Far From the Light

by Midnight Sonare

These Walls

Come on, you can do it. Just open the door and apologize, thought Sweetie Belle. She opened the door and slowly eased into the room. “Applebloom...” she muttered as she walked toward the bed.

Stopping at the foot of the bed, Sweetie Belle said, “Applebloom... are you awake? I... I want to...” She hesitated for a moment and looked down as she drew circles on the floor with her hoof. “I want to apologize for what I did... for having... hurt you...”

Sweetie Belle closed her eyes tightly, trying to hold back her tears and waited a few seconds for the answer. All she heard was the sound of her own breathing. Maybe she is asleep, Sweetie Belle thought.

She opened her eyes and carefully removed the sheet that covered her friend, “Applebloom... I want you to know– Uh? Applebloom?” To her surprise, she wasn't on the bed. The only things under the sheet were a couple of pillows. Sweetie Belle moved the pillows and looked around in confusion, but couldn't see her friend.

“Are yah lookin' fer me, Sweetie Belle?” Applebloom called behind her.

Quickly, Sweetie Belle turned around and saw her friend standing in front of her. “Applebloom! I... I want to say that–”

“What? That yah feel bad about what yah did?” Applebloom said angrily. Something flashed in her eyes. Sweetie Belle didn't know what it was, but it made her feel a bit intimidated.

“I... I never meant to hurt you...” Sweetie Belle said tearfully, “You are my friend.”

“After what yah did to me? How can yah say we're still friends?”

“Never... Applebloom, I never–”

“No!” Applebloom yelled, “Yah said we'd be friends forever. How could yah hurt me and lie to mah face?!”

Sweetie Belle cringed. Tears glistened in her eyes. She tried to speak, but only choking sobs left her mouth.

Applebloom stomped fiercely with her right foreleg. “Ah'm sicka yer hypocrisy! Just go away! I don't wanna see yah ever again!”

Sweetie Belle felt as if her whole world was falling apart. She was devastated, broken inside. All she wanted was her friend back, but now it seemed that she would be losing her forever.

“What're ya waitin' for? Get outta here!” Applebloom shouted.

Slowly, her vision blurred and the light bled from the room. Slowly, limb by limb, Applebloom faded into the darkness.

Sweetie Belle threw herself to the ground, covering her face with both hooves as a flood of tears streamed from her eyes. “Get outta here!” echoed in her head as everything around her disappeared.

The room and Applebloom vanished completely, and Sweetie Belle became submerged in infinite darkness.

“Sweetie Belle...” a voice called in the distance.

“Sweetie Belle, wake up!”

Sweetie Belle gasped sharply as she woke up. Her heart was thumping wildly. She was still disoriented and confused. She rubbed her eyes with her ​​hooves and saw Scootaloo sitting in front of her.

“Are you okay?” Scootaloo asked, “You're crying.” She couldn't help but show some concern in her voice.

Sweetie Belle tried to dry her tears and remember what had happened. I was with Applebloom, then she... she...

“Sweetie Belle! Are you okay?” Scootaloo repeated when she saw that Sweetie Belle was beginning to cry again.

“Yes... I think it was just a nightmare...” Sweetie Belle said as she wiped her tears. A horrible nightmare, she thought. Sweetie Belle could hardly believe it was just a nightmare, It was so real, and she really... hated me, she thought as she wiped the last tears that ran down her cheeks.

Scootaloo approached Sweetie Belle and awkwardly tried to hug her. “Em... Well, you'll be fine,” she said. Even though she did her best the little filly wasn't used to showing displays of affection.

Sweetie Belle calmed and accepted the awkward hug. “Thanks, Scoot. I think I feel better now.”

“Hey, don't mention it,” Scootaloo said. She broke their hug as a shade of red appeared on her cheeks. “Seriously, don't mention it to anypony.”

“Oh Scootaloo, I didn't know that you could be so sentimental,” said Sweetie Belle and she began to laugh.

Scootaloo blushed completely, but after a few seconds stated laughing with her.

---

“I'm sorry, Your Highness, but how can you say that my sister is like you? I beg your pardon if I have offended you,” Rarity said, sitting on a cushion.

“I am not offended. In fact, I understand your concerns. But I want you to know that I want to guide her. To make sure that nothing bad happens to her,” answered Luna, who was sitting in front of Rarity.

“That makes sense,” said Twilight, “That's why her magic seemed so familiar. She has the same kind of magic that you have, Luna. I wonder why I didn't notice it before.”

Luna arrived at Carousel Boutique early in the morning to explain to Twilight and Rarity exactly what was happening to Sweetie Belle. She had explained that Sweetie Belle was like her, a pony born in the darkness. The three were talking in the living room while Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were asleep. Rainbow Dash had left early.

“I don't understand, Princess. How can Sweetie Belle be like you, while my parents and I are perfectly normal unicorns?” Rarity asked. She didn't quite understand the concept of light and dark energy, or why Sweetie Belle was born in darkness.

“Yeah! And how is it possible that I didn't know anything about this? Nor could I find anything in any book, not even in Canterlot,” Twilight added.

Luna closed her eyes and admitted, “I do not even know why Sweetie Belle was born as she is. Throughout history, only four ponies, counting Sweetie Belle, were born in the dark. And only one is known who was born in the light.”

“Then it is an extremely rare event,” Twilight said. A glint appeared in her eyes. “This merits an investigation!”

“But why now?” Rarity asked, a bit of frustration crept into her voice due to the lack of a satisfactory answer. “Why did this 'darkness' have to show up right now?”

“I think I have a theory,” Twilight said catching her eye, “I think the darkness within her is directly connected to her magic. As you know, a unicorn's magic is the manifestation of their inner energy. Most likely, when her magic awoke it also awakened her inner darkness.”

“Interesting. I think you are right,” added Luna, “This must be the reason why Sweetie Belle hurt her friend, Applebloom. She was not able to control both the awakening magic and her inner darkness.”

Rarity was a bit relieved to hear this. “That means that Sweetie Belle did not intentionally hurt Applebloom.”

“Nopony was at fault for the incident,” answered Luna, “Applebloom just had the misfortune to be near Sweetie Belle when it happened.”

“First Stella dies three months ago and now this. I wish Sweetie Belle could have a break from all these horrible things,” said Rarity. The room fell silent for a few seconds. The three ponies stared at the floor and said nothing.

“I'm sorry about Stella,” said Luna, “Even though it was for a short time, I know your sister and her were good friends.”

“What will happen to Sweetie Belle now?” Twilight asked. This caught Rarity's attention. She also wanted to know what was going to happen.

“As I had told you, I would like to be with her ​​so she could learn to control her emotions.” Luna suddenly stopped and looked at the stairs heading to the bedrooms as if she noticed something. Then she looked back towards Rarity and continued, “Emotions such as hatred, envy, and fear will be fed by her inner darkness if she cannot control them properly.”

“So you you're going to take her to Canterlot to teach her?” asked Rarity. She knew it would be best for her sister to be taught by Luna, but she couldn't help feeling uneasy about her sister living so far away.

“It would be easier to teach her, but the last thing I want is to take her away from here. Being away from her family and friends is the last thing she needs,” said Luna.

“You're right, but that means you're coming to Ponyville to teach her?” asked Twilight.

“I will try to spend as much time with her as possible. But before I can begin to teach her there is still something that Sweetie Belle has to do, a fear that she has to overcome,” said Luna.

“What kind of fear do you mean?” asked Twilight.

“You mean... Applebloom?” said Rarity. She knew that Sweetie Belle was scared of losing her as a friend. This was one of the things that most worried Rarity. If she hated her, Sweetie Belle would be devastated.

“Yes, she has to face her fear. If she does not, she could lose control,” said Luna. She looked up the stairs again and smiled. “But no matter how big her fears may be, she will always have somepony by her side to support her. She is fortunate to have so many ponies to call her friends.”

“She will always have me beside her no matter what happens!” Rarity said proudly.

Her smile faded and Luna's gaze dropped to the floor. She whispered, “If I had had friends and family as kind and understanding as she does, maybe Nightmare Moon... she might have never emerged.” Then she fell silent.

Twilight seemed to notice the change in Luna's mood and changed the topic. “What is going to happen with the two colts, those who Sweetie Belle... well, you know... those she hurt? If anypony found out what Sweetie Belle did to them, there would be many more problems.”

Luna looked up to answer, “Do not worry. At night, as I watched them dream, I made sure that they did not remember anything of what happened that day.” She paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and continued, “I do not like to get too far into the minds of ponies, but that was best for us and for them.”

“Still, I can't believe that she did that,” said Rarity.

“Sweetie Belle told me that they were bothering her for hurting Applebloom. She was afraid and still troubled by everything that had happened,” said Luna, “Her fear and anxiety were empowered by her inner darkness, making her do things she normally would not.”

“I... I want to do something to make it up to them. Something to show how sorry I am,” Sweetie Belle said, poking her head sheepishly from the top of the stairs. “I really hurt them.”

The three ponies in the living room cast their eyes towards Sweetie Belle, surprised by her presence. They had been talking for so long that they lost track of time.

Sweetie Belle slowly walked down the stairs and over to them.

“Good morning, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said as she stood up. She walked over to her little sister and nuzzle her cheek. “Oh, dear, I forget to make breakfast. I'll be back with something to eat. I don't want you be late for school.” She headed to the kitchen.

“I'll help you and I will not take no for an answer,” Twilight said as she stood up and followed Rarity into the kitchen. She smiled at the little filly. “Good morning, Sweetie Belle.”

“How do you feel, Sweetie Belle?” asked Luna. Her concerned face cracked into a smile as Scootaloo followed Sweetie Belle down the stairs. “It is good to have company after a nightmare.”

“Yeah, I'm better,” Sweetie Belle said as she smiled at Scootaloo, making her blush.

“Hey, Princess Luna!” Scootaloo said. She walked to Sweetie Belle's side and asked, “How do you know that she had a nightmare?”

“Because it is part of my job,” said Luna , “But I'm glad that Sweetie Belle had somepony by her side at the time.”

“Oh, yeah, I remember,” said Scootaloo. She forced a small smile as she blushed a little more. “What are you doing here so early, Princess?” she asked trying to get out of that embarrassing conversation.

Luna let out a little chuckle seeing Scootaloo so flushed. She looked at Sweetie Belle and said, “I came here to talk to your sister and Twilight about your training, Sweetie Belle.”

“My training...? Oh right... You'll teach me to control my emotions...” Sweetie Belle sounded discouraged. She didn't like to remember what she could do if she loses control.

“Yes, my child. But I will show you more than just how to control your emotions. How would you like to study magic under my wing as my personal student?”

“Learn magic from you!?” Sweetie Belle squeaked in surprise. Being taught by one of the princesses, one of the most powerful ponies that has ever existed, was something that really thrilled the little filly. “That's–”

“Amazing!” shouted Scootaloo, cutting off whatever Sweetie Belle was going to say. “Your going to be the student of one of the princesses! You're going to... your going to be like Twilight! And Twilight is amazing in magic.”

“I think you have a talent in magic, so I would like to help you discover that potential,” added Luna.

Scootaloo slid in front of Luna, flapping her wings in excitement. “If Sweetie Belle has talent and will be your student, does that mean that she will be an alicorn like Twilight?!”

“Mmm...” Luna led her hoof to her chin and thought for a few seconds. “Perhaps. Only time will tell.”

“Seriously?!” Sweetie Belle's eyes gleamed with excitement. “You really think I'm going to be a Alicorn?!”

Luna chuckled as Sweetie Belle trembled with excitement. “Calm down, my child.” She walked over to Sweetie Belle and put a hoof on her shoulder. “First you must learn to control the darkness within you. Then, with enough study and practice, you may join us as Twilight has.”

Sweetie Belle was about to speak, but Rarity interrupted. Peeking out from the kitchen, she called, “Sweetie Belle? Scootaloo? Come have breakfast. Hurry or you will be late for school.”

---

“Um... Are you okay, Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked. Even though she tried to hide it, she couldn't keep the concern out of her voice.

They were walking down Ponyville's streets. When both fillies left the Carousel Boutique they were cheerful, animated, and talking about normal things. After walking for a while, Sweetie Belle began to speak less and walk slower.

“Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked again as she turned to face Sweetie Belle.

Lost in thought, Sweetie Belle trudged slowly onward. She thought about the day before, and she couldn't help but think about the two colts. She didn't notice that Scootaloo had stopped ahead and she nearly collide with her.

Surprised to see her friend so close, Sweetie Belle jumped back. “Um... what happened?” she asked as she tried to force a small smile.

“Nothing, it's just... Are you feeling alright?”

Sweetie Belle didn't respond right away. She saw the concern in Scootaloo's eyes. “Um... yes. It's just... I was thinking... But I'm fine.” Sweetie Belle said, then began to walk again.

“Okay...” Scootaloo said as she began to walk alongside Sweetie Belle, though she was not entirely convinced.

The pair resumed their walk to school, but they walked slower and spoke less.

Sweetie Belle was lost in thought once again when Scootaloo spoke, “Hey, what about your cutie mark?”

“...uh, what do you mean?” Sweetie Belle asked, surprised by the question.

“If you're going to be a princess, because you'll be one, right? What kind of cutie mark will you have?”

“Well duh, we can't know yet. First I have to find my special talent,” Sweetie Belle said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “No! What I mean is... Princess Celestia has a sun and Princess Luna has a moon with black things. Even Twilight has some things like sparks or stars!”

“And in what way does that have to do with me?” Sweetie Belle asked, arching an eyebrow.

“Well, all the princesses have amazing cutie mark. I say, if you're going to be a princess, you should also have an amazing one.”

Sweetie Belle stopped walking, held a hoof to her chin and began to think. “Mmm... You know? I think you're right.”

“Yeah, I know!” Scootaloo said.

“But...” Sweetie Belle said, thinking a little more. Her eyes widened in terror as she realized, “What if I don't get a cutie mark amazing enough?”

“Mmm... That could be a problem...” Scootaloo lifted a hoof to her chin and pondered. “Well, all that we need to do is increase the amazingness level of our quest, right?”

“Wouldn't that be dangerous?” Sweetie Belle asked as she began to walk again.

Scootaloo walked beside Sweetie Belle. “Nah, the only thing we have to do is stop doing little things. Make more epic things!”

“What's on your mind?”

“I don't know. Maybe we could try something like hunting dragons or something like that.”

“I'm sure that's dangerous!”

“So what do you suggest?”

“Mmm... Maybe something a bit safer, perhaps if we try to take care of animals again.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “That way we'll never get an epic cutie mark. But hey, maybe before planning a new quest, we should wait for Appleblo–” She stopped abruptly, but it was too late.

“You're right...” Sweetie Belle said as she walked. She didn't noticed that Scootaloo had stayed behind.

“Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked a couple of steps behind her.

“I'm fine...” Sweetie Belle said bleakly, but she set her face in determination. “I'm fine! I know what to do!”

Scootaloo sighed, she didn't want have to resort to public displays of affection again. She returned to Sweetie Belle's side.

“Scoot...” Sweetie Belle asked hesitantly, “You... will come with me to see Applebloom?”

“Course! the Crusaders have to be together!”

“Thank,” Sweetie Belle muttered. A small smile appeared on her face. “Well, we better hurry or we'll be late!”

“Oh, that's right. Let's hurry!”

The two fillies began to gallop towards the school. A quick glance at the clock tower reminded them that class was about to begin. Ten minutes later, they arrived at their school.

“You think she is going to be mad because we showed up late?” Sweetie Belle whispered as the two walked slowly to the door.

“I hope not,” Scootaloo said, “but what scares me most is what she will tell us for missing so much school.”

“Umm, what?” Sweetie Belle said as she stopped a few steps in front of the door.

“Yeah, I know she will understand your reasons but I... Well, I've skipped class too. It's just that... you and Applebloom weren't coming to school, and I didn't want to go alone."

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes and chuckled. “Of course, because you don't have anypony who will help you with homework without us.”

“Hey, I'm perfectly capable of doing homework on my own!”

“Yeah, sure” Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes again.

Scootaloo frowned and started walking back toward the door. “Come on, let's get this over with.”

Miss Cheerilee instructed her students to take their seats, but they were still buzzing with early morning energy. The room roared chaotically with the chatter of young colts and fillies, but it was instantly silenced as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo entered the classroom. All eyes turned to the pair.

For a couple of seconds, which seemed like hours to Sweetie Belle, everything was silent. “Well, let's start with class assignments that we had for today. Everypony please be seated.” Cheerilee said, trying to ease the tension. She turned back to the two fillies in the door and said, “You too, and I hope you brought your homework.”

Scootaloo winced as she walked to her seat. “Hey, you did your homework?” she whispered to Sweetie Belle.

“Of course. Why do you ask?” Sweetie Belle said as she walked by Scootaloo's side.

Scootaloo winced again. “This is gonna be a long school day.”

---

“See you after the weekend and do not forget to do your homework!” Cheerilee said while all foals left the classroom. Sweetie Belle was about to leave when she was stopped by a hoof on her shoulder. “Wait, Sweetie Belle. I would like to talk with you for a while.”

“Um...” Sweetie Belle turned and looked towards Cheerilee. She knew that sooner or later she had to confront her teacher and apologize for treating her badly, but she would rather have waited a bit longer.

“I'll wait outside,” Scootaloo said as she walked towards the classroom door. She carefully avoided looking at her teacher. She didn't want to be reminded of the extra work she had to do to make up for the week she had missed.

“Are you okay?” Cheerilee asked Sweetie Belle, “Yesterday you had me worried. What happened?”

“I... I...” Sweetie Belle hesitated for a moment. She looked down and drew circles on the floor with her hoof as she tried to think about what to say.

“Sweetie Belle, you know you can trust me,” said Cheerilee, “You can tell me what happened.”

“I know, it's just... a bit complicated.” Sweetie Belle said, keeping her eyes to the ground, trying to avoid looking at her teacher.

Cheerilee lifted her right foreleg, and in a smooth movement stroked Sweetie Belle's mane. “I'm not going to force you to tell me if you don't want. But I just want to know if everything is fine.”

Sweetie Belle looked up at Cheerilee and was greeted with a warm smile. For a moment she felt the need to tell her teacher everything. But the fear of what she might think wouldn't let her do it. “I... I'll tell you what's happening, but... not now. Please... give me some time and I promise I'll tell you everything.”

Cheerilee's smile faded. She didn't like the idea that Sweetie Belle was evading her questions, but she didn't want to force her to talk if she wasn't ready. “Alright, but would you please answer one question? Is everything alright now?”

“Um... Yeah...” Sweetie Belle said anxiously. She knew that things were getting better but still weren't quite right. “Well, there is still something I have to fix... but I think everything is better now.”

“I'm glad to hear that,” Cheerilee sighed and continued, “I'll be here whenever you are ready to talk. You can go home now if you want.”

“Thanks,” Sweetie Belle said as a small smile appeared on her face, relieved at not having to say anything at the moment. She turned and took a few steps toward the door, but stopped before reaching it and turned back to her teacher. “Um... and I'm sorry.”

Cheerilee looked at Sweetie Belle and raised an eyebrow, taken by surprise by the apology. “Why are you sorry, Sweetie Belle?”

“I'm sorry for yelling at you when you came to visit me at Carousel Boutique.” Sweetie Belle lowered her head but kept looking at Cheerilee. “I know you were worried about me and I didn't have to treat you that way.”

“It's fine,” Cheerilee said with a smile that made Sweetie Belle feel better, “It wasn't a good time, and I shouldn't have tried to force you to talk if you weren't ready.”

“But still, I shouldn't have yelled at you,” said Sweetie Belle.

“I assure you that it is fine,” said Cheerilee, “I am not bothered by something as trivial as that. Now get going. I believe you have something to fix.”

“Thanks!” Sweetie Belle beamed. She left the classroom and walked towards Scootaloo.

“Now to Sweet Apple Acres?” Scootaloo asked.

Sweetie Belle nodded and the two fillies started walking.

Both fillies took their time walking. Sweetie Belle walked slowly, while Scootaloo followed closely. After a few minutes they came to Sweet Apple Acres.

With every step, Sweetie Belle wanted nothing more than to run away, but she forced herself to keep moving forward. When walking through the apple trees Sweetie Belle felt extremely anxious. She was finally about to apologize to Applebloom, but she was afraid that she would reject her apology. She couldn't live thinking that her best friend hated her.

“Sweetie Belle! Scootaloo! Boy am Ah glad'ta see you two,” said a voice from among the trees.

Sweetie Belle turned her head and found a smiling Applejack carrying a basket full of apples on her back. “Um... Hello, Applejack...” Sweetie Belle said said, unable to look directly at Applejack.

“Hey, Applejack. Can we see Applebloom?” said Scootaloo.

Applejack laid the basket on one side, and walked towards the two fillies.

Sweetie Belle kept her gaze on the ground as Applejack approached. She must hate me for hurting her sister, Sweetie Belle thought as Applejack stopped in front of her, but what she did took Sweetie Belle by surprise. Applejack wrapped her hooves around her shoulders and hugged her tightly.

Sweetie Belle remained motionless, still surprised by the unexpected hug. After a few seconds she started to hug Applejack back. “I thought you were going to hate me.”

“Ah couldn't hate one of mah sisters best friends. In fact, Ah was worried about ya,” said Applejack, “and Ah'm sure Applebloom doesn't hate ya neither.”

“I... I'm not sure about that...” Sweetie Belle said as she pulled away from Applejack. She knew that she had really hurt Applebloom, and she didn't blame her if she didn't want to be her friend again. “But at least I want to apologize to her.”

“She's in her room,” Applejack said as she began to walk towards the farm house. “Come on, let's go see her.”

Sweetie Belle nodded and started walking behind Applejack. After an awkward silent walk they arrived at the door. “Big Macintosh's out workin' in the east orchard and Granny Smith's at the market,” Applejack said as she motioned the fillies through the door.

Sweetie Belle walked inside the house and stopped in front of the stairs leading to the second floor. I hope she isn't too upset with me, Sweetie Belle thought as she watched the stairs.

“Ain't nopony in the house but Applebloom. Nopony's gonna bother ya,” Applejack said as she stood by Sweetie Belle's side, “Go on, you two. Ah'll wait here.”

Sweetie Belle hesitantly lifted one leg and placed it on the first step. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Scootaloo was still with her. To her relief, she was waiting expectantly to follow her up the stairs. Feeling slightly relieved, Sweetie Belle climbed the stairs.

On the second floor, Sweetie Belle walked through a hallway and stopped in front of her friend's bedroom door. Applebloom... Images from her nightmare flashed through her minds as she reached for the doorknob. She must hate me...

Sweetie Belle glanced at Scootaloo, searching for anything to giver her confidence. Scootaloo nodded and said, “I'll be by your side.”

Come on, you can do it. Just open the door and apologize, thought Sweetie Belle. She opened the door and slowly entered the room. Scootaloo stepped into the room behind her.

Applebloom was fast asleep. Sweetie Belle's heart began to beat faster at the sight of her friend lying on the bed. I... I can't do this...

Scootaloo slowly walked to Sweetie Belle's side. “Look, I think she's waking up,” she whispered when she noticed some movement in the bed.

Sweetie Belle froze when she saw Applebloom's eyes slowly opened and fix on her. “Swe... Sweetie Belle?” Applebloom muttered as she stared at her.

“A... Apple... Appleboom...” Sweetie Belle said, she tried to say something else, but a lump of fear rose in her throat and choke the words she wanted desperately to say. “I... I want...”

Applebloom tried to get out of bed but stopped abruptly. She winced in pain and put a hoof on one side of her head. Scootaloo was about to run and help her but was stopped when Applebloom lowered her hoof and seemed to calm down.

This is my fault, Sweetie Belle thought, I am the cause of her suffering. She stepped back, looked at the door and then returned her gaze to Applebloom. She doesn't deserve a friend who hurt her as I did.

“Sweetie Belle?”Scootaloo asked. She had never seen Sweetie Belle so scared.

I don't ever wanna hurt her again, Sweetie Belle thought as she took another step backward.

“Sweetie Belle, it's–” but she was cut short as Sweetie Belle bolted from the room.

“Sorry!” echoed down the hallway as she ran. As the echoed faded, Applebloom and Scootaloo were left with nothing but confusion... and silence.

Author's Note:

Well, been quite a while since I uploaded a chapter. I hope you haven't forgotten me.

Who is Stella? Some might ask. Well, all I can say is be patient and you'll see.

Comments

[Phenoix12]

Okay, one question.... Who the hell is Stella? Serriously, you don't just drop that on us with out explaining anything!