> "Another Cup of Tea, Madam?" > by Manes > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > "Another Cup Of Tea, Madam?" (oneshot) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today was a beautiful day. The sun’s brightly-colored rays of light shone out for everypony to see and play in. Everypony was having the best time of their lives, enjoying the comforting warmth of Celestia’s sun. Everypony except Princess Celestia herself, who was finishing the last documents for a parade to celebrate this special day. “That’s the last one,” said Celestia as she levitated the last paper up to the top of the pile. An exhausted sigh came from Princess Celestia’s mouth, feeling a great pain in her neck after hours of sitting in that chair, doing nothing but working and sitting. “I need to get a  more comfortable chair if I’m going to keep doing this.” She levitated a cup from her table and brought it close to her muzzle. She could smell the sweet scent of maple syrup and oak as she brought the cup to her lips. Her favorite. Princess Celestia sat back down on her chair and gazed at the things that were in her room. Nothing but pictures from her trips on royal duties and paintings of nature at its finest hung on her wall. She frowned. Nothing that could help her remember anything from her childhood hung on the wall. Her childhood remained a mystery to her. All her life, everything had been about work. Nothing else, but work. She wished she could travel back in time and be a kid again. Suddenly, the door opened to two guards trotting in the room. One of them had something held in their wing. “Princess Celestia, I bring you something you might want to see.” Princess Celestia sighed and tapped a hoof on the table where the guard placed the letter at. She opened the letter and levitated in front of her as she began to read it. Her eyes slowly skimmed through the piece of paper. After a couple of minutes. She placed the letter down and looked at the guards. “This was sent from the Mayor of Ponyville. When?” “A couple hours ago, Your Highness.” One of the guards replied, holding his helmet to his side. “Shall I get a carriage ready for you?” Princess Celestia nodded. “I would like that. Thank you,” She said as the guards left the room. Once the doors were shut and they were out of sight, her smile swiftly fell and she sighed. She got up from her chair and made her way out the door to the carriages waiting for her outside. Princess Celestia couldn’t wait to get out of the carriage and have a chat with the Mayor. Couple minutes of silence as the guards were pulling her to Ponyville and not even bothering to start a conversation with her. It just didn’t feel right to her. It felt dull and boring as always.  Finally, the carriage stopped near the Sugarcube Corner. A smile appeared on her face as she thought about going in there and eating some chocolate donuts or delicious cake. “Stop right here.” “Pardon me, Your Highness. But, your meeting isn’t here.” The guard said as he stopped the carriage near the front door.   Princess Celestia got off the carriage and made her way to the door. She placed a foreleg on the door then turned to the guard who was waiting for her by the carriage. “Go to the Mayor and inform her that the meeting will be held here.” The guard nodded and began to trot towards town square, leaving Celestia behind. Once the guard was out of sight, she could finally have a nice and relaxing treat while enjoying others’ company. She opened the door and made her way inside the bakery. The smell of different types of baked sweets made her mouth water in anticipation. “Hello Mrs. Cake.” She said as she trotted to the front counter. “Your Highness,” She said with a quick bow. “May I get your royal chair out of the closet?” Princess Celestia chuckled, shaking her head. “No, that won’t be needed. I’ll have some cake and eat over there.” She said, pointing over to a table positioned near the window. “Alright, your cake should be ready in a couple minutes.” She replied with a warm smile, then went back to the kitchen to get started on Celestia's order. Celestia went to her table and sat down. She turned towards the window and gazed at the busy ponies on their carriages riding by.  She couldn’t help but feel more at home whenever she was at Ponyville, and yet Canterlot was her birth place. Was it because her student lived there, or was it because she did more for Ponyville than Canterlot? Her thoughts were interrupted as Mrs. Cake placed a plate of sweets in front of her. Celestia silently mouthed the words “thank you” and then Mrs. Cake left the table. She levitated the fork from the table and took a large piece of the cake, shoving it into her mouth. She chewed with a delighted moan as the sweet taste of chocolate cake and sprinkled donuts filled her taste buds. “Wow, this is amazing!” She exclaimed with a mouthful, earning a couple of looks from the ponies inside the bakery. She chuckled nervously, turning back to the window. She took another bite of the cake, and this time she made sure not to shout out what she was thinking. Suddenly, outside the window, a small white unicorn was trotting near the bakery with her head down, and it appeared that she was dragging something with her. Celestia placed her fork down and left the table. She opened the door and heard quiet sobbing coming from the white unicorn. “What’s the matter, little filly?” She asked as she approached Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle sniffled, wiping away a tear. “I wanted to have this tea party, but my friends wouldn’t come because they said tea parties were for foals!” She held out the teddy bear she was dragging on the floor and showed it to Celestia. “Mr. Wubbles wanted to have a friend to play with!” Princess Celestia frowned. She couldn’t help but to feel bad for the filly. True, she’s a princess and is suited to care for all her subjects, but she felt like this happened to her when she was a child. “Do you have any other friends?” She asked with a caring tone. Sweetie Belle shook her head. “All of them stayed home for the parade, and my sister is always working.” A hopeful smile appeared on her face, which made Celestia nervous. “Can you come to my tea party?” “Uh, I don’t know. I have a lot of royal duties to attend to. In fact, I’m actually on one right—” She stopped mid-sentence as she saw the filly’s smile fall and her dreams crushed. What was she doing? She’s supposed to make her subjects happy and safe, and instead she makes a filly sad. She couldn't help feeling like a monster. She placed a hoof under the filly and lifted her up so they could meet eye to eye. “I’ll go with you to your tea party,” Princess Celestia said, and the filly jumped in the air with a joyful cheer, which made her giggle. “Just for you.” She turned her head when the sound of the carriage approaching Sugarcube Corner caught her attention. Mayor Mare approached Celestia with the guard from earlier following behind her. “Your Highness, I was informed we were having the meeting inside, but will it be out here instead?” She asked, arching an eyebrow. “Is something wrong?” “No worries.” Princess Celestia stepped in front of the Mayor. “I’ve decided the meeting will be held with my sister, Princess Luna. You and her can discuss what needs to be planned for the parade. As for me..." She turned to Sweetie Belle, who was hugging her teddy bear tightly. “I’ve got a tea party to attend.”  Mayor Mare sighed. "I understand." She said, and went to back to the carriage with the guard following her. Once the guard pulled the carriage away and they were out of sight, Princess Celestia turned back to the unicorn and smiled. “Shall we leave?” Princess Celestia followed the small filly to wherever she was taking her. The sun beaming down on her followed by a cold breeze made it seem like it was a good decision to take a walk on such a nice day. She inhaled, taking the fresh air in her lungs, then exhaled. “Where are you taking me, little filly?” She asked, examining the trees that passed by them. “My royal castle!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. “I made it all pretty and nice for my royal subjects to see!” Her smile faded off her face and turned into a frown. “My friends were supposed to see it, but they didn't want to.” Sweetie Belle sounded disappointed. Princess Celestia’s heart ached from seeing the filly’s dream being crushed. She had to do something. “Hey, little filly?” She called out, making Sweetie Belle stop and turn around. “You want me to fly us there?” “Really?!” Without a second to lose, Sweetie Belle ran to the white alicorn and, without warning, jumped onto her back. “Let us go forth, my trusted steed!” She shouted, holding the bear as a sword in the air. “Onward!” Princess Celestia shook her head, giggling. “Foals these days,” She muttered.  Her wings unfurled to their full length. Sweetie Belle gasped, nearly fainting at the sight of such beauty. She had never seen an alicorn’s wings before, besides Twilight’s. Celestia’s were pure white and shined with the sun. “Wow! You have beautiful wings!” Sweetie Belle reached to one of Celestia’s wings and ran a hoof through it. “And they're so soft, too! Wow, Princess Celestia, you’re amazing!” Princess Celestia blushed. “You’re too kind.” She arched her back as she prepared to take off. “Hold on tight.” Sweetie Belle did what she was told and wrapped her forelegs around Celestia’s neck. She soared into the air in a slow pace so the small unicorn could feel the breeze and the sun shining down on her forehead. “Wooooah!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, her mane blowing into her face from the rushing wind. The ponies from below heard the filly screaming as Celestia flew by them, making them look up in the air. Sweetie Belle’s smile told it all. She was having the time of her life riding on the back of the princess. Princess Celestia smiled. She felt young again, free from the stress that was brought on because of her royal title. Finally, Celestia was approaching the treehouse and she could see Sweetie Belle was not lying about making it look pretty. Pink and white streamers were wrapped around the house, balloons surrounded the place, and there was a red carpet on the floor inside the house. “Where did you get—” “My sister, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie!” Sweetie Belle interrupted. “I wanted to make this tea party exxxxtra special for my friends!” “Awww, how sweet. Your friends are very lucky to have you,” Celestia said with a smile. “You’re a very special little filly.” Sweet Belle smiled and hugged Celestia’s neck even tighter. “Princess Celestia.” “Yes, my little pony?” “Do you have any friends?” “Sure I do. My former protege Princess Twilight and her friends.” Celestia tapped a hoof on her chin before saying. “My sister as well.” Sweetie Belle giggled. “I mean a best friend, silly!” “Well, my sister's been with me my whole life.” Princess Celestia looked down ashamed. “Well... almost my whole life.” “What happened?” Sweetie Belle asked. Princess Celestia didn’t answer. What would the filly think of her if she told her that she banished her own sister to the moon? It was for the greater good, but she was still family. Luckily, they landed at the front door of the clubhouse. Celestia stood still, not knowing what to do next. She had never been to a clubhouse before, nor a tea party. “I don’t—” She was interrupted as Sweetie Belle pulled her inside. Sweetie Belle sat Celestia down near a stuffed elephant. Other animals such as a tiger, a dog, and a cat were seated across the small pink round table Sweetie Belle had set up in the middle of the floor. “Princess Celestia, meet my assistants.  Dr. Fluffykins, Mr. Smiley, and my personal guard.” She grabbed the teddy bear and hugged it tightly. “Mr. Wubbles!” “Umm, how do these “tea parties” work, exactly?” Princess Celestia asked while playing with the small cup in her hooves. “I’m quite new to this.” “You pretend, silly! Here, let me show you.” Sweetie Belle grabbed the tiger in her magic and levitated it towards Princess Celestia. “Dr. Fluffykins needs to check your temperature.” “Oh.” Princess Celestia leaned out her foreleg and waited for the stuffed animal to check her temperature. It didn’t do a thing. It just sat and stared at her with its cold stuffed eyes. “I’m a little confused here.” Sweetie Belle giggled and made the tiger’s paw touch Celestia’s foreleg with her magic. “Hmm…  It seems you’re a healthy mare, Princess Celestia!” She said, making her voice sound a little deeper, but Celestia still could hear those squeak sounds. Princess Celestia giggled. She knew how this game worked… sorta. “Well, that’s because I eat healthy fruit in meals everyday to make my body strong and my mind smart.” “I eat fruit too, because I’m a princess as well!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, levitating a small cup from the table and taking a long fake sip. “That tea was amazing! You should get some too, Celestia, because Mr. Smiley made it.” She pointed towards the cat who fell on the floor, but its eyes were still staring at Celestia. Princess Celestia giggled nervously and levitated the cup to her mouth. She held it in the air to show Mr. Smiley she was drinking his tea. She took a sip, but nothing hot touched her tongue. She looked inside and saw nothing in there. “Hmmm, where’s the tea?” Sweetie Belle giggled. “Pretend, remember? There’s no tea unless you pretend it’s there!” “Oooh, okay.” Princess Celestia levitated the cup to her mouth, and this time she took a fake sip. “Hmm, this is some divine tea,” She said, rubbing her stomach with a hoof. “Hey, Princess Celestia?’ “Yes, my little pony?” “My friends call me Sweetie Belle,”  Sweetie Belle trotted to Celestia and hugged her foreleg tightly. “Thanks for playing tea party with me.” Celestia smiled, brushing the filly’s mane. “It was my pleasure, Sweetie Belle.” Two guards were roaming around the apple orchard. Princess Celestia was supposed to be at Sugar Cube Corner, but when they got there she was gone. So they panicked, and followed the hoof trail until it stopped a few feet away from a colorful clubhouse. “She must be held captive here,” One of the guards said, looking up at the house. The other guard pulled out her sword. “Only one way to—” She was interrupted as a shriek pierced the air. “That was the Princess!” Both ran to the ladder and climbed up until they were inside the clubhouse. “Unhand her you fool—” She immediately withdrew her sword and exhaled as a load a relief washed over her and vanished her worries.   Princess Celestia was being attacked (playfully) as Sweetie Belle had her pinned down on the floor, tickling her stomach. Sweetie Belle stopped when she heard the guard shout at her. Princess Celestia rose from the floor, brushing off the dirt with a hoof and cleared her throat. “Evening.” “Uuuh, Princess Celestia... What are you wearing?” She asked, pointing to the red scarf Celestia was wearing around her neck. “Oh, this?” Celestia smiled. “Nothing, I’m now part of the ‘Cutie Mark Makers!’” “It’s ‘Crusaders,’” Sweetie Belle corrected her, “And you’re supposed to go ‘yay!’ at the end.” “Oh. I’m a Cutie Mark Crusader, yay!” Princess Celestia exclaimed, earning a giggle from Sweetie Belle. Even the guards couldn’t hold in their laughter. An idea suddenly popped in her head. She levitated a camera from under the table and placed it in one of the guards’ hooves. “ Here, take a picture.” The guard examined the camera Celestia gave to him. He looked at Celestia with a concerned look on his face. “Your Highness, are you sure?” Celestia nodded. “Alright.” The guard took a step back and aimed the camera towards where Celestia and Sweetie Belle sat. “On three, say ‘tea party!’” “One...” Celestia and Sweetie Belle smiled at each other. “Two...” Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but laugh at how silly Celestia looked in her clothes. Celestia finally had a memory to hold on to until the day she perished. “Three!” *click*                                               “TEA PARTY!” > Small Town Filly > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everypony riding the Canterlot train knew how excited Sweetie Belle felt about visiting Celestia because she expressed it by bouncing up and down in the seat beside Rarity’s. Finally having enough of the high-pitched squealing, Rarity asked Sweetie Belle to sit down. “How about we just have fun the more quiet way, hmmm? Wouldn’t that be fun?” Sweetie Belle huffed and plopped onto her seat. “Fiiiine.” Rarity smiled. “Thank you.” Just as she thought there would be silence, she felt the seat beside her move as Sweetie resumed bouncing on it. “Please stop.” “Oh, oh! Can we teleport there, Rarity? Huh? Can we, can we, can we?” she asked, bouncing up and down. “Absolutely not!” Rarity said. “That would require complete focus, which I obviously lack at the moment.” Sweetie Belle plopped back down. “Aww, but why? Didn’t Princess Twilight do it once or twice without focusing?” Rarity rubbed her chin for a moment then shook her head. “It’s very dangerous for two ponies to travel at the same time, so again, my answer is no.” Sweetie’s smile turned into a frown. “But—” “Too dangerous!” Eyes turned towards Rarity as her unladylike outburst caught their attention. Rarity blushed and hid behind her mane. “I’m sorry, little sister, but I cannot risk losing you for some quick way to Canterlot.” “Please!” “No.” “Pleeeeeease!” Sweetie Belle said, turning big, bright green eyes on her. Rarity chuckled. “You’ve used that too many times on me, dear, for it to work.” She gave Sweetie Belle few pats on the head. “Nice try though.” Sweetie’s ears flopped to her head as her eyes turned to the floor. “I understand.” “How about when we get there I’ll buy a gift for you?” Rarity asked. “How’s that sound?” She felt the wind get knocked right out of her as Sweetie Belle quickly hugged her. “I would like that.” She nuzzled Rarity’s shoulder and closed her eyes as she drifted off into sleep, thinking about the fun actives she’d planned for Princess Celestia and her to do together. ⏰ Thirty minutes had passed since Sweetie Belle had fallen asleep. Rarity was still wide awake, watching the train pass some trees. She turned to Sweetie Belle, who clung to her foreleg as she slept peacefully, bringing a smile to Rarity’s face. Sweetie’s mane tickled Rarity’s nose. Rarity pushed Sweetie’s mane down and slowly leaned forward, planting a kiss on Sweetie’s forehead before sitting back down in her chair. “Aww, she’s adorable.” Rarity turned to a old mare seated across the aisle, who smiled as she looked at Sweetie Belle sleeping. “Thank you, she can be adorable while sleeping, but a hooful when awake.” Both mares chuckled. “So, who’s the lucky stallion to have gifted you with such a cute foal?” Rarity’s lost her ability to breathe as she fainted right onto Sweetie’s head. Sweetie Belle didn’t notice the extra weight. The old mare scratched her head. “Was it something I said? The sun had rested behind the hill as the moon rose high up the sky, shining its beautiful radiance upon the sleeping land of Equestria. Smiling proudly at her work, Luna left the balcony and trotted into Celestia’s chambers, where she found her sister resting on a pillow near the fireplace, writing letters. “Come join me in the night, sister.” “I would love to, but I can’t,” Celestia said sadly. She placed the next letter in front of her as she finished the last one. “Go enjoy your beautiful night out on the balcony without me. Maybe you could describe its beauty to me from outside.” A breeze from outside brushed against her coat, making Luna shiver. She turned to the two doors that led to the balcony and shut the door with her magic. “Very well, sister. When shall the Belle sister arrive?” “Shortly.” Luna fiddled with her hoof.   Celestia noticed Luna’s odd behavior and turned to her. “Is there something wrong, sister?” Luna shook her head. “No… well, yes.” “Well?” “You seem happier when you’re with Sweetie Belle.” Luna looked down. “Something I have failed to do as your sister. Celestia smiled. “Luna, you always made me happy. It might not look like it because I’m buried in letters all the time,” she said, earning a giggle from Luna. “But that doesn’t change that you’re the only pony who kept me smiling for a thousand years.” Her ears perked up as she heard knocking. “That must be them.” “Oh no! We shall hide the moon cakes! None shall have the creamy goodness that is in the possession of the night!” Luna said as she rushed out the door. Celestia answered the door. Two royal guards stood next to a pair of white unicorns.  “Greetings, Rarity and—” two white forelegs cut Celestia short as Sweetie Belle pulled her into a bone-crushing hug.  “Hello, Sweetie Belle.” “I missed you so much, Celestia!” Sweetie Belle nuzzled Celestia’s coat as she continued the hug. “We’re going to have so much fun together!” Beginning to worry, a guard stepped between the two. “Should I have her restrained your Highness?” “That won’t be necessary.” Celestia wheezed as the hugged tightened. “Sweetie Belle, can you please let go?” Sweetie Belle released her hug, giggling nervously. “Sorry.” She hid behind her mane as she blushed. “It’s quite alright.” As the guard walked past Celestia, she stopped him midway with a hoof. “Tell the swords stallion I need stronger armor.” The guard bowed before exiting out the room. She turned to Rarity who was standing quietly the entire time. “I am happy to see you here, Rarity. I hope this stay will be as relaxing as the last.” “Oh, I’m sure it well, Princess. I hope my sister doesn’t become a problem to you or Princess Luna.” She said, shooting Sweetie Belle an angry glare. Celestia giggled. “I’m sure she’ll do just fine.” “So, what are we going to do first, Celestia, huh?” she asked, bouncing up and down. “Oh, oh, we have to braid each other manes or have another tea party, oh, oh! Or go into some chaotic adventure!” Celestia shuddered at the word “chaotic,” reminded of somepony who loved that sort of thing. “Maybe nice walks or a reading session will do.” “Reading sessions?” Sweetie Belle rubbed her chin momentarily before her eyes sparkled. “Oh, can we read a comic book from that store Spike got his from?” Something about the mere mention of the comic gave Rarity a headache. “I think it’s best not to get a comic book where Spike used to get his.” Sweetie Belle’s smile fell.“Why not?” “Let’s just say you’ll actually be experiencing the comic book rather than just reading it,” Rarity said with a gulp. “Oh. Hey, Celestia, can we have a tea party now?” Sweetie Belle smile grew more as another idea popped in her mind, something involving sleepwear and a tea party. Sweetie Belle and Celestia cast glances at each other before Rarity spoke. “Hmm, maybe we should let the Celestia finish up her work, and maybe she’ll do it if she’s in the mood.” “Oh.” Sweetie Belle’s ears flopped down. “Okay, sorry.” Celestia smiled as she put a hoof on Sweetie’s shoulder. “It’s okay, Sweetie Belle. Tomorrow, we can do whatever you want and if you would like, you can accompany me while I’m attending to my royal duties.” “Hehe, you said ‘duty’.” Sweetie Belle stopped giggling as Rarity shot her an angry glare. “Sorry.” “Don't be sorry.” Their heads turned to the clock as it hit ten o’ clock. “Well, you two should get some rest,” Celestia said with a smile. “I hope you find your chambers to suit your interests.” “I cannot express how grateful I am, Princess Celestia!” Rarity was ready to kneel and kiss Celestia’s hoof, but a golden hoof stopped her midway. Celestia smiled nervously. “Please do not express it by kissing my hoof again. It was quite—” “Awkward.” Sweetie Belle butted in on their conversation, looking between the two. “Also, Rarity what’s she talking about?” Rarity blushed. “Well, good night Celestia, and I hope you have a good night’s rest,” she said quickly, pushing Sweetie Belle out the door until she broke free. “Goodnight to you both as well.” Sweetie Belle gave Celestia a quick hug before she ran out the door with Rarity and the other guard who accompanied them. Outside on the balcony, Luna watched the scene with a smile. Sweetie Belle laid in the royal bed. Celestia had instructed the royal guards to place her inside a room that was pink and had a toy box for her to play with. The blankets covered  her whole body as Rarity, who wore her sleeping robe, stood over Sweetie Belle. “These blankets are so soft I’m going to die!” Rarity giggled. “They can’t be that soft.” “Rarity?” Sweetie Belle shuffled to the right side of the bed, where Rarity was setting the alarm to eight o’ clock.   “Hmm?” “I can’t shake this feeling I have.” Sweetie Belle stared at the ceiling. “I can’t help but feel like I’m going to mess up helping Celestia like how I always messed up helping you.” “Oh I’m sure you do just fine.” Rarity brushed Sweetie Belle’s mane. “After all, Celestia is forgiving, so she won’t be mad if you do mess up, but try not to do it on purpose, hmm?” “Okay.” “That’s my sister,” Rarity said with a yawn. “And you never messed up helping me. In fact, you made it better, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have such a wonderful sister like you.” “Thanks, Rarity.”  Sweetie Belle gave Rarity a quick hug before laying back down. “You’re the best sister I ever had.” Rarity used her magic to pull the blankets over Sweetie Belle. “Good night, little sister,” Rarity said as she gave Sweetie a hug and trotted out the room. “Good night, Rarity.” Sweetie Belle rested her head on the pillow as she drifted off to sleep. > My plan > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, It’s Sweetie Belle….the filly who had the whole school in my control and other stuff I can’t write down because my hoof is starting to hurt. Annnnnnyway! Imagine me doing that “anyway” part. Sorry I get off topic when I’m writing to a Princess. I know you’re used to being called a Princess, so sorry if I angered you. Anyway I was hoping if you can give me tips or talk about how you used to be around Celestia. I don’t want to be trouble and annoy her to death. NOT THAT I EVEN DO THAT! So yeah please write back. Your friend, Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle smiled and gave the folded scroll to a purple dragon who was a similar height to Spike as a result, she stood a little higher then him. “Are you sure you wanna send this?” Sweetie Belle rubbed her chin then nodded. “Yes. Twilight was the closest aside from Luna. She would know how and how not to act around Princess Celestia!” “Why are you worried about this?” Sweetie Belle let out a sigh. “Because I wanna make sure Princess Celestia stays my friend and doesn’t become annoyed like anypony who’s around me.” He didn’t know if Sweetie Belle meant for him to hear it, but he heard “like my sister” under her breath. At first he held up a finger, about to protest against it, but then lowered his finger and shrugged. “Alright, if you think it’s a good idea.” Sweetie Belle smiled at the dragon standing before her. “Don’t worry, I—” “Got this.” The purple dragon huffed his chest up before blowing purple flames around the scroll. At first the scroll burned with the flames, then it disappeared with flames and left only sparkling radiance behind. “You happy?” Sweetie Belle giggled. “Quite.” When the sun rose, and the ponies started their day, Sweetie Belle jumped up from her bed and ran to the kitchen where Jark was standing over the stove, making hay cakes. She sat on the stool and grabbed the fork and knife that was laid on the table for her. “Morning, buddy.” Jark turned around and smiled as he saw Sweetie Belle. “Morning.” He flipped the hay cake to its back and watched as it sizzled with the butter in the pan. “How ya slept last night?” Sweetie Belle groaned and banged her head on the table. “Terrible.” “Dare I ask?” Jark continued watching as the haycakes grew browner as he stood. Sweetie Belle head shot up as she heard a hawk from above her. It’s squeak echoed in the room and it's a blazing fire followed it’s trail. Turning back to the purple dragon, Sweetie Belle said, “So did I get a letter yet?” “No.” Sweetie Belle smile fell. “Oh.” Jark took a seat near Sweetie Belle. “The letter didn’t come cause I didn’t send it to Twilight.” “What!?” “I sent it to Celestia because I wanted her to know how you feel.” “And I think you should act like yourself,” Celestia said as she entered into the room. Her smile lights up the room and if it wasn’t her smile, it was the beautiful rays that came from the sun. “Celestia!” Sweetie Belle ran and tackled Celestia’s foreleg with a hug. “I’m so sorry. I don’t want to ruin our friendship and make you mad with me being...well me.” Celestia chuckled. “Believe me when I say that’s not going to happen because you’re too adorable and smart,” she said, nuzzling her. Placing Sweetie Belle down, Celestia asked, “So how was your morning?” Sweetie Belle smiled. “It was great.” “Hey can I ask you something, Celestia?” Jark asked, walking between them. Celestia nodded. “When can I meet him?” Jark asked, smiling wide. “He’s like an inspiration to us dragon assistants and messengers, fighting bad guys and going on crazy adventures! Please Celestia I need to meet him!” Celestia chuckled. "Don't worry you will." Sweetie Belle arched an eyebrow. “Meet who?” “You don’t know!” Jark shouted. “I wanna meet the coolest and bravest assistants of all us dragons!” “Wait...you mean, Spike!?” “Once a upon of time. There was a lonely and very sick creature, that lived in the canterlot dungeon. He would always look outside the window, and wished to be with the sun again, but the queen didn’t let him. she told him he was important. He —” “Princess Celestia?” Princess Celestia stopped reading the book, grasped in her magic. She leveled her head down to white little unicorn sitting in her lap. She looked at her princess with wide eyes. “Yes?” “Why does the queen want him?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Is she going to hurt him?” Celestia giggled. Sometimes Sweetie can be too adorable for her old heart can handle. She placed a hoof on Belle’s mane, brushing it with a slow motion each stroke.“No, the queen wants to keep him alive and doesn’t want any harm brought to him.” “Then why does she keep him in a dungeon?” Sweetie Belle frowned. ”That seems pretty unfair to him.” “Well the queen doesn’t want to take any chances with him. She doesn’t want her species to get sick with his disease.” Sweetie Belle’s eyes fell to the ground.“Oh.” The tone of Belle’s voice sounding disappointed, the sight of her friend frowning made Celestia heart cringed. She unfurled a wing, and positioned it over Sweetie’s body. Princess Celestia shuffled closer to her, their eyes now locked together. “Are you okay?” Sweetie Belle sighed. “I feel bad for the creature. I hope the queen will let him free once she cure him. It wouldn’t be right if she just kept him in there against his will.” “You are right . It wouldn’t be right for her to do that to him.” Celestia smiled. “Maybe the queen will let him freed.” Sweetie Belle giggled. “I love spending time with you princess!” the filly exclaimed, giving her princess a loving hug. “Why can’t we do this all the time?” Princess Celestia nuzzled Belle’s nose. “I have my duties to attend to, I’m afraid. I cannot always make the time to spend time with you.” Celestia placed a hoof on the white unicorn’s chin, lifting it up. Sweetie Belle could see the smile on her mentor’s face as they made eye contact. “But I promise you, I will make time for you when I have the chance.” Belle managed to crack a smile. “Okay.” Without warning, she jumped onto her princess, knocking her onto the floor. The room echoed with giggles and grunts as the two played together. They cuddled, fought, batted horns together to create sparks. Their fun continued for many a moment, nearly a lifetime to the filly and a fleeting heartbeat all at once. Their fun was finally interrupted by a knocking on the door. A royal guard stepped inside, asking for the princess to attend to a small emergency. Sweetie Belle still locked in her hooves, Celestia sighed and reluctantly placed the filly down. “I’m sorry, Sweetie Belle,” Princess Celestia apologized as she rose to her hooves. “I will be back in a moment, but you must tend to yourself while I am gone. Practice your levitation while I am gone, and I will be back before you can say ‘Starswirl.’” Sweetie Belle ran by one of her princess’s legs, tears flowing from her eyes as she hugged Celestia’s leg for dear life. She looked into mentor’s eyes, Celestia could see the plead in the filly’s eyes. “Don’t go.” she said in a faint whisper. Celestia sighed. “Sweetie, we talk about—” “Pweeeeese!” Sweetie Belle pleaded, batting her eyelashes and puffing out her lip. Celestia’s heart stopped, unable to bear the grief of disappointing the innocent filly. Celestia couldn’t contained her elegant stance everypony who knew and loved. She lifted the filly and hugged her. “Sweetie Belle, sometimes you can be too adorable for my old heart can bear.” “Umm, Your Highness?” One of the guards finally spoke after being silent the whole entire time. “ Celestia put Sweetie Belle down and turned to the guard. “I think I won’t be attending this meeting.” The guard bow his head down.“Shall I inform them of your absence?” Celestia opened her mouth, but closed it as a smile cracked on her face. She turned to Sweetie Belle. “Sweetie Belle?” “Yes, princess?” “Will you give this fine gentle stallion an order.” Sweetie Belle stupidity nodded her head. “Yes, I will! You can count on me!” she saulted her mentor before running to the guard. “Guard!” The guard couldn’t help but crack a smile as well. “Yes, little one?” Celestia giggled, shaking her head. “I order you to cancel all appointments so I can spend more time with Princess Celestia!” Even though Celestia seen a lot in her day, Sweetie Belle was going to make her have a heart attack. Dear girls Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, It’s Sweetie Belle writing to you by the way. I just wanted to let you guys know…. CELESTIA IS BEST PONY! Also I miss you girls. Sorry if my letter’s short and don’t really have a lot of detail in it. I’m not very good with letters…. ...or expressing feelings through words. I’m rambling again even through words and that really really feels weird. Like Diamond Tiara being nice kind of weird. Anyway hope to hear back from you soon. Love, Sweetie Belle. A couple hours Dear Sweetie Belle, What are you a dictionary? and we miss you too and want you back here with us. Your friends, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. In the clubhouse, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom stared at the letter for Sweetie Belle. “Should we erase that last part?” Scootaloo asked as she turned to Apple Bloom. “Why?” “I don’t know...because it sounds too needy?” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stared at eachother for a moment before agreeing with a shrug. Dear Sweetie Belle, What are you a dictionary? and we miss you too and want you back here with us.And we sooo don’t want you back though. Your friends, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. “Okay now that just sounds plain mean.” “What?' Scootaloo tapped the scroll laid out in front of her. "I changed the needy part.” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. “Yeah, but that “we sooo, don’t want you back” part sounds like something Diamond Tiara would say.” “Yeah you’re right.” Scootaloo scratched her head as she struck out her tongue and hummed. Just like in the cartoons, a light bulb above her head appeared. Dear Sweetie Belle, What are you a dictionary? and we miss you too and want you back here with us, and we sooo don’t want you back though. We hope you have a awesome/wonderful time during your stay. Tell us more about it when you get back. Your friends, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom hoof bumped each other before nodding with a smirk. “Nailed it?” “Yep.” > A Stroll > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sweetie Belle roamed the halls, her mind lost in thoughts of what Celestia might say to her. Celestia always had a motherly aura around her, but like all mothers, their disappointment pack quite a harsh blow. The image of Celestia’s stern frown made a strong presence in Belle’s mind brought a shiver down her spine. The memory faded away like a fog as the sound of hooves clacking against the marble floor entered her ears and drawing closer. The clopping stopped as the mysterious pony caught up with Sweetie Belle. From the corner of her eyes, she could see it was a unicorn. She turned her head to get a better look of the newcomer, noting the unicorn’s slender figure and the purple color of her coat, as well as the pearly white teeth of her beaming smile. The heavy breathing behind those teeth made it evident that she had ran quite a bit. “H- hi. Mind if I tag along?” Sweetie Belle smiled. “Not at all.” The purple fully recovered quickly and turned back to Sweetie, still smiling. “I uh….oh gosh… I’m sorry it’s just it’s an honor to finally meet princess’s protege!”  She could hear her hoofsteps following.“ I have so many questions!” Sweetie Belle blushed. “I’m...I’m not--” “Ah! How does it feel being near Celestia?” As they continued trotting, she spoke up again. “Is it like a fairy tale?” “Yeah,” Sweetie Belle replied, thinking about the first time Celestia came see her. Before she was just another subject to Celestia, now look at her, walking down the canterlot halls with a filly asking her questions about how he felt to be around Celestia. “Yeah it is.” “I hope someday to her protege.” The awkward silence came back with a vengeance. The unicorn found herself stopping as Sweetie Belle stared at a nearby door. She turned to Sweetie Belle and rubbed her neck. “ Well I’ve wasted enough of your time, it was a pleasure to meet you!.” Sweetie Belle looked down and saw the unicorn  had dropped her paper on the floor. “This yours.” She levitated it in her face and examined the paper. “What is this?” She laughed and took the paper in her magic. “Some silly project, it’s not nothing.” “Well...I like it.” “Really?” she asked.  Sweetie Belle hummed happily. “Really? Oh my gosh thank you!” The filly ran and swooped Sweetie Belle into a hug. She nuzzled her face into the filly’s chest before she looked up at her. “Are we friends?” “I…” “Because….I don’t have any friends.” She rubbed her neck. “I’ve been stuck in books, studying for this exam and too focused on passing I didn’t pay much too attention to my parents were telling me.” She sighed. “I never got to know what a friendship might, but you were nice enough to talk to me, I didn’t know friendship would feel this way. Is this friendship?” Sweetie Belle cracked a smile. “This is just the start of it. Trust me.” The filly surprised Sweetie Belle with one more hug. “Thanks and can you tell Celestia I said hi! ” Turning around the corner to the eastern hall, Sweetie Belle could see a pair of large, purple double doors as tall as Celestia, bearing her sunny symbol right in the middle. She felt the nervous trembles stirring into a spin inside her chest, as if her heart was inside a washing machine. As she confronted the door, the sun icon glowed bright yellow and the shining, horizontal ray burst out from its center, slowly descending down her body. Satisfied with identifying Sweetie Belle, the scanning stopped and an ethereal, male voice came forth like rich, smooth honey. “Good morning.” Sweetie Belle shuffled her hooves slightly. “Good Morning!” He smiled. “And how is your morning going so far?" “Great, how is yours going sir?” “Well let’s just say sitting around beats standing,” he said with a grin, earning a giggle from Sweetie Belle.  "Celestia around?” He shook her head. “Princess Celestia is currently not within her quarters.” Sweetie Belle raised one of her eyebrows. If not here, then where is she?  “I really need to see her.” The guard noticed Shimmer’s frown. “I’m sorry, but Celestia is currently busy.” Sweetie Belle’s ears drooped down. As she turned around, a smile formed on her face as an idea popped in her head. “Silly me I almost forgot, Celestia said all guards must be present outside.” The guard raised an eyebrow. “She did? When?” “Yesterday,” she replied with a smile. “Are you sure?” Sweetie Belle looked hurt as she took a step back and faked a gasp. “Are you questioning the protege of Princess Celestia?” The guard quickly lifted himself from the step and picked up his pace. Sweetie Belle smiled to herself and proceed to go through the door. An exhausted sigh came from  Princess Celestia’s mouth, feeling a great pain in her neck after hours of sitting in that chair, doing nothing but working and sitting. “I need to get a  more comfortable chair if I’m going to keep doing this.” She levitated a cup from her table and brought it close to her muzzle. She could smell the sweet scent of maple syrup and oak as she brought the cup to her lips. Princess Celestia sat back down on her chair and gazed at the things that were in her room. “Princess Celestia?” Sweetie Belle asked. She waited for a response, but got none as Celestia continued to scribble down on the scroll. Maybe she didn’t hear me. She cleared her throat as she tried her second attempt. “Princess Celestia!” The writing stopped. Sweetie Belle gulped as Princess Celestia eyes were now planted on her. And from where she stood, she could see the bags under Celestia’s eyes. A smile formed around Celestia’s face as she approached the filly. “Hello, Sweetie Belle, didn’t expect you to be around.” Sweetie Belle rubbed her neck as her cheeks blushed. “Y-y-eah I-I-I didn’t w-w-want to--” Her words were cut short as Princess Celestia giggled. “You are my friend, Sweetie Belle, I always have time for you.” Princess Celestia frowned as she noticed Sweetie Belle slightly shaking. “What’s the matter?” “Nothing.” Princess Celestia’s eyes narrowed. Sweetie Belle sighed in defeat. “I don’t know, everytime when you’re around doing princessy things, you seem kinda….intimidating,” she squeaked the last part. “Oh.” Princess Celestia looked down as she sighed. She smiled when she felt Sweetie Belle hugged her, burying her face into her chest. “Please don’t be sad,” Sweetie Belle said, squeezing harder. “I hate it when you’re that way.” Princess Celestia smiled. “With you around, I don’t think I can be sad.” > Missing > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It seemed as if Sweetie Belle had been through every single room and hallway in the massive castle in her search for Princess Celestia, but every time she turned a corner, there was another new statue or art gallery she had never seen before. Normally, Sweetie Belle could find Princess Celestia in the familiar confines of the Royal Residence, but she had traveled far through unexplored hallways in her search today, and there was no sign of her teacher. She was utterly lost, and it was all her own fault. The servants and visitors that she met all seemed to be staring at her, as if Sweetie was trespassing in some forbidden area. Eyes followed her with every step, making her heart pound in her chest with their unwanted attention. It was difficult attempting to keep her head up and her pace decisive as Celestia had taught her. Her hooves still shook with every step she took, her eyes darted left and right, sometimes catching guards glancing at her before turning away when they caught her eye. “Is that Celestia’s new student?” or “Do you think she’s lost?” sounded behind her in a constant echo as their accusatory voices bounced off the hard marble walls, the repeated question filling her ears like a broken record. A smile spread across her face when she saw familiar light piercing through the crowd of guards. She crawled her way through the crowd of ponies, ignoring the glances and mumbles, the light becoming brighter as she drew closer. She gasped for air after she reached the end of the swarm of royal ponies where an empty space narrow empty space waited for her between two royal ponies who each spared her a brief glance, but reluctantly scooted a little bit further apart in order to leave her room to stand between them. Sweetie Belle turned behind her and saw guards still roamed in numbers, but none of them seemed to be heading Sweetie’s way. As she continued to trot nervously through the halls, one of the guards finally approached her. She was a brown-coated mare who wore her golden armor with the casualness of a comfortable jacket. Hope sparked inside Sweetie, wondering if she knew where she last saw Celestia. Plus even though she didn’t know this mare, she felt more safe with her than the other guards. When the mare looked at her, she saw emotion which the others didn’t display. Even a smile the mare plastered on her face as she spotted Sweetie Belle. “Do you know where I could find Celestia?” she asked the mare. “Why does a pretty filly like you wanna see Celestia?” "We was suppose to have a tea, party,” she replied. “Then we better get you there missy!” She grabbed Sweetie’s foreleg and pulled her to Celestia’s chambers, trotting. “I never got your name, sweetheart.” “It's Sweetie….Belle!” Sweetie Belle shouted as the mare pulled her. “Nice to meet you, Sweetie. I’m Chocolate!” Turning around the corner to the eastern hall, Sunset could see a pair of large, purple double doors as tall as Celestia, bearing her sunny symbol right in the middle. She felt the nervous trembles stirring into a spin inside her chest, as if her heart was inside a washing machine.  “So uh, is there more mare guards working here or just you?” Chocolate chuckled. “Nah, there are more, but most of them don’t smile much.” If only this mare were pink. “Why?” “I don’t know, guess it’s in the job description?” Chocolate shook her head. “Whatever it is, I’m the only one who here like to smile.” She looked down at the clinging filly. “Why a filly such as yourself wanna meet the Princess?” “We have tea parties together.” Chocolate gasped. “You’re joking! No way!” Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but smirk. She felt like a celebrity knowing she probably is the first filly who got to have such a friendship with the princess. She shook her head. She didn’t want to think like that, she wasn’t spending time with Celestia for the fame or luxury. She spent time because she made a new friend when her old ones were nowhere to be found. “Well you’re one lucky filly, I always dreamed about meeting and playing with Celestia,” Chocolate giggled. “In a way, I kinda did met her, but not in the way I dreamed about.” Sweetie Belle smiled as they approached Celestia’s door. Anymore second with this minute, her foreleg would be tore off and she liked using her foreleg. “Well here, we are!” The mare said, stopping. Sweetie Belle sighed in relief as the marfe released her devil grip and she could feel her foreleg again. “Thank you.” As Chocolate turned around and prepared to leave, an idea popped in her head. “Wait!” Chocolate turned around. “Yes?” Sweetie Belle blushed and rubbed her foreleg. “Maybe you would like to join me and Celestia’s tea party?” Chocolate gasped. “Really?” Realizing her mistake, she coughed and put on deadpan look. “Really?” Sweetie Belle giggled. “Well you was nice to me more than the guards around here so why not!” She took a step back as the guard ran over to her and swooped her into a hug, crushing her bones. “You’re….crushing….me!” Chocolate released her grip and chuckled. “Whoops! Are you okay?” Sweetie Belle nodded. “I think after a couple hospital visits I will be.” “Well I gotta go. I can’t wait until that tea party!b See you around!” she shouted, waving as she walked away. “Princess Celestia?” Sweetie Belle asked as she peaked through the large tall door. She saw only the bed through the peak and pushed the door for a better view. “Princess Celestia?” When Sweetie Belle walked in the room, her mouth fell the floor at the sight. Celestia’s room had a royal look to it with red carpet underneath Sweetie’s hooves, the golden bars that held Celestia’s king-sized bed, which was well made, the blankets matching the color of the carpet. The paintings had an opened field surrounded by grass, maybe because she liked the thought of just roaming there with her student. She whistled as she looked around the shelves of items covering wall to wall, stacked with treasures Celestia collected from her trips across the world. “I guess she’s not here.” Sweetie Belle sighed. She saw the window door was left open, letting sunshine hit the floor. Sweetie Belle always wondered how little the ponies would look if she looked from afar and the castle was the tallest of them all.Sweetie Belle dragged a chair from the room and positioned it near the window sill, where she would often take a glance out the window for something to peak her interest. Sweetie Belle looked down from above the window. The ponies looked like ants scattered all over the place.  There was silence, she couldn’t hear none of the moment that went on down there, only the wind. She smiled as she felt the cold touch of the wind brushing her face. Her eyes slowly began giving into the temptation of sleeping, but she shook her head to keep herself awake.  Sweetie Belle crossed her forelegs and huffed. I miss them. She hopped off her chair and trotted out the room, leaving the room. “Rarity!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, galloping towards her. Once Sweetie Belle had gotten close enough, she wrapped her forelegs around Rarity and pulled her into a big bone-crushing hug. “ “Sweetie… I...need...to breathe!” Rarity winced, feeling the breath seeping from her lungs. Sweetie Belle released her sister from the forceful embrace and giggled, “Sorry, Sis. It’s just that I’m so happy you came back!” Rarity gingerly reached behind herself and rubbed her sore back with her two front hooves. “That’s good to hear, Sweetie Belle, but I can’t always be the only pony you want to see.” Sweetie Belle arched her eyebrow and tilted her head, “What do you mean, Sis?” “You know what I’m talking about. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.” “Apple Bloom and Scootaloo is too far away to visit.” She sighed, “I miss them.” Rarity felt her heart cringe at Sweetie Belle’s sadness, so she did what she had always done in situations like this. Rarity wrapped her hooves around Sweetie Belle and hugged her tightly. “It's okay. I’m sure they didn’t mean to leave without saying goodbye.” Sweetie Belle sniffed and wiped the fresh tears that trailed from her eyes. “How about you help me with this dish, hmm?” Sweetie Belle’s eyes brightened. “Really?” Rarity nodded. “Only if you don’t burn it this time.” Sweetie Belle saulted her sister and ran to the fridge. In front of them, a fridge stood tall. When Sweetie Belle swung it open, a bright light flashed in her eyes and she was graced with a mother lode of food. She dug inside with a goofy grin on her face, hunting for a key ingredient for Rarity’s meal. She hopped out the chair, knocking down the chair in the process as she sprinted to the fridge. She grabbed the handle and swung it open. She tossed a couple things she did not care about out the fridge and continued to do so until she found some carrots. After throwing almost all the food she stored inside the fridge, she looked around and saw the carrots sitting in the back.. “Here we go,” Sweetie Belle said, taking out a couple carrots. “Thank you,” Rarity said as she grabbed the carrots and levitated it over the into the spot. “Alright we should wait, while that boils.” Rarity and Sweetie Belle smiled at each before turning their attention to the boiling water.  Their little ruined was interrupted as a blazing creature came flying around the room. Sweetie Belle held onto her little friend for dear life. “What is that!” “I don’t know!” Rarity shouted. “I’m scared, Rarity!” Sweetie Belle buried her face into her big sister’s coat. “Just don’t look at it, sweetie and it’ll go away!” The sisters held each other tight and closed together. If this blazing creature was going to hurt them, then they wanted to be together when that happened as sisters. Rarity and Sweetie Belle eyes shot wide opened when they heard Celestia chuckle.  Sweetie Belle turned towards the front door and gasped at what she saw. Princess Celestia was standing with a burning bird clinging to her foreleg, and it didn’t hurt her or even try to. It just stared at Celestia. “Is that what I think it is?” Stars nodded. She trotted to the sacred sisters huddling up against each other and knelt down to their level. “Don’t be afraid. It’s harmless.” The bird leaned close to Sweetie Belle and nuzzled her face, making her giggle.  The bird flew into Celestia’s forelegs and nuzzled her face. She stared at the small burning creature. The bird tilted its head when it stared at Celestia then flew off back up the ceiling. “It’s harmless.” Celestia smiled and looked at the bird flying around the room. It’s squeal echoed in the room and it a blazing fire followed its trail. “ This is Philomena.” Sweetie Belle looked at Rarity who nodded and proceeded to walk towards the bird. She reached a hoof over to the bird and ran it through the bird’s fur. She giggled when it tickled her hoof until of burning it like she thought. Never before she seen such a creature that looked intimidating, but beautiful at the same time. As the bird hummed over Sweetie’s touch, the memory of her friends back at home began to fade because she just met a new friend. One that would follow her everywhere. Celestia smiled. “Sweetie Belle, would you like to join me?” “Yea--”Sweetie Belle stopped and turned back to look at her sister who was too busy looking at the sister. She turned back to Celestia with a sigh. “No, I think I’m going to stay here with me, sis.” Celestia looked at Rarity then back at Sweetie Belle, her smile only grew as she realized what Sweetie had done.” Very well, I’m in the chambers whenever you want to play, tea party again.” With that, the princess walked away with the bird following after her. Sweetie Belle smiled and walked over to her sister stirring the pot. Rarity smiled at her and Sweetie Belle smiled back. Both enjoying the moment both wanted since their arrival in canterlot.