School Belle

by Tale Weaver

School Belle, Part Two

Previously…

Rarity, Sweetie Belle and their parents sat around the kitchen table. Their mother leaned over eagerly grabbing Sweetie Belle’s hoof. “You’re coming back home with us! We wanted to surprise you. Are you surprised?

Sweetie Belle looked to her dad. “I don’t want to pack. I don’t want to go!”

Rainbow Dash had interrupted the parent/teacher meeting Miss. Cheerilee was having with Sweetie Belle’s parents extolling the advantages of Ponyville. “No offence, but I’m guessing that your little town can’t match all that.”

Hondo, Sweetie Bell’s father crossed his arms. “Yes, well, our ‘little town’ also can’t match houses spinning in the air when the Lord of Chaos decides to show up! Seems like the Element of Harmony invite trouble to this town. I think Sweetie Belle will be a lot safer with her parents back home.”

Twilight, as well, tried to convince Hondo and Cookie to change their minds.

“I appreciate your candor, Princess,” said Hondo. “But what I don’t appreciate is everypony trying to tell me what I can and can’t do with my daughter!”

The train whistle blew, the pistons chugged. The train started to leave.

Sweetie Belle could only watch as her sister grew smaller in the distance and Ponyville fell into her past.

“Rarityyyyyyy!”

“Sweetie Belllllle!”

* * *

Sweetie Belle stood in a clearing by the stream. All it had was a swing set and a couple of seesaws, but it was what passed for a park in the little town of Swamp Hollow. Her red cape had caught the attention of her new classmates, which gave her the opportunity to tell them about the Cutie Mark Crusaders. “So what do you say, guys? Apple Bloom’s cousin, Babs, started a second club in Manehatten. We could start a third.”

“Sounds like somepony from the big city just wants to start a club so she can be in charge,” said a sullen pony leaning against a tree. Sweetie Belle hadn’t recognized the dark blue unicorn when she first arrived. Her name was Autumn Harvest. She and Sweetie Belle had played together before they were both old enough to go to school, but she had changed so much. She now dyed her light blue mane and tail a jet black. She always wore dark cloths like the black vest and leggings she was wearing now. And she had a gold ring that slipped over the back of her lower lip that looked like a piercing.

“No, that’s not the point!” insisted Sweetie Belle. “The point is to help each other. It doesn’t matter who’s in charge. Nopony even has to be in charge.”

Gator Scale spoke up. “Well, if it doesn’t matter who’s in charge, I’ll run for president of this new club. Who wants to vote for me?” The school ponies all cheered and raised their hooves. Gator was the class clown, he made everypony laugh. He was also big for his age, the biggest colt in the class.

“No, you don’t get it!” argued Sweetie Belle. “My sister, Rarity, is an Element of Harmony. No pony understands friendship better that her. She says at the end of the day, all we have is our family and our friends. Helping each other and being there for each other is all that matters. Not who’s in charge, not if you got your cutie mark yet or not.” She sat down, pulling her cape in front of her. “Not even these capes… that we made together…” Her ears fell as she drifted off into silence.

Gator broke the silence. “You gonna cry about your sister again?” he asked. “Waaa! Waaa! I miss my sister, waaa!”
To Sweetie Belle’s surprise, Autumn came to her side and to her defense. She had been filing her forehooves, now that file magically flew through the air, stopping inched from Gator’s muzzle. “Shut up, Gator! Don’t think we forgot how much you cried when your cousin, Tree Moss, moved away!”

“Hey! Tree Moss and I were close. He was like my brother!”

“And her sister is like her sister!” Autumn shot back. “Get it?”

Gator did shut up. He turned away in regret, knowing Autumn was right. “Yeah, yeah, I get it.” He turned back to Sweetie Belle. “Look, Sweetie Belle, I like to poke fun at everypony, but I didn’t mean to be a jerk. I’m sorry.”

Sweetie Belle sniffled. “It’s okay, Gator. Thank you.”

Autumn turned to Sweetie Belle. “I remember your sister. Didn’t know you we so close, though.”

“We became real close ever since I move to Ponyville. She does a lot for me, teaches me things like sewing. She even bought me my own sewing machine. I didn’t even get a chance to pack it.”

“I remember she liked sewing,” said Autumn. “So what’s she doing now?”

“She’s a fashion designer,” answered Sweetie Belle.

One of the colts in the park spoke up. “Isn’t that a fancy word for dress maker?”

“It’s a lot more than that,” explained Sweetie Belle. “She’s been commissioned to create all kinds of dresses for all sorts of big events. Fancy parties, Princess Twilight’s coronation, the Grand Galloping Gala…”

“Wait,” said Gator. “Your sister made dresses for the Grand Galloping Gala, the biggest royal ball of the year?”

“What about it?”

“Nothing! Nothing!” Gator backed off.

“She made my dress for the Gala, and my friends’ and her friends’!”

Autumn put a hoof on Sweetie Belle’s shoulder. “Hold on, you’re not saying you went to the Grand Galloping Gala?”

“Yeah.”

Quiet laughter started spreading through the little crowd of school ponies.

Sweetie Belle was confused. “What?”

Autumn tried to be kind. “Come on, Sweetie Belle. Really?”

“Well, yeah. We went as our sisters’ plus ones,” said Sweetie Belle. “She’s even made all the costumes for Sapphire Shores’ last two tours! That’s how she was able to afford to open her second shop in Canterlot.”

Now Gator was laughing as well. “Wait, wait! You sister designed costumes for Sapphire Shores?”

“Yeah.”

“How would Sapphire Shores, the biggest pop star from Manehatten even know about your sister in Ponyville?”

“She saw her work in Clothes Horse Magazine.” The laughter grew. “Photo Finish has done several photo articles of her work,” she explained.

Sweetie Belle suddenly found herself to be the laughing stock of this small group and she couldn’t understand why.

Somepony else piped up, “And she owns a shop in Canterlot? How can she run two stores so far apart?”

“She has a store manager for the one in Canterlot, Sassy Saddles.”

For some reason, that made everyone laugh harder.

“She’s an entrepreneur!” Sweetie Belle explained.

She looked over to the only pony who seemed to be her friend. Autumn just closed her eyes and shook her head, sadly.

“So let me get this straight,” somepony shouted out. “You’re sister’s a fashion designer, she works for Sapphire Shores, she’s got two shops and she’s this… enter manure… thing!”

“And don’t forget,” added Gator. “She’s also some kind of Power Pony.”

“An Element of Harmony,” yelled Sweetie Belle over the crowd.

Sweetie belle was in tears. She turned to Autumn. “Why is everypony laughing?”

Autumn tried to be gentle. “Sweetie Belle, we know where your sister comes from.”

Sweetie Belle stared at her blankly.

“Oh, for Celestia’s sake, Sweetie Belle, your parents still live here!”

The laughter died down as the crowd grew tired of this show.

A pony ran up to Gator and saluted. “So Mr. President, what’s your first order of business?”

Gator gestured animatedly. “I say we all go down to the swamp and catch frogs. Whoever catches the most gets to be vice president!”

The little crowd cheered as they ran off.

Sweetie Belle cried to herself. “No, you still don’t get it.”

All the school ponies had run off. All but one. A dark blue hoof handed Sweetie Belle a black handkerchief.

“Thank you,” she said as she levitated the handkerchief and wiped her cheeks.

Autumn sat down in front of Sweetie Belle. “So which one is it?”

“Which one is what?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“You’re sister. Is she a dress designer? A shop owner? Sapphire’s costume maker? Element of Harmony?”

Sweetie Belle hesitated. “But…”

“Look, I’m giving you a second chance, here,” said Autumn. “Even if she’s a dress maker or a seamstress, those are good jobs if you have the talent for it. I wouldn’t have this vest if it wasn’t for ponies like that! Celestia knows I can’t run a sewing machine. So which one is it?”

Sweetie Belle’s shoulders sank. “But… she’s all of those.”

Autumn scoffed and shook her head. “Listen, when you act like this, you look desperate for attention – at best. And at worst, you’re a liar!”

Sweetie Belle was mortified. She couldn’t think of anything more to say.

Autumn got up and headed the way of the others. “Well, I guess I given the others enough of a head start. Nopony catches frogs like me! You wanna come and watch?”

Sweetie Belle shook her head.

“Suit yourself,” said Autumn over her shoulder. “Just don’t say I didn’t try to be your friend.”

Sweetie Belle opened the front door and entered her old house. It would be a long time before she could call it her home again. She hung up her cape on the coat rack and called out. “Mom, Dad, I’m home!”

“Hi honey,” called back her mom. “Did you find your friends at the park?”

“Yeah,” she answered without any enthusiasm.

“Did you have a good time?”

“Not really. Where are you guys?”

“Were in the bedroom. We’ll be right out. Why don’t you wash up, dinner’s ready.”

“Okay.” Sweetie Belle trudged to the bathroom and washed her face and hooves.

“So what’s the matter, honey?” her mom asked.

“I tried to explain about the Cutie Mark Crusaders, but they just don’t get it. The ponies with their cutie marks don’t want to help, and the ones that don’t, don’t seem to care.”

“Well, you can’t hurry a cutie mark,” called out her dad. “Beside, you already got yours anyway.”

“That’s not the point!” Sweetie Belle felt like she was repeating herself.

“Don’t worry, little girl,” her dad said cheerfully. “I’m sure there’s a bunch of other clubs you can join at your new school.”

Sweetie Belle sighed. “That’s not the point, either,” she said to herself. She couldn’t help but feel alone as she dried her hooves and face. She was trying to give them a chance. Trying to ignore the fact that they had taken her from her home to be a family here in Swamp Hollow, but something was missing, a connection. Maybe it was just her longing for Carousel Couture, or the time apart from her parents, or just her imagination. Whatever it was, she just couldn’t help but feel that if she had walked into the boutique feeling half as sad as she was Rarity would have been hugging her by now.

She walked into the kitchen. A pot of soup was quietly bubbling on the stove, bread and fruit were already on the table. What caught her attention was the single setting at the dinner table.

Her mother walked into the kitchen. “Can I help finish setting the table?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“Oh, no,” said her mother cheerfully. “Your father and I have already eaten.”

Hondo, her dad walked in, wearing his jacked. Sweetie Belle now noticed that her mother was wearing her jacked as well. “Are you guys going out again?”

“It’s our bridge night, honey,” said her mom, Cookie.

“But you went out last night!” complained Sweetie Belle.

“That was your father’s poker night. And us girls get together for a knitting circle while the boys play.”

“But we never spend any time together,” Sweetie Belle whined.

Cookie walked over to the stove to pour a bowl of soup for Sweetie Belle. “Now, Sweetie, don’t complain. It takes four ponies to play bridge. We can’t just leave the Hayfords hanging. That would be rude.” She set the bowl on the table. “We’ll have plenty of time together Saturday.”

“After my lodge meeting,” added Hondo.

“And my book club,” added Cookie.

“Okay,” Sweetie Belle conceded. “Have a good time.”

“Thanks, honey. We will,” said Cookie. “And don’t worry, Mrs. Sweet Waters is here to keep you company.” She kissed Sweetie Belle on the forehead and left with her husband.

Sweetie Belle sighed. Did they not even notice she was feeling down? Or was she just oversensitive because of the day she had at school? She went over and sat at the table, looking at the steaming bowl of soup. Using her magic, she picked up her spoon and stirred it a bit to let it cool. She stopped and looked at the bits of vegetables sitting in the spoon.

How could her mother burn soup? She thought to herself. When she was little, this was the norm. She didn’t know any better. But now, having lived with Rarity, her tastes had been refined. She thought of the other dinners she had had since returning. Everything had been overcooked. If a baby dragon could learn the basics of cooking, why couldn’t her mother? She pushed it aside to let it cool.

She looked at the loaf of bread. It was over baked as well. Either baked at fifty degrees too high, or fifteen minutes too long from what the Cakes had taught her class on a field trip.

She took an apple from the fruit bowl and bit into it. Was it just her longing for Ponyville, or was the apple really not that sweet? It was a red delicious, just like the ones from Sweet Apple Acres, just a bit smaller. Big Mac had once given her and her friends a long, boring lecture on the care of apple trees and the different kinds of manure. Could all that really make that much of a difference?

She finished the apple, not wanting to waste it. It was the least offensive entree on the menu. The soup could wait until she was hungry enough to come back for it.

She left the kitchen for the living room. “Well, Mrs. Sweet Waters, it’s just you and me…” She stopped and stared into the living room in wide eyed disbelief. Mrs. Sweet Waters was asleep on the couch - again. “Oh, come on!” Exclaimed Sweetie Belle.

Mrs. Sweet Waters snorted, but otherwise was undisturbed.

Sweetie Belle turned to the front door and shouted. “Is this what you dragged me away from Ponyville for?”

Teeth grinding and eyes slit, she stomped back into her room, slamming the door behind her.

Mrs. Sweet Waters snorted again.

Rarity had gotten up early, as was her habit. She liked getting up early and working on her latest creations before customers or the cares of the day would distract her. On a normal day she would be sewing or sketching until she heard Sweetie Belle’s alarm go off. She would then go off to the kitchen and prepare breakfast for both of them while her little sister got ready for school.

But this was not a normal day. Those were gone. There would be no alarm from upstairs, no water running in the bathroom and no trotting down the stairs to the kitchen. Her little sister wouldn’t bound into the kitchen and nuzzle her before setting the table. Later, there would be no rapping at the back door as Scootaloo came by, swiping a slice of toast or an apple. And Rarity wouldn’t hurry them both out to school before getting back to work.

She was alone.

In her solitude, with no one to distract her, she could not find it in her heart to work. Fabrics just lay there on her sewing table, refusing to become dresses. Her multitude of threads and ribbons did not call to her. And her sketch pads, the first soldiers of creativity, sought not the armament of pen and pencil.

She moved to her sewing machine. An unfinished gown lay on it. But here, as everywhere else, her muse, like her sister, was gone. Of all the places in this, her favorite room, here is where it hurt the most. She shut her eyes and let out a whimper as her lower lip quivered. She couldn’t bear to look to her right where a smaller sewing machine stood. No matter where her little sister’s destiny took her, sewing was a good skill to have, and Sweetie Belle was an eager learner. It was on that sewing machine that she had made costumes for herself and her two friends for a school play. And it was there that the two of them had worked together on three new red capes, each with an embroidered patch of the shield that the three friends shared as part of their cutie marks.

Rarity left the room, leaving her reading glasses on her sewing machine. She couldn’t see through the tear stains, anyway.

Though it had been only three days, a new ritual had been started. She went to the kitchen door and swung open the top half. She watched as the school colts and fillies hurried off. Some laughed, some trotted. She waited, it wouldn’t be long. A lone school filly can into view, a Pegasus still too young to fly. She did not share the early morning enthusiasm of her classmates. Instead, she trudged on slowly with her head hanging low.

Scootaloo stopped in front of Rarity’s kitchen door. Their eyes met, they nodded to each other, each understanding the other’s loneliness.

Scootaloo would meet Apple Bloom as soon as she reached the school house. They would have recess together and share lunch together as always. But it would not be the same. A stool does not stand on two legs.

Scootaloo continued her trek and Rarity closed the kitchen door. There was a rapping at the front window of the boutique. It was definitely too early to be open, and she was sure the “Closed” sign was out. She went to see who it was.

Outside one of the store front windows was a familiar grey mare, her blond mane gently waving in the breeze. She rapped at the window again as Rarity came into view.

Rarity opened the door. “Good morning, Derpy. Is there something I can do for you?”

The mailmare entered. “You have some mail, I thought I’d bring it to you.”

“That’s sweet of you, Derpy,” said Rarity. “But you could just leave it in the mailbox.”

Derpy pulled out a particular letter from the small stack. “Well, I couldn’t help but notice that this one is from your parents. I thought you might want to read it right away.”

Rarity perked up, squinting at the envelope. “Oh! That was most thoughtful of you! Thank you!”

Rarity’s horn glowed and her glasses came flying out of her creating room. She then looked for a piece of cloth to clean them.

“I hope it’s good news. I’m sure your sister is all right,” said Derpy.

“Well,” replied Rarity, “taken care of at the least.”

“I’ll leave you to your letter. Have a good day.”

Rarity’s mouth said she would, but her eyes said she wouldn’t. Derpy stepped back outside to continue her deliveries. She closed the door slowly, the lock nearly clicking into place.

A blood curdling scream came from within the boutique. Derpy bolted back inside.

* * *

Twilight ran as fast as she could, Spike hanging onto her mane. As soon as Carousel Couture came into view she teleported them both in. She screeched to a halt, looking for Rarity. “I came as soon as I heard. Is she really missing?”

Rarity floated the letter in front of Twilight. “Mother says she ran away while she and father were out.”

“Oh, no!” said Twilight. “It looks like you got a lot of ponies here to help. Don’t worry, we’ll find her.”

“That’s not the worst part, darling.” She floated the envelope up to Twilight. “This letter was mailed two days ago. Two days! She could be anywhere! Why couldn’t my parents at least send me a telegram?”

“I’ve been through Swamp Hollow sellin’ pies,” said Applejack. “I’d be surprised if they even had a telegraph!”

“How can I help?” asked Twilight.

A voice from above shouted down. “I could use another pair of eyes in the sky,” said Rainbow Dash. Twilight flew up to join her. “Fluttershy and Derpy are going to fly around town, then start heading toward Swamp Hollow. You and I are going to fly straight to Swamp Hollow, she if she hasn’t returned, then we’ll start searching from there back up here.”

“Sounds like a good plan,” agreed Twilight.

“Big Mac and Granny will watch out for her at the farm and I’ve pulled Apple Bloom and Scootaloo out of school. They’ll be at the club house in case she shows up there,” said Applejack.

“And the Cakes will be watching for her at Sugar Cube Corner,” added Pinkie Pie.

“That’s just about everywhere she might show up if she doesn’t come here first,” said Applejack.

The group gathered around a map and planned their search patterns and meeting points. No one heard the bell ring as front door was opened.

Sweetie Belle walked in looking tired and hungry. She walked up to Spike as he watched the group. “What’s going on?”

“They’re planning a search party for Sweetie Belle,” said Spike.

“A search party?”

“Yeah, she’s been missing…” He finally turned to see who he was talking to. “Sweetie Belle!” He turned to the crowd. “Hey, everypony, look!”

But no one hear him.

“Let’s go!” shouted Rainbow Dash. Twilight magically opened the door and she and the three pegasi flew out. They were quickly followed by the rest, Rarity being the last one out. She looked at Spike and Sweetie Belle. “You two stay here in cash she comes home.” Then she closed the door behind her.

Sweetie Belle looked from the door to Spike and back again. “Wait, what? A search party, for me?”

Spike help up a claw. “Wait for it.” He rocked back and forth on his feet. He checked the clock on the wall. “Three, two, one…”

Rarity burst back into the room, “Sweetie Belle!” She picked Sweetie Belle up in her hooves and held her tightly. “Oh, darling! You look a fright! Are you all right? Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine,” Sweetie Belle insisted.

The rest of the search party was coming back in. Applejack hugged her as well. “You gave us all a scare, missy. What do you have to say for yourself?”

Her ears drooped with the guilt of having worried everypony. “I’m sorry. How did you all know?”

Rarity floated the letter in front of her. “Mother wrote me – two days ago!”

“I’m really sorry!”

“Why did it take you so long to get back here?” asked Twilight.

“I didn’t have enough bits for the fare all the way back to Ponyville. So I had to walk from station to station until the fare was low enough that I could afford it,” explained Sweetie Belle.

“You were out on your own for two days?” said Rarity.

“I walked during the day and slept in the stations at night. The ticket masters didn’t seemed to mind,” answered Sweetie Belle.

“Darling, you must be exhausted!” said her sister.

“I am,” said Sweetie Belle. “And really hungry. I haven’t had anything since lunch yesterday.”

Spike jumped right in. “I’m on it! Rarity, if I may use your kitchen?”

“Of course, sweetheart. Thank you so much.”

Sweetie Belle watched Spike disappear into the kitchen. She looked at her big sister, furrowing her brow.

“He’s not doing it for me, he’s doing it for you,” said Rarity to her sister. “And right now, you need it. Be grateful.”

“Okay,” said Sweetie Belle, leaning into her sister.

“But why did you run away, darling?” asked Rarity. “Surly you must have known how difficult the journey would be when you saw you didn’t have enough bits!”

A gentle but firm hoof touched Sweetie Belle’s shoulder. “Was it really that bad, Sugar Cube?” asked the Element of Honesty.

“You have no idea! The school ponies, they don’t get what it is to be a Crusader. And they think I’m lying when I tell them you’re a fashion designer with two shops and an Element of Harmony!” Sweetie Belle lowered her head with new sadness. “And Mom and Dad, they say they’ve missed me, but they don’t spend any time with me. They’re always running off to play cards or something with their friends. They just leave me with a baby sitter that’s as old as Granny Smith, but sleeps twice as much.” She leaned her head into Rarity’s neck. “I just want to be home, sis. That’s all I want!”

Rarity did not answer. Her expression was cold and unforgiving. Her fears for the home life her parents would give her younger sister had been confirmed and she could not allow it.

Twilight read over the letter from their parents. “Well, your parents want you back. They insist that Rarity accompany you back to Swamp Hollow if you return to Ponyville.”

“And to Swamp Hollow I shall go!” said Rarity sternly.

“What?” asked a surprised Sweetie Belle.

“Alone!” assured Rarity. “Perhaps now they will see how desperate you are to stay here!” She turned to Applejack. “Can Sweetie Belle stay with you?”

“She’s always welcome on the farm,” answered AJ.

“Then tonight I leave. This fight has been handed back to me and I shall not let go!”

* * *

The sun was now setting over Sweet Apple Acres. Sweetie Belle had been sleeping all afternoon while Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were down in the kitchen with Granny Smith. The two fillies felt odd being out of school. They had been pulled out to watch out for Sweetie Belle, but now that she was back safe, they felt like they were ditching. Still, they were there if she awoke and needed them, but it had been hours. Their conflicting guilt kept them indoors. They didn’t want to have to explain to anypony why they were still out of school when Sweetie Belle was now safe.

It was Rainbow Dash that finally set their conscious straight. “Forget school! You friend needs you now. Trust me, even if she’s asleep, she still knows you’re there for her.” There were times when Scootaloo felt picked on and didn’t want to go to school. But Rainbow Dash made it very clear that ditching was something she would not put up with. This situation was definitely an exception.

The two fillies quietly went upstairs to Apple Bloom’s room. They slowly opened the door to check on Sweetie Belle.

The young unicorn was still motionless on Apple Bloom’s bed. “Wow,” whispered Scootaloo. “She’s been out a long time.”

“She probably didn’t get much sleep at those train stations,” said Apple Bloom. “Ever try to sleep on one of them benches?”

The two ponies backed out of the room and began to shut the door. “It’s okay guys, I’m not asleep.” Sweetie Belle slowly sat up.

Her two friends joined her on the bed. “How you doin’, Sweetie Belle?” asked Scootaloo. “You still kind of look awful.”

Apple Bloom elbowed her in the side.

“Well, she does!” argued Scootaloo.

“It’s not like I don’t know it. I still feel awful,” said Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom put a hoof on her shoulder. “You’re still worried about your parents, aren’t you?”

“I don’t think you have to worry,” assured Scootaloo. “Didn’t you see how worked up your sister was when we left? I’m sure she gonna give them Tartarus!”

Apple Bloom turned to Scootaloo. “Watch you language, my Granny’s downstairs!”

“Rarity’s already given them Tartarus, over and over.”

“Sweetie Belle!”

“Nothing works!” continued Sweetie Belle. “They’re just going to come back here and drag me away again.”

“Well,” thought Apple Bloom. “We got at least a day. We can think of somethin’.”

Sweetie Belle took in a deep breath and sighed. “Guys, I’ve been lying her thinking. There’s something I need to tell you, but first you need to promise me you won’t tell anypony, either of you!”

“What is it?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Promise first,” insisted Sweetie Belle. “Apple Bloom, you can’t tell your family. And Scootaloo, you can’t tell your parents either.”

Reluctantly, the fillies agreed.

“I can’t wait here for my sister. I have to run away.”

“Run away to where?” asked Apple Bloom.

“I don’t know, just away. I can’t go back to Swamp Hollow. I just can’t! Being on my own somewhere has got to be better. And when I’m old enough, I’ll come back.” She sniffled and wiped her muzzle on her arm. “And when I gone, will you guys ask Rarity if she could hold my room for me? I’ll understand if she can’t, but…”

“Hold on!” interrupted Scootaloo. “I understand you running away TO Ponyville. This is where you want to be. But running away FROM Ponyville?”

“Scootaloo’s right,” agreed Apple Bloom. “You’re still really upset and I don’t think you got all your apples in the barrel.”

“Look, I just want you to know what I’m doing so I can write you when I get to wherever I’m going. I’ll address my letter to the clubhouse. No pony will ever have to know.” Sweetie Belle was met with silence. “You guy don’t even have to do anything. I’ll leave in the middle of the night. In the morning, you don’t even have to play dumb because you really don’t know where I’m going.”

“Sweetie Belle, for your own good, we can’t let you do this,” said Apple Bloom. “I’m sorry.”

“But you promised!” argued Sweetie Belle. “You both did!”

In a huff, Scootaloo turned her back, crossed her arms and stared out the window.

Apple Bloom wasn’t any happier. She growled as she sneered. “Next time I’m not promising anything until I know what I’m promising!”

“How you going to get anywhere, anyway?” asked Scootaloo. “Didn’t you spend your last bits getting back?”

Sweetie Belle signed. “I’ll just have to walk.”

“And how far do you think you’ll get?” asked Apple Bloom. “You just spent the entire afternoon asleep and you still look like Tartarus!”

“Hah! Now you said it!” said Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom punched her in the shoulder – hard.

“Ow!” cried Scootaloo. Then she laughed. “It was worth it!”

Apple Bloom turned to Sweetie Belle. “You’re really going to do this, ain’t ya?”

Sweetie Belle nodded.

Apple Bloom jumped off the bed.

“Apple Bloom, please! You promised!”

Apple Bloom went over to her dresser, grabbed her piggy bank and came back to the bed. She pulled the cork from the belly of the porcelain sow and bits spill onto the comforter. She then split the coins into five piles, three in front of Sweetie Belle, two in front of Scootaloo. She pointed to the three piles. “This should be enough to get the three of us to Mainhatten.” Her voice dropped as the reality of what they were planning hit home. “And this should be enough to get two of us back.”

Scootaloo turned back to her friends. She looked at the coins and the reality hit her as well. “You’re really doing this?”

“Wait! What?” said Sweetie Belle. “You guys can’t do that!”

“Do the Cutie Mark Crusaders really stick together or what?” answered Apple Bloom. “We’re not going to let you do this alone! Least I’m not. You in, Scootaloo?”

The young Pegasus grumbled, rolled her eyes and came muzzle to muzzle with Sweetie Belle. “Just for the record, I think this is a really bad idea! But, yeah, I’m not going to let you go it alone, either.”

“But you guys will get in trouble with your folks! I can’t let you do that!”

“We’ll deal with that later. Right now, you’re the one that’s in trouble!” said Apple Bloom.

“Hey!” added Scootaloo. “You’re the one that tricked us into making that promise. If you want us to keep it, this is the deal!”

“I don’t know what to say,” said Sweetie Belle. “You guys are the best!”

“You could say you’ve changed your mind,” suggested Apple Bloom.

Sweetie Belle hung her head low and shook it slowly.

“Fine,” said Apple Bloom. “Tomorrow’s Saturday. My sister knows we’re all tired, so she’ll probably just let us sleep in. If we leave early, we’ll be on our way before she thinks to check on us.”

“So you think I should go to Mainhatten?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“It’s a big city,” replied Apple Bloom. “You can get lost there if you don’t want your parents to find you.

“Rarity says there are some really bad parts in Mainhatten, and I don’t know which is which.”

“If you get in trouble, you can always run to my cousin, Babs.”

“You know how parents are,” said Sweetie Belle. “Her parents will just contact my parents. Besides, I think I’d do better in a smaller town like Ponyville.”

Sweetie Belle stared at the coins, then came up with an idea. “Just because we buy tickets to Mainhatten, doesn’t mean we have to go all the way to Mainhattan.”

“What do you mean,” asked Scootaloo.

“Think about it. How many other school ponies are going to buy three tickets to Mainhattan tomorrow morning? It won’t take our sister long to check the train station and ask the ticket master about us. But if we get off the train early, we can find a town and they won’t know where I am.

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. “That’s really sneaky.”

“But it will work,” countered Sweetie Belle.

“Okay, then. We leave tomorrow morning,” said Apple Bloom. “We can fill up our saddle bags with supplies from the cupboard.”

“I got some bits saved up, too,” said Scootaloo. “I’ll meet you at the station.” She jumped off the bed and jumped onto the window sill.

“Ah, Scoots?” started Sweetie Belle.

“Yeah, I know. Don’t tell my parents,” answered Scootaloo. “And this plan still stinks!” She jumped out the window and fluttered down to the ground.

It was early afternoon before the three fillies got off at a station three stops short of Manehattan. They had picked up a map to find a town that met Sweetie Belle’s needs, a secluded one that was not too small. After walking for a few hours, they came to an unexpected fork in the road.

“This map doesn’t show any fork around here,” said Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom took a close look at the bottom of the map. “This map’s twenty years old. The fork must have come after that.”

“So which way do we go?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“When we went camping,” said Scootaloo. “Rainbow Dash said the road that looks most traveled is the one that probably leads to a town.

The three girls looked down one road, then the other. Neither one looked very worn.

“Remember that labyrinth in the Castle Gardens in Canterlot?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Yeah,” said Scootaloo. “I was lost in there for an hour.”

“Exactly,” said Apple Bloom. “But Twilight said that if you always go to your right, you may take longer to get through, but you will never end up going in circles. And if we hit a dead end, we just come back up and take the next right.”

“Okay,” agreed Sweetie Belle. “Right it is.”

The path they chose had still not led them to a town hours later. It was getting cold and Celestia would be lowering the sun soon.

“Maybe the town has an orphanage,” said Sweetie Belle. “I could tell them I’m an orphan, maybe they’d take me in.”

Scootaloo glared at her. “You’d take food and a bed from a real orphan when you got your parents and your sister?”

Sweetie Belle lowered her head. “You’re right. I can’t do that, either.”

Apple Bloom interrupted. “Guys, it’s getting dark and this road just keeps getting narrower. I think we went the wrong way.”

“Should we go back to the fork?” asked Scootaloo.

“I don’t think we can, not before night fall,” said Apple Bloom. “I think we need to find a place to camp for the night.”

“But we didn’t bring any camping supplies,” said Sweetie Bloom.

“I don’t like it,” said Scootaloo. “I keep hearing rustling in the bushes.”

“Like what?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“Oh, I don’t know,” said Scootaloo. “Lions and tigers and bears?”

“You’re not helping!” complained Apple Bloom. “Beside, this ain’t a jungle. There are no lions or tigers!”

“Bears?” asked Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom remained silent.

“And I keep hearing rustling in the trees, like something’s watching us,” added Sweetie Belle.

“Probably just birds, or bats,” said Apple Bloom.

“Vampire fruit bats?”

“Probably not,” said Apple Bloom. “But even if they were, they’re only interested in Apples. Applejack says if you leave them be, they’ll leave you be.”

“Don’t we have some apples in our saddlebags?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“We ate them all,” answered Apple Bloom. The three fillies sighed.

But there was something out in the woods, and it made a low noise. Barely audible at first, but it grew louder, finally catching the attention of the girls.

“What’s that?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“I don’t know,” said Apple Bloom.

“I don’t like it,” added Scootaloo.

The girls huddled, each looking in a different direction. The noise was coming loudest from the west, just off the trail.

Shortly, they could see shadows move among the brush.

The noise became clearer, it was growling.

The girls peered into the darkness. Green eyes peered back at them, several sets. One of the shadows came into the light…

“Timber wolves!”

* * *

The girls ran as fast as they could. The timber wolves seemed to be everywhere. They’d run in one direction only to be blocked off. They’d turn and run in another direction, only to be blocked off again.

“There’s too many of them!” shouted Scootaloo.

Glowing eyes were appearing all round them. They were forced to turn again, back the way they came.

“What are they doing?” asked Sweetie Belle.

There was panic in Apple Bloom’s voice. “I know what they’re doing. They’re corralling us like me and Applejack do with the chickens on the farm!”

“How do we get out of it?” asked Scootaloo.

“I don’t know!” answered Apple Bloom.

They found themselves facing a rock outcropping too high for them to climb. They turned, but shortly found another outcropping right in front of them. Behind them, the outcroppings joined and formed a ravine. In front of them, they could hear the timber wolves growling in the darkness. They were out of places to run.

The wolves came out of the darkness and into the moonlight. They kept low, ready to pounce.

Sweetie Belle started to cry. “Guys, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry!”

“Keep it together!” Shouted Apple Bloom. “Sweetie Belle, get behind us. Scootaloo, open your wings. Make yourself look as big as you can!”

Two rows of wolves came closer and closer. The girls were being backed up into the ravine.

Sweat ran down Apple Bloom’s face as she tried to remember everything Applejack had told her to do if confronted by timber wolves, but there were just too many of them. “Sweetie Belle, can you put up some kind of shield?”

She answered in a shaky voice. “I don’t know how to do that yet!”

Apple Bloom was running out of ideas. The wolves were less than twenty feet away. “Whatever you do, don’t turn your back. That’s what they’re waiting for!”

Scootaloo looked up to the sky. “We could use some air support right about now!”

A blur of blue fell out of the sky and trailed a rainbow of colors as it crossed in front of them.

“Rainbow Dash?” shouted Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

The blue Pegasus wasted no time in kicking a timber wolf. She turned and kicked another. The wolves slowed, but continued to approach. Soon they were too close together for Rainbow Dash to risk another kick, but she remained calm. “Guys, back up into that ravine.”

“But there’s no other way out!” protested Apple bloom. “We’ll be trapped!”

“That’s just what I want them to think.” She could hear the girls whimpering behind her.

“Just do it!” shouted Scootaloo.
“Don’t worry,” said Rainbow Dash. “I got a secret weapon.”

Rainbow Dash waited. The wolves came closer. Soon they were shoulder to shoulder. She shouted out, “Fire in the hole!”

Green flames burst out from the darkness behind the wolves, setting fire to their tails. They tripped over each other, trying to put out the flames. They turned in the direction of the fire. When they did, Rainbow Dash kicked them in the ash.

They turned back to Rainbow Dash and were hit by green fire again. They ran off, trying to put out their flames.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom stared on in amazement. “How did you…”

Spike ran out from the darkness. “Good job, kid!” Rainbow Dash high-hoofed the dragon as he joined the group.

“There’s a lot more out there!” Spike warned.

“I’m sure those guys are going to come back with their buddies.” said Rainbow Dash. “We gotta get out of here. Cover us, Spike.” Rainbow Dash dipped a shoulder and called out to Scootaloo who jumped onto her back.

The young dragon blew flames out at the approaching wolves.

Rainbow Dash encircled Sweetie Belle in her left arm and Apple Bloom in her right, then struggled to get airborne.

The wolves were getting closer and Spike started to run out of fire.

“Grab on!” shouted Rainbow Dash to Spike. He reached up and felt for her tail, but dared not look away from his oncoming targets. “Hurry!”

Scootaloo held on tight and flapped her wings as fast as she could to take at least her own weight off Rainbow Dash.

Sweetie Belle closed her eyes tight and gritted her teeth. He horn glowed as she levitated Spike off the ground.

The wolves snapped at his heels.

“Hurry Spike! She can’t hold you up much longer!” shouted Apple Bloom.

Spike looked up long enough to grab onto Rainbow’s tail.

“Good work, Scoots!” said Rainbow Dash as she flew them up to the top of the jagged outcropping. Even if the timber wolves could climb it, it would be easily defensible.

Rainbow let the two girls go and Scootaloo slid off her back. “Great job, everypony! Now that’s what I call teamwork.”

Apple Bloomed hugged Rainbow Dash. “Oh my gosh, Rainbow Dash! We’re so lucky you saw us when you did!”

“Yeah! We’re so…” Sweetie Belle started, but stopped in mid sentence. He wide eyed look turned into a scowl as she turned to Scootaloo. “…lucky. ‘We could use some air support right now’?”

Scootaloo smiled pridefully, looking much like her mentor.

“You promised not to tell anypony,” continued Sweetie Belle.

“I ain’t complainin’,” said Apple Bloom.

“Actually,” explained Scootaloo. “You made me promise not to tell my parents. You didn’t say anything about my sister.”

Sweetie Belle looked from Scootaloo to Apple Bloom. She had no argument. “Where did you learn to be so sneaky?”

Scootaloo came face to face with Sweetie Bell. “From the same pony who taught me to always be loyal to my friends, even when they have really dumb ideas!”

Sweetie Belle’s ears fell. She began to cry as guilt took her over. “You’re right. It was a really dumb idea! I put us all in danger and I made the two of you come and rescue us.” Emotion overwhelmed her. She tried to apologize, but it came out incoherent.

The four of them gathered around her. Rainbow Dash put an arm around Sweetie Belle and she cried against her chest. Spike pressed a handkerchief into her hoof. As she calmed down, she looked at Spike. Now she could see what Rarity meant about his bravery and loyalty.

“Listen, Sweetie Belle,” said Rainbow Dash. “Scoots filled me in on what you were doing. I know you’re in a bad situation, but no matter how bad it gets, you can’t run away from your problems. ‘Cause if you do, this happens!” She waved her hoof in a wide gesture for emphases. You’ve got Rarity and a lot of others ponies fighting for you. So I’m going to get you home now, and no more running away, okay?”

“Okay,” Sweetie Belle agreed.

Apple Bloom looked over the edge to the ground far below. “How are we going to get home? You think the timber wolves will be gone by morning, then we can walk back to the train station?”

“Well, you could take the train,” said Rainbow Dash. “But why take the train when you can fly?”

Scootaloo looked up to her big sister. “But you can’t fly all of us back.”

“I don’t have to,” said Rainbow Dash. “I can call for backup.” She pulled off her saddle bags and opened one side, revealing a quill and some parchments. “Spike, take a letter.”

The arguing had been going on since the CMC had returned to Carousel Couture, so it was no surprise that Apple Bloom didn’t hear the bell over the door ring. Scootaloo did, just barely, and tapped Apple Bloom on the shoulder. She turned to see her big sister enter the boutique.

She looked up to AJ with a guilty expression. “Hi, Applejack. Are you mad at me?”

Applejack looked down sternly at her little sister. “Well, I would be if’n Scootaloo hadn’t told Rainbow Dash what was goin’ on. But you stood by your friend when she needed it the most. I can’t blame you for that.” AJ’s eyes softened and she hugged Apple Bloom. “Next time, just tell me what’s going on, okay. I would’ve tried to help. Maybe I could have talked to Sweetie Belle’s parents.”

“I don’t know,” said Apple Bloom. “Rarity hasn’t had any luck with that.” They looked over to the center of the boutique where Rarity was arguing with her parents. Sweetie Belle was trying to get a word in edgewise, but no pony was listening to her.

Finally, Sweetie Belle had had enough. She stomped her hoof down and screamed out, “Stop it! Just stop it! For once would you just listen to me?”

The outburst took her parents and Rarity by surprise. “Sweetheart, we listen to you,” said her mother.

“No you don’t! That’s how we all got here!” answered Sweetie Belle. “Rarity and I don’t always see eye to eye, but at least she listens to me.”

“Oh, honey, we do listen to you,” reassured her dad.

“I have yet to see any evidence of that,” snapped Rarity.

“Stop it!” yelled Sweetie Belle again. “We’re a family and all we have been doing for the past week is arguing. I hate it! I hate even more than having to leave Ponyville!” The fight drained out of her as her family became silent again. Ears down and with sadness in her voice, she continued. “Besides, I don’t want my last memory of Carousel Couture to be full of arguing.”

The room went silent as all eyes turned to her.

Rarity finally spoke up. “Sweetie Belle, what are you saying?”

Sweetie Belle looked over at her sister before stepping up to her parents. “Mom, Dad, I’ll go with you. Just stop arguing with Rarity, okay?”

“That’s the spirit,” said her dad. “It won’t be so bad once you get use to it again.”

But her mom looked at her, really looked at her daughter for the first time and began to have misgivings.

Sweetie Belle didn’t answer her father. Instead, she went over to her big sister. The look in her eyes broke Rarity’s heart. “It’s over, sis. They’re our parents, but I’m not an adult like you, I have to go with them. That’s what Twilight really told you, isn’t it?”

Rarity looked away. “I suppose it was something like that, yes.”

Sweetie Belle buried her head in Rarity’s chest and spoke through the lump in her throat. “I know you weren’t thrilled when I first came to stay with you.”

“That was a long time ago, sweetheart.”

“I know. I heard how you fought for me all night, and you even went to Swamp Hollow for me. That means a lot to me, but you have to let go now.”

Rarity wiped a tear from Sweetie Belle’s cheek as her own ran down her face. “Never!”

Sweetie Belle backed away from Rarity. She turned to the stairs. On her way she hugged Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

Unlike the others, Rainbow Dash didn’t hold back her feelings. She glared at Sweetie Belle’s parents. “This stinks!”

Applejack tried to calm her. “This is their family business, Rainbow.”

“Don’t care!” shot back Rainbow Dash.

Something about Rainbow Dash’s words struck Sweetie Belle’s father. His daughter’s friends weren’t just her classmates, but adults as well. These adults were business ponies and scholars, yet they treated her as an equal. He had expected them to give her a smile and a pat on the head, not tearful hugs, sad goodbyes and angry words directed at himself. He was her father, he had a right to take her away. Why was a little filly so important to these grownups? Surely they had better things to do than to look after somepony else’s foal?

Sweetie Belle came to Twilight. “Thanks for all the lessons, Twilight. Even after you became a Princess, you still made time for me and my friends. I promise to keep up with my studies as best I can.” She swallowed hard, took a deep breath and stood straight. She bowed to Twilight. “I thank you, Princess.”

Twilight turned away in embarrassment. “You don’t have to…”

“Yeah, I do!” she interrupted, then ran in and hugged Twilight.

Hondo watched the two. He compared Sweetie Belle’s height to Twilight’s, to his own. He noticed, really noticed for the first time how big she had grown. A thought deep in his subconscious scratched and clawed its way to the surface. It broke through the barriers of stubbornness and reared its head.

Could Twilight be right? Could his little girl not be his little girl anymore?

When Sweetie Belle broke the embrace, Spike was there at Twilight’s side. So many feelings ran through her head, and she didn’t know how to express any of them. She hugged him tightly, pressing her cheek hard against his. She couldn’t even try to speak. But looking in his eyes, she knew she didn’t have to.

The look in both their eyes unsettled Hondo. No. She was too young for what he thought he saw.

Her two best friends met her at the bottom of the stairs. “You guys already know what you mean to me.” Her CMC cape hung over the railing. She picked it up and held it out to them. “Here. Where I’m going I’m not going to need this. Just promise me you’ll give it to somepony who understands what being a Crusader stands for.”

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stared at each other. Neither one of them wanted to take the cape from Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom finally did. “No, Sweetie Belle, this will always be at the club house waiting for you!”

“Yeah, when you visit,” added Scootaloo.

“Yeah, like that’s going to happen,” answered Sweetie Belle. “They’ll probably never let me out of their sight again!”

Her words struck at her mom’s heart. “Sweetie, of course you can visit. You’re not a prisoner.”

A cold glance over her shoulder told her parents exactly what she thought about that.

She started up the stairs, then paused. “I’ll be ready for the morning train. Don’t worry, I won’t try to run away again. I give up.”

The Cutie Mark Crusaders never give up, thought Applejack. It was what she admired most about Apple Bloom and her friends. Despite what AJ had said to Rainbow Dash, she couldn’t hold her tongue any longer. She took a step toward Sweetie Belle’s parents. “Well, you done broke her spirit. Is that really how you wanted this to go?”

Her father met AJ’s glare. He then turned to his daughter. “Sweetie Belle, do you really hate us that much?”

She sighed, “I don’t hate you Dad. I love you and Mom.” She turned to face her parents. “Look around you. I know you don’t get the fashions, or the decor, but you don’t really get me and Rarity either. This is where my friends are, my school, everypony else I love. You sent me here to live. This is my home! Least, it was.” She turned and headed for her room.

Her parents looked at each other. She had reached the top step before her dad spoke again. “We just thought you’d want to be with us as much as we wanted you back home.”

“You don’t even spend time with me!” she said without turning around.

“You’re right,” said her father. “I guess we forgot what it’s like to have a child around – sorry, I mean a young lady.”

Cookie put a hoof on Hondo’s. With sadness in her voice, she told him, “Honey, I think we’ve already missed her growing up.”

He turned to his wife. In her eyes he saw the reflection of his own mind. That horrible, nagging thought was free. He couldn’t deny it any longer. Cookie was right.

Hondo turned back to his youngest. With a heavy heart, he made the best decision he could for her, though it cost him personally. “Sweetie Belle, your mom and I will take the train home tomorrow. You can stay here. You’re already home.”

Her ears perked up. She spun around in surprise. “What? Do you mean it?”

“As long as Rarity doesn’t mind.”

“Of course I don’t mind!” shouted Rarity.

Sweetie Belle ran down the stairs and hugged her parents and Rarity.

Twilight put a hoof around Spike. “Now that’s how a family should get along!”

Suddenly Pinkie was in the family hug, “You know what that means! It’s party time!”

“I’ll bring the cider.” yelled Applejack.

“I want to make the cake.” added Spike.

“You got it, baker boy!” yelled back Pinkie.

“You’re so right, Pinkie!” yelled Rarity. “Tomorrow, noon, everypony’s welcome!”

Sweetie Belle’s welcome back party was the biggest she had ever had. Practically everypony she knew from school and around town had stopped by. When the festivities had died down, she went back up to her room to put away some gifts some ponies had brought her. She heard a knock on her door frame. She turned, feeling a little embarrassed when she saw who it was. “Oh, hi, Spike. Come on in.”

They both felt awkward. It was the first chance they really had to talk alone since she came home. Spike scratched the back of his head nervously. “Great party, huh? Everypony’s really glad you’re back.”

“Yeah,” she agreed. “Everypony was so nice, and it’s really great to know I’ll be staying.”

This was a new feeling for both of them. They had always been comfortable with each other, but now something unspoken hung between them. Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but wonder if she had made their whole friendship awkward with the confession of her feelings.
Spike finally broke the silence. He pulled out the flowers from behind his back and handed them to her. “Here, I brought these for you.”

Sweetie Belle was surprised by the gift. She could feel her cheeks getting warm. “Oh my, Spike.” She said nervously as she took the flowers. “They’re beautiful. But you didn’t have to do that. I mean, you made that cake and all.”

“Yeah, but the cake was for everypony – I mean it was for you, but for everypony – you know what I mean. I wanted to give you something just for you.”

“That’s really sweet, Spike.” She could tell there was something Spike wanted to say, but what? Was he okay with what she said? Would he just ignore it? Or would he tell her his heart belonged to her big sister? She couldn’t stand it anymore and figured she had to say something. “Ahh, Spike. About what I said, you know, when I left…”

“Yeah, about that,” Spike interrupted. “I kind of had something I wanted to ask you.”

Her ears lowered, she prepared herself for the worst. “Okay…”

Spike shifted on his feet and looked around the room as he got up his courage. “Well, it’s been a while since lunch. So I was wondering if you’d like to go with me to Hay Burgers? You do like Hay Burgers, right?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Since it’s still early, I figured we could do something else first.”

She put her hoof up to her chin, “Well, we haven’t been bowling for a while…” Suddenly, she looked at the flowers still in her hoof. She froze as realization hit her. Her eyes widened. “Spike… Are you asking me out on a date?”

“Well, yeah – if that’s okay?” said Spike.

Her ears shot up and she smiled widely. Now her heart raced for all the good reasons. “Just let me go ask my sister!” She hurried down the stairs, floating the flowers in front of her.

Rarity turned from the sink as Sweetie Belle entered. “My, those are lovely flowers.”

“Spike just gave them to me,” she answered as she levitated a vase out of the cupboard and put the flowers in it. “Is it okay if I go to Hay Burgers with him?”

“Of course, Sweetheart, have a nice time.” Rarity watch as Sweetie Belle put the flowers on the kitchen table and left. She finished putting the dishes in the sink for later and took off her apron.

But as she walked back through the boutique’s main showroom something struck her as odd. Twilight was still seated at the table, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were huddled around the front door, but there was no sign of Spike or Sweetie Belle. She went to the foot of the stairs, but could neither see nor hear anything from the second floor. “Twilight, where are Sweetie Belle and Spike?”

Twilight looked up from the fashion magazine she’d been perusing. “They already left.”

“But you’re still here,” said Rarity.

“Yeah, me and the girls,” she pointed at the four mares at the door.

Now oddness turned to puzzlement. “But Sweetie Belle said she was going with Spike to Hay Burgers. I assumed she meant you and Spike.”

“Not this time,” shouted Rainbow Dash hovering by the door. “The kid’s going solo!”

“Girls!” Twilight admonished. “Don’t stare, you’ll embarrass them!”

“What do you mean?” asked Rarity.

“It’s their first date,” explained Fluttershy. “Isn’t it romantic?”

“Date? No, no, no!” Shouted Rarity. “Spike cannot date Sweetie Belle!”

Fluttershy gasped. “How can you say that? After all he’s done for you? After all we’ve been through together?”

Rainbow turned in mid air and crossed her arms. She stared down at Rarity, “You suddenly got something against dragons?”

“No, of course not!” Rarity answered.

Now Twilight was concerned and came over to the group. “Rarity, are you saying you don’t trust Spike with Sweetie Belle?”

“Of course I trust him. He’s a perfect gentlestallion and a most honorable young dragon.”

“Then what’s the problem?” asked Rainbow.

Rarity stared at her friends in shock. “How can none of you understand? Especially you, Applejack! You, too, Rainbow Dash!”

AJ looked at Rainbow Dash who was looking back down at her. “I got nothin’.”

“Understand what?” Rainbow finally asked.

Rarity’s horn glowed and her red velvet couch came sliding in just as she fell on it. “Darlings, one of the worst things that can happen to a girl is to be thrown over for her younger sister!”

Applejack furrowed her brows. “Well, you were never exactly his for him to throw over, were you?”

“That’s not the point!” Rarity snapped back.

“You said yourself you were too old for him.” Added Fluttershy.

“He’s too young for me, thank you very much! And that’s not the point, either!”

Pinkie Pie was still at the door. “That’s not Sweetie Belle’s problem!” She wasn’t helping.

“Seriously, Rarity?” asked Twilight.

Pinkie suddenly appeared at Rarity’s right. “Face it. You had your chance.” Then from above. “You blew it.” Then to her left. “The kid’s move on!”

“That’s not the point, either!”

“Then what is?” Asked a frustrated Rainbow Dash.

Rarity sat up. Her tears welled up in her eyes and her lower lip quivered. “It’ just that… He’s my Spikie Wikie!”

The girls had to laugh.

Comments

[KnightMysterio]

Love it! 10/10! Have a moustache.

And honestly, they dump her on Rarity for years and go off and leave her on her own so damn much, what were they expecting? You can't just come into your child's life after years of treating her like that and just expect everything to go exactly the way you want it to.

Children grow. They change constantly. They notice everything, especially how you treat them. Children are among the greatest, if not THE greatest things ever to happen to you, and they dumped her on other ponies whenever she became inconvenient. So much of Sweetie Belle's life has happened in Ponyville. Taking her away from it would have been absurdly cruel.

[Tale Weaver]

6958699 Wow! That was fast. Looks like you read this about three hours after I put it up. Thank you for the comment. Rarity and Sweetie Belle's parents are pretty dense, actually. They still think of her as the little foal they sent off years ago. They don't realize she's old enough and has been in Ponyville long enough to have built a life. They just want to take her home as if she's just been there a week or two.

Glad you enjoyed it. I will wear my new mustache with pride!

[StarzGecko]

This was really good!

[Tale Weaver]

6965620 Thank you, PlatinumPony. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Molly Dreemurr]

Ok. . . Hondo, I don't like to say that but honestly : F**K YOU. I DON'T HAVE KIDS, BUT IF I WERE YOU, I WOULD HAVE SEE THAT SHE DOSEN'T WANT TO GO. Anyways, you're the biggest d**k in history, you don't deserve to be alive, F**K YOU.
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Thomas Dreemurr Prince of Monsters
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PS : By the way, I gladly invite someone/pony to my kingdom. . . but seeing what you do, YOU WILL NEVER BE WELCOME HERE

[Tale Weaver]

7357272 Err.... Glad you... enjoyed the story....?..?..?

[Molly Dreemurr]

7396623 oh, yeah... I liked the story but you see how I like Hondo. So hope you wrote more stories but please not with Hondo in them, thanks

[Tale Weaver]

7397432 Sometimes the monsters aren't the magic blasting, four hooves, two arms kind from Tartarus. Sometimes they are just like us, but blind to what's right in front of them. It's hard to argue with somepony who's convinced he's right - but isn't. But as you saw, it worked out in the end.

I have no plans to bring back Hondo, he can stay in Swamp Hollow. My next story will be about Ms. Shimmer. Hopefully before the end of the year.

[Wahtiff]

The group gathered around a map and planned their search patterns and meeting points. No one heard the bell ring as front door was opened.

Sweetie Belle walked in looking tired and hungry. She walked up to Spike as he watched the group. “What’s going on?”

“They’re planning a search party for Sweetie Belle,” said Spike.

“A search party?”

“Yeah, she’s been missing…” He finally turned to see who he was talking to. “Sweetie Belle!” He turned to the crowd. “Hey, everypony, look!”

Well, THAT was anticlimactic!