A train accident robs Rarity and Sweetie Belle of their parents, forcing the sisters to live together. Now Rarity must put her generosity to the test: balancing her career at the Carousel Boutique while being the mother figure Sweetie needs.
A train accident robs Rarity and Sweetie Belle of their parents, forcing the sisters to live together. Now Rarity must put her generosity to the test: balancing her career at the Carousel Boutique while being the mother figure Sweetie needs.
The humidity was starting to take a toll on Rarity. She sighed as she wiped the sweat off her brow, ruining an hour’s worth of makeup in the process. Her mane was also beginning to droop. Rarity shook it away from her face.
There goes another hour’s worth of work.
By Rarity’s side was Sweetie Belle, whom she could tell was also suffering from the humidity. The two were waiting patiently at the train station, waiting for their parents to collect their tickets to pay the fares and say their farewells. Once they were in sight and about to board the train, the two sisters ran up to them.
“Now you be a good filly for Rarity, ok?” Cookie Crumbles told Sweetie Belle, rubbing her on the head.
“Don’t worry, I will,” she replied, smiling at her mother.
“Really, I don’t see why Sweetie, and I for that matter, can’t come with you,” Rarity said.
“This is our anniversary week,” Hondo Flanks said to his daughter, moving in and placing a hoof on her shoulder.
“But even so,” Rarity continued, brushing the hoof away. “We both are happy for you two, and I just don’t see why we can’t go to Manehattan with you.”
“Yeah,” Sweetie Belle said, taking her older sister’s side. “I wanna go too!”
“Girls,” Cookie Crumbles said in a firm tone. “Our anniversary is an event for us and us only.”
“But why?” Sweetie moaned. “We always come to your birthday parties.”
“Birthdays and anniversaries are two different events,” Cookie said.
“Not to mention you’re making Sweetie stay with me,” Rarity added, gesturing to her younger sister. “Like you do every other week.”
“What’s wrong with me staying with you?” Sweetie asked, turning to Rarity.
“Nothing darling,” Rarity quickly corrected herself, chuckling nervously. “It’s just that you’re always dropped off in my care on short notice.” Rarity then glared at her parents. “One time you two even dropped her off in the middle of the night without warning.”
“But you love taking care of Sweetie Belle,” Cookie argued.
“Be that as it may,” the white mare sighed. “But you should know that I have other priorities. I have a business to run, and you two dropping Sweetie in my care only complicates things.”
“You know that we travel a lot,” Cookie said.
“And that’s another thing,” Rarity retorted, pointing at her parents. “Why are you two always traveling? And why are you not taking Sweetie with you for that matter? It’s almost as if you two are trying to distance yourselves from us.”
“Listen here, young lady,” Hondo Flanks said firmly, stepping forward. “What we do on our travels is none of your business.”
“I’d argue that it is my business,” Rarity replied, stepping towards her parents. “Considering each time you travel you leave Sweetie in my care.”
“Guys!” Sweetie Belle called, waving her hooves to get everypony’s attention. “Why are we arguing with each other? It’s their anniversary, so shouldn’t we be happy?”
Just then the train whistle screeched, signalling all of the passengers to get aboard. Without any final words, Cookie and Hondo boarded the train, leaving their daughters on the station. Rarity and Sweetie simply watched as the train took off. Once it was out of sight, Sweetie Belle quickly ran off from the station, trying to lighten up the mood.
“C’mon Rarity!” the filly called. “Last one to your home is a fat sack of potatoes!”
Despite Sweetie’s efforts, Rarity was still quite in the sour mood. Rarity huffed in exasperation, blowing her mane out of her face.
"The next time I see them will be too soon," she said to herself.
The guard was lying.
Rarity could not believe what she was hearing. Her sight was starting to grow faint, her breathing became faster and audible, and tears were welling up in the corner of her eyes. It couldn’t be. It shouldn’t be. Was this guard mad? There was absolutely no way that this was true.
“I’m sorry ma’am,” the guard said. “There was nothing we can do.”
“I… see.” Rarity said. “So, when are they coming back?”
“Ma’am,” the guard sighed. “They’re dead.”
“What do you mean they’re dead?” Rarity replied, her tone rising. “I just saw them about two hours ago!”
The guard gave her a soft, yet firm glare. “They’re dead, ma’am.”
He then bowed his head. “If you need anything, anything at all, please reach out to us. Take care, ma’am.”
The guard gently closed the shop door, leaving Rarity to stare blankly at her own reflection.
They were gone.
The unicorn began pacing back and forth, wondering what would be to come. What in the world was she going to do? What would become of her? What would her friends say? What would they think? How would she break the news to them?
What was she going to tell Sweetie Belle?
Rarity gasped at the thought. She had been so lost in her own thoughts that she completely forgot Sweetie Belle was staying with Rarity for the week. The white unicorn knew for a fact that she wasn’t going to take the news well. She couldn’t bare the thought of her little sister having to hear that her loving parents had passed. Several thoughts went through Rarity’s mind.
How am I going to tell her? She will be absolutely distraught!
Maybe I could keep it a secret! She doesn’t have to know what happened.
But she will eventually find out. Remember that she is only staying for a week, and is expecting to be back with her parents. And not only will she be distraught, she’ll be angry at me for hiding this from her.
As much as I hate the idea, I will just have to tell her.
Trying to wipe off any tears she had, Rarity marched her way upstairs. As she walked through the hallway, she neared the doorway to the guest bedroom. She had never feared this doorway more in her life. She went closer, and put her ear by the door, and could hear Sweetie Belle talking with her stuffed animals.
“Would you like some more tea, Button?” Rarity heard Sweetie Belle ask.
“Yes Sweetie Belle, I would love more tea,” Sweetie said, trying to imitate a colt’s voice.
“Great! Now let me just-” Sweetie said in her regular voice as she abruptly stopped. “Mr. Munchies! Don’t hog all the chocolate cookies! Save some for everyone!”
“Sorry, Sweetie,” the filly said, imitating a low, grumbly voice.
Rarity took her ear off the door. More thoughts raced through her mind.
I can’t tell her! She’s playing tea party and she’s having a fun time! I just… can’t bare to see my little sister become so sad!
But I have to. She needs to know.
Perhaps it can wait until tomorrow. There’s no need to ruin her tea party.
But the sooner she knows, the better.
Is the news even that bad to begin with?
Of course it’s that bad! Which is why it’s important she knows. Now.
Rarity sighed as she looked at the doorway again. She gently creaked the door open. There was no going back now.
Sweetie Belle took notice of Rarity having the door open, and put a halt to her game.
“Hi Rarity,” the filly greeted. She then noticed that her older sister had a pretty sad look on her face. Sweetie cocked her head in confusion, feeling concerned.
“What’s wrong?” Sweetie asked.
“Sit,” the white mare said, gesturing to the bed. “There is something you must know.”
Sweetie was really confused now. What in the world would Rarity be so sad about? She was pretty serious too. Regardless, the filly complied and took a seat on the edge of the bed, Rarity sitting next to her.
“So what’s wrong?” Sweetie asked. “Is it something I’ve done?”
“No, nothing like that,” Rarity sighed. “It’s… more serious…”
“Is it bad?” Sweetie asked,
“‘Bad’ is an understatement,” Rarity thought to herself. “Indeed, Sweetie. And you are not going to be happy about it.”
Now Sweetie was worried. “What is it?” she asked.
Rarity sighed. Now came the hardest part; telling Sweetie the news. She took a look at her little sister’s eyes, noticing they were filled with worry. She had already made it this far. She had to tell her.
“You know that mother and father took a train to Manehattan earlier this morning, right?” Rarity asked.
“Yeah,” the filly replied. “Did something happen to them?”
Rarity sighed again. She couldn’t bare the thought of how Sweetie Belle would react, But she had to tell her.
“Well… near Manehattan the train managed to get derailed from the tracks and…” Rarity could feel more tears welling up, but choked them down. “Careened into one of the buildings. Several ponies had… lost their lives.”
Sweetie Belle froze. Was Rarity saying what she thought she was saying?
“A-are mom and d-dad…” Sweetie asked in a shaky voice. This couldn’t be true. It just couldn’t.
“I-I’m sorry darling…” Rarity stuttered, the growing lump in her throat making it tough to speak. “Th-they didn't make it.”
There. She finally said it. Rarity almost couldn’t look at Sweetie Belle, but for one reason or another she had to. Sweetie just stood there in silence, mouth hanging open. Tears were welling up in her eyes, and she began panting heavily.
“N-no,” the young filly squeaked. “Nononononono! They can’t be dead! They j-just can’t be!” Sweetie was now openly weeping, burying her face into her sister’s coat. She tried to say more words but all that came out were muffled sobs. The very sight of this drove Rarity to crying as well. She held her sister tightly with her hooves, doing her best to comfort her little sister. Their mourning continued throughout the night.
The two sisters continued crying until minutes eventually turned into hours. Rarity still held her sister in her embrace as Sweetie continued crying into her coat. Though the mare came to a startling realization; the last time she saw her parents, she was in an argument with them. The entire episode played through her head like rewinding a video cassette. The thought that this was the last time she would ever see them stung like a wasp. The absolute worst part about it was her parting thought with them.
The next time I see them will be too soon.
The sentence began repeating in Rarity’s head. Knowing that she said these words were bad enough. What was worse was that she would never be able to apologize to them.
She didn’t even get to say goodbye.
Rarity and Sweetie continued mourning until their sobs became faint whimpers. Their eyes became red and puffy, tired of all the tears they had shed. They physically couldn’t cry anymore. Rarity still held Sweetie tight in her embrace. She couldn’t even look at her sister’s eyes.
“What’s g-going to happen to u-us?” Sweetie asked as her tear-stained face looked at Rarity, somewhat shocking the mare.
Celestia's sun rose into the morning sky, its rays beaming through the nearby window and onto Rarity. When her eyes fluttered open, she noticed Sweetie Belle was still clinging to her like a stuffed animal, her face buried in her mane. That was when she remembered last night's events. It was a miracle they actually managed to get some sleep. Rarity looked past the sleeping filly and at her clock on the wall. 7:32 AM.
Not very much sleep...
Doing her best to not wake Sweetie up, she got out of her sister's grip and stepped off the bed. The first thing running through her mind was going to the bathroom and look in the mirror, knowing full well she must have been a wreck after last night. Slowly, she trotted across the hall and into the bathroom, looking into her reflection.
To say she was a mess would be an understatement. Her normally elegant and tidy mane was frizzled and tangled. Her eyes looked like they were carrying two-ton bags under them. Her face was ruined, with makeup running down her cheeks, her eyes bloodshot, and her nose looking like it was running. To top it all off, her white coat was stained all over, and parts of her fur were clumping from the dried tears, giving her a pretty hideous gray coloration.
If she had the will to do so, she would do all she could to clean herself up. But all she could muster was a sigh. The absolute most she could do right now was try to wipe off the running makeup. As she turned on the sink faucet, her horn glowed. A piece of paper towel was torn off a nearby roll, was levitated into the running water to make it wet, and dabbed around her face to try and get the stains off of it. After tossing it away, she took another glance at the mirror.
Not that much better...
A knock came from the door. She cursed herself for not making sure the sign said "Closed". She was not going to be able to get work done under these conditions. Rarity gave her mane a few quick brushes to make her look as presentable as possible... not that she looked good in her current state. Another knock was heard.
"C-Coming," she said. Rarity took one last look at her reflection. Her eyes were still bloodshot and her mane stuck out in certain places, but she figured this was as good as it was going to be for now. She ran to the door to open it, and on the other side was a magenta earth pony mare with white, curly mane. Her cutie mark was a peculiar group of shapes: two large circles and a small square underneath them. Or was it a rectangle? Rarity couldn't bring herself to care.
"I'm terribly sorry," Rarity said, doing her best to sound professional. "But we're closed today. If you need I could schedule a future date for-"
"Are you Ms. Rarity Belle?" the mare interrupted.
"Y-Yes, that's me," Rarity answered.
"My name is Maternal Flower, and I'm affiliated with the Ponyville Foal Protection Service," she explained. "If you would be so kind as to let me in, I have some things to discuss about your sister... Sweetie Belle I believe?"
Rarity could see where this was going from a mile away. "Oh, yes, of course, come in!"
Maternal Flower stepped inside. The white unicorn immediately rushed to the kitchen. "Would you care for something to drink?"
"Don't trouble yourself," Maternal Flower replied. "I can tell you've been through a lot."
You aren't lying...
Rarity took a seat at the kitchen table, with Maternal Flower sitting opposite to her. She took out a couple papers from the saddlebag she was carrying and spread them across the table.
"So to clarify, you are the eldest daughter of Cookie Crumbles and Hondo Flanks?" she asked.
"Y-Yes," Rarity answered.
"Alright, I'm gonna level with you," Maternal Flower said. "The passing of one's parents can be tragic and life-changing, especially for a filly such as Sweetie Belle. I assume she knows what happened?"
"I told her last night," Rarity said.
"Good, you're already on the right track," Maternal Flower said. "Both you and I want what's best for her. We want to make sure that Sweetie Belle is in a safe living environment, right?"
"Of course," Rarity said.
"Now, it is my understanding that you have foalsat Sweetie Belle while your parents went travelling," Maternal Flower went on. "How old are you?"
"19," Rarity answered. She couldn't bring herself to say anything more than what needed to be said.
"Then one option is for you to become her legal guardian," Maternal Flower said. "Adopt her as your own, in other words. You're just old enough."
Rarity simply nodded, but there was obvious concern over her face. It was true that she watched over Sweetie while their parents were away, but was she really prepared to take care of her permanently? The prospect of her juggling watching her sister and running her business didn't do anything to ease her mood.
"Another option would be for her to stay with another relative who can take care of her," she said.
"The nearest relative would be my aunt," Rarity said. "But she lives all the way up in Manehattan."
"She would have to move out of Ponyville if she were to stay with her then," Maternal Flower said. She could see the look of worry on Rarity's face, and understood it completely.
"There is also a third option, where she could stay at the Ponyville orphanage," she continued. "She will be taken care of and remain safe, and then another family could adopt her as their own." She could see Rarity wasn't fond of that idea, so she got out of her seat and put a hoof over her shoulder.
"Listen," she said. "I know this is all happening fast. Like I said, a tragedy like this can be life-changing. But Sweetie Belle's safety is our top priority... we just want to make sure we do what's best for her."
"I understand," Rarity nodded.
"You don't have to make a decision right away," Maternal Flower said. "I suggest you talk things out with Sweetie Belle, reach an agreement, and then reach out to me when you've made a decision."
Rarity nodded. Maternal Flower gave a heartful smile.
"Just... think about it, OK?" she said. She put all of her papers away and saw herself out, leaving Rarity alone in the kitchen. There was definitely a lot to think about.
So she can live with me, move to Manehattan, or go stay in the orphanage.
Well she is absolutely not staying in the orphanage. Out of the question! I will not let her be alone.
So that leaves her staying with me or my aunt.
Think about how distraught she would be if she were to move away from Ponyville! She would be leaving behind her friends... her school... the Crusaders...
But... am I really ready to raise her as my own? I'm still a teenager! I run a business! Having a foal around full-time would throw my entire schedule out of order, and in times like this I cannot afford to let my fashion tank.
Listen to how selfish you're sounding! You would rather put your job as a fashion designer ahead of your sister, your own flesh and blood!
I know I've foalsat her from time to time-
ALL the time!
But I don't think I can handle the responsibilities of adopting her. Especially in my current state. Maybe sending her with Aunt Cobalt is the best course of action... she already has two foals of her own, so she has experience in parenting.
Sending her to Manehattan would crush her life! Think of how you're betraying her for your own sake!
Before the argument could go any further, she heard soft hoofsteps come into the room. She turned around and saw Sweetie Belle, who looked absolutely miserable. Her eyes were puffy and red, her beautiful white coat was stained and grayed, and her mane was flying all over the place. She looked up at Rarity, sniffing a bit, and it tore her heart in two to see her this way.
"Who was at the door?" Sweetie asked.
"It was somepony of the Foal Protection Service," Rarity answered. "She came over to talk to me about... where you'll be staying from here on out..."
Sweetie gasped in response, and more tears started welling. "A-Am I b-being sent away!? I don't wanna be away from y-you R-Rarity! Please d-d-don't let me go!"
Seeing that mentioning it was a bad idea, the mare scrambled to explain.
"W-We haven't decided what will happen yet," Rarity said. "We have two options. I become your legal guardian, or you move to Manehattan to live with Aunt Cobalt."
"So wh-why are you e-even talking about this?" Sweetie asked. "Let me live here then! You're old enough!"
"Sweetie, we have to think about what's best for you!" Rarity explained. "I've only foalsat you for two weeks at a time at most. I don't know if I'm ready to be a mother."
"S-S-So that's it then?" Sweetie said, sniffling some more. "I'm g-gonna move to M-Manehattan and l-l-leave everything in P-Ponyville behind?"
"I'm not fond of the idea either, believe me," Rarity tried to console her. "But I have a business to run! I can't just-"
Rarity stopped herself and covered her mouth, but the damage had already been done. Sweetie's mouth was held agape, and she stepped away. Her light tears quickly became full-on sobbing. She messed up. Big time.
"I-I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU!" Sweetie shouted. "Y-YOU C-CARE AB-B-BOUT M-MAKING THESE STUPID DRESSES MORE THAN ME!"
"I... I didn't mean-" Rarity tried to say before being interrupted.
"No, that's EXACTLY what you meant!" she continued yelling. She tried to say more, but just let out one final grunt and ran back upstairs in tears. Rarity was once again left alone with her thoughts.
Good show, Rarity. Sweetie hates you now.
I know... I can't even be mad at her for acting out of line... I think I may need some help.
Rarity knew she couldn't handle the situation on her own, so she concluded that she needed to visit her friends. Now having more time to clean herself up, she went to the bathroom and stared washing her mane. It took awhile, but she reached her usual beauty. Her blue main was now smooth and curled, and her coat glowed its usual white color. Though as much as she felt good on the outside, she felt absolutely dreadful on the inside, and Sweetie Belle's echoing sobs weren't helping a bit.
She opened the door and saw that the guest bedroom was wide open, giving her a perfect view of Sweetie Belle's crying fit on the bed. Not many things could bring as much sadness to Rarity than seeing her little sister in such a horrible state. She could feel more tears building up behind her eyes.
"Sweetie Belle," she called out. Her tears never stopped flowing, but she did stay silent for a bit to look at Rarity standing in the hall.
"I'm... going to see my friends," she said. "Just... help yourself to anything in the fridge and don't break anything, OK? I'll be back soon."
Sweetie said nothing, but nodded in acknowledgement. Rarity set off downstairs, still hearing her sister's wailing.
No filly should have to be thrust into this nightmare...
Just as the mare made her way towards the door, she heard a knock.
"Rarity, please open up," the familiar voice of a purple alicorn came. "It's us."
Rarity sighed a bit in relief, at least she wouldn't need to risk letting her emotions flow free in public. She opened the door, and on the other side she not only saw her five closest friends, but the other two Crusaders as well. Fluttershy was heaving in tears, Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash all had looks of concern, and Pinkie Pie's normally frizzled mane was deflated and flat. She could also see Apple Bloom struggling to hold back her tears, and Scootaloo just held her head down in sadness.
Rarity sighed again. "I... I've taken that you heard the n-news?"
"We all read about the train crash in today's paper," Twilight said. "It was awful..."
"We just wanted to see how ya'll were doin'," Applejack followed. "An' we wanted to help in any way we could."
"C-Can we see S-Sweetie?" Apple Bloom croaked.
"She's upstairs..." Rarity answered. "Go right ahead." The two fillies moved past Rarity and quickly made their way upstairs. As she turned back to face her friends, Fluttershy threw her hooves around her and sobbed violently.
"I-I-I'm s-so sorry!" she wailed. "It-Its HORR-R-RIBLE that y-your parents a-are gone!"
The dam broke at that point. Rarity clung to Fluttershy tightly as she let the tears flow free. Her friends completely understood, but remained silent. She let go of the pegasus and moved out of the way.
"C-Come in," Rarity said. Her friends poured into the Carousel Boutique, and the white mare shut the door behind them. Applejack came over and put a hoof over her shoulder, Rarity's wailing not letting up.
"That's right," Applejack said. "Let it out. Let it all out."
"I... I'm sorry you h-have to s-see me li-" Rarity began before being interrupted.
"Rarity, don't you EVER say sorry for something like that!" Rainbow Dash interrupted.
"It's completely understandable," Twilight said, having a few tears welling up in her eyes as well. "Your parents passed away in a horrific train accident. You... You should be sad."
"W-W-We just wanted t-to let you know... that we-we're here for you," Fluttershy said through her choked sobs.
Pinkie said nothing, but nodded in agreement.
Rarity wiped some tears from her face and smiled for the first time in what felt like years. "Th-Thank you all," she said. "I couldn't have asked for better friends..."
"If ya need anythin' at all, just ask," Applejack said warmly.
I suppose now would be as good a time as any to ask her...
"Th-There is something I need," Rarity said, calming down a bit.
"Name it, an' we'll do what we can," Applejack said.
"You see... somepony affiliated with the Ponyville Foal Protection Service came earlier today," Rarity said, calming down a bit and wiping off some of the running makeup. "She wanted to talk about Sweetie Belle... and where she'll be staying..."
"Couldn't you take her in yourself?" Twilight asked. "You're over 18, so you can legally adopt her."
"That's what I... want to talk about," Rarity said, lowering her head a bit. "She gave me three options, she lives with me, she lives with my nearest relative which would be Aunt Cobalt in Manehattan, or she lives in the Ponyville orphanage. I have already decided she isn't staying at the orphanage, so it's between me and Aunt Cobalt."
"I don't think you should send her to Manehattan," Rainbow Dash said. "She would be leaving her entire life behind her... including you."
"Yes, I know," Rarity said. "I don't like the idea either but... am I really ready to... take her in as my own?"
"Y-You foalsat her a-a lot of the time, didn't you?" Fluttershy asked.
"That was only for two weeks at most at a time," Rarity answered. "But... becoming her full-time guardian? That carries with it a lot of responsibility..."
"Something like this is life-changing for both you and Sweetie," Pinkie Pie interjected, catching Rarity a bit off guard since it was the first time she talked since getting here. "It would be best if you two could grieve together, and help each other through it."
"Pinkie's right," Twilight said. "Sweetie needs you, especially at a time like this."
"I know she needs me but..." Rarity's words trailed off a bit. "Applejack, when your parents died, how did you and Apple Bloom handle things?"
"Well sugarcube, it wasn't pretty," Applejack said, taking off her stetson and holding it to her chest. "When we found out that ma and pa had passed away, li'l Apple Bloom was heartbroken. We were all grievin' of course, but the poor thing was just a wreck. Ah held onto her and mourned with her, and together we eventually pushed through it. Ah knew a filly like her needed a parental figure, and ya'll could say Ah kinda became that."
Applejack walked up to Rarity and put a hoof over her shoulder. "Now tell us, do ya love Sweetie Belle?"
"More than anything in this world," Rarity answered.
"An' do ya think she loves you just as much?" Applejack asked.
"It's... it's not fair!" Rarity almost shouted, but kept her voice quite so it wouldn't be heard from upstairs. "I shouldn't have to be thrown into this nightmare of a reality! And neither should Sweetie!"
"Yer right, it isn't fair," Applejack said, remaining calm. "Nopony, mare or filly, should have to deal with somethin' like this. But ya can only play with the cards yer dealt with, and ya'll gotta make do with what ya have. That's what Ah learned when mah parents died. Apple Bloom needed me, and Sweetie needs you, Rares."
She's right. Every single word Applejack said was right.
It isn't fair that mother and father had their lives taken from them. It isn't fair that Sweetie is left with nopony to watch her.
But she has YOU! It's just like Applejack and Apple Bloom: when their parents died, they stuck together and got through it. Sweetie Belle needs you...
And... And I need Sweetie Belle just as much as she needs me.
Rarity took a deep breath and sighed, then smiled warmly. "I have made my decision." Everypony's faces brightened up.
"So... does that mean you'll..." Twilight started before being interrupted.
"Yes, but I must head to the Foal Protection Service immediately," Rarity said. "I want all of you to stay here until I come back. Make sure Sweetie Belle is safe."
Everypony nodded as Rarity left out the front door, galloping towards the FPS office.
Sweetie Belle... I will protect you...
Sweetie Belle letting Apple Bloom and Scootaloo into her room with open hooves was something they considered both a blessing and a curse. On one hoof, they were happy Sweetie wasn't shutting them out and mistaking them wanting to be with her and help her as pity. On the other hoof, she was an absolute wreck. Neither of them had ever seen Sweetie Belle this sad before, and it caused their little hearts to ache. Apple Bloom was sobbing right beside her, and Scootaloo was heaving trouble holding back her own tears as well.
"Th... Thank you f-for coming girls," Sweetie Belle said, calming down even if just a bit
"Your our best friend," Scootaloo said. "We wanna help you."
"Yeah," Apple Bloom nodded, wiping some tears out of her eyes.
"Wait, d-didn't your parents die, Apple Bloom?" Sweetie asked. "H... How did you and Applejack deal with it?"
Apple Bloom did her best to calm down before answering. "Ah was broken when AJ told me ma and pa were gone. Ah... Ah don't remember all Ah did, all Ah know is that Ah was really sad, and she was sad too. Ah wasn't sure if I was ever gonna be happy again, but then one night AJ came into my room and held me tight. She said that she would always protect me... and... and that made me feel better. An' we've been closer ever since. Ah know we're sisters but... sometimes she kinda acts like my ma."
"Must be great to have somepony that cares for you that much," Sweetie Belle sighed.
"How could ya say that?" Apple Bloom said. "Rarity loves ya a lot!"
"No she doesn't!" Sweetie yelled, more tears welling up. "Sh-She would rather s-s-spend her time making stupid dresses than adopt me! N-N-Now I'm gonna b-be sent to Manehattan to live with s-s-s-somep-pony I barely even KNOW!"
"Whoa, she said that?" Scootaloo asked, shocked. "I mean, I knew you got on her nerves sometimes but... wow..."
"Sweetie, did Rarity REALLY say that?" Apple Bloom asked.
"N-No..." Sweetie answered. "But I know that's what she meant!"
"Sweetie, Ah'm sure she just said somethin' the wrong way," Apple Bloom said.
"Yeah, I mean, you her sister," Scootaloo said. "Why would she want to send you all the way up in Manehattan?"
"Because I would just get in the way of her life..." Sweetie answered. Silence fell on the three fillies, save for the occasional sniffling.
Thankfully, the Carousel Boutique wasn't far away from the FPS office, Rarity made the trip in a matter of minutes. She pushed through the front door and found a yellow earth pony mare sitting at the front desk. She quickly made her way to it, and the mare stopped what she was doing.
"Good afternoon," the mare greeted. "What brings you here?"
"My name is Rarity," the white unicorn answered. "Earlier today, a pony affiliated with this service named Maternal Flower came to see me regarding my little sister. I would like to speak to her - the sooner the better."
"Rarity... Rarity Belle?" the mare asked. "Your parents wouldn't happen to be among the casualties of the train crash in Manehattan last night, would they?"
"Yes, exactly," Rarity answered. "She has all the paperwork and information regarding me and my sister's situation, which is why I must speak with her."
The mare nodded and pushed a button on the desk and spoke into a microphone. "Maternal Flower, would you please come to the front office, a guest is here to speak with you."
It only took a moment for Maternal Flower to show herself. Rarity instantly recognized her and approached the mare.
"Follow me," Maternal Flower said. "We can speak in my office."
She led Rarity down a rather spacious hallway, then opened a door and sat in her desk. She gestured Rarity to sit on one of the seats in front of the desk, and using her magic she shut the door behind herself. Maternal Flower pulled out a folder from one of the cabinets on her desk and set it on the table.
"I assume this is in regards to Sweetie Belle?" Maternal Flower asked.
"Yes," Rarity answered. "After some thinking and soul searching... I have decided that... I wish to adopt Sweetie Belle as my own."
Nodding, Maternal Flower fished a paper out of her folder, and took out a pen. "I'm sure you're aware becoming a permanent caregiver, especially to a young filly like Sweetie Belle, is a huge responsibility."
"I'm acutely aware," Rarity nodded.
"You have a career as a fashion designer, yes?" Maternal Flower asked. "Do you understand how having Sweetie Belle in your care could affect your work?"
"I've thought about that," Rarity said. "I know it would be difficult to balance my work at the Boutique with taking care of a filly, but if that is what it takes to provide her a safe home, so be it."
Maternal Flower wrote something on the paper, nodding again. "I know you've foalsat Sweetie, so surely you have some experience in caregiving. But are you prepared to handle having her around every day from here on out?"
"That's what I've been worried about," Rarity answered. "I... don't know if I'm ready. I don't know how many mistakes I'll make as a sister, or as a parent. But this is something I fee- I know I have to do. Sweetie Belle needs me... and I need her. We must stick together in times like this."
Maternal Flower wrote in her paper some more. "What if Sweetie Belle one day came home drunk and threw up all over your new dress?"
Rarity gasped. "Sh-She's seven! Sweetie is nowhere NEAR old enough to drink!"
"Just answer the question," Maternal Flower replied flatly.
"Well..." Rarity said as she tried to picture the scenario in her head. "I... suppose if Sweetie Belle did come home... drunk... and vomited on one of my new dresses... I would be upset for sure. I would obviously punish her for such behavior... but I don't know how I'd react. If I were to act rational and sit down with her to talk about her drinking, or if I would scream at her for ruining my hard work."
After writing some more, Maternal Flower looked back at Rarity. "What if one day Sweetie Belle got in a horrible carriage crash and had to be put in the hospital? What would you do?" She was unsurprised by Rarity's look of concern and almost disgust.
"Look, just please bear with me and answer the question," she said.
Once more, Rarity tried to picture the horrifying scene. "I don't know..." she answered softly. "I definitely would want to be by her side, but..." her words trailed off. "I don't have any idea how I would even begin to approach that scenario..."
Maternal Flower nodded and wrote a few last things on the paper and smiled. "From the information you gave me, I think you'd make the perfect parent for Sweetie."
Rarity was taken aback. "P-Pardon?"
"I've talked with many ponies who'd wish to adopt a foal," Maternal Flower explained. "And I've asked each of them these very same questions. A very common trap many adopters fall into is thinking they have all the answers - that they know what to do in any given situation, and it will magically work out for them. Your answers prove to me that you're inexperienced, but willing to learn in order to protect your sister. I don't think you'll get lost in that pitfall like many others would."
"But if I'm inexperienced..." Rarity said. "How could you say I would make the perfect parent for Sweetie?"
"You'd be better than somepony who thinks they know what they're doing only to find out they're not," Maternal Flower answered. "I've already gone over your background check, and we both know it's squeaky clean. With all of this in mind, if you really want to become Sweetie's guardian, you are a very strong contender."
"So what happens now?" Rarity asked.
"Have you talked to your sister about your decision?" Maternal Flower replied.
"I haven't," Rarity said, looking at the ground. Memories of Sweetie yelling at her for thinking she was putting her career before her sister played through her mind.
"Then the sooner you talk to her about it, the better," Maternal Flower said. She pulled another paper from her folder and handed it to her. Rarity glanced over it and knew what kind of form it was. She handed Rarity her pen, and greatfully, she took it with her unicorn magic and began filling it out.
Rarity came back to the Boutique with the filled document, and was relieved that all of her friends were still there. Maternal Flower came along as well, and explained the situation to everypony. Before anyone could celebrate though, she said the only way this could be official was if Sweetie agreed to it. Fluttershy volunteered to get Sweetie from the guest bedroom, and she came down with the other Crusaders right behind her. She saw Rarity, who was gesturing to come by her.
"Who's this?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"My name is Maternal Flower," the mare answered. "I was the pony who visited Rarity earlier this morning to discuss your living situation. Around half an hour ago she went to my office saying that she reached a decision, but the only way to make it official was with your consent."
Sweetie's breath stilled as she took a glance at Rarity, who gave her a motherly smile. Using her magic, she pulled out a paper and gave it to Sweetie, letting the filly read it. As she read, her breath got more shaky, and more tears stared forming. The little filly looked back up at Rarity.
"Ruh-" that syllable was all she could say before she threw herself around Rarity let her tears of happiness flow. Rarity gently stroked her back as some tears of her own started forming. All of her friends clapped for her, some of them crying themselves. Maternal Flower walked over and put a hoof over Rarity.
"I knew you would make the right choice," she said warmly.
"Hey, y'know what this calls for?" Pinkie said as her flat mane inflated to its normal, frizzled state. "A party! To celebrate Rarity becoming a mommy and Sweetie Belle not having to leave Ponyville! Oh, and all of us becoming aunts! Well, honorary aunts of course."
"Oh, never change, Pinkie Pie," Rarity said with a chuckle. She put a hoof over her sister's chin to guide her face towards her's. "But only if Sweetie says it's OK."
Sweetie gave a happy nod and tightened her hug around Rarity. As Pinkie started pulling out Rarity's paper towels to scribble invitations with sharpie, the white mare continued to hold Sweetie close.
You did the right thing.
Sweetie Belle is safe now... She will live here with me.
I hope you realize how hard this is going to be. Raising a filly is no easy task.
I know it won't be easy. But I would go to Tartarus and back to protect Sweetie. If being a mother means I get to care for Sweetie, then so be it.
Well, I can't really think of anypony else better for the position than you.
For once, we agree on something
Also, maybe you should stop Pinkie from littering your home with paper towel wads.
"W-Wait," Rarity stammered, now realizing Pinkie had made a mess of the place with drawn-in paper towels in her failed attempts to make good-looking invitations. "Pinkie! You stop that right now!"
PONYVILLE CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION
A. Information regarding original status of foal
Name: Sweetie Belle Sex: Female Date of Birth: January 16, 2013 Place of Birth: Ponyville Name of Father: Hondo Flanks Name of Mother: Cookie Crumbles
B. Information regarding adoptive parent(s)
Name: Rarity Belle Sex: Female Date of Birth: November 22, 2000 Place of Birth: Ponyville
Is this a single parent adoption, i.e. will only one parent appear on the birth certiciate? Yes: ✓ No:
This adoption is by (mark one) Stepparent w/ or w/o birth parent: Grandparent(s): Other Relatives: ✓ Non-Relatives:
Ponies who can take care of foal if adoptive parent is unavailable (optional): Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack Apple, Pinkamena Diane Pie, Fluttershy Lepidera
