Sweetie Belle didn’t have much to do after school besides some homework, so she thought she’d just go to the party early and wait for Scootaloo to show up later.
The barn was set up with enough flair that even Pinkie Pie would be proud of it, though it still had the feel of an Apple party, with various apple themed decorations. There was a banner set up wishing her congratulations, along with different sized apples all over the place.
Apple Bloom herself was dancing around to the folk music, clearly having the time of her life as she danced with her big brother. Each of them was so ecstatic, reveling in each other’s happiness. That feeling washed over into Sweetie Belle, making her feel the same.
“Hey there, Apple Bloom!” Sweetie Belle called out.
“Sweetie Belle!” she responded, disengaging from Big Mac and running over to give Sweetie Belle a hug. “Glad ya could make it.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself so much.”
“I don’t see any harm in bein’ proud of my special talent.”
“Of course not. You should be happy! I know I would be.”
“Ya wanna dance?”
“Sure!”
As the two of them danced and partied Sweetie Belle found herself getting more and more into the festivities and loving how deeply the Apple’s favored each other and their friends, to the point where she almost felt like the party may well have been for her and there would be no difference in how she was treated.
Sometime later Scootaloo finally showed up on her scooter. “Hey, everyone!” She got an enthusiastic greeting back. By this point Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie had arrived. Twilight was the only one missing as she was very busy with studying.
“I am so ready to party!” she said as she ran over to her friends.
Rainbow Dash broke from her dancing to grab another cup of punch and greet Scootaloo personally. “So what’s up there, kid?”
“Not much. I just helped someone out. That’s why I was late.”
“Well, that was noble of you.” As Rainbow took a swig of punch she suddenly began coughing as Scootaloo turned.
“Are you okay, Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo asked with concern as she turned back around.
Rainbow Dash hit her chest a few times as she continued coughing for a short time. When she stopped she finally got out, “You too?”
“Me too, what?”
“A cutie mark! Way to go, kid!”
Scootaloo’s eyebrow rose. “Wait, really?” She quickly looked behind her. She let out little laughs, before she suddenly exploded out in happiness. “Alright! I got me a cutie mark!”
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle ran up and the three of them jumped up and down in happiness. “One left! One left! One left!” Apple Bloom started the chant, with the other two quickly joining in.
“HEY EVERYPONY!” Rainbow yelled out, getting everyone else’s attention. “We now have a party for two!”
Scootaloo beamed with pride as she showed off her new cutie mark.
As they all gathered around her Scootaloo explained what she had been doing before the party.
Rainbow Dash looked amazed and impressed in one. “Wooooow, Scootaloo. You promised to give up on flying forever if that surgery didn’t go as planned?”
“If I wasn’t willing to risk myself I could hardly call myself your sister or hope to catch up to you. I wanted to give her courage. I wanted to show her that despite being afraid of the consequences I was still brave enough to go through with it, so I hoped it would inspire her to feel the same.”
For the first time ever Scootaloo saw Rainbow Dash cry. It was only a few tears, but they each said a million words to her even if none of them were spoken. Her pride was obvious, along with the warm gaze. Rainbow Dash grabbed Scootaloo in a tight hug, saying, “Ah, my little munchkin is growing up.”
The party took on a new life, filled with even more joy and happiness than before. It lasted for hours, until the sun went down. When things finally died down Rarity and Rainbow Dash took Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo home.
The next day at school Scootaloo showed how she was more like her idol Rainbow Dash than Apple Bloom, as she had no problem showing off her cutie mark. She wanted praise, but she didn’t boast or direct her energy towards Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. She had at least remembered not to sink down to their enemy’s level.
Sweetie Belle had had a great time at the party, and she didn’t begrudge Apple Bloom or Scootaloo of their joy, but the way Scootaloo kept taking every opportunity to flash her cutie mark only made her start feeling envious. She hated feeling that way, but now she was the only one left in class who didn’t have one. She felt like she understood what Apple Bloom had been going through mentally when she got her cutie mark. It changed the dynamic, and things couldn’t go back to the way they were.
She did her best to hide her feelings, though Apple Bloom seemed to have noticed a little bit, as she sternly told Scootaloo to knock it off, and after that Scootaloo shut up about it.
Though Sweetie Belle was all for making plans with her friends for cutie mark ideas she already had plans with her sister Rarity.
When she got to Carousel Boutique she greeted Rarity with a mumbled, “Hi.”
Rarity could see her sister looked down. “What’s the matter, Sweetie Belle? Rough day at school?”
“I… I don’t know what I should feel. Both of my friends now have cutie marks. I’m the odd one out now. I don’t like it.”
Rarity gave her sister a loving smile, setting down the sewing tools she was levitating. “Sweetie Belle, you’re never the odd one out. Don’t all of you have your differences? You’re all still fiends, aren’t you?”
“I know that! I know. I’m… I just… I can’t help it. I’m just… jealous.”
“You’ll find your own way. You just have to give it time.
“I was wondering if you might do me a favor.”
“Sure. What do you need?”
“I know that you love to sing, but you’re hesitant of singing in front of others you don’t know. I was hoping you could be brave and help me out.”
“Well… who do you want me to sing to? You told me yesterday I haven’t been able to see you all week because you’ve been extremely busy. When I asked you said you didn’t even have any clients. What is this important project you’ve been working on?”
“Come with me. You’ll see that they don’t call me the element of generosity for nothing.” As she started walking she continued, “When you see everything I’ve been working towards I’m sure you’ll forget all about your cutie mark problem.”
Sweetie Belle wasn’t so sure of that, but she followed her sister into the other room.
Rarity went into a closet and brought out twenty outfits, emblazoned with her typical artistic flair. After going through each of them she wrapped them up nicely and placed them in a travel bag.
“Those outfits look really nice, but they’re awfully tiny. I didn’t think kids my age were that into fashion. So who are they for?”
“I’m going to the hospital to visit the children’s wing. There are plenty of ponies there who have been stuck in there for years, and some who are in danger of never getting out. I figure what they need is a dash of inspiration coupled with a teaspoon of hope and a cup of joy.”
“Oh…” Sweetie Belle was feeling humbled now. Her cutie mark issue suddenly seemed a lot less important. “So you want me to sing for the sick and hurt children?”
“Yes. You have a fantastic singing voice. I get to hear it all the time when you think no can hear you. I’m actually a bit envious. You can sing even better than me.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so. I saw a flier the other day about a charity drive for the hospital, and so I went there and figured I’d donate in my own way, the best way I know how. When you look good you tend to feel good. And when you feel good you’re more likely to get better. Stress and anxiety are huge mood killers and can wreak havoc on the body. And so I’ve been working hard on creating outfits suited to each of the children’s taste. A gem for this one, a bird for that one. The thought of helping out a bunch of ponies at once is a truly wonderful prospect that just fills me with joy. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Sweetie Belle smiled and nodded. “That sounds great. When are we leaving?”
“Right now if you’re ready.”
“I am!”
“Then let’s go.”
Sweetie Belle followed behind Rarity as they traveled, thoughts of her lack of cutie mark forgotten. Her mind was now filled with the thoughts of helping others.
When they went in the front door Rarity brightly addressed the receptionist. “Hello! I am Rarity. I spoke with the director of the hospital last week about my special contribution to the charity drive.”
“Ah, yes,” responded the receptionist, smiling back at her. “You’re the fashion designer, right?”
“That is correct.”
“You are most kind to spend this time and effort for the children. It always warms my heart to meet those ponies who are willing to go the extra mile to help those in need. This will make for a great surprise for all of them.
“So do you need a guide or do you already know the way?”
“I can find my own way, thank you. Come along, Sweetie Belle.”
“Right behind you, sis!” Sweetie Belle responded.
The trip there didn’t take long. When they entered the children’s wing they spoke to another receptionist as Rarity introduced herself again.
“You can follow me,” said the receptionist. “They’re expecting you.”
They were directed to a set of double doors that opened up to a big room set up with toys and activities.
When she entered the room Sweetie Belle looked around. Some of the ponies didn’t look too bad, having a good time despite being in a cast or wrapped up in bandages for other injuries. But some of the other ones looked pale and listless. It was a sobering moment for her. She started to feel worse for being so petty. She let out a heavy breath.
Rarity heard her sister’s sigh and turned towards her. “Chin up, Sweetie Belle. We’re here to help cheer these kids up. They’ll only get more depressed if we don’t keep our spirits up ourselves.”
“Sorry, Rarity. You’re right.” She hitched a smile on her face.
“That’s better.” She turned to the other children and said brightly, “Hello, everyone!” As they looked over at her she said, “I am Rarity. I’m a fashion designer, and I have come with gifts for all of you.” She laughed as she saw them brighten up at the word “gifts.”
“So, then… who here loves cats?”
A pegasus filly with a broken wing raised her hoof. “Me! Me!”
“Very good.” Rarity opened her bag, going through a few of the outfits before she found the right one. “Ah, here we are.” Her horn began glowing as she lifted up the garment.
“Whoa…” said the filly as she looked at the shirt. It had ten cats playing with yarn, chasing each other, wrestling, drinking milk, and just being cute. The entire material almost looked like it was made of cat fur. “This is for me?” she asked with wonder.
“That’s right. It’s all yours.”
The filly took it and put it on, a huge smile etched on her face as she looked at her new garment. “It’s so soft, just like a kitten. I love it!” She ran over to Rarity and gave her a hug. “Thank you so much!”
“You’re welcome.”
“So what’s next?” she asked as she backed away. “I want to see what everyone else got.”
“Hmm.” She pulled out another outfit. “Ah, this is an easy one.” She pointed to a sickly looking pegasus colt. “So I hear you’re a fan of racing.”
“Yeah. I guess…” He didn’t seem to have much enthusiasm, only showing mild interest. His expression changed when she lifted his outfit. On the back was the Wonderbolts insignia. The general design was of a Wonderbolt outfit. When she turned it around tears started coming down his eyes. It contained several images. One was of him watching the Wonderbolts racing by, then of him a little more grown up, a tired but proud expression on his face with a finish line behind him and a first place medal around his neck, and finally him standing with the Wonderbolts, wearing one of their outfits, pure joy suffusing his face.
He walked over to her, feeling overwhelmed as he cried into her chest. “T-thank you, Rarity. This is the best present ever.”
“I’m glad you love it,” she responded, patting his back for a bit before she encouraged him to put it on and show it off.
When he got his shirt on he proclaimed, “I WILL be a Wonderbolt someday. No matter what!”
As Rarity continued going through all the outfits Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but be utterly amazed at the sheer effort each of those shirts must have taken to make. Each one of the children beamed as they took their special gift. She could see that, for Rarity, the giving was its own gift, as her good deeds came full circle from the gratefulness of the recipients she directed her generosity towards. It only made it clearer to her that she wanted to take after her big sister just like Apple Bloom and Scootaloo did with theirs.
Once Rarity had given away all her shirts Sweetie Belle saw that the mood in the room had picked up significantly than it had been before. Even the worst off of the bunch had picked up a better attitude. Rarity had done her part, now it was time to do hers. She wanted to help out and inspire others and be giving too.
“Well, everyone,” Started Rarity. “I’m not done yet. I brought my little sister along to sing you a song.”
Sweetie Belle still felt a little nervous about singing in front of others, but it was for a good cause. She stepped forward, closed her eyes, and began to sing.
“Hang in there, even when you’re feeling blue
“Even when your pain cuts your heart in two
“Even when your heart is crying out
“And you just want to sob and pout
“Your life will get better, if only you let it
“Things will improve, even if only bit by bit
“Believe in yourself and never give in
‘Then no matter what you will always win
“Open your heart and let the light in
“And that’s when a great life shall begin
“All of your dreams shall come true
‘And your best self will shine through.”
Sweetie Belle continued singing a song of hope and inspiration, focusing only on wanting the best for everyone there. She felt something awakening inside her as she sang for them. It felt like what happened yesterday, but much more intense. Her horn began glowing, and green translucent instruments appeared, accompanying her song with powerful encouraging music.
When she finished and the last note faded away the tingle in her horn stopped. She opened her eyes and she could see every one of them was crying, even Rarity.
“T-that was…” Rarity blinked, wiping her eyes. “I’m… I’m at a loss for words. For a time there I felt your heart and all the love it contained.”
Sweetie Belle let out a small sigh. “That’s because I have you to inspire me. I was so moved by your generosity that I wanted to be generous too.” She threw her hooves around her sister as the children clapped. “I love you, Rarity!”
“I love you too, Sweetie Belle.”
The two of them just hugged, crying along with the rest of the children as they clapped for her.
They uniformly begged for an encore. Sweetie Belle no longer had any hesitance. This time she kept her eyes open so she could see all their reactions. Shortly after she started she tried to focus on her magic, and she found it came easier to summon her musical accompaniment to assist her.
As she finished this time her heart swelled at the effect she had caused in them. It was the light of hope.
Later on, after singing one final song, the two of them bid the children farewell. The hospital worker watching the kids thanked the two of them for all their help.
Sweetie Belle was all smiles as they left, hopping around the area. “That was so much FUN!” she cried out, her voice squeaking.
“I agree.”
“So can I sing a song just for you?”
“Sure. I always enjoy hearing your voice.”
She began playing a tune and singing about how much she loved Rarity and admired her accomplishments.
“I do so love your voice. I can’t deny that. So that’s your magical talent, hmm? My sister is a one-filly band.”
“Yeah, that’s awesome! Thanks for bringing me along today. It really helped a lot.”
“You’re right. It did.” Rarity came to a stop as she suddenly pointed, a warm smile etched on her face.
Sweetie Belle looked where Rarity was pointing, and her eyes lit up with surprise. “A cutie mark!” she cried out, her horn glowing as a triumphant theme played.
Her cutie mark consisted of three musical notes. The first was normal, the second was upside down and had a heart up top instead of the oval shape, and the last one had a blossoming flower up top.
“Woohoo! Now all three of us have cutie marks! And I also have my magical talent. What an amazing day!”
A mischievous grin came to her face. “Hey, Rarity.”
“Yes?”
“Do you know how one sheet of music talks with another sheet of music?”
Her eyebrow rose as she responded, “No. How do they talk to each other?”
“With NOTES!” Her horn glowed as she summoned an ethereal drum and cymbals, doing a rimshot.
A deadpan look came to Rarity’s face as she cringed a bit before letting out a few laughs. “Very funny. Please don’t tell me you’re going to make a habit of that.”
“A habit of what? Don’t you think I was really uplifting today?” A harp now appeared, playing a short stirring melody.
“Sweetie Belle!” cried out Rarity.
“Uh-oh! I’m in trouble now.” A dramatic piece of danger and tension now played. “This is so awesome! I can make my own theme music!”
“Sweetie Beeeellllleee!” cried out Rarity in exasperation.
I wish I could do that... I want to make my own theme music!!!
I like the different types of notes in Sweetie Belle's mark, very clever. I can just picture her doing charity concerts in the future, maybe with Scootaloo doing stunts as well while Applebloom sells treats.
4161893 I would drive everyone crazy with Star Wars and Lord of the Rings music.