The Kiss
As it was Saturday night, Granny Smith allowed Apple Bloom to stay out later than usual, which was perfect for what she had planned. She naturally shared this with Luna, who was understandably reluctant, but she didn't fight Apple Bloom or anything.
As such, at around nine o'clock at night, Apple Bloom stood right outside the Rich's mansion looking up at Diamond Tiara's room, Luna standing next to her.
“So you're certain about this then?” Luna asked.
“I gotta give her somethin,” Apple Bloom said, “I don't know what to do 'bout Silver Spoon yet, but I can at least give Diamond Tiara somethin to keep her spirits up.”
“It might be easier to just tell her the truth, you know,” Luna said folding her arms under her chest, “I wouldn't be opposed to it.”
“I've thought about it, but I don't know if I'm ready to tell her yet, ya know?” Apple Bloom said, “For now, I jus' wanna keep this between us, Sweetie Belle, an' Scootaloo.”
“Why though? Are you concerned that she'll be in danger? Or could it be that it's simply easier to keep her distant by keeping her out of this part of your life?”
Apple Bloom wanted to refute it, but the truth was she was keeping her distance from Diamond Tiara a bit. Not because of anything she did, but because being close to anypony like this still hurt after losing Applejack.
“Look, my reasons are my own, okay?” Apple Bloom said, “Now, let's Phase In already.”
Luna sighed, “Very well. I don't like it, but I'll support you at least.”
“Thanks,” Apple Bloom said stepping back a bit and holding up the Sapphire strapped to her wrist, “Mana Change! Mega Mare, Online!”
Apple Bloom tapped the Mana Stone and held up her wrist as Luna stood behind her with her wings spread out. Luna wrapped her wings around both of them, and they vanished from the Real World in a blue light.
After spending some time with Apple Bloom, she felt a little better. She had been in an odd depression ever since word got out that Mega Mare was seen protecting the ponies at the concert, after Sapphire Shores turned into some monster partially made of gems.
Same as Pip.
Was this an epidemic? Were more ponies getting infected? Would she get infected.
She didn't know why it bothered her so much that everyone now knew about Mega Mare. Honestly, it was better like this, right? Mega Mare could protect everyone now, especially with this being an epidemic. Still, it seemed like Mega Mare was trying to stay hidden. Could she still work now that more ponies knew about her? Would Mega Mare even remember her?
“Mega Mare…” Diamond Tiara said sitting on her bed and hugging her knees, “Are you going to forget about me now that you're a celebrity…?”
“Kind of hard to forget about you, Diamond Tiara.”
Diamond Tiara turned to her window and saw Mega Mare sitting right on her window with her arms crossed smiling, her green visor glowing in the dark and making her look really cool. Diamond Tiara couldn't believe it. Her heart was pounding out of her chest.
“Mega… Mare…” Diamond Tiara said.
“Ya really left an impression on me,” Mega Mare said.
“H-how did you know where I lived…” Diamond Tiara asked slowly.
“There's a lot of things I know about ya,” Mega Mare said getting up and walking over to Diamond Tiara, “I'm always close by, watchin over ya.”
“You are?” Diamond Tiara asked.
“That's… not an issue, is it?” Mega Mare asked.
“Oh no! Not at all!” Diamond Tiara said quickly before looking away blushing, “Actually, it's really touching that you care so much about me. I had thought that you'd probably forget me one day, or that I was just one of the many ponies you were protecting.”
“No Diamond, not at all,” Mega Mare sat down on the bed and took Diamond Tiara's hand, “Yer very important to me. Yer someone that I wanna make sure doesn't get involved with my battle.”
“You mean, make sure that I don't end up getting one of those stone things?” Diamond Tiara asked, “You never got to tell me what those are?”
“They're called Mana Stones,” Mega Mare explained, “They were made ta be conduits for the Mana Zone just like unicorn horns that could allow ponies of all types to use magic on the Princesses' level. Unfortunately, they're unstable an' can take control of the pony that uses them.”
“Your armor looks like it's made of crystal,” Diamond Tiara said running her hand along Mega Mare's armored chest, “Are you using one too?”
“I am,” Mega Mare explained, “But I have a special device that allows me to use it without losing control. Don't worry, yer perfectly safe around me.”
“I'm not scared,” Diamond Tiara said, “I'd never been scared around you, Mega Mare. I feel absolutely safe in your presence.”
“Do ya now?” Mega Mare asked.
“Mega Mare, I… I've wanted to tell you this for a while, but I… I think I might be um…”
“Might be… what exactly?” Mega Mare asked almost knowingly. Diamond Tiara looked into Mega Mare's eyes, finally able to see them through the visor. There was something familiar about them, but Diamond Tiara couldn't for the life of her figure it out. Actually, she always felt something familiar about Mega Mare. It was the reason she felt so safe around her.
Right now though, Diamond Tiara didn't care what that feeling was. All she cared about was the feeling she had building up in her chest. A feeling that if she didn't release soon, she'd burst. So she did the one thing that came to mind.
She quickly leaned in and kissed Mega Mare, right on the lips.
At first Mega Mare froze, and Diamond Tiara worried that she messed up. After a few seconds though, she felt Mega Mare wrap her arms around Diamond Tiara and relax into the kiss. They stayed like that for a good minute, eventually separating and looking into each others eyes.
“D-Diamond Tiara… I…”
“I love you, Mega Mare,” Diamond Tiara said, “I know you probably think I'm silly, saying that after we've only met three times, but I just feel so close and safe with you. I'm… sorry if I seem pushy, and if you feel uncomfortable. If you do, I can-”
“No!” Mega Mare said suddenly, “I'm not uncomfortable at all. It jus… my life is crazy at the moment, an' I don't know if I could commit to a relationship or anythin right now.”
Something about this seemed so familiar to Diamond Tiara. So much it was beginning to drive her crazy. Or was she crazy in love right now? She couldn't tell.
“That's fine,” Diamond Tiara said, “Just knowing that you're close by is enough for me. I don't have a lot of friends, as most of my peers still hate me, so knowing you care so much about me makes me happier than you could imagine.”
Mega Mare closed her eyes and smiled softly, “Well, I'm glad I can make you happy. That's all I wanted to do.”
“Could you… stay with me until I go to sleep?” Diamond Tiara asked, “I know you can't stay the whole night, but if you could just be with me while I'm awake…”
To answer her request, Mega Mare guided Diamond Tiara onto her bed, and then lied down next to her holding her close.
“I don't know how comfortable you'll be pressed up against my armor,” Mega Mare said jokingly. Diamond Tiara laughed.
“It's perfect,” Diamond Tiara said, “Your armor is surprisingly warm, and I think I can hear your heart beating. I can get perfectly comfortable like this.”
“Good,” Mega Mare said kissing Diamond Tiara softly on the forehead, “Good night, Diamond Tiara.”
“Good night… Mega Mare,” Diamond Tiara said, mere minutes before she drifted off to sleep.
“So, that girl is important to you,” the scantily clad mare said sitting on a nearby tree watching Mega Mare and Diamond Tiara lie together, “I bet I could have a blast using her then.”
The mare jumped out of the tree and vanished in a white light. She needed to share this with her employer.
When she got back home, she sat down in front of her computer resting one of her legs on the arm of her chair as she sat back seductively. With the nature of her altered state, this position came off both slutty and powerful.
The screen lit up and a shadowy figure came on the screen.
“Mistress Onyx, what do you have to report?” the figure said, their voice made deeper to hide their identity.
“Mmm, it turns out that Mega Mare has a little pet,” the woman, identified as Mistress Onyx said, “Some teenage filly that's imprinted onto her.”
“Is this girl a possible candidate for the project?” the figure on the computer asked.
“If Mega Mare wasn't keeping her so close, then yes,” Mistress Onyx said, “But as it stands, her despair is being replaced by love. Still, I can see it in the girls eyes. She's close to breaking.”
“I want her to fall into darkness,” the figure said, “We already lost both Ruby and Sapphire. We can't afford anymore mistakes.”
“So far we haven't had any issues finding ponies to use the stones,” Mistress Onyx said, “Speaking of, I planted the Amethyst where you asked. Are you sure about that one though?”
“The heart isn't as strong as it appears,” the figure said, “Trust me, they'll fall. Until then, I want you to give that girl and Mega Mare a hard time. Plant in the seed of darkness if you can.”
“I won't let you down, Heart Stone,” Mistress Onyx said before cutting the link. She then picked up her sword and licked the blade, “I can't wait to meet you in person, Mega Mare.”
Usually Sundays were days spent either at the clubhouse or exploring Ponyville to find ponies that needed guidance knowing their special talents. It felt good knowing that they were helping ponies discover what they were good at, and the idea that the three of them got their Cutie Marks at the same time was a memory they would always cherish.
Today they were all meeting in the clubhouse. Sweetie Belle had of course gone to Apple Bloom's place to pick her up, but was surprised to find that Apple Bloom had already gone to the clubhouse. Maybe this whole Mega Mare thing was good for Apple Bloom.
“I keep telling you that this is a good thing,” Scootaloo said to Sweetie Belle as they walked to the clubhouse, “Apple Bloom is starting to liven up again.”
“I guess,” Sweetie Belle said nervously.
“Okay, what's wrong Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked, “You've been acting funny since the Sapphire Shores incident.”
“It's just… I'm scared for Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle said, “Aren't you worried about her?”
“Not really,” Scootaloo said resting her hands on the back of her head, “I mean, she's Mega Mare, champion of justice.”
“No Scootaloo,” Sweetie Belle scolded, “She's Apple Bloom, and she could die out there,” Sweetie Belle folded her arms and sighed, “I wish we could do more for her.”
“What? You mean like… us fighting too?”
“Maybe not directly fighting,” Sweetie Belle said, “But it would be nice to be able to do something to take the load off of Apple Bloom and Luna.”
“Hm…” Scootaloo closed her eyes thoughtfully, “Yeah, I hear you. She may be the one fighting, but she's still our friend. Hey, think we could find a Mana Stone?”
“Well…” Sweetie Belle said, “If I take a look at one of the Mana Stones we already found, I might be able to create a means of tracking the other's down. Let's talk to Apple Bloom and Luna about it.”
When they got into the clubhouse, they found Apple Bloom lying on the floor looking up at the ceiling in a daze. She didn't look sad or anything, just out of it.
“Um… Apple Bloom?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“She might not be much good today,” Luna said behind them. They saw her sitting on a chair reading a book, “She's been like this all morning.”
“Ooh boy, I know that look,” Scootaloo said walking over to Apple Bloom and knelt down next to her, “You had a moment with Diamond Tiara didn't you?”
“Oh, what a moment it was,” Apple Bloom said softly, “Guys, we got a major problem.”
“Is Diamond Tiara still obsessing over Mega Mare?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“She ain't jus' obsessin over her,” Apple Bloom said, “She's head over heels in love with her. With… me.”
“So, why not tell her that you're Mega Mare?” Sweetie Belle asked as if it were obvious.
“That's what I asked,” Luna said airily, not looking up from her book.
“It's not that simple guys,” Scootaloo chimed in, “Super Hero 101, you don't rush into revealing your secret identity, not even to the one you love.”
“Still not a super hero, Scootaloo,” Apple Bloom said. Scootaloo ignored her and continued her rant.
“Besides, at this point telling Diamond Tiara would only make her uncomfortable. Who knows how deep her feelings go, or what happened last night,” Scootlaoo turned to Apple Bloom, “What did happen last night?”
“Oh you know,” Luna said, “Apple Bloom and Diamond sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-” Luna was cut off by Apple Bloom throwing a pillow at her face.
“That's enough outta you,” Apple Bloom fussed.
“Apologies Master,” Luna said submissively, “I meant not to displease you. Shall I assume the position for my punishment?”
“Goddamn it Luna!” Apple Bloom shouted. Luna fell out of the chair laughing so hard, but Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looked at Apple Bloom in shock.
“Um… the part where she said you and Diamond Tiara were… you know…” Sweetie Belle asked, “That's just her joking too, right?” Apple Bloom's sigh told her everything she needed to know, “Apple Bloom, come on!”
“She was depressed, alright?” Apple Bloom shot up and started pacing around the room, “We had jus' run into Silver Spoon, an' somethin she said upset Diamond. I jus' wanted to give her somethin ta make her smile, so I transformed into Mega Mare an' paid her a visit. How was I supposed to know she'd plant one on me?”
“Apple Bloom, Mega Mare saved her life!” Sweetie Belle said walking up to Apple Bloom, “How could she not be infatuated with her!”
“I know it was silly,” Apple Bloom said, “An' I'm startin ta feel like it wasn't a smart idea, but I had ta do somethin. Otherwise she'd end up attractin a Mana Stone, an' I don't wanna fight Diamond Tiara.”
“Look, I'm not sure whether this was okay or not,” Scootaloo said, “But we have other things to talk about, remember?”
Sweetie Belle sighed, “Right. I was wondering if I could borrow one of the Mana Stones.”
“Oh?” Luna asked raising an eyebrow, “Why?”
“Well, you and Apple Bloom are doing all the fighting, but I want to help too. I figure if I can look at the magical signature of one of the deactivated Mana Stones I can use that to track down any other Mana Stones before they find hosts.”
Luna looked really nervous for some reason, but she relented and walked over to the loose floorboard that they used to hide the Mana Stones and handed Sweetie Belle Aquamarine.
“This one still has a little energy,” Luna said, “I don't think it can directly connect to the Mana Zone anymore, but you should be able to figure out what you need with it.”
“Thank you,” Sweetie Belle said, “I think I need to take this home so I can work on my computer.”
“I ain't feelin up for crusadin today anyway,” Apple Bloom said, “I think I'm gonna go for a walk or somethin.”
“That's fine. Scootaloo, you want to come with me?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Sure,” Scootaloo said, “If you figure out how to track down the Mana Stone, I can search for it on my scooter.”
“I thank you all for your help,” Luna said, “This truly means a lot to me.”
“You're our friend too, Luna,” Scootaloo said, “You helped us a bunch of times. It's only fair that we help you.”
“Take it easy Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle said, “If you need anything, we have our phones.”
“Thanks,” Apple Bloom said pushing past them and walking out of the clubhouse. Luna sighed and followed after her, turning into blue mist as she vanished into the Sapphire. When they were gone, Sweetie Belle looked down at the Aquamarine curiously.
“Did Luna seem a little… odd just now?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“When you asked her if we could borrow the Mana Stone? A bit, yeah,” Scootaloo said, “She seemed nervous or something.”
“She still won't say why she wants to find these things so badly,” Sweetie Belle said, “I don't want to doubt the Princess, but I'm really beginning to think Apple Bloom's in a lot more danger than we thought.”