to see how you were doing. Apple Bloom said you were practicing some flying with Rainbow." Sweetie explained.
"Yeah, we're taking a break from that while Rainbow works on her fast turns." Scootaloo explained before she looked up, and waved to Michael. The Human waving back, and giving a friendly smile in return. "What ya up to?" Scootaloo asked Sweetie Belle.
"Michael is spending the entire day with me! He even wouldn't go with Twilight on one of her tests, and it sounded very important!" Sweetie Belle explained as she buzzed with happiness. "Its a date!" she mouthed to Scootaloo, her excitement robbing her of her voice.
Scootaloo looked from Sweetie Belle to Michael, intent on asking if what Sweetie Belle said was true. However, she noticed that Michael appeared to be listening to something. A moment later, Michael took a large step to the side right before Rainbow Dash dropped out of the sky, and landed on her butt.
"HEY! How d'you do that!?" Rainbow demanded to know as she pulled herself off the ground, and glared at him.
"Simple Rainbow. I'm a mobile suit pilot, I have eyes in the back of my head." Michael answered smugly.
"REALLY!?" The three ponies all yelped with Sweetie trying to get a look behind him.
A sinister smile spread across Michael's lips as he moved his hand to the back of his head as if to lift his hair up. "Ya wanna see?" he asked.
"DO I!? That would be so totally awesome!" Rainbow declared as she was leaning forward to get the best possible view.
Even Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were leaning in, eager to see Michael's other set of eyes.
"Damn, ya'll are no fun." Michael sighed as he lowered his hand, hoping for a far different reaction.
"Huh? What gives?" Rainbow demanded to know as she glared at Michael.
"Rainbow, I don't have eyes in the back of my head. I was messin' with ya" Michael explained.
"WHAT!? Then how did you know that I was gonna drop in on ya?" the chromatic pegasus asked.
"Cause you have a very distinctive hissing laugh when you're about to pull a prank." Michael explained as he booped Rainbow on the nose. Causing the pegasus to rub her nose with her hoof, and Sweetie looked on wishing it had been her nose that had been poked. " Now come on, lets all eat these apples that Apple Bloom was kind enough to give to us for lunch. I'm starving." Michael stated as he held up the bag that Apple Bloom gave them earlier.
With a hardy cheer the three ponies, and one human found a shady spot underneath a large tree. The breeze was a cool, and refreshing reprieve from the warmth of the early afternoon sun. Michael leaned against the trunk of the tree, and smiled as Rainbow was more than willing to tell the other three all about her accomplishments, and how she was destined to be a Wonderbolt. Scootaloo was drinking it all up like a filly dying of thirst. Michael would simply nod, and let Rainbow carry on. He was used to Rainbow's type of personality. He had seen many people like that during training, particularly during his time in MS school, that loved to hear the sound of their own voices. Everyone of them spouting that they're going to be the next Char Aznable, or the pilot to make the infamous Black Tri-stars into the Black Quad-stars. One particularly annoying person he had to go through MS school with was a guy by the name of Jonathan Ridden, or Johnny as he preferred to be called. He wouldn't stop going on, and on about how he was going to surpass Char Aznable, and be known far, and wide as the "Crimson Lightning."
After the Apples were eaten, and some more playful banter. Rainbow Dash would lead Scootaloo away for some more wing exercises to get her stamina up. Leaving Sweetie Belle, and Michael alone underneath their tree to while the afternoon hours away. A comfortable silence would descend upon the two as Michael's hand seemed to instinctively come to rest on Sweetie's withers. His fingers stroking through her velvet soft fur slowly. Moving up to base of her mane, and then slowly back down her back before going up again. The action coaxing a small joyful hum from Sweetie Belle as the ministrations of Michael's hands felt wonderful.
The longer Michael sat there stroking between Sweetie's shoulders, and neck, the more she leaned against him, her head eventually resting against his thigh as the two simply watched the grass sway in the breeze the blew across the land. Sweetie's eyes were slowly getting heavy as the sensation of Michael's fingers were lulling her into a blissful state of relaxation.
A moment later, the soft rustling of the wind through the leaves would be accompanied by a soft humming tune. Sweetie Belle was humming contently as her eyes were simply staring of into the horizon from her comfortable perch upon Michael's thigh. It was a tune that seemed to form in her mind as she lay there. She wasn't even aware that she was humming, just aware of the comfortable breeze, and the feeling of five digits combing through her short coat around her neck, and withers.
"That's a lovely song." Michael would say finally, his fingers continuing in their motion.
"hmm? Wha song?" Sweetie Belle asked as she raised her head to look up at him. Her sun hat sliding off, and coming to rest upon the green grass next her.
"That song you were just humming. It was very nice." Michael explained as his eye rolled down a bit to look at Sweetie Belle. Showing the same amount of relaxation she was just enjoying.
"Oh...I didn't know I was humming." Sweetie replied as she rested her chin back onto Michael's thigh.
"Rarity tells me you like to sing. I would like to hear you sing some time." Michael would say soft as his hand slid up Sweetie Belle's neck, and gently began to comb his fingers through Sweetie's mane.
The feeling was positively luxurious to the young filly, causing her to stretch out her legs, and then pull them back in to curl up against the side of Michael's leg, his thigh becoming her pillow. The sensation of his fingers in her mane was softer than anything he had ever felt, like touching cotton candy mixed with a cloud.
"Okay." was Sweetie's only reply before the relaxing sensation of Michael's fingers lulled her into a peaceful slumber.
Michael would soon join her as his hand slowed to a stop, and rested upon right wither. The two of them slept peacefully under the comforting shade provided by the tree and cooled by the wind that passed by them.
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The two would continue to nap undisturbed for the rest of the afternoon. The world passing them by peacefully as the sun continued its magically guided trek across the azure blue sky. Neither one changed a single position, Michael's hand continuing to lay across Sweetie Belle's wither. The warmth from his hand was a welcome sensation for the small Filly. Giving her a sense of safety allowing her to sleep as soundly as she could. Her head resting upon his thigh. As the Sun started to sink towards the western horizon, its warm rays would touch upon the sleeping unicorn's eyes, stirring her to wake, and see a world bathed in the golden light of late afternoon, early evening. The two appeared like statues slowly coming to life before the loving glow of the fading sun.
With a deep yawn, Sweetie Belle shifted a bit as she stretched out her legs, and her back. The pleasant weight of Michael's hand still upon her withers as she looked around to see a nearly deserted park. The majority of the ponies having left to finish their afternoon errands, and get last minute items from the market before returning home to prepare dinner for loved ones returning home from work, or play. Though there was some stragglers hanging around. Mostly young couples watching the sunset together.
Looking up, Sweetie would see that Michael was still asleep, and looking quite tranquil in his slumber. She hated to have to wake him, but Rarity would be cooking dinner about now, and would be wondering where they were. So Sweetie would give Michael a couple of quick pokes in the side with her horn to nudge him awake.
"Wake up Michael. Its time to go home." Sweetie Belle stated quietly.
Michael would let out a low groan as he began to twist, and roll his upper body. A deep yawn escaping from his lips as his eyes fluttered open. Arms were pulled in, and then stretched up to the sky as Michael worked stiff joints.
"Goo~...(yawn), Morning. Sweetie Belle" Michael said sleepily.
A soft giggle slipped from Sweetie's lips as she stood up, and stretched out some more. "It's not morning silly." She told him as she watched Michael slowly wake up, and get his bearings.
The walk back was quiet, and peaceful. Entering the Market, the two could see many of the ponies were starting to close up for the evening. The Flower sisters were giving their plants one last watering before loading them upon a wagon to take back home to their green houses. Though there were still a couple of stalls still open as Ponies were getting last minute ingredients for supper. It was heartwarming watching the ponies eagerly rush home to be with family, and loved ones. Causing a small smile to tug at the corner of Michael's lips, and made him wonder if he would ever have a family of his own someday. His thoughts distracting him from the small unicorn looking up at him as they walked.
The two would continue to move on autopilot until the soft tinkling of bells roused both from their reverie, and they began to look around for the source. At the edge of the Market tucked away in a cozy corner was a group of stalls set up for the more specialized artisans. Jewelers fashioning the most beautiful pieces of horn rings, and bracelets. Bladesmithes selling high quality kitchen knives, and other utensils. Potters with their bowls, vases and mugs. They were in the midst of packing their wares for the evening mean while colorful conversation crisscrossing the small walk way between the stalls as Michael, and Sweetie Belle approached, looking for the source of the tinkling bells.
Their search would bring them to the stall at the end of the row where an aged Earth pony was chuckling to himself as he pressed a small paddle that would make a string of brightly polished bells jingle. Though as the two approached, The Earth pony stopped when he took notice of the two, and slowly retracted his hoof with a hint of embarrassment.
"Oh! Um, greetings. I'm Silver Bell. How may I assist you two?" He requested with slight clearing of his throat to regain his composure.
"We just heard your bells, and came to see what was going on." Michael explained as he looked down upon the table at Silver Bell's wares placed on display for any and all to see.
Set in neat rows were a plethora of various bits, and bobbles. Small figurines such as ballerinas, and guard ponies upon engraved pedestals, spoons with hollowed out bowls designed to hold small pictures, large ornate picture frame, a vanity set with comb, brush, and hoof-held mirror. There was even a set of chess pieces. All deeply engraved, and ornate. The one commonality of the pieces was the material they were made from, Silver. Each one shone brightly like heavenly objects in the sunset and were so clean and shiny that they appeared to have just been made seconds ago.
"Wow, you made all theses?" Sweetie Belle asked as she peeked her head up over the table ledge.
Though immediately afterwards, she found herself lifted up, and held so she could get a better view of the Table's offerings.
"Yes little one, I did. I'm a silver smith, and I simply love working with Silver. You can make such wonderful pieces." Silver Bell said happily. Showing that even after decades of working with his craft, he still loved every minute of it.
Sweetie thought all the pieces were so beautiful, but what really caught her attention, particularly now with her being held up like this, was the string of Bells strung along the top of the Stall. They came in all shapes, and sizes. From the spherical bells that seemed to show up around Hearths Warming Eve, to the more traditional bells. They were all so beautiful with their engravings, and shapes. Each one had its own individual sound that seemed to shimmer as the wind tickled the row of bells. It was almost like how every snowflake was different in its own way. The sound causing Sweetie to giggle as she was tempted to reach up, and tap the bells to listen to them.
"Do you like my bells, little one?" Silver Bell asked as he watched her look upon the string of bells with wonder.
"They're all so pretty." Sweetie Belle replied as her eyes danced between the bells, hypnotized by their radiant beauty.
Though as her eyes reached the end, one particular bell seemed to captivate her. Where all the others were engraved so beautifully with various designs, and scenes. This one bell held no engraving. It was polished to a mirror sheen, but its waist, and soundbow held the tell tale hammer marks of being hoofmade. The impressions smoothed over from the polish, but it was easily seen that they were left behind intentionally. The bell seemed to have placed a spell upon the small Unicorn as she was enraptured with it.
Michael could see how drawn Sweetie was to that small bell. Of all the beautiful artwork on the table, and upon the string of bells, a smile drew across his lips as he could see the Sweetie was drawn not to the flashiest, but the most humble. Looking at Silver Bell, Michael mouthed a question of price on that particular Bell. Silver Bell looked at the Bell in question, and thought a moment before writing down a figure. Michael didn't think he'll ever get used to Ponies writing with their mouths. Once the figure was jotted down, Michael looked down at the piece of paper, and then back at Sweetie Belle. With a hoof reaching out, she gently bumped the bell to hear it tinkle brightly. That was all it took. Michael smiled at the Earth pony Stallion, and nodded his head.
Michael set Sweetie back down on to the ground, and smiled at her. "Could you close your eyes Sweetie Belle?" He asked.
Sweetie looked up at him in confusion, but she didn't protest. She closed her eyes, and even put her hooves over them to show that she couldn't see. She would hear some shuffling, and what sounded like bits being placed on a table, followed by the joyful sounding chorus of the multitude of bells jingling. A moment later, she could feel Michael's hands slide around her neck, and something else sliding along her coat. When Michael drew his hands back, a new weight could be felt hanging from Sweetie's neck.
"Okay, you can open your eyes now." Michael stated as he held a small mirror before her.
A soft gasp could be heard as Sweetie Belle looked at her reflection in the mirror. There, around her neck on a silver chain was that small simple bell. She reached up, and placed a tentative hoof upon it, causing it to tinkling a bit. Sweetie Belle looked up at Michael, her eyes tearing up with how happy she was.
"Do you like it?" Michael asked.
Sweetie Belle's mouth opened to speak, but no words came out. The very next instant, Sweetie Belle launched herself at Michael, nearly tackling him to the ground as she hugged him as tightly as she could.
"Thankyouthankyouthankyou. Thank you!" Sweetie said, overcome with happiness as she tried to hug the stuffing out of Michael and worse yet, her horn hurt like being punched.
Michael just laughed, and gave Sweetie a hug in return before taking a moment to straighten her sunhat.
"I'm very happy you like it. It looks good on you Sweetie Belle." Michael stated before he shifted her around so he could carry her in one arm.
The two would wave goodbye to Silver Bell as they continued on their way back home. Sweetie kept tapping at the bell to listen to it jingle as she leaned against Michael's chest, enjoying being carried in his arms. Michael was just happy to see how happy Sweetie Belle was. The first stars would start to appear as the two approached Carousel Boutique. The sign on the door saying that the shop was closed for the day, and Rarity was even on the front step looking to see if the two were on their way home. When she saw them approaching, She waved a hoof, and trotted out to meet the two. Michael set Sweetie Belle down upon the ground, and waved back.
"Did you two have fun?" Rarity asked as she looked at how happy her little sister looked. She was positively glowing.
"Yes, Yes, YES!" Sweetie Belle declared as she hopped around Rarity. Causing the fashionista to giggle at the scene.
"Oh! Look, look! Michael got me this today!" Sweetie Belle declared as she held up the bell proudly.
Rarity leaned in, and inspected the bell closely. As if she was an expert appraiser examining a piece of Jewelry.
"Oh my, that is quite the treasure. You best take good care of that, Sweetie Belle." Rarity stated as she gave her sister a hug.
"I will, I promise!" Sweetie stated.
"Very good. Now come along you two, dinner's ready." Rarity stated as she started to turn back towards her Boutique.
"I'm sorry Miss Rarity, but I'm gonna be a bit late for dinner." Michael stated, causing both to turn to look at him.
"I need to talk with the Feddies, and see how the Test went today. Depending on how it went, my Zaku may be next one to be tested." Michael explained.
Rarity nodded in understanding. "Okay, I'll put your dinner in the oven to keep it warm for you." Rarity stated.
"Hopefully it won't take so long." Michael stated before kneeling down, and giving Sweetie Belle a gentle boop on the tip of her nose, causing the young Unicorn to giggle, and rub her nose. Ponies really seemed to like being booped on the nose. "If I don't make it back in time. I hope you have a good night, and sleep tight." He told her and patted her head once more.
"Okay!" Sweetie Belle said before giving Michael another hug.
Later that evening, Sweetie Belle was in her room preparing for bed. She had her bath, and washed off what little make up her sister helped her put on earlier. Now she was standing in her bedroom, and pulling the sheets back so she could climb into bed. She position Zaky for optimum cuddling while Pilot sat to the side, and waited for her to climb into the bed. The last thing Sweetie would do was gingerly slip off the bell, and necklace, setting it on her night stand. She would have to ask Rarity if she had an old Jewelry box she didn't need so that she could put it up in a safe place.
With a deep yawn, Sweetie Belle climbed into her bed, and pulled up the covers as she snuggled up the plush zaku doll. Her eye lids were already getting heavy as she pulled Pilot up to her chest, her small hooves holding him tightly as she looked at the small silver bell on her night stand. Already she was excited about wearing it again tomorrow. With a flicker of her horn, she extinguished the light, and a comforting darkness enveloped her bedroom. The light of Luna's moon slowly pushing away the gloom to shine a silvery glow through the window. Sweetie let her eye lids droop until finally they closed. One last solitary thought floating through her head right before sleep took hold of her.
Best. Day. Ever.