> The Scoota Finale
>  by thedarktome
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 01 - We Begin
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville. Home of the Elements of Harmony, all brought together by Princess Twilight Sparkle. A very historic town that has between one and two thousand ponies all trying to live their lives. Including three fillies currently discussing Cutie Marks and clientele.

"Cutie Mark Crusader meetin' now in session!" Apple Bloom yelled, banging her hoof on the podium. They were situated in the CMC clubhouse—that definitely needed renovations—once again to have another meeting, which has become the overall theme of the group for awhile. "We need more ponies who are lookin' for cutie marks! ASAP! Do we have anypony lookin' for anything, actually?!"

Scootaloo shrugged while Sweetie Belle only closed her eyes and shook her head. This has become the life of the famed Cutie Mark Crusaders. Going into their clubhouse and discussing plans and ponies trying to find their cutie marks. Unfortunately, they haven't been getting any requests for the past few months. And they were feeling bad. Unused. Unwanted.

"We can't really do anything unless a pony comes to us," Scootaloo reminded them. "Why don't we relax and take it easy? Chill?"

"Relax?!" The other two asked in horror.

"You know what, never mind, I can already see where this is going to lead," She responded, shaking her hooves at them.

"We need to help SOMEPONY!" Sweetie Belle argued.

Scootaloo was just looking at her blandly before she replied. "Yeah but we can't really do anything if nopony needs help." The other two looked at each other before glancing back at Scootaloo.

"Then we'll go to another city!" Apple Bloom responded. Scootaloo sighed. She was going nowhere with this. "But for now that'll have to wait. We have to help with the party down at the square."

"Yeah, let's get going," Scootaloo agreed. They ended the meeting and walked out the clubhouse, headed back to Applejack's farm. "So what is this party for exactly?"

"Princess Twilight's twenty-first birthday bash!" Apple Bloom answered enthusiastically. "The Princesses, all of 'em, are comin'. As well as ponies who supported her over the years."

"So I take it Pinkie's going to be very busy," Scootaloo assumed. She ducked under a tree branch that nearly got in her hair.

"Oh no, Pinkie's sick with hay fever," Sweetie Belle informed her once they walked back onto the farm. "A real bad case. That's why everypony's downtown, pitching in."

"Well let's go help out!" Scootaloo trudged toward the Scooter-pulled wagon and hopped on while her friends got in the back. Once they were situated, Scootaloo buzzed her wings determinedly and took off, making their way towards the center of town.

'Tis the life of a Cutie Mark Crusader. It was like this at least once a week. Going through the summer heat, where the randomly timed cool breeze cooled them down enough to actually trot to a nearby Ice Cream parlor, grab a scoop, and continue their jobs. Of course that was when they were actually crusading. But right now, they had a special kind of crusading planned. Setting up the surprise, town-wide, birthday party with all the other ponies of ponyville. And a few from out of town. Including her parents.

Twilight was turning twenty one. A full grown adult. Which meant full blown party!

The scooter slid to a stop at the base of the stage in the square where there would be a performance by a DJ, as well as the Princesses throne for when they arrive. Right now, the elements were helping set that up while everyone else were setting up the town.

"There ya'll are!" Applejack cheered from beside the throne, spotting them hop off and out of the vehicle. They trotted up to the stage and smiled up to her.

"Hi, Applejack!" Sweetie Belle greeted.

"Hey, girls. Glad ya' could make it. We need banners set up all over town on every street." She pointed above her at the banner above the stage that read, "Happy Birthday, Princess Twilight".

"Think you can do it?" Rarity asked. She was decorating the throne with lavender flowers.

"Yeah, we can!" Scootaloo responded enthusiastically.

"Great! All you have to do is pull the string and it'll shoot up so fast you won't even notice you put it up. Ah'll demonstrate." She walked towards a banner on a nearby street and grabbed a rope with her teeth by the corner. Then tugged on it before it instantly shot up and attached itself to the buildings nearby, displaying purple flowers. "Easy as bitin' into an apple."

"Okay, we can do it!" Scootaloo yelled before she and the other Crusaders trotted to some more on the street, getting to work. Applejack chuckled at their enthusiasm before she herself went back to reinforcing the stage.

"Hope those fillies got as much energy today as they do everyday. They're going to need it."



After two hours of tugging on rope with their teeth, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were nearly wiped. They were currently dragging their hooves in front of Sugarcube Corner, panting not only from the heat. But the stifness of the muscles in their mouths.

"I can barely feel my mouf," Sweetie complained.

"Me neifer!" Apple Bloom agreed. She walked to another one, grabbed it in her teeth, tugged, and instantly inflated it.

"I've just been using my hooves," Scootaloo chuckled, confusing the other two. She walked to a nearby banner and wrapped the rope around her hoof before she gave it a firm tug. It inflated immediately.

The other Crusaders looked at her with their mouths wide open while she laughed and shook her head. "You've been yanking your teeth out with these things. After the first time, I started using my hooves. Which is far less stressful on the body." She moved onto another one while they continued to stare.

"We could've been using our hooves this whole time," Apple Bloom said through gritted teeth. "And you didn't say anything?!"

Scootaloo pulled another one before she responded. "I....thought it was obvious." Apple Bloom was fuming! She knew and she didn't say anything?!

She was about to yell at her before she got an even better idea, giving her an evil smirk from behind. She looked over at Sweetie Belle who was just as angry and waved a hoof to grab her attention.

The filly glanced at her and trotted over briskly before Apple Bloom whispered the plan in her ear. The two pulled back and looked at each other with grins on their faces before walking quietly towards Scootaloo, who was walking towards another banner. They snuck up quietly before Sweetie Belle pushed her hard onto the banner, forcing her to slide onto the cloth by the stomach.

"Ow! What was that for?!" She yelled with her chin to the ground.

"This is payback!" Apple Bloom yelled before she yanked the rope. Before she could react, the banner inflated and sent her flying into the air, way above the town.

Sweetie and Apple Bloom watched her fly before they glanced at each other and chuckled.


***


While the Cutie Mark Crusaders were doing their thing, Applejack had called for all the ponies to meet in the square for an announcement. Once they were all present, she, along with the other Elements got on the stage and told them the good news.

"Thank you, everypony. For helpin' us prepare for Twilight's party! We are now officially finished!" They all cheered, grabbing Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom's attention from across town.

They looked towards the square then at each other. "Should we go to the square and listen in or should we go after Scootaloo?" Sweetie asked. Apple Bloom scoffed and started walking towards the square.

"Are you nuts?! She made us look like idiots for over two hours! We can at least embarrass her for five minutes!"

Sweetie followed after her with a chuckle. "Yeah I guess you're right." They ran along the dirt path, kicking up dust while on the way to the center of town, unaware that Scootaloo was about to land. Hard.

She screamed as she descended towards a hill that was looking over the town, but screamed even louder when she realized she was going straight into a left behind wheelbarrow.

"NO NO NO NO NO—" She crashed inside and hit her head on the metal, stunning her and putting stars in her eyes, groaning from the headache, more than likely from a minor concussion. She remained immobile, hoping to recover from that dreadful experience. That really hurt! What were those two thinking pranking her like that?! While she was pondering, the wheelbarrow began to move and roll downhill. But she was too starry-eyed to notice. It picked up speed and flew over the grass before it rolled at high velocity into town, eventually rolling down the main street towards the square.

Finally getting her bearings a little, Scootaloo peeked over the edge and gasped. But before she could scream, the out-of-control wheelbarrow ran straight into a stack of bricks on the side, flinging her once more into the air. She screamed and soared straight over Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, who looked up at the noise.

"Wait. Wasn't she just flyin' that way?" Apple Bloom asked loudly, pointing behind her.

"Oh no," Sweetie Belle responded before running after the pony projectile with Apple Bloom right on her tail.

While Applejack was speaking, she was abruptly interrupted by a loud yell from above. Everyone looked up at the orange object in interest when Scootaloo stopped her screaming once she slammed into the top edge of a four story apartment.

"OOOHHH!" Everyone grimaced. She peeled off and fell down face first right into a muddy puddle with a wooden board in it, created by the rain the night before.

"Ugghh...wha..."She muttered before a loose brick from above fell down from the impact and onto the board, flinging her back into the air. "Aw, come on!" She flew through a clothing line, snagging off a pearly white towel that wrapped around her head.

Everyone was just watching her screaming and sailing through the air, intrigued in the outcome. Rarity had her lips pursed and eyes widened. After awhile Scootaloo angled down and crashed into a vegetable stand face first, landing directly on sliced cucumbers.

Everyone stared at her open mouthed, no movement whatsoever. And no sound. Not even a cricket. She lifted her hooves up first before she fell off and onto the ground with her face to the sky, groaning in frustration and pain. A stallion looked down at her and snorted at her predicament. "Wow, that's....that is something," he chuckled. A few other ponies looked at him oddly before looking down at the filly while she got up.

She got back on her four hooves and tried to look around. But instead of with her eyes, they were replaced by sliced cucumbers. Some more of the ponies laughed at her before everyone started laughing. She looked like she had went to some sort of exotic spa! She was covered in mud on her front and she had a towel wrapped around her head, as well as the cucumbers over her eyes.

"Wow, darling! That must've been some relaxation attempt!" Rarity joke before breaking down in laughter.

Rainbow Dash herself was trying her hardest not to laugh, but eventually she did, fully falling on her back and holding her sides while her wings flapped around.

"What's so funny?" Scootaloo asked in wonder. "I can't see anything!" They all started laughing harder at her voice. She sounded so confused!

Eventually she felt all over her muddy face and grabbed hold of the slices and peeled them off. She smiled a little bit and chuckled, trying to figure it out. "What is so......" She lost her smile when she saw the whole town up in cackles and giggles. Then she realized what was so funny. It was her. A stallion in front of her was pointing a hoof and guffawing at her while even...her idol, Rainbow Dash, was banging her hoof on the ground.

"Oh my Celestia, somepony make it stop!" She laughed.

"Are you....are you laughing at me?" She asked them quietly. Scootaloo was looking around with her mouth partly open and eyes displayed in sadness. "Stop laughing at me." They didn't even stop rolling around on the ground. "Stop it! Stop it, right now!"

They didn't even falter. How is it that somepony could laugh that long?! Scootaloo shed small tears and whimpered. Her limbs shook in embarrassment, the worst feeling a pony could ever have. She felt like she was going to wet herself. Right before she locked eyes with...Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. They had emerged through the crowd, trying to figure out what was so funny, and were now staring in shock at the flightless filly covered in mud with a towel wrapped around her mane and one cucumber on her eye...before Apple Bloom busted out in laughter too. Sweetie Belle snorted before she too fell back, rolling around on the ground while waving her hooves around.

Scootaloo walked backwards, looking at them in shock. Everypony in Ponyville, her friends, and her idol, except Princess Twilight...was laughing at her because of something they caused. And they themselves were laughing right along with it. She whimpered before turning around and running through an alleyway, trying to get distance between herself and those ponies still laughing. They had embarrassed her and were proud of it. And they didn't even care. They laughed right along with them. They were just like Diamond Tiara before she became their friend. Now that she mentioned it, she was pretty sure she saw her and the rest of the foals there laughing right along with them all. Everyone in the class!

She continued running, thinking about her future, not even caring where she was headed, which apparently was the forest. She would become the laughing stock all  because of her friends! The towel flew off her head and landed somewhere before she past the town entrance and made her way towards the dank and damp forest that was the Everfree. After awhile, she slid to a stop and looked behind her at the town. By now, they probably stopped laughing....or not. She sobbed some more before she darted past the treeline, and continued to run, leaving everything, and everypony, behind. After around twenty minutes of running, she ran out of steam, eventually causing her to slow down to a trot, and soon fall and sob loudly into her hooves. They had made fun of her. The whole town. And they didn't even care. It was like....like she didn't belong in the first place.

Was that all she was? A laughing stock? Well even if she wasn't, she sure was now. And it was all thanks to....Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. They had started the whole thing. And laughed right along with them. Nobody cared. Nobody questioned how she had been flying through the air in the first place. Instead, the second they looked at her, they busted out into a fit of giggles. They didn't even try to help her. Rolling around all over the floor and laughing. Or in Rainbow's case, rolling around on the floor, laughing, and banging her hoof critically. They...humiliated her. Embarrassed her. They took her out.

After a few more minutes of crying, she begrudgingly got up and limped over to a nearby pond to wash up. She still had a massive headache from those impacts, and she had also hurt her rear leg when she crashed into that food stand. And it hurt. Bad.

She threw herself into the pond, or what she thought was a pond, and just laid there, floating on the water. She closed her eyes, completely unaware that it was actually a river that was currently on the move and pushing her down the current. And it was fast. It was a few seconds when she lifted her throbbing head and saw the trees passing. Gasping, she thrashed about once she realized she was being carried away, trying to find something to grip onto. Eventually, she grabbed hold onto a large hollow log that got caught in the current as well, and held on tight. She watched the forest pass her by, eventually becoming so fast that it was pointless to even watch. The water eventually took her out into the middle of the current and became faster. Looks like the river was turning into rapids!

"Help!" She yelled desperately. "Somepony! Somepony help me! Please! Somepony help—" A large amount of water, splashed her in the face, causing her to lose her grip on the log and go underneath. She held her breath once she was dunked, afraid of drowning. Was this....was this how she was going to die? After raw and hopeless embarrassment and humiliation? Was this how she was going out? She was only eleven, she couldn't go out like this! She flapped her small wings, hoping that'll help. And by some unknown force, she was able to propel herself using them and get back onto the surface of the water. She took in a huge lungful of air and looked around through the water in her eyes. The area around her was becoming farther and farther away before she looked forward.

Was that a pipe sucking in the water? "Huh. Looks like I'm going into a pipe....wait..." She gasped and screamed once she saw what was in front of those pipes. Sharp things rotating around. They must've been there to chop up anything that could clog it up! "Buck!" She turned around and flapped her wings, hoping to put some distance between her and the spinning fans of death. She looked over her shoulder at the log she was holding onto that just went through. It was being shredded, completely torn apart before the pieces flowed into the pipe with the water.

She screamed louder and desperately tried flapping her wings harder and faster, hoping to make some leeway. But the current was so strong, it was pushing her closer and closer to the fans of death. So close that she could hear the engine. Tears sprang from her eyes before she started using her hooves, hoping to swim over to the side. But something had hit her right in the face, another piece of wood, causing her to lose focus and slow her flapping. Enough to be pushed back.

She screamed as loud as she could, her voice heard for miles, before she went underneath the current, which carried her through the blades. To her future.



Back in Ponyville, everyone were trying to repair what happened and get their wits back after that event. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were looking around trying to find Scootaloo to make sure she was alright. After everyone had gotten done with their laughs and giggles, they discovered Scootaloo wasn't at the same spot before and decided to look around to find her. So far, they were having no luck. She wasn't at the clubhouse, behind the school, nor in any of the alleyways.

"Do you think...we might've went a little too far?" Apple Bloom asked aloud in worry as they walked around. "I thought I heard her cryin'. I didn't mean to laugh at her."

"Well....maybe a little," Sweetie Belle agreed. "I didn't think she was going to start flying through the air. I thought she was just going to land nearby. Instead, she went flying that way, flew back, and caused a whole bunch of chaos. I was not expecting that."

"Me neither. I mean, I was mad at her, yeah. But I don't think....I don't think that was cool of us. At all. We need ta' apologize."

"Yeah." They both stopped for a moment and looked down in shame before something loud, terrible, and frightening tore through the air over Ponyville. A scream. A loud, high pitched, and agony filled scream that caused every pony in the town to stop what they were doing and look up and around. Rainbow Dash stopped her flying and observed the area, trying to find the source. As well as any other Pegasi around her. Rarity dropped her gems to the ground and looked up while the animals Fluttershy was speaking to ran away to hide.

In the Castle of Friendship, the scream echoed through the halls, causing Twilight to stop her Princess duties and look up in worry, Spike the same. That sounded like a foal's scream! They shared a glance before she jumped out of her seat and quickly made her way towards the entrance of the castle. It sounded like someone was going through agony.
Horrible pain. She burst the doors wide open and took to the air, looking around to try and find the source. So far, everything looked normal. But so did a flower until it grabbed hold of your hoof. Which was common in Equestria. Rainbow spotted her from a few yards away and flew over to her, clearly worried.

"Twilight! Did you hear—"

"I did, I did," she answered quickly. She look around and spotted Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, giving her an idea. "Rainbow Dash. Check and count all of the foals in Ponyville. Have them all put into one area and hold them there. Go." Rainbow nodded and went back down to the ground to fulfill the request while Twilight looked towards the ground. Somepony screamed. And it did not sound good.

And it wasn't. Back at the river, the twin blades had stopped rotating from a wood clog, stopping the water and preventing the rapid, as well as standard flow. But on two of them...you could see two small orange wings. As well as a lot of blood and and orange fur that was matted to it by the water. This was not good indeed.
> Chapter 02 - Consequence
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the scream, the ponies in town quickly grabbed their children and made their way to the square like the Princess ordered while the mayor grabbed a census of all the foals in ponyville. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were quickly escorted, or more accurately, grabbed and carried back to the square, forcing them to abandon their search. They glanced at each other in worry before they were set beside Diamond Tiara and some more foals, worry on their faces. They were all in the square facing the stage where the princess would be seated and a performance would be held.

"What do you think that was?" Diamond whispered to them.

"I don't know...but I have a really bad feelin' about this," Apple Bloom whispered back worriedly. Princess Twilight quickly trotted into the square and up to the mayor who was standing on the stage. They said something to each other before Twilight took the census in her magic and started checking off the foals that were in attendance by face and image. After five more minutes of just quiet and checking, Twilight looked at her work. The Elements were right behind her when she gasped in realization.

"SPIIIKKE!" The baby dragon quickly trotted up to her and saluted. "Send a yellow scroll to Princess Celestia! We need a search team in Ponyville right now! Scootaloo is missing, and I think she was the one that screamed." Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gasped before everyone else started muttering. Spike quickly wrote down the message and sent it on its way before she turned to the rest of the Elements. "Rainbow Dash, you take to the sky and try to spot her by the air! Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, you check the outskirts of town! Rarity, and Applejack? You're with me! Everypony else, take the foals inside now! Let's move!" The parents grabbed their children and quickly trotted back home while the Elements went out and did their duties.

"Twilight! What in Equestria caused a scream like that?!" Rarity asked her after they left.

"I'm not sure, Rarity. But either way, it was obviously something bad and we have to find her. She could be in danger." Twilight quickly used her magic and scanned the area around her for any sign of the pegasus filly. Unaware that she wasn't even on, or near, the land.



In the pipe that began in the Everfree Forest, and ended in Manehattan, you could see small orange fur and feathers flowing with the water, causing a pony who would see it to think that a bird might've got caught in it. Until you saw the blood coming through with it. As well as a small pegasus filly with blood seeping out of two slits in her back, sides, legs, head, and hooves. She was face up, eyes closed, floating in the water with a bland look on her face. She was breathing, but she wasn't awake. Nor did she care even if she was.

She had survived those blades, but she was in so much pain. Mentally, physically, and of course emotionally. All within the span of an hour. She's been floating for two hours now and the rapids had stopped, thankfully. But that didn't stop the fact that she had absolutely no idea where she was. It was completely dark in there. No light anywhere. But soon, her eyes opened. And with it, the pain. She yelled at the large gashes and cuts all over body. Not to mention the holes. It was painful. Extremely painful. So painful in fact that Scootaloo just thrashed around on the water, causing the bleeding to become even worse. She tried moving her wings before that hurt even more. Something sprayed out of her back once her back was out of the water and hit the wall. She yelled even louder before she stopped trying to clench her muscles back there. Something was wrong. Extremely wrong. She could feel it. Or rather...she couldn't.

She didn't even bother to check. She was awake when it happened. That was where that scream that she didn't even know she had came from. The pain of her....her wings being ripped out of her back. It was horrible. She wouldn't wish it on anypony anywhere. This...that...all of it was torture. But...why? Why did she have to go through all of that? Why did she have to be humiliated and embarrassed to shedding tears in the Everfree Forest, nearly drowning in rapids, then being cut up and floating through a dark tunnel? Why?

She didn't have an answer. And she never would.

Scootaloo stopped moving and just let whatever happens next happen. The floating, the pain, and the blood coming out of her wounds took over her, plunging her back into a sleep while she washed down the current. Destination wherever the heck it was taking her. She was in a tunnel. She had no idea where it was leading her. Nor did it even matter. She lost her wings, she lost her friends...actually...they lost her. They lost her the moment she was launched into the sky. If she survives this, she will not be coming back to Ponyville. They could count on it.



Twilight and the others made their way back to the center of town, waiting for Celestia and Luna to touch down with fifty guards behind them that they spotted in the air. When they did, they briskly trotted over to Twilight, worry written all over their faces. "What has happened?" Celestia asked.

"We're not sure," she responded quickly. "I was working on my paperwork when I heard a scream filled with agony, horror, and pain."

"The whole town heard it!" Rainbow added. "I stopped my flying and looked around, but I couldn't see where it came from. But I knew it was a filly's."

"So I gathered everypony's foal to the center of the square and checked the census for the children. After doing the attendance, I noticed Scootaloo was nowhere in the group. And I believe she was the one who screamed."

"Where was the last time you saw her?" Luna asked.

"She and the Crusaders were hangin' up banners all over the city for Twilight's party tomorrow," Applejack informed them.

"Then they should know what happened. Grab them, please." Rarity nodded and quickly made her way towards town hall where they were being held while Celestia and Luna shared a nervous glance. A filly's scream that could cover the entire town of Ponyville was already unnerving. But for it to be filled with agony and pain was a whole 'nother matter. After a few more minutes of waiting, Rarity had the two on her back and set them down in front of the princesses with her magic.

"Hello, girls," Celestia greeted, offering a small smile. The two were trying to avoid her eyes. "Do you remember the last time you saw Scootaloo?"

"Everypony here does!" Apple Bloom responded. "She was the one flying through the air and landed in mud that everypony was laughing at."

"THAT WAS SCOOTALOO?!!" The Elements, except Twilight, yelled.

"Yeah! You mean you didn't know?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"We didn't even know if it was a pony!" Rainbow Dash responded. "What happened?!"

"We....uhh..." Apple Bloom stammered. Twilight raised an eyebrow before she glared at the fillies.

"Girls? What happened?" She asked. Applebloom sighed and closed her eyes. She might as well tell the truth.

"We launched Scootaloo into the air with the banner!" She yelled quickly. "Because she made us look dumb by usin' her hooves to open up the banner while we were usin' our teeth for two hours! Our mouths were hurtin' and she didn't even say anything!"

"So me and Apple Bloom just launched her into the air for payback!" Sweetie Belle added.

"How in Equestria did you....that is not important right now," Luna said. "Have you seen her since?"

"No! She took off after everypony laughed at her in the square over there!" Sweetie Belle pointed towards the vegetable stand that had muddy footprints and a puddle in front of it. "We haven't seen her since we all stopped." Celestia groaned and looked at the scene.

"She was probably sad and ran somewhere. Guard? Spread out over the town and search everywhere! Leave no rock unturned!" The fifty saluted before they spread out and began digging. This could take a while.

"Now. Would somepony please explain why everypony was laughing at a filly?" Luna demanded.


***


After a few more hours of searching and scolding, the guard spread out to the outside of town and looked around. So far, nothing was promising. Not many clues for a filly who ran away  to follow. The princesses and Elements were helping as well. But they still couldn't find a single clue. Until now.

"Over here!" A guard yelled, attracting everyone's attention. They all ran over briskly to the outside of town by the forest to see what he was staring at.

"What have you found?" Twilight asked him. He pointed to the grass in front of him.

"This grass. It's been flattened." The princesses shared a confused glance before he continued. "But that's not what makes it stand out. It's what's ON it. Dried dirt. Or mud to be exact. And there's a trail." He slowly lifted his hoof, following the hoofprints that lead into....the Everfree Forest.

"You are definitely getting a raise, Sergeant," Luna muttered, giving him a pat on the back. "Guards we are going into the Everfree Forest. She went in there and could possibly still be inside hurt."

The guards nodded before they carefully made their way into the woods, following the path of the tiny footprints, which were much more visible in the forest because of the soft, moist dirt. Rainbow Dash and some more pegasi took to the air, hoping to spot her little buddy that she would teach how to flap her wings hard enough to make her fly. Of course, it was a futile effort. They were too small and would have to grow first. But Rainbow loved teaching her. It was part of the reasons why she would get up every morning. Her motivation to push on through the day. Just to see her smile. That hopeful smile.

They continued searching the forest, looking here and there, in caves, burrows, abandoned buildings and huts, and eventually coming to a river. Rainbow landed back down beside the elements, who were staring at it along with everypony else that was searching. Luckily, no Timberwolves were out. But this was where the trail ended. The water was flowing slowly, sending drops and waves onto the shore, which sent a bad feeling down Rainbow's spine. She shivered before focusing back on the ground around her and looked around, hoping to find another clue before she found something that made her heart stop. And hopes dashed.

"Guys...guys, over here," she muttered, catching Applejack's attention. She nudged Twilight and motioned towards Rainbow before making her way over to the frozen Pegasus.

"What is it, Rainbow?" Rarity asked. Rainbow didn't respond. Instead she pointed towards the distance. They looked out, but they didn't see much.

"What are you motioning to?" Celestia asked.

"The filters."

They all glanced at her before they looked closer. Twilight gasped first before she flew over. "Rainbow, come on!" Rainbow reluctantly followed her command, flying off the land and heading towards the clogged up tunnel. The water was still going through, but there was a lot of wood blocking the entrance, and stopping the blades from turning. But the most noticeable bit was the orange things in it. Twilight arrived first and took a closer look by standing on the wood. The fan creaked and lurched, making her step back for safety.

"I'm cutting this off," she announced. Then shot a bit of magic at it. The motors that were humming loudly stopped suddenly, allowing her to fly closer. Rainbow was right next to her, trying to get a much closer look. But she sobbed when she realized what it was. From far away, it just looked like an orange spot. but up close, it was plainly obvious.

A wing. A small pegasus wing.

"Oh my—CELESTIA!" Rainbow yelled desperately. "Help!" The princesses quickly made their way over to see what the problem was. If Rainbow yells like that, it means there was a huge issue.

"What is it, what is wrong?" Luna asked. Rainbow pulled in her lips and pointed to the orange wing stuck at the top of the fan. "Oh no." Luna and Celestia quickly pulled it apart, taking note of the blood on the fans.

"No...no no no..." Rainbow threw the last one off the blades aside and looked inside, crying at what she found. The water was still, but it was unmistakable. There was blood. And a lot of it. As well as orange feathers and fur. The blades had orange covering them as well.

"She was..... She was sucked in," Twilight whimpered before she flew into the dark tunnel, she lit her horn and instantly turned it off at what she found. There was even more blood back there. The water was still at the moment because the machine was cut off. The blood was just sitting there. "There's....no way she could've survived that. That....that was the cause of that scream." Rainbow didn't respond, which caused Twilight to look at her in worry. Her face was expressionless.

"Scootaloo?......Scootaloo, come out," Rainbow said hopefully and motherly. She slowly flew inside and looked around the dark, hoping to see something in there that could give her hope. "Scootaloo......quit playing around, this....th-this isn't f-funny......Scoots..."

"Rainbow," Twilight whispered sadly, watching her go farther in. "I don't think—"

"She has to be in here Twilight," Rainbow interrupted. She turned around and looked at them with red eyes filled with tears pouring down her face. "She..." She turned back around, looking into the dark tunnel. "She—She has to be in here somewhere. She just has to. There is no way she...." She looked down and spotted something that made her gasp. She slowly bent down and picked it up, not even caring that blood was getting all over her hooves.

Another wing. Another orange wing. It was definitely Scootaloo's. There was no other pony near Ponyville that has orange premature wings. She sobbed before she held it close to her, letting out tears of pain. Twilight went into the tunnel and lightly pulled her out.

"She's gone," She muttered through her own tears. "Rainbow....She's—"

"DON'T...say it," she yelled before quieting down. She was holding the wing tightly to her chest, not even caring that the blood was getting all over her front. Once she was out, she went into the water below and grabbed the other one while Princess Celestia and Luna rebuilt the filter. After that, Twilight guided her back to the shore where everyone else was waiting. Applejack had a hopeful look on her face, like Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. The guards were just stoic. Twilight landed with Rainbow in her hooves before the pegasus just burst out in tears, scaring most of them.

"She c-can't be...sh-she just c-can't be...." She sobbed some more, worrying Applejack before she opened her hooves, showing them what they found. Applejack gasped and stood there in shock just like everyone else before she took off her hat in respect.

"Oh no," Rarity cried, tears coming down her face and ruining her mascara. "Not...not Scootaloo....we just saw her this morning."

"Rainbow..." Twilight cooed. She walked over to her slowly. The cyan pegasus sniffled and looked down at the remnants.

"You know.....sh-she used to tell me she was going to be flying...soaring," Rainbow chuckled sadly, holding the wings back up to her chest. "'I'm gonna fly as fast as you, Rainbow Dash'......She would always say that to me....and now.....I'll never be able to see her smile ever again. Never be able to hear her cheers, her shouts....her playfulness.....I'll never be able to see her take her first true flight......she's gone."



After two more hours of just floating, Scootaloo woke up again in miserable and copious amounts of pain, and looked around moaning. She was still in the tunnel and it was still very dark, very weak and could barely feel her body. And she was becoming cold. Was...was this the end? How was she still alive? Maybe the water? Or her muscles?

Before she could question it, a bit of light passing over her from above caught her attention. "Light?" She muttered weakly. "Is that...." She lifted a cut up and shaky hoof towards the ceiling as it passed. Then another. Then another. She couldn't see anything behind her, so she had no idea what was going on. Before a bright light hit and blinded her for a second. She squinted her eyes and held a hoof in front of her face before sunlight hit her once again. As well as a cool breeze and air. Blue skies and clouds.

"I'm outside?" She whispered weakly. How she wished she could turn around and look at her location. But by what sounded like boats and ships nearby, she had a pretty good idea where she was. She had enough time to figure it out. She was sent through a water channel that was connected to two cities. She remembered hearing about that in school when she was in Ponyville. But this wasn't Ponyville anymore, that much she could tell just by the sounds. After a few more minutes of floating, her body hit something soft and cool, making her groan in irritation and moan loudly in pain. Her cuts were still bleeding. She should've been gone by now. But the water around her probably saved her. But Scootaloo could still barely move.

A pony nearby looked up and cocked their head to the side at the orange object in the water. It was making noises and looked strange. Did it just float out of that pipe? He walked closer and gasped once he saw all the red, speeding up his trots.

"Is this how I'm going to die?" She whispered. "In...Manehattan?" Her vision was beginning to get blurry before somepony yelled.

"Oh my Celestia!! Somepony! Anypony!! Get an ambulance, this kid needs an ambulance now!" Before she blacked out she saw a light blue face looking down at her. "Oh my stars, kid, what happened to you?" They grabbed her hooves and dragged her onto the shore before she blacked out.

"Holy—what happened to her?!" A mare asked. There was a lot of ponies nearby that trotted over, trying to see what happened. There was an orange filly with magenta hair lying on the ground in Manehattan Park that had cuts and gashes all over her body except parts of her face. And she was bleeding heavily, becoming pale.

"I'm not sure, I just saw her come out of that channel!" He pointed to the dark blue channel on the side that would flow under a road. "Then she beached right here, so I come over and there's...this! We have to get her to a hospital! Right now! Can anypony fly around here?! We can't wait for an ambulance, she needs help NOW!"

"Everypony, please step aside! Move! Move!" They all moved over when a team of medical ponies trotted through to see what's going on. They were all wearing white clothing with saddlebags that had a red cross symbol on them. Once they spotted the pony, they quickly got to work.

"We need to get her to a hospital right now!" One of them said, quickly pulling out a can of mobile oxygen with a mask attached. "She's got large lacerations all over her body and is bleeding heavily! Gravely critical! Get her in the vehicle!" Two ponies quickly grabbed her by the ankles and hooves, taking note of her pale coat, and placed her softly on a stretcher. Once secured, they grabbed the stretcher and began running her towards a chariot specially designed for health. At this rate, she was running out of so much blood that it was dripping on the stretcher.

Once inside, they attached her to a packet of blood and poured it into her veins, as a well as a heart monitor, while another nurse grabbed a pair of defibrillators. Once she had them prepared, she placed them on her scarred chest and shouted, "Clear!" Scootaloo's body lurched before she fell back down on the stretcher, still flatlined. The chariot was moving by now and heading towards the hospital quickly.

The nurse prepared the defibrillators once more before she shouted, "Clear!" Scootaloo's body lurched again before she took in a lungful of air and cried out in pain.

"Alright, she's conscious!" One of the nurses said. They grabbed a bunch of pads in the vehicle and placed it on the wounds and gashes that were sure enough going to be scars in the future. One of them inserted some anesthesia into her blood flow so she could be asleep and not endure that pain Scootaloo was crying from. It was hurting them just looking at it, but to endure it? She did not have to go through that. One of the nurses wiped her brow and placed a pad by her bleeding head, trying to figure out how in Equestria her body got this bad. Her body was practically riddled with gashes. All except her neck and much of her head. There was a gash under her mane that they had to tend to when they got back to the hospital though.

"She's a pegasus!" One of the nurses announced, catching their attention. "WAS a pegasus." Scootaloo had been put under so this could be painless. The nurse tilted her body a little bit to display the giant slits in her back that held her wings before. Now they were only pink flesh and visible joints.

"Buck," one of the nurses muttered. "Alright, she's on the edge of stable and critical at this point. The hospital has more medical supplies for her. Hold on, kid." Scootaloo didn't respond, too busy sleeping. And dreaming.

In her dream, she was in a first person point of view of something...very confusing. She was walking down a red carpet with ponies, and other creatures, holding out pens and pads, screaming "Magenta Streak" over and over. There were also a bunch of cameras, microphones, and other devices held out to her. Two burly ponies dressed in black suits were in front of her. She saw, what she guessed was, her hoof grab one of the pens and pads to apparently sign her name. An autograph. It read....."Magenta Streak". She had no idea who Magenta Streak was. But she felt like this should be an important thing to hold onto. So she grabbed that name and held it in her mind. Right before the world around her flickered. Then was thrusted back into darkness. A blank slate. Then it turned white in a snap. And she remembered nothing. Except the name. Magenta Streak.
> Chapter 03 - Respect
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the search team made the discovery, they made their way sadly, and slowly, back to Ponyville. Twilight had a wing over Rainbow Dash's back while she sobbed, trying her hardest to provide comfort for her. She couldn't believe it. There was no body. Just a bunch of blood and her wings. And probably more... Pieces. Rainbow looked over at the guards that were carrying a rubber box next to her, containing her remains before she sobbed even louder.

"Oh, Rainbow," Applejack whispered. She quickly walked over and gave her a nuzzle, trying to cheer her up. But she knew this was just going to tear her to pieces when she was alone. Twilight sighed and looked from her to back in front. They were approaching the treeline now. Which meant she had to deliver the news.

"If..." Rainbow said suddenly, catching her friends' attention. "Even if we... c-couldn't find her... We should at least bury what we have."

Celestia nodded in agreement and asked, "Does she have any parents?"

"Not that I know of. Sh-she never spoke of any, and we hung out all the time." Rainbow sniffed and trembled. Her body was growing pale. It was starting to worry Twilight.

"We will check the census when we are back in town. Guards? Hand over the case, please." The guards in front of her handed her the rubber box which she took in her magic. "We will bury her where she would want to be buried."

"She was always the little Crusader, so maybe at the clubhouse," Twilight suggested before both Rarity and Applejack gasped.

"The girls!" Rarity exclaimed. "Oh no, they're going to be so so devastated!"

"Especially them," Twilight agreed. They crossed the treeline into view and slowly made their way back to the town, the sun's heat beating down their coats. Luna dismissed the guards, ordering them to head back to Canterlot while the Elements and the Princesses walked back onto the main road of Ponyville, although begrudgingly. They were all dreading what was going to happen next. But sadly, it had to be done. And Applejack and Rarity were definitely not looking forward to the future.

They walked down the street with their heads held low, Rainbow Dash's crying was the only thing making noise at the moment. When ponies saw Rainbow Dash crying like this, they'll know something terrible has happened. Fluttershy walked around to the other side of her and put her own wing over her barrel, cradling her as much as she could. She was crying as well, remembering the orange little pegasus. Only eight years old when they first met. She knew her for maybe three years before this moment. Scootaloo was way too young to have this happen to her. Way too innocent. How did a day planning a celebration turn into a young foal's tragedy and demise?

"There they are!" They all glanced up and saw not only Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, but their whole class. Twilight bit her bottom lip before she looked towards Rainbow Dash who had turned around, trying to keep them from seeing her tears and hearing her whimpers.

"Did you find Scoots?" Apple Bloom asked happily. "We're really worried about her!"

"We all are!" Pipsqueak added with a jump in the air. The rest of the foals voiced their agreements before they all listened intently to the Princesses. How exactly do you tell a child, a very young one, that their friend is no longer with them?

"Well, ummm...." Twilight stammered. She took a deep breath and glanced over at Rainbow for a moment. "Girls... Children... I'm afraid... That Scootaloo will not be joining us in the future." Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle shared a look before they returned her comment with a confused facial expression.

"Twilight?" Apple Bloom asked. "What are you talking about?"

"What I mean is..." She looked back towards Rarity, hoping for some help. She was trying to come up with her own words. "We didn't exactly find Scootaloo..."

Applejack sighed and moved towards her little sister. "Applebloom?"

"Yeah?" She responded.

"You know... Ma and pa... Where they are now?"

"Yeah. There in..." Apple Bloom lost her smile before she looked up at Applejack in anger. "That's not funny, Applejack."

"I'm sorry, Apple Bloom. We... We only found what was... Left of her, Sugarcube. I'm sorry."

"Stop it!" Apple Bloom yelled. Applejack flinched a little. "Stop it, right now! Scoots can't be gone, she can't be! That's not funny, Applejack!"

"Darling, we're sorry, but—"

"No!" Sweetie Belle retorted, stopping Rarity. It looks like all the foals weren't believing it since they all had a look of disbelief on their faces. "Scoots can't be gone! We just saw her, she can't be gone!"

"Yeah! If she's gone, then where is she?" Diamond Tiara asked. Twilight raised an eyebrow at her. What did she know about... All these foals probably knew about how it worked by now.

Rarity shook her head. "We couldn't find her, darlings. Only her remains."

"Prove it to us," Sweetie Belle requested, tears leaking. "I won't believe Scoots is gone until I see proof."

"Sweetie—"

"Prove it to me!" The elements all looked at each other before they turned and nodded to Celestia. She retrieved the box from underneath her wing and held it out in front of them. She was really going to hate this. Once they were all in position, she popped the lid open, revealing the orange wings with blood all over them. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gasped before she snapped it shut. She did not want it to be imprinted in their minds.

"We found them wedged between the blades of the filter in the Everfree Forest," Luna whispered. "We found more... But that is all we are saying."

"We're so sorry girls," Twilight whispered, trying her hardest not to cry at their crestfallen faces. "We're really sorry." Rarity quickly pulled her sister into a hug before she started bawling into tears. She cried loudly, soaking her sister's coat and squeezing her tightly. Apple Bloom was no better. Applejack was crying along with her. Rainbow just couldn't hold it in no more before she too started bawling in the back. Twilight was leaking tears, prompting Celestia to pull her into a hug. This was going to be a hard year. She could tell already.

The rest of the foals all went back to their parents to seek comfort while the two remaining Crusaders continued to sob loudly, along with Rainbow Dash. They stayed like that for maybe ten minutes before Apple Bloom had cried herself to sleep. "Let's get you home, Sugarcube," Applejack whispered. She grabbed her in her teeth and trotted back to the farm.

"I have to get Sweetie home as well," Rarity told them. She grabbed Sweetie Belle's sleeping body in her magic and dropped her onto her back. "I'm afraid I won't be available for the rest of the day. I have to grab my parents and let them know Sweetie Belle's friend...has passed away." She made her way back to the boutique with the weeping filly on her back. That just left the five of them with a crying Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy turned to her and sighed. "Rainbow—"

"I need to be alone," she whimpered before taking off into the sky, leaving Fluttershy with her mouth open.

"This is disastrous," Celestia said sadly, She shook her head and turned to Twilight. "What will you do with the wings?"

"They will be put in the hospital here in a freezer until Rainbow, the Crusaders, and possibly her parents are ready for a burial. That might be awhile from now though." She took the box in her magic and made her way towards the hospital with the other Elements behind her. "Thank you, Celestia."

"You're welcome, my faithful student," she replied sadly. She and Luna took back off into the air, heading back to Canterlot while the Elements went and filed the report. As well as plan. This was going to be a hard year indeed.



After Twilight had dropped the wings off at the hospital, she walked back out and was immediately surrounded by the parents of the foals. Not to mention Ms. Cheerilee.

"What happened?"

"Why is my baby crying?!"

"Everypony, everypony, please!" Twilight yelled. "We just got back."

"Princess Twilight," Ms. Cheerilee said timidly. "What happened?"

Twilight sighed and looked to the ground for a moment. Then straightened up and answered, "We found... Her wings in the filter in the Everfree Forest. As well as blood and fur. We did not find her. There was a lot of blood and the blades were clogged when we got there by wood, but there is absolutely no way anypony could have survived that." Ms. Cheerilee whimpered and put a hoof over her eyes. She remembered that little filly. She taught her. "Did she ever have any parents, Ms. Cheerilee?"

"If she did, I don't remember seeing, meeting, or greeting them," she whimpered.

"Okay. I hope the class can transition after a time like this."

"The school will more than likely be closed for two weeks starting tomorrow, your highness."

"Okay." Twilight made her way to Town Hall, leaving the parents and teacher to hold and console their children. They were going to need it. The Crusaders definitely.



That night, Sweetie Belle couldn't sleep. Nor could Apple Bloom. Both of them too teary eyed and busy reminiscing to do anything. Sweetie was crying so much she had hiccups. She was laying back in her bed, staring at the ceiling and sniffling back tears. Scootaloo... Her best friend was gone. There were three of them before. Now there's only two. Were they... Were they even the Crusaders anymore?

"We're the the toughest little ponies in town," she sung quietly. ".........got the moves, got the mojo........no harder working ponies around.......we are a....." She whimpered before she turned over in her pillow and started crying again. It was so hard. They were only eleven. And Scootaloo had just got her cutie mark. "What was it even for?" She muttered into the pillow. "These... These stupid cutie marks." She looked at her flank, grimacing at the various purple hued shield with an eighth note inside of a purple star. Scootaloo had a lightning bolt inside of a wing. They had it for almost two years. And Scootaloo was so proud of hers. Oh, so proud.

"The Cutie Mark Crusaders is a trio," she muttered, not taking her eyes off her flank. "What are we now? A duo? There is no Cutie Mark Crusaders with only two ponies. We have always had three. There is no two." She looked at her hooves, tears pouring down her face. "Scootaloo, we love you," she sobbed quietly, her voice becoming a whisper. "We love you so much. And I miss you so much. You were my first and best friend, I love you, please, please come back. Please come back to me." She was about to cry before a pair of hooves wrapped around her, pulling her into the pony's chest softly.

"She loved you too, darling," Rarity whispered to her, rubbing her back. "And we all loved her." Their parents walked into the room and joined in the hug.

"I miss her... I miss her so much," Sweetie cried.

"I know dear," Cookie whispered. She leaned over and nuzzled her head. "I know."

A few minutes after that, Sweetie had cried herself to sleep once again. So Rarity tucked her back underneath the covers and kissed her on the forehead before the three of them left the room, softly shutting the door behind them. Rarity sighed and turned to face her parents, her eyes full of worry. "She's falling," she told them. "I can see it now."

Hondo reminded her, "Well we have to be there for her when it does happen. She's going to be a hoof of thorns in the future."

"Her and Apple Bloom," Cookie added. "They're both taking this pretty hard."

"I would as well if I lost Fluttershy," Rarity commented. Then turned back to the door that was Sweetie's room. There was a little filly in there who just lost her best friend. What next? She sighed and turned back to her parents. "I'll be ready in the morning for a bunch of retaliation and neglect. Are you staying the night?"

"We'll be here in the morning," her mother promised. "We have to get some sleep in. As well as try to plan her future."

"Very well. Good night, mother and father."

"Good night, Rarity." The two of them walked back down the stairs and out the front door before it closed, leaving Rarity alone with her distraught and devastated sister. She looked back at the door once more before she sighed and walked briskly back to her own room to get some rest. Hopefully, Sweetie Belle will have good dreams. Hopefully.


~✶~


The next morning, the same expected thing happened in both of the families. The foals would not get up. No matter how many times they knocked on the door, called for them. They would not move. Eventually, they decided to just leave them alone. All of this was unexpected after all. Nopony expected Scootaloo just to... Leave everypony. It was so abrupt. So instant. Just thinking about it had Applejack leaking small tears while she worked on breakfast. She figured if Apple Bloom wasn't going to come down for breakfast, she would bring it up to her.

She piled the eggs on the plate as well as some flapjacks before she set it on her hoof and turned around. Then nearly screamed at what she saw. Apple Bloom was standing in the doorway to the kitchen with her eyes narrowed and red with tears. She also wasn't wearing her large bow that would be tied behind her hair, so her mane was draped down over her right eye. She did always have a lot of hair. Applejack, Granny Smith, and Big Mac stared wide-eyed at her. They didn't even hear her door open.

"Er... G-good mornin', Applebloom!" Applejack greeted enthusiastically. She didn't respond for ten full seconds.

"I'll t-take my breakfast to go," she stuttered. Applejack sighed. She was trying to push down her feelings. That wasn't going to end well. At all. But Applejack would just let it be for now.

"Okay." She put the food on a foam plate and hoofed it to Apple Bloom who snatched it with her teeth and made her way outside where her saddlebags were, leaving the family in worry. Once the door shut, she set the plate down for a moment so she could put the bags on, then picked it back up again before she made her way towards the entrance of the farm, taking note of all the happy looking trees. Just full of fruit. What the hay were they so happy about?! She ran over to one and bucked it, successfully knocking down all the apples before she continued on her way. Stupid bucking trees mocking her. Mocking Scootaloo.

She stopped for a moment by the gate to eat her food. It was a nice day. Nice day for Twilight's birthday bash. Ugh. And speak of the devil, looks like some Royalty have arrived. She looked up and spotted Princess Cadance and Shining Armor flying by chariot overhead. Don't let the death of her best friend stop you from having your twenty-first, Sparkles.

Apple Bloom groaned and threw her empty plate on the ground before she continued on her trek towards the town. She had somepony to grab. And something important to do. After a few more minutes of walking the dirt path she made her way into the town, eyes on the banners and smiling faces. Why the hay were they so happy?! She sighed loudly before continuing on her way.

Thankfully, nopony stopped her yet. But that could only last but so long. Pinkie slid out in front of her and greeted happily, "Hiya, Applebloom!" Apple Bloom jumped back in surprise before rolling and narrowing her eyes. Looks like Pinkie's okay now. Well... Okay for her. "I made ya' a cake! Have some!" She thrust a slice into her mouth. Applebloom's eyes fly open in shock. She stared at Pinkie, not even moving her eyes or mouth before she spat the cupcake out on the ground.

"MOVE IT, PIE!" Pinkie yelped at her exclamation before she dove to the side, getting out of the raging filly's path. "I don't want no dang cake!" The ponies nearby looked at her in surprise and a little in sadness before she continued along her way, heading towards a certain store and a weird carousel home. She walked through the square and glanced towards the vegetable stand, which was right next to a food table. Looks like the party was going to be underway in a few minutes. Well they're going to have their own.

She walked into a nearby store and grabbed some chemicals, water, and strings. Not to mention tubes and more things. She also grabbed some paint. All different shades of purple and a little orange. Once she paid for it, and ignored the store clerk's rambling, she walked out with her saddlebags full, making her way to the boutique. There was her one remaining friend left in there waiting. And probably still in bed if she's anything like her sister.

On the way, she looked towards the Castle of Friendship, spotting Twilight making her way out the doors. Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadance was right there beside her, including Shining Armor. Making conversation and smiling. Maybe someday she could smile again. Probably not though.

She continued on her way, passing by Sugarcube Corner and soon arriving at Rarity's Boutique. She heard some voices inside before she pushed the door open with a groan. The ponies in there stopped their talking and looked her way, a little surprised. Rarity and her parents were in the kitchen discussing what to do when Apple Bloom walked in with a bag full of stuff. What was she doing with a spray can?

"Oh good morning, precious!" Cookie greeted. "How are you?"

Apple Bloom just rolled her red and teary eyes before she huffed and headed up the stairs, destination apparently obvious.

"Uh, Apple Bloom?" Rarity called out, trying to grab her attention. She continued walking. "Sweetie Belle doesn't want to see anypony right now." She ignored her and stopped at her final friend's door, banging on it.

"Sweetie! Let's go!" She yelled, making the adults' ears ring. "We gotta do this last thing before we call it in!" The door opened immediately, revealing Sweetie Belle's soggy eyes. They stared at each other for a moment before sighing.

"So... This is it?" Sweetie whispered.

"Yeah.....this is it, Sweetie. It's over." Sweetie glanced to the floor before she sniffed and wiped her eyes, nodding in response.

"Alright. Let me get one more thing." she walked back in her room and grabbed her cutie mark crusaders cape before she trotted back to the door. "Let's go." She walked out and closed the door behind her while Apple Bloom walked back down the stairs. She followed along shortly, still sniffling, walking right past Rarity and her parents. She glanced at them for a moment, meeting their worried gazes, before the two walked out the door and Sweetie Belle slammed it behind her. Rarity and the parents shared a glance before shrugging. At least she's out of her room. Hopefully she wouldn't make any mistakes.



"So, Twilight," Shining glanced with a hint of tease in his voice. She glanced over at him from her throne before she rolled her eyes. Here he goes. "How does it feel to be my age when I was your age?" Twilight looked at him in confusion while Cadance chuckled. The party was in full swing at this point, ponies dancing left and right. Including Pinkie Pie, who didn't have much to do except clean up the mess that Applebloom made.

"Well... I guess...fine?" She responded, unsure. "I just turned twenty one this morning. You can't expect me to be old like you, Shining."

Cadance laughed at her husband's shocked face while Twilight just winked at him.

"Uhh... Well, then!" He said, pointing his muzzle up in the air. "I take that as a compliment."

"Whatever you say, Mr. Armor. Isn't Shining Armor old, Flurry?" The foal in her hooves laughed and nodded, not really understanding what was going on. She was biased in this situation anyway. Shining groaned and put his face in his hooves.

"What exactly are we going to do?" A voice said from behind them. Twilight's ears twitched, recognizing that voice. Sweetie Belle. Looks like they're out of the house. She looked over at Celestia and Luna who both were staring back at her in realization. They must've heard her too.

"We're doing this one last thing that she would absolutely love," Apple Bloom answered. They walked past the stage and into view, stopping and staring at the party. She slowly shook her head, tempted to just go over and ruin everything. But she had something to do. Ruining the party could wait. "Something totally... Awesome." The two carried on their way before Sweetie Belle stopped and glanced at the Princesses, who were watching in return. Cadance didn't really know what was going on yet. But those cold and lifeless eyes were a sure indicator it was bad. Sweetie Belle looked back forward before she followed after the emo looking Apple Bloom, who was watching in patience. Once she was close enough they continued on their way.

"What was that about?" Shining asked, looking up at Twilight who sighed and lowered her head.

"Yesterday, tragedy struck Ponyville," she responded, shocking the two of them.

"What?! Is everypony alright?" Cadance asked in worry. Twilight sighed and shook her head,

"Not everypony. A few years ago, there were three fillies. In the past, they were really impatient for their Cutie Marks. So they created a secret society known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. Scootaloo was a special case. She idolized Rainbow Dash and always wanted to fly. She was a pegasus but had a wing deformity where she couldn't get off the ground. It would hinder her, but it wouldn't stop her. Anyway, they would go around trying to find their special talents by trying out different skills, or jobs. You name it, they've done it. And caused a lot of damage in the process." Twilight chuckled a little in nostalgia before continuing. "Eventually, they did get their Cutie Marks. They were all the same shape. Identical. And it was for helping other foals discover their own talents so they could gain their cutie marks. They loved each other. So much that you could never catch them alone. They stuck together and never left each other's side. Until yesterday."

"What happened?" Shining asked. Twilight breathed really hard before she told the tale.

"I don't know the specifics of how it got to this point. But I was doing my Princess duties when a loud, extremely loud, agony and pain-filled screamed pierced through the air. Everypony in Ponyville heard it. And it was a filly's. So I suspected the worse. I quickly gathered up all the foals in Ponyville here in the square. I took an attendance and discovered that Scootaloo wasn't present."

"So she called for us," Celestia took over. "We searched over Ponyville before a guard said she went into the Everfree Forest. We all followed after and quickly searched before we came to a river, or more specifically, rapids."

"Oh no," Shining muttered.

"We paid it no mind before Rainbow pointed something out," Twilight said. "The river goes through different cities to get to the other side of Equestria. So it had a filter in front of it made of... Blades that chop up wood and anything else so it doesn't clog. But at this moment it was clogged. And Rainbow saw and pointed out an orange object at the top of a stopped blade. I quickly rushed over and turned off the machine to get a closer look. But Rainbow Dash recognized it immediately." She sighed and rubbed her eyes before she told them what it was. "It was a wing. A small orange premature pegasus wing. And it was bloody." Cadance gasped and held a hoof up to her mouth. "Celestia and Luna quickly tore apart the blades and I went inside to investigate. And what I found confirmed my worst fears."

"She was..." Shining whispered.

"Yes. She was sucked in. The water inside was still and smelled of blood. A lot of it. She's gone. And her friends aren't taking it well."



The two fillies climbed a hill that overlooked the town of Ponyville below, full of ponies dancing, eating, then they'll be passing out presents. Hmph.

"We're creatin' the big bangs, Sweetie," Applebloom announced. She placed her saddlebags on the ground and dumped out its contents. There were paint cans and a lot of other cans containing some type of powder. As well as a lot more materials. "This powder is what we'll use to create the rockets. We're using the paint to put..." She swallowed hard. "To put her mark on the grass. Our marks. Then we'll go and do the burial."

Sweetie Belle nodded while Apple Bloom blew her long red mane out of the way of her eyes. She took out the materials and prepared the rockets while Sweetie Belle prepared the area for painting. As well as put on her bandana to cover her mouth and nose. Apple Bloom did the same. Once they were ready, they started painting. And building. Constructing. And digging.



It was late afternoon when Twilight's party finished, meaning everypony was about to head home. It was a great day. Even if it was a light packing. Right now, everyone was cleaning up, ignoring the yellow coated, red maned filly knocking on doors and yelling, "Let's go!" Twilight took note of all the foals behind her before she abandoned the line and walked towards the Princesses.

"Where is she?" She asked Twilight. She raised an eyebrow, not truly understanding what she meant before it clicked. She nodded and made her way to the hospital right across from the Square. A few minutes later, she walked back out, levitating the rubber black box and set it on Apple Bloom's back.

"Aren't you going to wait for—"

"Death waits for no pony," Apple Bloom interrupted her. She turned and walked back towards the line of foals, leading them back towards wherever they went earlier, the foals right behind her.

"Should we at least pay our respects to a foal who lost their life unwillingly? It seems they are already doing it." Luna asked.

"Yes," Twilight responded. "Let's go." The group of six royals walked behind the crowd of foals, who were quickly joined by the Elements. Including Rainbow, who was paler than last time. No words were spoken. None had to be. They were soon joined by most of the town, all wanting to pay their respects.

Apple Bloom turned onto a hill where at the very top there was a large black blanket covering up something that was pointing up. But above that, on the grass, there was a pre dug hole. A grave. And Sweetie Belle, who was still wearing her bandana and leaning on a shovel, staring oddly at the group. Her eyes were narrowed like she were upset. But if she was remained a mystery. There were a lot of flowers behind her, mostly Roses and Bouquets.

Once close enough, Apple Bloom turned to the side. Sweetie Belle, making her sister proud, levitated the box containing her wings off her back and held it over the grave.

The foals nearby, Rainbow Dash, and Ms. Cheerilee quickly gathered around and either grabbed a bouquet of Flowers, or a rose and waited. Apple Bloom sighed while Sweetie Belle lowered her Bandana. "Well Scoots," Applebloom said, grabbing everypony's attention. "This is ya' final journey. You never told us ya' didn't have parents. So we're takin' over. Nopony else, you're our friend. The Cutie Mark Crusaders will never be the same without ya'." She stopped and looked at the black blanket before focusing on the box again. "So we're callin' it quits. The Cutie Mark Crusaders have been deprecated." The ponies nearby gasped before she continued. "We are a trio. Not a duo. If the whole trio can't be there, it will not be. The Clubhouse has been locked and every single thing involving the Cutie Mark Crusaders has been archived. So this........will be our last crusade. Here. On the Hill of Greatness. Sweetie Belle?"

Sweetie Belle abandoned her spot and walked towards the black blanket while still levitating the black box. She grabbed a corner of it and ripped it off, making the ponies widen their eyes at what was underneath it. On the grass were perfectly spray painted versions of their Cutie Marks. And directly below that was a purple version of the Cutie Mark Crusaders symbol. And in the middle of the Cutie Marks were rockets. Fireworks. Two of them, on the far left and right, were way smaller than the the one in the middle. Wrapped around each of them were their capes. How they got Scootaloo's they'll never know.

Sweetie Belle walked back to the grave site and handed Apple Bloom a shovel before she lowered the wings slowly into the grave. The ponies nearby walked closer to pay their biggest respects. Once it was softly on the ground below, the two previous crusaders threw in their flowers. They then stepped aside and motioned for everyone else. It took awhile and it was sunset before they had all said their words.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom quickly grabbed their shovels and trotted to the pile of dirt. They both took a scoop of it then turned back around, looking down into the grave. The two shared a glance before nodding and shifting the shovels, sending down the dirt, completing the tradition and causing Rainbow Dash to whimper. Fluttershy wrapped a wing around her, pulling her close.

The Crusaders threw the shovels aside, stood on top of the pile, and started using their hooves to fill in the hole. After five minutes, it was completely full, leaving a small brown patch of dirt on the ground, sticking out amongst the rich green grass around them. Applebloom reached into the saddlebags nearby and pulled out a hoof full of apple seeds and planted them on the grave. Then she grabbed a bottle of water and lightly poured it on the spot. Applejack squeezed her eyes close and smile.

She then tossed the bottle aside and grabbed her bandana from around her neck, placing it over her muzzle. She and Sweetie Belle walked towards the rockets in uniform, and took a seat in front of the grave. "Sweetie Belle? If you would?"

The unicorn glanced at her with her cold eyes before directing her attention back to the rockets and lit her horn. "This is our last crusade, Scootaloo," Sweetie said loudly, making sure everyone heard. "If you're still alive, we hope you can find your way back. And if not, we love you and will always love you. We're about to take flight, Scoots. Hold on. CUTIE MARK CRUSADER ONE! TAKE FLIGHT!"

Applebloom's rocket lit up for a moment before a stream of fire shot out of its end and it launched with a roar. Everyone looked at it soar until it was a faint object. Then it exploded into Apple Bloom's cutie mark.

The Princesses gasped. They were not expecting that. And the design was big enough to cover half of Ponyville.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADER THREE! TAKE FLIGHT!" Sweetie Belle yelled. Her rocket launched into the sky, going at the same height as Apple Bloom's and exploding into Sweetie Belle's cutie mark. Once that was out of the way, they looked towards the large one in the middle and saluted.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADER TWO! TAKE...YOUR VERY FIRST FLIGHT!" Sweetie Belle lit her horn before the giant rocket in the middle took off with a much louder roar. It flew higher and higher, going past the distance of the others before it finally exploded into the biggest explosion Equestria has ever heard. And seen. A giant white light bathed over the darkened town of Ponyville, lighting the whole city, before it disappeared, revealing something beautiful.

It was an Aurora. An Aurora shaped and colored like Scootaloo's cutie mark. Magic. "Congratulations, Cutie Mark Crusader Scootaloo," the two said, grabbing everypony's attention. "You just took your first flight. We love you."
> Chapter 04 - What's The Situation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

White walls, white ceilings. Silence. The only noises in the hospital room that an orange filly with a magenta mane  occupied. She moaned in her sleep and turned over in her bed, unaware that she was even in a bed at all. The beeping of the nearby heart rate monitor increased for a second before it calmed down, allowing her to go back to being motionless in the mess of soft cushions and pillows. After a few more minutes, she groaned, figuring that she wasn't going to go back to sleep, and tried to sit up. Instead, she yelped at the insane amount of pain and fell back against the bed, biting her lip and moaning loud. Her back was killing her. As well as...the rest of her body. Including her head. What was going on? She raised a hoof up and felt around it. There was a large bandage there taped around it. Her entire head. She also felt the same sensation across most of her body.

Finally, she cracked her eyes open and blinked, trying to get a feeling of where she was. Looks like a large white room with chairs across from her, as well as a pole with a beeping box on the right of her. There was a door on the far side that had a window on it. The room was dark and it looked like it was night, based on the windows on the left of her. The curtains were wide open displaying some large and tall city. She seemed to be on top of some building way up in the air. But...where exactly was she? She didn't recognize this place. Not at all.

She didn't even recognize the room. And what she even looked like. Apparently, she had short hair, but that's all she could tell with it wrapped in....whatever it was wrapped in. She flipped the sheets over painfully, and tried to look over the rest of her body. She looked like...she was orange. And small. Did she have an age?

"Where am I? WHO am I? What is going on? Why do I hurt so much?" She weakly and quickly asked herself.

She lied back down and looked to the ceiling trying to get an understanding of everything. She couldn't even remember her name. Well there was something in her mind. Magenta Streak. Was that her name? It could be. She couldn't remember. She couldn't remember a thing.

The door opened. She glanced over and saw a light blue stallion with a white coat on walk in with a clipboard in the coat. He had some pointy thing at the top of his head that made him look weird. He was light blue and had a white mane with light blue kind eyes.

"Hello, there," he greeted calmly with a smile. "I see you're awake. You've been asleep for three whole days, nearly four."

"...huh?" She muttered.

"I'm your Doctor, Sore Health," he clarified. "It's five in the morning by the way." She looked towards the window while he grabbed some things with his magic. The clipboard from his coat and a pen. "Can you tell me your name?"

She glanced back at him and widened her eyes at the floating piece of wood in front of her bed.

"Am....a-am I seeing things, or is your wood thingy floating?" She asked, motioning with her head towards the clipboard.

"Yes, I'm using my magic to hold it," he replied, flipping it around to demonstrate. The filly staref at the clipboard like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

"What's magic?" She asked in wonder. "I want magic! Give me magic!"

The stallion chuckled and shook his head. "I'm afraid you don't have the certain tools to do it."

He pointed up at his horn, catching her eye. She cocked her head to the side in confusion.

"What is that?"

"It's a horn. It's what helps a unicorn focus their magic."

"A Unicorn? What's that?"

"It's a pony with a horn. Like me. Do you...not know what you are–er....were?"

"I'm an orange pony," she responded, shrugging her shoulders before she flinched at the pain. He wrote down some notes with his magic. She gasped at the moving pen and he chuckled at her reaction.

"Okay. Tell me...do you remember what happened?" He asked slowly in suspicion. She glanced around in confusion, trying to figure out what he was talking about.

"I... Don't know. Where am I?"

"You're in the hospital," he responded, taking down some more notes. "You arrived from one of the shores in Manehattan Park with twenty eight cuts, gashes, and deep lacerations, and a lot of blood loss. It's a miracle you survived. I also suspect you have Amnesia."

The filly cocked her head to the side. "What's an Amnesia?"

"Yeaaaaah," he sighed, writing down some more notes. "Yeah, I think you might have it. Let's take a look into your eyes, check your vitals, and give you some sleeping medicine to help you fall asleep. Would you like that?"

"What's medicine?"



The doctor walked out of the bedroom while the magenta haired and orange coated filly was snoring. He sighed and looked at his notes. She obviously had amnesia. She couldn't remember anything that happened before she washed up on the shore. Anything at all. She probably lost her memories due to the traumatic experience and the brain trying to suppress them. And probably from that head wound. It looks like she was cut by something terrible. Either way, he will not be getting any answers anytime soon.

"Doctor?" The blue stallion looked to his left into the worried eyes of one of his nurses. "How is she?"

"She's stable. Thank the stars." The nurse put a hoof over her heart and breathed in relief. Nurse Kind Goldhoof. An orange coated Pegasus with a pink mane and pink eyes. She was a kind hearted soul and always wanted to be a pediatrician. But for now, she decided to be a nurse in the pediatric level of the hospital.

"Although, she seems to have amnesia. She did not know what magic was, or even a clipboard. It's bad. I suspect amnesia with dissociative fugue. She probably can't remember anything she knew before the accident, whatever the hay happened."

"She didn't say what happened?" She asked. 

The doctor shook his head. "No, and I don't think the poor filly remembers. I also don't know if she remembers her own name or anything else basic. Only time will tell. Can you file this, please?" He passed her the clipboard. "Just set it on the desk for now and address it by the room number."

She nodded and quickly scurried off to fulfill the request while he thought. If she can't remember her name, then it'll be so, so, so much harder to locate her parents. Her cutie mark could help, but they'd still have to search every city and district in Equestria. He sighed and walked back to the nurses station to let her rest. She'll wake up again at nine.

Sure enough, seven minutes after nine she cracked her eyes open again, and yelped at the sunlight blaring at her through the window, forcing her to painfully dive under the covers. "Can somepony turn off that light, please?" She asked.

"Sorry, but Princess Celestia has to do that to wake up all the other ponies," a pony said.

The filly raised her eyebrow. She was a female, that much she could tell. But she couldn't see much because of the blanket covering her whole body. "Here, let me close the blinds for you so you can see better." Whoever they were quickly trotted over to the blinds and did something to dim the light in the room. "There. All better."

She lifted the covers slightly and noticed the room was back in a basic lighting. Then lifted the whole sheet and popped her head out with her eyes wide open, ignoring the pain she was causing herself. She looked around and spotted an orange pony with pink eyes and hair, and she had.....?

"What are those?" She asked pointing to the side of the mare. The nurse widened her eyes and looked at her side.

"Oh! These are wings, dear," she answered and opened them for an example, making the filly gasp.

"Ooooo, they're so pretty!" She cooed. The mare laughed and flapped them a little before receding.

"Yes, these are my wings. My name is Nurse Goldhoof. I'm going to be your nurse while you are in the hospital." She turned around and grabbed a marker with her wing and wrote her name on a board behind her.

"You can write with your wing?" She asked. Before the nurse could respond, she cut her off. "No no! Don't tell me!" The woman was just frozen with a grin on her face before she chuckled.

"You are too adorable. Let me show you how to work the bed."

She quickly trotted over and pointed to things on the bed, telling her what they do and how to work them. "I never asked you your name, dear. Can you tell me?" The filly opened her mouth before she got a confused look on her face. She looked around her room, hoping for a clue but she didn't see it.

"I can't remember my name," she said sadly.

"Awww, it's okay," Nurse Goldhoof responded, stroking her bandaged head. "We'll figure something out."

"But I do remember something. Magenta Streak. Is that a name?" She pondered.

"It sure sounds like one. I'll let the doctor know. Do you need anything?"

"I'm thirsty."

"I'll grab you some water." She patted her on the head again before she quickly left to fulfill the request, leaving the filly alone by herself again. So she looked around her room. There were some armchairs, a large pill thing on a table beside her, and another cube thing right above and in front of her bed. What did the nurse call it again? A television?

Before she could ponder it further the door opened again, allowing the doctor and the nurse, who was pushing in a cart with food and other things on it, to walk in.

"Good, you're up again," he said while walking towards her. The nurse closed the door and walked over to the bed holding a glass cup filled with water and a straw. "I heard you remembered a name?"

"Yeah, Magenta Streak. I don't know if it's my name though."

"Well you have magenta hair and magenta eyes," he pointed out. "It could be your name. So we'll just file you as Magenta Streak." The nurse set the cup of water into her hooves and positioned the straw by her mouth. Magenta went ahead and took a sip, humming at the relief.

"Now, we're going to look at your cuts and gashes in a few minutes okay?" She asked her. Magenta nodded her head and continued drinking her water while the doctor checked her vitals, checking her health. After doing that, she set the cup down and pointed at the box in the corner.

"What's that?"

The doctor looked over at what she was pointing at. "That's a television. It displays moving pictures for fun, important information, along with other things. Not many cities have them. Manehattan is just one that does. It's still new."

"And what's that?" She pointed to the large pill thing beside her bed.

"That's a radio, dear," the nurse told her. "It plays music and other things. So instead of watching moving photos, you hear words, sounds, and tunes."

"Oooo, music? I like music!" Magenta said proudly.

"Well we'll turn it on later and let you have some music okay?" Doctor Health told her. "Right now, we need to check your cuts and gashes. You are one very lucky filly." Magenta cocked her head to the side in confusion while Doctor Sore Health started unwrapping the bandages. "This is going to hurt a little okay?" Before she could respond he took off the bandage, exposing the deep gash on her arm. She grimaced in pain.

"OWWW! Ow ow ow ow ow~!!" She yelled in protest, the torture of having those gashes touched were like someone poking her with a branding iron.

"Magenta, look me in my eyes, okay?" The nurse said, catching her teary eyed expression. "You're okay, alright? you're doing great. What things do you like to do?" The nurse gave her a small smile, and it was like all the other feeling just disappeared. After that the doctor looked over the rest of her body. They didn't want to put her under every time they had to check on her gashes, and they didn't want to numb her every time either. So they just had to do it the therapeutic way.

"You have weird eyes," Magenta commented, poking at her muzzle. The nurse went cross-eyed for a moment before she chuckled.

"You do too, Magenta." She bopped her lightly on her nose, making her laugh and swat at her hoof. The nurse chuckled while the doctor watched, a little intrigued with the relationship they've already formed. She was a friendly filly. He shook his head and paid attention back to his work. There were so many cuts on her. Her barrel was practically ruined, and her wings were gone. Not to mention her memories. He had to check how that was doing later on in the day.

"Okay, Magenta," he said, catching her attention, she looked over her shoulder at him. "We're going to put you on your side so we can evaluate the wounds from your removals. Okay?"

"What do you mean 'removals'?" She asked while she positioned herself. The doctor widened his eyes then turned to the nurse.

"Wanna help me with this?" He whispered.

She glared at him nonchalantly before sighing. This was not going to be easy. She looked back up to the confused filly and gave her a sad smile. "Sweet pea? When you were brought here from the park, the medical team in the chariot noticed....you had massive slits in your back and discovered...you were a pegasus. Like me. You had wings."

"You're a pegasus?" She asked before it dawned on her too, causing her to gasp. "I'm a pegasus? I can fly?!" The nurse bit her bottom lip.

"When you were brought here," she said carefully, patting her hoof. "Your wings......were gone."

"What we're trying to say," the doctor added while applying some cream to the painful slits. "Is that you won't be able to fly. Because your wings were taken from you by the same thing that did this damage to you." Magenta lost her happy look, instead being replaced by a downtrodden one. Her face scrunched up before she sniffled. Nurse Goldhoof got close to her before she started crying into her coat.

"It's okay," she whispered, stroking her head. "It's okay....you're still Magenta, no matter what happened to you. And if it makes you feel better we can do something together during my lunch, okay?" Magenta raised an eyebrow but nodded nonetheless. She felt like she could use a friend right now. Goldhoof continued stroking her mane while the doctor continued applying the cream.

After a rough five more minutes, the cleansing was complete and the doctor backed away after wrapping the gauze back around her barrel and head. "Okay, Magenta. We're finished here. We'll leave you to your breakfast now. If you need anything, hit the button on the remote." Nurse Goldhoof let her go, allowing her to sniffle and get her bearings while she rolled the table of food in front of her. She set another glass of water on the table before she leaned down and gave her another love filled hug.

"It's all going to be alright," she whispered before slipping away and walking out the door with the doctor. Once it was closed, Magenta looked at her hooves and the gashes that riddled them. She needed something to cover up her body. Right now she was all wrapped up in gauze except in some places like her front hooves, which were only covered by small bandages. The gashes there were still deep and were definitely going to scar. And there was nothing she could do about that. But she could at least cover up her body. With a lot of clothing. But that was a problem for another time. Right now, she was in a.....hospital, and had to rest, apparently. Man, how she wished she had her memories back. It was like she could remember a little of the basic stuff, but not enough to help herself.

She looked down at her food and grabbed a pancake with her hooves. It smelled good. Her stomach was rumbling up a storm.



A warm and strong breeze caused a nearby field of dandelions to lose their seeds, which blew out and away from their normal location. They floated over the field of apple trees on Sweet Apple Acres, creating a beautiful sight to anypony watching. Warming their hearts for this summer. Some of them flew off course and went to settle somewhere else while the rest just floated with the wind, going higher and higher until it reached the top of a hill. A hill that had been spray painted with four symbols. The symbols of three ponies' cutie marks and their society.

The one in the middle was a lightning bolt in the center of a wing, in the middle of a shield. Right below it was a bigger version of another symbol. A blue shield with the yellow silhouette of a foal wearing a cape. The paint was permanent and was not coming out of the grass unless you dug it up. Even if you cut it, it was not coming out.

Right above it were two fillies who were laying against each other, side by side on their stomachs, snoring lightly, facing the town. One was a yellow earth pony that had a long red mane covering her right eye while the right one was a light gray unicorn with a light purple and light pink mane. Both were sleeping silently. Until a daffodil seed landed on the yellow one's nose. Her ear twitched before her eyes slowly fluttered open, narrowing at the seed. She sighed and blew out a huff of air, forcing the seed to fall off and for the other filly to groan.

"Applebloom," she whispered, catching her attention. She looked over and raised an eyebrow. Sweetie was still asleep but said her name? What was she dreaming about? Well whatever it was, it was making her smile a beautiful smile. She leaned over and nuzzled her cheek.

"Wake up, Sweetie Belle," Applebloom whispered into her ear. She nuzzled her mane before Sweetie groaned and fluttered open her eyes. She lifted her head and yawned, then looked around at her surroundings. The stuff from last night was still lying around on the ground. The shovels, water bottles, saddlebags, empty paint cans, and....a photograph. She reached over and picked it up, looking at it.

It was a picture of them all. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and herself. They were maybe ten in this picture. It looked like they were posing for their cutecenera. When they were all with each other. She sighed and shed a small tear before she stuffed the photograph back into the saddlebag. Applebloom noticed and wrapped a hoof around hers, catching her gazing eyes.

"I miss her too, you know," Applebloom whispered. She still wasn't wearing a smile. Always serious. Well...more than likely from here on out.

"What... What do we do now?" Sweetie asked calmly. "The CMC has been disbanded."

Apple Bloom sighed and looked down at the town of Ponyville. "Well whatever comes our way. You can sing well, so I think you should pursue that. And....I don't know what ah'm going to do. But I'll figure it out."

"Applebloom—"

"Ah'll figure it out, Sweetie Belle," she interrupted before sighing. "Yesterday was tough on us both. We need time to recuperate. Take it easy."

"I think... I think we've gotten more mature since all of this."

Applebloom nodded in agreement before she looked behind her at the patch of dirt. "She'll always be with us. In spirit, you know?" Sweetie Belle nodded and stood up.

"Yeah. Now...it is time for her to rest. Peacefully," she said. Apple Bloom nodded sadly in agreement before she too stood up, and looked behind her.

"I'll be waterin' those seeds everyday," she claimed. "And that tree will grow. Have a peaceful rest, Scoots." The two turned around and made their way down the hill, walking side by side and in unison. They walked over the dried memorial, making their way towards town. And leaving the filly to peace.

"I'll probably just help out on the farm," Applebloom said suddenly, catching Sweetie's attention. "But to find other ponies who need help findin' their special talent? I can't do it anymore. It reminds me too much of Scoots."

"Me neither," Sweetie Belle said. "You know, we have to tell Babs." Applebloom slowed to a stop, remembering the other crusaders. "And Gabby."

Applebloom sighed then nodded her head. "Well I have nothing goin' on. I'll probably call the both of them over. Send a letter or something. I'll ask the Princess if she can do it. You headin' home?"

"Yeah," She responded, walking towards the home before stopping. She turned around with that cold look on her face. "And our Cutie Marks?" Apple Bloom looked down at her own flank, seeing the purple shield.

"We should probably keep 'em, for now anyway." Sweetie nodded and continued on her quest to the Carousel Boutique whilst Apple Bloom split off to head to the castle. Twilight was no doubt in there reading a book or something. Probably doing some research. Or opening presents. She remembered seeing her grab the presents last night and take them into the castle. But she probably didn't open them yet since it was so late. And she had her princess duties, so.....

"Wow... Sweetie's right, we've gotten so grown in the last few days," she said as she walked up to the castle doors. She grabbed the handle and pulled it open to reveal the shiny castle interior.

Deeper in Apple Bloom traveled, listening for any movement. She heard some talking resonating from down the hallway, towards, of course, the map room. She rolled her eyes at her own thoughtlessness and made her way quickly down the crystal hall. She was not going to enjoy the talk they would have when the others come. Not at all.

The voices were becoming more coherent at this point and she could make out Twilight, Spike, Starlight, and two other ponies she couldn't place. She sighed and stopped at the door, raising a hoof to knock. Applebloom hesitated for some unknown reason before groaning and knocking away, waiting patiently for a response. They shuffled before: "Come in."

She pushed the door open and walked inside, finally recognizing those voices she heard. Trixie and Princess Cadance. Shining Armor was there as well but it was probably just to listen in.

"Hello, Applebloom," Princess Cadance greeted.

"Hey," she greeted. Princess Cadance took note of her tone. It sounded so...wrong. "Princess Twilight. I need you to send a letter to Griffonstone, please."

Twilight looked at her oddly before nodding and grabbing a nearby empty scroll and quill. "Okay, who am I making this out to?"

"Just write what I say please. 'Dear, Gabriella. I need you to come to Ponyville as soon as possible. We have to tell you something very important. We are sending for Babs Seed as well. Be advised, this is not a friendly visit. This is business for a serious moment. Your friends... Applebloom and Sweetie Belle.'"

Twilight glanced up at her before she wrote down the rest.

"Done." She passed it over to Spike who blew his flames over it, sending it on its way. "And it's sent."

"Thank you, Princess." Apple Bloom turned around and began walking back towards the door.

"Applebloom." She stopped and looked over her shoulder at Princess Cadance who was making her way towards her. "You don't have to be depressed about all this, you know. You don't have to quit being a Cutie Mark Crusader."

"You don't understand," she whispered, turning around to look up to her. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders were always a trio for a reason. We just didn't make the Crusaders just to make it and do dumb things. We were organized and had a system. Even if the Cutie Mark Crusaders weren't disbanded yesterday, in the very near future it would be. There were three main crusaders for a reason in case of an argument. There's the left hoof, and there's the right hoof. Then finally, there's the one in the middle to bring them together. With only two, there would be disharmony. No decision would be made, we would just be arguin'. Back an' forth, back an' forth. And we did that a lot. The moment Scoots......." She swallowed hard before she continued. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders ended the second she left us. And it won't be comin' back."

"Then what are you going to do?" Twilight asked, getting out of her seat and making her way towards the two. "Your special talent is helping ponies find their special talent."

"I'm going to do absolutely nothing. Probably help out on the farm, but that's it. Stay in Ponyville and work. I told Sweetie Belle to go and be a singer. She has an amazing voice and she should use it. Me? I have nothing but farming. So, I'm just going to do what I can here and live with it. The Cutie Mark Crusaders is gone. It took us out with it. We're just going to do what we can now. Goodbye, Princesses."

She turned back around and made her way out the door before they could say something.

Starlight sighed and shook her head in sadness. "This is not going to end well," she said. "It's obvious she's devastated by Scootaloo."

"I wonder how Sweetie Belle's taking this," Shining wondered out loud. "Yesterday, she looked....cold."

"And lifeless," Cadance agreed as she took a seat next to her husband. "I don't exactly know them very well. But from what Twilight's told us, they seemed very lively in the past."

"That is an understatement," Twilight responded with a chuckle. "They were energized. About as much as Pinkie Pie if they were party ponies. They were always trying to do something different. Each and every day. To see them like this will put a damper on everypony in Ponyville. And when their friends come it will probably get much worse. But...I'm also concerned for Rainbow Dash. We only saw her at the funeral. But when Scootaloo was declared deceased....it was like Rainbow left with her. She cried. Hard. And she never cried around us before except when Tank, her pet turtle, went through hibernation. And that was nothing like this time around. She was crying like she herself was dying. And...I'm scared for her."

"Why don't we check on her?" Starlight suggested.

Twilight sighed in response. "I don't know. She's likely still grieving. But if I hear that she doesn't come back down from her home in two more days, I'm going to go check up on her. Because I have a bad feeling that if she doesn't...we'll have another huge problem on our hooves."
> Chapter 05 - One More Time
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After breakfast, Magenta was busy with just looking out the window as best as she could from her bed. You can't really see much if you're not moving. But every now and then a bird or something would land on the sill and look at her through the glass. Then they would fly away. Sometimes they would also sing a song of some sort. It would make her smile in the midst of all of this pain. She glanced back down at herself, taking note that one of her gashes on her right hoof was closing. It still hurt a ton. But at least it was closing. So....there's that.

Magenta groaned and lifted her hooves up and down, getting out the stiffness. The doctor told her to do that every now and then. So she promised that she would. She was still bummed that she didn't have wings anymore. She at least wanted to see what she looked like with them on. But the doctor said there's only long slits back there now. He was definitely not pulling any punches.

Magenta looked over her shoulder, hoping to see what he was talking about. Unfortunately, she was still wrapped up in a bunch of white gauze, so she couldn't tell. She sighed and let her hooves fall to the side, sending a jolt of pain up her arms.

"When will this...disaster—I think—end?!" She yelled to herself. After a few more seconds of silence, she looked down at the remote sitting next to her and cocked her head to the side. How do you work it again? She clicked the button that had a circle with a line going through the top of it, having the desired effect.

"—and today we have a special guest!" She looked up at the box to see it turned on and displaying what looked like....a room with two ponies in it. One of them was a mare with a long flowing red mane while the other was a stallion that just had a simple stubble.

"Her name? Songbird Serenade!" The show erupted into cheers as a yellow pegasus walked out onto stage with black and yellow hair covering her eyes. How could she see?

Magenta watched it for a little while, intrigued by her story. And she sung very well. Made her want to sing too. Maybe someday she could. Once she was out of this hospital she would, she promised herself. Who knows, maybe she could sing good. She looked left and right, making sure she was alone before she sung a little tune. She gasped, realizing she sounded so girly. But it was a nice type of girly. She did it again, this time a little louder and with much more vibrato. Is that what Songbird called it? When her voice just goes in and out like that? Well either way? She could do it. She stopped and looked back up at the television in wonder. Maybe one day she could make a song, have it go "viral", and become a star. A sensation that ponies everywhere will be inspired by.

Magenta smiled and continued watching the television. She was going to request to listen to the radio later. These electronics could be her source of inspiration.....wait.....how did she know that word? How did she know any of those...oh yeah, Songbird said it and it was obvious what it meant. Oh well.



Applebloom trudged back to the farm with the tools from four nights ago in a wagon, that she was pulling with her teeth. She had to put everything back where she got it from. She needed more muscle for the hard tasks ahead if she was going to help out on the farm all the time. Yeah, she bucked that tree without any strain but that was out of anger. She was full of rage. And is STILL full of rage. She was mad. Mad at herself for getting Scootaloo killed. It was her idea to sling her into the air that resulted in utter embarrassment, her running away, falling in the water and getting hurt by those filters. She sighed as she pulled the wagon into the barn. She would never forgive herself.

Gabby and Babs were indubitably going to be there soon. Gabby lived alone and Babs is usually sent here by family. So there may be some more adults here. Maybe. She probably should've let them know where to meet her. But they'll no doubt meet at the clubhouse or at the farm. Both of them have only met each other once before in the past, during a–what they called–CMC summit. Basically just a big planning meeting that lasted two days. A place where they could all hang out and relax, not to mention plan for the future. She remembered when Scootaloo would say, "Be quiet! We're being cool over here" to any other ponies watching them lay back in beach chairs in the middle of the square. That was a dare by Babs but it had backfired when they all enjoyed it and decided to do that again every year.

She chuckled and shook her head at that memory as she walked into a corner of the barn. She wished they had taken more pictures of them all together. They rarely did it. Only taking photographs of the ponies they helped who had earned their cutie marks. She set the tools and items back where they were before, minus her own things, and stalked towards the door with her head held low. Those were some good times.

"Applebloom?" She glanced up once she walked out the door, seeing her older sister standing there with a worried look on her face. "We need ta' talk."

"Talk then. I have nothin' else goin' on," she responded, walking past her and out to the apple field. Applejack sighed and followed after her.

"Do you really think stoppin' the Cutie Mark Crusadin' you girls been doin' is goin' to solve anything?" Applebloom stopped and turned around with an angry look on her face.

"There is nothin' to solve!" She retorted, making Applejack jump a little."The Cutie Mark Crusaders died the second she did. The second we launched her, she was gone and so was the CMC. It was all my idea. I got angry and I took it out on her and caused her to be embarrassed, run away and fall into the river with no hope of escape. It was all my fault!"

"Applebloom!" Applejack scolded before she pulled her into a hug. "It wasn't your fault. Yes, you caused her to be embarrassed, but falling in the river....it just happened. That's just how things go sometimes. Everything is alright one second and then a giant boulder come in and crushes it all. It is no ones fault, sister."

"Applejack, listen," She muttered as she backed out of her embrace then sighed. "Either way, the CMC is disbanded. The Cutie Marks we have earned are meaningless now. I don't know how, but we'll soon be getting rid of them."

"Aw, buck no!" Applejack exclaimed. "You are not gettin' rid of that cutie mark! Ya' worked too hard for that!"

"And it was all for nothin' Applejack!" She retorted. "We can't make decisions with only two ponies, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders have always been a trio! We can't just break that. And there is no other Crusaders like the originals! The Legends! The Cutie Mark Crusaders who have done what we've done for years do not exist! It's over, Applejack! And there's nothin' you can do to change mah' mind!"

She turned around and headed towards the farmhouse where two ponies and one Griffon were waiting for her. Sweetie Belle, Babs Seed, and Gabby. The two of them were wearing smiles, but instantly lost it the second she approached them. They got here way early. They must've been around. Applejack sighed from behind and watched her walk away before she turned around and went back to bucking.

"Hi, Applebloom!" Gabby greeted, coming over and pulling her into a bone crushing hug. The Filly grunted and decided to let her have her fun. "Your summons sounded urgent so we came over as fast as we could." She let her go and allowed her space.

"Yeah, what's goin' on, cousin?" Babs Seed asked. "And why is your hair so... Gloomy?" Apple Bloom sighed before she waved for them all to follow. She turned around and walked back up the farm, heading towards the entrance. Gabby and Babs shared a look before following after her while Sweetie Belle walked beside her friend.

After a few more minutes they walked out of the entrance and up the road, seemingly headed into town. After awhile, Babs decided to break the silence. "You guys are actin' really weird," she said, glancing between Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. "What happened?"

"And where's Scoots?" Gabby asked.

"We're taking you to her," Sweetie Belle answered quietly. "Be patient." The two new arrivals shared a nervous look once more before plunging back into the quiet atmosphere. Almost reaching the town, the two turned a sudden right and walked up a hill, leading the Griffon and the Manehattanite. Gabby looked at the hill in front of her and took note of the painting.

"Whoa! Did you three do this?" She asked. Babs was also impressed, evident from her expression.

"Us two," Sweetie Belle responded. "Us two did this."

"So... Scootaloo wasn't around?" Babs answered. Sweetie and Apple Bloom shared a glance before Apple Bloom responded.

"She was.... Unavailable. But also the reason we did it." They stopped at the top of the hill and turned around to face them. "You said you wanted to see Scoots?" The two shared a look before nodding. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle stepped to the side, revealing the patch of dirt.

"She's right here," Sweetie Belle told them sadly, gesturing to the dirt. "Say what you want, she will listen."

The two stared at the dirt for a second, not totally getting it before it dawned on them.

"No...." Babs whispered. "No, this can't be happening."

"That's what I thought too," Apple Bloom responded, facing the town and taking a seat. "That this can't be happenin'. But we saw the proof. Every foal in town saw the proof. The Princesses themselves all saw the truth and told us. She was sucked into a filter. The only part that remained were her wings."

The two other crusaders were in shock. Trying to process what was going on. "We buried what we had two days ago on this hill and created a memorial," Sweetie Belle informed them. "We have also decided that in light of this situation that the Cutie Mark Crusaders is no more. It's over."

Gabby broke down into tears while Babs just stared at the grave. She can't be gone....she just can't be gone. "She ain't dead."

"Babs, we—"

"She's. Not. Dead." She repeated, cutting off Apple Bloom. "I can feel it, she's not gone. Gravely injured, yeah. But dead, no. Scootaloo's a fighter. And I won't believe she's gone until I see it myself."

Apple Bloom sighed and looked over at Gabby, who was crying into her claws. She had a feeling beforehoof that somepony was going to start an investigation. "Well feel free to go out and look," she said with a wave of her hoof. "If you do find her body, just let us know. But I really doubt she's out there. If she didn't get killed by those filters, then she more than likely drowned. Those channels go for miles and are connected ta' each and every town in Equestria. Not ta' mention her wings are....." She swallowed hard, pushing back the tears. "If she is alive, then she will be hurt. Bad. Probably unrecognizable."

"Or probably not," Babs responded, walking over to her. "Applebloom...just because a pony said she lost her wings—"

"Babs," she interrupted. "That wasn't the only thing. You're missing the dangers of going through a filter. If you survive going through it, you will still be in the water with open wounds. For hours. Those channels are long and go for miles. She would have bled out by now! And would come out the other end... Lifeless. There is absolutely no way she could've survived somethin' like that. If she did, it's a miracle and I encourage you to go and look for her. Go everywhere if you have the know-how, even the Frozen North if you think that'll help. But we both know there's a very small chance of her bein' alive."

"Well I'm takin' that chance. I'm not givin' up on Scoots and neither should you," she responded. Then turned to Gabby who was still shedding silent tears and walked over to her. "Gabby?"

The Griffon turned to her and sniffled. "Y-Yeah, I know. You want me to help you find her," she responded, wiping her eyes with a claw. "I will. Whether she's alive or not, we will find her."

The two main crusaders shared a glance before sighing.

"Fine," Sweetie Belle agreed. "Fine, if....if you think you can find her, we're not going to stop you. The first place to begin would be the Channel in the Everfree Forest." She pointed a hoof behind her at the gloomy landmark in the distance. "We haven't actually been in there yet."

"Well we're goin' in. You're welcome to join us if you want startin' tomorrow mornin'." Babs walked over to the grave and sighed with sad but determined eyes. "Scoots...we're goin' to find you and bring you back, ya' got that? You're alive, I can feel it. So Gabby and I are goin' investigatin'. We'll find you. No matter how long it takes, we're goin' to find you. We love you, Scootaloo." She turned around and walked back to the Griffon, who was waiting for her, and jumped on her back. "Let's go." Gabby took off into the air, sending a gust of wind onto the two other Crusaders.

The two watched them fly away, soaring towards the forest. "What's stoppin' us from joinin' 'em?" Applebloom asked.

Sweetie sighed and shook her head. "Nothing. We're just....depressed. But you know what? They're right. The only evidence we have that Scootaloo is...you know, were her wings. But she could still in fact be alive."

"I wouldn't place my bits on that," Applebloom muttered. "But I see your point. She could be and she could not be......we just have to be strong and search. Scoots wouldn't want us to sit around and not take action. We're goin' after her." The two shared a look before they smiled. The first smile they had since hearing the news.

"Right now?" Sweetie Belle asked. Applebloom grabbed her hoof and gave it a firm squeeze.

"Go and pack your things. I have a feelin' we won't be livin' in Ponyville anymore."

"What about our—"

"They ain't gonna stop us from searchin'. We need to learn more about this. We ain't givin' up on Scoots just yet. Now go and make up a note or somethin' and I'll do the same. Don't forget to bring whatever you think we might need." The two ran off the hill and went to their respective homes to grab their things. As well as some bits for some items they might need for the long future ahead. Hopefully all of this won't be a lost cause. Hopefully. One more final crusade.



Magenta was humming a little tune by the time the doctor got back, having got a melody? Yeah, a melody in her head. It was a good tune. Or what she thought was good.

"Hey, there," Sore Health greeted, walking in with her nurse. She was pushing in another cart with food on it. The doctor was once again holding a clipboard in his magic, but she also had a feeling that this clipboard held something up there important. And not just for her health.

"So, we have some news for you. We've decided that due to your extensive wounds we're going to keep you in here for a month. Now don't worry, this will be your home until we can find you one. But if and when we do, it will more than likely be a foster or an orphanage. A foster home is where a pony is granted to take care of you until you're ready to go on your own. And an orphanage is where foals such as yourself are kept if their parents are gone or unable to take care of them. You don't really see it everyday, but there are some foals who don't have parents. We're hoping we can find yours."

Magenta glanced up at her nurse who was busy checking her...vitals by her bedside, whatever that is. "So.....I probably won't be going back to...wherever I came from?" Magenta asked.

"Unless we find your parents in the span of a month, you'll more than likely be staying in Manehattan."

"So I'll be in this room for a month?"

"Oh no, you can go out. Just let a nurse know by pressing the remote so we can assist you."

"Is your head hurting sweetie?" Nurse Goldhoof asked her. Magenta shook her head and the nurse wrote some things down. "Okay. Well here's your lunch."

She grabbed the table behind her piled with food before she thought of something. "Have you used the bathroom yet?"

Magenta shook her head. "Do you have to go?" She nodded. "Okay let me help you up." Nurse Goldhoof set down her things and quickly trotted over to the other side of the bed. She used her wings to flip the covers off the patient and pushed some plastic steps from the corner next to the bed. "Roll onto your stomach, Magenta."

She did as asked before she pushed herself up into a standing position on shaky hooves. It hurt. It hurt a lot.  She grunted in response. "Take it one step at a time," the doctor told her, coming over to assist. Magenta put one hoof out and grimaced at the sensation. It was like a bolt of lightning shot up her leg. She did the same with her rear hoof. Same sensation. After a few more seconds, she made it to the steps.

"Take it easy on these, okay?" Nurse Goldhoof warned. Magenta nodded quickly before she took her fist step on something hard ever since being admitted. She whimpered at the feeling. It hurt worse than the bed, probably because it was so hard. She put her other hoof right beside it, having the same reaction. Then she moved her rear hooves right behind it, feeling the same affect.

"Okay, try to walk down the steps now," the doctor instructed. She took it one hoof at a time, having gotten to the floor in three minutes since she had to take a bunch of breaks. Turning slowly, she began to walk towards the bathroom.

"You're doing great, Magenta," her nurse said. Her legs got a little wobbly from so much exertion, but she pressed on. Not only to seem strong....but because she really had to go. Like bad. Finally, after four minutes of slow walking, she managed to cross the room and get to the bathroom. The nurse gave her a pat on the head while she walked in. "I'll be right outside if you need me, okay?" Magenta sat down and nodded before the nurse closed the door, allowing her to have her space and privacy.

After she was done sighing in relief and relieving herself, the nurse opened the door and allowed her to get back out. There was a handle at the bottom of the door for Magenta, but she didn't feel like lifting her hoof that much right now. She was huffing and puffing from the pain she had endured just to walk to the bathroom. She sighed and began the journey back to the bed.

"You're probably wondering why we can't just carry you," Nurse Goldhoof said, causing Magenta's ear to twitch. She nodded in interest. Why weren't they doing that? "Well, this is part of your physical therapy. The more you move, the more your body will adapt and adjust to your situation."

"Wha...what's adapt?" She wheezed, breathless.

"It's when you figure out solutions to your problem and use them during that time. So if I was sick, I adapt by using soap, having tissue nearby, and eating healthy foods to help me get better." Magenta nodded in understanding before she went back to her walking. Man, this hurt a lot. Eventually, after six minutes, she made it to the steps.

"Okay, it's over," the doctor congratulated her before he helped lift her onto the bed with his magic. He laid her on her back and helped her get comfortable, laughing at her confused face. "I didn't let you get on the steps because it would reopen your wounds. You have some gashes on your knees and ankles as well. We don't want your bones being exposed and having to restart the healing."

"Okay....okay," she breathed out.

"Remember, if you want to go somewhere on this floor, please let us know," Nurse Goldhoof told her with a smile. "You're not the only special little filly on this floor, you know." She reached up with her hoof and lightly bopped the filly on her nose. "Boop."

Magenta cocked her head to the side before she let out a small giggle. Then strained to lift her own. Seeing this, the nurse put her muzzle closer, allowing her to do her own. Magenta stopped her hoof right above it before she let it drop onto her muzzle carefully. "Boop," she responded. The nurse chuckled and ruffled her head.

"You are too adorable," she whispered. "Are you hungry? Tired?"

"I am a little tired," she responded, her eyelids drooping.

"Okay. We'll let you get some sleep and check up on you every few minutes, okay?" Magenta nodded before she closed her eyes, almost immediately snoring.

"Wow, that must've taken a lot out of her," Doctor Soft Hooves whispered from the side. He saw the whole spectacle. "It's impressive how you've already formed a bond with her."

"To be honest, I've never felt this way around other children like I do around her," she whispered back without taking her eyes off of her. "There's just something special about her."

"I'll say. Earlier, I heard her sing." She looked at him in confusion. "I was walking by to go and check on another patient when I heard her making some noises. So I stopped, thinking that she was maybe groaning in pain. But it was her humming. And singing. It was beautiful. Really beautiful."

Goldhoof looked back down to her and smiled. "Either way, she's a truly special little filly. She should not be alive with all these gashes and wounds on her. Yet, here she is. Let's leave her to rest." The two tiphoofed out of the room, and silently shut the door behind them.

"Nurse Goldhoof, Nurse Goldhoof!" A filly called from behind her. Her wings shot open in surprise before she whirled around to the white little pegasus behind her in a light blue gown.

"Yes, Bright Snow, what is it?" She asked with a smile. "Is something wrong?"

"Who's that?" She pointed to the room they just came out of.

"It's a new patient, dear. She's sleeping right now."

"Can I meet her sometime? Huh? Huh? Can I?" She asked excitedly, her bright blue eyes wide in excitement. The nurse sighed. This one was such a handful.

"Maybe later. She's really exhausted right now and needs to heal. Just like you. You can't fly with two shattered wings, dear."

"Awwweeee!" She whined, throwing her head back. She was only eight years old and loved meeting new friends. Sadly, she lost both of her parents in an accident that involved a falling balcony on one of the buildings downtown. So she was going to have to go into an orphanage. These two fillies will probably end up going to the same one if it came to that point. It just might.
> Chapter 06 - Planning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Magenta's been in the hospital for a full week now, having plenty of time to get used to her predicament. As well as relearn some things about Equestria. So far, things were improving, albeit slowly. She had to relearn mostly everything that every foal would learn when they first go to school. With the exception of the alphabet, colors, and basic vocabulary.

"So what's Equestria again?" She asked Goldhoof that morning after she walked in to check her vitals and change her bandages. Magenta seethed through her mouth when the nurse removed the gauze and the gashes were exposed to the elements once more, throbbing in pain. It was going to be at least three to four months until they were all healed completely, the doctor told her. Magenta was facing away from her, her back turned to allow her access to the lacerations and gashes.

"Equestria is the land you live in," Nurse Goldhoof responded. She dipped her hoof in a small container and began applying some cream. "Your wounds are healing up nicely. Well, as best as they can anyway."

"So who's Celestia?"

"Celestia is one of the Princesses that rule over Equestria." She checked something off on the clipboard before she went back to applying some more cream. Magenta grimaced at the pressure before she asked another question.

"How many Princesses are there?"

Goldhoof glanced up while she thought. "Four. Princess Twilight, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadance."

"Why are there so many?"

Goldhoof sighed and shrugged. "To be honest, I have no idea. They all have different duties and responsibilities. Princess Twilight is the Princess of Friendship. She helps ponies who have lost their way to friendship and peace to get back on the right path. Princess Celestia is the main ruler, the Princess of the Sun and her teacher. She raises and lowers the sun that wakes you up in the morning that annoys you so much." Magenta laughed in agreement. "Her sister is Princess Luna. The Princess of the Night. She raises and lowers the moon. Bringing peaceful night to you and helps bring you out of nightmares shall you ever have one."

"Wait, she can go in my dreams?" Magenta asked in confusion.

"Yes. She's done it to me plenty of times; and to every foal on this floor, I'm sure." She applied some cream to her wing slits, careful with the stitching they had recently applied to all of the gashes.

"So she just walks into a dream?"

"Yes. She lets herself in."

"Isn't it more polite to knock first?" She asked again, making the nurse chuckle. "I mean, my dream could be very embarrassing, and she just walks in. That is very rude."

"Why don't you tell her that?"

"You tell her that." The two laughed a little before she moved onto the next slit.

"It looks like all of these gashes are going to scar, Magenta," she said sadly. The filly sighed and nodded her head.

"I know," she replied sadly. "I don't want ponies looking at me like I'm some freak. I already feel like one."

"You're not, sweet pea. And I wouldn't want that either. But you got to see the beauty in your lacerations." Magenta looked over her shoulder at her, giving her a look of skepticism. "Don't give me that, these wounds tell a story. They say....you survived. Whatever happened to you, you weren't supposed to survive it. In fact, you didn't until the ponies who picked you up from the beach resuscitated you."

"Resuscitated?"

"When they bring you back to life." She gently sat Magenta up and grabbed some gauze from the table behind her to wrap around her barrel and legs. "They restarted your heart. And you lived. Now you can enjoy the life of a foal. Sort of."

"Yeah, but....I can't remember anything before. Everything I knew is...gone."

"Then it is time to make new memories," Goldhoof suggested while wrapping the gauze around her. "Find friends and have fun before you turn into an adult. What do you want to do? What has interested you so far?"

"Singing. I...I enjoy singing."

Goldhoof grinned and announced, "Oh yeah! The doctor said he overheard you one time and that you sounded really good. He was impressed." Magenta's eyes widened. The doctor liked her voice?

"Are you sure the doctor said that?" She asked, looking at her skeptically. The nurse chuckled and nodded.

"Yes. Actually, I'm really interested in what you can do too. Care to sing for me sometime before you get released in the future? I really want to hear you." Magenta looked up in thought before she nodded happily. "Are you ready for breakfast?" She happily nodded again before the nurse pulled the table in front of her, stacked high with food. The filly gasped in surprise. "You're going to need your nutrients, okay? Eat slowly, I don't want you to choke."

Magenta's ear twitched at her concerned voice and gave her a reassuring smile. "I promise to eat slowly."

The nurse smiled before she leaned down and nuzzled her mane. "Okay, I'll be back to check up on you in an hour." She turned around and began to walk out the room before she stopped and looked back at her. "Would you like the door open?" Magenta nodded, interested on hearing the noises of a hospital early in the morning.

The nurse walked and made her way towards wherever, leaving her to her breakfast. Once she was out of earshot, Magenta turned on her television, watching music videos while listening to the hustle and bustle of the hospital. She felt tranquility from the noises. So much so that she sighed in relief. A few minutes later, she carefully pushed the empty table away and relaxed back into the bed, closing her eyes. Unaware of the white head peeking into her room.

The completely white filly pegasus with a silver mane looked around for a moment before she walked in, intentionally breaking the rules. She checked out the room, noting that it was basic and bare. No drawings, pictures, or anything. Except the TV and Radio. Dresser and medical stuff.

There were some plastic steps on the side of the bed that led up to the top. Did this pony break their leg? She needed to get a closer look. She quietly walked up the steps and looked at the pony.....an orange filly with a bandage on her head. And her hooves. And all over her body.

She lifted a hoof and calmly poked her shoulder. "Excuse me," she said timidly, trying to rouse her. "Are you awake?"

Magenta's eyes cracked open and focused on the white pony, then widened. She glanced around for a moment before she painfully sat up. "Umm... Hello?" Magenta greeted.

"Hi! My name is Bright Snow!" She greeted enthusiastically in a high pitched voice, waving at her. "What's your name?"

"Uhhh... Magenta Streak."

"What are you in here for? I broke both my wings in a balcony accident." She gestured to her sides at the little white wings wrapped in a cast.

"I have amnesia and twenty eight cuts, lacerations, and gashes."

"Oh. I'm sorry," Bright Snow apologized, folding her ears on the side of her head. "I didn't know. Are you... In pain?"

"Every time I move," Magenta replied. "I'm a flightless Pegasus."

"A flightless Pegasus?" She asked in confusion. "What's that?"

"A Pegasus who doesn't have wings. I don't know what happened to mine. I had some before, but not anymore."

"What happened to you?"

Magenta shrugged. "I can't remember. I can't remember anything that happened before coming in here. I don't know my name, my birthday, the town I come from, my family or anything else basic. I...I just don't know. I think Magenta is my name. But there's no way to tell."

"Oh." Bright Snow deflated again, making Magenta's ear twitch.

"Do you want to be friends with me?" She asked her. The white Pegasus' ears lifted up again and her tail started swishing back and forth, along with a big bright smile.

"I'd love to!"



In the days that led up to that point, the Crusaders were getting ready to depart for awhile. More like forever. They had packed what they thought they would need and were now waiting the night before Magenta met Bright Snow for all the ponies in Ponyville to go light's out. Babs and Gabby were waiting for them outside of the forest. The day they came over, Babs was convinced that Scootaloo wasn't gone. So she indirectly convinced the two best friends to continue looking. Now, they were; and they weren't going to come back until they found her. If they ever do.

It was now four in the morning, seven days after Magenta was admitted to the hospital. Apple Bloom threw the sheets off of her and looked around her room, sighing at the serene and quiet atmosphere. She was going to miss this. Leaving home was always a hard thing to do.

Applebloom quietly slipped out of bed, planting her four hooves softly on the floor, careful not to make a sound. She looked around her dark room and quickly grabbed her saddlebags, sure not to jostle them too much. It could cause a lot of noise. She walked to her window and silently slid it open. Then grabbed a rope sitting underneath it that was connected to a bunch of nails, pinning it to the wall.

She checked behind her at the door before she threw it out, watching it fall to the ground and dangle. Once it hit the ground, she grabbed hold and began to move. "Cutie Mark Crusaders Rope Climbers," she recalled with a chuckle. Good times. She slipped through the frame and slid down silently until her hooves hit soft dirt. Once she looked around, she adjusted her saddlebags and began to walk off the farm.

It was a warm summer night. Complete with fireflies and crickets. But she had no time for enjoyment. She had a forest to get to. And a friend to find. Applebloom trotted briskly up the path, making her way off the property. She had to be careful and quiet. Because one? Winona. And two? Winona. She's inside the house sleeping most of the time in the living room. But if she hears a noise, she'll come out and start searching. And barking. And waking ponies up. Hopefully she didn't hear anything.

"Pssst.....Applebloom!" Someone whispered. She looked up and spotted Gabby waiting for her at the gate, waving a claw towards her. She briskly trotted over to meet her while she laid down, giving her access to her back. "It's about time. I've been waiting for an hour. Sweetie Belle and Babs are already waiting at the river."

Apple Bloom didn't respond while she climbed on her back. Once situated, Gabby rose back up and took off into the air, sending out a gust of wind. Applebloom looked down at the moonlit town of Ponyville. It actually looked pretty cool at night. Too bad she won't be seeing it again anytime soon. Gabby tilted left and began gliding over the nearby Everfree Forest. Wow, it even looked creepy while in the air. Enough to send shivers down her spine.

"Can you swim, Gabby?" Applebloom asked. Gabby's ear twitch.

"Yep. I learned how to swim when I was five after being thrown in a lake." Applebloom cocked her head to the side while Gabby began to descend, and eventually land next to Babs Seed and Sweetie Belle, who trotted over to greet them.

"I watered the seeds at the memorial before we left," Sweetie Belle informed her. Applebloom gasped. She totally forgot about that!

She breathed a sigh of relief before she walked over, pulled Sweetie into a hug, and nuzzled her cheek, making Sweetie gasp and blush seemingly unnoticeably. "Thanks, Sweetie," she whispered with a smile.

"Y-you're welcome, Applebloom." The two broke apart and looked around. Babs Seed rolled her eyes, having caught Sweetie Belle's blush and smile.

"Alright," Applebloom said catching their attention. "How exactly are we going to get through that filter?" She pointed to the blades currently in motion down the river.

"With this." Babs walked over to a bush nearby and grabbed something. Then effortlessly dragged out a dense metal pipe, leaving a groove in the dirt. Thick enough to clog. "Got this from nearby. Don't know what it was for though."

"That'll work," Sweetie Belle commented.

"I agree," Applebloom added. "Now how do we get over there?"

"We have something!" Gabby commented before turning around and walking into the forest. "We were working on this the first day we came here after you two went home. We call it..." She dragged back a hollow log that was cut in half. "A boat log thing."

"Perfect! Now let's go save Scoots! And we need a new name for that!" Applebloom cheered. Gabby positioned it by the water, allowing the three ponies to get in and situated.

"Prepare yourselves, we're going in," Gabby told them. She pushed it forward suddenly, sending it into the water. The ponies yelped from the suddenness, not to mention the water that was getting on them, before they realized it was floating towards the filter. Gabby jumped in the water and guided it forward,  slow and steady. After awhile, Sweetie Belle had to ask in worry.

"Do you really think Scoots got caught in this?" She asked timidly, pointing at the rapidly spinning blades.

"I.... don't know," Applebloom responded once they got closer. "Celestia said one of her wings got caught on one of the blades. There's only one way to tell."

"And we're about to go in now," Babs Seed announced as they neared the blades. The sound of the motor drowned out their normal voices, forcing Babs Seed to yell. "This is a one time thing, Applebloom! We have to get it just right so we can get the boat log thing through!"

"We really need a new name!" Applebloom yelled back. The three grabbed the pipe when Gabby stopped the boat a few millimeters away from the blades.

"When I say thrust, thrust forward!" Apple Bloom ordered. The two nodded before they focused on the blades. A few seconds later, "THRUST!" The three threw it forward, sending it into the blades where it caught between the two fans, clogging it with a loud clang. It also left a big enough space for all four of them and their means of transportation.

"Alright, it's clogged! Push us in, Gabby! Quickly!" She did just that, sending them in along with herself before it could possibly break. Once securely in, Gabby hopped into the boat log thing.

"Okay, second problem," the Griffon whispered, catching their attention. "Lights."

Applebloom reached into her saddlebags and pulled out a waterproof flashlight. "I got these from Pinkie months ago," she told them. She took out three more and passed it to everyone behind her. They all took one and fiddled with it, eventually turning it on before the moonlight could die out and plunge them into darkness.

Apple Bloom shone hers straight forward, seeing nothing but water and darkness. "Well....no turning back now," she said. "We're in for a ride ladies. Prepare yourselves." The only sound after that was the constant sound of the water that was splashing against the walls and their boat.


Four Hours Later


"This is soooo boring," Gabby complained, cutting off her light. "So much for 'preparing ourselves'. We had nothing to prepare for. Except to sleep. Like Babs." The three looked towards the third girl, who was leaning on Sweetie Belle's back sawing logs.

Applebloom chuckled and shook her head. Then shone the flashlight forward again to get a good eye. "Remember why we are doing this. Floating through the dark tunnels filled with water."

"Yeah, for Scootaloo. I know. I'm just saying we could've.....wait a second." the two glanced over their shoulders at the suspicious eyed Griffon. She raised her beak and sniffed loudly "Do you smell that?"

Applebloom and Sweetie sniffed the air, trying to smell whatever while Gabby woke up Babs.

"I don't smell anything," Applebloom responded.

"Neither do I," Sweetie Belle agreed. A groan behind the two caught their attention, as well as a shuffle and a bunch of red hair.

"Hey, what's happenin'?" Babs asked tiredly, rubbing her eyes.

"Gabby smells something," Sweetie relayed.

"It's old iron," Gabby said.

"Yeah, we're in a pipe," Apple Bloom said blandly. "Remember?"

"I know, but the iron this channel is made out of isn't as rich as this. The iron I'm smelling.... it's too out of place. And it's.....everywhere. Burning my nostrils."

The three ponies shared a look before picking up their flashlights and looking around, gasping at what they found. Blood.

It was smeared on the walls, and there was some in the water. It wasn't too much, but it was still much that was noticeable. And it wasn't decaying. "Was this.....," Babs muttered before something in the water caught her eyes. She reached into the water and pulled out three orange feathers. "It was."

"Buck," Apple Bloom sighed. "This is just getting worse and worse."

"At least we know we're on the right track," Sweetie Belle soothed sadly. "Good job, Gabby. Your nose comes in handy."

"You mean my beak, and you're welcome," she responded with a chuckle.

"Okay....now we have to discuss what to do if we do find her," Apple Bloom inquired, coming out of her shock. "We can't just bring her back. I'm positive she's hurt bad."

"We know, but.....what then?" Babs asked.

"I don't know," she responded while keeping her eyes forward. "We'll just have to talk to her first. If she's alive. And Babs?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks. When we were told she got caught in the filter, me and Sweetie lost hope. All hope. But when you said you were going to go look for her, we realized that Scoots would not have wanted that; Wanted us to give up so easily. It wouldn't have been us. So, thank you."

"You're welcome, Applebloom."

"Hey, I just thought of something," Sweetie said suddenly, catching everyone's attention. "How will everyone react once they realize we're gone?"

"They'll freak out," Gabby answered.

"Yeah, I know but to what limit? Will they just freak out? Or will they freak out, tell Celestia, the guard, the police, and print out flyers, passing them out to everypony?"

All their eyes snapped open before Apple Bloom sighed. "I forgot about that," she said. "Well in that case, we'll have to stick to the shadows and investigate when we can. Probably have to split up too, to cover more ground."

The group continued on in silence for the rest of the ride. Thinking about Apple Bloom's words. That town was gonna freak out when the sun rose. A lot.



"Applebloom! Come down for breakfast!" Applejack yelled as she set her sister's spot at the table. It was around nine in the morning now, and Apple Bloom hadn't gotten up yet. This was definitely going to be a long month. Applejack grabbed some cereal and poured it into the bowl then went to grab some juice from the fridge. Once she retrieved it, she walked back to the table, her eyes on her grandmother and brother before she glanced to the doorway. Why hasn't Apple Bloom come down yet?

She poured the juice in the cup and set it on the table before she turned around to go check on her sister. In the last few days she's come down for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Albeit reluctantly. But now she wasn't. Something wasn't right. She bounded up the stairs and knocked on her door. "Applebloom. Come on an' eat," she said before putting her ear to the door. She didn't hear anything. She put her hoof on the handle and tried to turn it. But it wouldn't budge. "Applebloom, unlock the door." Nothing.

She jiggled the handle, trying to wake her sister. "Applebloom?.........Applebloom, you okay in there?" Big Mac and Granny Smith looked up towards the stairs at the commotion. She continued to jostle the door before she started knocking on it loudly. "Applebloom, open up right now!"

There was no movement. "Applebloom if you don't open this door in five seconds, I'm gonna buck it open! One.......two......three......four......five!" She turned around and lifted her rear hooves before she bucked at the door, trying to get it open. Big Mac got up from his seat to see what was going on when she bucked it again and again before it finally broke and swung open, revealing....nothing. Except a window with a rope dangling from it.

"Ah, buck me, she's gone!"

"What?" Big Mac asked, a little concerned. The two walked into the empty room, hoping to find her. Big Mac checked the closet and Applejack checked underneath the bed.

"She must've...ran away or somethin'!" Applejack assumed, crossing over to the rope in the open window. The two peeked out and looked at the rope that dangled a few centimeters from the ground.

"She must've left during the night!" Big Mac exclaimed. "Come on, maybe she's still in Ponyville!" The two quickly ran down the stairs and out of the house, leaving Granny Smith bewildered. That was the first time Big Mac spoke normal words in such a long time.

In another part of Ponyville, a certain fashionista was creating breakfast after beautifying herself and putting on her light blue eyeliner. Rarity decided that Sweetie Belle would like a day out with her sister to get her mind off of what happened almost two weeks ago. She had to get at least a little better. School was going to resume on monday, which is three days away. She had to be distracted from that for her own well being as well.

Rarity set a bowl of fruit cocktail at Sweetie Belle's personal spot of the kitchen table and called for her. "Sweetie Belle! Come down for breakfast, darling!" She waited and listened in complete silence, trying to hear Sweetie Belle's grunts and mutters of "too much happiness" in the house that's she's been saying lately. But she didn't hear anything.

Rarity raised an eyebrow and tried again. "Sweetie Belle! Breakfast!" She waited again for another minute. But her bed didn't even squeak. And that could usually be heard from the kitchen. She hummed in worry before she trotted up the stairs.

Rarity stopped at the door and tried to twist the handle, finding it locked. "Sweetie Belle, unlock the door please," She asked cheerfully. Then waited, but once again was met with silence. Wait a second...Sweetie never locked her door while she lived there. Something was wrong. Rarity quickly turned around and trotted into her room and looked in one of her dressers, pulling out a jewelry box that was anything but and grabbed a spare key with her magic.

Then turned back around and briskly trotted back to Sweetie Belle's room, sticking the key in the slot and twisting it. She pushed down the handle and opened the door, gasping at the find. Sweetie wasn't there. Neither were her photos that were sitting on the dresser. But her window was wide open. "No no no, Sweetie Belle!" She ran over to the window and looked out of it, hoping to see her little sister. The only thing she saw were a few ponies out and about, going to do what they had to do.

Rarity whimpered in worry before she turned around and froze. There was a letter on one of her dressers addressed to her. She quickly trotted over, grabbed it in her magic, and unfolded it, reading what was written out loud. "'Hello, Rarity. It's Sweetie Belle. I know you're reading this and are probably wondering where I am, so I'll make this quick. We have one more thing to do to end all of this. So Applebloom and I are going on our last and final crusade. We might not ever come back, and you may not ever see us again. I just can't live with myself knowing that we caused Scootaloo to not be with us anymore. Just thought I'd let you know. And let you go. Don't try looking for me, it's futile. Love you forever. Your little sister, Sweetie Belle.'"

Rarity dropped the letter in horror before she turned around and ran down the stairs, literally ripping the door off the hinges and darting out into the street at a speed Rainbow Dash would be in awe of. "SWEETIE BELLE!!! SWEETIE BELLE, WHERE ARE YOU!!!!??" She looked left and right, hoping to spot a light gray unicorn with a pale rose and mulberry colored mane. "SWEETIE BELLE!...SWEETIE BELLE, THIS IS NOT A JOKE COME OUT THIS INSTANT!!!"

"Rarity!" She turned around and looked towards Applejack who had a worried look on her face. "What's wrong?"

"Sweetie Belle is missing!" She yelled, scaring Applejack and Big Mac. "I found this letter and I'm not liking this at all!" She handed Applejack the letter, allowing the two family members to read it. Applejack's eyes widened before she looked up in horror.

"We have to find 'em!"

"I KNOW! WE NEED TO SEE TWILIGHT, COME ON!!" The three started to run towards the castle, leaving the other ponies outside wondering what was going on.

In the Castle of Friendship, Twilight was pacing back and forth in the map room trying to find a way to send a letter to Princess Celestia about Rainbow Dash without sounding too worried. Starlight and Spike were standing to the side watching her mutter. "Twilight? Just send the letter," Starlight said blandly.

"I can't just 'send a letter', Starlight!" She exclaimed, her eyes going wide. "I have to be smart with this. This is Rainbow Dash and I need ideas to present in order to send this letter without sounding....silly!"

"Twilight, you caring for a pony does not make you sound silly," she responded. Then stood and started pushing her teacher towards a seat. "Go on, have a seat."

"Thank you, Starlight!" Spike groaned from his seat. The unicorn looked at him in confusion as Twilight sat back down beside him. "You have no idea how aggravating it is to see the Princess freaking out—OOWW!"

Twilight retracted her hoof from the top of Spike's head before she looked back at Starlight in worry. "Starlight! I need ideas! Not chairs to sit in!"

"Then Princess Celestia will give you some ideas. My teacher is just like her teacher. So I'm sure she knows more about this than you do, I bet. All you have to do is ask her." Starlight grabbed an inkwell, quill, and scroll, and levitated it to her. "Just write it out, I promise it won't hurt anypony."

A loud bang sounded off in the hall, causing the three in the room to look towards the doorway in attentiveness. "TWILIGHT!!!" Rarity yelled.

"Rarity? What has her so worked up?" Spike asked. Starlight shrugged before the unicorn in question ran into the room with Applejack and Big Mac right behind her. And she looked bad. Her makeup was running everywhere. Down her face and into her mouth, making Starlight grimace. That had to taste horrible.

"Rarity! What's wrong?" Twilight asked in worry.

"THIS is what's wrong!" She shoved the paper in Twilight's face, letting her grab it in her magic and read it for herself.

"'Hello, Rarity. It's Sweetie Belle. I know you're reading this and are probably wondering where I am, so I'll make this quick. We have one more thing to do to end all of this. So Apple Bloom and I are going on our last and final crusade. We might not ever come back, and you may not ever see us again. I just can't live with myself knowing that we caused Scootaloo to not be with us anymore. Just thought I'd let you know. And let you go. Don't try looking for me, it's futile. Love you forever. Your little sister, Sweetie Belle.' Spike, get me a purple scroll. This is an emergency. They obviously ran away and we have no idea where. And it sounds like Sweetie Belle could be doing something dangerous and life threatening."

Spike instantly ran out of the room, confusing Starlight Glimmer. "What's the purple scroll?" She asked carefully.

"In Equestria, there is an alert system that the Princesses set up years ago in case of a national or local emergency. They used it during the time when Luna turned into Nightmare Moon over one thousand years ago, and has used it ever since for serious situations. The colors vary depending on how serious it is. A foal that is missing is the yellow scroll. A red scroll is a life and death situation that could affect all of Equestria, or town, or city. A blue scroll is a missing pony. And a purple scroll is a missing pony on the loose that could be a danger to themselves or others. I used a yellow scroll when we discovered that Scootaloo was the pony that went missing on April thirteenth. And now we're about to use the purple scroll for her friends."

Spike instantly ran back in with a deep purple scroll in his claw, headed towards the map to grab a quill and scroll. "Names?" He asked, unrolling the scroll.

"Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom," Twilight asked. He wrote that down before he faced Applejack and Rarity.

"We need some photos."

"HERE!" Rarity teleported two photographs of the three cutie mark crusaders onto the table in front of him, letting him take it and attach it on the scroll.

"Description?"

"Apple Bloom has a yellow coat, an Appleloosan accent, and a red mane with orange eyes," Applejack told him.

"Sweetie Belle has a light gray coat with a light purple and rose mane, and green eyes," Rarity informed him.

"Okay, let me see the letter." Twilight handed him the notebook paper, allowing him to read and copy down what it says before he handed it back to Rarity. He then signed his name and passed it to Twilight, who signed her own. Once finished, she passed it back to Spike, allowing him to roll it up carefully, blow his flames on it, and send it away in a purple glow.

"Now all we can do now is wait," Twilight informed them before she faced the two, who were clearly anxious. Rarity wouldn't stop moving, and Applejack kept biting her lips. "Did you have any idea about any of this?"

"No!" Rarity exclaimed. "If I had, I would've done all that I could to make her feel better! They must've left some time during the night! I never thought Sweetie Belle would fall this far!"

"Neither did I!" Applejack agreed, shaking her head. "This is horrible ya' hear me? I never thought Apple Bloom would go this low!"

"We have to go find them, we have no time for the Royal Guard!" Starlight yelled.

"Yeah, but where?" Twilight asked. "Like you said Rarity, they left sometime during the night. They could be anywhere in Equestria right now. We'd be searching blindly. All we can do right now is wait and hope for the best. Console their families and friends and try to cheer them up in this time."



Back in the channel, the four remaining crusaders were quiet, only making noises whenever someone shuffled to get comfortable. The log they were riding on was still going strong. Not slowing down for a moment. Sweetie Belle glanced down at the saddlebags in front of her, staring at the pulsing red item in between the health supplies in one of the bags. Sweetie sighed unnoticeably. She was barely holding on. She remembered Applebloom asking why they gave up so easily. And she responded with, "We're just depressed." But this was more than depression. If they aren't able to find Scootaloo, or if push comes to shove... She'd join her.
> Chapter 07 - I Lost A Part Of Myself...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna burst into Celestia's office, swinging her doors open and making Celestia herself jump up from her desk. Realizing who it was, she put a hoof over her chest. "Luna... Why must you always do that?" She sighed and took a seat back down.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle has sent a purple letter." Celestia looked up in alarm at her sister. A purple letter? A state of Emergency? She trained her eyes on the mentioned letter in her magical grip. Luna had a grave look on her face too, sending a bad feeling down her spine. "And you will never guess who it is for." Celestia took hold of the letter and levitated it over to her in earnest. She flipped it open and read the details.

"Oh no," she whispered. Those two fillies. The same two who lost their friend in Ponyville. "Get me Shining Armor. Right now!"

"You can do it yourself, there is a scroll right there." Luna pointed towards four empty scrolls on her desk, on the left side of Celestia.

"Oh... Right." She picked one up and quickly wrote the message. Then teleported it over to the Crystal Empire. Once it was on its way, she placed her face in her hooves and sighed. "I knew it was only a matter of time until it came to this," she whispered.

"Whatever do you mean?" Luna asked. She looked over her shoulder and used her magic to close the doors.

Celestia sat back up and crossed her hooves together. "When we were in Ponyville during Twilight's party, I noticed the one named Sweetie Belle, after hearing the news, go down slowly. Her eyes turned cold and uncaring. Her spark that made her happy when we first saw her was gone. She was slowly plunging into the darkness that is depression. I could see it. And I could hear it. When she spoke, her voice was hollow. There was no emotion in it. At that moment, when I met her gaze during the party, I thought, 'This child is not going to last long.' She was losing all sense of emotion. I knew it was only a matter of time before this was going to happen. They are both blaming themselves for this. Sweetie Belle especially. She was the first pony to meet Scootaloo, and her very first friend. Rarity told me that when we had a moment alone. Applebloom came in when Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo met her at a cutecenara. She knew her much longer than Apple Bloom, who was obviously angry at herself when we saw them during the burial. But Sweetie Belle might as well have been banging her head on a table. Now, the worst may happen if we don't find them in time."

Before Luna could comment, a scroll appeared back in front of Celestia in Purple. She picked it up and opened it quickly. "'Dear Princess Celestia. I have mobilized all the guards in every city in Equestria to be on high alert for two fillies. One with a yellow coat, red mane, and orange eyes. And one with a light gray coat, light purple and light rose mane and green eyes. Both having cutie marks of purple hued shields. I remember seeing them at the party. The guards will be on every street and corner in an hour in every city. Prince Consort and Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armor.' I'm going to send a letter back to Twilight and send for a chariot to go pick them up to bring them here. It'll be much faster for transportation if they are spotted, considering that Canterlot is directly in the middle of Equestria and has direct access to every city." She quickly wrote down another letter and sent it to Twilight, hoping that she gets it in time. "GUARD!"

The door opened a second later and a royal guard strode inside, saluting and standing at attention in the middle of the room. "Send a chariot to Ponyville to pick up Princess Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the Element Bearers. Bring them back here as fast as you can."

"Yes, your highness." The guard turned around and quickly ran out the room, closing the door behind him before he ran down the hall, heading out to fulfill the request.

"I really hope we aren't too late," Luna whispered. Celestia nodded in agreement. Then stood up to grab everything she needed.



The water in the channel splashed about, sending a few drops of moisture onto the dry coats of the three ponies and griffon that were occupying a carved out log, using it as a boat to travel the dark. They were on a mission. A mission to save a friend. And a secret mission for one. One that she believed would get the guilt off her heart for the death of her friend. There was a voice in the back of Sweetie Belle's mind. Saying that it was all her fault. And she believed it.

A few minutes later while riding down the channel, Applebloom widened her eyes towards the front of the log boat thing. "We're at someplace," she whispered. Her voice roused the others, commencing movement and yawns. They were all leaning forward, sleeping on each other's backs. Gabby was on Babs' who was on Sweetie Belle's, who was on Applebloom's. Not to mention her hooves were wrapped around Apple Bloom's neck from behind.

Sweetie Belle groaned and fluttered her eyes open. They glanced around the area, spectating the gray concrete walls. She sat back and looked up at the lights above, glowing what seemed to be the end of the channel. Then looked forward and spotted the entrance, as well as what looked like a park beyond.

The boat log thing came out, revealing that it was indeed a park. A luscious green park with trees, water, and flowers. It was empty right now though. "Good, no witnesses," she muttered, catching Apple Bloom's attention.

She looked over her shoulder and asked, "Wha'?"

"Nothing."

She was pretty sure she heard No Witnesses. But Apple Bloom decided to let it rest for now. She faced forward and coalesced, "Okay, well let's get out an' start the search. Gabby, do you smell anything?"

Gabby lifted her beak and sniffed. Loud and hard. "There is something," she answered. "Iron. Possibly more blood."

"Okay, well we need to find it to begin the search." The boat log thing beached on a spot in the grass and paused, allowing them out. Apple Bloom jumped out first. Once they were, Gabby pushed it back into the channel, keeping it out of view. Afterwards, she started sniffing some more and followed her beak, leading her towards a different area not far from them. After a few more seconds, she stopped at a patch of grass and looked down.

"She was right here, it's unmistakable." She pointed at a spot on the grass,  attracting the attention of the others. The group walked over and looked down. The grass was stained with dark brown. A lot of it.

"Look here," Babs called from behind. They turned her way and directed their sights towards where she was, on the beach made of sand. There was some more, but it looked like that's where it originated from. It was completely brown. "She came through that channel, an' she beached right here. So she either dragged herself, or she was pulled up there."

"So there's only one place to look if somepony saw her," Applebloom said.

"The hospital," they all agreed.

Babs walked up to their position and stated, "There's three in Manehattan. One on the East end, West end, and North end."

"Where's the closest one?" Sweetie Belle asked while looking into her saddlebags to make sure she had everything. She looked in between her medical supplies and spotted the ruby that was glowing red. She sighed a little then took it out with her hoof and put it in her hair, keeping it secure and out of sight. She didn't need the others seeing this.

"We're on the East end. It's over there." Babs pointed to the left, where there was an entrance.

Apple Bloom adjusted her things and urged, "Well let's get going." Then began to lead the team up the grassy mound for the gates they could see. One thing they noticed while they moved though was troubling. It was silent. Too silent.

"Why is the park so empty?" Gabby asked. She looked around then down to the foals. "I noticed that there aren't even any birds around."

"Maybe it's closed?" Sweetie suggested.

"No, that can't be it," Babs responded, looking around. It was way too eerie. "It's a regular day, it can't be closed." She ran into Apple Bloom's flank, who had stopped and pointed ahead to falling on her rear.

"I think ah' know why," she whispered. There were a group of Royal Guards looking over a scroll where the exit was. A very familiar scroll. "A purple scroll."

Sweetie poked her head in and whispered, "What's a purple scroll?"

"It means there's a dangerous pony on the loose, we gotta get out of sight. Do you know the nearest exit, Babs? That AIN'Tdirectly in front of us and guarded by... Guards?"

Babs looked around for a second. Then pointed towards the area back where they came from. "There's one over there, but ah'm sure there's a whole bunch of guards there too. Probably at every exit of this place. The Royal Guard takes it serious when there could be a pony out and about that's really dangerous."

"So what do we do?" Apple Bloom asked. "They won't just let us pass, they might be lookin' for us. I find it really strange that the second we run away the guard is out and about passin' Purple Scrolls."

"There's only one thing we can do," Sweetie Belle muttered, catching their attention. "We split up and meet at the hospital. If I'm correct, they're looking for us. Apple Bloom and I. Gabby's parents don't really have a say so in her life anymore, and Babs' parents probably let her have a whole week with the Apples. So they don't really know what's going on, or know you're involved. Same with Twilight and the others. They're just looking for me and Applebloom. So Gabby? You take Babs and fly to the nearest hospital, we're too heavy to be on your back."

"What? Ah'm not going to leave you guys," Babs refused. "We stick together like a puzzle."

"But in order to finish a puzzle, you have to take it apart first. We're already missing one piece and you girls are the only ones who can go out there and find her now. If we get caught, you do too and we'll have to start all over, which will be much harder. So, please. Just go. Go and find Scootaloo for us. My journey stops here, just go."

"Sweetie—"

"Go, Gabby," she interrupted, pointing to the sky. She had light tears coming down her face. "Just take Babs and go. We'll meet again some day, just go." Gabby pulled in her lips before she nodded. Babs climbed up on her back and the two took off into the air, leaving the two crusaders with the guards.

"Sweetie?" Sweetie Belle turned around and met Applebloom's worried eyes with a cold expression. "Earlier... You said, 'My journey stops here.' What did you mean by that?"

"We're about to charge, are you ready?" She asked, ignoring her question. She still had tears going down her face, giving Applebloom a bad feeling.

"Y-Yeah, but Sweetie... Are you alright? Ah'm a little worried about you."

"I'll never be alright until Scootaloo is found and alive. Now let's go." Sweetie turned around and charged, shocking Apple Bloom before she ran after her. The guards were still talking before something white slammed into all of them. Making them yelp and fall to the ground. Sweetie Belle quickly got off of them and ran out onto the sidewalk, Applebloom hot on her tail.

"What the buck was that?!" She yelled after her. "We're tryin' to be incognito!"

"If you have a better idea, I'm all ears!" Sweetie responded desperately as they entered an alley. They slowed down and hid behind a dumpster as a squad of Royal Guards ran past. The same ones Sweetie knocked down. "Yeah, they're definitely looking for us."

"And now they know we're here," Applebloom sighed, pulling at her long hair that was covering her right eye.

Sweetie Belle turned around and pouted sadly, this time crying a lot more than usual. "I-I'm sorry, Applebloom. I...I-I'm just really desperate. What if... W-what if Scootaloo isn't alive? What if they just... F-found her body?"

"Sweetie Belle, we have to have hope, okay?" Apple Bloom asked. She placed her hooves on either side of her face. Then looked Sweetie Belle in her eyes and saw fear. She was scared. REALLY scared. "Everything's goin' to be alright. Trust me, okay? It's all going to be okay."

Sweetie Belle took a deep breath and nodded her head with her eyes closed. "Good. Now we have to find that hospital. Babs said that it's that way." She pointed a hoof towards the left, out of an alleyway. "We have to get there. Are you with me, Sweetie?"

Sweetie's face scrunched up before she sighed and nodded. The two began to walk quietly, making their way to the end of the alleyway. Applebloom poked her head out and immediately brought it back in when two Royal Guards and an officer walked by. Once they were past, she looked out again. The place was flooded with them. "There's so many," she whispered. "Alright, Sweetie, we're gonna... Sweetie?" She whipped around and gasped. She was nowhere in sight. "Sweetie? Where'd you go?"

She walked back down the alley and started looking around. Where could she have gone? There's nowhere else to go but out! And that's probably where she went. Royal Guards suddenly ran past the entrance to the alley, yelling "Stop" and "Don't move". Apple Bloom knew exactly where they were headed. Sweetie had been fully spotted.



While fillies were running amok in Manehattan, everyone was on their way to Canterlot to see what was going on. When they landed down in the front of the castle, the Princesses were already waiting for them. Once they touched down, Cookie Crumbles, Sweetie Belle's mother asked, "Princess Celestia! Do you know where my daughter is?"

"Manehattan," she responded. Then hopped into the chariot with Luna. "She's the only one who's been spotted so far, but there's no doubt Apple Bloom is there too. And it seems she's getting desperate. I was just informed she attacked a few of our guards and ran."

"Oh no," Rarity whimpered. Hondo pulled her into a hug, trying to comfort and quell her fears. The chariot took back off again, headed towards Manehattan at high speeds and leaving the ground behind. Rainbow Dash was sitting right next to her, holding her hoof. She was still not looking so good, her coat still a sickly pale cyan and eyes lifeless. But she said she would be there for her friends if things got tough. Like they were now.


~✶~


Sweetie Belle rounded another corner, gasped, and slid to a stop. Another squad of Royal Guards were running towards her, trying to use their magic to grab her. But it wasn't working.  She turned and kept running forward. "I can't do this anymore, I can't do this anymore," she seethed through her teeth. Tears were pouring down her face at this point and she couldn't stop the thoughts that plagued her mind. "Scootaloo, I'm so sorry, I'm so so sorry! I didn't mean to kill you, I swear it!"

She ran forward and jumped over a fence, diving into another park and hiding in the trees and bushes. She really hoped the others... No. No, it wouldn't matter anyway. Scoots was gone. That little voice in the back of her mind was right. Scootaloo was gone and she wasn't coming back. At that moment, Sweetie Belle lost all the hope. Her heart shattered.

She cried silent tears for her friend which eventually turned into sobbing. She couldn't do this anymore. She couldn't live with the guilt that she had gotten her friend inadvertently killed. How in Equestria could Apple Bloom deal with it?

"I can't do this... I can't do this," she whimpered. Then looked around for any movement. In the clear, she took the rock out from inside her hair and gazed at it. She rubbed a hoof along it's pulsing surface. It was pulsing faster by this point, having absorbed all the magic that those guards kept trying to use on her. And keep trying to use on her. Too bad it wouldn't work. She put it back in her hair and looked through the treeline. There were still some guards out, but they weren't looking her way. So she looked around one more time just to make sure, crawled through the treeline unnoticed, then ran when she had the chance. This continued for a while, ducking into alleys and more back to the North. She ran up and down streets, ducking into alleyways to hide herself amongst the shadows, and completely missing the golden chariot up above.

"SWEETIE BELLE!!" She glanced up and gasped at the chariot that stopped right above her. Looks like her sister was going to try and save the day. She shed some more tears before she darted into another alley. She needed to get somewhere. Her last point in life. If she was going to do this it needed to be done now.

"What is she doing?" Twilight asked as they all jumped out and tried to take chase.

Right at that moment, very coincidental, Applebloom came out of a connected alley and started looking around. "Sweetie Belle, where are you?!" She called, reaching a few ears nearby.

"There you are, ya' vermin!" Apple Bloom whipped her head over to her left and yelped at the feeling of being pulled into a tight hug. "Don'tcha ever go runnin' off like that again, ya' hear me?!!" Applejack cried, burying her face into her little sister's hair. Applebloom sighed and rolled her eyes before she tried to push her away. "When we get home, we're gonna have a very deep talk. Everypony here is goin' to talk to you two."

"Have you seen Sweetie Belle?" Apple Bloom asked, completely ignoring what she was saying. "She's been actin' really weird."

"Well, we did," Twilight quickly answered, scanning Apple Bloom for any bruises or anything. "She just ran through here. Now we're waiting for another report on her location."

Sweetie Belle was in fact nearby. Right in Manehattan Park, which had been abandoned by the Royal Guard after she slammed into them and knocked them to the ground, initially starting the hunt. She looked around, seeing herself totally alone before she sobbed some more and walked towards the bridge.

"They don't understand," she seethed through her teeth. She stopped at the apex of the bridge. She dropped her saddlebags on the ground before observing her surroundings again. The area clear, she pulled out a rope from inside with her magic, as well as levitated a large rock from the bottom of the river below up to her.

She brought it close to her before she took the gem from in her hair and put it on the base of her neck. Then took one end of the rope and tied it around the rock securely before she took the other end and wrapped it around her neck, locking the gem between it and her. She then tugged it tightly, nearly choking herself.

"Kid, stop!!" She glanced over to her right at a squad of Royal Guards come over before she finished tying it. Once it was knotted she quickly levitated the rock out away from her, over the water, and turned to the guards, tears still streaming down her face.

"Don't come any closer!" They all slid to a stop, seeing the situation they were in. "Or I'll let this rock drop! And I'm going down with it! I mean it!"

"Kid, come down. You don't want to go that route!" One of them pleaded, holding a hoof out to her.

"Shut up! I might as well, seeing that I caused my friend, my very first and best friend to DIE! I might as well join her!" A clamor of hooves behind her caught her attention, causing her ear to twitch and swivel.

"SWEETIE BELLE!" Rarity screamed. She turned around towards her parents, Rarity, the elements, and... Applebloom. All looking at her in horror. "Please get down! Please!"

Sweetie shook her head and yelled, "No, leave me alone! Let me go!"

Twilight stared at the scene, assessing the situation before spotting the gem. She gasped, recognizing it immediately. Red as ruby. But it wasn't a ruby.

"It's a magic absorber," she muttered. She turned to everyone with her and said, "We can't bring her down with magic."

Rarity yelled, "What?! Why not?!"

"Once our magic gets in the field of her, that rock around her neck absorbs it. It won't even reach her. The only one here who can use magic is its wielder." She cleared her throat and called to the victim here. "Sweetie Belle, why do you want to... Do that?"

"Say it, Sparkles! Say why do I want to kill myself!" She yelled at her. They all grimaced and flinched. "Just like how we killed Scootaloo! It was our fault! IT WAS OUR FAULT!"

"But do you think doing this is going to solve anything?" Rarity asked, trying to appease her.

"Yes, it frees me of this guilt!" She cried, before she used her magic to tighten the rope around her neck, digging into her windpipe. She coughed and nearly stumbled, making them all try to rush her.

"Stay back!" They trotted back. All scared for her. Scared that she was going to drop that rock and snap her neck before she even reached the water. "Stay back or it's all over," she repeated.

"Sweetie Belle, please don't do this," Rarity whimpered. "I love you, we all love you."

"Listen to your sister! Please!" Her mother cried.

Her voice barely above a whisper with red eyes, Sweetie replied, "It doesn't matter." She was choking herself, Twilight could see her head slowly turning blue. This was horrible. "I loved Scootaloo... And I ended up getting her killed."

"Sweetie Belle," Applebloom said, catching her attention. "I-I love you as much as I love Scootaloo. I have feelings for you Sweetie Belle. And I know you do too. I want to give you happiness that you never thought was possible. But I need you to come down. We both know Scootaloo wouldn't want us to try and kill ourselves off because of her."

Sweetie Belle almost blacked out, nearly stumbling off the edge before she regained her balance. "So.." she swayed a little before she shook her head. "It...I-It doesn't matter! Scootaloo's gone... And it's all our fault. We both know it is. Why wouldn't Scoots want us with her?"

"Because Scootaloo was a Cutie Mark Crusader." They all looked towards the back at Rainbow Dash who was walking forward. They parted out of the way of the sickly looking pegasus as she approached. She closed her eyes and sighed before opening them again, stopping in front of the group. "Kid I know how you feel. I was there. I saw her bump around, get tossed into mud, and then into a crate of cucumbers. And all I did was laugh. The pony she looked up to most in life, the one she called her idol laughed at her. 'Rolling around on the platform and banging my hoof' laughing at her.

"There is not one second of every day that I wish I could take it back. And what you did in Ponyville, what the both of you did, when you made that memorial I knew then I could never take it back. And that she was gone. All because we laughed. She ran away, fell in the river and was gone in a flash...on the same day and in the same hour. And we were too busy laughing to notice."

She started to walk towards her very slowly, still maintaining eye contact. Sweetie Belle was losing consciousness and the rope around her neck was leaving a nasty and deep groove, she could feel it. It might even be permanent. "I was alone in my house for a whole week, contemplating on what to do. Whether to put myself in your current position or to move on and do what I can to make her happy. And let me tell you, it was a very hard choice. There were several routes I was thinking on taking. Cutting off my wings, doing what you're doing, starve myself, tie my wings around myself and fall down to the ground from Cloudsdale. They were all very appealing, believe it or not." Everyone behind her had a tear leaking from their eye, not to mention the ever so casual sniffle.

"But then I thought... 'Would Scootaloo want me to do that? To kill myself?' That's not the Scootaloo we know. The Scootaloo we know probably would've yelled at us, ignored us for maybe a week, and demand an apology right after, which we would gladly give to her. Even buy a cake if she asked us too. A big fat one that Pinkie Pie would put so many Chocolate Chips on. But to kill ourselves, no. That's not her, Sweetie Belle. We both know that. It took me awhile, but I realized that... That there is nothing I could do to bring her back. Only live on and not make the same mistake twice. So please, please come down from that ledge so we can both learn from our mistakes together."

Rainbow reached out with a hoof towards her, gesturing for her to take it.

Sweetie Belle wheezed and looked at the hoof. Then up at Rainbow Dash in the eyes with her own bloodshot ones, obviously contemplating her decision. Everyone else was watching intently, biting a hoof and holding a hoof up to their mouths. "I don't want to go through this alone," Sweetie Belle whispered hoarsely.

"You won't have to," Rainbow whispered back. "You have friends, you have family, and you have a whole town that looks out for you. You're never really alone, Sweetie Belle. Even Applebloom said she'll stick by you. She loves you. And I know you love her. Come to us, Sweetie Belle."
> Chapter 08 - ....That I Found Again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The park was entirely silent as they watched the two ponies. Rainbow Dash, who was trying to convince the distraught Sweetie Belle, who was about to throw herself over a bridge, to come down. Everyone held their breath, including the Princesses who were staring with tears in their eyes, trailing down their faces. In all of their longevity they've never seen something like this. Sweetie Belle's parents and sister were shaking in fear. The Elements were shedding light tears, wanting nothing more than to rush forward and grab her. Pinkie, whose mane and tail was entirely deflated. And finally, her friend, or crush, Applebloom. Who just admitted to sharing her romantic feelings. She listened to both of their stories. She had no idea Rainbow Dash, The Rainbow Dash, felt that way.

Finally, Sweetie Belle closed her eyes and sighed. The rock over the lake slowly levitated back over the bridge, then dropped onto it with a crunch. She hopped down before she was swooped into a hug by Rainbow Dash, that she greatly reciprocated before sobbing into her coat. "It's okay, Sweetie Belle," Rainbow soothed, rubbing her back. "We're here for you. We gotcha."

Everyone breathed a sigh in relief before her family ran forward to get that rope from around her neck. Her head was blue, mind losing consciousness. One of the guards took a knife from his armor and cut it, allowing her to take in deep breaths and for the color to return to her face. The gem clattered to the boards of the bridge and Cookie stepped on it, shattering it.

"You're okay," Rarity cried, pulling her sister into a tight hug. Her mom and dad quickly joined in, creating a family moment. Then everyone started stomping their hooves, cheering. Rainbow glanced around, but didn't join in the festivities. Before somepony poked her in the ribs. She looked over and down at Apple Bloom, who promptly pulled her into a hug.

"Now I know why Scootaloo loved you most of all," she said into her coat. Rainbow sighed, giving her a slight smile and pulled her into a hug as well.

"Hmmm...." The two stayed like that before Apple Bloom went over and pecked Sweetie Belle on the cheek before pulling her into a bone crushing hug with her family.

"Don't ever scare me like that again," she whispered with tears leaking down her face.

"I won't....I....I promise," she responded hoarsely and tiredly. After a few more seconds, she passed out in her hooves.



They took Sweetie Belle to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, it wasn't the one Magenta was in, which was East Manehattan Hospital. Instead it was in West Manehattan Hospital. Way on the other side of the city. Sweetie Belle was exhausted after all that running. Her family refused to leave her side, as did Apple Bloom, who was sitting in the bed right next to her, holding her hoof and letting her lay her head on her shoulder.

Rainbow Dash and everyone else was out in the hall. Discussing what had happened and what to do it about it once they were back in Ponyville. Rainbow herself was looking down at the granite flooring, thinking about what just transpired. When she saw Sweetie Belle about to take that jump, she saw herself. And everyone else.....was Scootaloo. Telling her not to do it. The squirt had made a big impact on her life. A very important one.

"Rainbow," Twilight called quietly, catching her attention. She blinked and glanced up at her, seeing everypony's eyes staring at her. "I never knew you felt that way...about what happened."

Rainbow Dash sighed and turned her head away before Fluttershy came over and sat down beside her. She grabbed her hoof and stroked it, giving her a sad expression. "Why didn't you ever tell us?"

"Kind of hard when you can't come down from your house," Rainbow replied tiredly.

"What do you mean, Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked.

"Remember what I said on the bridge? About the wings?" They nodded before she did the same and turned away. Twilight didn't get it at first before she looked down at her wings and gasped a little. Almost all the feathers on them were plucked off. On both of them. They were just bare. "Something was telling me not to cut them off....so I just plucked them."

They sighed before she continued. "You can't fly to the ground when you don't have any wings to fly with."

"But...you could've sent a letter."

"Egghead, I don't send letters. Let alone fly in and interrupt your day. You're a Princess, you have more important things to worry about." Okay, now Twilight definitely knew something was wrong with her. Besides the obvious feather plucking. Rainbow never cared about what others thought when she came in.

"Rainbow, we are friends," Twilight clarified. "Nothing is more important than saving a life, let alone yours. We're definitely going to talk more about this in private when we get back to Ponyville."

"Twilight, I—"

"No, Rainbow. You and I are having a talk. As a friend to another friend, we are going to talk about this."

"And you are living in my cottage until your wings get better," Fluttershy inputted, pointing a hoof in her face.

"Okay okay, geez. First the egghead, now you?" Fluttershy chuckled and wrapped a wing around her, pulling her close.

"Because I love you, Rainbow Dash."

"Because we love you," Applejack added, catching her attention.

Celestia nodded before she put in her own input. "You just saved a life today. A foal's life, who was in danger to herself with only a few words. Everypony here loves and owes you, especially Rarity and her parents. They are very grateful." Rainbow sighed and scratched the ground.

"Yeah, I know. And Applebloom is too."

"So I heard," Applejack chuckled. "Never thought her special somepony for her would be...her friend."

"Neither did I," Twilight added before glancing over to the right. "Pinkie, you've been really quiet. You okay?"

The party pony looked up from the ground at Twilight. "Oh, I'm fine. Just happy that Sweetie Belle didn't jump off the bridge. And.....I think we have a new mission."

"Like what?"

"Like cheering up the family, Rainbow Dash, and throwing a 'Congratulations For Finding Your Special Somepony' party for Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom!" She pulled out her party cannon, preparing to blast it before she remembered where she was. She put it back in her mane and just went with a wide smile instead.



Apple Bloom was looking at the blood red cloth around her friend's neck in sadness, pinpointing the fact that that rope had went deeper than anypony thought it had. She's lucky she could still talk. And Apple Bloom could hear her voice. She wouldn't even care if it was hoarse from here on out, as long as she was alive. If Sweetie Belle had went out, she sure would have followed her. And then that memorial in Ponyville would not have been for only Scootaloo. It would've been for all three of them.

A sudden movement caught her eye, which focused down on Sweetie Belle's face. Rarity must've noticed it too, because she instantly got up and trotted over with a glass of water. She was such a good sister. Sweetie's eyes opened, but she remained still before she locked eyes with Applebloom. Then smiled and raised a hoof, waving at her. Apple Bloom waved back. "Hey, there," she whispered down to her, grinning.

"Hi," Sweetie whispered back. Yeah, her throat was really hoarse.

"How ya' feelin?"

"It burns," she replied. She was about to reach up and play with the cloth that was covering the ringed laceration until Apple Bloom softly placed a hoof on hers, lowering it back down.

"Don't mess with it," she warned her. "We don't want it to get worse."

"Are you thirsty?" Rarity asked her, placing a straw in the cold cup of water. Sweetie nodded and Rarity levitated it over to her mouth, allowing the eleven year old to take a sip. After a few more seconds, she let it fall from her mouth and smacked her lips.

"Thanks, sis," she whispered. Rarity smiled before she leaned down and softly nuzzled her.

"I'm just happy you're....you're alive," she whimpered, pulling her into a hug. Sweetie Belle returned the gesture gladly and nuzzled her back.

"I'm happy you're happy," she responded, returning the nuzzle.

"You're my little filly," Rarity whimpered. She had some more tears stream down her face when she pulled Sweetie into a lighter but love filled hug nonetheless. After a few more seconds she let her go and gave her a stern look. "But when you're better you're both in so much trouble."

"Rarityyyyy," Sweetie Belle whined hoarsely.

"No buts. You had me scared. REALLY scared. You are definitely grounded." Sweetie rolled her eyes but nodded nonetheless. Rarity smiled while she leaned down and gave her a kiss behind her horn. "I love you, Sweetie Belle."

"I love you too, Rarity," she responded.

"And it seems there is a little filly who wants to tell you the same." She glanced over at the calm Applebloom, who had her back turned and was looking up at the ceiling, trying to avoid their gazes. Sweetie Belle blushed when Rarity walked away.

"Apple Bloom?"

The yellow filly turned around and gave her a smile. "Oh hey, Sweetie Belle! Didn't see ya' there!...er...."

The unicorn rolled her eyes before she got up and pulled her into a hug. Apple Bloom blushed before she held onto her. "Do you really....have feelings for me?"

"I....yes. Yes, ah do." She pulled back and held onto her hooves. "I can't imagine a day without ya', Sweetie Belle. If you were goin' tah' put yourself in that water, I was sure enough goin' to join ya'. Ah' already lost one friend, I wasn't going to lose you too. Ah' love you, Sweetie Belle." The family nearby was watching with tears coming down their faces, completely touched from her confession.

"How long have you felt this way?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Since we were nine. I just never had the guts to tell you."

"Oh Apple Bloom," she whispered, stroking her cheek. "Next time you want to tell me something, just do it. Because I feel the same way." They both leaned on each other's forehead, smiling. "I love you too, Apple Bloom."

"Then would ya' make me the happiest filly here.....and be my girlfriend?"

".....yes."



"So you can't remember your parents?" Bright Snow asked.

"No," Magenta responded.

Ever since that same morning, Bright Snow and Magenta had been learning about each other in Magenta's room. Well as best as they both could considering Magenta knew next to nothing about herself. She learned Bright was eight, had two broken wings, and was in the same situation as her. An orphan. Her parents protected her as much as they could from a falling balcony. They were in the same position as before. Bright Snow on the steps looking down at her, and Magenta in bed looking up at her.

"Do you have any idea where you're going when you leave?" Magenta asked. Bright shook her head. "Yeah me neither. Just that I might be going to an orphanage."

"Yeah me too."

"Bright Snow?!" They both looked towards the door at Nurse Goldhoof, who walked in with a stern look on her face. "You know better than to go into another patient's room, young lady."

"I'm sorry," she apologized while trying to avoid her gaze. "I just wanted to meet her."

"Ms. Goldhoof?" Magenta called, grabbing her attention. "Please don't be mad at her. She's really nice and she's been...uhhh..."

"Keeping you company? Like what I do?" Kind guessed, dropping the tone.

"Yes. Like what you do."

The nurse looked over at Bright Snow and sighed. "Fine. But the next time you want to see each other, let your nurses know. And you have to do it outside the room. Okay?"

"Okay!" They both said. They gasped and looked at each other, causing the nurse chuckle.

"Well it's almost lunch so it's time to head back to your room, Bright."

"Awwww!" The filly whined while walking down the steps. "I'll see you later, Magenta."

"Okay! See you later!" She responded with a wave. She really liked that kid for some reason. They were talking for nearly two hours and nobody noticed. Either that girl...or filly...was really smart, or somepony just didn't notice.

After lunch Magenta had to get out of bed and get some exercise in. She was becoming stiff. She pushed the table filled with empty plates to the side, giving her room to roll onto her stomach. She lifted herself up by her hooves and got her bearings by taking deep breaths. Simple movements were so painful. Hopefully, it'll get better.

She walked towards and down the steps, being extra careful as to not hurt herself even worse. Once she was on the floor, she walked along the hard floor towards the wooden door slowly. She hadn't exactly looked outside the room ever since coming there a week and some ago.

She grabbed the handle that was at the bottom and twisted it. Once it was successfully opened, she walked forward and sat in the doorway in awe. There were a lot of rooms on this floor. Right now she was in a very long hallway that probably had between ten to twelve on one side, but there were indubitably more. In front of her was an area where nurses were putting some papers in more yellow paper that folded over the original. What were those called? She spotted Doctor Sore Health talking to another pony, a colt, on the other side that had a cast on his leg. She squinted her eyes and looked closer. Was that....a pencil on the colt's butt? Strange.

She looked away from him to the Doctor who had....a clipboard on HIS butt?! She looked to some of the nurses to see they all had marks on theirs too! Was there a tradition she didn't know about? She shrugged and decided to go for a walk to get some exercise.

A few minutes in, she noticed the walls had all types of things on them. Drawings, colors, photographs, paper made flowers. All types of things. There were even whiteboards where others had drawn on them. Then glanced into some of the rooms and saw some more—what Nurse Goldhoof called—patients reading, watching tv, talking to their nurses, or eating. And they all had marks on their butts!

"Uggghhhh!" She yelled, attracting attention.

A nurse quickly scampered over. "Are you okay? Where are you hurting?" She asked in worry.

"Why does everypony have a painting on their butt?!" The nurse sighed in relief. She was fine. "Even you have one! What is this?!"

"They're cutie marks," she responded.

"Huh?" Magenta asked, cocking her head. The nurse did the same. She didn't know what a cutie mark was?

"What is your name?"

"Well, they call me Magenta Streak in here, but I can't remember my real name."

"Ah, yes. I was informed about your condition."

"Informed?"

"Somepony told me about you and your Amnesia. A cutie mark is what you get when you come of age and you learn about your special talent. You have one too." she pointed to Magenta's bandage covered flank, which was revealing a little bit of hers. Magenta turned her head and looked behind her, shrieking at what she found.

"I have a drawing on my butt?! Get it of, get it off!" She tried shaking her flank and using her hooves to try and wipe it. "Why isn't it going anywhere?!"

The nurse chuckled and caught her hoof to stop her. "That's because it's permanent."

"Perma-what?"

"Permanent. It stays up there forever." It's like Magenta's mind shut down. Her eyes widened and she just stared off into space. "Uhh....are you okay, Magenta?"

"Are you saying.....I'm stuck with this thing....for the rest of my life?!" She asked in disbelief. Everyone in the hall just stopped and stared at her.

"Magenta, it's not a thing," a familiar voice said from behind her. She turned her head slowly as to not cause her pain and spotted Bright Snow trotting up towards her. She had a happy grin on her face. It's good that she could smile in a time like this. It was so infectious, that she smiled back at her. "It's what makes a pony a pony! It's what makes YOU different!" She poked Magenta in the chest, making her flinch a little. She was cut deeply there.

"But mines is purple!" Magenta whined, dragging the "purple".

"And mines is a snowflake with a sun in it! I got my cutie mark when I was using my wings to manipulate the way snow goes! I can move it here, there, up, down, anywhere! Do you know what your cutie mark is for?"

Magenta looked at her with her mouth open before she closed her eyes and shook her head. "Mm mm."

"Maybe one day you'll remember! Everypony here got their cutie marks because of something they did that makes them different!" She looked around for a moment before she leaned in and whispered, "But you gotta watch out for the nasty ones. Like bones and.....rats and stuff."

Magenta got a disgusted expression before Bright pulled back and gave her a grin. Magenta groaned and nodded. "Oh....fine."

All the other ponies chuckled at her face before she turned around and went back to walking, and they went back to their own thing. "But why does it have to be on my butt?"

"You mean your flank," Bright corrected as they walked along slowly. "Did you tell your nurse you left?" Magenta paused and shook her head again.

"Mm mm."

"I'm pretty sure somepony can find you. Where ya' headed? To the game room? Movie room? Library? Huh, huh, huh?"

"I'm just looking around," she responded, slowing down a little. "I haven't been out of my room ever since I got here....over a week ago."

"Wow, that's nuts! I bet you got bored, huh?"

"Uhh.....phew, yeah. Hold on, gotta....." She leaned against the wall to relax her hooves.

"What's wrong?" Bright asked, losing her smile. She approached her in alarm. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, it's just....Ms. Goldhoof said some of my major muscles were cut by something. So I have to work my body extra hard just to lift a hoof because I don't have much muscle in those areas. Which is my front hooves and a lot of my butt, er.....flank." Bright Snow got a confused look before she walked around and looked towards her rear, embarrassing Magenta.

"Oh yeah, most of your flank is covered in this tape stuff!" She poked it, making Magenta grimace in pain.

"Don't touch it! It hurts!"

"Oh, sorry," she apologized sweetly. Then walked back into view. "Maybe you need like a wheel thingy."

"A what?" Bright looked around and pointed at the weird odd shaped thing that had wheels a few feet away.

"That! I've seen ponies walk around and have them attached to their back hooves! I think it helps them get around more!"

"That's right." Magenta flinched at the new voice behind them, instantly recognizing it. "I've been looking for you, Magenta. What did I say about telling your nurses wherever you go somewhere?"

"You said tell the nurses," she mumbled.

"That's right," Nurse Goldhoof responded. Then made her way in front of her. "It's so I know where my little colts and fillies are. But it's okay. Are you having trouble walking?"

"She's tired!" Bright Snow answered happily. "Her hooves are hurting her!"

"Oh well we can fix that up in a jiffy!" Goldhoof walked to the corner where the little wheel things were and grabbed one, pushing it towards Magenta. "I'm going to attach these to your rear hooves and it'll take the stress from walking off of you so you don't get tired so often. It's called a wheelchair. Hold still." She positioned it by Magenta's rear hooves and attached the harnesses to her legs, lifting them up slightly. Once they were secure, she let go. "Try walking." Magenta used her front hooves to move without using her rears, finding it much easier and faster.

"It works! Yes!" She jumped up slightly, causing a jolt of pain to shoot up her front and making her grimace.

"Careful, Magenta. You're still wounded." Magenta walked forward, a little faster than last time and making her way down the hall at a speed impressive to her nurse.

"Hey, wait up!" Bright Snow trotted up after her, making Goldhoof chuckle. They looked so adorable.

"You sure have a way with children." She looked over her shoulder at a stallion softly walking up to her, wearing a white shirt.

"Yeah, they're my little angels. Gotta take care of them when they fall out of the sky so they can fly again. Sadly....Magenta will never be able to fly again."

"Why's that?" He asked while he watched the children.

"She had her...wait, who are you again?"

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself! I'm Maximum Gold." He shook her hoof and grinned at her. "I'm a new nurse here in this unit." Maximum Gold was exactly what he described himself as. A golden Pegasus. Gold coat, gold eyes, and a golden mane and tail. He had a cutie mark that had a notebook with a wrench on it.

"Hi, I'm Kind Goldhoof," she replied shaking his hoof.

"I can see that. A kind mare indeed." She chuckled and turned around to go back to work with him right behind her. "Who do you watch over?"

"Magenta, the orange filly you saw."

"Ah yes, Bright Snow's friend. You know, she wouldn't stop talking to me about her." Kind stopped and looked at him. "I watch over Bright Snow now as of two days ago. Her last nurse had gotten pushed down to a different unit. I can't recall why."

"Oh! Well you'll probably be seeing Magenta with her a lot more. They've become really close so far and they haven't left each other yet except for lunch. Too bad about both of their predicaments."

"Which is....if you don't mind me asking?"

"Well Magenta was found floating on her back out of a water channel in Manehattan Park with twenty eight cuts, gashes, and deep lacerations. Along with her wings being ripped out. She's officially a flightless Pegasus and most of her muscles are lacerated." The nurse was just staring at her in shock. "Yeah, I had that same look when I heard of her condition. They were able to bring her back to life on the way here and did a little surgery on her body when she arrived. But the damage had been done. She also suffers from a bad case of dissociative amnesia that has erased almost everything from her past life. Including basic sentences, words, and anything else you learn when you grow up. She only knows how to talk with basic words, walk, eat, move, think, and apparently sing." Goldhoof chuckled and shook her head as they watched the two come back around. "And Bright Snow had a balcony accident that claimed the lives of both of her parents. So far, she's been taking it in stride. I don't think she's let it all out yet. Mourn."

"So she'll more than likely have a little breakdown in the future."

"Right. Just thought I'd let you know. Maybe Magenta could help when that happens. If it happens in here." She looked back down at the approaching fillies, still talking about things.

"—so I drew a monster instead just to scare him!" Bright Snow cheered. Magenta was just staring at her in wonder and confusion. What were they talking about again? "Then I left it on his desk because he made me so mad."

"This was in kindergarten?" Magenta asked. "That's the first...grade...right?"

"Uh huh!" Bright Snow nodded enthusiastically. "It's the first school grade you go to! But before that, you go to preschool and learn shapes, numbers, and other things!"

"But I don't know any of that stuff! Do I have to go to preschool?! What is a number?! And a shape?!" Kind Goldhoof looked towards Maximum giving him an "I told you so" look.

"I'll show you later," Bright replied before yawning and rubbing her eye. "I'm a little sleepy."

"That means it's time for a nap, kiddo," Maximum Gold said, catching her attention. She looked up at him and raised her hoofs. He chuckled and picked her, holding her against his shoulder as he walked away.

"I'll talk to you later, Magenta," she yawned before they walked into the room next to hers.

"Okay," she called before looking up to her nurse. Goldhoof stared back and they had a contest of some sort. Before Magenta raised a hoof and poked her nose. "I want a ride like that." Goldhoof sighed and walked around her to unbuckle her legs. Once they were on the floor, Magenta groaned from the stress it was already causing her. She was suddenly lifted up and cradled in Goldhoof's shoulder as they walked into her own room.

"You weigh a few pounds," she commented with a chuckle.

"What are pounds?" Magenta asked.

"It's a measurement of weight. Like you weigh ninety nine pounds." Goldhoof gently laid Magenta down on the bed and put the covers over her. "And measurement is what ponies use to tell the difference between something. You'll learn more about that in school in the future."

"School? They have school in the hospital?"

Goldhoof chuckled before she leaned down and nuzzled her. "No, dear. But you will more than likely be going to a school here in Manehattan in the upcoming months. We are still searching and hoping for your family, but I don't think we'll be able to find them, darling." Magenta sighed and nodded.

"So.....I'll be going to an orphanage?"

"More than likely." Magenta looked away, making the nurse sigh. "But so will Bright Snow. You know she lost both her parents. So she'll surely be going. Who knows, maybe you two will be going to the same one. There are only three here in Manehattan." Magenta's ears twitched and she looked at her nurse with a smile. A hopeful expression.

"Really?"

"Yes. There's one out of three chances that you two will be going to the same orphanage. You'll be fine." She leaned down and nuzzled her again before a pair of hooves wrapped around Goldhoof's muzzle. Magenta chuckled.

"Thank you," she said sweetly, nuzzling her back. At that moment, it's like Goldenhoof's heart just popped in joy.

"You are so welcome, Magenta." She pulled back and unfortunately the filly lifted up with her. "Uhhh....."

"Just a little longer....." The nurse couldn't argue with that. She sat down and pulled her into her own embrace, holding her tight until she eventually fell asleep. Once she was snoring, the nurse set her back down and placed the covers over her.

"Get some rest, dear. I......I love you." She nuzzled her a third time before taking her leave, closing the door behind her so she can rest. Peacefully.
> Chapter 09 - Intimidation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was dinner by the time Sweetie Belle woke back up from falling asleep again in Applebloom's hooves. They were holding each other in a love filled embrace while her family was outside talking with a doctor about her neck. It could become permanent just because it was that bad. More than likely scar over.

Applebloom shuffled and pulled the filly closer to her chest. Sweetie Belle glanced up at her girlfriend's peaceful expression. So much was going to happen when they went back to Ponyville. But as long as Applebloom was there she knew it would all be alright. The talks and school, where Scootaloo would no longer be joining them. And they still haven't figured out what to do with their lives.

"Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom muttered, catching her attention. She glanced up while her girlfriend was.....sniffing her mane. "You smell like lavender." Did she just say she smells like a flower? In her sleep? Sweetie Belle blushed in realization.

"Uhh...Applebloom?" She asked while chuckling. Her voice was still weak.

"You know," a familiar voice said from behind her. "If Applebloom says you smell like Lavender, you might as well smell like it." Sweetie Belle turned around and adjusted herself so Apple Bloom could cuddle her from behind, allowing her to face the door, as well as see Rainbow walk in. The sickly Pegasus made her way towards her bed with a bouquet of flowers in her teeth. "It's really ironic that I get a bouquet of French Lavender flowers and Apple Bloom says you smell like Lavender before I even give them to you. Let alone walk in the room."

She placed the bouquets in her small hooves before she leaned over and nuzzled her. "Thank you, Rainbow Dash," Sweetie said. "For everything.

"You're welcome, Sweetie Belle. Just get better and come back to Ponyville....so Pinkie can finally give you two a party. She's been going on about it ever since Twilight got her started."

"Only if Apple Bloom wants one."

"Like I'd turn down a party from Pinkie Pie," Applebloom agreed with her eyes closed.

"Good," Rainbow said before she nuzzled her too and ruffled her mane with a hoof. She felt a hint of nostalgia when she did that. Realizing she did the same thing with Scootaloo. She sighed. "I have to head back to Ponyville. The hospital isn't allowing all of us to stay overnight. Only Sweetie's family and her supporter."

"Okay," Sweetie replied. "Goodnight Rainbow Dash."

"Goodnight, you two. Please watch over her, Applebloom."

"Even when she's in the bathroom," she responded. Sweetie Belle's eyes went as wide as dinner plates.

"Not THAT hard," Rainbow corrected, chuckling at the unicorn's reaction. "They're saying they might keep her for a week for observation, considering that that rope went into her neck and damaged her vocal cords." Apple Bloom finally opened her eyes when they both looked at her. "I'm not sure if your throat will ever be the same after this. We'll have to wait and see."

Sweetie Belle nodded, coming to terms with that. "Goodnight, girls." Rainbow turned around and quickly trotted to the door. She widened it and walked out where everyone else was waiting for her. The Princesses and the others waved at the fillies before continuing on their way, leaving Rarity and her family behind with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.



At around that same time, Magenta woke back up when she felt a stethoscope moving around on her chest. She opened her eyes and glanced around the room, spotting Nurse Goldhoof listening to her heart. She watched her at work for awhile, concentrated intently on what she was doing. The stethoscope was moved around for a moment before Goldhoof took it off and wrote some things down on her clipboard. Magenta quickly closed her eyes, feigning sleep before she could spot her. After writing down the notes, Goldhoof sighed and looked down at her patient with a smile. She didn't know how, nor when, but this child was going to do big things. In the future, she was going to change all of Equestria. She didn't know how.....but she will.

"If you're awake Magenta......just know I love you as if you were my own child," she whispered as she leaned down and nuzzled her. Now Magenta just couldn't let that go.

She quickly opened her eyes, reached up, and grabbed her muzzle, giggling. The nurse was frozen for a moment before she chuckled. "Were you awake this whole time?"

"Uh huh."

"Oh! So you uhhh......heard what I said?" Magenta giggled and nodded. "Oh....well..."

"I love you too," Magenta reassured, rubbing her muzzle on her nurse's. "I still have to sing for you."

"I think that can wait until you have your rest."

"But I want to sing to you now." She whispered, letting her muzzle go. She put a hoof to her nurse's mouth, stopping her before she could even start. "Please. I have a song in my head."

The nurse pulled in her lips before she looked at the clock on the wall. It wasn't that late. So she sighed and nodded. "Okay.....go ahead."

Magenta grinned and cleared her throat. First she started off with a simple tune. Then she sung.

"Feeling my way through the darkness......guided by a beating heart.......I can't tell where the journey will end........but I know where to start." Kind Goldhoof was staring at her wide eyed with her mouth partly ajar. It was....beautiful. "They tell me I'm too young to understand.......They say I'm caught up in a dream......well life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes......well that's fine by me." Goldhoof smiled and pulled in her lips. She was getting a little louder and attracting attention, based on the shadows she spotted in the corner of her eye.

"So wake me up when it's all over......when I'm wiser and I'm older......All this time I was finding myself......And I didn't know I was lost. So wake me up when it's all over.......when I'm wiser and I'm older......All this time I was finding myself......And I didn't know I was lost.

"I tried carrying the weight of the world......but I only have two hooves......I hope I get the chance to travel the world......I have nothing to lose......I wish that I could stay forever this young......not afraid to close my eyes......Life's a game made for everyone......and love is the prize.

"So wake me up when it's all over......when I'm wiser and I'm older......All this time I was finding myself......And I didn't know I was lost. So wake me up when it's all over.......when I'm wiser and I'm older......All this time I was finding myself......And I didn't know I was lost." When she ended, Nurse Goldhoof had tears coming down her face, along with a smile, which turned into a grin. She kindly reached over and pulled the little filly into a motherly hug.

"That was so beautiful," she whispered in her ear. "Thank you, Magenta."

"You're welcome....." A round of stomping and cheers in the hall made the two look towards the doorway where most of the nurses were. They must've heard everything.

"Were they standing there this whole time?" Magenta asked quietly before a white head popped up in front of her, between her chest and Nurse Goldhoof's.

"YEP!" Bright Snow said.

"Gah!" Magenta squealed in surprise, nearly falling on her back if it wasn't for the hooves wrapped around her.

"You sounded really good! Like Celestia good! You should be a singer! Hey! Maybe that's what your cutie mark stands for!" Goldhoof chuckled and set down Magenta so she can speak to her friend.

"I don't think it means singing, Bright Snow," Magenta responded.

"Well we don't know what it really looks like since it's covered in all of those annoying bandages!" She crawled over to her older friend and looked at her flank, making Magenta blush again.

"I really think you should stop looking at my butt." The nurses laughed before going back to their work, leaving the two fillies to talk.

"Well we won't know what it looks like unless we look at it!" Bright argued.

"And we're not going to find out until the bandages are taken off—"

"Let's do it!" Bright Snow was about to go and start unwrapping before Magenta stopped her.

"—by the nurses."

"Aww!" Magenta chuckled and stroked the younger snow white filly's head.

"It's okay. Besides! I'm sure it's cut or scarred or something. Like the rest of me." She weakly gestured to her body. "I don't have wings, and I can barely move without being in pain."

"It'll be okay, Magenta," her nurse told her. Magenta yelped and turned around. She was still here?! Nurse Goldhoof laughed while she pushed the table of food over her bed, lowering it so she could reach it. "You are still alive, beautiful, and have a beautiful voice."

"But I don't want anypony else seeing my cuts and...scars when that happens," she whined. Bright Snow pulled her into a light hug before she sniffled.

"I'm sure when you leave here somepony will give you some clothes so you can cover up, if it makes you comfortable," the nurse reassured. "An agent from Foal Protective Services is coming over tomorrow to see you and Bright Snow. You can ask her about clothing."

"Me too?" Bright asked. She cocked her head to the side in confusion.

"Yep." Goldhoof placed a cup of juice on the table in front of Magenta. "They're going to see what they're dealing with and where to put you two when it's time for you both to leave. She's really nice, I promise."



"You're the Foal Protective Service's...lady?" Bright Snow asked. It was the next day and the two fillies were sitting side by side in the library for that unit. There was a large table in the center where foals can read and write, draw, and do whatever else while there were bookcases on either side of the room. There was also a carpet underneath them that was the colors of the rainbow. The two were sitting on the table in front of an earth pony mare that was dark gray with a light blue mane and tail, as well as light blue eyes with a cutie mark of a white foal rearing up on two legs.

"Yes, I am," she answered. Her voice was.... high, Magenta thought. "My name is Gray Oceans. I work with Foal Protective Services and I'm assigned to both of your cases."

"Cases?" Magenta asked.

"Yes. Your situations. When a child goes through Foal Protective Services, they get a case. A file that explains what's going on and their records. In your file Magenta Streak, you are a lost foal without any parents that appeared lifeless while floating out of a water channel. And you, Bright Snow. Your records say you are an orphan after your parents gave up their lives to protect you from a falling balcony. From what FPS has gathered, you both are going to be put into an orphanage in the middle of Manehattan when you are both released, which coincidentally is at the same time. In three and a half weeks."

"So...we're going to the same....orphanage?" Magenta asked as her ear twitched.

"Uh....yes."

"YAY!" Bright yelled, pulling Magenta into a light hug. The orange filly grunted at the sudden excited filly's gesture but smiled nonetheless. "You hear that? We get to stick with each other! Yes!"

"Yay," Magenta repeated calmly. "Be careful, Bright Snow. I still have to heal first. And even after we get out, I still have to heal. Doctor Hooves said it'll take four months for everything to be healed and.....clean." 

Bright Snow immediately let her go and whined, "Awww! Can you at least eat ice cream?"

"I'm pretty sure I can still eat while I'm healing, Bright," Magenta responded, rolling her eyes at her younger friend's cluelessness.

"Oh, okay."

The agent was chuckling at her cuteness while she stuck a pen in her mouth and started writing on a paper. Magenta cocked her head to the side. "You write with your mouth?" She asked. The agent stopped and looked up before she nodded.

"Most ponies use their mouths to write," Bright clarified for her. "If you don't have magic, you have to use something else to write."

"Oh," Magenta said sheepishly. She bit her bottom lip, trying to hide it. But Bright Snow had a sharp eye.

"Do you...... remember how to write?" She asked. The agent stopped her own review and glanced up at her.

"Uhh..... Mm mm," she responded, shaking her head sadly.

"Awww, it's okay," Bright reassured. She patted her on her shoulder. "It's not your fault."

"But I want to write my music," Magenta cried. "And I can't do that unless I know how to write."

"I'll write it for you!" Bright cheered, shocking Magenta. She looked towards the little filly in surprise.

"You'd do that for me?" She asked breathlessly. Bright Snow nodded enthusiastically.

"You have an amazing voice! So I want so see what you can do when you write something and not just come up with it in your sleep! You tell me and I'll write it!" Magenta chuckled and pulled her into a hug.

"Thank you, Bright Snow! Thank you!" She cheered. She gave her a gentle squeeze being sure not to hurt her wings. They were already shattered, no need to make them worse.

"You're welcome," she replied while hugging her back.

"You have a really bad case of Amnesia," Gray Oceans commented around the pen in her mouth. "I've seen Amnesia before, but never this bad. You can't remember anything about your past life. Which apparently includes your education. But we'll have you back up and steady as soon as we can."

"Really? So I can have my memories back?" The agent let the pen drop from her mouth and folded her hooves on the table to explain.

"Well, you won't have any old memories returning to you until your mind says it's time for your memories to return. So we'll just have to make new memories at the orphanage you'll be going to in a few weeks."

"Oh....okay," Magenta responded. She really wanted to learn about her past life, but apparently that wasn't going to happen for a very long time.

"Don't get upset, Magenta!" Bright Snow said, wrapping a hoof around her shoulders. "I'm sure you'll enjoy your new life. I know you will."

"I hope so..." She muttered.



Sweetie Belle woke up that friday morning from the bright light shining in her eyes, cracking one eye open and squeaking at the bright sun hitting her at full force. So she raised a hoof hoping to block it. Why did she sleep on this side of the bed again? A slight movement from behind made her muscles clench a little before a familiar lock of red hair cascaded over her face. She crossed her eyes to focus on it before a groan came from behind. "Applebloom..." Sweetie called hoarsely. The farmer put a hoof over her shoulder and wrapped her hooves around her once more, pulling her close. Sweetie blushed before she let out a slight chuckle. "You need to get off of me."

"Mmmmm I don't wanna," she groaned in her sleep. The filly she was cuddling rolled her eyes as she shuffled out of her embrace, nearly falling out the bed in the process before she used her magic to grab herself. Sighing in relief she jumped onto the floor, nearly forgetting about the IV in her hoof until that familiar pull caught her attention. She looked behind her at the metal poll holding the bag of nutrients right above her head. She needed to go to the bathroom but she had to move it. She tried tugging the cord, but that wouldn't work.

"Hold on, Sweetie," a divine voice said from behind her. She turned around to Rarity walking towards her with her horn lit. She yawned while pulling the IV pole in her magic out from the corner. "Where do you need to go?"

"Bathroom," she said hoarsely.

"Okay." Sweetie Belle made her way past her sister, who followed after her towards the bathroom with the pole, then pulled the wooden door open when they reached it for her sister and put the pole in there with her. Once situated, she closed the door behind her and sat outside of it, allowing Sweetie Belle to have her privacy. But she made sure to stay on her toes in case she had another episode. Yes, Sweetie Belle was in the hospital, and she will be watched. But she was also on the bridge yesterday where everypony was watching her, and she was about to throw herself over. They were going to keep her in Manehattan for seven days. And they had school on monday. It was already friday. Looks like she was going to miss the first day back since the tragedy. Her and Applebloom. Scootaloo's death was tearing them apart, killing both of them.

Rarity glanced over at Applebloom who was just waking up based off of the moans and yawns, along with the wild shaking of her hooves. She lifted her head and smacked her lips. Then gasped, quickly looking around her environment. She must've noticed Sweetie was missing because she started looking around more frantically. "She's in the bathroom, darling," Rarity told her, catching her eyes.

Applebloom sighed in relief, holding a hoof against her chest before she jumped out of bed and stretched. "Mornin', Rarity."

"Good morning, Apple Bloom. You're sounding a lot like your sister, you know."

The filly shrugged as if it were no big deal. "Sweetie Belle and ah' have been gettin' more mature over these past few days," she commented.

"Yeah, a little too mature," a voice commented from her right. She looked over and spotted Cookie Crumbles and Hondo Flanks looking at her with smirks on their faces. "Don't get too comfortable there, Applebloom. Remember, you're only eleven. We're not really comfortable with you two pursuing a relationship this early."

"I know. But ever since.....Scootaloo left us...I've had a lot to think about. More specifically that there are only two of us." Apple Bloom took a seat as well as a deep breath. "Yeah, we have you and the rest of the town. But Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and myself have always had each others back. We never confided in a lot of ponies about our own situations. We confided in each other. But now...there's only two of us. We need each other now more than ever. I love Sweetie Belle and there's no way somepony's going to take her from me. Ah'm not going to lose her like we lost Scootaloo. That's not happenin'. At all. Ah' won't let it. So I'm going to stick by her like super glue and there ain't not pony goin' ta' stop me. Not even you."

Everyone was staring at her wide-eyed. When did this filly get so bold? The bathroom door opened a second later, allowing Sweetie Belle to walk out with a relieved smile on her face. She looked around for a moment, sensing the tense hostility. "What happened?" She asked. Applebloom looked her way for a moment before Hondo spoke.

"I believe," he said as he stood up and walked towards Apple Bloom. "That our little filly...has chosen...." Apple bloom squinted her eyes at him. "...a wonderful pony for a spouse. I'm placing part of my daughter's well being in your hooves, Apple Bloom. Don't let me down, you understand?"

"Yes, sir." He chuckled and ruffled her mane before he walked over to his daughter.

"Good morning, sweetheart," he greeted, picking her up and giving her a kiss on the top of her head. Rarity pulled the IV out from the bathroom and closed the door.

"Morning, dad," Sweetie greeted, clearing her throat. It didn't help.

"How'd you sleep?"

While they were having their conversation, Rarity leaned down to Apple Bloom's ear from behind. "I also trust you," she whispered, making her flinch in surprise before she recognized the voice. "Please....look after her."

"Ah' promise ah' will always be there for her. You have mah' word."

"Good. Your southern accent is getting much stronger. Much stronger than Applejack's. Why is that?" Apple Bloom shrugged before somepony knocked on their door, catching all of their attention. It opened a second later to reveal a completely white unicorn mare with yellow eyes. She had a cutie mark of a gray roll of tape as well as a smile plastered on her face.

"Hello, everypony," she greeted as she closed the door behind her after stepping into the room. "My name is doctor Pure Lace. I'm Sweetie Belle's doctor while she's here. I'm going to check her blood pressure, heart rate, and her throat. Basically an overall check up." She walked towards the bed while Hondo set her down on it. The doctor set down her clipboard on a nearby desk while she grabbed the cuff for a heart rate monitor and put it around Sweetie's front right hoof.

"I just realized....ah'm the only Earth pony in here," Applebloom said to herself. Rarity chuckled before she lifted the filly up in her magic and set her beside her girlfriend. Sweetie Belle poked her arm, catching her attention.

"You'll be fine," she whispered.

"Yeah, ah' know. But ah also get the luxury of watching everything fly around too. See?" She pointed to the cuff being taken off Sweetie Belle's hoof, as well as the pen lifting up and writing on the floating clipboard.

Sweetie Belle chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Like I said, you'll be fine. Try not to get too jealous."

Applebloom smiled and nuzzled her cheek, forcing a blush out of Sweetie Belle. "No promises."



After the FPS mare left, Bright Snow decided to take Magenta to the movie room. She described it as, "A room with a television."

"What's a movie?" Magenta asked while on their way. She was once again hooked up to the wheelchair as they walked along the halls. There were some more patients out, but they have yet to say hi.

"It's a very long video," Bright told her. "Ponies act in different roles to solve a problem that changes for every movie."

"So....how do you see it?"

"A TV! It's in the room!" She continued leading the way with Magenta right behind her. Along the way, they spotted another filly in the hall with what seemed to be her parents who were speaking with a doctor. She was a dark purple pegasus with a white and purple mane and tail. She also had light blue eyes with a purple scroll that was tied together by a red ribbon for a cutie mark. She looked their way, cocked her head to the side, and made her way over with a grin.

"Hi!" She greeted, waving her hoof. The two stopped in front of her and gave her a look. Bright Snow was grinning her signature grin while Magenta was looking confused.

"Hi!" Bright Snow greeted back. They shook hooves. "I'm Bright Snow. And this is my friend, Magenta Streak!"

"My name is Fuchsia Winds! Nice to meet you!" She reached a hoof out to Magenta who just stared at it. There was an awkward silence before Fuchsia lost her smile and Magenta looked up at her. Trying not to make this weird, Magenta just looked at her own hoof confusedly. What was she supposed to do?

Fuchsia looked at her strangely, trying to figure out if she did something wrong before Bright Snow decided to diffuse the situation. "Don't take it personally! She just doesn't know what to do! This is what you do, Magenta." She demonstrated by grabbing the hoof and wrapping her own hoof around, giving it a shake. "It's called a hoofshake!"

"A....hoof....shake?" She asked, staring hard at their hooves.

"Uh huh! Now you try!" Magenta reached out and did what Bright did. "Magenta has amnesia. She can't remember not one thing from her past life. Everything and everypony she ever knew was erased from her mind. Which includes shaking hooves."

"Oh! Okay! For a second, I thought you didn't like me," Fuchsia commented in relief. Then gave her a smile. "Is that why you're in the hospital?"

Magenta nodded. "I got hurt really bad by something that left me with twenty eight cuts, gashes, and lacerations. I'm also a flightless Pegasus. I lost my wings."

"Oh no!" Fuchsia exclaimed. Her parents looked and walked over briskly to see what the issue was. "That sounds awful! Are you doing okay?"

"Yeah. They stitched me closed, so I don't think I'll be able to fly again. My body already hurts just from small movements. So I use a wheelchair to lose some of the stress." She motioned towards the wheelchair connected to her rear legs.

"Aww," Fuchsia cried. "That is so sad." Her parents stopped beside her and smiled. "Mom? Dad? This is Bright Snow."

"Hi! I'm Bright Snow!" The little filly said while jumping up and down.

"Hello, there!" The mare greeted, chuckling at her enthusiasm. She was so lively.

"And this is her friend Magenta," Fuchsia continued. The orange filly smiled sheepishly and gave a weak wave.

"Hi!" The stallion greeted. "It's nice to meet you two. Are your parents around?"

Bright Snow instantly lost her smile and hyper attitude. Magenta quickly grabbed her friend with one hoof and pulled her into a hug. The three in front of them raised an eyebrow.

"It's okay, Bright," Magenta cooed. "They don't know." She looked back up to the three. "About that, ummm....w-we're orphans."

"Oh, I am so sorry!" The father cried, taken back quickly. "I didn't know!"

Bright Snow got a little smile back. "I-It's okay. I forgive you. Me and Magenta were heading to the movie room. She forgot what a movie was, so I'm going to show her. Would you like to join us?"

Fuchsia shrugged. "I would, but—" 

"Nonsense, sweetheart," the mare interrupted, nudging her forward with a hoof to the flank. "Go and have fun."

Fuchsia gasped and looked behind her at her parents. "Really?!" They nodded. "Thanks, mom!"

"Yay! Follow me!" Bright Snow began to walk away, followed by a groaning Magenta and an excited Fuchsia. The parents glanced at each other and smiled approvingly.



"So the movie room is like the library!" Bright cheered. Looks like she was back up to her cheerful attitude. Magenta sighed in relief. A much more happy Bright was a far better Bright. "But instead of books, there are movies!"

"It sounds nice," Magenta commented.

Fuchsia nodded in agreement. "I've been here for two weeks, but I've never actually been to this room before," she informed them. Bright turned around and faced her once they made it to the door. Didn't look like anyone was in there, Magenta noted as she peeked over Bright.

"Why were you in here?" She asked.

"Stomach bug."

"What's a....stomach bug?" Magenta asked.

"It's a... it's something that gets you sick. It can make you vomit, get dizzy, a whole lot of problems."

"Vomit?"

"Wow, your amnesia is bad. I'll demonstrate. Something from here—" She made a circular motion on her stomach. "Comes up out of here." She pointed at her mouth.

"Ew. That sounds gross. Why would you do that?" Magenta asked disgustingly.

Fuchsia Winds chuckled. "You can't help it. It just happens. You could be sleeping and then you have to vomit all of a sudden."

"Enough about vomit!" Bright ordered as she opened the door. "We're here to watch movies!" She walked inside the room while Fuchsia and Magenta shared a glance. Shrugging, they followed after her.

The room was a little bigger than the library and had pillows spaced out in front of a large television in the front, facing them. There were bookcases on the sides, but those definitely weren't books.

"This is the movie room!" Bright Snow cheered, standing on her two hooves with her front hooves out. "Where I come to relax to my heart's content!"

"Content?" Magenta asked. She looked to Fuchsia Winds who only shrugged in response.

"What do you wanna watch? We have Spider-Hoof, Supermare, The Strong Stallion...so many." Bright Snow started browsing through the shelves while Magenta unhooked herself from the wheelchair, groaning from the lightning bolts shooting up her hind legs once they touched the ground.

"Are you okay?" Fuchsia Winds asked in worry. She glanced at Magenta's flank, making Magenta herself froan and roll her eyes. Why did these ponies like her butt so much?

"I'm not okay, but I can still walk." She took a few slow steps forward, making her way towards one of the pillows. She calmly walked on it, poked around and got into a comfortable position before she flopped down with a sigh of relief. "Phew, that's so much better....and I left my wheelchair over there, awww!"

Fuchsia chuckled before she pushed the wheelchair forward with her wing. "It's okay, I can put it over here by you." It was pushed right next to her pillow.

"Thank you so much. Have you picked out a....movie?!" The two older mares stared in wonder at the filly who was carrying around maybe ten or fifteen dvd's in her hooves. She dropped them down in front of the two while giving her signature grin. "Uhhh...Bright? I think we said A movie. Which I think means one. Unless I'm wrong about that."

"I'm going to let you choose!" She cheered.

"Okay, well.....I guess Spider-Mare sounds fun. What do you think, Fuchsia?" They looked towards the purple pegasus who was poking at her own chin, trying to decide.

"Yeah, sure. Spider-Mare. I didn't even know they had a movie room back here." She walked over to a pillow beside Magenta and got comfortable while Bright Snow got the movie setup. "So...do you know where you came from at least?"

Magenta shook her head. "I can't remember anything. Except how to talk, eat, drink, use the bathroom, walk and basic movements. Everything I might've known before is gone. I don't even know how to write, so I can't write my songs. Bright Snow said she would write them for me though."

"You do music?" She asked in astonishment.

"Well.....I don't know. I only sung one song and that was here in the hospital. Yesterday."

"THAT was you?!" She asked loudly. Magenta nodded. "You sounded AMAZING! My parents said you sounded like an angel!"

"Wait, your parents heard me?" She asked nervously.

"Uh huh! Everypony on this floor heard you! You sounded amazing! How old are you?"

"I'm......I don't know," she whimpered. Fuchsia put a wing over her back while Bright Snow made her way over to the three of them.

"Yeah, you have a really bad case of amnesia. I'm twelve. Born on February second."

"Yeah, rub it in, why don't ya'?" Magenta joked.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't—" Magenta thrust a hoof into her mouth before she realized what she did. She made a face of disgust and quickly retracted it, rubbing it on a pillow. This pony just got rid of a stomach bug right?

"Ew, never doing that again. And I was making a......" She put her hoof to her chin before she turned to Bright Snow for help.

"A joke!"

"Yeah, that!"

Fuchsia chuckled. "Well, that was a good effort for a joke. I would've laughed if I wasn't pent on offending you."

"Pent?"



Sweetie Belle was walking around the hospital, trying to look at everything at once. There were a few more foals on the floor, all with nurses around them. They say all the Manehattan hospitals were different from the others and they all had a different niche. This was the more serious one where you're supposed to have a nurse around you at all times. So that meant Sweetie belle was walking around with three ponies surrounding her. Applebloom, Rarity, and her nurse. A unicorn mare by the name of Paper Weight. She had a completely light blue coat, light blue mane and tail, and light blue eyes. For some reason her cutie mark was a...rock. When Sweetie Belle saw that, she asked her about it and she said it was because she stood firm. Like a rock. So Sweetie made a mental note of not even trying to convince this mare to do something if it came down to it.

"This is a big floor," she whispered. Apple Bloom looked at her for a moment before looking around. It was pretty big.

"Yeah, it does have its sizes. Do you think Gabby—"

"I don't even want to think about it," Sweetie interrupted. "I'm just...accepting the fact...that she's gone." Applebloom sighed and nodded her head before she looked away. She looked back over when Sweetie nuzzled her. "And it's okay. She's in a better place now. Where she can really fly."

"Ah hope you're right, Sweetie," Applebloom responded while returning the nuzzle. "Ah hope you're right."
> Chapter 10 - Welcome Home!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A week had finally passed, meaning the runaway girls got to go home. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom that is. Unfortunately, the event made a permanent mark. Considering that the doctor said the wound is scarring, and could probably have some more unforeseen damage. There would be a full blown red ring around her throat, but at least she was still talking, which everyone was very excited about. Especially Apple Bloom. She just couldn't let her go. They were currently heading towards a chariot that held Applejack and Princess Twilight, both offering smiles at the very young couple.

"Hello, girls," Twilight greeted calmly. She hopped out the chariot and opened the doors for them.

"Hey, Princess," Applebloom greeted. Sweetie Belle hopped in first before Applebloom and the rest of the family followed along.

A few minutes later, they were flying over Canterlot, enjoying the view of the Castle. Applebloom was too deep in her thoughts to notice though, having so much on her mind. Such as school, home, and......their future. Since the CMC was disbanded, they had no hobbies. Nothing to do. So....now what? They could just run around and do what foals do for the time being. But then after they grow up, what then?

"Stop thinking."

She turned her head to Sweetie Belle's smiling face. "What?"

"I said stop thinking," she playfully repeated. "You're doing that thing where you overthink things again."

"What? No ah'm not," Applebloom denied. Her older sister shook her head and rolled her eyes from the front.

"Applebloom, I can always tell when you're thinking," Sweetie countered. She sauntered over and sat down beside her, then lifted a hoof and poked her in the chest. "You look down at your hooves and start mumbling. And you were doing that for twelve whole minutes."

"Yeah, it's a family curse," Applejack joked.

"Okay, fine!" Applebloom admitted, throwing her hooves in the air. "Yes, ah' was thinkin' about what to do now. I'm out of ideas." Sweetie Belle chuckled and nuzzled her, making Applebloom smile.

"That's because you're thinking too hard," she whispered as she ceased her nuzzling. "We just take it as it comes. We won't be going back to crusading. But whatever else may come up, we'll take it on. Together. Okay?" She took hold of Applebloom's hoof and gave it an encouraging squeeze. Her girlfriend sighed and nodded in agreement.

"Alright. We'll just let whatever happens happen. Applejack? Have you watered the seeds?"

"Yes I have," she responded. "Ah' know how much you want it to grow, so I water them everyday."

"Thanks."

"We're here, everypony!" Twilight announced as they landed in front of the Castle of Friendship. The chariot rolled to a stop in front of the doors, letting them know that they have finally arrived at their destination. Although at a different location.

"The castle?" Sweetie Belle asked. Her and Applebloom shared a confused glance, completely missing Twilight and Applejack's shared smirk and wink. The fillies climbed out of the chariot and made their way towards the front door of the castle with Sweetie's parents right behind them.

"Yep. We want to show you somethin'," Applejack answered. Twilight walked forward and opened the castle doors, allowing the clueless fillies inside before they walked in after. But once the door shut, all Tartarus broke loose.

"SURPRISE!!!"

Sweetie Belle shrieked and backed away before Apple Bloom jumped in front of her, ready to fend off any pony wanting to....wait, it's just Pinkie Pie. And a few more ponies. The two looked up towards the ceiling where there was a banner that read, 'Congratulations On Finding Your Special Somepony, Sweetie Belle And Apple Bloom!'

"That is a lot of words," Sweetie commented. Apple Bloom nodded in agreement. They looked back down and gasped before Pinkie Pie pulled them into a bone crushing hug.

"Were you surprised?! Huh? I know I was when I heard you two were girlfriend and girlfriend!" Pinkie asked enthusiastically as she hugged the two fillies.

"Yeah, Pinkie, REALLY surprised," Sweetie answered, struggling to get out of her grip. When they did, they were bombarded by more foals all trying to figure this out.

"You're dating?"

"Are you in love?"

"What's it like?"

"I thought mares were supposed to date stallions. Not another mare." Apple Bloom sighed and shared a look with her girlfriend, who shrugged in response.



"Can I get some clothes?" Magenta asked the FPS worker two weeks later in front of her room. Today was the day Magenta Streak and Bright Snow were discharging from the hospital. Bright had the casts on her wings taken off, allowing her to hover above her friend with a smile. Magenta was still having trouble walking. Therefore she was still in a wheelchair at this moment. Not to mention still wrapped up in gauze. The nurse and doctor said that the wounds would heal in three months then scar over.

"Why do you need clothes, dear?" Gray Oceans asked while she was speaking with her nurse. Kind Goldhoof decided to answer for her.

"Her wounds, after they heal, will become scars," she said, catching the caseworker's attention. "She's afraid she'll be made fun of by other foals in the future."

"I see," Gray Oceans replied. She nodded before turning back to Magenta. "I'm sure we can find you a few things, Magenta. Are you ready to go?"

"Mm mm," she replied with a shake of her head. She turned around and walked towards her nurse, who was watching, and lifted a hoof up at her.

Nurse Goldhoof smiled sweetly, knowing exactly what she wanted before she reached around and unhooked Magenta's rear hooves from the mobile assistant. She then put her muzzle down to a level she could grab. Which she did. The nurse pulled her into a loving embrace, nuzzling her cheek.

"Will you visit us?" Magenta asked her as she looked into Goldhoof's eyes. "They said you can. Will you?"

"Of course I will!" She agreed happily. "Once a week, I promise."

"Promise?" She asked, pulling back a little and giving her a confused look. "What's a promise?"

"It's a guarantee that something will happen. I promise I will visit you and Bright Snow once every week."

Bright Snow flew over and joined in, giving her a tight squeeze. The nurse chuckled and hugged her too. "I love you both," she whispered.

"We love you too, Nurse Goldhoof!" The two cheered. Gray Oceans fawned before they backed away.

"I'm walking with you until you get to the taxi," the nurse said as she hooked Magenta back up to her wheelchair. "I don't want you to fall and hurt yourself even more."

Once she was secure they started walking towards an elevator, not that Magenta knew what that was exactly. Only that they had stopped in front of some silver doors. Gray Oceans pressed a button next to it that had a strange shape that Magenta probably knew in the past.

"Is this a room?" She asked, cocking her head to the side. Bright Snow shook her head from Magenta's right.

"Nuh uh," she said, catching her attention. "It's an elevator. It moves you up and down from one floor to the next."

"So.....how does it work?"

"Magic!"

"Oh." The doors opened with a ding, making Magenta look around for the source before she carefully walked into the weird room. She looked around at the interior before a sound behind her caught her ear. She looked over and gasped as the doors shut.

"Oh no! Are we locked in?!!" She yelled in fear.

"No, we're just moving," Nurse Goldhoof said down to her in an attempt to calm her. "We're moving down to the ground."

"Oh." She walked towards Bright Snow and turned herself around in her wheelchair. Bright realized she was a little nervous about the box, since she kept glancing around at everything.

"Don't worry," she said, trying to reassure her nervous friend. She put a wing over her densely gauze-covered back, rubbing her with the feathers. "It won't hurt us. I promise." Magenta gave her a nervous glance before the door opened again a few seconds later.

Once it did, Magenta walked out as fast as her little and painful hooves could carry her, trying to get away from the box of death. "Hold on, Magenta!" Nurse Goldhoof called, quickly following after her. Magenta stopped in the hall and looked around, sighing in relief before Goldhoof caught up with her. Along with Bright Snow and Gray Oceans. "Don't run out like that, okay? You could've gotten hurt," the nurse warned her. Magenta nodded before they continued walking again. They were currently in a large lobby with marble flooring and a lot of windows. There were also pillows around that served as seats for anypony coming in and waiting for something. As well as nurse's desks.

"Are you excited?!" Bright Snow asked suddenly. Magenta turned to her as the adults stopped in front of the door. They turned around and looked at the two little fillies with smiles on their faces.

"For what?" Magenta asked her.

"To see Equestria! Since you lost your memories, you have no idea what it looks like! So this will be pretty big for you! Are you ready?!" Magenta nodded. "Let's go!"

"Stay close to us, okay?" Gray Oceans ordered. After the foals nodded, the two mares lightly pushed the doors open, allowing the cool summer breeze outside to bristle the coats of the two foals inside. Magenta took a few hesitant steps before she walked out with Bright Snow right beside her.

The second she was out, Magenta was met with the suns bright light, not to mention heat. "Ugh! The sun is so....."

"Beautiful?" Gray Oceans guessed as the two adults stopped next to them.

"No! It's....too bright! Cut it off! Please!" The two adults laughed as they walked towards the yellow chariot waiting in front of them.

"Sorry, Magenta! Celestia doesn't just cut off the sun," Nurse Goldhoof commented as she positioned some plastic steps by the door of the taxi. She opened the door before making her way back to the foals. "I have to unhook you now dear. Sadly, you're not allowed to take this with you to the orphanage."

"Awww," Magenta said as the nurse took off the straps. Once they were loose, Magenta's rear hooves touched the ground sending a jolt up her legs. Those muscles just couldn't heal fast enough.

"I'll walk you up to the taxi!" Bright cheered as she landed beside her. Magenta nodded and started walking up to the steps, albeit slowly. After twenty six seconds, they finally made it to the plastic elevation tool. She lifted her front hooves and pulled herself up on one of them.

"Be careful," Goldhoof warned from beside the steps. The pony who would be pulling the chariot looked over his shoulder inside of it. Goldhoof was watching her anxiously as Magenta finally got off the last step and into the chariot. She continued to the other side before she took a satisfied seat. Bright Snow took a seat beside her while Goldhoof took back the steps and Gray Oceans turned to her.

"Kind Goldhoof?" She said, catching her attention. She reached into her saddlebags and pulled out a card, which she held out to the nurse. "If you're ever thinking about adopting, here's my contact information. Let me know and I will help you."

"Thank you. I will keep this close by me." The caseworker nodded to her before she got into the chariot with the two fillies, closing the door behind her.

"I'll see you soon, girls!" Goldhoof yelled, waving as the chariot drove off. She could make out the two foals' little hooves waving back at her for a moment before she sighed, picked up the steps, and made her way slowly back into the hospital. She was going to miss those little angels.



"What's the.....orphanage.....called?" Magenta asked as they turned a corner. The two looked over at her. "I've learned that everything has a name here."

"That's true," Gray Oceans agreed. "The orphanage is called Quick Hooves Orphanage. It is two stories high and has two wings."

"The building flies?"

Gray Oceans chuckled. "No dear. When there are wings on a building, that means there is more buildings connected to it.  One on the left and another on the right. One for fillies and the other for colts. You'll see when we get there."

After a few more minutes, the Taxi turned onto a different street, went on for a few more seconds, then stopped. "Quick Hooves Orphanage!" The pony up front said over his shoulder.

"Here we are kids!" Gray Oceans announced as she stepped out. "Your new home." Bright Snow and Magenta Streak looked over at the building, gawking a little at the size. The front of the building had brick steps that led up to a bunch of columns that were holding up the extended roof. The entire building was made out of brick. There were also two more buildings, on the left and right like Gray Oceans said, that were half the size of the middle one and covered in windows.

The middle building had a white triangle roof as well as two ornate wooden front doors. And it was much longer.

"Whoa! It's big!" Magenta yelled as she stalked to the edge. Bright Snow already flew out and was waiting for her, along with Gray Oceans. Magenta eventually made it to the edge but froze upon arrival. How was she going to get down? It was too high up.

"Here." Magenta squeaked when a pair of hooves lifted her up and set her on the ground safely. "You're heavy," Bright Snow commented when she landed next to her.

"Thank you," Magenta told her. Gray Oceans waved for them to follow her as she spoke. Realizing that Magenta had trouble walking, they walked slowly with her.

"You'll be staying here until somepony adopts you," Gray Oceans said as they walked up the stairs. Bright and Gray took it slower here since Magenta had to take each step one hoof at a time. "There are more fillies and colts here than you two. But they are all at school right now. Like how you will both be going in the future. Bright Snow already goes to elementary school, so all she needs is for somepony to go and take her there. As well as pick her up when it's over. However, Magenta, you will be a much longer case. You can't go to school until you are fully healed and can walk better. We don't want you going with other ponies where it's guaranteed you will be hurt." They got onto the top and waited for Magenta to climb it. Once she did, she waited a moment to catch her breath before nodding, letting them know she was ready.

The caseworker walked towards the doors and pulled out a pair of keys from her saddlebags. She pushed it into the slot with her mouth and turned it before grabbing the handle and pulling the door open. The two fillies walked into the building while she stood to the side to allow them in. Bright Snow was just looking around at everything. In front of them was a staircase that led to another level that had black carpet on it. There was also a lot of carpet around them too, as far as they could see. There were also hallways that led to other areas on opposite sides of the staircase. On the left area there was a big spacious area that had books, couches, a lot of pillows, lamps, tables, and a television.

On the right, there seemed to be a giant kitchen that had a very long wooden table, a lot of chairs with pillows on them, as well as just pillows for older ponies that could actually reach the top of the table without any assistance. There was also a stainless steel refrigerator, and more that Bright Snow or Magenta couldn't see.

"Are these our new children?"

The two looked towards the front to see a completely white unicorn trotting out of one of the hallways. "Yes, ma'am," Gray Oceans said, walking towards her. She reached into her saddlebags once more and pulled out two folders, along with a bag holding a tube and some notes inside. "Girls, come."

The two fillies trotted forward while the caseworker was speaking to the lady. "This is a nice place so far," Bright Snow told her friend. Magenta nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, it's fine. But we have to see what everything else looks like too." They stopped in front of the two mares as they wrapped up the conversation and the white unicorn took the folder and bag of items in her magic.

"Girls, this is Director Platinum Diamonds," Gray Oceans introduced, motioning towards the unicorn. "She is the head of this orphanage. The head matron, which is the staff that works here to keep you safe and happy. Say hi."

"Hi!" Bright Snow greeted with a little jump. She was enthusiastic as ever. "I'm Bright Snow! And this is my friend, Magenta Streak!"

"Hello, children," she replied. She walked closer to them and gave a kind smile. "I hope you both know why you are here. Correct?"

"We don't have parents," Magenta answered for her friend. She glanced over, seeing her sad expression.

"That's right. Now we're going to keep you here until you're adopted. Or until you're old enough to go out on your own. Until that time, this will be your home. We'll keep you happy and satisfied as best as we can, not to mention healthy. We have retrieved your stuff, Bright Snow, from your old home. as well as some of your parents' things so you have something to hold onto. Everything else is in holding in a storage facility."

"What's a facility?" Magenta asked. The unicorn took on a confused look before glancing to the caseworker.

"She has a really bad case of Amnesia that has erased everything from her past life," Gray Oceans explained. "Right now, she is in the process of learning more advanced terminology. She also can't write. And I do not believe she can read either."

"But she can talk?"

"Yes." The unicorn turned back to the children, humming in thought.

"We'll have to teach you some things before we can put you back in school," Director Platinum told Magenta. "I was told it would take you quite a while to heal as best as you could. Considering that you do not have wings anymore, as well as intense scarring in the future. So we'll find you some nice clothes to keep you covered up so you can be happy around other foals, and so they're not intimidated by you. Okay?"

"Mmhmm!" Magenta agreed, nodding enthusiastically.

"Good! Let me show you two to your rooms. Follow me."

"Magenta can't walk as fast as the others due to her wounds, ma'am," the caretaker told her.

"Ah, right," she said as she walked down the stairs slowly. The other two followed her around the right corner of the staircase and made their way towards a hallway that intercepted the one they were currently on. Their little hooves trying to catch up to the fast unicorn. Magenta especially. Eventually they made it to, what a sign on the side of them read, the East Wing.

"What's that say?" Magenta asked, motioning towards the sign.

"East Wing," Bright answered as they continued walking. After coming out of the hallway, they turned a right and walked down the hallway. Magenta looked around as they walked, seeing more rooms that were spaced apart by a few feet.

"The East Wing is for fillies, the girls, while the west wing is for Colts, the boys," Director Platinum explained as she slowed down and stopped at a room. "We always separate the genders. Which are boys and girls. This is your room. Number 126. Try to remember it. You are not allowed to have anypony else in your room except only you two. They can stand outside your room but they are not allowed in. The bathroom is right around the corner of this hall."

She pointed a hoof to the hall a little feet back to where they came from. There was a visible indentation in the wall that let the two new fillies know that there was another passage. "This side is for the younger fillies while the area over there right across from us is for the teenagers. When you reach thirteen, you will be moved to that area where you will have a little bit more freedom. Most of the time fillies are adopted by that time frame, but some are not and have to be moved."

The director opened the door to the room, allowing the fillies inside to take a look. There were two beds on opposite sides of the wall as well as a window right across from them on the far side. The room was relatively livable. Not too big not too small. Just right. On the right there were a few things that Magenta guessed were Bright Snow's things. Books, toys, notebooks, saddlebags, and some more things that she had no idea were called. She only recognized the other things because they had them at the hospital and Bright told her what they were. On the left side was just a basic bed with covers and sheets, and a dresser. As well as a radio. That seemed to be really important in Manehattan. Is that what this city was called?

Magenta carefully walked over to the left and looked around. It was a cozy looking environment. She tilted her head when she saw another door on her side. Walking to it, she pulled it open and raised an eyebrow. "Uhh....what room is this? Why is it empty?" Bright Snow looked over and made her way to Magenta's side.

"It's a closet," Bright clarified. "You put your things in here. Clothes and stuff. It's storage."

"But when you do put things in, make sure it's organized," the director explained as she walked into the room. "I hope you enjoy yourself here. This room doesn't have a lock. So you can't lock anypony out or in. That'd be very rude. Now. You can go and venture through and discover everything in the house. Do not go upstairs in the main building. That is where the workrooms are. I hope you can be happy here." She turned around and left, leaving the girls to their own devices. After a minute of just looking around the room, the two fillies turned to each other.

"Yes!" Bright cheered before she shot into the air and hovered. "So! What do you want to do now?"

"Let's go in the....big room and relax on the pillows," Magenta suggested, not knowing the name of the room she wanted to visit. "And then we can listen to the radio when we come back."

"Sure! I wanna see how those pillows feel on the tushie too!" The two laughed before they walked out of the room and back into the hall. After three minutes of walking they made it back into the foyer and walked towards the living room that had all that stuff in it. They walked onto the pillows and started poking around them.

"They're so soft," Magenta cooed. She circled the center of it before she plopped down with a "fwump", sighing as she relaxed her aching muscles. Bright Snow sat down next to her and draped a wing over her back. "You know...this is the first time we've ever had alone time. Together."

Bright blinked in realization. "Oh yeah," she agreed with a nod. The two were just staring at the blank television screen in front of them before Bright grabbed a nearby blanket and draped it over the two of them. "I'm tired...are you tired?"

"Yeah. And Bright?" Bright Snow looked towards her with a smile. "Thanks. For being my friend and for being there for me when I need help. I have a feeling we're going to make some great memories together."

"I do too, Magenta. I do too." The two snuggled up together before they laid their heads down and dozed off. Having peaceful dreams.
> Chapter 11 - Welcome To The Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over the past few months while Magenta and Bright Snow were in the hospital, Magenta kept having a dream that was confusing the heck outta her. And it was once again happening. She was on a stage. Singing. Singing the same song she sung in the hospital that she came up with on the spot in front of a lot more ponies. A LOT more in a circle of some sort. All cheering her name. Magenta Streak. She was also doing something else that involved writing with her mouth over and over in some weird writing that was all curvy. Signing pads and things. Sometimes the pony. Was her dreams trying to tell her something? Because they kept on playing in repeat.

"Who is that?"

"I don't know?"

"What about the pony next to her? Do you know her?"

"I don't know either of 'em." Magenta was still in her dream. But it seemed like somepony's voice was sticking out more amongst the crowd of ponies in the dream.

"Poke her or something."

"YOU poke her, I'm not poking her." Something poked her tender and scarred ribcage making her yelp in her sleep. "Oh girl, back up, back up, hurry before-" Magenta opened her eyes and was looking straight into a pair of wide yellow eyes.

"GAH!" Magenta yelled, sitting up. The pony she was looking at did the same before she, and three more, scurried away to find a place to hide.

"Whasasterwhaaaa..." Bright Snow muttered as she woke up too. The two rubbed their eyes before Bright looked over at Magenta. "What was that?! Are you okay?! Are you in pain?! How about—" Magenta plugged a hoof into her mouth. She groaned, trying to remember where this habit came from. She shrugged it off, and got back to the situation at hoof.

"Somepony was looking at us!" She whispered loudly, looking around the room. "I woke up and I saw eyes. Now they're hiding somewhere!"

"The eyes?" Bright whispered while darting hers around the room.

"The pony too! In this room!" The two shared a look before they scanned around the room. "Hey, there's a hoof!" Magenta pointed to a bookcase where there was a dark blue hoof sticking out. "It's...I can't remember my colors. Help me."

"Dark blue?" Bright asked. Before Magenta could answer, something eeped and the hoof went behind the bookcase. "Who's there?"

Whoever it was didn't respond. "It's okay, I won't hurt you!" Magenta yelled. Bright Snow groaned and rolled her eyes before she stalked out of the blanket. She hoofed quietly over to the bookcase while Magenta kept the charade up. "Please come out, we're not going to hurt you."

Bright Snow jumped into view of the pony, making them gasp. "Ah HA!" Bright yelled, pointing a hoof at her. "I caught you!"

"Nuh uh!" The dark blue unicorn filly denied as she walked out of the shadowy area. She was about the same height as Magenta with a dark blue coat, silver mane, and light blue eyes with glasses. "You didn't catch me! I caught you first!"

"But I caught you after you....wait, who are you?"

"Oh! Hi!" She greeted, completely changing demeanors and giving Bright Snow a smile and a wave. "I'm Bluebell, nice to meet you!" Bright Snow glared at her for a moment before she shrugged and got back into her happy state.

"Hi! I'm Bright Snow!" The two shook hooves before she walked back over to the couch where Magenta was waiting.

"It's okay everypony! They're nice!" Bluebell yelled. A round of movement caught the two new ponies' eyes before three more fillies stalked out from behind bookcases, desks, and tables. Magenta nonchalantly blinked before she calmly lifted the blanket behind her and slowly ducked back underneath it, trying to keep herself out of view.

They all talked to Bright Snow for a moment trying to see who she was before they turned to the blanket. "Uh....hello? You. Under the blanket. Hey." One of them asked, poking the blanket. Magenta couldn't tell which one. It might've been the pegasus. "Who are you?"

"That's my friend Magenta," Bright Snow answered. She lifted the cover and poked her head inside. "Magenta! Come OUT!!" The orange filly yelped before she poked her head back out, giving her friend an irate stare.

"Bright! Stop yelling, that hurt my.......ears, right?" Bright nodded. "Stop yelling, it hurt my ears. I'm out now, okay?....sort of."

"Hi!" One of the fillies greeted. Magenta directed her attention to her as she walked up and offered a hoof with a smile. "I'm Bluebell! Nice to meet you!" Magenta looked at the hoof before she turned to Bright Snow. She must've forgotten how to do it again.

"Hoofshake," she reminded her. Magenta made a silent "Oh" before she reached out and bumped her hoof with hers. The new fillies cocked their heads before Bright Snow walked forward and helped her out. She took her friend's hoof and wrapped it around Bluebell's, then she moved the both of them in an up and down motion.

"Oh, right!" Magenta said, doing it herself, although a little too hard. Bluebell took her hoof back and awkwardly slid away. The other fillies were just staring at her strangely too.

"Sorry," Bright Snow appeased, trying to get their attention. "Magenta has really bad amnesia so she doesn't know how to shake hooves well. Or...anything else for that matter."

"Ooooohhhh," they all fawned before looking down towards the filly underneath the covers. Magenta had settled back down and only had her head sticking out.

"Well, I'm Silver Swirl," one of the fillies introduced. She had a silver coat and a rainbow colored mane and tail. "I'm an earth Pony. That means I can't fly or use magic."

"And I'm Yellow Diamond," another said. She had a yellow coat, a light orange mane, and light green eyes. "I'm a Unicorn. I use magic. Do you know what magic is?"

"It's spells and stuff....right?" Magenta guessed.

"Eh. Somethin' like that. I'm not really sure myself, I just have it."

"And I'm Lightning Dust!" Another filly said, bumping past Orange Skies and hovering in front of her, holding a boasting smile on her face. She had a light blue coat, a light gray mane and tail, and light blue eyes. "I'm a pegasus so I can walk on clouds, manipulate the weather, and of course...fly!"

"What's your name?" Yellow Diamond asked her.

"Magenta Streak," she responded. "And I'm a....Flightless Pegasus."

"Wha'?"

"Flightless Pegasus."

"You have to speak up, girl!" Lightning Dust ordered loudly.

"I'm a Flightless Pegasus." They stared at her in confusion. "I don't have wings but I'm still a Pegasus. I got into a bad accident and my wings were ripped out."

"You mean taken out.....right?" Lightning asked tentatively.

Magenta shook her head. "No, when they found me the doctor said I was bleeding and died in....uhh..."

"Manehattan Park," Bright Snow answered.

"How do you know that? But yes, Manehattan Park. And my wings were ripped out. I don't have wings, I can't remember anything, and I'm hurt beyond repair. That's what they said."

"What?! You DIED?! And you don't have wings?!" Silver Swirl yelled. Magenta nodded.

"And I'm still healing. Where did you come from? Were you all here this whole time?" she asked in confusion.

"No, we just got back from school," Lightning Dust explained. "Do you go to school?" Magenta shook her head. "Why?"

She shrugged. "I don't remember going to school. I don't remember anything."

"How about your birthday?" Orange Skies asked. Magenta shook her head. "Age?" Another shake. "Family?"

"Nope."

"Friends?"

"Not from my past life...if I had one."

"How about hobbies?"

"Nuh uh."

"School?"

"I just said no."

"Food?"

"No!"

"How about-"

"I can't remember anything from before what happened. Not my family, friends, town, how to read, how to write, anything. At. All. Now please stop talking." Bright Snow eeped and whispered in her ear. "I meant asking questions. Please stop asking questions about that."

"Okay. Well....I guess you're making new memories then," Lightning Dust observed from above. She soared down and landed on the pillow next to her.

"So, you're new here?" Orange Skies asked them.

"Yep!" Bright Snow answered. "We just got here this morning! And we've been asleep ever since! The hospital isn't easy on the ears with all that beeping and ponies puking. Blech!"

"You were in the hospital too?" Lightning Dust asked her.

"Yep! I broke both of my wings from a balcony accident." She gave her wings a little flap. "I had to be under observation because it was so bad the doctors thought they would shatter. So I was stuck there until they fully healed. That's when I met Magenta! You were asleep for three days, you know. When you first arrived."

"And I couldn't move, I remember," Magenta recalled, nodding her head. She shrugged her shoulders underneath the blanket. "I'm hungry. Are we supposed to wait for food like the hospital? The director lady didn't tell us when we can eat."

"Oh, you're supposed to wait for dinner, breakfast and lunch," Bluebell replied. "But you can go and grab a snack from the snack bowl in the kitchen. We're not allowed to have food in our rooms."

"There's cookies, fruits, vegetables!" Lightning Dust yelled in triumph. "And other things! Come on, I'll show ya!" The fillies, except Magenta and Bright, started to make their way towards the large kitchen with Lightning Dust taking to the air.

After sharing a glance with Bright Snow, Magenta stood up and stretched a little before she got off her comfortable pillow, shrugged the blanket off of her, and started to slowly make her way out of the room. The others had stopped and were trying to figure out what they were doing before the two came into view. Bright was grinning like always while Magenta just had a nonchalant look on her face. The gauze all over her barrel was unmistakable though.

"I can't walk, or move, as fast as you can," Magenta clarified as she stopped next to them. "And I won't be able to for three to four more months. Now where, and what, are these 'cookies'?"

"Er....It-It's a dessert!" Yellow Diamond answered nervously, a little put off by Magenta's state like her other friends. "It's made out of dough or batter...I think. And you can put chocolate chips and raisins, more chocolate chips, some red velvet, and even some sprinkles in it!" Magenta was just staring at her with her eyes wide open and mouth slightly agape. She took in a deep breath, getting them all a little excited before she said:

"I don't know what any of that is."



Apple Bloom was sitting at the bottom of the Hill of Greatness, looking down at the quaint town below as the breeze blew through her long red mane, covering her right emotionless eye. Reminiscing the time when everything was normal. Nopony was getting hurt, nopony was trying to commit suicide, and nopony, a foal, had to bury their best friend. One of their best friends.

She sighed and looked back up at the Cutie Marks spray painted on the hill behind her. The grave had a fresh bouquet of flowers on it, as well as a headstone that Twilight had created a few months prior to this moment. "'Scootaloo,'" Apple Bloom read aloud in a hushed tone. "'Best Friend. Best Family. Fly Forever, Cutie Mark Crusader.'" She sighed again and looked down towards her front, spotting Sweetie Belle trudging up, carrying a picnic basket in her magic. She had gotten a lot better with managing it.

"Hey, Apple Bloom," She greeted hoarsely, taking a seat next to her. It seemed the real results of the choking was taking effect. She set the basket down with her before Apple Bloom started to unpack. "You have a weird way of things. You make me bring the food but you unpack it?"

"Eh," she replied, taking out the blanket and setting it up. "Ah' don't know how you prefer things so ah' was just gonna let you do it."

"Admit you just didn't want to pack."

"Ah' admit ah' just didn't want to pack." Sweetie Belle giggled and helped her setup. After everything was ready, they settled down and started on the food.

"Happy three month anniversary, Apple Bloom," Sweetie Belle whispered, nuzzling her cheek. Apple Bloom closed one eye and smiled.

"Happy three month anniversary, Lavender," she responded, kissing her cheek. "We've been through a lot already."

"Understatement," Sweetie corrected as she pulled back from her nuzzling. "And 'Lavender'?"

"You smell like Lavender flowers. Yah' can't blame me for that." Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes before Apple Bloom gave her a slice of lemon pound cake. "Cheer up, pound cake."

Sweetie gave her a deadpan look for that pun. "We should probably put some sweet bells on it." The unicorn cocked her head to the side before Apple Bloom reached behind her and pulled out some chocolate bells that had Sweetie's face on the wrapping. Sweetie Belle herself was confused. Where did she get the wrapping?

"Mmmm, Sweetie Bells," Apple Bloom continued. Sweetie was trying her hardest not to laugh. "How should we eat these?" Sweetie snorted but remained strong. "Wait, hold on, ah' think I have a lavender colored one in here somewhere—" Sweetie Belle started laughing before she picked up both of the chocolate bells, and unwrapped them with her magic. Then threw the wrapping at Apple Bloom.

"You're horrible, you know that?"

"You liked it, didn't you?"

"No....okay, yeah I did." The two laughed before they started feasting on their food. A few minutes later, Sweetie sighed, catching Apple Bloom's attention. Her ear twitched and she looked over. "Remember when we were just having fun? When we could just do whatever and not have to worry about all of.....what has happened?"

"Yeah," Apple Bloom whispered. "I was thinkin' about that earlier. When we could just run around and not worry about gettin' hurt and doin' things that could put us in....you know." The two looked up behind them at the Hill of Greatness before going back to looking at the skies above. "We didn't have to worry much. You know.....a lot is going to change. Soon."

"Not really. We still go to school and have friends."

"Yeah, but School will eventually end," Apple Bloom clarified. She picked up her drink, took a long sip, set it down and then continued. "School ends and ponies move on. Some may move out of town, some may move to a different area of Ponyville. And then some will be too busy with their lives to even recognize us anymore. And then eventually there will only be the two of us. Apple Bloom and Lavender."

"Seriously?" Sweetie deadpanned.

"We'll just be all alone," Apple Bloom continued, ignoring her stare. "We have to find a new job since the CMC is over and done with. Not to mention there's not many options in the future for you. OR me. Your throat is damaged and all ah' can do is help out on the farm unless we find a different hobby that is suitable for the both of us. We can't be everything at once. We have to pick something and stick with it."

"How about.....we just tell foals on how to get their cutie marks instead of helping them discover it? We just let them know that—"

"I think we shouldn't do anything that has to do with Cutie Marks," her girlfriend interrupted. Sweetie sighed and nodded. "Ah'm sorry, Sweetie. That was our passion BEFORE all of this started. Besides...that won't pay the bills in the future. Helpin' foals find their cutie marks was technically a hobby that we could do on our off time while we grow up. But now it's time to think about what we're goin' to do when we do grow up."

"Well...we have plenty of time to think about that and make a decision," Sweetie Belle said, placing a hoof on hers. Apple Bloom glanced down at it before she looked deep into her girlfriend's hopeful eyes. "Until then we have all the time in the world to relax. At least for four more years. Okay? Wait until we're fifteen to start laying it on me and becoming dark. Talking about some , 'paying bills.'"

"Fine," Apple Bloom reluctantly agreed. Sweetie chuckled before she leaned forward and pecked her on the forehead. Apple Bloom laughed and pushed her back. "Still no lips?"

"You know what dad said," she reminded her before going back to her lunch. "We're too young for the lips. Later on in life you'll get that luxury."

"You sound like Granny Smith." Sweetie Belle looked up and blanched in realization. As well as Apple Bloom, who realized what she just said. "We're getting old."



Bright Snow helped Magenta get into her seat before sitting beside her at the very long table in the kitchen. There were more foals and colts coming into the home. In and out. Magenta was learning about the different foods in the kitchen that they had. The others sat across from her, looking expectantly at her. Lightning Dust huffed before she placed a bag of round things on the table. "And these are cookies," she told her, pointing towards the bag of double chocolate chips cookies in it. "THESE... are chocolate chips." She threw another bag on the table that had the said delicacy in them. Magenta looked at it before she opened it and took a whiff, mouth watering at the smell.

"It smells really good," she commented.

"Yeah, they do!" Yellow Diamond agreed. She grabbed the one with the cookies and opened it. Then pulled out one with her magic and positioned it in front of Magenta's nose. She sniffed it and nodded in approval. "This is double chocolate chip."

"DOUBLE chocolate chip?" Magenta asked in wonder. She cocked her head to the side in confusion. "How is that possible?"

"Uhh...they just put more chocolate in the cookies," Silver Swirl told her.

"Oh....I knew that."

"No you didn't," Bright Snow said with a kind nudge. "And it's okay if you don't. Now....what else is there to do around here?"

"Well there's a playground out back that we go to after school. Before that we would usually watch TV to see what goes on beyond the Wall."

"Wall?" Magenta asked.

"Well it's more like a gate," Bluebell explained. "A wall is used to keep somepony away. And they sometimes have entrances that can be opened or closed. A gate can be opened and closed by somepony while a fence holds them back mostly. A barrier."

Silver Swirl pointed out a nearby window at the metal gates. "The Orphanage is surrounded by a brick wall with two gates at the entrance. They're closed at five in the evening and opened again when we go to school."

Magenta and Bright looked at it before directing their attention back to the cookies. "So.....can we eat the cookies?" Bright asked.

"Yeah, and can we stop talking about the Wall of Pain?" Lightning Dust groaned, motioning towards the window.

"For YOU," Bluebell clarified as she chuckled. "Wall of Pain for YOU. We all don't have wings here, nor do we crash into things."

"It's not my fault the wall gets in my way," she responded with a smirk. The others rolled their eyes before Magenta caught their attention.

"So.... playground?" She asked.

"It's where we play!" Lightning Dust clarified. "There's a swingset, slides, a sandpit, and more! Would you like to see it?"

Bright Snow nodded eagerly then turned to Magenta who was busy crunching and munching on the cookies. She chuckled and nudged her hungry friend, successfully ripping her attention away from the cookies. "Want to see the playground?"

Magenta nodded and slowly ate the last cookie. Then the group got out of their seats and made their way towards the kitchen entrance. Although slowly for Magenta's sake and well being. "So uhhh...what exactly is a... playground?" She asked.

"It's a ground you play at!" Bright Snow repeated happily. "They have swings, slides, and other things! Does this place have any of those?"

Bluebell nodded as they passed the corridor that led to the rooms. "Yep! They're high, small, and they go round and round!"

"What? No they don't!" Lightning Dust said from above her. "They just sit there because no one ever uses them!"

"Except us! That's why we're the cool kids!" Lightning only looked at her nonchalantly. Then shrugged. She couldn't argue with that.

"Well, well, well! If it isn't the best dumb fillies in town!" Lightning groaned and flew down in front of the face of a completely light blue pegasus filly. Who was wearing a snide smile riddled with devious intentions. Beside her was a unicorn with a light pink coat with a silver mane and tail.

"I know right?" Lightning retorted. "You are dumb! That's why you keep coming back to the same ponies everytime, and make the exact same remarks!"

"Ooo, who's your new friend? Or friends?" The light blue pegasus asked, ignoring Lighning Dust and glancing over at Magenta and Bright Snow. "They look stupid."

"Hey I'm not stupid!" Bright denied, trotting up to her and her sidekick.

The filly scoffed and shrugged. "Yeah, you're right. You're just really dumb."

"Hey!" They looked towards Magenta who slowly walked over to them with a very angry glare. "I don't know what dumb means, but you do NOT talk about Bright like that!" Magenta poked a hoof into her chest and slowly pushed her away.

The filly looked down at the hoof and scoffed, knocking the bandaged thing away, and making Magenta flinch at the pain. "Pffft! We don't need to talk about her! We can talk about you instead!"

"Go ahead! But you do not talk about Bright! At all!"

"You're so stupid!"

"I don't know what that means," Magenta responded calmly, taking the filly by surprise.

"It....i–it means you have nothing going on up there!" She retorted, poking Magenta's forehead. "There's no brain!"

"Nuh uh! I do too have a brain! You must not have one because you keep thinking ponies don't have brains! If we didn't have brains, we wouldn't be able to do anything! Like move! Duh!"

The filly grunted and turned around with her head held high. "Let's go, Silver Sound! I have no time to deal with these wannabes today!"

"Like what?" Magenta asked as she walked away. "You're heading towards the playground. What is out there that is so....time consuming? That's a good word, right?" Bluebell nodded while the others just chuckled and shrugged. They had a feeling that they were going to have a good time with these two new fillies. And they felt the exact same way.
> Chapter 12 - She's Out There; Promises Promises
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The scorching heat on the streets of Manehattan that was not blocked by Manehattan's skyscrapers was beating down onto the back of Babs Seed as she walked determinedly down the sidewalk with Gabby right beside her. Three days after Scootaloo was admitted to the home with Bright Snow, the two were back on the stone sidewalk. Somehow Applebloom and Sweetie Belle had went off the radar. They didn't know anything about what had happened with Sweetie Belle's suicide attempt. And that she nearly succeeded. They decided to continue the search without them later on during those few months. They both had a feeling she was in Manehattan. But they just didn't know where. So they decided to go to the local hospitals. Including the small centers.

The first one they went to was the West End. They walked in and asked if they had admitted a young pegasus filly by the name of Scootaloo. And that they were her friends who were looking for her. The nurse of course said no. They then went to the North End and ended up with the exact same result. Now they were walking into the East End, which was a very long walk and Gabby didn't feel like flying in the Sun's exposed rays.

They walked past the sliding doors and into the marble floored lobby, listening to the machines and whatnot of the conversing ponies working and walking past. Some were being admitted into the hospital while others were working. Cleaning up, sitting at the desks, and talking to other patients. Either way, they were headed to the nurses desk. Babs reached it first and jumped up, trying to grab the ledge of it with her small size. Gabby was about to laugh but held her tongue. "Why don't you just get on my back?" She asked instead. Then knelt down and offered her that space.

"Oh...right." Babs quickly scampered on Gabby's back and got comfortable before she rose up again. Allowing her to see the top of it and the nurse behind it. The Unicorn nurse in question quickly looked up from her work after spotting direct movement in the corner of her eye and smiled at the two.

"Hello," she greeted kindly. "How can I help you?"

"We're looking for a pony," Gabby responded worriedly. "By the name of Scootaloo."

The nurse nodded and asked another question. "Okay. Do you know what room she's in?"

"No, we're lookin' for her," Babs clarified. "We know she's somewhere in Manehattan gravely injured and we want to see her."

The nurse nodded and pulled up bunch of folders from a compartment in the desk with her magic. "Okay. How old is she?"

Gabby looked up and muttered to herself, thinking out loud. "She's around eleven now."

"If she's here then she would be on the ninth floor of the hospital in the children's unit. Do you know the nature of the injury?"

"She slipped into a river and was carried downstream into a filter." The nurse was frozen with a face full of shock. Did this filly just say filter?

"Well... Well then," she stammered, finally getting her wits back. "If she survived that, then she would be in the intensive care unit down here, and then moved upstairs. Do you know when the accident occured?"

"A few months ago."

"Then she would be upstairs by this point. We can go check. Follow me please." She stood up from behind the desk and made her way towards the elevators on the side, followed closely by an anxious Gabby and Babs. They waited for the elevator to lower down from the fifteenth floor and quickly got inside, headed to the ninth floor. "Most of the foals here would be running around at this time of day," the nurse added. "So watch your hooves and claws."

The door opened up a few seconds later, revealing the brightly lit unit of the foals' floor. They walked out and made their way towards the nurses station, busy with other ponies and nurses getting things ready for their shift. "Doctor?" The nurse called out. Doctor Sore Health looked up from his conversation with one of the nurses and nodded to her. He then said something to the nurse in front of him then quickly made his way over to her. Nurse Goldhoof was looking at something on the board and taking some notes down nearby while they were talking. "These two are looking for a friend named Scootaloo who had suffered an accident."

"Okay," he responded slowly. "Well I don't recall a foal by the name of Scootaloo on this floor." Babs sighed and nodded. "Do you know what they looked like? And are you family or friends?"

"We're friends," Gabby answered. "She's a pegasus filly with purple hair and orange coat." Everyone around them, besides the foals stopped what they were doing and looked straight at the two of them with wide eyes, freaking out Babs a little.

"Did you say... An orange pegasus?" One of the nurses, Goldhoof asked tentatively. She calmly approached them from across the hall. She was looking at a clipboard when she heard the description, immediately ripping her attention away from the document.

"Er....yeah," Babs responded slowly, nodding her head. "She's orange, purple mane and tail, sort of active all the time."

"Magenta," they all said.

"Yeah. That's the color."

"No, no," Goldhoof responded. "There was a filly that was administered here a few months ago that we found in a extremely bad condition in Manehattan Park. Really bad. We called her Magenta Streak, because she couldn't remember her name." Babs took note of that. A filly that fit their description, but didn't remember her name. Very important.

"Did she wash up on the park?" Gabby asked excitedly. Doctor Sore Health nodded quickly.

"Yes," he responded. "Due to regulation and laws, we can't tell you much about her unless you're family. But she was recently discharged."

"So she WAS here!" Babs responded enthusiastically. "And still alive!"

"Er...I guess so. But she's still healing even while out and is more than likely going through rehabilitation right now."

"Do you know where she is?!" Gabby asked quickly. "We need to see her!"

"Sorry, but due to rules and regulations, we're not allowed to tell you. Privacy laws. However—"

"That's okay!" Gabby interrupted. "We can find her! Come on Babs, we got a Cutie Mark Crusader to save!" She quickly turned back with Babs' hooves wrapped around her neck and quickly made her way back to the elevator. Goldhoof and the doctor shared a look when they stepped inside and quickly closed the doors. Scootaloo was alive. But was now missing. The others had to definitely learn about this.



Apple Bloom was currently walking through the Apple Orchards pulling a cart with her sister, picking up the apples that Applejack was bucking out of the trees and had fallen on the ground. She wasn't exactly strong enough to buck the trees, but she was strong enough to pull the cart and pick up the apples. So she was doing just that. The Cutie Mark Crusaders was over, so she claimed. Applejack didn't believe that. Nor did any other pony in Ponyville. It couldn't be. It just couldn't. That was their life. Being a Cutie Mark Crusader was everything to Applebloom.

Sighing, Applejack attempted at conversation. "Apple Bloom—"

"No," she interrupted. She picked up another apple and tossed it into the bucket that was inside of the cart before turning to her sister. "Don't even try tah' change up my mind, Applejack. I told ya'. The Cutie Mark Crusaders is over. We all agreed to drop it."

Applejack sighed and turned to look down to her. "Apple Bloom, I don't believe for a moment that your society is gone," she responded. "Nor does anypony else in Ponyville. That was your life."

"That died with everything else." She picked up another apple and tossed it in the cart, although a little more aggressively. "Everything else went downhill the second we laughed. Everypony in town laughed. Then Scootaloo left us. And went through those filters. The second everyone heard that loud and painful scream... At that moment... The fate for the Cutie Mark Crusaders was sealed. The second Sweetie Belle wrapped that noose around her neck, I knew right then and there that if we ever went back down that path, that another one of us is going down that same river. And straight through those filters." She grabbed another apple and tossed it into the cart.

"But that doesn't mean—"

"APPLEJACK, IT'S OVER!" Applebloom yelled, frustrated with her sister's persistence. She whirled around and yelled, "Even if Scootaloo's alive, she'll never forgive us! And she'll never be our friends again! Let alone return to Ponyville! Just drop it!" She grabbed hold of the cart and quickly pulled it to another area, missing the shouts of her name from the air.

"APPLEBLOOM!!" Gabby yelled as the two came back down from a landing. Applebloom's ears twitched, but she didn't turn back around. "APPLEBLOOM!! WAIT!!"

She groaned and turned back around, impatience clearly in her eyes. "WHAT??!!" She yelled, startling the two. "WHAT IS SO IMPORTANT?!!"

"She's alive!" Babs yelled, quickly trotting towards her. Applebloom immediately calmed down and gave them a confused look. As well as Applejack who trotted over to listen.

Gabby stopped in front of Applebloom, gasping for air. "We...went to all of the hospitals and searched all over the city," she explained tiredly. "At first we were just looking for you guys, but since you weren't around we just started searching the city. Then we went to the hospitals. Including the small ones."

"West End and North End haven't seen her," Babs said, taking over. "So we went to East End. A nurse took us up to the floor and told one of the doctors that we were looking for her. We told him that we were looking for an orange Pegasus with purple hair and everyone just like froze. Then they were like a filly with that exact description was admitted to the hospital. And that they washed up on Manehattan Park in an extremely bad condition. They had been at the hospital but were recently discharged. Scootaloo's alive."

Applebloom's mouth was hanging wide open with wide eyes, stumped at this revelation. "She's....alive? WHERE IS SHE?!"

"I don't know, they wouldn't tell us. But she is alive and out there somewhere."

"Well we gotta look for her!" Applebloom dropped the cart and quickly made her way towards the entrance of the farm, leaving Applejack confused. What the hay just happened?


~TSF~


Sweetie Belle was standing between her parents in the doorway to her sister's service room. All eyes watched Rarity finish up the gemmed choker that she had made custom for Sweetie Belle, so she could hide that nasty scar. It was a solid black color and had a small purple gem at the front of it. Her parents were nearby, watching the two interact. Sweetie Belle's voice had been affected more than slightly, but not deeply by the attempt in Manehattan. It was more of a scratchy and rough vocal by this point. It would give ponies the wrong vibe if she were to talk to them in a bad neighborhood.

"Finished!" Rarity sung out loud. She unhooked the choker from the sewing machine and turned around to face her sister on the floor by her hooves. "Here you are Sweetie. Hold still." She stretched the choker in with her magic and looped it over Sweetie Belle's head, then settled it down on her neck comfortably. She adjusted it so the gem shone bright on the front and then let it go, allowing it to grab hold of Sweetie's neck. "There. I'll have to make some more for you in the future, but for now that would have to do."

"Thanks Rarity," Sweetie responded, although downhearted. Rarity could clearly see the pain in her eyes, which seemed lifeless to her. Her voice was the most noticeable though. It was all rough and full of air more so than anything else. You would have to be quiet to hear her. The doctor did say that the muscles would swell in the throat over time and that the real results of the choking would kick in. This must be it.

"You're welcome dear. Would you like anything before you go back out?" Sweetie shook her head slowly. "Okay. Well—" The front door of the boutique suddenly burst open, startling everyone inside.

Applebloom quickly ran in with a face full of urgency, trotting straight up to Sweetie Belle, gasping her words out. "Gabby...Babs...hospital...there..." Sweetie Belle plugged a hoof into her mouth.

"Deep breaths, Applebloom," she whispered, then took her hoof back. Her voice couldn't go high anymore.

Applebloom nodded, taking deep breaths while Gabby and Babs strode in. "Alright. So—"

"She's alive!" Gabby yelled, making them all jump again. "Manehattan East End had her for a while, then discharged her."

"What?!" Sweetie croaked, confusing Babs and Gabby. Why was she so quiet? "What do you mean?"

"Er....w-we uh....I'm sorry but why are you so quiet, it's very unnerving." Applebloom groaned and tapped Gabby's leg, motioning with her hoof to get her to continue. "Anyway, Scootaloo, just like we suspected, had washed up in Manehattan park in a bad condition."

"According to all of those doctors and nurses on the pediatric hospital floor," Babs added. "It must've been really bad. They said they had received a filly there that was bad off and had kept her in. The nurse there said they called her Magenta because she couldn't remember her name. But that she was definitely there and discharged recently, but they couldn't give us any information beyond that. An orange Pegasus with Magenta hair."

"So Scootaloo is still alive?!" Rarity asked in disbelief. "She survived it?!"

"Apparently," Babs responded. "But we don't know where she is! They wouldn't tell us!"

"They're not supposed to," Cookie added. "I don't think it'd be right for us to go out and just search for her either. Ask the Princess about this, maybe she could give you some answers and suggestions."



That saturday, the institution was currently bustling with hooves running back and forth through the halls, playing, talking, and watching TV. But for Magenta, that just meant be cooped up in your room healing. Her back, hooves, stomach, definitely her flanks, and so much more were hurting if she moved. She wondered why they didn't let her stay in the hospital until one of the Matrons informed her that they couldn't keep her there for too long because of health bills, whatever that was. Moving too much was like someone was... Burning her. Just like metal when it's outside in the sun for too long and you touch it.

Bright was in there with her to keep her company. But it seemed more like it was the other way around since she was doing most of the talking. She was sitting at the desk coloring something with a marker in her mouth. "I'm supposed to be going back to school next week," she informed Magenta without taking her eyes off of her work. "But I don't want to leave you alone."

"I'll be fine, Bright," Magenta argued from the bed. "It's just a few more months and I'll be back up to full speed... Whatever speed I was before that is."

"Yeah, I guess," she responded unenthusiastically. She sighed and spat out the marker. Then looked out the window in front of the desk at the garden between them and the other side of the wing. "It's a nice day out."

"You should go play," Magenta responded. She shuffled around to change position from her side to her stomach with kind purple-gray eyes on Bright. "You don't need to be cooped up inside with me. You can move and fly. I can't do neither. One at this moment, and the other...forever." Magenta sighed and lowered her head into the pillow in front of her. Bright looked over and sighed.

"Hey," she whispered, grabbing her attention. Magenta glanced up at her smiling face. "You know what I do when I'm sad?"

"What?"

"I listen to music!" She yelled. Then literally jumped out of her chair and flew around in a small circle. "I turn on the radio and I dance!" She landed on the carpet and did a little demonstration with her hooves. Magenta chuckled at her playfulness when she stopped and pointed a hoof at her. "You should try it!"

"That's really sweet, Bright. But You're forgetting. I can't move yet. Well, I can. But not enough to do what you just did." She squinted her eyes at her. "What exactly was that exactly?"

"Oh," she replied shyly, then began scuffing her hoof against the ground. "It's just a little thing I made up. B-But you can do something else."

"I like it." Bright widened her eyes and looked back up at Magenta in surprise. "You can do your little dance if you want, I don't mind. I'd rather see you dance than color in a book all day. No...er...."

"Offense?"

"Yeah. No offense, But it's more..."

"Interesting?"

"Uh huh," Magenta agreed, nodding eagerly. "It's really interesting. I can't wait until I learn vocabulary. Not to mention move again." She shifted around again, although tentatively so her muscles could heal. "Where did you go to school?"

"Manehattan Elementary School!" She cheered. "It's fun and I get to do what I want!" Magenta got confused.

"But it's a school. Unless I'm wrong, there are rules and—"

"Not for me!" Bright interrupted. She started walking in a circle with her head held high proudly. "I do what I want!"

"Uh huh," Magenta responded with far less enthusiasm. "Whatever you say, sister."

Bright stopped and smiled at Magenta while waving her off with a hoof. "Oh you'll see when you go to school."

"Well I am not interested in school just yet if I have to deal with all of these scars and wounds. Not to mention what Lightning Dust told me about bullying because I'm a Flightless Pegasus. What if the teachers are the same way?"

"The teachers are supposed to help you get away from the bullying," Bright clarified. She made her way over to Magenta's bed and walked up the steps to lay down next to her. She got comfortable and then looked to her with a half serious expression. "If they tease you too, you have to tell somepony about it. They are really, really, really, really, really mean to tease you because you lost your wings."

"I can't help but think that they will," Magenta informed her. "From what I've seen, some ponies are mean. Like that... Filly."

"The one that teased us?"

Magenta nodded and answered, "Yeah, the light blue Pegasus. She was mean to you and I didn't like that."

Bright sighed and nudged her lightly with a slight smirk. "You didn't have to stand up for me, you know."

Magenta rolled her eyes and said, "Well I wasn't going to let my best friend, pretty much my sister, get teased like that. You and I? We're a team. And I watch out for my teammates."

Bright chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, rookie."

"What's a rookie?"

"A new player on the team."

Magenta gasped and began to protest before she paused, and glanced up at the ceiling. Then she shrugged. "Eh. I guess I am a rookie now. I probably wasn't before, but I am now."

"Yeah, maybe. Now how about that music? We need a radio!"

Magenta laughed and repeated, "Bright, I can't dance."

"Then sing! I know you love singing! It's practically your special talent, no matter how many times you deny it."

Magenta groaned and slowly shook her head. "I'm not really fond of singing in front of ponies," she excused. "I only sung to Nurse Goldhoof because she asked nicely. Other than that, I just let myself sing in... Privahmee."

"Privacy."

"Yeah, that. I only do that in privacy." Bright chuckled and draped a wing softly on her back.

"Well then... Do it with your eyes closed," she recommended. "I think you should at least try with a small amount of ponies with your eyes closed. Then do it next with your eyes open to see what exactly makes you scared of singing in public. I'm sure we can find a difference."

Magenta chuckled and said, "I can save us both the trouble of trying to figure it out. I already know why. It's because of what they'll think of me. I mean...look at me. Seriously." Bright backed away and looked at Magenta's bandaged body. "Does it look like they would pay attention to my singing looking like... Like this? Of course not."

"Now that is not true! Come on, Magenta! Cheer up! Look when we first arrived here, they of course looked at you funny. I recall all of it."


Three Days Earlier


After the altercation with the light blue filly, the group walked outside into the hot air, beating down onto their coats as well as the other foals outside playing. Magenta was walking more slowly than anyone else there, which meant that kept Bright Snow back from her destination. Leaving her practically twitching with excitement. "Those are the swings over there!" She announced loudly amongst all the other foals around. "See? Right there? See 'em, see 'em?"

Magenta looked up at where Bright was pointing at to see the five swing sets in the corner of the playground. They also had a sand pit where some colts were currently playing and digging. They looked up and spotted Magenta, then froze and just stared at her slowly moving form. She looked back at them but continued to slowly stalk forward. "Bright?" She asked, getting her friend's attention. "You're like a leaf. Just go and play, I'll be fine."

"Not until you get on with me."

Lightning Dust groaned and grabbed Magenta around the middle before she flew over to the swing set. Then set her down softly in front of one before she turned back to Bright Snow. "She's here now, see? Now can you please go and play? So you can stop shaking and your bones can stop rattling my ears? Please?" Bright immediately darted forward and propelled herself into one of the swings. The others walked forward and stopped in front of her as the swing circled the entire set over and over as she buzzed her wings. The new friends shared a look before they sat down and just watched her go round and round, squealing all the while. The other foals outside also stopped what they were doing and turned to the source of the squealing where Bright was continuously going round and around the swing set, so fast it was like a blur. Then they all gathered around and sat behind the friends and just watched her for a few minutes before she slowed down to a stop.

She pumped her hoof into the air and yelled, "Yeah!" Before she noticed the fifty something foals outside all staring at her. "...what'd I miss?"


Present Time


Magenta was just staring at her excitable friend's grin with a knowing smirk. Then clarified slowly, "Bright? I'm super positive they were all staring at you."

"Nope! They were definitely looking at you," she denied proudly.

"Yeah... Sure."

"But it's okay. They'll warm up to you," she appeased. "Just give it a shot one day. It doesn't have to be now, it doesn't have to be next week. It doesn't have to be next month, it doesn't even have to be next year! But promise me that you'll at least try and do it in public. At least once." Magenta pulled in her lips as she gazed into Bright's hopeful light blue eyes.

Then sighed and coalesced, "Fine. Fine, I'll try to at least sing once in public. I promise."

"Yay!" Bright bounced off the bed, nearly tossing off Magenta before trotting eagerly back towards her desk. climbing on it, she grabbed a spare sheet of paper and started writing on it with her mouth. Magenta watched her with interest before she spit out the marker and then grabbed the paper, holding it up so Magenta could see it. It read, "Magenta Promised To Sing In Public At Least Once!"

Magenta chuckled and shook her head when Bright said, "This is a reminder! To remind you to keep your promise!" She flew over to her bed and pasted it onto her pillow. "Don't lose it."

"I don't think I'll ever forget it, Bright. Especially this whole conversation."

"YAY!"
> Chapter 13 - Bright's Mourn
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, Gabby, and Babs quickly trotted out of the boutique and made their way towards the large Castle of Friendship in the distance. The sun was shining bright. And hot. The group walked by Sugarcube Corner then turned onto the walkway that led towards the front doors.

"Are you sure, Applebloom?" Sweetie croaked out. She turned to her girlfriend and gave her a serious look. "This better not be one of your jokes."

Applebloom chuckled and blew her long mane out of her eyes. "Babs and Gabby sounded really serious," she responded. "I don't think it was a joke, Lavender." Babs and Gabby shared a confused glance from behind. What they hay was up with them? Before Babs could ask, Applebloom rushed forward and pulled open the castles front doors for Sweetie Belle, who smiled sweetly at her. Once she was in, Applebloom followed along, completely forgetting about the others.

The door closed before Babs ran smack into it. "Ow! Consarn it, Apple Bloom!" She yelled, going back to her Appleloosan roots for a moment. Groaning in annoyance, she swung the door back open, gasping at what she saw. The two fillies were walking down the hall but were smiling and nuzzling each other deeply with their tails entwined. Gabby and Applebloom stared at them from the doorway, frozen in shock. The two lovers continued along their way, soon disappearing around a corner. Babs blinked and then glanced to Gabby, who was stuck in the same situation. Shaking her head, she ran after them to catch up, followed by Gabby.

Twilight was in the castle, holding an intervention with Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and herself for Rainbow Dash. She was sitting on her throne, looking more pale than before. She was leaning over the side, looking at the ground while the others were giving her a sad look from across. Twilight sighed and said, "How do you feel about all of this, Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow closed her eyes and sniffed. Then opened them back up towards Twilight. "Must you ask?" She croaked out.

Fluttershy nodded, "We want you to express how you feel."

"Look at my wings and you'll get an excellent understanding."

"Rainbow," Twilight whispered. "You need to talk about how you feel. It would help."

"I don't need to talk about it, Twilight," she clarified rather rudely. "Everypony here knows what happened. We laughed at Scootaloo, she ran away, fell in a river, and we never saw her again. What. Else. Is. There. To understand? She's gone, and I'm part of the reason."

Somepony impatiently knocked on the door, causing Twilight to groan and stand up. "Why doesn't anypony read anymore?!" She exclaimed while making her way towards the door. She threw the door open and glared at.... Nopony?

"Down here!" Twilight looked down at Sweetie Belle and Applebloom.

"Oh, hey girls. How's your throat, Sweetie?" Twilight greeted. Sweetie sighed and shrugged. "You'll be okay. Listen, I'm in the middle of—"

"Scootaloo's alive!" Applebloom interrupted.

Twilight blinked at her and asked, "What are you talking about?" Gabby and Babs quickly walked over and told her what they learned. Afterwards, Twilight opened the door and gestured them inside. The second they trotted in, Sweetie and Applebloom stopped when they spotted Rainbow Dash's form.

"...whoa," Applebloom muttered. "You fell hard, huh?" Rainbow glanced to her then groaned and rolled her eyes.

Twilight tapped Babs and said, "Tell them what you told me." Babs rolled her eyes but did as requested. Pinkie and Fluttershy gasped and turned to each other before everyone turned to Rainbow Dash. They were expecting a change. Something happy. A smile of some sort. Instead, she was still sitting there depressed. Nothing had changed.

"Did you hear that, Rainbow?" Fluttershy whispered from across the table. "Scootaloo made it."

"And she will never be the same again," Rainbow assumed. She sniffed and added, "We all know that. Why are we lying to ourselves?"

"Rainbow, Scootaloo is alive!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "Isn't that enough?"

"Yes." Rainbow sat up and gave her an icy glare. "But will she ever be the same? Will she ever fly? No! I had to pick up her wings and attend her memorial service! Even if she is alive..." Rainbow looked back down and covered her eyes. "She will hate me forever. As well as anypony in Ponyville."



Quick Hooves orphanage had calmed down by that evening. Room 126 was empty, save for Magenta's light snoring. Her dreams were still the same like when she first arrived. Red carpet, signing notepads, all that stuff. She really didn't get it, but she only rolled with it.

While she snored near soundlessly, the door to the room was pushed open slowly. Bright Snow poked her head nonchalantly inside and smiled warmly at Magenta's snoring face. At least she was happy. She trotted into the room and climbed onto her bed. Then settled down to think about everything that had happened. Both of them don't have parents. One couldn't remember her parents, the other's died to save her. She missed them. She missed them a lot.

After a while, a bunch of sniffling stirred Magenta from her slumber. She cracked open her eyes and glanced around for a moment. Then not too soon spotted Bright Snow wiping her face. Magenta sat up and yawned a little getting Bright's eyes. After her exhale, she smiled warmly at Bright. "Hey," she greeted. "Wassup?"

When Bright bit her lip and looked away, Magenta knew something was up. "Bright... what's wrong?"

Bright shook her head and lied down, placing her head on her hooves. Magenta rolled her eyes and rose up on her own. If Bright wasn't talking, then there was a big problem. Ignoring the aches and pains, Magenta made her way across the bed towards the stairs set up for her and took them one at a time. After thirty seconds of climbing down, she slowly walked over to Bright's steps and began to climb those. Bright Snow watched her get over the last step, obviously a little winded, then trot over and settle down right next to her.

"What's wrong Bright?" She whispered. Bright glanced over before Magenta lifted her hoof and wiped away one of her tears. "Seeing you cry... is hurting me."

Bright sighed and sat up. Then laid her head on Magenta's arm. "I... I miss mommy and Daddy," she admitted, sniffling and wiping away more tears. "The way... The way we'd go to sleep as a family, go out on trips, take flights around the city, even the scolding I'd get for breaking something. I just... I miss mommy and daddy so much.'

She whimpered before Magenta sat up and pulled her into a hug. Bright buried her face into Magenta's chest and sobbed while she hugged her close and tight, stroking her silver mane. Seeing Bright cry was like someone turned her world upside down. It was unnatural.

Magenta nuzzled her head and sighed. "I'm sorry, Bright," she whispered. "I know nopony will ever replace them. But hey you got some family right here. Me." Bright stopped sniffling and pulled back to look in Magenta's eyes with tear filled eyes, breaking Magenta's heart. "Okay, one? You have got to smile or something, because I'm about to cry now and it will not be pretty."

Bright smiled shyly and laughed quietly at Magenta's admittance. "That's much better. You crying breaks me hard. Now listen." She calmly wrapped a hoof around Bright Snow. "I know you miss your parents. Who wouldn't? But now it's time to start new memories with your big sister, Magenta Streak! I mean... I know we can't do a lot right now because of... y'know..." She gestured to her wrapped up body. "But in the future we are doing everything together."

Bright smiled and looked down. "But what about—"

"I am never leaving you, Bright," Magenta interrupted. She gave her little sister a determined look. "If someone wants to adopt me, they have to adopt you too. Because I'm never leaving you. Never. I love you Bright. You're there for me when I need help, now it's my turn."

Bright smiled then quickly wrapped her hooves around the neck of the taller pony. Magenta squeaked a little bit but smiled. "Thank you, Magenta," she whispered happily.

Magenta closed her eye and nuzzled Bright Snow's cheek. "You're welcome, sis." Bright held her a little more before she pulled back, grinning happily. Magenta gave her a look of desperation and pleaded, "But please, please, please never cry again. It almost made me cry. Okay?"

Bright giggle and nodded. "Okay, Maggy! As long as you keep to your promise to sing in front of other ponies, okay?"

Magenta chuckled and nodded. "Okay, Bright. I promised, right? So I'll do it."

"Yay!"

"Now let's go get a snack, okay?" Magenta grunted as she stood up and turned towards the wretched stairs next to the bed. She glared at them and growled, "You think you can stop me? I'm Magenta Streak! Greatest pony in...er...Equestria right?" Bright nodded with a grin. "I'm Magenta Streak! Greatest pony in Equestria! Take this!" She lifted a hoof and slowly began to make her way down the stairs. Bright was with her the whole time and soon the two arrived at the bottom after a minute. Magenta grinned with closed eyes and said, "Boom! in your face!"

"Stairs don't have faces."

Magenta snapped her eyes open and looked towards the door at Bluebell. She pushed her glasses up on her face and motioned towards the stairs. "And they don't talk."

"Good!" Magenta replied. "If they did I'd probably bash their face in. Like wham—ow ow ow, okay. Bad idea." Magenta pulled in her rear hooves and slowly made her way to the door. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh! Right!" Bluebell cleared her throat and asked, "Do you want to watch Lightning Dust try and do an obstacle course? It's going to be....eh. Probably awesome. She's trying to imitate some pony named Rainbow Dash and will more than likely crash into 'The wall of pain'. Wanna watch?"

Magenta and Bright Snow shared a look. Then shrugged and slowly made their way out the door, interested.



Twilight and the others inside the castle were staring at Rainbow Dash in disbelief. She curled up into a little ball on her throne, trying to keep herself out of sight. Ignoring it for now, Twilight sighed and turned back to the foals.

"Well that's good news," she responded. "Now all we have to do is find her. Which is unfortunately out of my jurisdiction."

Sweetie Belle shot her a confused look. And asked in a hoarse voice, "But aren't you a Princess?"

"I am. However, I only have a few powers. The one you'd want to speak to would be Cadance. Celestia holds the powers of a majority of the organizations while the rest of us hold a small amount. I can let her know what you discovered. But if that is her, it would still take a while to locate her." Twilight walked out of the room and gestured for the fillies to follow her. "Rainbow, we're continuing this conversation. Don't leave. Fluttershy watch her please."

Fluttershy nodded before the five walked out of the room. Apple Bloom trotted beside Sweetie Belle and asked, "What do ya' mean it would take a long time?"

Twilight sighed and looked down at the hopeless fillies with a sad gaze. "For one? All we have is a name and description that she doesn't match anymore," she answered. "I theorize that Scootaloo may have lost most of her memories. Including her own name. She used to have wings and is messed up by unrepairable cuts and gashes, I'm sure. If somepony did see her, they can't just call out Scootaloo.

"Not to mention. The Equestrian Police Force don't really take missing foals seriously. Reason why is because it is extremely rare for a foal to go missing and stay missing for more than twenty-four hours. The last record of that was ten years old when a filly ran away and was found earlier this year as a teenager. You can't miss a cutie mark. Yes, I know they may be able to spot her by her cutie mark. But I want you to see this from Scootaloo's point of view. If you had plenty of gashes and cuts, and they hurt your appearance, what would you do?"

"Ah'd... Cover up," Apple Bloom answered.

"Yep. And I bet my bits that's what Scootaloo's done. Covered up her flanks. And it's illegal for law enforcement to ask a pony to show their cutie mark. Why? I'm not sure. But they can't. So the only thing we can really go off of is the name we learned and description that is not entirely solid. Magenta. Orange pony with a purple mane and tail. Eleven years old."

Twilight opened a door and walked inside. The girls followed in and looked around, making it out to be Twilight's office, based off the trophies and such. Digging around for a bit, Twilight grabbed a scroll and quill. Then wrote down the news. Once done, she folded the paper into thirds and slid it through a slot inside her desk. It flashed while Twilight walked back from around and over to them. "The letter's sent out! Now all we can do is wait and hope for a quick retrieval."

"I'm tired of waiting!" Babs yelled, obviously frustrated. "We've been waitin' for months! And she still ain't turn up! Why can't we just go out and look for her ourselves?"

Twilight sat down in front of her and said sorrowfully, "Because at that rate, we'd go even slower. Scootaloo was kept in Manehattan and can possibly still be in Manehattan. But if not, we'd still have to search all of Equestria. It'd be hard to find a filly that doesn't even know her own name."

The four looked at each other. Then sighed in defeat. They knew Twilight was right. If Scootaloo was released from the hospital, everything would become much harder. Because the hospital was small like an ant compared to Manehattan, let alone Equestria.

"I'm sorry girls," Twilight whispered. She leaned down and pulled the four into a hug. "But this is all we can do right now. Hopefully she'll turn up soon."

Apple Bloom pulled Sweetie Belle into a much needed hug, letting her tears fall into her coat. They needed all the help they could get. All of it.
> Chapter 14 - Sweetie's Confession
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The front doors of the hospital slid open, allowing Kind Goldhoof to walk out into the warm afternoon air, relieved to finally leave work. Slaving away at the hospital was hard work. Especially in the pediatric's unit. It was taxing physically. And mentally. Sometimes, a foal's parents would have to go home. And the poor child would cry. Tears leaking from their eyes while they'd say, "Why'd mommy and daddy leave me?" Reminds her of Bright Snow.

Tomorrow was Saturday, where she would visit Quick Hooves. She also had to speak to Magenta about the Country and Manehattan sounding foal and Griffin who asked about her. Hopefully she remembered something. It was unlikely but anypony could look to the dusk sky and dream.

Goldhoof breathed in deeply through her nose. Taking in the scent of the city air. Then huffed it out and began to make her way home. Dinner was waiting.

"Miss Goldhoof!" Dinner could wait. She stopped and looked behind her at the pony who called her name. Maximum Gold trotted over quickly and breathlessly. Obviously tired. He must've tried to catch her on the pediatric floor. "Hey," he greeted, offering her a smile.

"Hi, Max," she greeted playfully. He chuckled before she asked, "Can I help you with something?"

"Yeah, uhh..." He scuffed his hoof across the rough ground. "Do you have any plans this weekend?"

Goldhoof turned and said, "Yeah, I promised Magenta and Bright that I'd visit them every weekend. So I'm heading over there tomorrow to see how they're holding up."

"Oh. Well I don't want to keep you from that," he replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well, what you were you planning?"

"I was going to ask if you wanted to go out to dinner with me sometime, but—"

"Oooohhh," she seethed, inhaling air through her teeth. "Ummm, sorry but I'm not looking for a relationship right now. I have too much going on, so...."

"Oh." he was obviously disappointed. Based off his drooped ears and downcast eyes. "Well, I hope we can settle for just being friends for now."

"That's okay," Kind agreed. "Just don't get too close. At least not until I'm ready. I know I just met you, but you seem like a really nice guy. So until I'm ready, we can settle for being friends."

He smiled and lifted his ears again. "Okay! Thanks! Have you heard from Bright yet? I was a little concerned about her for a while, so..."

Kind shook her head and answered, "No. That's why I'm going over there tomorrow. I'm not sure they would allow it, but you can always try to visit them. I signed up for it. Since you were Bright's nurse, that and I can confirm it, they may let you in. But it's still a fifty-fifty percent chance."

"I'll take those chances. See you monday?" Mac asked. He turned around and prepared to make his leave but kept his eyes on her.

"Yeah. I have to head home. See ya'!"

"See you later!" He waved and began to walk down the street with his saddlebags on his back, bouncing along the way. She smiled and watched him leave happily before turning to go the opposite  direction. Looks like dinner was back on.



Magenta sleeps weird, was the first thing Bight thought the next morning when she woke up from the sunlight hitting her face and saw Magenta lying on the bed opposite of her. She was lying on her back, snoring with the covers kicked off and hooves thrown out on either side of her. Bright yawned and rubbed her eyes for a moment. Then tried to get some sense into what was going on. She was sleeping. That's it.

After a few more seconds, Bright sat up to stretch her arms and wings. Then stood up on the bed. "Magenta," she whispered, trying to get her attention. But those logs she was sawing were causing quite the ruckus. "Magenta~," she sang a little louder. Magenta's snoring stopped for a second before she shifted. Then continued snoring again. Mental note? Magenta is a heavy sleeper, Bright thought to herself. "Magenta," she said at full volume before she fluttered her wings and flew towards her bed. She landed on the covers and poked her cheek. "Time to wake up."

"Hmmm, don't wanna," she grunted. She unconsciously pushed Bright's hoof away and shifted the useless bones and muscles in her back that used to be attached to her severed wings.

Bright grinned and pushed a hoof into her mouth. "Looks like we're doing this the hard way," she whispered.

Magenta stopped snoring and shifted. Then her eyes popped open, looking straight into Bright's face. Then took notice of what was in her mouth. "Hmmmm?!!" She yelled in muffled confusion then pushed Bright's hoof out of her mouth. "Huh?! What are you doing—what were you doing?" She asked.

Bright shrugged and answered, "You weren't waking up! So I had to wake you somehow."

Magenta deadpanned and asked, "You couldn't call me?"

Bright shook her head rapidly and said, "Nope! I did three times and you still didn't wake up! You sleep heavily. Now come on! It's Saturday!" She jumped off the bed and opened the door to the hallway, taking in the cool and chilled air. Then turned back to the bed. "Come on! Get up!"

"Ugghh," Magenta groaned before she slowly stood up. Then stretched herself out to rid herself of sleep. "Okay, I'm up. I'm up," she complained, then slowly walked down the steps to her bed.

"Yay!" Bright cheered before she jumped up and down by the door, waiting for her best friend/sister. Once Magenta made it to the bottom, she took a moment to gather herself, then walked over to Bright who turned back to the door.

"Hi!"

"Gah!" The two fillies stepped back from Bluebell's grinning face. Magenta took a deep breath to gather herself once again. Then asked, "Uhh...huh?"

Bluebell adjusted her frames and said, "It's about time you fillies woke up! It's almost eleven!"

Magenta looked towards the clock in their room. Then back at Bluebell. "It's only ten forty-six."

"Yeah! Almost eleven!" Bluebell turned and pointed down the hall. "Breakfast ends in a few!"

Bright gasped in terror. The matrons always made the best breakfast. She just couldn't miss that! She turned to Magenta and said, "I'm carrying you!" Before she could ask what she was talking about, Bright buzzed her wings and flew over her. Then latched her hooves around her barrel. Hefting her up, she flew into the air and buzzed past Bluebell to get to the kitchen.

"Wait! No! Put me down!" Magenta protested, although she didn't struggle against it. She was happy that the pain in her body had lessened down. Her front hooves weren't in pan, just a noticeable ache. And Bright was making it a little worse.

Before she even realized it, Bright had set her down at the table. There were a few matrons inside, getting ready to clean up before they spotted the two. "Oh! Hi, dearies. Did you just get in?" One of them asked.

"Yes," Magenta responded. "Bright and I overslept."

"Okay, Magenta. We'll make you two some breakfast." The matrons began making something, much to Bright's delight. She was twitching in her seat. Magenta wondered if her young friend had a calm side. She moves a lot.



Once the sun hit her eyelids, Kind Goldhoof's eye fluttered open. Looks like it was a new day. She had places to be and two foals to visit. She sat up and stretched her wings and hooves. Getting up was always tiring. The movements, physical exertion, and the struggle of actually combing her mane. One had to look beautiful after all.

After getting up, taking a shower, eating breakfast, and brushing her teeth, Kind stepped out of her home and began walking. Today was a warm day. Pretty but still warm. Not too hot, not too cold. Of course that could only last but so long. The Pegasi were preparing for a storm later on this week. Meaning that old poncho was definitely going to be used, and finally have a chance to breath air. Cold, wet air.

She walked to a nearby store first to get gifts. Bright was always a hugger. So excitable. Can easily bring you up from sadness just by being around. Magenta had her own thing going on. But Kind couldn't deny she'd be a singer in the future. She had some lungs on her.

After purchasing the gifts, Kind walked out with two bags and made her way back down the sidewalk. She knew exactly how to get to Quick Hooves from here because all she had to do was walk straight. The tall Manehattan buildings casted cool shadows on her as she walked. The sun high in the sky, and the clouds white and fluffy. It was indeed a beautiful day. Kind smiled as she walked along, greeting ponies who happily greeted back.

Soon she found herself at the steel gate and the large two winged building. Home of lost foals. Lost, but never forgotten. Walking over to a panel on the brick wall that was connected to the gates, she pressed a buzzer and waited.

State your business," a female voice said on the other end.

"Visitor," Kind responded.

"Party?"

"Magenta Streak and Bright Snow." The buzzer buzzed loudly. Then the magic latch on the gate unlocked, giving her access. She walked inside and pushed them back into place for security reasons. Then made her way to the front entrance.


***


Bluebell looked through her deck of cards while sneaking glances at her group of friends. Bright was across from her beside Magenta, both having joined forces for a more intelligent approach. The others were on the side watching. Finally, Bluebell grinned and threw down her deck of cards. All blues and twos. "Uno!"

Lightning Dust zipped over and looked at the deck in disbelief. "No! No, no, no, that is the third time in a row!" She leaned into Bluebell's glasses and growled through her teeth, "You're cheating somehow. I know it."

Bluebell scoffed and pushed her away playfully. "If being smart is somehow cheating, guilty as charged."

Magenta chuckled while Bright grinned and threw down her cards. One of the matrons in the room looked over at the door and smiled. Then got up and made their way over. "Hello, can I help you?"

Kind dropped her saddlebags and greeted them. "Hi, I'm Kind Goldhoof." Bright and Magenta both gasped and turned around. "I'm here to see—"

"Ms. Goldhoof, Ms. Goldhoof!" The nurse looked over and was immediately knocked off her hooves by a seemingly white snowball. Bright squealed in happiness and hugged the hurting pegasus by the neck. "You came! You came!"

Goldhoof got up then sat down on her haunches to hug Bright Snow back. "Ooohhh, I missed you, Bright! How are you?"

"I'm fine! Magenta's been keeping me company!" She responded.

"Hi, Ms. Goldhoof!" The nurse looked over and gasped at Magenta's smiling face as she slowly walked over. She could tell she was healing nicely enough.

"Hi Magenta!" Once she reached her, Nurse Goldhoof calmly laid down Bright and picked her up, being careful not to touch her bandages. She pulled her into a light hug, but welcome nonetheless when Magenta wrapped her own hooves around her. "Ooooohhhh, how are you girls?"

"We're fine," Magenta responded. "We made some friends!" Goldhoof set her down so Magenta could point out the four fillies in the playroom. "Guys! Come meet Ms. Goldhoof!" The four fillies looked at each other in curiosity, then trotted over. Or in Lightning Dust's case, hovered over. They stopped in front of the smiling adult mare that was grinning at them. Then to Magenta for an explanation. "Ms. Goldhoof took care of us while we were in the hospital!"

"Ohhhhh!" They all fawned.

Nurse Goldhoof chuckled and greeted. "Hi. What are your names, children?"

"I'm Bluebell!"

"Yellow Diamond," Yellow Diamond whispered. She darted behind Bluebell and hid there for a moment.

"I'm Silver Swirl!" Silver introduced.

"And I'm Lightning Dust!" The floating pegasus boasted. "I'm the fastest, the smartest—"

"What's two times eighteen?" Bluebell interrupted.

"I don't do math! It's not awesome!" Bluebell shook her head in dismay. Poor filly.

Goldhoof chuckled and said, "Well it's nice to meet you all? What are you doing today?" Magenta grabbed her hoof and tugged her towards the lounge they were playing cards in.

"Well, everypony's doing their own thing," Bright Snow responded as they entered the room. Their were some more foals in there, although—just like Bright said—they were doing their own thing. Reading, talking, some even drawing. "So we just decided to play cards."

"Hey look! The dumb fillies!" They looked over at the light blue pegasus walking past with a haughty grin on her face, staring at them.

"Ugh!" Lightning Dust groaned. "Why don't you go somewhere so somepony can actually talk and not be interrupted by somepony like you for once?"

The filly chuckled and walked away, leaving them alone once more. Magenta looked up at Lightning and asked, "Who is she anyway?"

Bluebell huffed and said, "Her name's Zephyr Diamond. Her sidekick's Silver Sound."

"She was being mean to my sister," Magenta added. She looked up to Goldhoof's worried face. "So I shooed her away."

"That's really sweet, Magenta," nurse Goldhoof praised. "Good job. Although I think it'd be better to tell an adult."

Magenta rolled her eyes and said, "Eh. She's my friend-slash-sister. I look after her."

"You're so protective."

"What's that mean?"

"It means you're very defensive of your property, important items, or important ponies in your life. I take it Bright is your important pony in your life."

Magenta wrapped around Bright's shoulders and pulled her into her chest. "Yep! Nopony touches Bright!" Bright wiggled her hooves around, trying to escape. Magenta would never let her go.



After they met with Twilight a few days ago, the Cutie Mark Crusaders had one last and final meeting on the hill of Greatness. They stared at the town below, Applebloom's hoof wrapped around Sweetie Belle's shoulders and Babs and Gabby standing on the side just looking in content. After Twilight said it could take a very long time to find Scootaloo, they decided that everything they had ever done had fell apart. And that it would indubitably take years to rebuild. Scootaloo had been traumatized. She's been traumatized, hurt emotionally, entirely physically, and now she's lost.

"When is her birthday?" Babs whispered without turning her head.

Applebloom sighed and answered, "October 6th."

"I vote we meet here on every October 6th. Just to hope and traditionalize."

Sweetie Belle nodded and said, "I second that. All in favor, say aye."

Gabby swallowed hard and said, "Aye."

Applebloom said, "Aye."

"Great. So... Are you two..." Babs motioned with her hooves towards Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. "...together?"

Applebloom nodded and tucked a bit of her long hair from behind her face. "Yeah... I admitted mah' feelings to her when she was in the hospital and—"

"Wait, what?" Gabby interrupted. She turned to Sweetie Belle and asked worriedly, "When did you get in the hospital? What happened?"

Sweetie Belle nervously tapped her hooves together and said hoarsely, "When we were looking for Scootaloo, I....I blamed myself for her fall. I couldn't take the guilt. I didn't want to take the guilt. I... I wanted to join her. So I had taken a rope, a large stone, and tried to throw myself over a bridge. The Royal Guard, the Princesses, and everyone else showed up to try and stop us from finding Scootaloo after I left a note in my room back at Rarity's. They tried to stop me. I didn't want them to."

Gabby walked up to her and whispered, "You tried... to commit suicide."

Sweetie Belle sighed and nodded her head before tears poured down her face. Applebloom pulled her into her chest to cry out her feelings. "The rope was so tight that it damaged her vocal cords," she explained, rubbing her girlfriend's back while she sobbed. "Which is why she speaks like this now. You guys weren't around when it happened, and they didn't even know you had arrived. As far as anypony knows, yah' showed up after everything happened in Manehattan. Sweetie's really sensitive about talking about it."

Gabby sighed and raked her talons softly through Sweetie Belle's hair. "We're so sorry we weren't there for you Sweetie Belle," Babs whispered. She walked over and gave her a hug from behind, soon joined by Gabby. "We'll be here for you now. Everything is going to be okay."

Sweetie Belle sniffed and nodded into Applebloom's fur, who was looking at the afternoon sun that was setting in the distance. Hopefully everything will be okay. And that Scootaloo would be fine.
> Chapter 15 - Intermission
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The days went by fast in Magenta's eyes. One second she was in bed trying to move her hooves without pain. The next she was walking much quicker to the kitchen and outside with her friends. Of course she had to be careful or else she'd slip and fall on one of her wounds. According to the matrons that changed them, there were a lot of lacerations. It apparently "looked awful". But that didn't slow her down.

A month had passed by and it was now August. Bright had gone back to school with a few more fillies and was so determined to not leave Magenta alone, that she put a blanket over the Flightless Pegasus and herself. Then hid under it. Magenta only rolled her eyes. The matrons thought it was adorable. But they still needed her to get to school. Thanks to some reassurance from Magenta, "her sister", that she wasn't going anywhere and that she'd be there when she returned, Bright surrendered and went ahead to school. But not without threatening the Matrons that she'd eat their food if they hurt Magenta. They only laughed at how adorable she was. Even now as Magenta lied back on her bed, she couldn't help but smile at how cute Bright looked when she was trying to be intimidating. Her cheeks would puff up, her eyes would be so narrowed that they looked nearly closed, and her wings would buzz the whole time. "Adorable," she whispered to herself.

Magenta scratched at one of her covered lacerations, despite the verbal warnings from the matrons that told her not to, as it could restart the process of healing. But she was itching, so... Scratching sounded really good. A knock at the bedroom door startled her so much that she sat straight up and looked around. Groaning, she rolled onto her stomach and stood on her hooves. Then made her way down the stairs cautiously. She didn't want to reopen one of her wounds. Once on the floor, she made her way to the door and pulled the handle down, pulling it open. The head matron was standing right there, smiling down at her. "Hello, Magenta," she greeted. "How are you feeling?"

Magenta shrugged and answered, "Well... I would say I've felt better, but I don't remember that."

Platinum Diamonds chuckled and softly ruffled her mane. "Well we're going to work on some of that in the future. I'm here right now to tell you that I will be teaching you a few things in a few minutes inside the kitchen."

Magenta got interested quickly. "Really?! What am I learning?"

"Writing."


***


Platinum helped get Magenta into her chair and get comfortable before settling down into the one next to her. There was a notebook, a quill, and an inkwell on the table in front of her that Magenta juat stared at. Then turned back to the Director. "Okay. So here's what you do...."



While Magenta was being taught how to write, Bright was stirring in her seat, back at school. It was an elementary school in downtown Manehattan that was close enough that she could fly there. But being so young she was escorted by Chariot with a few more fillies. She wasn't too fond about going to school after her parents' death. But the Matrons at school insisted she go. And she did. But only because Magenta made her!

Back in Ponyville, Twilight and Fluttershy managed to get Rainbow Dash in another therapy session. Of course this one was in Fluttershy's home with a much more calmer setting and with guaranteed peace. Although that didn't stop Rainbow Dash during her mourning. Twilight and Fluttershy were sitting in two chairs opposite of Rainbow Dash in front of the fireplace. Rainbow Dash herself was lying on the couch across, glaring at the floor.

Twilight took a deep breath and said, "Rainbow Dash. Everypony knows you're upset. And when I say everypony, I mean everypony in Ponyville. There's not much you can do, nor anypony else. Yes, Scootaloo may be damaged and hurt."

"Greatly," Rainbow added.

"But," Twilight interrupted. "She's alive."

Rainbow sat up straight and said, "Twilight, if I haven't seen her for myself, I will not believe that. You can't just say somepony's alive when their memorial is right there." She pointed towards the door of the cottage. "Alive or not, she is gone until I've seen otherwise."

"What happened to the awesome pony we knew?" Fluttershy asked, a little irritated. Rainbow looked over at her. "What happened to the strong and brave Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty? The pony that could do anything and boast about it shamelessly?"

"She's—"

"And don't you dare say she died with Scootaloo," Fluttershy interrupted. "You're better than this Rainbow Dash! You need to pull yourself together right now. It has been months since the tragedy. We all know what happened and we all feel terrible about it. But there's nothing we can do. Yes, we've shed our tears. We went to her memorial service. We've said we're sorry. But that's all we can do. There is nothing else but to learn from our mistakes and move on. Everypony already has. Even the crusaders. Although they are still holding onto hope, they are still doing what they can to move on. Scootaloo will never be forgotten Rainbow. But we do need to move on. Because if we don't, the guilt will kill us..... Like it almost did Sweetie Belle. You saved her life. Now it's time to save your own."

Rainbow sighed and looked out the window nearby. She could still see the memorial nearby, shining like gold amongst the darkness that was in her heart. She turned back to Fluttershy in sadness. But Twilight could make out that bit of determination in her eyes. "But... How?" she asked meekly. "How can I just go out and... move on knowing that I—"

"By remembering that Scootaloo would want you to," Twilight interrupted. She jumped out of her chair and walked towards Fluttershy's window that was facing the memorial. "Scootaloo may be gone. But she's not forgotten. She lives on in our hearts. And will forever. If she is out there, she may have moved on too. But if not, then... She lives on in us. In all of Ponyville. But we have to move on. So wipe those tears and get back to being Rainbow Dash, the pony that can motivate anypony."

Rainbow took a deep breath then hopped out of her couch, making her way to the window. She gazed out of it with a firm pressed up against the glass, nostalgia on her mind as she remembered everything she and Scootaloo did with each other. "Twilight.... Things will never be the same after this you know."

Twilight nodded and said, "I know. Everypony realizes that."

Rainbow pulled in her lips. Then turned back to the window and said, "I'll... Try to move on. But it won't be easy without Scoots."

"We'll help you," Fluttershy volunteered. "We all feel bad about it and we've moved on in our own different ways. We know you can too. And we'll help you get there." Fluttershy walked over and pulled Rainbow into a tight hug. Rainbow slowly hugged her back, burying her head in her shoulder. It was going to be a long road to recovery.



After school, Bright moved quickly along the stuffed hallways, heading for the door and the chariot outside that would take them back to the orphanage. This would be an everyday thing until she was old enough to be trusted to go out and do her own thing on her own. Thinking of which, how old was Magenta? She never told her. Probably didn't know, just like anybody else that knew and talked to her. A few minutes, she turned down the hallway. "Hey, Bright!" She gasped and looked up in recognition. Magenta was standing there waving with Goldhoof beside her. Magenta was in a wheelchair that let her move more freely, grinning from ear to ear.

"Magenta!" She cheered. Then ran forward into Magenta's hooves. "I missed you so much! I told those ponies they could never separate us! And you just proved it!"

Magenta chuckled and hugged her tighter. Once they let go, Magenta pointed to Ms. Goldhoof and said, "Ms. goldhoof wants to take us out to eat! So we're picking you up!" She bounced in place a little, taking note that her wounds weren't severe enough to actually hurt her front legs.

Bright gasped and then flew up to wrap her hooves around Goldhoof's neck. "Oh! Oh! Oh! What place, what restaurant?" She grabbed Goldhoof's muzzle and looked into her eyes. "Where. Are. We. Going?"

Goldhoof chuckled and said, "It's a surprise."

"Awww!"

Magenta chuckled and motioned up to her. "Bright doesn't like surprises. Come on, Bright! It'll be fun!"

Bright landed next to her and looked her over. "Can you walk in your wheelchair? Are you in pain? Does it hurt? Headaches? Nausea?..." Magenta sighed and walked towards the door with Goldhoof, the latter giggling at Bright's overprotective attitude as she droned on. She and Magenta were definitely going to be watching out for each other. Always.
> Chapter 16 - Cloth Removals
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Four months. Four months of school for Bright, four months of recovery for Magenta, and four months of Therapy for Rainbow Dash. The latter trying hard to get over Scootaloo's death. Just like they promised, Fluttershy and Twilight primarily helped her out by distracting her from thinking about the incident. Like taking her out to see the Wonderbolts after Twilight informed Captain Spitfire about her predicament. Rainbow was extremely excited after shaking her hoof and flying with her personally.

Fluttershy took her out to the pet store to see the animals. She wasn't too excited about it but it did the job of keeping her distracted. Everything was looking well on their end. However, just like how Rainbow predicted, the events that had transpired have completely changed her. Even while she got to know Spitfire on a personal level, it was all still on her mind. If the group goes out to eat or something, Rainbow would tag along. But you'd have to ask her. Even then, she would barely say anything and stick to herself. Her own thoughts. A good instance would be now.

It was a sunny day in ponyville, the temperature at around seventy-four. A wonderful day for the group to have a pet day. Now that Rainbow Dash's wings had grown back, she was able to fly back up to her home. After grabbing Tank, she doubled back down to Fluttershy's cottage, who was waiting outside with Twilight, their respective pets with them. Owlowiscious was perched on Twilight's back, eyes trained on Angel Bunny who was relaxing on Fluttershy's head, nibbling on a carrot.

Rainbow flew down at a more casual speed, her familiar Rainbow trail non-existent as she neared them through the clouds. Her more common boastful and proud face now replaced with a more bored expression. A neutral expression with half opened eyes. She landed with Tank, cradling him in her right hoof. "Hey," she greeted as she set down Tank for a moment.

"Hey, Rainbow," Princess Twilight greeted. "How are you?"

"I'm fine." Owlowiscious hooted and flew off of Twilight's back. Then glided towards Tank and settled on his shell. Rainbow glanced down, then back up at the ponies in front of her. "You?" She asked.

Twilight answered appreciatively, "I'm great, thanks for asking. Are you ready?" Rainbow nodded. Then the group set about on their way to the farm where the rest were waiting. Rainbow saw them from the distance. Pinkie was bouncing up and down with Gummy on her head, Applejack was petting Winona, and Rarity was trying to pull that annoying cat off of her leg, constantly scratching her coat. Rainbow never understood why she never got rid of that cat. Twilight waved at them as they approached, "Hey, Girls!"

"Hello, dear!" Rarity sang while the cat swiped Winona away. "Hello, Fluttershy! Hello, Rainbow!" Fluttershy waved but Rainbow tightened her lips and nodded at her. "How are you dears?"

"We're okay, thanks for asking," Fluttershy responded. She stopped in front of Pinkie and bent low so Angel could hop off of her head and onto the ground. Then watched him bounce away. "Angel's been looking forward to today."

Tank flew towards the other pets while the rest of the mares talked and discussed. "Well that's good to hear," Applejack hooted. "Winona's been wanting to play for the longest but i never had the time to actually do it. It's good to see her get some air and run around again. What do ya' say, Rainbow? Wanna race?"

"No thanks," Rainbow responded as casual as she could manage. "I'm....I'm good."

"Oh......alright," Applejack responded with a nervous chuckle. She cast a glance with Twilight and shrugged with an unspoken question. Twilight shook her head in return. That was all they were ever going to get out of Rainbow Dash for now.

The play date went great. Well as much as it could get considering that Rainbow Dash was the only pony that didn't talk. Which is a serious deal. While everyone was on the ground talking and playing with their pets, Rainbow Dash was relaxing in the tree, watching Tank down below with a nonchalant look on her face. Applejack glanced up at her then back at Twilight. "So...how'd it go?" She whispered.

Twilight sighed and sat down in front of Winona, who was trying to reach up and grab the stick Twilight held in her magic. "Well...we did what we could for Rainbow. It's not like she's a lost cause or anything. But after an event like what happened hits your gut, it... I guess woke her up. She isn't so much that rowdy and boastful pegasus that everypony in Equestria knows. I think it's.... I personally think she's punishing herself." Twilight lowered the stick so Winona could finally grab it and carry it to Applejack.

"Why do you think that?" Applejack asked. She grabbed the stick and tossed it out back out onto the field. Winona ran over to grab it, but was beat to it by Owlowiscious, who had grabbed it in her talons, swooped back around and dropped it on Twilight's head.

"Well..." Twilight grabbed it in her magic and calmly gave it back to Winona, who happily took it and pawed Twilight's hoof, earning a rub behind the ears. "I think...laughing reminds her of when she laughed at you know who. And it caused her to get hurt. So she's punishing herself by never laughing again. Another theory is that she's still lightly mourning. The little filly was practically her best friend. It would destroy me if Spike had...you know. Imagine all of us losing Pinkie Pie." She and Applejack looked over at Pinkie Pie and shivered at the image in their minds of them carrying Pinkie Pie down to a graveyard.

Applejack shook her head and whispered downheartedly, "Yeah. Yeah, that would destroy me too."

"Exactly. The only thing we can do now is wait and hope for the best. We can't force Rainbow Dash to be happy. But we can at least try to find out what may serve her interests now than flying, which seemed to have gotten noticeably slower."

"Yeah... I noticed that too."



The lobby of East Manehattan Hospital was once again graced with Magenta Streak's presence as she walked through the glass doors and inside the cool atmosphere. Much cooler than it was outside. Today was the day. The day Magenta was going to have her bandages taken off permanently. She didn't feel anymore pain in her legs and she was moving as fast as Bright on a good day. Which was fast enough that the matron that had brought her here was begging her to slow down. Magenta slid to a stop and listened to the Matron huff and puff behind her. "Magenta, you can run all you want when you get your bandages off and we return to the orphanage," she told her. "But until then, please walk. I am exhausted. I might need to stay here for a few nights."

"Oh, sorry," she apologized meekly.

"Hello, Magenta!" Magenta turned and gasped, spotting Nurse Goldhoof trotting towards her. She stopped in front of her and nuzzled the top of her head. "It's great to see you running about! I'd thought you would take forever to heal and I'd never get to see this day."

"Ms. Goldhoof!" Magenta reached up and grabbed her muzzle, pulling it down into a hug. Goldhoof laughed and nuzzled her cheek lovingly. After a few seconds she let her go and then pointed to the matron. "She didn't want me running."

The nurse chuckled and stated, "We should probably wait until we assess everything underneath these bandages. Are you ready? I was sent down to wait for you." Magenta nodded eagerly. Anxious to get the itchy things off. "Okay, follow me." The group of three made their way to the elevator. Upon arrival, the nurse pressed the up button and waited for it to come down. Meanwhile she looked down at Magenta who was bouncing in place. "A little happy filly, aren't we?"

"Uh huh!" Magenta confirmed. She scratched at one of the bandages. "These things itch a lot."

"That means they are fulfilling their purpose in protecting any open wounds." The elevator door dinged, then slid open. The group walked inside and the nurse pressed for the top floor. Once the doors closed, the elevator ascended quickly, getting to the top floor within a good twenty seconds without any interruptions. The children's unit looked exactly the same. The same colors, the same happy nurses, and a bunch of fillies and colts running around. They walked down the hall, passing the room that Magenta occupied previously, now occupied by a pony named Live Lights. She cast a casual glance in there before they moved on. It looked like that pony wasn't in there right now. Soon, they arrived at a simple examination room that the doctor was standing in front of. Along with another nurse that Magenta recognized as the one who was taking care of Bright.

Once he spotted her, Maximum Gold smiled at her and waved. "Hey there, Magenta!" He greeted kindly. "How are you?"

"I'm okay," she responded. "Everypony else is in school so I'm alone at the orphanage until I have to go."

The matron nodded and added, "Which may be soon if everything checks out here. There won't be a need for you not to miss anymore school." The doctor motioned for them to step into the room. Once inside the cold environment, Maximum Gold shut the door and walked with the rest of he staff towards the table.

The doctor set down his clipboard and motioned for her to step up to the table by using the stairs that were beside it. Magenta did as asked. Once on top, she settled down and waited, watching the nurses get prepared. The matron took a seat by the door and kept a close eye on everyone and everything happening inside. She couldn't be too careful. "Alright, Magenta," the doctor called. "I'm sure you know that today you're going to get these annoying bandages off and you get to see the full effect of whatever happened to you. Unfortunately, we still don't know what it was. Let alone your real name, birthday, age, origin, anything really. Only your alias, Magenta Streak. Hopefully we can find something. But until then, let's get started. Stand up for me a little." Magenta rose back onto her hooves and faced forward while the nurses put on some hoof covers. Nurse Goldhoof grabbed a stuffed bunny rabbit and placed it in front of her vision.

Magenta stared at it in confusion. Then looked up at nurse Goldhoof questioningly. The nurse pointed at it and clarified, "Most fillies find comfort in a doll or something if something goes wrong. This is here just in case, just within hoof's reach." The nurse turned back to her midsection while the doctor used his magic to remove the pin at the top. While the two nurses began to unwrap the bandages, Nurse Goldhoof added, "I also have something for you."

"Oh, really?!" Magenta squealed in excitement. "What is it, what is it?"

"Clothes. We both know what's underneath these bandages. So I bought you plenty that will help you cover up and still look good in the process. Okay, we're almost done with your midsection." Maximum gold softly removed the last piece of cloth and observed the massive amount of scarring as a whole. He and Nurse Goldhoof shared a look. Those were a lot of scars. They looked like someone just came in and just painted marks on her that reached up to her chest

"Ooohhh, that feels so much better," Magenta fawned. The Doctor looked at the scars that used to be where her wings were in the past. They were small but still noticeable amongst her orange fur.

"Okay," Doctor Sore Health announced. "Your ounds are healing up nicely. Everything here looks cleared up. Now it's time to look at your rear hooves and flanks." The nurses moved over when the doctor removed the pin and unwrapped the cloths, revealing the light amount of scarring there. There wasn't much, but he could already see that Magenta was going to be very self-conscious about all of then in the future. The one that had cut deep into her muscle was obviously the deepest on the body. As if somepony cut out a slice of her. "And we're done. You have the option now to see everything, or you can go ahead and—"

"I...I'd like to see," Magenta whispered. The nurses and doctor shared an unsure glance before Nurse Goldhoof stepped to the side, grabbing a mirror that was sitting on the counter. Ready for a situation that called for this. Everypony was silent as she made her way to the front of the bed, coming within the patient's peripheral vision. Magenta watched the mirror, shaking in her hooves with anticipation. Arriving in front of her, Goldhoof set the mirror down on the bed and waited. Magenta took a few deep breaths and rotated her body, revealing the ugly mass of scarring in her sides. At first nopony moved, nopony breathed. Nopony did anything except stare at Magenta for a reaction of some sort. Magenta blinked at it then lowered her gaze to the doll. She quickly reached out and grabbed it, pulling it into a deep hug that she could use right now.

Nurse Goldhoof sighed when she heard her sniffle. It was definitely a lot to take in. Literally. She walked around the table and calmly pulled Magenta into a hug. "Come here, Magenta," she whispered. The filly dropped the doll and quickly bounded into her hooves. Then let the tears fall into her shirt and sobbing to rise. Nurse Goldhoof pulled her into a tight motherly hug and whispered sweet things into her ear. "It's okay....it's okay..."

"I.....I-I look ugly!!" Magenta cried. "Hideous!!"

"No you don't dear," Goldhoof denied. She pulled back and looked Magenta in the eyes. "You look beautiful. You may be damaged, but in the end you are a beautiful little filly that I am proud to call my friend. I don't see ugly. I see beauty in you."

"I-I-I want clothes," Magenta replied. "Where are the clothes?"

The nurse sighed. It seems that Magenta was going to be hiding herself a lot from now on. She turned around and made her way to the door. "I'll go and grab them for you okay?"

Magenta nodded before Goldhoof shut the door and made her way down the hall, mind riddled with thoughts. There had to be some way to get the thought that she was ugly off of Magenta's mind. Maybe have Bright Snow talk to her. She and her were like sisters, it should help out. Speaking of which, Bright had a birthday coming up! Maybe she could help Magenta plan a party of some sort. She would have to ask Platinum Diamonds about it, but it should help out. Once she arrived at the nurse's desk, she walked behind it and grabbed a large bag of small clothes that she threw on her back. Then made her way back to the room. Once she arrived, she walked inside and towards Magenta, who had covered herself with a nearby blanket. She was back to hugging the doll, soaking in small tears.

"So I got your clothes," Nurse Goldhoof announced from the door. Scootaloo looked up as she made her way to the bed and set down the bag. Then started placing the bottoms on the bed, followed by the tops. "We can have you dressed in some clothes so you can leave. And then you can keep the rest." Magenta watched her pick up the tops and present them, letting her choose. She picked out a purple top. So the Nurse set the other ones down and helped her into that one. Once it was on, she did the bottoms next, which were a pair of black jeans. "I need you to take off the blanket though so we can get these on for you."

Scootaloo hummed and looked around at the others who were watching. Getting the hint, Nurse Goldhoof gestured to the doctor. "Oh! Okay, everyone, step out for a moment so Magenta's more comfortable," he instructed. Everyone except Goldhoof and Magenta stood up and made their way out the door.

Once it was shut, Goldhoof turned back to Magenta with a smile. "Okay, everypony's gone now. Nopony's going to judge you." Magenta bit her lip and slowly shrugged off the blanket. Once it was done, Goldhoof told her to stand up and lift her left hind leg. Then her right. Once she was settled, she smoothed her clothing and announced, "And...finished! You're covered!" Magenta took a deep breath and nodded.

"Thanks, Ms. Goldhoof," Magenta replied sadly.

Goldhoof sighed and rubbed her chin with a hoof, coming up with a way to word this right. Finding one, she glanced at Magenta with a sly smirk. "Say...I remember some little filly has a birthday coming up next week." Magenta's ear twitched as she turned to face Goldhoof once more. Her eyes were filled with curiosity as they met hers. "But I'm sure she doesn't even know it's her birthday. She's never mentioned it when I come over to the orphanage.

Magenta gasped and stood on her hind legs, buzzing the bones in her back by instinct. "Who is it, who is it?!" She asked impatiently.

Goldhoof chuckled and said, "Your little sister. Bright. Her ninth birthday is coming up. But this would be the first time she's ever had a birthday without her parents. So—"

"We can do it, we can do it! We can make her happy!! Huh, can we, can we?!" Magenta interrupted. She jumped off the bed and scampered towards the door as fast as her little legs could carry her. She started hopping, trying to grab the handle to open the door.

"Hold on, Magenta," Goldhoof stated, laughing at her sudden enthusiasm. She was as excitable as Bright. She walked towards the door and opened it while she explained. "We have to get Ms. Diamonds' permission first before we do anything, okay?"

"Okay! Okay! Can we ask her now?! Huh, Huh?!" The two walked out of the room. Or in Magenta's case, ran out where the other adults were waiting.

The doctor stared at her in confusion. She was so full of energy and was literally walking circles around him. It was great to see her walking again, but it was still a little unnerving. He glanced up at Goldhoof for an explanation. She pointed at Magenta and said, "She's excited because her little sister has a birthday coming up. And she wants to plan a party for her."

"Can we go now, can we go?!" Magenta yelled excitedly. "Come on, old ponies! We don't have time to waste!!" She trotted down the hall, leaving the matron who gasped and trotted after her, yelling for her not to run.

"Oh geez," Maximum Gold chuckled. "Somepony's going to be in for a ride."

"Literally." The doctor turned to Goldhoof and asked, "So how exactly are you going to get her....adopted? I heard you were looking to adopt her and Bright?"

"Actually, the planning's already underway," Goldhoof clarified. They closed the door to the room and continued after the two running around in the halls. "I spoke with Platinum about it and she said I would have gotten approved even if I didn't ask her. She just needs to look at my pay rate, my living situation, and take an assessment. A small questionnaire, not a really big deal. She said that she could already tell that I can support Magenta Streak and Bright Snow. But that I still needed to do the paperwork. But if that wasn't in the way, she would've handed them off to me."

"I wish you the best of luck," Maximum stated. "Bright can be sort of a handful. She likes to...do that." He motioned to Magenta who was ducking underneath cabinets, trying to get away from the exhausted Matron. "Among other things."

Goldhoof chuckled and called, "Magenta!" Magenta froze and turned to Goldhoof. "Calm down, sweetie. I don't think the orphanage is going anywhere, let alone Ms. Diamonds. Let's go and get you out of here so you can do your thing, okay? You have six hours until Bright gets back. So make it count."

"YAY!!!"
> Chapter 17 - They're All Yours
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Magenta was ecstatic, despite her "Hidden Horrors", that she now called them, underneath her clothes. Evident by hear bouncing along the hard tile floors of the hospital alongside other foals instead of walking as she, Nurse Goldhoof, and the Matron moved down the hall of the Foal's Unit, heading for the elevator. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!!" She cheered. "My little sister needs a party!! A big party with lots of cake, candy, cake, and more cake!" She stopped at the elevator and turned to Goldhoof, pointing at her. "But not too much cake, she gets excited easily."

Goldhoof chuckled and nodded. "Of course, dear." The elevator dinged open and Magenta bounced inside, followed by the two nurses and matron. As they descended, Magenta kept excitedly talking about her plans.

"Okay! I decided that there will be no sugar for Bright!" Magenta declared with a firm hoof. "She's already way too active. Ooohhh, I can't wait to see the surprised look on her face. Her birthday's coming up and she's getting a party!!"



Bright Snow nervously rubbed her left hoof with her right as she stared at Magenta's mouth in disbelief from the open doorway of her and Magenta's bedroom. After Bright got home from school and noticed Magenta's way too happy grin directed to her from Magenta's bed, she already knew what she knew. So Bright simply stated, "I don't want a party. I see you got your bandages off! That's awesome! Do you know what your cutie mark looks like?!"

Magenta's grin immediately flipped into a horrified expression. And has been frozen like that for five minutes now. Bright was beginning to think Magenta may have to go back to the hospital. "NO PARTY?!!" Bright yelped and fell off of her bed onto the carpeted floor. Looks like the hospital admission wasn't needed.

She groaned and sat up, rubbing her head and glaring at Magenta with her "intimidating" face that involved squinted eyes, buzzing wings, and puffy cheeks. Ignoring it, Magenta walked down her stairs and trotted eagerly towards Bright to help her up. Then stared into her eyes and asked sadly, "Why don't you want a party?"

Bright lost her angry look and replaced it with a despondent one. Then sighed and slowly walked towards her desk with her head down, explaining all the while. "Mommy and daddy always threw me a party. I don't actually have many friends because everypony thought I talked too much and didn't like me." She jumped on her chair and laid her chin down on her desk, sighing in dismay. "So only mommy and daddy threw me parties. Just us three and nopony else. I don't want anypony else but mommy and daddy throwing me parties."

"Awww, but Bright—"

"No, Magenta," Bright interrupted. She shed a small tear and grabbed a crayon to start coloring in her coloring book. "I don't want a party."

Magenta sighed and tightened her lips. Then huffed and walked towards the door. "Fine! No party!" She yelled. Then walked out and slammed the door back, startling Bright enough that she jumped in her chair and dropped her crayon.

She whipped her head around to the closed door and sighed. It looks like she and Magenta are in the middle of a disagreement. Bright didn't understand why Magenta was upset, it was her birthday after all. It didn't make any sense. Bright rolled her eyes and picked up her crayon, determined to continue. Well, actually start. But it was like all the motivation just drained out of her. She hated seeing her sister mad like that. Let alone her best friend. She had to go see and talk to her. Right now.

Bright spat the crayon out and jumped out of her chair, determinedly trotting towards the door. She had an older sister to speak to.


***


"Hey, Magenta!" Magenta looked up from her spot on the swings straight into Lightning Dust's eyes, filled with excitement that were the complete opposite of her own. She was flanked by her other friends, all with faces of wonder. "I see you got your bandages off! Awesome!"

Bluebell adjusted her glasses and nodded vigorously. "Yeah! How are you feeling?"

Magenta blinked at them, took in a deep breath, and yelled, "Ugggghhh!!!"

"Oh no! Are you in pain?" Yellow Diamond asked in alarm.

"Noooo!" Magenta responded. Then flopped back in her swing. "I'm upset!"

The four fillies took in a deep breath and sighed. Magenta was fine. Silver Swirl huffed and said, "Oh. At least you're okay."

Magenta raised a hoof and said, "Bright's Birthday is coming up. Her ninth."

Bluebell immediately perked up. She gasped and yelled, "Birthday?! Nine?! Party!!"

"She doesn't want one." It's like Bluebell's brain shattered. She lowered her hooves from the air and stared at Magenta in confusion, who sat back up to explain. And for an explanation. "Bright didn't have a lot of friends. So her parents threw a party with just the three of them. I already knew that Bright wouldn't want a party this year. But the reason I want to throw one for her is because of that. I know she lost her parents, but I want to show her that I'm her family too. And that I love and care for her. Like her real sister."

"Awww," Lighning Dust fawned. The other four fillies turned to her with knowing smirks and Lightning quickly backpedaled. "Uhh, I mean, that's cool. Cool sister-ing."

Magenta playfully rolled her eyes and sighed. Then grew sad again and said, "I can't really help Bright if she doesn't want me to. I don't know what to do."

"You could always just give her a present," Silver Swirl suggested. She trotted around Magenta and got on a swing beside her. Then added, "She didn't say anything about presents, right?"

"No...she didn't," Magenta slowly confirmed. "I could always get her a bunch of coloring books. Maybe a radio. I know she likes to dance."

"Make a song for her," Lightning suggested. She swooped down and hovered in front of Magenta. "I heard you sing pretty good. Enough that it makes Bright dance when she hears you in the shower. Betcha' didn't know that, huh?"

Magenta sighed and deadpanned, "You listen to my 'Shower Song Specials', huh?"

"What? Pffft, no. I-I uhhh... I just see Bright dancing, that's all."

"Uh huh."

"Just make her a song, jeez." Lightning Dust floated back into the air and flew around the playground.

"I might make her one," Magenta relented. She sighed and bounced off the swing. "Thanks guys."

"No problem!" Lightning called from above.

"Magenta! Magenta!" They looked towards the building at the squeaky small voice. Bright bounded through and rapidly walked towards the swing set. Once she reached it, she bounced on her sister's back and hugged her around her neck. "Please don't be mad at me! I'm sorry if I made you mad, just stop being mad okay?"

Magenta chuckled and patted one of the snow white hooves under her chin. "I'm not mad at you, Bright," she responded, appeasing Bright Snow's fears. "I was just a little....what's the word when you're super stressed?" Bluebell leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Ah, right. I was just a little frustrated. I had a whole party planned out and everything."

"Oh." Bright looked at the rest of her friends awkwardly. She spotted Lightning doing flips and such in the air. It made Bright wonder if she ever crashed into the building. She looked back down at Magenta and asked, "You could still throw one if you want."

"No," Magenta immediately shot down. "If you don't want a party, I'm not going to force one on you." Bright hopped off her back and allowed Magenta her space. As well as to turn around and ruffle her mane. "But you're at least getting a present. No sister of mine is getting a birthday presentless."

Bluebell raised a hoof and stated, "That's very improper grammar."

"Yeah, whatever. The point is, expect a present on your birthday. You're getting one."



While the girls were talking and playing in the backyard, Kind Goldhoof was walking up the grand stairs in the Foyer with Platinum Diamonds, speaking of rather more important matters than a Birthday party she was already prepared for. After she met her in the lobby, Platinum Diamonds called Kind Goldhoof to the office, saying that she had exciting news for her.

They walked across the red carpet towards the pair of wooden doors at the end of a hall, decorated with large pictures. "Today is just a day of good news," Platinum Diamonds commented. She pushed the door open and let Goldhoof inside first. She walked into the lavish environment of archived goods, or artifacts behind glass, a really long desk with book cases lining the walls. Goldhoof silently wondered if this mare even read this much. It'd be really interesting if she did.

Goldhoof nodded and sat down on one of the three pillows in front of the desk, watching as the director strode around for her chair. "Yes," Goldhoof agreed. "Magenta gets her stitches removed, Bright has a birthday coming up, and something else."

"Yes." The director responded casually. She opened a drawer behind her desk and shifted through it. "Let's see," she muttered. Then pulled out a Vanilla folder labeled Magenta Streak. Then another one labeled Bright Snow. "Maybe a day or two ago, I got a letter...approving your adoption for Magenta and Bright Snow."

"Yes!" Goldhoof cheered.

"Right. However, there is one thing. I'm required to tell you this and you have to sign a form." Goldhoof stopped dancing and sat back down, focused entirely on the mare in front of her who had donned on a pair of glasses, eyes on a form on her desk. "Bright Snow is permanently in your care. But since Magenta Streak only has Dissociative Amnesia and Dissociative Fugue, there is a chance that she may remember her past. Including name, hometown, and birth parents. Even relatives. In the event that this should happen within a two year time, the entire event will be placed under investigation with even more focus on the hometown. If there is any sign of neglect or abuse from her previous caretakers, Magenta will be permanently kept in your care. If it all just turned out to be an accident, like Magenta falling into a Water Channel Filter, which is entirely improbable—"

"Oh no, yeah. Yeah, that's definitely out of the cards," Goldhoof agreed. "Nopony would ever survive that."

"—then Magenta will once again be back in their custody," Platinum finished. "But once the two years are up and Magenta still does not recover her memories, she is officially, and permanently, under your care."

Goldhoof took a deep breath and nodded. The Director had told her the risks of actually adopting a foal with medical issues. Specifically Magenta's. But she was determined to give her a home. So Goldhoof nodded and said, "I understand."

The mood in there seemed to change when the director smiled. "Alright. Well let's get these forms signed, shall we?" She opened Bright's folder and slid a sheet across to Kind. Then slid over a pen next to it. She pointed at the sheet and explained it. "This here says that you understand Bright's needs as a filly and foal, and that you are willing to provide those needs. Sign, print, and date please."

Kind Goldhoof picked up the pen in her mouth and wrote down her signatures. Outside, she seemed calm and happy. But inside, she was screaming and cheering in exhilaration. Goldhoof lifted the pen before the paper was put to the side and flipped over. Then another took its place. "This is saying that you agree to have Bright off the premises of the Orphanage after the month of January, next year." She repeated the action once more. Director Diamonds flipped that paper over and slid over one final sheet. "And this here says you agree to become the foster mother of Bright Snow legally. Sign and date, then we'll move on to Magenta."

Goldhoof lifted her pen and quickly signed, eager to get this over with. After the folder was closed, they moved on to Magenta. She signed the same type of documents, including an additional that stated Goldhoof had heard and understood what Director Diamonds told her earlier. Once that was out of the way, Director Diamonds slid over the final sheet. Smiling, the director playfully whispered, "You already know what this is."

Goldhoof giggled like a highschool filly and looked at the paper. Thoughts raced through her mind. Would Magenta want this? How would she react? What would the future bring for herself, Bright, and Magenta? Would she...would she even be a great mother? Kind Goldhoof took in a deep breath, placed her pen on the paper, and signed her name. Finishing it off with the date.

Once done, Director Diamonds placed Magenta's files back in her folder and shut it. Then offered Goldhoof a happy grin. "Congratulations, Ms. Goldhoof. They're all yours."
> Chapter 18 - Happy Birthday, Bright Snow; Happy Hearth's Warming
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a lovely Tuesday. The birds were chirping, the sun was shining, and Magenta was alone in the empty backyard playground singing. Testing her voice for this evening's festivities. Ever since last week, Magenta had been preparing a gift for Bright Snow. Today was her ninth birthday. Magenta could tell it was going to be a tough one. This morning after Bright had gotten up, she walked straight to the bathroom and got ready. Then left without saying a word. Magenta didn't let her leave without their daily "Huggle and Nuzzle" first though. One thing was for certain.

Bright Snow and Sadness do not mix.

Up to that point, Magenta had finally put her new writing skills to good use. As well as her healed body. After everyone had their breakfast and left for school, Magenta grabbed her notebook for her songs—she was going to need another one soon—and sat down at the kitchen table to write another. It didn't take her long, she already had the inspiration. It was just hard to find the right words. But after three hours, she finally had it. A song for Bright Snow.

She already had two materialistic presents. A radio and a good stack of coloring books. One was going to be used a lot more than the other, that was for sure. Once the song was finished, she stepped outside and practiced her vocal range. Which was really high, but not really low. It had accidentally attracted the attention of the matrons, Director Diamonds, and Ms. Goldhoof who had just arrived. She didn't know they were actually standing in the doorway until she saw them out of the corner of her eye.

"Oh jeez!" She yelled, literally jumping to her hooves with a bright blush on her cheeks. She wasn't really used to anypony watching her while she sang her songs.

Goldhoof chuckled and made a move to appease her. "That was really good, sweetie," she congratulated happily. "Don't be afraid to sing in front of anypony. You're really good." The matrons muttered their agreements.

"Umm...okay," Magenta responded. "But...t-turn around or something. I don't like to...sing in front of everypony right now." The adults sighed and went back inside. But Goldhoof stuck around. She needed to talk to Magenta about her self-image, but didn't want to scare her off. But before she could, Magenta started singing again. She must've thought she was once more alone. There was just something about Magenta's voice that just made ponies stop and listen to her songs. No matter how they sounded.

Goldhoof wondered how many she actually had now since getting out the hospital months ago. And if she actually wanted to be a singer when she gets older. She'd ask when she grew up or reached that point. It would be more important at that time. Right now, she let it be a hobby.



After school, Bright Snow was taken back home by chariot with Bluebell, Yellow Diamond, and Lightning Dust. They all wished her a happy ninth birthday and asked if she made a wish yet. She said didn't actually want anything for her birthday. Including a party. Sort of a let down to Bluebell's spirit, and fire for that mean blue pegasus filly whose name they have yet to learn that made fun of her and Magenta. If she even had a name.

Bright had a feeling Magenta was planning something. What is it? That's the mystery. Bright Snow wanted to know. Soon, they arrived at the orphanage. Its walls scaring Lightning Dust so bad she was shivering beside her. The gates were already opened so they rode on through and stopped at the doors in the loop. The matrons supervising them jumped out first and prepared a pair of steps by the door so they could walk down safely. Then opened the doors for the chair so they could.

Bright was the fifth one down followed by her friends. Then began to make her way up the ones for the orphanage before some loud music with some bass playing paused everyone in their steps. They all looked towards the bushes on the side that a filly with a black hoodie, black pants, and a radio strapped to her side walked out of. Everyone just stopped and stared at her with the same question. What was she doing? The front door of the orphanage opened to let out the rest of the Matrons, the Director, and Goldhoof. Who made her way to Bright with a camera around her neck.

"So...what—"

"Just watch and listen," Goldhoof interrupted. She placed a wing around her when Magenta began to sing loud and proud.

"Please, won't you wait? Won't you stay?
At least until the sun goes down.
When you're gone, I lose faith,
I lose everything I have found.
Heart strings, violins
That's what I hear when you're by my side
Yeah, that's what I hear when you're by my side." Magenta smoothly slid over and grabbed Bright's hooves. Then began to twirl around with her, smiling in her eyes. Bright couldn't help but smile either.

"But when you're gone the music goes,
I lose my rhythm, lose my soul.
So hear me out before you say the night is over,
I want you to know that we gotta, gotta carry on,
So don't let this be our final song." She let Bright go and spin on her own. Then grabbed her free hoof to stop her.

"So don't let this be our final song,
So hear me out before you say the night is over.
I want you to know that we gotta, gotta carry on,
So don't let this be our final song." She froze in a pose standing on her rear hooves with one hoof free and Bright in the other, breathing hard and smiling happily. Bright had tears in her eyes as she eyed Magenta up and down, including her get up.

"You...sung in public," she whispered. "For me?"

"Yes I did," Magenta answered. She let her hoof go and the two dropped back down on all fours. "I'm not afraid to sing in public. As long as my family's watching too and cheering me on."

Bright kept that smile on her face when she rushed in and pulled Magenta into a tight hug, burying her head in Magenta's chest.

"Thank you so much," Bright whispered.

Magenta tightened it and buried her head in her hair. "You're welcome, sis. Your parents may not be here, but you do have your big sister with you. Okay?" Bright pulled back and grinned up at her.

"Yes!"

"Ready for some cake and gifts?" Bright nodded again. "Well let's go!" She turned around and began to head up the stairs before Goldhoof swooped her up into a hug. Magenta didn't even realize she was off the ground.

"Good job, Magenta!!" She cheered. "Oh, that was so beautiful!!"

"Ms. Goldhoof!" Magenta whined as she kicked her tiny hooves, fighting against the hug. "Let me go! Please?"

"Oh, alright. Go and play." She let Magenta out of her grip to continue up the stairs with the rest of the foals. "Not too much sugar!"

After Magenta's performance—which gave her the satisfaction of witnessing that bully groan and walk away, as well as many pats on the head for the more than amazing performance—she led Bright Snow into the kitchen so she could open her presents. Bright would never admit it, but Magenta's song cheered her up. If she meant that much to Magenta that she braved her fear of public display with her crazy-good voice, then it meant that she was truly family. And she proved that. Especially when she gave Bright those amazing coloring books. And the radio?!




December

The cold bristled the coat of Sweetie Belle as she made her way through Ponyville with Applebloom, pulling a wagon full of Hearth's Warming ornaments through the snow drifting to the ground. Hearth's Warming was here. Which meant plays, singing, stories, gift giving. And silence.

Seven to nine months since Scootaloo's been gone. At first declared deceased. But they have been delivered with hope after a doctor at a hospital said "that a filly with her description was recently discharged". Scootaloo was still alive. Where she was had yet to be discovered. Along with her. They knew for a fact that Scootaloo would never be the same once they did find her. If she was in the hospital, it had to be bad. Her wings were detached from her body. And there was blood. It will be forever sketched in Applebloom's mind. Eating at her guilt that she was secretly punishing herself for.

They regretted laughing at her that day. The last thing from Scootaloo they ever heard was her scream in the filters. Hopefully in the future they'd be able to hear her laugh.

The two fillies turned a right down a connected road in Ponyville, ignoring a group of ponies that waved at them from the side. Sweetie Belle's usually bouncy mane was down like Applebloom's thanks to the snowfall. Bless Rarity's heart if it were still pumping once she sees it. Emo hair was more Applebloom's thing. It was a wonder Applebloom herself wasn't wearing a black choker by this point, or even a black jacket. But she did move on to bracelets.

There was an orange beaded one on her right hoof and a solid black on her left. Applejack had no idea what they symbolized. But it must've been deep because Sweetie Belle was wearing them now too. Not to mention, Applebloom would get "all dark" when asked about it and Applejack had no idea what she would be talking about.

After minutes of trudging through the snow, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom arrived at their destination. The bottom of the hill near Sweet Apple Acres. Now they had to climb it.

"So this is where you two slink off to?" Applebloom looked over her shoulder to Diamond Tiara. She was standing beside a snowman, wearing a heavy jacket with her signature Tiara with Silver Spoon. Two princesses in a cold winter. Although Applebloom wouldn't admit it, it was pretty cool having them around as friends now. They sometimes knew just what to say.

"It wasn't your fault," Silver Spoon stated. Now just weren't one of those times. The duo trotted up and took places on both sides of them. "She ran away—"

"Because of us," Applebloom interupted. She turned and began helping Sweetie drag the wagon up the hill. "How would you feel if Diamond Tiara committed suicide with the knowledge that you had a hoof in it? The whole town did too, but the start of it all was you?" Once at the top, Applebloom unhooked the wagon from around Sweetie Belle so she could move and grab the tree they were pulling along with her magic.

"I'd feel really...bad," Silver Spoon answered as she and Diamond Tiara grabbed the ornaments. Sweetie Belle kept the tree in the air while Applebloom grabbed a shovel and started digging a hole in the ground. "But she's not gone, you said it yourself. She's out there somewhere."

"It'd take a while to find her," Diamond added. "But we'll be happy to help you out. It's the least we could do." Sweetie belle lowered the tree into the freshly dug hole behind Scootaloo's "grave". Then began using her magic to grab the ornaments and arrange them on the tree.

Meanwhile, Applebloom turned to the snow covered plaque and wiped it off to read the writing. "If you really want to, I guess it's alright. Be aware though. It'd take a long time. Princess Twilight said that the police of Equestria don't really look into missing foal cases that much because it's really rare. Like two cases a year that don't really last that long. Like a week. This is just another one."

"That," Sweetie Belle chimed in quietly with her hoarse throat. "And Scootaloo is apparently going by a new name. Magenta or something. And has no memories." She placed the diamond at the very top of the tree and watched it glisten.

"And is possibly covering her body with clothes to hide her wounds," Applebloom added. "If she's out there nearby, or even next to us, she'll be hard to recognize."

"We'll take that chance," Silver Spoon boldly stated. The two got closer to the tree and admired Sweetie Belle's work. The lights danced along the tree thanks to the magic circulating through it. There were pictures of the Cutie Mark Crusaders when they first got their cutie marks strewn about it. A few of Scootaloo with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle making silly faces.

Just staring at them were bringing tears to Applebloom's eyes. She quickly wiped them away before anyone could see, hating herself for even letting tears get in sight.

"I swear on my life, Scootaloo," she whispered. "We're gonna find you. And tell you we're sorry and that we love you. At least for closure. We love you, Scoots." After that, the only sound was the cold wind that blew their manes around. Reminding them of their grave mistake.



Hearth's Warming was entirely different for Magenta. Since it was by water, Manehattan was naturally frigid this time of year, covered in a lot of snow and making it a little difficult for Goldhoof to walk through as she approached the orphanage with Maximum Gold. A little while back, she did it. She took him up on his attempts at a date night, just the two of them, and actually enjoyed it. Of course not without getting permission from her girls first.

asked Bright Snow and Magenta Streak about it at the orphanage one evening before saying yes. Magenta had absolutely no idea what she meant when saying "date", and "going out". Thus making the most cutest confused expression she could possibly have. Bright, however, knew exactly what it was and were making threats that had Magenta and Goldhoof laughing.

She had an excuse that Maximum was trying to take Ms. Goldhoof away from them. So "she had every right to tie him up to a chair and play a certain song on her radio until he loved it". Or stuff him full of cheese. Not to mention her puffed up cheeks, frowny face, tightly closed eyes and buzzing wings was the most cutest thing Goldhoof's ever seen in her life.

Goldhoof could already see it. Bright was going to be protective of her, and Magenta was super protective of Bright already. Singing her lullabies when she couldn't sleep was Magenta's thing. Today would be no different.

Once they were at the cold, frozen gates, Maximum asked, "So how are you going to do this?"

After pressing the buzzer, she turned to her boyfriend and answered, "Well Director Diamonds has the papers. We're gonna wrap them up and deliver them as presents. I can't wait to see the look on Bright's face. Magenta's will be priceless."

"Name and nature of the visit,"  a voice blared through the speaker.

Kind Goldhoof leaned in and answered, "Kind Goldhoof and Maximum Gold, here to pick up Magenta and Bright."

"Come right in!" The gates creaked and pushed open, allowing them access to the building. After stepping in, Maximum closed them back and proceeded with his girlfriend to this palace filled with lost foals running around exchanging gifts and playing with toys. A little chaotic for the matrons who were dancing around trying not to step on any of them. Kind and Maximum were about to have a similar problem when they stepped in.

A ball rolled right in front of Maximum who looked down at it. While looking around to find who the ball belonged to, he was then encased in a net that looked like it belonged in a soccer goal.

"Aha! Gotcha, nurse thief!" The two looked up at Bright who was boasting proudly as she hovered above them, floating in pride. Then dropped down to take on her angry pose, directed at Maximum who was chuckling at her.

"You just had to get all cute, huh?" Bright stopped and turned to Magenta who was smirking knowingly in front of the kitchen with a donut in her hoof, wearing a white sweat suit. She turned to Ms. Goldhoof and snitched, "She had a trap set for him. And Bluebell helped out with the ball."

"Magenta, you ruined it!" Bluebell yelled from the kitchen.

Goldhoof laughed then reached out to pick up Bright and pull her into a tight loving hug by her shoulder. "And how is one of my favorite fillies?"

"I'm great!" Bright cheered. Then turned to Maximum over Goldhoof's shoulder, still "trapped" in the net and snarled quietly, "I'm watching you. Watch your back." Then took on her angry face again.

Goldhoof heard her loud and clear so she set her back down and turned to Magenta for her turn. Magenta was a little big, but that didn't stop her from picking her up and cradling her.

"Stop intimidating Max," she ordered. Then asked, "How's my Magenta?"

"I'm awesome!" Magenta cheered. "Did you get us a gift?"

"Yeah, did ya', did ya'?" Bright repeated excitedly, doing a little dance on hot hooves.

After setting down Magenta, Goldhoof laughed and helped her boyfriend out of the net. The net was caught on his ears. "Yes, I did. But you'll have to wait a few minutes. Your gifts are here, but I have to go fetch them. So Maximum is going to keep you company while I get them. Okay?"

Bright gasped and yelled, "No way! Not happening!"

Magenta rolled her eyes and commented, "Bright, the guy's harmless. Besides. You got your big sister here with you to watch over ya'. Forget already, Squirt?" She reached over and ruffled her head of silver hair. "I'm not going to let anypony hurt you."

Bright grunted then turned and walked away with her head held high. They watched her stride into the room where the other foals were playing before Magenta snickered. "She doesn't like your boyfriend...or whatever you call him."

Goldhoof playfully rolled her eyes and said, "I noticed. Why don't you two go and cheer her up? I'm going to get your presents." She lifted a hoof and tapped Magenta's nose. Then made her way to Platinum Diamonds who was standing nearby.

Magenta's nose scrunched up before she sneezed and shook her head. Maximum Gold watched her go then focused on Magenta who was making her way to the play room. He quickly followed after her. It seemed like she was heading to Bright. Oh boy.


***


While Max was dealing with the two sisters, Director Diamonds was taking Kind Goldhoof back to her office. It was a lot more quiet up here. "Excited?" She asked.

"Nervous," Goldhoof answered. Director Diamonds opened the door and stepped towards the desk that had the adoption certifications displayed out on the top. "I...I don't know what will happen next after this. If they accept."

"Trust me. They will. Laminate, or envelope?" She placed a plastic covering on the desk then a vanilla envelope next to it.

Goldhoof hummed then pointed to the envelope. "It makes the anticipation that much better."

"That I can agree on," Diamonds responded. She slid the plastic off the desk back into its drawer. Then grabbed another envelope for the certificates. Once they were both in the envelopes, she placed them into boxes so they could be wrapped up. Goldhoof did that bit, since she was experienced in wrapping up presents for the foals in the hospital.

Once they were all pretty and topped with a bow, Goldhoof looked up at the device dangling in front of her face. It was a large camera that Diamonds was offering with her hoof by the strap. "You can keep this," she whispered. "You might want to treasure this moment forever. A lot of ponies rarely do and just take pictures."

Goldhoof reached out and took it in her own. It was black, a little heavy, and bulky. But she was definitely gonna use it. After strapping it to her hoof, Goldhoof looked up and smiled at Director Diamonds. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now let's go."



After it was turned on and recording, Goldhoof and Platinum Diamonds walked out with the gifts underneath Goldhoof's wing. Magenta and Bright were completely oblivious, too busy putting beads in Maximum's wings. He didn't even know it, too busy staring at the dangling yoyo Lightning Dust had in front of his face, hypnotizing him. When Goldhoof and Diamonds walked down, they just stared. These girls were definitely something else. Goldhoof hummed then asked, "Uhhh, girls? What are you doing?"

Magenta and Bright turned towards Goldhoof and started to stumble on top of each other's words. But the message was clear: "We're making Mr. Gold pretty for you," Bright responded. "He's not your style.'"

Director Diamonds sighed and motioned for Lightning Dust to get away and stop messing with the visitor. "Well, we have your presents."

Bright and Magenta's faces grew into wide grins when they cheered and trotted up to her, looking them over for it. "Oh, oh! Where is it? Where is it? Gimme, gimme, gimme!" Bright flew up and buzzed around Goldhoof. Then stopped at her right wing. She pointed at the gifts and declared, "I see it, I see it!!"

"Me too!" Magenta pointed at the camera and quickly walked over and stared into the lense. Goldhoof watched her through the viewfinder as Magenta sniffed the glass and looked into it with one eye. "What is this, Ms. Goldhoof?"

"It's a video camera," she replied. Bright nudged Magenta over and looked at it herself. "It's recording you. Say hi, girls!"

"Hi, girls!" Magenta greeted. Bright was too focused in the gifts. "Can we open our presents now? Pleeeease?"

"Of course! Here you go!" She released them once Bright had a good grip and watched her float back over to Magenta. "Magenta's gift is the orange wrapping, and Bright is the white wrapping."

"Yay!" Bright dropped Magenta's gift in her hooves, then landed next to her, grinning happily. She turned to Magenta and said, "Okay! At the same time, yeah? One...two...three!" Magenta and bright used their teeth to rip open the wrapping while Goldhoof, Maximum, the Director, and their little friends gathered around.

Once out of his trance, Max walked over to Goldhoof and smiled at the fillies. He didn't know what happened a few minutes ago, but he didn't really dwell on it. Nor the reason some of the fillies were laughing at him. Goldhoof was trying her hardest not to. Those beads looked ridiculous on him. The pausing of the ripping had Goldhoof focusing more on the two sisters.

They finally ripped the paper off and were staring at the envelopes in confusion. A vanilla envelope as a present? "This is a trick," Magenta figured. She looked up and pointed at the camera. "That is the real gift, I betcha'! Can we play with it?"

Maximum hummed and motioned towards the envelopes. "Your gift is in the envelopes. Open them."

"Oooooohhhh!" The two fawned. Then looked down at the envelopes. After a few still seconds, Bright looked back up and asked, "How?" Maximum walked into the camera's view and sat down behind her. Then reached around her to show her how it's done. Magenta copied his technique while helping out her sister. And eventually unsealed it.

Once they both got it opened, they reached in and pulled out... paper? The two glanced at each other, then up to Goldhoof who was still holding the camera. Goldhoof motioned towards them and said, "Read it!"

The two shared one more glance, then did as requested. The room was bathed in silence as everyone waited patiently for them to finish. Platinum and Goldhoof shared a look then focused on the two. Magenta was the first to finish. Her lessons in English were pretty good it seemed. Lowering her document, she put it to her chest and walked to a nearby matron. Then lifted it up and asked, "What does..." She turned it around and read, "Adopted mean?"

"It means you have a mommy and daddy who will love you just the way you are, very very much." Magenta looked it over once more then turned to Bright behind her. Nurse Goldhoof moved it from Magenta to Bright as well, looking at her. She was frozen to say the least, staring with a confused expression over the top of the sheet.

"Bright~?" She looked up to Goldhoof with a look of sadness. "Are you okay?" She didn't answer. She knew exactly what it meant. Adopted. Nurse Goldhoof had adopted them. Her and Magenta. Bright lowered the paper back onto the package and casually walked towards Goldhoof's hoof. Then wrapped her little hooves around it, buried her face in her fur, then began crying.

"Oh no! Bright's crying!" Magenta quickly walked over and looked up at Goldhoof. She had a worried expression that would be forever sketched in all of their minds. Especially their new mother's. "What's wrong? Why is she crying? Bright, what happened?"

"It's okay," Goldhoof appeased before Magenta could go haywire. Her eyes were starting to go all small. "Bright is just happy because she has a new mommy. Max, take the camera, please." Maximum reached over and grabbed it to continue recording so Goldhoof could pick up Bright, holding her like the little foal she was.

Bright wrapped her hooves around her and buried her face in her neck. Then began bawling like she's never cried before. "WHAT?!" Magenta yelled. "No, me and Bright are a team! She's not leaving unless I'm going with her!"

"Sweetie, you are going with her." Magenta cocked her head to the side then picked up the paper again, reading it. "You're now officially her sister. And you too have a new mom."

Magenta read it for a few seconds while Bright continued crying. After a minute, she looked up at Goldhoof. Then back at the paper to Goldhoof once more. Her face scrunched up a little before she closed her eyes and huffed out a few tears. "Awww, come here," Goldhoof whispered. Magenta raised her hooves so Goldhoof could scoop her up and hold her to her chest. Magenta started crying just as loud as Bright, soaking Goldhoof's orange coat.

The Matrons and some of the foals fawned and started stomping in applaud. Except that light blue pegasus filly with her sidekick in the back. She just huffed and walked away with her head held high, followed by her sidekick. "Happy Hearth's Warming, Magenta. Happy Hearth's Warming, Bright," Goldhoof whispered.

Magenta responded through her tears. "H-Happy Hearth's W-Warming, mom!" Then continued crying into her new mother's coat. "You hear that Bright? W-We got a mommy! A family!"

From her ear, Goldhoof heard Bright mutter a high pitch but low "Yay".



The cold wind shifted around the snow blanketing the wooden balcony of the Castle of Friendship, creating tiny snowballs that shifted and bumped in the cyan hooves on them. Rainbow Dash paid them no mind. Too busy gazing out at the snow covered town of Ponyville, not to mention Canterlot—it's impossible to miss that—thinking about what could have been. And the path ahead. Scootaloo was gone. Apparently not dead, but still missing. She was out there somewhere, only Faust knows where.

"We'll be searching for her," a weak filly voice said from behind her. She slowly turned her gaze around to see Sweetie Belle, emo-Applebloom, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, a Griffin and Applebloom's cousin, who both arrived later on that day.

Sweetie strode forward through the snow and took Rainbow's hoof in hers. "Scoot's out there. We know it. It will take a while, but we know we'll find her."

Rainbow sighed and looked back out to the city. "I'll help too," she whispered. "Don't expect much."

"Just do what you can," Sweetie responded. "We'll do everything else. One more Crusade, to have more."

After that, it was all quiet, save for the whistle of the cold wind. They had a feeling Scootaloo was out there. Just needed to find her. And that they would do.
> Chapter 19 - Flashbacks
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pianos, keyboards, synthesizers, music sheets, and photographs littered the giant room of a teenage Magenta Streak. The carpet was beige, her red bed in the corner underneath an overhanging floor where a desk lied, occupied by the musician herself. She often snored logs, evident by the black comforter covering her body vibrating per snore. The sunlight coming in never hit her body, leaving her to her peaceful snores.

It's been eight years since Scootaloo went missing from Ponyville, died, resuscitated, healed, then adopted by her nurse. Eight years since she met her sister-slash-best friend Bright Snow. Magenta was now nineteen, birthday declared from the date of death and hospital admittance when her mother—her nurse when she was a filly—realized that she didn't have one, and couldn't remember one. Magenta remembered that conversation as if it were yesterday. Bright's ninth birthday.


September 14th, Bright's Ninth Birthday 


Magenta watched in wonder as Bright ate a whole sandwich in one bite with her friends, all silent as she chewed at the dining table in Quick Hooves Orphanage littered with birthday items. Then burped loudly and fell back in her chair, sighing and patting her bulging stomach with a relieved smile.

Lightning Dust broke the silence by saying, "I'm just waiting for that sandwich to pop right back out as if it never went in her mouth." Her friends all groaned in disgust. Including Bright, who merely turned her head her way, messy food covered facial expression of horror and disbelief.

"That's gross!"

"Why would you say that?"

"You're honestly disgusting."

Lightning Dust raised her hooves and asked, "What? We all know that's not going to come out right—oww!"

Magenta shivered and got back to her own food before Goldhoof leaned in to her ear. "Magenta?" She turned around and met Goldspoon's lively eyes and beaming smile. "Do you remember your birthday?"

"Uhhh... No."

Bright burped again and pointed to her with a tired grin. "You need a birthday!" She yelled. "Because this is great."

And this coming from the pony in a confused stupor? Magenta chuckled a melody and commented, "You look funny, Bright."

Another burp. "What are you talkin' about, I look great!" Everyone turned to Bright Snow to double check. Bright had on a lopsided birthday hat with a crazy looking mane, a bulging stomach, and a lot of icing on her face.

"I....errr..." Bluebell turned to Yellow Diamond confused. She shrugged in return.

Magenta rolled her eyes and responded, "I take it back, you look awesome."

"See? Told ya'!" She yelled, then burped again. "Since you can't remember your birthday, we'll just give you one! Because you can't miss out on this, sister!"

"Bright, it's time to go to bed," Silver Swirl told her. "You're crashing."

Bright chuckled and waved her off. "No I'm not. I'm absolutely—" Bright slumped over and started snoring, confirming Silver Swirl's suspicions.

Magenta rolled her eyes but did nod her head. "Okay. A birthday would be nice."

Goldhoof scruffed the floor while she thought up a birthday. "How about... April Thirteenth? The day you came into our lives?"

"Sure, I guess," Magenta relented. "I'm not too big on birthdays. Then again, I did help Bright enjoy this one."

Everyone turned to "Dirty Bright," the only pony snoring logs at a party with a slice of cake in front of her. Lightning Dust chuckled and commented, "That's an understatement."


Current Morning, Eight Years Later


The alarm clock blared around her large room, rousing Magenta once it reached her ears underneath the covers. She moaned and moved one of her hooves out from underneath them to cut off the alarm. She banged her hoof on the top of the digital device, silencing it. Then opened her mouth wide and yawned with a high and loud tune, just to annoy her sister for fun. It had the desired effect.

"Oh my gosh, Magenta!! I'm trying to sleep!!" Bright yelled from the next room over. When her voice echoes around the mansion, you know Bright was irked.

"Come on, Bright, get up, you still have school." Magenta flipped the covers over and stretched out her scarred limbs, still there from over eight years ago. They would never go away, and she would never forget they were there. Her agent said that hiding her true identity was definitely marketable and that she should keep doing it. The mare with no past but filled with mystery. He had bought her a full blown leather jacket with straps around the hooves, along with a very long hood that only she could see through that revealed only her mouth. Just like her old black one when in middle school, just more expensive. Her music had captured the eyes of four out of every six ponies in Equestria, which was more than a lot. She'll never forget the day it all began.


Six Years Ago, High School


The cafeteria inside of Manehattan High was grand. More than big enough for Magenta, her sister, their friends from the orphanage and a few more ponies that Magenta met. The school was divided into cliques that Magenta classified herself.

"The emos". The ponies that got all dark when you talked to them and wore a lot of black. "The Natures". Or the ponies that did a lot of natural things. If they're sick, nature will cure their disease. "Embrace the rain," and whatever. "The Outlaws", or the rebel ponies. Enough said. Bright and Magenta's old orphanage bully, named Zephyr Diamond, and her sidekick Silver Sound, were among them. Not surprising.

Then you have "The Farmers". The ponies who do a lot of farmwork and hooves-on work. They originate from Appleloosa and come to Manehattan. Just because they can and know how to move all around Equestria taking up garden jobs, farmwork, and more on their own. One of them actually travels from Appleloosa to Manehattan every weekend for some reason. Nopony really knows her name. Babs-something. She has a pair of scissors for a cutie mark with an orange coat similar to Magenta's own, and a weird type of stringy short red mane that Magenta's never seen before.

Then "The Musicians", the group Magenta fit in with best. All of those ponies over there knew how to play at least two instruments. Magenta knew how to play four: Guitar, Piano, Violin, and Drums. Goldhoof had signed her up for Guitar lessons because they were appealing to Magenta when she heard the Electric Guitar on the radio. After that, the Piano was next. A little more simple, therefore it didn't take her much time to learn. Piano was by far Magenta's favorite. Because a Synthesizer was technically a piano that you use to create your sounds. You'll never catch Magenta without her Synthesizer on her back.

Then you have "The Dancers". Bright's group. Also known as The Cheer Squad. Manehattan High had a streak of winning every cheer competition in Equestria ever since Bright joined. Apparently, she moved very fast and jumps high. Completely understandable since she eats two scoops of Blueberry Ice Cream before every practice, and performance, and Hoofball game.

But Magenta couldn't fault her for her routine. She herself would listen to Hardstyle before every performance at a party. It would get her very... Pumped. Next you have "The Techies". The ponies who were all about technology. Television has progressed so fast within eight years and thus came knowledgeable magic, or Net. A mind made of magic, or what they called a computer in Equestria. Created by Princess Twilight. Magenta always wanted to meet her. From the boxes of digital displays to flat screens held up by the ceiling in the middle of the Cafeteria. A lot of shows and networks use them. Including Magenta and Bright for their YouHoof channel.

And finally, "The Cuties". They didn't give themselves a group name, but that didn't stop the rest of the school from giving them one. Everyone in it were all about vanity. Embracing their beauty and showing it off. One of the colts had actually asked Magenta out to a school dance, but stood her up for that flank kisser Zephyr Diamond. Boy, was Bright mad.

All that Magenta and Goldhoof, who chaperoned, remembered from that night that stuck out more than Magenta did while performing her songs were the colt yelling and running out of the gym with a cooler on his head and a plate of cake on his face. Zephyr was even worse. Nopony really knew what happened. Just that they came out of the back hallway screaming obscenities. It was a mess back there, and there were no cameras. They were saying somepony had attacked them and ruined their date.

Nopony knew who did it. But Magenta took Bright's signature Silver Braid Flip and wink when she walked past as a clue. Never mess with the fast Cheerleader's sister's feelings. Magenta smiled the rest of the night with her original Orphanage friends.

Speaking of fast, next up were "The Muscle Heads", or Lightning Dust's group. She was all about speed and fitness. You could spot her light blue coat inside the weight room benching three hundred next to a bunch of other muscle heads any day. All because "she wanted to". Her inspiration was some Wonderbolt named Rainbow Dash. The first known pony to ever complete the Rainboom, whatever that was. Whenever Lightning Dust was exercising, there was always a poster nearby of her that she'd look at. She was very determined, very tomboy-ish. Until Magenta's "cute colt friend" comes around. Then she's all marshmallows and feathers with hearts in her eyes and flapping wings. Can be swooned with only a rose. Not even a bouquet, a single flower. Her friends would only shake their heads. Marshmallows and feathers were more Bluebell's thing.

Bluebell, Yellow Diamond, and Silver Swirl were with The Techies, and could route a computer with anything Bluebell knows about. Bluebell helps out Magenta at her shows inside clubs, birthday parties, and more. Like that live online performance of her on top of one of those skyscrapers in West Manehattan, jamming it out with a few more musicians she's never met before. Bright and her cheer squad were the background dancers. They could definitely move. Magenta always knew her sister would help out with the dance section of things. The YouHoof channel helped out a lot too. It wouldn't have gotten her so many subscribers, let alone fans. Seven-hundred fifty thousand ponies loved her music up there. And if it weren't for Bluebell, she would still be at a staggering twenty-five.

So walking into the school cafeteria with Bright that Wednesday morning with everypony watching and waving at her wasn't new. Although they couldn't really see her because of her disguise of a full-body black jacket with a hood over her face that only showed her mouth, they knew who it was. But what had really taken her and Bright by surprise was the fact that everypony stood up, cheered, then ran right over to her.

"Wait, wait, what?!" She yelled before everypony reached out to her with notebooks, hats, CDs, even frickin' wallets with pens. Yelling, "Can I have your autograph? Please?" Or something similar.

"Er, uhh..." She and Bright shared a look before turning back to the huge crowd of talking and demanding ponies. Shrugging, Magenta replied, "Sure." She took one of the pens in her mouth and ignored the video recording of her and bright by some of their cell phones. All that stuff came out two years ago by some technology company named Brightlight. The Brighlight Z4 was strange and expensive, but easy to use. Magenta and Bright had one. And apparently, so did the Government. It made things a lot more easier for communication since it used Net.

Some ponies even wanted an autograph from Bright. Mainly because she was "so sexy in that video". Bright grimaced but did take a pen and write down her autograph. Not the first time a pony said that to her, and it wouldn't be the last if they continued with the music videos.

Magenta looked over and asked her sister, "So... what's happening? We've never gotten this much attention before."

Bright signed then hoofed back another item. Then turned and shrugged to Magenta with a pen in her mouth, absolutely clueless. "I don't know!" She yelled in confusion. "We just got here, you look the same, still carrying around that big board thingy—"

"—It's a synthesizer," Magenta interrupted. She grabbed a bag and signed her name. "This didn't happen on our way here, and we walk to school."

"Nopony was out, it's only six in the morning!" Bright hoofed the pen back along with another signed item. Then grabbed Magenta's hoof and turned around to leave, ignoring all the pleas to "stop and sign". Hooves ran across tiled floors as they ran away from the crazy fans. They turned a corner then ducked into a nearby room that just so happened to be the library that Bluebell and Yellow Diamond relax in before school starts, and hid behind a bookcase. They listened to the hooves run past then the silence that followed before looking through the window with Bright on top of Magenta's hood.

Yellow Diamond was brushing her white mane and batting her yellow eyes into a mirror and Bluebell was looking at a computer when they ran in, catching their eyes. Magenta took a deep breath, then trotted over to her friends with Bright right behind her. Both bearing expressions of intrigue, although nopony could tell because of Magenta's hood.

"What's going on?" She whispered. Bluebell and Yellow Diamond shared a glance. She didn't know? Must've been very awkward in that cafeteria.

Bluebell smirked and adjusted her glasses. Then crossed her hooves and asked teasingly, "You mean you don't know?"

Magenta groaned and rolled her eyes. It wouldn't be Bluebell if she didn't make her work for this. Magenta reached up and pulled back her hood, revealing her magenta eyes, and magenta hair with the middle dyed black. Her eyelashes were much longer and she had on light purple mascara.

"Come on, Bluebell!" She yelled. Magenta reached forward and squished Bluebell's cheeks together. "No time for games! School's gonna start soon and we'll be asked for more autographs and I don't wanna go and sign something if I have no idea what I'm signing for!!!"

"Okay, jeez." Bluebell removed Magenta's hooves off her cheeks, then chuckled at her look. "You should take your hood off more often, you look great."

Magenta rolled her eyes and put her hood back on while Bluebell started doing something on the touch screen computer she had. "You know I can't do that. It hurts my image. Nopony knows who I look like for my uniqueness."

"Yeah right," Yellow Diamond responded in her more than feminine voice. It sounded like she was somepony in the EUP. "You're just doing what Songbird Serenade does."

"Not even close," Magenta denied.

Bright stepped in and added, "Songbird Serenade only covers her face. Magenta covers her face and mane with the tail, her entire barrel including her cutie mark which I myself haven't even seen, and her hooves. Everypony has seen and will recognize Songbird Serenade on the street. But Magenta can walk right past without the jacket and you won't even know it's her unless you ask her name. Genius and totally unique!" Bright and Magenta shared a high hoof and a hip bump. "Gotcha' Back!"

"Yeah!" Magenta agreed. Then turned back to Bluebell. "So? What's it all about?"

Bluebell rotated the computer and showed Magenta the analytics for that roof performance. They skyrocketed in two nights. From a standard and normal twenty thousand views—which was the entirety of Manehattan in the recent years—to a shocking twenty million. Magenta ripped off her hood again and got in closer for a better look with disbelieving eyes. "No no no, this can't be right," she denied. "We just hit twenty thousand two days ago. Something's up."

Yellow Diamond tossed her mirror in her bag and walked over. "That's what I thought too. Until I did some research. Somepony recently released a song three days ago also titled Ready For Love. However, my theory is that when ponies searched for their song on YouHoof, yours was the first one to come up. That song was this one." She pointed to a song way near the bottom with only one hundred twenty five views. "Everypony in Manehattan has heard of you by this point, ever since that viral video with those street musicians in front of that music store you randomly sang with when you were like... Fifteen?"

"Yep, three years ago," Magenta confirmed. She pointed at the thumbnail and asked, "So I stole that pony's potential fame?"

Bluebell shook her head and answered, "Not exactly. You see, this pony was probably just starting out. I checked out their channel, everything was obviously new. Probably didn't even know how to use YouHoof yet. Net is still fairly young, so not a lot up there from him right now. He only has one hundred twenty-five views, and those are probably his friends and family. Not the public. Those friends and family probably saw your video, played it, then spread it around. Equestria is already a very friendly nation. And a young mare like you that wears a completely black jacket that only shows her mouth who can sing better than Serenade is something to talk about. So ponies saw it, then told their friends. Who watched it and told somepony else. Then they watched it, told somepony else, then so on and so forth. Word-of-mouth marketing."

Magenta stared at the chart from underneath her hood with an open mouth while she continued. "Your music, along with Bright's dancing, and those musicians on that rooftop have all infected Equestria. The entire nation. Including the lesser known parts. Ponies all over are doing remixes of that song, playing it at parties that are put online. DJs like PON-3 and Sea Creature play it at clubs."

Yellow Diamond grabbed the computer and scrolled down. "Now if you think THAT'S legendary, the original mix of that same song when you put it up here two years ago has even more views since yesterday." She turned around the computer and showed Magenta the Analytics of Ready For Love. It was at seventy million. Magenta gasped and grabbed hold of the tablet. Then showed it to Bright.

"They also like Bright because of her dancing!" Somepony announced from above. Bright and Magenta looked up at Lightning Dust who was hovering above with a smirk. "Some ponies made 'High Like Bright Challenge' where they try to do that hooves-in-the-air thing. You know, where you were upside down standing on one hoof while kicking your rear hooves like you were doing some fast old timey dance for ten seconds. I actually saw somepony try it at the skate park that Magenta goes to after school when she thinks no one's watching—"

"Creep."

"—and she just couldn't do it! I'm talkin' falling-and-rolling-over-hills failing! Nopony can do it like Bright. Girl got some moves." Lightning Dust leaned down and punched Bright's shoulder a little hard.

"Ow, jeez, Dust," she complained while rubbing her spot. "You're too strong for that."

Lightning Dust shrugged then turned back to Magenta. "So what now?" She asked. "You're right up there with Songbird Serenade, you have to make another song!" Her friends and sister all started shouting their agreements. After a few more seconds, Magenta caved to the peer pressure.

"Alright, alright!" They all quieted down. "I'll make another song. But only because I want to validate this." Magenta turned and began to make her way to the door before they unexpectedly burst open. The ponies who were asking for autographs gasped and shouted.

"There she is!"

"Sign me!!"

"Can I take a picture?"


Current Morning


After the signing of those autographs, and the end of the school hours, Magenta was bombarded by ponies out and about, all asking for autographs. Even cute little foals. She just couldn't say no to them. Her mother—and father—were greatly proud of the two of them. Speaking of father, Maximum Gold had finally asked for Kind Goldhoof's hoof in marriage when Magenta turned twelve. A year and some after dating. Bright was going through a phase at the time that involved a lot of hairstyles. Spikes, straight, emo, short. So when mom grabbed Max's hoof and said to them in the living room, "We're getting married" nearly two years after they were adopted, that spiked hair sure matched her face.

Pictures were taken and mail was in their mailbox the day Magenta became famous. Not to mention a lot of bits in her bank account. Nearly three years later, Magenta reached thirty million subscribers and was now ready to break the news to her parents and sister about her plans.

She crawled out of her soft bed and stretched her body, listening to the cracks and snaps of her joints, and sighing in relief. Then strode across the sunlit wooden floor to her large closet to change out of her pajamas.

Goldhoof poked her head into Magenta's giant room and smiled. "Good morning, honey," she greeted. "Breakfast is on the table. I have to get to my office." Magenta remembered her mother coming home that day years ago squealing in happiness. She was going back to med school and had finally got her doctorate in pediatric care. She was officially a doctor. The city-state approved her to have her own practice and was now doing her own thing in a section at East Manehattan Hospital.

"Wait! Mom! I have to tell you, dad, and Bright something very important!" Magenta yelled from the closet.

Goldhoof poked her head back in and asked, "It can't wait until this afternoon?"

"Nope!" Magenta walked out with a red designer style that had a bunch of sewn-on symbols. Like different colored lightning bolts, skateboards, and a golden pattern around the neckline and hooves. All on a red palette. Magenta smiled and added, "Bright and I are going shopping this evening when the heat dies down and I have to go to the studio this morning to lay down this new mix with the guys. But this can't wait."

Goldhoof sighed and nodded her head. Then ducked back in the hallway and yelled, "Everypony up! Magenta has to tell us something!" She looked in the room and told Magenta, "Brush your teeth before you go, okay? Morning breath isn't good. Especially for famous fillies."

Magenta rolled her eyes and moaned, "Mom, I'm not a filly anymore."

"Ohhh, you'll always be my little filly. Just like your sister." Goldhoof winked then left the room and allowed Magenta her time.

After brushing her teeth in her connected bathroom and breathing in the air from her balcony, Magenta walked down the wide stairwell of the residential wing of the mansion towards the moaning and groaning of Bright. Looks like somepony was cranky for having her sleep disturbed. She saw Bright slouch past the walkway with a spiky mane, looking more tired than usual. Either she didn't bother getting ready or is going through another phase.

It could've been both. Or it could've been the former. Or the latter. Bright was unpredictable. Walking in, Magenta chuckled and yelled, "Good morning!!" Bright and Max jumped and turned to her in surprise. Goldhoof and Magenta giggled then started on their breakfast. "Going through another phase?" Magenta teased her sister.

Bright rolled her eyes and sat on the couch next to Max. "Ha ha, very funny. For your info, I put a gel in my hair and it does this."

"Uh huh."

"What did you want?" She growled.

Magenta rolled her eyes and picked up her breakfast plate. Then made her way to the living room with Goldhoof behind her. "So I've been doing a lot of thinking..."

"Yeah?" Goldhoof took a seat on the other side of Bright, all three facing Magenta. "About what?"

"My life. I think it's time I moved on—"

"YOU'RE NOT GIVING UP YOUR MUSIC, ARE YOU?!" Bright yelled.

Magenta jumped and nearly dropped her breakfast. Once she got a good hoof, she glared at Bright, who winked right back. She knew what she did. "I'm not giving up singing, mixing, or producing," she clarified. Then took a bite out of her sandwich. "I meant moving on from this house. I'm moving out."

No words were said and no sounds were made as the family stared at Magenta in surprise. Bright's spiky silver hair suddenly dropped down into a straight look. Bright ran a hoof through it and stated, "Told you it was just gel." Then playfully stuck her tongue out.



As the sun peeked over the horizon, so did the rooster from her nest. It clucked first then looked around before letting its daily song ring, slowly waking the inhabitants of Sweet Apple Acres. Since Applejack was away on a friendship mission with Rainbow Dash, Applebloom's been assigned to do the work for her. So she groaned, kicked off the covers and rolled of the bed and onto the floor to wake her up. A daily routine.

"Ugh...I'm up, chicken! Shut up!" She yelled to the ceiling. The chicken quieted down when Applebloom sat up with the same hairstyle like eight years ago, then glanced around at her more than country room than before, once again eight years ago. She yawned and stretched her strong hooves. Then righted up and made her way towards the door to work. Those apples weren't going to buck themselves.

She heard Big Mac downstairs cooking breakfast. Possibly eggs and cooked hay, her favorite. He always knew how to cheer her up on a bad morning. Applebloom walked into the kitchen and greeted tiredly, "Good mornin', Big Mac."

"Mornin', Applebloom," he responded back. Her spot was already set. He glanced up and blinked at the bags under her eyes starting to show. There was only one explanation for that. "That dream again?"

Applebloom sighed and started on her eggs. He always seemed to know what she was thinking. "Yeah," she replied. "Can't really do anything about it."

"Ya' need to see a therapist," he suggested. Since the food was cooking, her turned around to face her. "It's been eight years. If you're still having these nightmares, then there's a problem. Same for Sweetie Belle. I'm surprised you two are still goin' strong. Anniversary comin' up?"

Applebloom smiled then swallowed her food. "Yep. Eight years. If I wanted to, I could marry her. But I'm waitin to move out first."

"Ah, okay." Big Mac grabbed his food then sat down across from Applebloom. He smirked, knowing that this was going to irk her, and asked, "Hear that new Magenta Streak song yet?"

Applebloom stopped eating and glared up at Big Mac with a nonchalant expression. "Big Mac? You know I don't like that pony."

"Why not though? She's really good. I haven't been to any of her shows because she's way on the other side of Equestria, but I heard that new song she released."

"The dubstep one?" Big Mac nodded. "I don't like her 'cuz she's a show off. Did you see that last video? Of her and her sister at that skatepark in Manehattan last week with those other celebrities? Songbird Serenade? Sea Creature?"

"Who is Sea Creature? Are they a real sea creature?" Grabbing a sandwich, Big Mac took a bite out of his food.

"No, it's this famous DJ. More famous than Songbird, but less than Magenta. Songbird mostly does features for Magenta now, along with acapellas. Anyway, Magenta was showin' off her moves on a skateboard and a scooter. I have to admit, the scooter was pretty cool. But she still showed off."

Big Mac rolled his eyes. "She's a pretty famous pony. I'm trying to figure out why she only performs in the cities instead of the towns. She performed—obviously—in Manehattan, Las Pegasus, and Canterlot. But never us small town folk here in Ponyville, Appleloosa, Dodge Junction, Cloudsdale, places like that. Why?"

"Ask her, I don't know." Applebloom stood up and made her way to the door. "Talk to ya' later, Big Mac. Gotta meet my girlfriend."

"Make sure those apples are bucked today!"

"Sure!"



As Applebloom walked up the path to Ponyville, now a little larger because of the growing populace, she cast a casual eye up to the CMC memorial site on her right. Hill of Greatness. The seeds Applebloom planted in the past have grown into a tree. Not fully grown, but big enough to sprout apples in the spring. The painting on the front was still fresh, thanks to that preservation spell Twilight placed on it after Sweetie Belle asked her.

"Still searchin', Scoots," Applebloom whispered. Then turned around and faced forward. "Still searchin'."

After a few more seconds Applebloom walked into town, watching a bunch of ponies carry a couch across the street. Digital stores were popping up all over Equestria to sell magic-powered televisions, those expensive computers, and some music stores. She passed one of them and saw a poster of Magenta Streak advertising a DJ set. She stopped and stared at it, slowly shaking her head.

"How can you be a singer, a producer, and a DJ?" Applebloom thought aloud. Then focused on more important matters. What to get Sweetie Belle for their eighth year. Eight years together as a couple. It's coming up next week. She remembered when they shared their first real kiss. On the lips. That Hearth's Warming.


Eight Years Ago, Hearth's Warming


After Rainbow Dash flew off to help with the blizzard, leaving the fillies on the castle balcony, Sweetie Belle laid on her stomach in the snow, continuing to stare out. "Lavender?" She turned her head to Applebloom who had trotted forward. Then sat down and laid beside her. "What is it?"

Sweetie sighed and said in her low voice, "I'm just thinking about a few things. Like... What if we never find her? What about our friends, what will happen to them now?"

Applebloom sighed and watched the snow fall in the distance. Sweetie was scared of the future. She was too, to be honest. "Sweetie...what I learned out of all of this, ever since the tragedy...was make memories and relish them forever. Because you never know when you'll see that pony again. So we make new memories..." She turned and faced Sweetie Belle with a supportive smile. "...with the ones we love."

Sweetie grinned back before darting forward and latching her lips onto Applebloom's. Whose eyes widened before she relished in the feeling of Sweetie's lips against hers. It was magical. Sweetie wrapped her hooves around Applebloom's neck as they kissed, completely forgetting about their friends in the back who watched awkwardly.


Current Day


Even though her father said no lip locking until they were old enough three months before, they continued doing so. Especially during their freshmen years. Since there wasn't a high school in Ponyville, they had to go to Canterlot and continue education there. That kiss meant everything to the two of them. And it would be forever sketched in Apple Bloom's mind. No matter how out-of-the-blue it was.

Applebloom walked past Town Hall and towards Carousel Boutique. It looked like Rarity was up. Business there had been steadily growing these past years. It was a wonder why Rarity didn't get a new home. Or at least a remodel. Applebloom pushed open the door and happily strode in, ignoring the line of customers and headed straight for the stairs in front of her.

"Mornin', Rarity!" She greeted without stopping. Then took one step at a time to head up to the second floor.

An alabaster hoof waved from over the head of one of the customers. "Good morning, darling! Now what size was that, dear?"

Applebloom walked onto the second floor and stopped in front of Sweetie Belle's door to knock. The last time she just opened the door to Sweetie Belle's room, it was during a little intimate alone time that caused a shoe to be thrown at Applebloom's face. They did hit puberty after all. After that, Applebloom always knocked.

The door creaked open and Sweetie Belle's nonchalant face poked out. Which turned into a smile when she saw Applebloom. "Howdy, Lavender," Applebloom greeted. Then leaned in and shared a kiss. "How'd you sleep?"

Sweetie rolled her eyes before the door was widened. Then made a gesture with her hooves, and motioned towards the room. "Masturbating again, okay," Applebloom assumed with a smile. Sweetie Belle gasped then reached for the nearest shoe to throw. Successfully hitting the top of Apple Bloom's head.

"Ow! Consarnit!" Applebloom yelped. Then rubbed the spot Sweetie Belle was pointing and giggling at. "What is it with you and high heels? I guess I'll just take these Lavender flowers back..." She reached behind her and whipped out a bouquet of flowers. Then turned and began to leave before she was pulled off her front hooves and dragged back by her rear hooves with magic. Sweetie Belle reached down and grabbed the bouquet out of her hooves, then took a big whiff. Then grinned over to Applebloom who stood up to mutter about how violent she was.

"These are perfect," she whispered in her hoarse voice. She rarely talked with her voice anymore. Instead chose to use sign language.

"I know. Just like the filly I gave 'em to." They shared a brief nuzzle, expressing their love and affection. After a moment, Applebloom pulled back and asked, "Ready to go? I know you like to watch me work."

Sweetie nodded and adjusted her diamond choker Rarity made for her years ago. Then closed her door and proceeded to walk down the stairs with Applebloom. Once in the lobby, Sweetie Belle reached up over the customers' head and did sign language so Rarity could see. "Okay, dear! I'll be here!"

Satisfied, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom walked out into the spring air of Ponyville. The birds were chirping, the ponies were busy, and the Princess of Friendship was eagerly waiting for them with a creepy grin. Applebloom and Sweetie shared a glance then looked back to Twilight. "Er, good mornin', Princess," Applebloom greeted awkwardly.

"Good morning, girls. So I got some news for you. Hang on." Before they actually could, Twilight teleported them into the Map Room back at her castle. There was a bunch of mail sitting on the map in front of where Twilight's throne was. But besides that, the room was seemingly empty. Twilight walked towards her throne while Applebloom got her land-hooves back. Sweetie was used to teleportation by now. "I know you girls have a busy day planned, so I'll keep this short." Twilight took a seat on her throne and grabbed a letter in her magic. "Scootaloo may have been spotted."

Sweetie Belle stopped shaking Applebloom to wake her up and stared at the Princess in shock. Applebloom no better. They both zipped around to both of Twilight's sides and eagerly motioned for her to continue. "Well after a few years of laziness, and some yelling from Cadance, the police decided to finally start the case a year and a half ago. Just like the time Babs and Gabby went to East Manehattan Hospital, they couldn't tell them where she was. However, there are some new clues that will help narrow down your search. A lot of ponies in Manehattan say that they have actually seen a mare with expensive clothing matching the description of an orange coat as much as they could see with a fully covered body with purple hair. On the East side of the city. East Manehattan."

"East Manehattan?!" Applebloom yelled. "As in luxurious East Manehattan?!"

Sweetie did sign language erratically, reading, "Are you sure?!"

Twilight nodded. "Yep. Scootaloo might not live there. But apparently, a young mare with an orange coat and a purple mane wearing clothes in the summer heat hangs around there a lot. Nopony knows her name though and she doesn't like to tell ponies."

"So she could be in Manehattan!" Apple Bloom cheered. Then turned to Sweetie and said, "Babs was on to somethin'!" Sweetie Belle cocked her head to the side, flipping her smooth bouncy mane. "Me and Babs send letters back an' forth a lot. That Net stuff ain't for us. Well she said that a pony that held Scootaloo's shape and head was walking around Manehattan. It was around five years ago. Babs decided to follow her and said she lived in East Manehattan. Well we brushed all that aside because there was no way Scoots could live over there. That's for really famous and rich ponies. Extremely private. But now that you said she was spotted over there a lot of times, she may actually be over there with a friend or somethin'!"

Sweetie Belle tapped Apple Bloom and did more signs with her hooves. Then turned and ran out the door, followed by Apple Bloom. Twilight watched them go, silently wishing them luck. Its been awhile since they were this eager.

A burp of flames made Twilight look to the left at Spike who was there the whole time eating a bag of rubies. He had grown a small amount in the last years and had gotten addicted to Magenta Streak in the process. Even now he was wearing one of her signature headphones listening to something loud. Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes. Teenagers.



Everyone were still in shock, sitting on the couch and staring at the famous musician across. Goldhoof was taken back by Magenta's plan earlier that morning. Bright was a little worried and Max was concerned.

Finally, Goldhoof stood up and exclaimed, "What?! No~, you can't leave now, you're not ready. I'm not ready!" She walked over and pulled Magenta's head into her chest. "I don't want you leaving!"

Magenta mumbled something in her chest then broke away. "Mom, I'll be fine and you'll be fine. I'm just living at my studio downtown. You know, in the Penthouse."

"I just don't want you living alone," Goldhoof cried. Then pulled Magenta into a much tighter hug. "I miss my little filly!! Now you're nineteen, all famous! Grown up and graduated High School! News covering everything you do, relaxing with other elite ponies!"

Magenta sighed into her chest again. Then pushed her away. "Mom, you have got to let me go. You still have Bright and I promise to come around. Okay? Now stop crying, you know I love you. Now you have work, Dad has work, I have work, and Bright still has school."

Magenta proceeded towards the stairs while Bright moaned something about her bringing that up from the couch.  After a few more minutes, Magenta had taken off her regular clothes and donned it with her regular hood set, complete with her logo on the hooves. A gray colored "Magenta" with a purple slash going through it diagonally. She had a Synthesizer strapped to her back, much smaller than her past one, but just as powerful. Boy did that cause quite the ruckus with those media outlets. For two whole weeks.

She looked over to Bright who was back on the couch wearing a school uniform. She had her signature braid draped over the left side of her neck, wearing a sneaky smirk. Magenta motioned with her head towards the front door. "Let's go."

The birds in East Manehattan Unique were up. That much was clear. They were settled all over Magenta's scooter. When she first got it, it was mainly for that music video for one of her songs at the skate park downtown with Sea Creature, Bright, Songbird Serenade, and Sound Boost, the manager for all three of them. Pretty cool stallion. Magenta was the youngest in the whole label. Nineteen. Now she uses that scooter for getting back and forth to wherever she wants.

Magenta waved a hoof to get the birds off her scooter while Bright played with the controls for the two gates at the entry and exit of the loop. Then grabbed it and walked towards the magical gates of the property that kept out anypony from reaching the home that didn't have a key to them. They would encounter a shield in the shape of a cube that protected their entire property. The largest house in the neighborhood. Three stories, made out of stone with a balcony for every room, a total of six bedrooms, a grand kitchen...

It was a mansion. Their little family that consisted of two doctors, a famous dancer, and a famous producer, DJ, and singer, both of which are signed to a label. Bright too, because she actually, and surprisingly, knows how to DJ too. Not as much as Magenta though, because Bright spends most of her skills in dancing.

After Bright opened the gates, she and Magenta walked through the loop and out the entrance. Then closed and locked it back. Magenta put one hoof on her scooter and her front hooves on the handles. Bright hopped on behind her then raised her wings, wearing that smirk.

"Let's go." Bright buzzed her wings at Magenta's command, zooming off through the private neighborhood. It sounded as if a small motor was blazing through the streets. Leaves were pushed out of the way on the concrete street as they strode by, soon flying through the gates of their neighborhood and into the tall city of Manehattan. East Manehattan. Ponies were already out and about. Getting breakfast, reading newspapers. Overall business in the city built for business.

Magenta looked to the left at the statue in the river between Manehattan and the land that leads to Canterlot. Maybe one day she'll be able to go past it. Her contract won't let her at this time.

A few ponies on the sidewalk cheered Magenta and Bright's name when they sped past, flying through other ponies. Way too soon, Magenta spotted East Manehattan High coming up in her sights. As well as the slow down of the scooter. The two sisters enjoyed riding together whenever it was possible. It benefited the both of them. Bright, to release all her energy. And Magenta, because the wind felt great on her face. Sometimes she wished she had her wings. Let alone know what ripped them out in the first place.

Its been eight years. Yet she still can't remember what happened. Or how she ended up here in Manehattan, beached and bloody. She had no idea who her real parents were, where she came from, anything. Maybe it was best if it stayed that way. Magenta stopped the scooter in front of the school's stone steps and let Bright get off first before she followed along. Bright folded up the scooter and hefted it on her bag, tying it in the straps. Once secured, she placed the bag on her back and shared a huggle and nuzzle with Magenta. Their signature hello and see you later.

"Don't do anything stupid," Bright playfully chided.

"I never do." The two pulled back to high hoof and hip bump before going their separate ways. Bright up the quiet school stairs and Magenta down the street. She had a label to get to. Starfire Records. The label that manages her, Bright, Sea Creature, and Songbird. As well as a few more ponies in the popular industries. Not only musicians.

Along the way she waved and signed a few autographs to some ponies that were going to school and work. There were a lot of those. Delayed her by thirty minutes before she could continue even walking. But did eventually make it to the large office building made mostly out of glass save for the top four floors. Which were stone with a few glass windows. If you didn't know Magenta, and saw her staring up at the block of stone through her brown hood, you'd think she were crazy. But if you did know her, you'd know for a fact that that hood was a one way. She could see through it, you couldn't.

Blinking, Magenta broke out of her trance and trotted up the marble stairs towards the double doors. The ponies behind them already knew Magenta. So a mere wave and a "How are you?" was all she received when she walked across the glossy floors to the elevator. And she was glad for that. Sometimes the questions became annoying.

Magenta stopped at the elevator doors and pressed the large up arrow for the top floor. Then sat down and waited. She watched a few business ponies walk past looking at documents. Magenta always wondered what was on those papers. The elevator dinged open, allowing her access. She walked in, pressed the top floor key. Then waited. It was going to be maybe twenty seconds before she reached the very top floor.

After Magenta did, she stepped out of the elevator onto the glossy wooden dimly lit floors of the lobby. This was pretty much a relaxation area. There were some leather couches on the red brick walls, flanked by two high arc lamps on both sides of them. There was a glass table in between the three couches that had a few magazines on it. And there were awards on the walls for their label, Songbird, their manager Sound Boost, and Sea Creature. Magenta didn't have any yet. But Sound Boost said that it was only a matter of time.

Magenta had a sneaking suspicion that it was because she hasn't done any high-quality touring outside of Manehattan. Hopefully that would change. Ever since she woke up in Manehattan, she stayed in Manehattan. Magenta was ready to see the world. Hopefully they'd let her because the online concerts were getting a little old. Even if they were paying more.

"You're going on tour, kid!"

Wait, what? Magenta looked over at the far couch right across from her and behind the glass table where Sound Boost was sitting, wearing a business suit that covered his light yellow body. He had his dark blue eyes trained on a few reports that were keeping from view, and Magenta from him. But he knew when Magenta walked in because he could always see the tip of her hood.

"I'm sorry, what?" Magenta asked. Then walked over and hoof bumped Sea Creature. Sea Creature was called that because, well... She looked like a sea creature. More accurately, a swamp creature. She had a Dark Green coat with thick mud brown dreads that covered her face like seaweed, and mud-brown eyes. Sea creature. A creature that dwells at the bottom of the sea. And can rock the decks like she's eating pie.

Magenta walked over to Songbird Serenade and bumped her as well while the manager replied. "You heard me, young lady!" He lowered the papers with his magic and grinned at all of them. His voice was deep. "We're going on an All-Equestrian tour! We've been saving up millions of bits for this." He tossed the paperwork on the table so they could take a look.

He pointed in the middle of the sales graph, where all three directed their eyes. Sea Creature had to push her dreads to the side. "We were actually able to tour here, at forty million. But I doubled our goal for a backup. We raised eighty million for stadiums, speakers, DJ decks. And so much more. Limelights, the good stuff. So pack your bags, team!"

Magenta was staring at him in surprise. She was finally going on tour. An Equestria-wide tour! "We're leaving Manehattan?!" She asked in glee. Sound Boost nodded his head. Magenta raised her hooves and shouted, "Finally! When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow night!"

"Wait what?!" She looked at the reports then back up to him. "Why am I now just finding out?"

The others glanced at each other then back to Magenta. Sea Creature leaned in and whispered, "You really need to get outta your mom's house."

"I'm doing the PR," Songbird informed her. "I already had a few posters delivered to the stadiums we're going to as well as a lot more discreet ones." Then pointed to Magenta and added, "All we need from you are some new tracks. Hardcore is recommended. These ponies love it. Our parties are to get ponies moving, and your songs get them to do more than that. The second they hear Magenta Streak is finally leaving Manehattan, it all starts and your sales spike even more."

Magenta waved it off and said, "Oh I have around fifty IDs, no worries. They're ready for a test run. Bright's comin' too, right?"

"It wouldn't be the label without her!" Sound Boost replied enthusiastically. "Of course she's coming! Let me tell you the plan. We've already hit the big cities in Equestria. Manehattan, Las Pegasus, Fillydelphia, Canterlot. Now it's time for the smaller cities to shine. First up, Trottingham. It's right off the coast of Manehattan. Off the docks. Then we work our way back over Manehattan to the Crystal Empire. Nopony here has been there, myself included. So that's a really big deal. Impress the Princess, people. The next night, Vanhoover. A pretty relaxed, chill town. Not too much drama. Then finally, Ponyville and Cloudsdale. This is going to be a quick tour because it's our Grand Tour. We're doing full blown stadiums, lights, cameras, giant speakers! The whole deal. In the upcoming years after this we'll be doing small places too. A few more artists are trailing with us by the way. Not too many, just one or two bands playing a thirty minute long set. Then we do a two hour. So three hours per night. Can you do it?"

Magenta scoffed and bragged, "I did a fourteen day in Manehattan and still didn't crash. I know I can do a four day."

"Great. Just sign the form your mom definitely has by this evening and send it over. Then we can send out the message."



The examination rooms in the pediatric care unit at the hospital were dense this time around. Goldhoof knew she should've had Magenta tell her about her plans after work. For one, it made her sad. Her little filly was leaving the nest, what parent wouldn't be sad? And two, it made her a little unfocused. Especially when she spotted Magenta sitting in one of the chairs out in the waiting room. The television was blasting some children's show, keeping their eyes off of her and on the cartoons. But that didn't stop the parents.

Goldhoof lifted a hoof and loudly cleared her throat to catch their attention. Magenta turned her way and immediately stood up to make her way to her. "You have something that belongs to me, mother," she scolded quietly. Then walked right past her into the office.

"Yes, come right in," Goldhoof muttered sarcastically under her breath. Then turned and followed after her.
> Chapter 20 - Going On Tour
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lightning Dust remembered when she first met Rainbow Dash after graduating and moving to Cloudsdale. Although, she was a little disappointed in the state she found her in. Either Rainbow Dash had given up flying or was going on to another career. Because she stayed on the clouds in Cloudsdale and took up the role of being The Wonderbolt's Captain after Spitfire retired. How and why she retired nopony knew. Just something about family issues.

Lightning Dust grew attached to Rainbow Dash and stuck around her like they were best buddies. And although Rainbow Dash wouldn't admit it, she found Lightning Dust's presence to be quite comforting. Reminded her a little bit of herself. She and Lightning Dust would walk around the stadium where the Wonderbolt's trained and just chat for a few hours. She wasn't the other Lightning Dust, the one that betrayed and used her. Rainbow learned that this one was from Manehattan and had lost her parents when she was very young to some gas thing. Then was placed in an orphanage and just so happened to be in the same one with Magenta Streak, which was big news to Rainbow Dash. Magenta was an orphan?

The day she said that was the same day Magenta sent in the form to go on tour across Equestria. Although Rainbow Dash and Lightning had been friends for a few years, she never told Rainbow anything about her past. So to learn that she grew up with Magenta Streak was more than a shock. If it were true.

They were in a simple coffee shop at the moment fitted with dimmed lights that always receives ponies from the Wonderbolts, situated in a closed off booth in a dark corner together talking about it away from the rest of the ponies in the room, eating and... Beverage-ing.

"You seriously grew up with her?" Rainbow Dash asked. Then took a sip out of her drink. Lightning Dust had some meat on her, Rainbow could see that. Even she herself couldn't gain that much muscle. She did say that she worked out a lot.

Lightning Dust nodded and whispered, "Yeah. I remember when she first actually arrived at the orphanage with Bright Snow."

"She's an orphan too?" Rainbow whispered.

"Mmmhmm. Both of them were admitted together and have been unbreakable ever since. The only time you'll ever see them apart is when Magenta is in a photo for paparazzi, news channels, or is doing business, and Bright's at school. But other than that you will never catch them alone." Lightning Dust took a quick swig of her drink then happened to glance up at the television. At the great news on it. She spat out her drink all over the table and made Rainbow jump in surprise. "Seriously? No way! Oh, sorry, Rainbow."

Rainbow ignored that and turned to face the reason behind that spit take. There was a news report on about Magenta Streak... Going on tour?! "Whoa, really? Where's she headed?" Rainbow asked.

A pony afar from behind the counter raised a hoof and said, "She's going to the small towns! That includes Ponyville! Somepony said she's going to do an interview later on this evening!"

Rainbow turned back around and nodded in approval. Then looked to Lightning and asked, "Are you goin' with her?"

"Hopefully!" Lightning yelled, as if it were the most stupidest question. "Me and her are best friends! Well, I'm one of her best friends!" Right at that moment, a sliver of magic slipped into the room and morphed into an envelope in front of her face. After it fell on the table, Lightning picked it up and ripped off the side with her teeth. Then reached in and pulled out a letter. She flipped it open and read it aloud.

"'Dear, Lightning. How's life with the Wonderbolts? Haven't heard from you in a while. Hope this letter doesn't shoot right back, if you know what I mean. Anyway, I'm sure you've heard the news by now. But if not, I'll tell you. We're finally going on tour. Yep, Bright, Songbird, Sea Creature, a few other bands, and myself are finally touring Equestria. I've barely been out of Manehattan for more than ten hours my whole life. So touring for four days is pretty big for me and Bright. Mom's so fearful of it that she hid my letter. Yeah, that serious.

"'Inside of the envelope are four backstage passes for each show. We're leaving tonight and doing a show the night after in Trottingham. Just read the tickets for info. Your best friend, Magenta Streak.'" Lightning Dust dropped the letter and reached back in the envelope to pull out four Golden tickets.

"What towns?" Rainbow asked excitedly.

Lightning laid them out on her lap and read, "Trottingham, The Crystal Empire, Vanhoover, and Ponyville-slash-Cloudsdale. She's coming here too! I need to write her back."

Rainbow threw her hooves up and yelled, "Oh my faust, finally! A party! Pinkie hasn't done any good ones like this in so long! Let alone ever!" Rainbow looked back at the television and watched a discussion between the TV ponies talk about the upcoming sudden tour. It was a little fast. They just released the news about it and are going to do their show two days from now.

Lightning Dust scoffed and denied loudly, "It was not that fast! They've been promoting this for awhile. Nopony was paying attention to it though."

Rainbow looked back and deadpanned, "You're just saying that because you're friends with her."

"No," she denied playfully. Then laughed and added, "Magenta's been promoting this for a while and probably didn't realize it. You ever see those posters of Magenta advertising something around Ponyville?"

"Yeah?"

"If you actually read it, at the bottom it says, 'Equestria-Wide Tour Coming Soon'. But nopony paid attention."



While walking along the Ponyville dirt road, Sweetie Belle jabbed at a TV in a window displaying the news of Magenta Streak touring that Applebloom passed earlier that morning while on the way to Diamond Tiara's place. She stopped and made sign language with a grin. "I want to see her perform!"

Applebloom gawked and turned back to the television. Then back to Sweetie Belle. "What?! No!" She exclaimed. There was no way she was going to let her girlfriend see Magenta perform. Sweetie was hot. Really hot. Apple Bloom had to get defensive each time somepony would try their luck. And she didn't trust this Magenta Streak already.

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes then leaned up and pulled Applebloom's ear with her teeth. "Ow, no fair! Sweetie! I'm not a fan of hers! I can't just go and pretend I like it!"

Sweetie Belle let go of her ear. Then turned her back, sat down, and crossed her hooves with her muzzle high. "Aw, come on, Lavender, you're bein' unreasonable," Applebloom whined she walked over to her right, but Sweetie turned her head. "You can't be mad at me for not likin' an artist."

Sweetie turned and signed, "I'm upset that you're not giving her a chance. If you promise to at least go to the one in Ponyville, I'll understand. Pinkie Promise."

"Aw, come on!"

Sweetie sighed and signed, "Applebloom, I just want you to experience happiness away from working and me. You and I used to go to parties and dance like we've never danced before. Now you're all work and no play. Even I don't turn you on anymore. The sex is sad. It's like we downgraded."

Applebloom sighed through her nose and turned her head back to the TV rport. Sweetie was right. She was getting a little too serious. Out of all the ponies in Ponyville, nopony could say they worked harder than Applebloom other than Applejack and Big Mac. But even they had their fun moments. Applebloom became all serious outside of The Carousel Boutique. She at least wanted to turn Sweetie Belle on again. At least.

"Ohhh... Fine!" Applebloom caved in with a stomp of her hooves. "Ah'll... Buy tickets for backstage before they run out on our way to Manehattan. Let's just get the others and go already. It's noon and it takes two hours to get to Manehattan and another to get back." Sweetie stomped her hooves and grinned in glee. Then rushed up and nuzzled Applebloom underneath her chin.

Applebloom sighed but returned her nuzzle. At least she was happy. After a few seconds, Applebloom pulled back and motioned behind her. "Let's go grab 'em and move out. Not a lot of time."


***


After Applebloom and Sweetie grabbed Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara, they walked to the station on the outside of Ponyville, boarded the train and got settled in with more passengers. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were a little conflicted. Evident by their constant questioning as they rode through Canterlot.

"How exactly do we find her?" Silver Spoon asked. That same question was asked so many years ago.

Applebloom turned and answered, "Well we know she hangs around East Manehattan. Babs will show us where that is. It's a private neighborhood, obviously for rich ponies. So we have to be careful. Make it be known that we're not sellin' anthing, we're lookin' for a pony. That's it."

Sweetie Belle tapped her shoulder and signed, "We're asking them if they've seen a purple haired pony?"

"Yep. Hopefully we can get some details and catch her. Hopefully." The rest of the trip was quiet, save for the discussion revolving around Magenta Streak finally touring all of Equestria. It flew around the car like a fly, eventually reaching Applebloom's poor mind.

Thankfully, they arrived at the station for Manehattan before she could explode. Sweetie's hoof holding just wasn't working sadly. Applebloom was the first pony to jump off the train and take a deep breath in of the Manehattan air and sounds. Then followed by her smirking friends and everypony else. She turned around and said quickly, "Alright, let's go, let's go." Then turned back and trotted towards the city with them behind her.

The first thing they noticed when entering Manehattan was its grandeur. It was big and it was tall. All the buildings—well most of them—were skyscrapers. Ranging from banks and legislature to businesses and colleges. After a few minutes, Sweetie Belle tapped Applebloom without looking away from her line of sight and motioned with her horn towards the building up ahead. It was an office building made mostly of glass that had a sign on the front displaying all the companies. There were a lot of those. And there were a lot of press.


***


After Bright out ran the ponies that were chasing her for an autograph once School let out, she quickly rode back home on Magenta's Scooter to grab her and Magenta's things. They were scheduled to go out of town tomorrow night. But decided to change it for tonight after they decided Magenta should play a live gig on the Net, as well as a live question stream for one hour on YouHoof. Not surprising. That's where it all began. 

Once in front of the gates, Bright grabbed her key and unlocked the gate. Then bolted in and closed it back. The door was opened way before she even made it there with the scooter by Max who pushed out a few bags. Magenta and Goldhoof were next. Bright raised her mouth to the sky and yelled, "There she is!" Magenta turned and grinned at her sister. After trotting up and placing down the Scooter, Bright and Magenta hoof bumped and hip checked. "You excited?"

Magenta took a deep breath and yelled, "I'm thrilled!!! I'm finally seeing Equestria, that's more than exciting! I already sent out letters to our old friends from Quick Hooves. They're all going to the last one to see me 'at my best'. Can't complain, we are really great. Save the best for last, right?"

"Absolutely!" The two hoof bumped and hip checked once more before turning to their parents. Goldhoof was crying and Max was obviously trying not to. Bright rolled her eyes then pulled her mother into a hug. Goldhoof used her wing to sweep Magenta in too.

"You better hug me, young lady!" Goldhoof chided then nuzzled the two of their heads. "We're packing our things too in case there's an issue. We're not coming with you, but we'll be on our hooves."

Max pointed at Magenta and ordered, "You watch over your little sister, okay? Don't get too wild on those stages."

Magenta buried her face in his golden coat and mumbled, "I promise."

Max pulled back her hood for a moment and quickly kissed her head. Then shot it right back over. Magenta extremely valued her privacy. Just like everypony in this neighborhood. Once their parents let them go, the two grabbed their bags, as well as Magenta's biggest Synthesizer, and walked towards the gate. Just on time too. A long chariot was just pulled in by four ponies. An escort service. One of those stallions were kind of cute. To Magenta anyway.

Magenta and Bright walked down the steps while another stallion helped them with their luggage. They were extra careful with the synthesizer since it cost over two thousand bits. Apparently, Magenta was going to make some new tracks on the road. A pair of steps were placed at the entrance to the high chariot so they could hop on without hassle. Their bags were in the middle so they had no trouble at all getting in and settling down. Once the door was shut and the stallions were latched up once more, Magenta and Bright waved to their crying parents at the door. They waved back at the same time the chariot lurched, pulling them down the loop.

Bright and Magenta continued waving until they were out of sight behind them. Then turned around and faced the front of the chariot when they did. "Our first tour," Bright repeated. Then faced Magenta with a smile. "I hope I have enough time to teach the dance crew."

"We should," Magenta assured. The chariot they were riding in pulled out of the neighborhood gates and into the afternoon Manehattan streets. It was crowded. The chariot stopped at a light to allow the ponies to cross. Those same ponies started pointing at them over the top and yelling their names, waving and wishing them luck.

Magenta looked over her side and waved like a princess while Bright was on the other waving like a maniac. "We love you, Manehattan!" Bright cheered before they started moving again.

The road that guided them to East Manehattan Unique also led them straight to Manehattan High and the Label headquarters. So it was a straight ride through a few stop lights. And a later stop right at the conjunction of press in front of the building.

Magenta made a note in her mind to thank her manager for the security who made a clear path for the chariot to pull through. While they moved, Magenta waved at the ponies standing by watching. Including those mares on the sidewalk who were definitely from out of town. For one, they looked dirty. Everyone in Manehattan had on a suit or something. Even a necklace. But the only thing those ponies wore were bracelets that were obviously wearing down. Except the red maned one from school so many years ago. That was definitely Bab-whatever. She's cute.

Those ponies were just offering smiles and waves. Except the yellow one with the red emo hairstyle. She had her lips pursed and was just watching. The only unicorn there though was practically going gorillas. Jumping up and down, running in circles, and waving her hooves in the air trying to grab Magenta's attention. Well she definitely got it.

Magenta grinned then waved at her. Sweetie eagerly waved back. Applebloom was wondering if her hoof would fall off, she was waving it so hard. Magenta waved her over while Bright kept the press at bay with answers. Sweetie looked around, then turned back to Magenta and pointed a hoof at herself, unsure. It was confirmed with a nod.

Sweetie squealed and grabbed Applebloom's hoof. Then pulled her over to the chariot, biting her lip. Magenta leaned over and grabbed her hoof to shake. Sweetie squealed even louder like a lovestruck school filly. "What's your name?" Magenta asked amongst the clicks of cameras.

Sweetie made a gesture with her hoof in sign language. She couldn't talk. Magenta gasped then turned around. "Bright! I need an interpreter!" Bright Snow turned around from her side of the chariot and locked eyes with Sweetie, who squealed again.

She leaned into Magenta's side and asked, "What am I interpreting?"

"Sign language." Magenta turned back to Sweetie and asked, "What was it again?"

Sweetie made the sign with a grin while dancing on hoot hooves. She can't believe she's meeting Magenta Streak! And talking to her!! Wait until Rarity hears about this. Bright turned to Magenta and interpreted, "Sweetie Belle."

Applebloom was impressed by Bright Snow's skill in Sign Language. She wondered how long it took her to learn it. It took her two years. "Where are you from, Sweetie Belle?" Magenta asked.

Sweetie pointed to Applebloom and the others behind her. Then made a bunch of gestures to Bright. Once finished, Bright relayed, "My friends and I are from Ponyville."

"Oh wow! That's our last show location where I will be unveiling a few unreleased tracks! Bright here is going to be dancing for me, Sea Creature, and Songbird. All of which who should be coming out by now." Bright and Magenta looked over their shoulders towards the Press. The others were already out and talking to them. Sound Boost spotted Magenta and Bright's eyes and waved for them to come.

Magenta turned back around and reached down in one of her bags. "Tell you what, Sweetie Belle. Just because I like you, I'm giving you these. Your facial expressions are killing me." Magenta popped back up and presented her hoof towards them. There were two golden tickets in them with numbers and the term Ponyville. "Two backstage passes to our Ponyville concert. These are very expensive. Try not to lose them."

Sweetie's mouth dropped to the concrete floor wide open with wide eyes in a silent scream and hooves on her cheeks. She used her magic and calmly grabbed the tickets to mostly stare at them like the rarest gem. "I hope to see you there," Magenta added before she and Bright turned around and made their way out of the chariot towards the rest of the label.

Sweetie waved her off and showed Applebloom the tickets. Then darted back to her friends before she could respond and showed them too. Applebloom rolled her eyes, but was thankful to Magenta for gifting them with two one-hundred bit tickets. That would've drained her dry.

While Magenta was speaking to the press about the shows and the finale tracks in Ponyville, Applebloom got an idea. Magenta's a pretty well off pony. Big bits. Which meant she lived in East Manehattan! Maybe she spotted Scootaloo!

Applebloom trotted back over to the chariot and waited for her to get in. That Press was probably getting on her nerves. Or maybe it was time for them to go. She quickly raised a hoof to them and shouted, "Magenta!!" Magenta looked back down with Bright Snow, Sea Creature, and Songbird Serenade and grinned. Was she really that loud? "Have you ever seen an orange mare with a purple mane, mostly covered up walkin' through East Manehattan?"

Magenta's heart nearly stopped. Did she know her identity? She was the only one in East Manehattan with that description! Magenta and Bright shared a knowing glance that gave Apple Bloom the impression that it was a sore subject. Then focused back on Applebloom. Deciding to play with this just to know, Magenta leaned over and yelled, "Oh yeah! Plenty of times! Her and I tend to hangout at the mall every few days!"

So they have seen her! She knew it! Applebloom gasped and asked, "Do you know where she is or at least lives right now? It's very important that we find and talk to her!" Magenta was not expecting that look. Desperation. A lot of desperation. Not so much that she's begging, but it was certainly leaking from her eyes. It tore into Magenta's resolve. And it gave her a side she never thought she had.

Magenta shrugged and lied, "I don't know. I met up with her last week and she told me that she was touring Equestria. Something about finding memories."

That was her, Applebloom thought. That was definitely her. And we just missed her. Applebloom stomped her hooves and shouted, "Consarnit!" Attracting Sweetie Belle's attention. She quickly walked over and took Applebloom's hoof while she sighed to the ground. "Alright. Thanks, Magenta Streak."

Magenta and Bloom shared a glance before the chariot slowly began to move. This mare was obviously desperate to talk to her. But why? Was it about the past she doesn't know about? Did she know about her past?! Matbe she did and maybe she didn't. Regardless, there was only one way to find out.

"Hey miss?" Applebloom and her friends looked back up to Maagenta as the chariot began to pull off. "I said that she was touring Equestria. Every place, nook, cranny, town, and city."

Applebloom trotted a little after them and called up to her, "What do you mean?"

Bright poked over when the chariot sped up. Then pointed at Applebloom and answered, "It means she'll come to you! Better get home or you may miss her! Hope to see you at the concert!" Applebloom stopped running as the two ducked back down, riding off into the setting sun. She watched them with an open mouth and eyes wide in realization. Finding her memories. Scootaloo would go all over Equestria looking for those! Which includes Ponyville! She was heading right for them!

They were in the wrong town.

Applebloom grabbed Sweetie's hoof and tugged her back quickly through the news and press. And their friends who watched them go before running after them. Babs caught up with them first on the right side of Sweetie Belle. "Why are we running back to the train station?"

"We're in the wrong city!" Applebloom replied. She nearly knocked over a shopping pony who jumped to the side. Her friends caught up with her so they could hear her. "I just asked Magenta Streak about Scootaloo. Just in case she saw her. A pony with a magenta mane, an orange coat, and wears a lot of clothes. She said she not only saw her. But actually hung out with her at the mall and all that!"

Babs gasped and shouted, "What?!!" She trotted with Applebloom briskly onto the train station platform and into the train with everyone else. "So she's here! She's really alive and doing alright! But why are we leaving Manehattan if she's here?"

Applebloom dropped into a seat with Sweetie across from her friends and answered, "Because Magenta said she left last week. To find her memories by touring Equestria." The train whistle blew and the doors shut before the train began moving forward. "Which means eventually, Scootaloo will come to Ponyville. We're in the wrong city. And I just threw away a bunch of bits. At least Sweetie got her tickets." Applebloom leaned in and pulled the tickets out of her girlfriend's mane. "You're turning into Pinkie Pie."

Sweetie bit her lip and slowly made a sign. "I need to buy a pouch."



While they rode towards the Manehattan docks, Magenta had a lot on her mind. Particularly herself. She sure did do a lot of hiding. Yes she could admit it. Every inch of her body was hidden. Including the bottom of her hooves. She didn't want anypony knowing her color. But did that really matter for promotion when her whole entire missing life was a mere tear away? All she had to do was pull off the hood. Was it really that hard? Magenta needed some advice.

She turned over and tapped Bright's shoulder, but she was clearly ready for this conversation. She immediately said, "Yes, you should." Bright could tell Magenta was confused by that. "I think you should show the world who you are."

The rest of the group quickly turned around. "What?" Songbird asked. Then smirked and added, "You're thinking about showing yourself? That's a first. What brought that on?"

"Yeah," Sea Creature inputted.

Magenta sighed and looked towards the left, at the ponies waving towards her with a smile. Then whispered, "Years of mystery that nopony but my parents and myself know about. If I reveal myself, I may know about what happened."

The others looked amongst themselves. They didn't understand what Magenta meant by "what happened." But it didn't sound good. And it wasn't. But Magenta wasn't going to let those scars stop her from being her. And showing the world after five years of fame who she really was.

Magenta turned to Bright and said, "When 
we get on that ship, I need my computer, my Synthesizer, and a camera. I also need to make a post to myStable. Okay?"

Bright shrugged and answered, "Sure."

After a few more minutes, the chariot pulled through a pair of steel fences and stopped a little ways away from the wooden walkway that led up to a giant cruise. It's engines were already going, but its passengers were standing to the side, looking at luggage. One of them was a purple mare with a purple scroll that had a red ribbon tied around it for a cutie mark. She was speaking to a few stallions, definitely the musicians going on tour with them.

The second the chariot stopped, the group of five ponies turned towards them. There were also a group of white quadruplet Pegasi with them. Must've been Bright's dance crew. The escort pulling the chariot unlatched themselves and quickly let out the group. Bright didn't need any stairs because she jumped out onto the concrete and stretched her body.

"Phew! What a ride! Hey, everypony!" She greeted to the group grinning at them. "Hope you are all ready for a real party!"

"Yes we are, Ms. Snow," the purple mare replied. After Magenta walked down the steps, she walked around the chariot and up to Bright, still speaking with the pony. The dancers on the side gasped and started squealing and pointing as she walked up. The other musicians followed their hooves and started muttering with smiles.

"Oh! Ms. Streak! It's an honor to have us with you!" The purple pony greeted. She ran forward and quickly shook her hoof. "I heard one of your songs when I was in high school? I have to admit my head was going up and down at a rapid pace."

"That's what my music's for. Do you know if this cruise has Net on it?" Magenta pointed to the aircraft.

"The captain said it does, yes," the pony responded.

Magenta nodded and muttered, "Great...great, because I need to send out a quick message. Now do I know you from somewhere?" Magenta walked around the mare in interest. Measuring every cure and bend. "Like, you're ringing a bell in my mind. But I don't know what bell it is. Bright, doesn't she look familiar?"

Bright zippes in and quickly looked her over. Then hummed with a hoof to her chin. "A little," she replied. "Went to school with us?"

"No, no..." Magenta denied. Then looked at her cutie mark. "Did we meet in the—" Magenta suddenly gasped and pointed at her face. "Hospital! We met in the hospital eight years ago!"

Bright gasped too and yelled, "Fuchsia Winds!"

Fuchsia Winds slowly nodded and confirmed, "Yes, that's my name." How did they know her? Barely anyone knows her!

"Oh my faust, how are you?" Bright greeted. Then pulled the confused pony into a hug. "It's me, Bright Snow! Remember? Hospital? You had a stomach bug and you were getting released that day? We watched movies in—"

"—the movie room, oh my gosh!!" Fuchsia interrupted. Now she remembered! Bright had shattered wings! She walked forward and circled Bright. "Look at you, all better. I see your wings healed up beautifully."

As they reminisced, everyone else was boarding the cruise, prompting Magenta, Fuchsia, and Bright too as well. The escorts had carried their stuff on the ship along with everyone else's. So they didn't have anything to worry about. Once they were on, the ship immediately began to float up into the air and leave from Manehattan.

Sound Boost checked his watch and declared, "Right on schedule! Six-thirty P.M. We're making great time. Everypony, be prepared for a quick practice. This is our very first Equestria-wide tour as a label and we need to be top notch."

Everyone began to unpack and setup their things for a quick session on the deck. Even Bright Snow was walking towards the quadruplets to show them some moves. But Magenta was busy taking out the computer and typing in on myStable through her account. She typed a message for her twenty million followers and read it to herself.

"Suit Off In Ponyville 11PM. Be there." She looked up and yelled, "Hey, sis!" Bright was showing the four ponies how to use their wings in a dance when she called. She looked back her way then said something to the mares before trotting over to Magenta.

"What is it?" She asked. Then looked down to where Magenta was pointing. Bright muttered the message to herself then looked back to Magenta. "Are you ready for it?"

Magenta pressed Send then smiled up to Bright. "Absolutely."



The Carousel Boutique was silent, it's doors were shut and locked since it was after closing hours. Six in the evening. The sun outside was beginning to set, casting the boutique in an orange glow. Everything was silent, save for Rarity's voice as she stared intently at the thread she was sending through the dress. "Almost there... Last package—" Twilight suddenly teleported in front of the table with a loud snap. The sound alone scared her enough that she cut off the machine.

"She's coming!" Twilight yelled. Rarity squinted her eyes at the Princess and slowly shook her head at Twilight. She had to be wayyy more specific. "Scootaloo might be coming back to Ponyville! Just come on." Twilight grabbed Rarity and teleported her back to the castle inside the library. Everypony was already there. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Twilight, Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Hondo and Cookie Crumbles, even Shining Armor. They were all there. And the Cutie Mark Crusaders were in the middle. Applebloom was currently talking.

"Magenta Streak said she's actually met and hung out with Scootaloo!" She said. "But that she wasn't in Manehattan because she's searchin' for memories."

Celestia leaned in and assumed, "So she could actually walk into town and just be looking around."

Sweetie nodded and did her sign language that Twilight translated. "Magenta said that even she was coming to Ponyville and gave us two passes for backstage." Sweetie reached in her mane and pulled out the two tickets. Then presented them to everypony.

While everyone were fawning, ancient thoughts plagued Rainbow's mind. What would she say when she finally saw Scootaloo? 'Hi, I'm Rainbow Dash, and I nearly made you die.' Rainbow swallowed the huge ball in her throat a little too loud.

"What's wrong, Rainbow?" She turned to her left to Fluttershy. She was giving her a concerned look that nearly shattered Rainbow's hard heart.

"If she does come, what are we going to say to her?" Rainbow asked quietly. "I can't just say, 'I'm Rainbow Dash and I pushed you to your death.' I... I don't know what to do."

"We start from the beginning," Applebloom answered. She walked up to Rainbow and grabbed her hoof. "We tell her the story of how everything went down. Between myself, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. And how two foolish and selfish foals made the most grave mistake in Equestrian history. Ask for her forgiveness, then see where it takes us. That's all we can do."



The practice that evening was great. Turns out Fuchsia Winds was actually a manager of a band now. Obviously small time, but the band had apparently impressed Sound Boost enough to offer them the opportunity to Grand Tour with them. Four days with an expected house of five thousand per stadium, possibly more in Ponyville, was a big bonus. If this group could wow the crowd enough, Sound Boost may Co-Sign them with Starfire. It'd help them out with more bits.

Of course Magenta had her own thing going on with Bright Snow and her Dancers in Ponyville after they learned of the message on myStable. Magenta always needed the dancers in front of the decks. The Manager said that a microphone would be placed on her when she was on stage just for communication with the team helping out with the show. She just needed to be focused.

After practice, everyone settled in to the dining hall for dinner then hit the beds under the deck for a much needed break. The rooms were obviously very luxurious, evident by the velvet carpet, bedding, and much more. But Magenta couldn't sleep. Instead, spent her time underneath the covers staring up at the wooden ceiling with folded hooves. Thinking about the concert. The sound of the cruise's engines were the only sound. The moonlight shining through the window highlighted Magenta's worried face from her bed.

Without taking her eyes off the ceiling, Magenta took a deep breath and whispered, "Hey Bright?"

She heard her sister shuffle in the bed across from her. Probably adjusting to face her. "Yeah, sis?"

Magenta glanced in her direction then back on the ceiling. "...thanks. For being here, I mean. I know it's all going a bit too fast, even for you. You know I would never put you through something you'd never want to do."

She heard Bright giggle. Then sigh and reply, "Magenta... We do a lot already. Way before we were signed to Starfire. Remember middle school? When we accidentally started that lunch riot?"

Magenta chuckled and asked, "How could I forget? But still... Thanks."

"You're welcome. And remember: When you reveal yourself in Ponyville, you're doing it because you are tired of hiding who you are for money. And to find yourself."

"....yeah."
> Chapter 21 - Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over forty million. Over forty million likes and comments on Magenta's myStable post. The Crystal Empire was their biggest show yet. A staggering two thousand ponies that raved to the lights, fire, and bass drums from AJR, the group touring with them, the bass drums from Magenta's mixes and hardcore tracks, and Sea Creature's bassy wobbles. The show was held on a large stadium in the center of the city with a large background of a display screen. It displayed the guest band's name, the logo for Starfire, Songbird, Sea Creature, Bright Snow, and Magenta herself.

When they arrived in the Crystal Empire, they were greeted by Princess Cadance, Prince Consort Shining Armor, and their Daughter Flurry Heart. Who pretty much idolized Bright Snow for her dancing, and said she wanted to be a dancer. Then were given a tour in the crystal empire. Before everyone once more hit the stage there, Magenta decided to appease the press covering the story about her and that message. Ever since she released it, no one was able to get close enough to ask her about it, no matter how close she actually was. Well they did eventually get close, and they did ask. They asked if she was really going to take off the suit and reveal who she really was.

Magenta had smiled and answered, "Absolutely."

Ever since then, she became more than famous. Already, she could make out the thousands of ponies gathering in Ponyville she could see coming up underneath their cruise from the front of the deck. The stage was big. Really big. With sunlight glinting off the metal. And those were a lot of ponies. The stage was elevated and Magenta could spot lasers, lights, and more by the foot and the area overhead.

Bright Snow popped her head into Magenta's space on the deck and looked down with a grin. "Wow! Look at that! Pretty big stage, huh?"

Magenta grinned herself and nodded eagerly. "Oohh yeah!" She cheered. "This is going to be our biggest show ever. You're helping with the decks right?"

"Definitely," Bright responded. The two shared a quick smack of the hooves before the cruise began to lower by the stage, setting down an inch above the grass. Once they were down, Bright queried, "Are you singing?"

"Just a little. I'm more interested in testing my IDs. Especially Artificial Energy."

"I'm very interested in hearing that. Nopony has heard it yet." 

"All ponies haven't heard any of them," Magenta deadpanned. The cruise touched down on the field by the stage. The fence surrounding the mobile complex had some security around it who abandoned their posts to help out with unloading.

Magenta turned around and faced Sea Creature, who nearly scared Magenta out of her hidden coat. She was just standing behind her with a grin. Creepy.

Sea Creature pointed towards the stage and said, "When you get on that stage down there. Make them ponies dizzy. Show 'em what you're made of."

Magenta chuckled and corrected, "I'm actually going to show them who I am." Then walked around Sea Creature to head for the lower deck with Bright. She had some practicing to do.



The Princesses, including Flurry Heart on Cadance's back all looked at the stage from the balcony of Twilight's castle, along with the large cruise that landed beside it. Twilight huffed and muttered, "That is a big stage."

"And those are a lot of newsponies." Cadance pointed to the town at the mass of ponies wearing suits covering the square in the midst of a report. "Technology sure progressed quickly. The mother of Net made sure of that." She teasingly poked Twilight's back.

Twilight scoffed and blushed, waving it off. "I-It's nothing, really."

"Stop being so humble," Luna playfully scolded. "You've made a new kind of magic, be proud of it."

Down below in the way-more-than-crowded-town, Bluebell quickly rejoined her friends from going to the restroom with Yellow Diamond, Lightning Dust, and Silver Swirl, all of which were hanging with Rainbow Dash, the other Element Bearers and the cutie mark crusaders. Mainly because Lightning Dust knew Rainbow Dash.

"So you all grew up around her?" Rarity asked in interest. "Must've been interesting."

Bluebell nodded and added, "We always knew she could sing. The instruments and DJ-ing came in later on."

Yellow Diamond chuckled and asked, "I wonder how hyper she's going to get on this stage. She and Bright really know how to throw a live show. So much so that everypony just calls them parties."

"And those are some parties!" Silver Swirl cheered. "I wonder how her parents will react. Nurse Goldhoof and whatever-his-name-is."

Lightning Dust pointed ahead and asked, "Why not ask them?"

Everyone followed her hoof towards the orange and golden pegasi looking at stuff in the square. The stallion had a wing draped over the mare's back, leading her towards the group while his wife smiled at everything. Once she recognized them, Goldhoof gasped and rushed forward to pull Bluebell into a tight hug, mushing her face and messing up her glasses. "Oooohhh, look at you~! All grown up! How's life in the techno industry?"

"It's fine, Mrs. Goldhoof," Bluebell responded into her chest.

"Ohh, and look at big ol' Lightning Dust!" She let go of Bluebell and trotted over to Lightning. "Whoo, you're a big strong mare now! Look at these muscles!" She lifted a hoof and poked at Lightning Dust's larger than average wings. "No wonder you got in the Wonderbolts so fast!"

"Hi, Mrs. Goldhoof," Lightning greeted. The two shared a hug, moaning in relief. "How's life with the Elite?"

Wait, Elite? Rarity looked over the pair of Pegasi. They didn't seem like Canterlot Elite. Max waved and chuckled, "Oh you know we're not all about that craziness. We adore humbleness. Hopefully, Magenta does too. This is our little filly's big night."

They turned and walked with the group towards the center of town, making idle conversation. Mostly about the performers tonight.



Magenta and Bright Snow stood in front of the setup DJ decks on the table in front of them, looking out at the field that would hold all the ponies attending tonight. The rail where multiple ponies would definitely be banging their heads on tonight was already set up. Large speakers hung down from the sides. There had to be fifty, including the ten on the stage. On the face of the table was a display screen that was currently displaying her name in an animation. While Bright was orchestrating where her dancers should be at, Magenta was loading up and adding cues to her songs. All of them had been unreleased and were definitely going to bring her some press and attention. Apart from her reveal tonight. She couldn't believe she was really doing this. Finally showing her bodily damage to the world. Only time would tell what kind of impact it would have.

"Magenta?" She looked over to her left at one of the stage technicians among all the action who was holding a radio out to her. "I was told you were revealing yourself tonight, but we still need to place this on you somewhere."

"Do you have a belt or something?" Magenta asked. The technician shook his head. "Then I'll have to head into town. Somepony get me some security. Bright! We're heading into Ponyville!"


***


Goldhoof and Max spent most of their time chatting with Equestria's finest from Ponyville. They talked about a lot of things, with the subject having moved on from Magenta to their friends. Max and Goldhoof remembered the Elements from the past with Lord Tirek. But that was pretty much it. Spike happened to show up and perch himself on Sweetie Belle's back in the middle of the conversation, cutting off their discussion.

He popped a gem in his mouth and then looked up at Lightning Dust. "So...do you guys know what Magenta Streak looks like?"

Bluebell chuckled and said, "I should hope so, we've been friends for eight years."

"You guys made it!" Everyone turned towards the voice. Magenta was standing nearby in front of a row of restaurants signing autographs for a crowd of ponies with Bright Snow. How did they miss her?

Bluebell got up first and made her way over grinning. It was about time. Magenta hoofed the item back over then pulled Bluebell into a hug, followed by her other four friends, all squealing in glee. After a few more seconds they pulled away and spoke. "Wow Dust, you can pummel Yellow into dust with only one hit!" Bright commented.

Lightning chuckled and playfully nudged Yellow Diamond. "Yep, she's softer than a diamond." Yellow rolled her eyes.

Magenta chuckled before she was pulled into a hug by her mother, nearly pushing back her hood. "Hey, dear!" Doctor Goldhoof greeted. Then pulled back and asked, "How are you enjoying Equestria?"

"I loved the Crystal Empire. It looks better in person than pictures. Right Bright?" She turned to Bright eating a chocolate brownie off a plate Pinkie was offering.

She raised an acknowledged hoof with a full mouth of chocolate and replied, "Huh? Oh, yeah! Go get your belt." Then stuffed her face with another. Whatever she put in these things were seriously delicious.

"Right." Magenta looked to the crowd in front of her and asked, "Does anypony know where I can get an elastic pre-made belt? I need it for tonight's show."

Before anyone could say a word, Rarity quickly zipped forward from the crowd with a giant grin. "I have plenty!" She proudly answered. "Follow along dear, I'll have you ready in no time!"

Magenta grabbed Bright's hoof before she could stuff a fourth brownie from Pinkie's plate and dragged her after Rarity. As much as Bright liked sugar, now was not the time to be getting comfortable with chocolate.

Goldhoof giggled and explained to the Element bearers, "Bright overloads herself on Sugar before every show. Her flexibility helps her out too, but behind it all, it's that sugar. This is the only time she really eats sugar though like that."

Twilight laughed and glanced at Pinkie Pie who calmly eating her own. "I think I can compare."



Rarity's Carousel Boutique was nice. As well as her designs. The shop was open but not many ponies were in it except one or two. But they quickly gasped and ran out when Magenta walked in.

Magenta gazed upon everything through her one-way hood. They took in all the furniture, colors, and smells. Fabric, perfume, and fur.

"Nice place you have," Magenta complimented. Her bodyguards and Bright were in the background by the door watching and finishing off those brownies Bright had with her.

Rarity walked to the side to open a closet and pull out a rack of accessories. "Thank you, darling. Been living here for nearly eighteen years when Sweetie Belle was a little foal."

"Oh! Are you her mother?" Magenta asked. If she was, then she could totally see it.

Rarity chuckled and grabbed a bunch of belts in her magic. "Oh, not the first time I've been called that. I'm her sister, but I pretty much raise her because mother and father stay out of town for maybe three fourths of each year."

"Oh... Sorry. I don't know what that's like."

Rarity spread a plethora of belts across the counter. "It's quite alright darling. Any belt catch your eye? I have each of these in different sizes."

Magenta walked forward and scanned the line of colorful belts. There were black ones, green ones, blue ones, white ones. Magenta pointed at the light orange one. "Can I have this in a thirty two please?"

"Yes you may!" Rarity turned around and walked into a much bigger closet. Then dug around in there for a while before she walked back out just as giddy with an orange belt floating behind her. She held it out in front of Magenta. "Here you are dear."

"Great, how much do I owe you?" Magenta reached in a chest pocket of her suit and pulled out a bag of bits.

"No worries, this is on me. It's the least I can do since your music gets my little sister out of her funk whenever she gets down."

Magenta stopped going through her bag and shook her head. "I can't just not pay you, Ms......" She glanced around, hoping to spot a tag or something with her name.

"Rarity," Rarity proudly clarified. "Dear, just take the belt. And if it makes you feel better, you're paying me back by giving my sister an awesome show tonight."

Magenta sighed but relented and nodded. "Alright. Is there a changing room somewhere?"

Rarity pointed to the left at two doors by the stairs. The one that said Changing Rooms. Magenta grabbed the belt in her mouth and walked towards the room when she turned to Bright and asked, "Would you like one as well?"

Bright smiled and shook her head. "No thank you. I already have what I need. Sweetie Belle's your sister?"

Once in the changing room and the door was shut and locked, Magenta carefully looked around before she pulled back her hood, revealing her light magenta mascara, magenta lipstick, and short magenta hair with the black streak. That lipstick does wonders for her look. Magenta unrolled the straps for her hooves and took off the cup that hid them. Then unzipped the suit and shrugged it off. Revealing the twenty eight scars covering her body.

The cutie marks on her flanks had scars going through them as if an animal had swiped them, replacing the overall purple color with red on the scar. As if the shield were cut in half and thirds. Where she got the shield from, she never knew. Maybe one day she'll find out, but not today.

Her rear hooves had around the same amount as her barrel. She stepped back and looked at herself in the mirror. The long scars where her wings used to be were the most prominent. They didn't have any fur on them. When she grew up, so did her wounds.

Sighing, Magenta sat down and grabbed the clickable belt. It wrapped around her waist perfectly and fit snugly. Then reached in the pocket of her suit and retrieved the radio. She looked it over for its magical supply amount. If it were at zero, she'd have to put it on at the stage. The changing room was much better.

Thankfully it was on full. So Magenta clipped it on her belt, placed the cord in her ear, then quickly donned her suit once more. It was going to feel great to wear all those designer clothes at the house back in public.

When she walked out, Bright and Rarity were in the middle of a conversation that involved a lot of pictures. Rarity was showing Bright pictures of her sister when she was younger.

"Awww, she's so adorable!" Bright fawned. Then asked, "You said she and Applebloom are lovers?"

"Yes, many years ago a tragic event that nearly took Sweetie's life—but did take six-sevenths of her voice—pushed Applebloom to declare her feelings. Sweetie Belle surprisingly greatly returned them and they have been dating ever since. A total of eight years today, actually."

"Wow. Magenta never had a boyfriend. She had a date in high school who stood her up at the dance—"

"Bright, you're not supposed to tell anypony!" Magenta interrupted. She quickly strode up to cease the next sentence from her loud mouth sister.

"But then I whooped his flank and dumped a water cooler on both his head and the mare that he went with. Then stuffed his face with chocolate. He no longer ate cake after that so I hear."

Magenta began pushing her sister towards the door with her covered head. "Enough out of you about my embarrassing moments. Thank you so much for the belt, Ms. Rarity!"

Bright pushed the door open so she can continue being pushed out of it. Rarity leaned over her counter and yelled before the door could close, "You're welcome dear and rock the stage tonight! We're all going to be back there with you!"



Luna's moon shone bright in the sky many hours after the tour group setup. Its light casting down onto the disorganized clouds that the pegasi from Cloudsdale were using to get a free seat and ear down to the large stadium below filled to the max with ponies. The stage was the center of attention, the large display that towered over all of those below it animating Magenta Streak's name right behind the performance table fitted with decks, a microphone, and water bottles still in the package. As well as a timer for the hour long show.

The stage was huge and lit up bright from the display with a white background, busy with technicians running back and forth across it to prepare for the show. Giving the VIPs a show themselves.

The ponies who paid for the backstage passes were actually spread out along the stage in front of the screen and behind the decks. Their eyes would be on all the ponies in the gallery watching the front, making conversation among each other. 

The ponies on stage were as well, six of them being royalty. The Element Bearers on the left, and the crusaders on the right. Along with Magenta's friends and family who had the luxury of being up close to the stage directly in the center. Apparently this concert was all about her. There were other ponies there too, but backstage passes were really expensive and not many ponies bought them. Overall, there were thirty ponies on the backstage while thousands riddled the gallery.

Sweetie Belle looked down the stage at the cutaway where all the controls were for the special effects. The pony in the gray business suit was talking to one of the technicians about something with the artists. Magenta was up front and center listening to them talk, adjusting her suit and microphone. She had on the suit covering her body with a microphone hold strapped to the side. As well as a pair of headphones that she was jamming out to to get in the vibe.

"Intense?" Sweetie looked back at Applebloom who was sporting a grin her way. She rolled her eyes and leaned in to nuzzle her cheek. Then pulled back and made a sign.

"Happy Eighth Anniversary."

"Happy Eighth Anniversary to you too," Applebloom replied. Then leaned in and nuzzled her back. At that moment everything went dark, shadowing everyone in darkness. The pair looked up and around with everyone else, all wondering what happened.

"WHOA, LOOK AT THIS CROWD TONIGHT!!" Magenta's voice boomed through the speakers, pulling a jump out of all of them. The display screen, along with the lights that brightened the gallery and the stage all turned back on, bringing night to day. Magenta was standing on the empty spaces that were the standing platform next to the decks on her rear hooves with a microphone in her left, staring at them. The crowd immediately cheered, screamed and yelled in glee. Including some actually on the stage.

Her friends were cheering loud and proud with her parents. Magenta lifted the microphone up to her mouth and said, "Oh wow, I can already feel that you guys are going to be a great crowd tonight! Thank you so much for coming to our shows, this is amazing! I want to thank my partners in crime Songbird Serenade!" The crowd cheered when the pony spoken of landed on the other side of the decks while Magenta jumped down from her own side and trotted towards the mixer in between them. Then lifted the microphone back up to her mouth and added, "Sea Creature!" The mud colored pony with the thick dreads ran up from the corner of the stage amidst all the cheering and jumped on the side Magenta recently occupied, then began waving and blowing kisses to the crowd.

"And my SISTERRRRRR, BRIGHT SNOW!!!! Come here, girl!" A white blur zipped down from above and landed on the lower area in front of the magical table that the musicians were standing from. The quadruplets literally skipped in from the side and joined Bright Snow as she started waving, dancing, and blowing artificial snow far out over the crowd.

Bright grabbed her own microphone from off her waist while Magenta set up the decks. "How you feelin', Equestria?!!" The crowd and onlookers cheered. Including the Pegasi from Cloudsdale who decided to float down closer. "I want to hear you shout all the way to the Crystal Empire!!" They did. They shouted so loud that Rarity's ears rang from the sheer intensity.

Magenta observed the press get on the stage and take pictures from behind as the cheers continued. Snap, flash, and click. Magenta stepped from the first deck with one hoof on the Cue and Play button. Then lifted her microphone up to her mouth and yelled, "I think we've waited long enough, let's get this party started!!" Then pressed play.





S3RL - Welcome To 2Morrow


As the beat played and the decks moved, so did the bodies of the ponies in the gallery and the stage. Rainbow leaned into  Fluttershy's ear and whispered, "I like how she chopped up the vocals like that." The dancers in front of the stand began moving to the drum kick, that suddenly increased in tempo then took on a bass tone, vibrating the coats of everyone at the stadium. Those on the stage began to move, including Magenta's mother. Who proudly cheered, "That's my little foal!!" Bluebell had to hide a smirk.

Right when the vocals sped up, the lights in the area went crazy. As if there were camera flashes everywhere. Ponies began jumping and waving flags, cheering Magenta's name and shouting while Bright and the Quadruplets danced. A high-filtered acid was added to the mix when Magenta pressed play on another deck, and the dancers up front spread out along the stage, keeping Bright in the middle. Songbird and Sea Creature were cheering to the crowd as the music grew in velocity, the vocals cut up into an instrument. Meanwhile Magenta moved to another deck and pressed play, adding a high filtered supersynth. A few seconds later, the world went boom.

The beat dropped and a few cannons up front shot out confetti and snow that Bright began manipulating using her special talent. The ponies began to watch as Bright flapped her wings and jumped in the air. Then quickly began to flap them, sending the streams of snow around as if they were flying snakes, highlighted amongst the darkness of the night by the limelights trained on her. Using the talent that gave her her cutie mark.

Magenta picked up her microphone and cheered, "WHOOOO, GO BRIGHT!!!"  The ponies below her cheered and began jumping before the beat rose. Then fell into a simple pad. The lights in the stadium once again fell, shrouding them all in darkness. Before the limelights trained on Magenta. All eyes and cameras were trained on Magenta as she stepped back from the decks with the microphone raised to her mouth. Then began to sing.

"Welcome to tomorrow, come and get deep....deep deep down with me.
Welcome to tomorrow where you can fly...high and just be free."

The crowd cheered her name and raised up signs while she repeated the verse. Then quickly set the mic back down and bolted back to the decks to watch the rise and play with them. They all listened to the vocals slowly grow to the front before the drop came back. Making conversation as they waited. Applebloom had to admit, she was pretty good. Even Vinyl Scratch who bought backstagers had to take off her headphones.

Then the beat dropped with the chopped vocals. The technicians set fire to the sky when fireworks popped off from in front of the stage and flew straight up, creating a wonderful light show that was mixed with the lasers that shot up to the sky then pivoted from the stage out over the crowd. The bright lights on the stage started flashing like cameras again, getting all the ponies out there to dance. The stage shook when even Applebloom started dancing, bouncing her head and body from side to side.

Magenta backed up and started jumping on her two rear hooves, pushing her forehooves out away from her. Then jumped over the decks to stand on the space in between Songbird and Sea Creature. She yelled into the microphone, "Come up here, Bright! And let's show these ponies what we're made of!" Bright flew back up on the stage with Magenta and stood on her own rear hooves. Then pressed her back to her sister's, both smiling with their eyes closed, cameras trained on their faces that were streaming to YouHoof.

Their bodies began lowering as Magenta raised her mic to her mouth, singing the same verses with Bright. After it ended, Magenta jumped back up with Bright and headed back to her decks while Bright got back down and continued dancing. Magenta cued them back to a rise point with the sound of a rising transition when it sounded right, then started playing her next song.





S3RL - I Live For The Bass Drum


As the bass drums began kicking, so did the ponies heads start banging.

The drums and synths dropped once more, signaling the lazers, lights, and flames. Sweetie Belle was really getting into it now before the sound cut for a few long seconds and muffled vocals cut in, that grew more coherent. The only lights moving were the display screen's. They all listened to those rise with calm noise that were added with percussion before those cut out as well. Then the silent bass line kicked in.

Magenta picked up the mic again and tilted her head back. "I remember making a promise on myStable!!" She shouted. The crowd screamed before she walked away from the decks then back onto the walkway, center of attention. She faced the crowd and then shouted, "I remember being tired of hiding of who I am! Hiding the proof of my unfortunate accident!" The cameras and such were poised on her face as she continued to shout, the beat beginning to rise for the drop and the lights getting brighter. "Well tonight, I'm going to show you the real Magenta Streak! Tonight, you will see who I am! Tonight, I'm going to be brave! Tonight, I will make! My! MARK!!!"

The beat dropped and the stadium was lit up as if it were daytime. Magenta began pumping her hooves once again at the crowd as the flames, lazers, and camera flashes began again. Confetti and Snow rained down on those it could reach. Sea Creature raised her own mic through the dreads and yelled, "GIVE IT UP FOR MY GIRL MAGENTA!!" 

The crowd began yelling and flying around, not to mention dancing as the party boosted full power. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were headbanging with the others behind the performer when she jumped back down and grabbed a bottle of water from the pack. She took a swig of it and raised a hoof, face to the sky. If rain were falling, this would be an epic shot, she thought. The track continued playing for a few more minutes with a few more drops. Then it was time to move on. Now at the decks she moved on to another song at the next drop, hiding it with a muffled sound effect of an explosion that lasted for a few seconds.




S3RL - S.L.U.T


As the claps and bass kicked in, Magenta raised the mic and yelled, "Bright! Wanna mix this one?!" Bright stopped dancing from the front and flew onto the platform between Songbird and Sea Creature to peer down at Magenta. She shouted something, but Rainbow couldn't tell what because it was so loud. Magenta nodded and backed away so Bright could jump in, then pick up the headphones that Magenta didn't even bother to use, and place them on her head.

While Bright was messing with the different tracks and live-mixing them, Magenta jumped back up on the stage and started raising her hooves, coercing the crowd to start jumping in time with the fast paced drum, literally shaking the ground. "Come on ponies y'all can do better than that!" She walked over to Songbird and whispered something to her for a few seconds.

Songbird flew off into the sky for a moment right when the bassline kicked in while Magenta continued coercing the crowd. Everyone was cheering Bright on as she mixed the funky bass with the deep tones, then rose the synths up using a knob. "Whoooo!!!" Bright looked to the left with a bobbing head at her mother who was grinning way too hard. "YOU GO BRIGHTLIGHT!"

Bright blushed at her childhood nickname. But couldn't help but smirk. She messed with the three band equalizer, turning up the highs. After the percussion dropped and was left with the high hats and drums to prepare for the drop, as well as a sound effect, Songbird Serenade fluttered down from the sky with a small cloud amidst all the lights and action. Those backstage watched her place it in front of Magenta who surprisingly jumped on. Immediately, a bunch of technicians ran out with a cord that was clipped to a part of her suit. Then Songbird pushed her out to the crowd. Right when Bright mixed in vocals.

Those who've never seen that were beyond surprised. Rainbow turned to Lightning and asked, "She's a Pegasus?"

Lightning made a motion with her hoof without stopping her dancing and answered, "Ehh... technically, yeah." Bright reached over the decks and pressed a drum pad on a hidden launchpad, creating the drum drop.

Once Magenta was directly above them she yelled to her mic, "Bet you didn't know my sister could DJ too! Now I want to see all you ponies down there move! Let's go!" Once the beat dropped and the lazer lights went crazy, along with the ponies, Magenta began head banging from the cloud. It looked strange with a suit on. Everyone began cheering Bright Snow on when she began dancing right by the decks.

It lasted a few more minutes before Bright transitioned to the next song. Then lifted her hooves and waved for Magenta. Spotting this, Magenta tugged on the cable and was carefully pulled back to the stage.

"Whooo, yeah Bright!" Bluebell cheered as she took off the headphones and stepped back. This part was all Magenta. The transition was cut off as the boom sound effect took over. Then silence for a few seconds as a new song was filtered and then pushed to the front by a loop, igniting growing anticipation.





S3RL - Artificial Energy


"ARTIFICIAL ENERGY!" The speakers boomed in a strange vocaloid before the drum kicked and an effect sounded. The crowd calmed down while the lights flashed with the drums. Magenta patted Bright on the back and gave her a tight hug before going back to the decks. Then retrieved the microphone from her waist and held it up in front of her mouth.

"Give it up for Bright for that awesome mix!!" The ponies cheered for Bright as she got back down to her spot to setup the dancing with the bass drums.

While she and the quadruplets were dancing, somepony tapped Goldhoof on the back. She turned around and gasped in surprise. "Director Diamonds! How are you?" Then pulled the snow white pegasus into a hug when the bass started playing again.

"I'm well, how are you dear?" She replied loudly. The two parted and looked each other over. "You look well!"

"I am, thank you! Max!" Max turned around and then walked over with a grin. "Look who decided to make it!"

"Director Diamonds, great to see you!" He greeted happily, then pulled her into a hug.

"Great to see you too!" She pulled back and looked towards the stage when Magenta cued the beat to drop. "And how is our little superstar? Am I too late?!"

Goldhoof motioned towards Magenta who had climbed back up on the platform and was leaning over it, playing with the controls. "I think we're at the semi-final!" Goldhoof replied.

Magenta raised the mic to her mouth when she used the knob to muffle the song briefly. "I think it's time we got to the two main events, don't you think?!" She yelled. Then turned the song back up. Right when the beat lowered down and was replaced with ghostly pads. The lights stopped flashing and all calmed. Magenta casually walked up onto the platform between Songbird and Sea Creature, and looked down at the ponies below with her group. Everyone was looking up at her, muttering and witnessing. The limelights trained on her slowly. Before she raised up the mic and started singing.

"Dreams of flying up above,
Induced by chemical love.
Loving life and living free,
Artificial energy."

The ponies around cheered when her face—still hidden—was displayed on the screen. Those who could see it quickly turned to it when she sung the lyrics a second time.

The beat began to build once more when Magenta laid down the microphone, reached up with one hoof and grabbed her hood. Everyone cheered and waited for the definite. The moment they've all been waiting for. Right at the vocals, she flipped it down, revealing to all of the world who she was.

The drop happened at the same time the ponies began cheering, yelling her name even louder than before. The limelights and cameras were focused on her purple and orange themed face while everything else went haywire. The main lights turned into camera flashes and flames, confetti, and snow poured out of the cannons.

Those involved in Scootaloo's case were grinning at the feed on the display screen behind the decks. But slowly lost it. Magenta had deep purple—or Magenta—hair, purple-gray eyes, Light purple eyeshadow, long eyelashes, and deep purple lipstick, as well as orange fur. But there was no mistaking it. Tears began leaking from Rainbow's eyes as she stared at her, who was staring right back through the camera with a near angry expression. "Scootaloo?" She whispered unheard.

"No...bucking...way," Babs and Applebloom said. Sweetie just made the sign but couldn't move her eyes away.

Magenta raised her hooves in the air with a hyped expression, complete with narrowed eyes and a huffing mouth. She moved her head around at everyone who were taking pictures. Then punched the air and yelled, "YEAAAHHH!!! YES!" Songbird Serenade wrapped a hoof around her shoulders at the same time the press swarmed in, taking photos and recording videos behind and in front of her. Bright zipped up with the other dancers and looked her over. Then began ruffling her mane when Scootaloo sang the verse again while walking around her platform.

"B...B-But how?!" Applebloom yelled. Those involved turned to her. "I thought she said Scoots was out of town! Touring....Equestria...Oh sweet Celestia, it all makes sense."

On the screen, Magenta shared a tight hug with her sister, then turned around towards the press to jump back on the stage. The others quickly turned to her when she landed. As if in slow motion, she landed on the stage on her rear hooves then tilted on her front ones with a grin. Then reached up and smoothened her magenta mane back like it were smooth before heading back to her decks.

While playing with one, Magenta grabbed the mic Bright hoofed to her and yelled, "Sea Creature supplied the drums for this one!!!" Then pressed the cue and play key. The second the bass drums began playing, Magenta placed one hoof on the table and started headbanging while her other was in the air like a rockstar, messing up her mane. Followed by everyone else in the group. Even the manager.

Her friends cheered from the sides. Including her mother, father, and her Orphanage Director. "You go, Magenta!!" Max cheered. In the middle of it, Magenta turned to her family and friends. Once she spotted Director Diamonds, she eagerly waved.

Magenta reached over the decks and tapped Bright's hoof for her eyes. Then pointed in the corner. "Look who decided to say hi!!" She yelled into the mic.

Bright looked over and gasped. Then quickly waved. Director Diamonds blew her a kiss then waved back. Their manager strode from the corner at the same time Magenta left the decks for another moment. He leaned in and ruffled her mane. "This is what you look like?!" He asked in happiness. "Why'd you always hide it?!"

Magenta pushed his hoof out of the way and yelled back, "You'll see! I need my Synthesizer! The purple one!" He nodded and turned back around while she did the same to make for her decks, which changed back to the vocals. Along the way she waved and saluted to the backstage fans screaming her name, singing into her mic the whole time. Artificial Energy continued playing in the background.

"We love you, Magenta!"

"Magenta Streak!"

"Streaker for life!!!"

Magenta stopped in front of Sweetie Belle and Applebloom to eagerly shake their hooves once the vocals stopped. Applebloom had to swallow that huge lump in her throat as she stared into Scootaloo's eyes. "Thank you so much for coming! Wait for part two!" Magenta yelled to her. Then turned and ran right back to her decks when Bright pressed a drum pad for the rise. Then another for the boom, ending the track.

Sweetie Belle's mouth began to move. Then she made a sign reading, "She's a bucking DJ?!!"

"AND A SINGER?!" Rainbow added. "AND A PRODUCER?!!!"

They watched Magenta—or Scootaloo—continue to play for ten more minutes, a total of forty eight so far. Then look over to the control room cutout while another one of her songs just began playing, where three ponies were lugging in a large piano with a lot of knobs, colored purple. It was sitting on a platform with wheels, allowing it to be rolled in past the backstagers who watched and pointed. Magenta clicked the play button for the next track and then ran towards it.

The three ponies stopped it directly in front of the family. Magenta slid underneath the platform like she practiced parkour then popped back up on the other side, all smiles. There was a plug underneath them that Magenta pointed to, and that the cord for the Synthesizer was swiftly plugged in to. Meanwhile the bass line that was going was beginning to speed up. Bright was currently over the deck it was playing from, looking at Magenta for the cue to stop the loop and go to the drop point.

Once prepared, Magenta nodded to Bright.





S3RL - Higher and Higher


The track started at the vocals. Once the song reached its peak, Magenta began playing the keys on the synthesizer. Her observers from behind was beyond mind blown when they saw Magenta playing actual correct chords at good time, doing a live performance. Her hooves were flying across the keys as she played without flaw, her performance displayed on the screen behind her for all to see. Even the Pegasi were jamming out to it.

Magenta looked up, sweating rain, and motioned to one of the technicians holding her microphone. He held it in front of her mouth while she continued to play. Bright bent low while the vocals played on the decks to filter them so her sister could be heard, the finale. "They said I wasn't even supposed to be alive after I beached in Manehattan! Now I'm rocking this nation! I beached in Manehattan with no memories whatsoever! Died on my way to the hospital! Suffering from....what was it called again, Doctor Goldhoof? Also known as my mom?" The pony holding the microphone quickly teleported over there and held it in front of Kind Goldhoof. The cameras turned and trained on her, displaying her embarrassed face to the world.

She blushed, but leaned into the mic and said, "Dissociative Amnesia and Dissociative Fugue."

The technician teleported back over to Magenta and held the mic in front of her once more while she played and the song was unmuffled. "Technically, that means I couldn't and still can't remember anything before whatever-the-hay happened to me!" Magenta pressed a key on her Synthesizer then backed away, allowing it to play the recording of her riff she just live-performed. The cameras and eyes followed her as she ran back up to the stage with the mic, right when the drums stopped. 

Magenta jumped onto the landing between her Sister and Songbird when the recorded vocals stopped. She leaned over the decks and set it for the song to reloop just like she prepared for it to do earlier. Then stood on two hooves and spread them out, eyes on the quiet crowd, yelling quickly, "I couldn't remember how to read, write, the basic understandings of where I was, who I am, where I came from, ABCs, One-Two-Threes! Died from blood loss because I was pierced by something that left me with twenty-eight cuts, gashes, and lacerations! I had to start my life all over again! Whatever life I had before disappeared right when I met Bright Snow, who was also in the Hospital, Nurse Goldhoof, Nurse Gold who's now my dad, Doctor Sore Health who I know is in the crowd tonight—there he is!!"

Magenta pointed down to the front row of the crowd where a light blue Unicorn was waving up to her amongst all the movement. Starlight and Fluttershy were staring at the display screen with everyone else, watching and listening to her testimony. Magenta waved to the doctor and continued calling out names. "Fuchsia Winds, Bluebell, Silver Swirl, Yellow Diamond, Lightning Dust, Director Platinum Diamonds, the Matrons at Quick Hooves, Sound Boost my awesome manager, Songbird Serenade who was my inspiration when I was a foal, and Sea Creature who can make the richest Dubstep! And you know what? I will never go back!! Nopony except the doctors have ever seen what was under this suit, not even my sister. But you know what? No more hiding! This is for family!"

Magenta reached up and grabbed the zipper for her suit right when the bass drums stopped bumping. Then tugged it down, showing orange fur matted from sweat. Then spread her hooves out once more. The dancers that were with Bright moved in and began unsnapping her suit, inch by inch. Once everything was cool and the beat rose to begin dropping, Magenta raised her hooves and swung them down behind her along with the suit, revealing her scarred top half.

The cameras trained on her moved in closer as they took photos. Magenta bent down and gripped the bottoms of her suit, then swung outwards, ripping them off and out into the crowd. Right when the beat dropped for the final time that night. The lights began flashing, flames sprouted, the dancers danced, and the ponies cheered.

But those involved didn’t move. They instead stared in shock. Not believing their eyes. Or ears.
> Chapter 22 - You Know Something
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scars. Lots and lots of scars. So deep, even the fur couldn't cover them. Magenta Streak's body, save for her face, was covered in scars. There had to be more than twenty-eight. All over her barrel were the worst. As if somepony had ripped her open.

All eyes were locked on her. Nopony moved, nopony spoke. Only stared. Even the music was filtered.

"Oh my faust," Babs muttered. Scootaloo had indeed flown straight into those filters. And it tore her body up. Even where her wings used to be were now replaced by long ragged slits. Her hooves were bad too. But somehow by some miracle, her face stayed untouched.

Somepony had pressed play on another song, then made it loop without anypony noticing. Magenta stared up at the sky with closed eyes, waiting for a reaction with outstretched hooves. After a few more seconds of shock and awe, Magenta heard it.

A cheer. Followed by more, which eventually grew into thousands of cheers, stomps, applauds. It took a really brave pony to rip off their pants and show their scars, no matter how comedic it sounded.

Bright reached over and pulled Magenta into a tight hug. Her face was buried into her neck. "I'm proud of you," she whispered.

Magenta smiled and nuzzled her in love and affection. Songbird joined in their unition with Sea Creature bearing grins. It went unsaid that they too were proud of Magenta's bravery.

From the corner, Kind Goldhoof was dancing on Hot Hooves just watching. She wanted to get up there to do the same. She wanted to run up on that stage and pull her fillies into the most tightest hug ever. Eventually she couldn't take it anymore. She broke past the line of applauding ponies and right up to the stage of celebrities. Then squeezed in beside Songbird to pull her girls into a hug.

"I'm so proud, babies, so proud!" She cried over the bass blasting through the speakers. Then lovingly nuzzled Magenta's mane.

"Thanks, mom," Magenta whispered. Then pulled back and turned around towards the display, paparazzi, and cameras behind her. All calling for Magenta to focus on them for a moment.

When the cameras flashed and the lights hit her family, Applebloom and the others verified that it was in fact Scootaloo. She had the CMC Cutie Mark, although scarred. A magenta shield with a bolt in it. The cut was deep. But not deep enough to hide the truth.

Those around Magenta stepped to the side when pushed to let her stand in front of the decks. She moved to the last one and swiveled the turntable around. Then transitioned the current one playing to that one with the mixer. Starting the previous song that Applebloom had a suspicion was called I Live For The Bass Drum.

She grabbed the mic and filtered the music. "Thank you so much Ponyville, Cloudsdale, and all of Equestria for attending our first ever Equestria-Wide tour as a label! Oh my gosh, I love you guys so much! Thank you to those behind me!" She turned around and pointed at the line of ponies while the cameras and news networks zoomed in. "I really appreciate you coming back here, it gets really lonely when I'm on these stages with just Bright, no offense sis, you know I love you! I want to thank my friends from Quick Hooves, thank you so much for being my support for my first ever mega-show! I want to thank my sister for mixing our collab track live, yeah! You heard it here, that was a live-mixed song, give it up for Bright Snow!"

Everyone cheered as Bright grinned and waved. "I want to thank my manager for getting us on these tours! And I want to thank the Quad Dance Team, AJR, and Fuchsia Winds for joining us! It's been incredibly fun! Whoo, Manehattan is fun, but Equestria is a party! Thank you so much, everypony! We're staying in Ponyville until lunch tomorrow! Autographs tomorrow morning 'til eleven from the entire label, it's twelve o' something, we all need sleep! Good night!!" Magenta lowered the microphone and turned around while her song continued playing for the end from the silent bass line. Then everyone began trying to get to her at once. Good thing security was there. But one mare did get through.

Before she could leave, Magenta was pulled back into a hug by Kind Goldhoof. "You're never moving out of the mansion!" She cried.

Great, this again. She did this before back at the house months ago. Magenta sighed and shuffled from Sweetie Belle's silent chuckling.

She seethed and said, "Yeah, I already paid the down payment for the Penthouse, so....."

"You're staying at our house!"

"We'll talk about this when you're less emotional." Magenta smiled at Rarity and asked, "I hope that covers the payment for this belt?" She motioned towards the belt on her waist.

The belt? After all that?! Rarity glanced at it, then at Sweetie who was obviously tired. Leaning on Applebloom's shoulder. No care in the world. They had their fun, now they were tired. Applebloom was clearly still trying to get over the fact that the friend they've been searching for is an extremely famous DJ. And she looked...girly!! The Scootaloo they knew didn't wear and would never wear makeup. Yet here she was with mascara, lipstick, and possibly fake eyelashes. It has been eight years after all.

Rarity smirked at Magenta and chortled briefly. "I think you may have overpayed, darling."

Of course she did, it was like that at every show. "Keep the change. Mom, you have got to let me go." Kind Goldhoof sniffled before Max trotted over and calmly pulled Magenta out of her mother's death grip. Magenta chuckled and stretched out her scarred limbs. Then said, "Thanks, dad. Mom has a death hold that I just can't get out of."

He chuckled and ran a hoof through her mane. "You're welcome. I'm extremely proud of you, you know. If you don't get a music award sometime this year we'll know something's up."

"Definitely." She turned and walked over to her friends, who quickly glomped her with hugs. "Ow! Lightning!"

"We should say something," Applebloom stated when she found her voice. "Before they start—"

A hoof stepping into her sight pulled her eyes up from Magenta Streak to the firm faces of the hired security for the night.

"Okay everypony, time to go, let's move." The security began pushing everyone off the stage that weren't with the immediate performers, such as family and friends. As well as photographers. The Princesses had teleported out, leaving them behind.

"Wait, wait, hold on one minute!" Applebloom began to protest. Then turned to Magenta and yelled, "Scootaloo, we need to talk to you! Please!" Applejack quickly pushed her sister through the side entrance, leading outside.

Magenta looked their way for a moment, then turned back to continue her conversation with Bluebell and Silver Swirl, both poking at her scars.



The next morning was busy with clean up crews clearing the field where the concert the previous night took place, the stage having been broken down during the night as if it never happened. The only proof that it did were the clean up crews and the large cruise hovering nearby. Everyone was asleep. Everyone except those involved in the investigation and unknowingly Magenta and Bright.

Those from Ponyville were standing on the hill of greatness, looking at the tree planted for Scootaloo, the field where the ponies partied at, the town, and the newspaper. Magenta had made the front page for an over-amazing performance, and gained ten million in revenue from YouHoof alone. One and a half pretty much since it's split between her and Bright. They caught a picture of her right when she took off her hood.

"'Manehattanite Superstar Magenta Streak Wows Equestria By Finally Relinquishing Hood,'" Rarity read. Then looked up and added. "I'll say. She definitely impressed Twilight. And gave Pinkie a run for her bits."

Twilight chuckled and said, "That is an understatement. But I think we all know why we're here."

"How can we break this to her?" Babs asked. She pointed at the newspaper and stated, "Scootaloo's Magenta Streak! She's the most famous pony in Equestria, and the richest teenager! Only nineteen! Way bigger than Daring Do and that new movie with her that's comin' out!"

Twilight sighed and admitted, "I don't even know."

"Well..." Rainbow cleared her throat. "We have to think of something. She looked really bad—the scars, I mean. Like, she looked great. Beautiful, even. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if a stallion or mare followed her from here to Manehattan."

Sweetie made a few signs that Applebloom interpreted. "Or from here to the cruise."

"Or from here to town hall," Silver Spoon added. Everyone turned to her in confusion before she motioned towards the town. Specifically the road leading into it.

They followed her eyes to what was definitely Magenta Streak with Bright Snow walking towards town hall. She didn't have her suit on anymore, proudly walking around with her scars. They were carrying bags fit with promotional items, getting ready for autograph signing.



The Ponyville last night was a great contrast to the Ponyville of this morning. When yesterday evening, the sounds of cheers and bright lights cast over the green for yards. It was nice to be in the silence every now and again.

"I can't wait for Sea Creature's concert in December," Bright stated proudly. "Her Blah Blah Blah ID is definitely going to draw some heads."

Magenta eagerly nodded. She was wearing her makeup again. "Oh yeah, most definitely. We're gonna need some bodyguards once we're back in Manehattan, everypony's going to go haywire when they see us. Especially at the docks if they get past security."

"You need an award this year, you need one. Mark my words, Magenta Streak. You're getting an award this year." Bright and Magenta stopped in front of town hall and stared up at it strangely. Especially at the shape. "It's...round. Are you sure this is Town Hall?"

Without taking her eyes off, Magenta reached in her bags and pulled out a map of the town. Once she looked it over, she nodded. "Yep, this is it. Think some ponies are in there already?"

Bright shook her head. "No, everypony's very tired from last night. That show reminded me of your first nightcore song. Hey, I saw some Kandi Kids in the crowd last night."

After Magenta opened the door she looked to her sister in surprise. "What? I didn't see any! I was looking for some everytime I left the decks!"

"They were in, like, the front-left corner of the crowd. I could've missed them if I weren't dancing out there." The two stopped and looked around in the hall. "How many bits do you think we made in this one?"

"Well the Crystal Empire alone were millions. Around one or two. Ponyville was even bigger than that. Not to mention the online views of the live stream got us both one point five million. I'm going to do an album release party for Higher and Higher. What track do you think is going to be remixed the most when it is released?"

"Energy," Bright replied. She reached behind her and took off her saddlebags to setup. "Definitely Artificial Energy. Mainly because everypony saw you reveal your face during that song. The paparazzi is definitely going to swarm you once you move out to the studio. But why do you have to?"

Magenta sighed and setup the table. "Well besides me being old enough and can actually afford it, and that mom likes to go through my mail, I just feel I'm ready." Bright sighed but nodded. Magenta could feel that she was saddened by it though. Because she stopped talking. Sighing, Magenta set down her stuff, then made her way over, striding on long hooves. "Oh Bright. Hey, you're always welcome to come to my place. I'll even give you a key."

She wrapped a hoof around her sister's neck when Bright added, "But you'll live in the middle of the city. Which, if you don't know, is much further than ten feet down the hall."

Magenta rolled chortled and relented with, "Okay. If it makes you feel better, I won't move out until you graduate High School. So we both can together. How about that?"

Bright chuckled and answered, "You don't have to do that just because I'm sad, I can deal."

Magenta rolled her eyes and deadpanned, "Bright, do you want me to leave or not?"

"Please don't."

"Then I won't. I know mom asked me like a thousand times not to also, but she usually can't make a decision when she's emotional. Now, let's get ready before somepony shows." She planted a big wet kiss on her sister's cheek, much to Bright's disgust and her amusement, then walked back over to her bags to continue setting up. After around two minutes of picture hanging, cloth managing and more, the two whipped out their computer and sat down to wait.

It was silent, save for the tapping on the computer and the birds chirping outside. While keeping her eyes on the door, Bright asked, "Were we too early?"

Magenta nodded and said, "We're always too early. We got to Ponyville early yesterday morning at like seven when we were supposed to be there yesterday at lunch. We had enough time to sign autographs, play an intense game of cards with Songbird, who's like the master at it, go for a walk through that humongous Apple orchard, and help you setup your song. All before the gates for the show were even opened."

Bright nodded and hummed before the front doors opened. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and Babs poked their heads in, tiny invisible beads of sweat on their faces.

"Oh hey!" Magenta greeted. She quickly waved them in. "Don't be shy, come on in! I hope you enjoyed the show last night!" They all swallowed hard, then slowly did as asked.

Diamond Tiara nodded and replied, "It was amazing. G-Great work, I really enjoyed it."

Bright pointed at her and commented, "Hey, you were one of the ravers last night in the corner! Wearing all the bands and hugging everypony!" Everyone turned to Diamond who nervously chuckled and rubbed the back of her neck.

"Eh heh heh...yep, I was over there," she silently admitted. Applebloom smirked. She was definitely going to tease her about that later.

Magenta nudged Bright and said, "Stop embarrassing her. I'm a raver myself. You know what? Just to make a point, we're doing a rave theme at my next concert." Ignoring Bright's mumbles, Magenta grabbed a pen in her teeth and smiled at the visitors. "So where do I sign? I see you guys didn't bring anything so I'm guessing on your body?" Before they could even blanche Magenta added, "Anywhere but the teats, you'd be surprised at how many mares ask me to do that. Bright?"

With her hooves crossed, Bright blandly said, "One out of every three—"

"One out of every three!" Magenta exclaimed. "So we had an audience of four thousand twenty-six last night. One thousand three hundred forty-two will be asking me to sign their teats this morning because Equestria has a high mare to stallion ratio. Sorry, but I have to say no."

"Errr... No," Babs said awkwardly. "We didn't actually come here for an autograph."

"Oh!" Magenta and Bright shared a look before focusing back on the group of grown mares. Magenta smiled and said, "Okay! That's cool too. Maybe you can keep us company while we wait. We usually roll out from the base too early anyways."

Diamond Tiara sat down and replied eagerly, "Sure! You know everypony thought you died—OW!" Silver Spoon removed her hoof from the back of her head, silently swearing to teach her about tact later.

Magenta grinned and said, "Yeah. Doctor Sore Health said I had bled out in Manehattan Park and scared all the ponies there. Blood all in the water. So much so they had to cut it off in Manehattan and have it switched out for three hours that day. Some stallion had actually came to the hospital to check on me because he was the one who actually found me."

Bright shook her head and loudly recalled, "I had to take baths in those tiny tubs instead of a shower. Very uncomfortable might I add. Very chaotic when you were rolled in."

"Love you too, Brightlight." Magenta chuckled at her sister's face then turned back. Remembering something, she motioned with her head to Sweetie. "Oh Sweetie Belle! Tell your sister I'll put in a good word for her in our next vlog. Possibly on one of these upcoming interviews for that awesome belt."

Sweetie widened her eyes and made a hoof sign that Bright interpreted, "Really?"

Magenta nodded and said, "Yeah! It works with most of my more expensive clothes from Manehattan and Canterlot! If somepony sees me wearing it at a fashion show she'll get a lot more clientele than she does now, I promise. You know I actually helped two of my Quick Hooves friends get what they want all by a good word. Lightning Dust was actually in one of my videos benching weights and wearing a Wonderbolts Uniform. Talked to Captain Spitfire later on that year when she visited Manehattan with the Wonderbolts for a show and she agreed after I vouched for Lightning's endurance and determination to have her privately tryout off-schedule. A few months after that, Spitfire sent her a letter and agreed to have her enlisted to the reserves two-years before official enlistment.

"Bluebell was actually the director for the track that got us famous, Ready For Love. She was the first pony I put a good name in for. The day after, me and Bright made a vlog on our channel thanking all our fans for listening and watching our videos two weeks before Starfire reached out to us offering a one-hundred million bit contract after ten years. Well we thanked Bluebell in the video and added the link for her myStable page, then published it."

Bright laughed and said, "The next day, Bluebell rushes into the music room at school while Magenta and I were working on a new track, and says that we have to take down the link right then and there. Magenta and I were like huh? And she said that her Z4 was annoying her. Everypony in the industry were sending her messages, overloading her inbox. And boy, was she frustrated. Well we took it down and she ended up going with one of those companies that specialize in media outlets, previously promoted to head of program."

"Or Program Director," Magenta added. She glanced down at the pen still between her lips and calmly set it back down on the table. Why was she still holding that?

Smiling, she looked back up and said, "Bright and I are high influencers in the Elite. Everypony knows of us, specifically myself because of my tastes, and Bright because of her influence in the dance industry. Our parents also because well...they're our parents. So me saying that even a small belt was enough to wow me at our Ponyville Mega-Show is pretty big. Much bigger than working with Hoity-Toity on a fashion showcase. And would be pretty grand business for Ms. Rarity."

Sweetie Belle grinned and was about to make a sign to agree before Applebloom grabbed her shoulders, and whipped her around for a private discussion.

"We can't just accept Scoots' invitation," she whispered. Sweetie made a face of bewilderment then a gesture asking why not. "Because what if she doesn't like what we have to tell her? Then everything'll backfire. So..."

While they spoke, Magenta played with their expensive computer. Showing their nervous fans stuff from the past. Magenta had actually began wearing her suit in the eighth grade. Confusing most of her friends in the process. Their videos had been growing in views for a year thanks to Bluebell before they hit it big directly after, being the first musical group to blow up that quickly from YouHoof. Nopony knew how except Magenta and her group. And it was causing a little controversy when Magenta and Bright had said no comment when asked about it through a street interview in lower Manehattan. Thus adding many more mysteries to "Mystery Magenta."

Bright meanwhile was watching the other two discuss. Whatever it was must've been very important because things were getting a little heated. A lot of sign language and hoof stomping. Bright was sure she saw a curse word in there somewhere. While they argued, Bright looked them over. Applebloom was obviously from Appleloosa or at least had family from there. Her accent was strong and she had a weird purple shield with an apple in it for a Cutie Mark. Country.

Sweetie Belle probably had a Canterlot origin. Or maybe she was just really fancy. Her mane was well kept, complete with a shine while her coat was flawlessly brushed. Very clean, apart from her lover who looked like she farmed a lot. Her cutie mark was...

Wait... Bright stopped thinking and leaned over the table a little to gaze at Sweetie's cutie mark. It looked like a purple shield with an eighth note inside of a star. Her and Applebloom's cutie marks were really similar!

Babs looked at Bright while Magenta spoke to Diamond Tiara about a synthesizer, raising an eyebrow at what she saw. Bright was leaning over the table, glaring at Sweetie's cutie mark. Thinking. Gears were turning in her head. She looked from Bright to Applebloom, Applebloom herself becoming a little frustrated. Babs raised a hoof and waved it so she could see it. But they kept arguing.

"Hey, uhhh...." Everyone stopped speaking and turned to Bright, still staring. She sat back and pointed to Sweetie's flank. "I couldn't help but notice your cutie marks are really similar. Why is that?"

Sweetie and Applebloom shared a glance then turned back to the celebrities with smiles. Sweetie made a few hoof signs that Applebloom relayed. "Applebloom, myself, and a third pony were really impatient for our cutie marks when we were foals. So we created a sort of secret society to look for our cutie marks. Ironically, our special talents were helping other ponies find their cutie marks. It took us four years to figure that out."

"Oh, cool!" Magenta shouted. "Maybe you can help decipher mine, if you can actually make it out." Magenta stood up and turned to her side, showing them her scarred Cutie Mark that had been sliced in half, cutting out a good portion. "I can't remember what it was like before because of my deep Amnesia. But if you could, I'd very much appreciate it."

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle glanced at each other nervously just like Diamond Tiara, Babs, and Silver Spoon were doing. This moment was a really big deal. They were supposed to tell Magenta about her past. Not—

"Hold on." They all turned to Bright who was looking between Magenta's, Applebloom's, and Sweetie's cutie marks. Then suddenly pointed at Magenta's and yelled, "Your Cutie Marks are the same!" Magenta cocked her head to the side. "If you take off this scar, your Cutie Mark would be a mostly-purple shield! I can tell just by looking at it!"

Magenta looked back at her own mark, then the others. "Oh yeah!! Would you look at that! Quite the coincidence, huh?"

Bright glanced at Magenta then back at the crusaders. "Yeah...coincidence." Something was up, she could feel it. These same mares were asking about a pony that wears a lot of clothes with a purple mane and an orange coat in Manehattan, her sister's description. And Applebloom looked pretty desperate. And then they walked in here before everypony else, but not for autographs. Something was going on.

Magenta was receiving the same vibe because no one was saying anything. She looked around her at the other mares, all avoiding eye-contact. They knew something. They knew something about her.

She turned to Applebloom with a look of suspicion and asked, "Is there something I need to know? Do you know something about me?"

The doors for Town Hall opened up and Songbird Serenade poked her head in, interrupting their nearly serious conversation. Then grinned and turned her head. "They're here, everypony! Come on in!" Then walked inside followed by the tour group from last night and a lot of fans, carrying a few things for them to sign. As well as the press who must've spent the night.

Bright and Magenta turned back to the group of mares they were speaking to, still avoiding eye-contact. Magenta motioned to Bright who zipped back to the table for a moment and grabbed a card while their tour group joined them. Pictures were taken and ponies were starting to ask for autographs before Magenta grabbed a pen from a random pony when Bright appeared again. She wrote a note on the card she retrieved on her hoof, wet her lips, flipped it over and kissed it, then presented it to them. Sweetie Belle grabbed it in her magic and put it in her mane. Afterwards the two turned all smiles to their fans, meeting and greeting while making their way back to the table.

Taking that as their cue to leave, the remaining Crusaders and their friends backed out of the suddenly large amount of fans. Then made their way towards the crowded door. Rolling her eyes, Sweetie Belle lit her horn and teleported them all outside into the morning sun. They must've been talking for awhile because everypony was out and about. Including Magenta and Bright's family.

They quickly ducked into an alley and huddled around the note passed to Sweetie Belle. Applebloom read aloud, "'East Manehattan Unique, two PM. Ring doorbell on the gate and present my lipstick to the guard. Bring whoever else knows. Keep it quiet.' We're going to East Manehattan?"

Babs gulped and said, "No way... Y'all may want to pretty yourselves up." Based off their looks they didn't understand. "East Manehattan Unique is the richest neighborhood in all of Equestria. The most private of all of Equestria actually, let alone East Manehattan. Invitation-access only. Nothin' but ponies that have more than nine-hundred thousand bits. Filled with big beautiful homes, libraries, clubs, pools, parks, playgrounds, and golf courses. A city inside a city. They just don't let any pony in."

Sweetie waved it off with a smirk and made a sign reading, "We have Rarity."

Babs shook her head and said, "Nope, she won't even work. Rarity's pretty small time, even though she has built a few boutiques in Manehattan and Canterlot over the years. The ponies in here are far higher than Hoity-Toity, Fleur de Lis, and Princess Twilight, who created Net, combined. Which is what everypony that lives in there uses to run their businesses. Net to them is like somepony hoofing you a really fancy pen to write with. Rarity runs boutiques and a business. These ponies run the corporations that Rarity gets her materials from to continue her business and designs. Along with hotels, and possibly a majority of the homes in this town. You thought the Canterlot Elite had power? No, the Manehattan Elite have power. They run The Canterlot Elite and put Prince Blueblood's snoodiness to shame. Nothing but playwrights, movie directors, CEOs, Founders, and more live in there. Manehattan ain't made for a simple family-owned restaurant. It's built for big-bit careers."

A sudden flash and crack beside them made the group jump and yelp. Princess Twilight looked out of the large street that the mares thought were an alley then back to the crusaders with the rest of the group she teleported with, The Element Bearers, all staring at them for answers. "Well?" She whispered.

Sweetie Belle presented the note to Princess Twilight, who took it in her own. She and the other Element Bearers leaned in and read it line for line. Twilight gawked then made a slowly closing "oh" with her mouth. Rarity gasped and whispered in raw disbelief, "Manehattan Unique?! I thought her parents were with the Canterlot Elite!!"

Applejack turned and asked, "Whatcha goin' on about? It sounds like it's just a neighborhood." Twilight, Rarity, and Babs gawked.

Rainbow rolled her eyes and asked tiredly, "What's the big deal?"

"The big deal," Twilight responded. "Is that East Manehattan Unique is home to The Manehattan Elite."

"The what?"

"I read about them in the history of Equestria when I was studying under Celestia. The Manehattan Elite is a class of Equestrians who are richer than even the exaggerated definition of rich. Imagine a foal classifying the term rich: Gold, silver, extremely rare gems with servants coming and going at their command, homes the size of my castle who can spoil their foals or have Applejack's apple orchard torn down with a nod of their head, and own almost every single business, home, and industry in Equestria. That is the Manehattan Elite. If they just don't like you, they can ruin a career you're working towards in a day, despite everything you've done.

"Imagine Spitfire being Captain again. She's confronted by Floyd Hoofenstein, the movie director for Daring Do's movies coming out and one of those living in there, saying don't put Rainbow Dash in the Wonderbolts. Spitfire will have to obey that because these ponies can ruin her all by putting out a simple bad review. They don't even have to break the law, the citizens unknowingly work for them. The Manehattan Elite own The Canterlot Elite."

Rarity shook her head and added fearfully, "And they just don't let anypony in that neighborhood."

Applejack turned to Rarity and stated, "But you're like the richest pony here in Ponyville."

Rarity grabbed her cheeks and stated Pinkie-Pie style quiet but urgently, "And a pony from The Manehattan Elite owns the entire block of where my Manehattan branch is! They take one third of the revenue I earn each month, as well as the other businesses on that same block! They make fifty times how much I make a month and are probably worth more than fifty million bits! I'm worth only two!!"

"And I'm worth only ten," Twilight added. "I was born in Canterlot and most of my family are Royalty. Including Spike, believe it or not. So we're actually with The Canterlot Elite, but humble to Equestria and stay away from all of that. But I do like to check up on my Net Worth. It boosted up twenty million six years ago after Net was being used by everypony in Equestria. And The Manehattan Elite are taller than skyscrapers compared to little 'ol me."

Babs added, "So saying East Manehattan Unique is just a neighborhood is like saying The Crystal Empire is made out of mud instead of crystals, and that The Crystal Heart is just a glowing stone."

"And the Gold family is one of The Manehattan Elite," Rarity concluded. "Which means Magenta Streak and Bright Snow are as well."

Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack, and Fluttershy glanced at each other nervously. Fluttershy whispered, "Is it really that serious?"

Babs nodded and said, "The Manehattan Elite are extremely powerful and very selfish. How can we get into that neighborhood?"

Twilight flipped the card over and looked at Magenta's lipstick. She pointed and punctuated, "This is the key to get in."

"Lipstick?" Sweetie gestured in curiosity.

"Each of The Manehattan Unique's members have a sign or item of some sort attached to the invitation for verification with their entrance guards. Like a trademark. A Magenta-colored kiss must be Scootaloo's, or Magenta Streak's. Everypony in there has a different one. We show this to the guard and they successfully validate it, we're in. However, the inside of the neighborhood is the actual issue. Everypony in there, except for the Gold family apparently, are on their high horses."

"One of my High-School friends is a Manehattan Elite," Babs inputted. "And said that the second you step in there, you turn up your nose and flaunt your stuff as if you're big bits."

Sweetie made a gesture that read, "So basically, turn into Diamond Tiara in the past." Everypony turned to Applebloom and Twilight who were trying to hide their giggles but ended up bursting out anyway with Sweetie. The three then grinned to Diamond Tiara who was trying to figure out what she said.

Twilight sighed to stifle her giggles and answered, "Yes, we all turn into Diamond Tiara. It's okay, Diamond, nopony judges you. It was all your mother."


***


After the flow of fans dwindled, and The Quad Dance Team signed their final autograph, the party under the label sighed and relaxed. The tour was finally over and all was complete. It was lunch before they finished signing in Ponyville's empty town hall

Sound Boost adjusted his tie and yelled, "Well! Our work for this tour is done! Good job, everypony! Good things coming our way! Ms. Winds, you should be expecting those bits in your account by this upcoming tuesday to hoof out to your clients, as well as yourself. My clients will be receiving theirs this evening since we're the hosting label. By our finance departments calculations, each of you should be receiving a check of eight hundred thousand."

The guest band cheered and sort of danced in place while the label applauded. They were used to the bits. Afterwards, Sound Boost said, "And thanks to Magenta and Bright's good words, you should also be expecting a lot of mail and letters. Probably even some offers." He turned to Magenta and Bright sitting at the table and asked, "Are you heading to the headquarters after this?"

Magenta shook her head and answered, "Bright, Sea Creature, and myself are working on something in Manehattan Unique for Sea's upcoming concert. We're heading straight to the house."

"Alright! Well, let's pack up and get back to Manehattan!"



Princess Celestia spit-taked her wine into the fountains by her throne after she, Luna, Cadance, and Shining Armor read the note given to the crusaders, shocking everyone in their Castle Throne Room. Including the guards. Luna looked her up and down and asked, "And what was that?"

Celestia coughed and wiped her mouth. Then turned back to everyone else. "I apologize," she answered. Then presented the letter to Applebloom. "Are you sure Magenta wrote that she lives in East Manehattan Unique?" Luna had no idea where that was. But apparently everypony else did, because even Flurry Heart gasped.

Sweetie Belle nodded and made the signs that Applebloom interpreted. "She got a pen, wrote on it, licked her lips, kissed the back, then hoofed it right over."

Luna waved her hooves around and yelled, "Hold on! What is a Manehattan Unique?" Celestia placed a wing over her back and pretty much repeated what Twilight and Rarity said. Afterwards, Luna blinked and muttered, "Oh. Is it really that big?"

"Bigger," Babs answered.

"Great. More nobles. And this time, they're celebrities. Ugh."

Flurry jumped out from between her father's legs and yelled, "Well I'm a princess and I say that they should open those gates when I walk up there!"

Twilight chuckled and asked, "Already abusing your power, Flurry?"

Celestia sighed and said, "Alright. We'll all go. But be warned. The Manehattan Elite are more ignorant than Blueblood. So heads high and coats fresh. Hopefully, somepony can escort us to her home. I have no idea what it looks like."

Nobody in this throne room knew the home of Magenta Streak. But Rainbow Dash may have a suggestion. She raised a hoof and commented, "I might know a pony that can get us in and take us."


***


The Wonderbolt's Weight Room in Cloudsdale was usually packed with ponies. But everyone just had to go that concert last night. As if there was no choice in the matter. That left all the wonderful toys to Lightning Dust. The workout room was her favorite inside the entire facility. And now that she had the place to herself, she could grunt and lift all she wanted to with no timer. Her muscles heaved each time she lifted a hundred. Sweat poured over her fur and her hooves have almost had enough. But she pushed on.

Until Rainbow Dash walked in. She didn't stop benching when she poked into her line of sight from above. "Seriously?" She asked.

Lightning Dust kept going and shook her head. "You can't have enough muscle. I thought you were going to the concert."

"We did."

"Well... I knew... That you would go. Hey, give me two hundred?" Rainbow rolled her eyes but grabbed the weights and slid them onto the sleeves for her. "Thanks. Now..." She pushed up and down. Up and down. "I thought you would sleep it off or something. Like everyone else."

"Yeah, well something important came up this morning. I need to ask you a favor."

"Anything for my hero." She pushed four more time until Rainbow dropped the question.

"I need you to get us into Magenta's neighborhood. East Manehattan Unique. We need to talk to her. It's really important."

Lightning stopped benching. The room dropped into silence. The humidity increased putting sweat onto Rainbow brow. Or maybe it was because she was nervous.

Lightning cast her sight to Rainbow and said, "You're joking."

Rainbow gulped but shook her head. "No, I'm serious. I know getting us in may cause you a little trouble—"

"Oh no, it's no problem," Lightning interrupted. "I can get you in without trouble."

Rainbow turned to her in surprise. The Manehattan Elite didn't sound too friendly. They're power alone was a monster in comparison to other nobility in Equestria. So Lightning saying they won't have a problem with her is a complete surprise. "Wait, what? How? Are you nobility or something?"

She took a swig from her water and added, "I'm not nobility. But I can get you in. You have a pass from Magenta?"

"Yeah, Sweetie has it. I thought The Manehattan Elite would run us out."

Lightning stood up and flexed her body, showing off her figure. "They will to anypony that isn't a familiar face. My friends and I are all Honorary Guests there and have our own keys. Us walking in is like seeing another rich pony walk by. Even though we don't have their wealth. When Magenta said we had actually grew up with her, and are still friends, we became Honorary Guests at the stomp of a hoof. Something about an old Manehattan code I really don't give a flying buck about."

Lightning walked around the bench and picked up the four hundred pound barbell. Then placed it on the hold. She smiled at Rainbow and added, "There are three levels that can get in. The first is the Member, which would be Magenta, Bright, and Doctors Goldhoof and Gold. Then there's the Honorary, which would be me. In the past, Magenta would have to escort me. But she put in a good word for me with the other members. They nearly beat me with a club and threw me out before she said three words. 'She's with me.' They quickly started asking questions. After validation they decided any friend of hers is an Honorary Guest. Technically, you're treated like an Elite Member."

Lightning grabbed her water and a towel that she threw around her neck, then walked out the door with Rainbow. "Third, there are the trustees, or you guys. The guest of the guests. Normally, they ask a lot of questions. But since I'm an Honorary Guest, they trust me to bring in good ponies. As long as you stick with me and don't float off, you're golden with them and with me."

She pushed the doors open for the hallway and stopped in front of the large group of ponies waiting in the hall. Rainbow smiled at them then nodded eagerly, giving them an answer to their unspoken question. They all sighed in relief. Looks like they were really going.

After wiping herself off, Lightning said, "Now. Why I'm confused and shocked is how you don't know where the Gold family lives."

They all turned to her. Rarity inquired, "Should we?"

"None of you know?" They all shook their heads. "Dudes... Magenta's house is the biggest in the city. Not the neighborhood, the city. Magenta bought it then hoofed it over to her parents for...I'm not entirely sure. Was there no address on the card?"

Sweetie reached in the purse she brought then hoofed it over to Lightning to investigate. She flipped it then shook her head. "Yeah, no address. That's because she thought you would have already known where it was. Everypony in Equestria knows where they live. Kind of hard to miss the biggest house in Manehattan."

Rarity had wide eyes. The biggest? "How much money does she have?!" She asked. "I thought she only had over two million bits."

Lightning hoofed the note back over and chuckled. Then answered, "No, she just uses low numbers to keep paparazzi, market sources and news outlets away from her. Picked a random expensive number to appease and keep them away. She has way more than that. She and Bright combined are reaching two hundred million by now. Let me go change and freshen up."

She turned left and walked down the hall, leaving the ponies with their minds blown.



Once Lightning was presentable, they departed Cloudsdale for Manehattan. it was soon apparent that the Gold Sisters' presence was a huge influence on the city. They could tell they were back in town. For one, she was the hot topic. Each time Applebloom turned her head, somepony was either talking about her, watching her on a Z4, those expensive things, reading the newspaper article about last night's show and discussing it, or other things involving Magenta Streak.

It looks like she ruled Manehattan. Rainbow Dash was smirking at her friend Lightning Dust and her getup. She was wearing a long multicolored dress and had put her usually straight mane into a bun while leaving the outside of it straight.

"It's okay to stare," she said suddenly. "I know I look good."

Rarity poked her head in from behind and said, "Yes, darling. I didn't even know you could do manes."

"I can do a lot of things. Okay, we're entering East Manehattan. From here on out, let me do the talking." They all looked forward and eyed the entry with awe. It was a large arch with fountains at the bottom, bearing the words East Manehattan in a steel logo at the top outlined with gold. The arch itself was made out of silver. Already expensive. Even the guards pulling the chariots were casting glances as they rode underneath it and straight into wonderland. Shops, colors, and action. Huge tall skyscrapers made pretty much out of glass flew by as they moved. A large mall on a perpendicular street filled with millennials. Business ponies walking around with very fancy clothes, shoes that had a glint when the sunlight hit it.

Twilight shared a look with Shining Armor. This is straight money in here. While the rest of Manehattan was dark and gray, East Manehattan was like the beauty mark of Equestria.

Lightning Dust pointed in the distance after a few more minutes of riding and said, "East Manehattan Unique, coming up."

Rainbow looked up and about nearly blanched. Right at the end of the street were a pair of large fancy gates. But right behind it was what caught her eye. Right on the left side of the street behind the steel structures was a large mansion that towered over them and cast a huge shadow. Made out of cubes, flat-roofed, with a wall made out of glass that was for a pretty big bedroom. She could see a pony in there doing something even from this far away.

"Whoa," Applebloom muttered before they pulled up and stopped at the gates.

Lightning reached in her purse and pulled out the pass. Then flapped her wings and hovered towards the security box. A police officer walked out wearing sunglasses who smiled when she recognized who was approaching.

"Lady Dust, it's been awhile," she greeted. "Here to see the Gold Family?"

Lightning landed and nodded at her. "Yep. I'm escorting a group she requested personally." She presented the note to the officer on the side with her lipstick.

She stared at the kiss mark for a few long seconds. Then nodded and walked back to the booth to open them. Lightning Dust floated back to the others and settled in the first chariot with the Royalty. The gates lurched in briefly before groaning and creaking open. The officer waved them forward, signalling the Royal Guard pulling the chariots to ride inside. The second they pulled in, everyone finally understood why Twilight and Rarity were so fearful. Everything was huge.

The entire street they were on practically screamed luxury. All they saw were estates, privacy gates, spires, golden cutie marks with diamonds on doors as symbols, and rich ponies out and about strutting their stuff. Just like babs said, muzzle in the air with flashy clothes. Some of the ponies were even wearing different colored hoofshoes like the princesses, fancy glasses with square golden rims, and crowns or tiaras that put Diamond Tiara's to shame.

While they rode, they assessed the homes. Most of them were two stories, but those floors blocked out Celestia's sun and cast shadows on the well cut grass. Just looking at them made Rainbow gulp.

After a while of riding past offices, homes, rich ponies, large golf courses, and pools, Rarity turned to Lightning who had a humble look on her face and asked, "So which one is the Golds'?"

Lightning nodded upwards towards the front. "Right there." Everyone looked up and slowly gawked. Even the guards. In front of them was a building very similar to Quick Hooves Orphanage, just much bigger. Instead of two floors it had three with wings. In the middle, the mansion had tall ornate wooden double doors with the letter G on both of them made out of gold. The building itself was made out of white stone with a flat surface, fitted with windows. The roof in the middle was triangle and slanted with a lot of shapes in the spaces allowed while the ones for the wings were flat. The wing on the right had a lot of windows while the one on the left was made entirely out of glass, reflecting the sun and creating grandeur.

There was a large loop behind the large steel gates that held a keyhole on each that Twilight could make out. Lightning pointed and said, "This is the biggest home in Manehattan. Welcome to the Golds Mansion."
> Chapter 23 - Day In With Scootagenta
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applebloom stood up from inside the chariot she shared with her friends and stared up at the grand and great Golds Mansion while they slowed at one of the gates. Then came to a silent stop.

"Scoots lives here?!" She asked in astonishment. Lightning Dust didn't answer.

Instead she jumped out of the chariot and waved a hoof in the air, yelling, "Bright!" Atop the building there stood a figure, a slowly twirling speck of white with wings doing motions on the roof. "Bright!!!" The speck stopped moving and bunched up before jumping off the roof, aiming, and gliding down towards them.

Bright landed on the concrete road behind the gates wearing a pink ballerina outfit with a big grin and greeted excitedly, "Hi, Lightning! You decided to visit, yay!! And you know, you could have just pushed the doorbell." She pointed a shoe-covered hoof at the white circle on one of the bars of the gate. Lightning Dust smirked and shrugged. She honestly didn't see it, it sort of blended in.

Bright rolled her eyes but smiled and said, "Just come on in. And bring in your—WHOA!!" Rainbow Dash guessed Bright wasn't expecting all these ponies. Bright pointed from behind the gates and asked, "The Princesses? Captain of the Royal Guard? The Element Bearers? Sweetie Belle, I thought you were bringing regular small-time ponies, not Royalty and law enforcement!"

Everyone looked at each other before Bright added, "I don't even know if Magenta even wants to hear it now. But come on in." Bright touched the back of the keyhole for a few seconds before the gates started pushing in her way. Then turned around and flew back to the grand mansion. The guards pulled the chariots through them and onto the nice property of the Gold family. Just like the rest of the neighborhood, the lawn was perfectly cut and the fountains were beautiful. But all eyes were on the huge house they were approaching. They rolled to a stop in front of the doors where Bright was standing.

She reached behind one of the decorative columns and fiddled with something so the gates for the mansion loop could close.

"Mom and Dad aren't home," she explained as they jumped out of the chariots. Then slowly trotted up the steps to the doors so they could fully take in the sights. "They're at work at East Manehattan Hospital. Magenta's inside with Sea, working on a new track, and I was doing some roof dancing. Come on in."

Bright walked towards one of the doors and pushed it open by the solid gold G, revealing the world within. Red carpet, grand staircase, two chandeliers above, and a large hall on the left, right, and two up ahead behind the staircase. Just a few of the things first noticed when those who haven't been there before walked in. The Grand staircase in front of them led up to a space that branched off into two opposite halls that were probably the wings, just like directly below it. There were large paintings on the walls of their family, as well as Magenta without her hood on. Smiling and hugging Bright. Other than that, the foyer was clear. And the house was quiet. Nothing like they were expecting.

Bright closed the door behind the four princesses after they walked in with open mouths. "Like it?" She asked. "You guys got here a little early, it's only one-thirty. Don't be alarmed if you hear a bass drum bumping."

Cadance turned her head with a gaping mouth and answered breathlessly, "It's beautiful."

Bright grinned and skipped around to the front. "I know right? Follow me and I'll take you to her." The group did as told and followed Bright through the quiet area as she moved. Then turned left onto one of the wide first floor halls. There were rooms there but they were definitely very spacious.

"I see Lightning got you in here without trouble," Bright commented over her shoulder, grinning at Lightning Dust.

Celestia nodded and responded, "Yes. I didn't know your family was part of The Manehattan Elite."

Bright waved a hoof around and said, "Eh we're not really a part of them like you think we are. It's complicated. Like I said earlier, Magenta's in the middle of a session with Sea Creature creating a collaboration for their next concerts. A lot of bass. You may have to wait." She turned down another hallway on the right and began to move. Twilight could hear voices in one of the rooms a little ways down near two glass doors. Right before a bass drum started hitting, loud and proud, forcing a jump out of all of their coats except Bright.

"Yeah, looks like they're going through another track," Bright announced before a fast distorted eight o' eight started kicking. Bright stopped at one of the doors that had a sign above it reading Magenta's Studio. She gripped the handle and pulled it open. Then motioned for them to go inside the room blasting bass and synths. When Rainbow timidly stepped in first, she saw Scootaloo in the center dancing over a massive mixer with Sea Creature beside her, back facing them, with green and yellow lights coming from meters. The room they were in was dimmed down with small lights, fit with speakers in the corner. There was a stack of technology on the sides, as well as padding on the deep red walls. The mixer they were in front of was hooked up in front of a large flat screen television hanging from the ceiling displaying an electronic studio, while a built in computer was in the middle of the mixer with a microphone. Behind the mixer was a large glass panel that held a larger room fit with a few microphones, a large video camera, and a smaller computer.

"Alright, up the bass on the dirty synths," Magenta instructed.

Sea Creature moved over to the far left of the mixer and slowly turned a knob on a seemingly random channel, bringing the strange dance sounds closer to the front of the mix.

"Aw, yeah! That's perfect!" Magenta pressed a button on the mixer, pausing the track then turned to Sea Creature grinning. "We'll mix in a few vocal effects then master it."

Magenta plopped down into one of the many seats in front of the built in computer, focusing on that before Bright cleared her throat. Magenta turned around and yelped. Then jumped back up out of the chair and stared at the group in surprise, who in turn stared back. She wasn't wearing any makeup right now, fitted only with the black streak in her mane. Her purple tail didn't have it, implying her look to be dyed. It was definitely Scootaloo. Rainbow eyed her up and down. It was so strange seeing her all grown up and she didn't even get to see it.

"Sea Creature, let's take a break," she suggested without taking her eyes off. "Save the project. You guys can...have a...seat, I guess. " She pointed towards the left while a loading icon was placed on the television, indicating the project was saving. The group moved towards the fancy couches on the right and took a seat. Bright was messing with her Tutu beside her sister, who stated, "I don't think I even wanna know now."

Applebloom nearly choked on air. "Huh?" She asked. "What do you mean?"

"It's just....I knew you guys knew something about my past," Magenta responded. "I just... Ugh." She grabbed her chair and faced it towards them. Then sat down while Sea Creature made her leave. She crossed her rear hooves while Bright sat in the chair next to her. Then it all got into an awkward silence.

The only sound was the clock ticking in the corner for maybe a full minute before Magenta buried her face in her hooves for a moment. She took a deep breath and sighed deeply, then poked her face out through them with saddened eyes on the visitors.

"Ah, jeez...do you guys know everything that happened to me?" She whispered in dismay. Twilight nodded. "And was it so bad that four princesses, the Royal Guard Captain, and the Element Bearers got involved?"

"Yeah," Diamond Tiara whispered in a sad tone. "Yeah, it was a very bad day."

"Oh, wow." Magenta sat back and looked at Bright, who in turn looked back. She turned back to their guests and decided, "You know what? Yeah, don't tell me."

Applebloom's brain clonked out. She calmly repeated, "Don't tell ya'?"

Magenta shook her head. "Yeah, don't tell me. Apparently, this was really serious to the point that an obvious investigation was started. But nopony ever got anywhere I guess. So all the Princesses were called in and got involved. It's better I don't know. To be honest, earlier I was expecting like regular ponies. Gardeners, an author, a technician, somepony like that. Not Princesses, Princes, and the Primary Defense of Equestria. Was I attacked by a monster or something? Royalty?"

Rainbow shook her head and answered, "No. You actually—"

"Don't tell me!" Magenta quickly interrupted. "Please don't tell me. You can tell Bright, Mom, Dad, even my doctors. But not me. Don't even hint at it. I said I don't wanna go back to wherever I was before last night, and if I find out what happened to me, I'll know and it'll be at the front of my mind. Won't even be able to focus on my music."

The guests glanced at each other then back at Magenta. Bright mouthed "Told you" to Sweetie Belle before Magenta said, "But I do want to know a few things. What's my real name?"

Applebloom smiled and answered proudly, "Scootaloo. Your name was Scootaloo."

"Where'd I come from?"

Sweetie Belle made a sign that Bright interpreted, "Ponyville. Wow, we just wow'd the crowd in your hometown, yeah!" She lifted a wing and slapped Magenta's shoulder.

Magenta rolled her eyes and felt the bones underneath her wing removals move, dragging up another question. "So uhh... Could I fly?"

Rainbow Dash decided to take this one. It seemed even as a different pony and a grown mare, she would always cherish flying. "You had wings, but they were too small to lift your body. You were pretty kick butt on a scooter though."

Bright and Magenta shared a knowing smile. Lightning Dust stood up and made her way around Magenta towards all the music stuff. "So... what's this?" She pointed towards the long board that was the centerpiece of the room.

Magenta looked over behind the chair at where she was pointing, then swiveled her entire body around to face her with a look mixed with humor and disbelief. "You don't know what this is?!" She asked. Lightning shook her head. "Seriously?! I never told you?" Magenta turned to Bright and asked, "Did I ever tell you?"

Bright shook her head and smiled. "I know it connects to your computer, that's it."

Magenta scoffed then pushed the chair back with her rear hooves, rolling over to the middle of the equipment. Then laid her hoof on it and said, "Dudes, this is my mixer to create my projects! You know the mixer in between my turntables? My decks? This is just a much larger version for when I create my songs. Much better than doing it virtually. It helps me silence tracks, load tracks up, solo out a track, equalize, and so much more. It controls eighty tracks. I use a minimum of twenty-five, Sea Creature uses like thirty, and Songbird uses a minimum of two or three. Her voice when she sings is so good that she doesn't really need like drums, bass lines, all that beauty. And I can assign these different knobs and pads to different functions. I can't believe I never told you guys about this. I remember buying it, having it brought home and installed, but I never told you what it was? Wow. Yeah, our mansion is pretty kick-flank huh?"

Rainbow Dash nodded and said, "Your mansion is huge!"

Bright chuckled and added, "Yeah. Our tours and such are good. But most of our income is through merch and YouHoof. We're with Starfire and all, but we just use them for good album releases and shows. We do like live shows on YouHoof once every week which gives us an average of... How many?"

Magenta removed her hoof from in front of her mouth and answered, "Seventy-five thousand."

"Seventy-five thousand in ad revenue per show. Manehattan is a really big city-slash-island in Equestria. Ponies like my dancing, and everypony enjoys Magenta's singing and performances. Our next one is going to be much larger than four though. Tomorrow."

Sweetie Belle signed, "Why?"

"Because nopony is going to have to really pay to see Magenta without her hood. They're all using Net or in body. This would be the first time anypony has seen her in the day without her suit. Online, and in person. We got back here earlier by private chariot. We're doing a live street vlog interview with the team from YouHoof who actually help us film, and Magenta will be switching instruments."

Based on their looks, Magenta guessed they didn't understand. So she stood up and made her way towards a room by their couches right beside Rainbow, who was really tempted to just pull her into a hug but didn't want to make things awkward. She slid the door open and said, "Ponies can spot me from yards away. If you see a pony with a piano-shaped object or something on their back, it's Magenta Streak. They all know I know how to play the piano. And I have a feeling I'm going to be interviewed about it soon. What they don't know is that I can play Piano, Violin, Drums, and Guitar. During the street interview, just for fun and attention, I'm bringing out my guitar."

Sweetie gasped and stood up. This she just had to see. She eagerly walked around everyone and stood beside Magenta, facial expression, happy eyes, and wagging tail just begging to walk in. Magenta smiled and raised a hoof, inviting her in her instrument room which she quickly bolted into. Synthesizers lined one wall while Guitars lined another. Violins on the one across and Sweetie guessed the drums were somewhere else.

She turned to Magenta and made rapid Hoof Signs, then pointed repeatedly to a dark red synthesizer with more knobs and sliders than the one at her show. "Bright! Interpreter please?" Magenta called. Then told Sweetie, "Bright knows like twelve different languages. She went through so many phases as a kid."

Bright walked in and Sweetie did her signs again. "She asked, 'What is this?'"

"That is a Supersynth. It creates many sounds at that same time. It's polyphonic, which means multiple notes van be played at once, called voices. I can use a total of twenty voices on it with a max of eight oscillators and waveform generators. Complete with an oscilloscope so I can view the waveform, and three envelopes to create hooks, basslines, and plucks. My best Synthesizer yet. I only use it when I make Big Room, Hardstyle, Uptempo, and Melodic Dubstep. Cost four thousand bits."

Sweetie grinned and tapped her hooves together excitedly. Bright chuckled and said, "Now I see what Applebloom sees in you. You're a cute one."

Magenta rolled her eyes and said, "Don't go falling in love, she's already taken. I hope this isn't a sore subject Sweetie, and if it is feel free to shake your head, but what happened to your voice?" She and Bright led her back out of the instrument room and into the frozen visitors who had heard her question. Sweetie wasn't one to really talk about it. It was a very dark moment in time.

Applebloom responded, "Sweetie doesn't really like to—" Sweetie plugged her mouth with a hoof, slightly humoring their superstar friend. Then turned back to Magenta and made a few hoof signs.

"It happened a few days after you left our lives in Ponyville," Bright interpreted. "Applebloom, Babs, and Gabrielle—"

"Gabby!!" Applebloom yelled, startling them and interrupting her girlfriend. She turned to Sweetie Belle and yelled, "We didn't tell her we found Scootaloo!" Babs gasped and turned to Princess Twilight. Magenta and Bright were trying to figure out who Gabby was. Who names their foal Gabby?

"Do you have any scrolls with ya'?" She asked.

Twilight shook her head and answered, "No. And I can't change anything in here into any scrolls."

"You guys need scrolls?" Magenta asked. They looked back and nodded. The two sisters stood up and waved for them to follow out the studio. "You look funny in a Tutu, Bright."

Bright scoffed and wiggled her rear when they turned right, heading back the way they came with the rest of the group. "I think I look cute."

"Say that to the boyfriends we both need and wish we had." They turned right once at the end of the hall and moved towards a pair of wooden double doors at the end of this one, opposite the foyer. "We need some cutie pies to swoon us and not shy away."

"I know!" Bright agreed. "Even the cute ones at school run when I talk to them. It's utterly embarrassing! Especially when somepony's watching! I mean, it's high school! All the ponies there are watching me! So you can only imagine what happens when I'm turned down!"

Babs and Lightning flanked their sides and smirked their way. "So... The stallions, huh?" Lightning teased. "Somepony wants to have a good time."

Magenta grinned and motioned to her sister. "Bright is the one who pulls most of them."

"That's because you never took off your suit," Bright deadpanned. They stopped in front of the doors and pushed them open, revealing a large relaxation area with a library. The ceiling reached higher than they could have ever existed. "I bet that when we hit North Manehattan now all those boys and girls will be hitting on you." The other mares behind them chuckled at their conversation. They were still teenagers. Especially Bright Snow.

Magenta pointed to a table in the center of the room and said, "There are your scrolls. Brightlight, I am drenched in scars. I mean utterly drenched. Like everywhere, if you catch my drift. That High School dating episode pretty much traumatized me."

Bright rolled her eyes and retorted proudly, "I stuffed his stomach with cake, he's more traumatized than you are. Probably still in therapy. And Zephyr just wouldn't look me in the eyes ever since." Bright faced the Princesses and clarified, "Magenta was traumatized in High School when a stallion duped her for our old orphanage bully, Zephyr Diamond. It was Magenta's first date. She promised to never go dating ever again and hasn't so much as even smiled at one that isn't daddy or Sound Boost since. It really hurt her feelings."

The mares fawned over, including Scootaloo's old friends who came back after sending the letter. Applebloom tapped Magenta's shoulder to get her attention and said, "Come on, Scoots... Er, Magenta—"

"You can call me Scootaloo if it makes you feel better," Magenta interrupted, smiling.

Applebloom returned it and said, "Well, Scootaloo. It never hurts to try again. We never stopped trying until we got our cutie marks. And when we did, we helped other ponies get theirs. It was just what we did. When Sweetie gets mad at me, I usually go out of my way to find something to make up for it. Which usually ends up with more... Intimate things."

Magenta snorted and turned to Sweetie Belle who had gone off to check out the books in the library. "Aw, jeez. TMI, Applebloom."

Babs brushed up to Magenta and added, "Just keep flaunting your stuff and you'll get a stallion, or a mare in no time. If that's your thing. You look great, I'm surprised no one has."

Scootaloo shrugged and said, "I really don't actually have 'a thing.' Having stopped dating years ago and refusing any sexual attraction to anypony, I just... Switched off I guess. So I don't really know if I like stallions or mares. I'm pretty much asexual." She leaned into Babs' ear and whispered, "I've signed way too many teats that I'm not even attracted to those anymore."

Babs giggled before Magenta pulled away. Celestia smiled and said, "Well at least we know you are okay. A lot of ponies were greatly saddened when you...left."

"Yeah I'm alright. Anypony wanna hang out? Mom and Dad won't be home for a few hours and they make things a little awkward."

Rarity pointed to her sister and said, "I know Sweetie Belle would like to as well as her friends. However, the rest of us must take our leave. We all have our own duties to take care of."

"And I have to get back to working out," Lightning and Rainbow said at the same time. They glanced at each other then nodded in an unspoken agreement.

"Oh! Well...okay, Lightning, we'll see you later sometime," Bright receded. The others could tell that Bright and Magenta were obviously disappointed by that. "Stop by though, okay?"

"Sure! Come on, Rainbow! You and I have work to do!" They turned around and left the library, followed closely by the sad gazes from Magenta and Bright. Diamond Tiara had a suspicion something was going on between them. But didn't get a chance to question it when Magenta took the stage once again.

"Well Bright'll show everyone out that doesn't want to hang," Magenta said suddenly, grabbing everyone's eyes. "I have to go let them out." Magenta followed the same path that Lightning and Rainbow took, leaving Bright with the visitors. The room sat in an awkward silence for a moment, a drastic change from around fifteen to thirty minutes earlier. Before it was of fear. Now it was of a tense uncomfort.

Bright cleared her throat and broke it with, "Well, if you'll all follow me, I'll take you to the front." She quickly walked towards the doorway while the others shared a knowing look, then followed after.

While they walked, it was somber and quiet. Nopony talked. But Twilight bet her bits that whatever that was about back there had the root of a friendship problem. Thing is, no one's flank was flashing or glowing. Strange. Twilight needed verification.

Breaking the silence, she drawled, "So Bright Snow. You, Magenta, and Lightning Dust are pretty close huh?"

Bright sighed and slowed into the foyer. "Me and Magenta became close the second I snuck into her hospital room when we were fillies. Lightning Dust and the others came in at Quick Hooves, and we stayed tight until graduation. They all left Manehattan a few months afterwards. They see us all the time because we're on TV, magazines, advertisements, interviews, music videos, vlogs, everything. But them?"

Bright opened the door and sighed with a shake of her head. Then turned back and answered, "Never. The Mega-Show in Ponyville was the first time we actually got to speak and see them in over three years. We send them letters and photos, but never get a response. We know they're still kicking it out there because the letters never return. So having Lightning Dust actually come over the next day after the show is a huge relief. But for her to leave in less than thirty minutes..."

She walked out the door and onto the steps of the mansion, where the Royal Guard and Magenta were waiting, watching Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust look at the fence.  Magenta pressed a button on the back of a nearby column, opening the gates and letting them out. They couldn't fly inside of Manehattan Unique.

Bright turned back to the others and added, "So I really don't even think we're...close, let alone really friends anymore. The only ponies Magenta and myself are really close with are our parents, a few ponies at East Manehattan Hospital, Quick Hooves, and Starfire. Even Fuchsia Winds, the manager for the group we toured with. We met in the hospital when we were foals then met up again in middle school. After that, not a zip or a buzz."

Celestia stepped up and asked, "Why don't you go to them? Do you have their addresses?"

"We have all of them, but we can't leave Manehattan unless we're touring."

"What?" The visitors asked at the same time. Magenta turned around and nodded.

"Yeah," she replied. "Our contract with Starfire states that we are not to leave Manehattan so we don't become late to any shows or anything. The only time we actually leave is when we have a show or something out of town. Starfire's reputation is punctuality. They're always on time, all their clients are on time. Every single one of my shows have been on time or even early. No delays. Same with Bright at her dance recitals, and with Songbird and Sea. So we can't just leave town and check on those guys. They have to come to us. That's why we gave them clearance cards and everypony else calls them Honorary Guests. But they never do. We don't even get a response when we invite them through letters. From any of them."

Sweetie Belle stepped into her sights and made a sign that Twilight interpreted. "Can't you just make new friends here in Manehattan?"

Magenta and Bright both shook their heads. "Not when you're us," Bright answered. "We're the top performing artists in all of Equestria. Each time we walk outside of East Manehattan Unique it's autographs, pictures, and music. Pretty much everyday work and questions. Crazy fans asking us to sign teats and then brag about it to their friends. The only friends we really have are rich too and go through the same thing we do. So all we really do is talk business, success, and bits. Questions fly around like, What are we going to do next? Anymore contracts? Nothing small like what's the next movie coming out, a new exciting product from a company, a new cast member on a show. We end up already knowing that stuff wayyy before anypony else because we live in the same neighborhood with the ponies we have questions about. A newsletter comes into our mailbox, spoiling us with early information."

"Bright has a few friends at school," Magenta added. "But even then, it's just to use her for their own potential fame. Bright likes to send in good words for them, then they leave. So this big ol' mansion behind us?" They all followed Magenta out from under the cover of the steps to the loop. Then turned and looked at it. "It stays this way. Quiet, serene, alien. Alone. Everypony knows we live here all over Equestria. But nopony bothers to show when we invite them. It's like they're scared of us or something. Of course being in The Manehattan Elite gives you a pretty bad reputation automatically ever since that guy blackmailed all those innocent ponies. But nopony bothers to know the truth. My family's not in their circle like it seems we are, we just live here and own the biggest house in Manehattan that just happens to be in East Manehattan Unique.

"Mom and dad actually have friends, even at the hospital. But that's because all those ponies actually have simple lives. Worries, frustrations, problems. Simple drama that doesn't hit the television and cause ponies to run up to them in the street. They can go somewhere, sit down, and have a simple and fun conversation. Without like fifty ponies running up and asking for autographs and photos. It's going to become much worse now because everypony wants a photograph with the megastar who finally revealed her face to the world."

Bright shook her head and said, "So, since we can't really hang out with friends and relax with other ponies besides each other, we bury ourselves with work. Getting more bits until we're the richest ponies in Equestria. And just to go out, we donate like millions to orphanages, hospitals, and companies. Homeless ponies, medical bills, all that jazz. Whenever we get home, we either make music in Magenta's studio, practice performing in my dance studio, or make a vlog post in the video studio.

"Relax in the pool in the back, go skating or scootering in the back, or just relax on the balcony or patio, drinking fine beverages that are more expensive than a diamond while watching a few other ponies play golf in the distance. Just for fun, we sometimes try on different clothes to make fun of mom, dad, each other.

"But at the end of the day?" Bright gestured between herself and Magenta. "It's just me and her. Sitting on the balcony in the back and watching the sun set and the moon rise before we go to sleep, then wake up and do it all again the next day."

Nopony said a sound. Even the breeze stopped blowing. Until Magenta pointed a hoof at one of the younger mares. "It's probably nothing, but your butt is glowing." Babs followed her hoof and blanched at the glowing pair of scissors. Her friends gasped and stared at her in astonishment. Then slowly turned to Bright and Magenta. "So uhh... what's it mean?"

Twilight gulped and answered, "Well it means somepony just got the biggest Friendship Mission in history since I became Princess."



After the Princesses and Element Bearers boarded the chariot and rode out of the loop, the gates were closed, leaving the Gold family. Rarity was looking over her shoulder at the immense size of the mansion, which looked even bigger from the sides. It didn't even deserve the term mansion, a castle seemed more like it.

"Thus the life of a megastar, or megastars," she muttered.

Applejack sighed and added, "Yep, that's what fame will do to ya'."

"And it's Babs responsibility now to fix that," Twilight announced. "Oh, boy."

Celestia sighed and said, "I am certain that Babs Seed will figure it out and help them. She is not alone in this. As for Magenta and Bright's situation, the most you can do is help Scootaloo's friends get to her. I know they will want to spend as much time with her as possible now that they've found her."

"They primarily came here to apologize," Pinkie Pie said, finally talking again. "So far, none of that is really working out."

"Then we can at least tell their parents," Cadance suggested. She made a motion with a hoof towards the area in front of them where an orange pegasus with a pink mane wearing a lab coat with a stethoscope around her neck was walking with a gold themed stallion with pretty much the same attire.

Celestia nodded and ordered the guard to slow down the chariot to stop next to them. The two were having some kind of conversation regarding philanthropy or something when they looked up at the large chariot containing the princesses and the Element Bearers. Kind squeaked and immediately pushed her face to the ground. "Hello, your highness!"

"Er... Hello, Kind Goldhoof," Celestia greeted awkwardly. Now she and everyone else could see what Magenta and Bright meant when they said they were far from being like The Manehattan Elite. "We would like to have a word with you two regarding your daughter...Magenta Streak."

She and Maximum shared a look then back up to the Princesses and Element Bearers. "Uhh...okay," Max responded.

"Please jump in," Luna requested. "We have a lot to discuss."


~✶~


After the Princesses left, Magenta and the girls quickly walked back into the mansion and calmly shut the door behind them. Sweetie looked around while Magenta walked forward towards the hallway they were just at. "So what do you girls like to do for fun?" She asked.

"Well I usually like to go out and have a little game of some sort," Diamond Tiara responded in glee.

Magenta and Bright looked at each other. Then back to Diamond. Bright asked, "And what's your name?"

"I'm Diamond Tiara and this is Silver Spoon." Diamond pointed to the gray and silver maned mare beside her, waving wildly and grinning like a mad pony. "We were friends of yours back in Ponyville when we were foals."

"Oh okay. Well how about we show you guys around first. Yeah?" Bright happily skipped away from the group towards the grand stairs. "We'll start with the studios! Because that's where all the action is!!" Magenta chuckled and then waved for the other girls to follow after them.

"You'll have to excuse Bright," she whispered to Babs. "She gets really excited when we meet ponies that don't ask for autographs. Yes, Sweetie Belle you can have one later." Sweetie Belle tapped her hooves together in glee. It was like Scootaloo knew her unasked question by heart!

They walked up the red staircase and then turned right on the walkway into another wide and grand hall filled with photos and more spacious rooms. Apple Bloom stuck her head inside of one and gaped. It was as big as her own, plus the kitchen, and the living room back home in Ponyville!!

Bright stopped for a moment and said quickly, "We're like the smallest family here in Manehattan Unique with the biggest house thanks to big sis."

"So how'd you two actually meet?" Applebloom asked before they continued walking.

Magenta hip bumped Bright and answered, "She snuck into my hospital room and started asking who I was and where'd I come from. Well she was highly disappointed when I told her I couldn't remember. So I asked her if we could just be friends and she immediately perked up. A sad and devastated Bright is the most saddest thing you will ever see. A bright, happy, and way too excited Bright is the one you want."

Bright jumped up and cheered, "YAY!!" Then landed and walked faster towards the double doors at the end of the hall. "Okay! THIS is our video studio. Where we make all of our videos and other things with a few more ponies in the neighborhood. Whenever we're bored, Magenta and myself would usually bring in all types of toys and things, then use those to create something fantastic!" Applebloom could tell Bright Snow was the life of the family here.

Bright walked forward and pushed the doors open into what was definitely a glass room in the back of the house. The second they looked inside, they were looking out of a completely glass wall that displayed the nearby Golf Course, the pool in the backyard, and surprisingly the skate park connected to their house that held tunnels, ramps, and bars to do all sorts of tricks on.

"Come on in! YAY!!" Bright cheered. Then strode right in. But the guests stayed still. Magenta rolled her eyes and then used her head to push them all in. "You know, Magenta actually recorded one of her popular original songs in here. The one you sang when you were in the hospital to mom, 'member sis?"

Magenta nodded and made her way towards the red and blue couches in the center of the room, facing the wall and a bunch of cameras. It looked like the glass wall was the background. "Yep, called Wake Me Up. You helped me put that down on paper when we were at Quick Hooves and I couldn't write yet." Magenta jumped onto the couch before her sister jumped on top of her, right on her back. "Ow! Bright!"

Ignoring her, Bright turned to the mares waiting. "As you can see, we have like the best view in Manehattan Unique. The sun rises and sets right behind the Golf Course. We have a balcony right above this room that Magenta and I usually go to watch it. Immediately after, we head in and hit the bed because I have school and everyone else has work."

Magenta groaned from underneath Bright and grunted, "Yep. Producing and mixing tracks is my job, Bright's is dancing and writing material for our videos. You know, you guys could stay the night if you want."

That was a surprise. Sweetie walked around into Magenta's view and made some hoof signs. Bright nodded and answered, "Yeah! We have like ten guest rooms on the residential floor directly above us. If you do decide to stay, try to keep it down with all those kissing sounds, 'kay? Hey, wanna see our rooms? C'mon!" She finally hopped off of Magenta's back and walked back towards the door. Well skipped was more of an appropriate word.

Magenta sighed and rolled her eyes. But sat up and buzzed the bones in her back then jumped off to lead the others.



When the Princesses said they needed to talk, the Gold family parents were not expecting a flight out of Manehattan and over Canterlot to Ponyville. The parents shared an unsure look as they landed on the road that led up to the train station and to Sweet Apple Acres.

Max turned and asked, "I'm sorry everypony, but why are we here?"

Twilight sighed and answered, "Because this is where everything really began." Everyone piled out of the chariots and gathered in front of the royal one. Twilight cleared her throat. "Walk with us, and we'll tell you everything."

The two shared another glance before they did beside Twilight, followed closely by the others and headed towards town.

"Years ago, there were a band of three fillies," Twilight began the tale. "Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. They had met by chance because they didn't understand Cutie Marks."

Applejack trotted up and said, "Applebloom came in later after Scootaloo and Sweetie caught her at a cutecenara trying to understand what made Cutie Marks special and why she didn't have one. Well those two didn't either. So they banded together and created a secret society."

"Dubbed the Cutie Mark Crusaders," Rarity added. The group walked into the town and waved at a few ponies. "They got into a lot of mischief trying different things to force a Cutie Mark on themselves. And not the small kind. A few known examples were Cutie Mark Crusader Alligator Wrangling, Cutie Mark Crusader Skydiving, things of that nature that were really dangerous."

"Oh my," Kind Goldhoof stated. "Were they ever hurt?"

"Not by any of those crusades, believe it or not," Twilight answered. They turned left onto a road that led towards some pretty dangerous woods cut off by a tall metal gate. "Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were pretty close. I can't recall how they met, but they were friends maybe two years before Applebloom came along. They soon became unbreakable, the friendship of all friendships. Scootaloo had a wing deformity and couldn't fly. So she idolized a friend of ours named Rainbow Dash."

"Element of Loyalty," Max completed. "The first pony to do a Legendary Rainboom. I've heard of her."

"Yes. She and Rainbow Dash were pretty close. So much so that Rainbow decided to teach her how to fly before she actually could. They were all friends. The CMC eventually did get their cutie marks in—ironically—helping other foals find theirs."

Goldhoof chuckled and commented, "How cute."

"Yes. They were all the best of friends. Until one day, a catastrophic event tore them all apart. One almost literally." Twilight lit her horn and walked everyone through the gates into the scary and dark forest. Max draped a protective wing over his wife as they continued, warming Cadance's heart.

"It happened a day before my twenty-first birthday. I was doing my duties at the time so I was not there, but the story was that Applejack had assigned the three to help put up banners for a surprise party. Now these are foals, remember that when I tell you this. Scootaloo was using her hoof to pull up banners while Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were using their teeth. Well the two became jealous and upset that Scootaloo didn't tell them. So they 'pranked' her by flinging her into the air with a banner and starting a chain of events that I will skip."

They ducked underneath a overhead vine. The sound of rushing water hit the ears of the parents before Twilight continued. "It ended up with Scootaloo flying into the square in front of the entire town. Who laughed."

"WHAT?!" Goldhoof yelled. She stopped and stared at her in disbelief. "They laughed at her?!" She turned and faced the Element Bearers who held guilty gazes. "Why would you do that?! What is wrong with you?!!!"

"Anyway!" Twilight said loudly before things could get out of hoof. Thus the scorn of a mother, the basin of anypony's existence. "Scootaloo became—we suspected—utterly embarrassed and humiliated, then ran away. At the time, the town didn't even realize she had disappeared. Until something rocked the entire city to its core that paused all movement."

Max focused on her and asked tentatively, "What happened?" He saw Twilight swallow deeply.

"...a scream. A loud, pain and agony-filled scream. And it was a filly's. I remember working on another form when I heard it and immediately ordered all the foals to be centered in the square so I could do roll call. All of them were there... Except Scootaloo."

"She was the one who screamed," Goldhoof whispered. Twilight led them through a tree line and towards a stream of fast moving water. That's what they suspected.

"Yes, Scootaloo screamed. I immediately requested Celestia and Luna's presence along with fifty Guards. We all began looking for her. A guard spotted her hoofprints in the dirt that led into these very woods along this same path, called the Everfree Forest. Nopony comes in here anymore. We followed those hoofprints, hoping she was okay. What we found devastated everypony in town."

"Our theory," Cadance stated. "Was that Scootaloo ran in here and either fell or jumped in this very river—"

"Oh my faust," Kindhoof interrupted. She and Max faced them and she asked desperately, "Are you saying she could have committed suicide?"

"Highly unlikely, but it was placed on the table. Either way, Scootaloo had gotten in these waves." Cadance pointed at the rapids in front of them, splashing water and sounds onto the shore. "Twilight, Luna, Celestia, and Rainbow Dash had tracked her down the river after Rainbow Dash spotted an abnormality. At the end of these waters are filters, used to chop up items that would clog up the water channel. At the moment, they were stopped up. Rainbow Dash had spotted a small... Orange wing."

"Oh no," Max whispered.

"We immediately tore it apart," Twilight continued. "I peeked inside and saw... Nothing but blood and a second wing. Blood in copious amounts. Scootaloo had been swept downstream, and that scream was when she... Flew into the filters." The parents didn't even breath, allowing that knowledge to sink in.

"We declared her deceased," Luna added. "And this forest was cut off from the rest of Equestria. Her friends, as well as Rainbow Dash, took it the hardest. You met all of them yesterday. They all descended into sadness, depression, then desperation until an attempted suicide."

"It started with Sweetie Belle, Rarity's sister," Twilight added. "The white mare you met who does sign language instead of actually talking yesterday."

"That was Sweetie Belle?" Max asked. "We never asked who she was."

"Yes. And the orange one with the red mane is her lover, Applebloom, Applejack's sister. The same friend. After the tragedy, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle decided to build a memorial." Twilight lit her horn and teleported them all back out of the forest and in the square once more of Ponyville. She pointed a hoof towards the single Apple Tree in the distance on the top of a massive hill that held four paintings. One blue and yellow, the others mainly purple shields. Glowing brightly. "We had retrieved Scootaloo's wings and placed them in a box to at least bury what remained. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle buried them themselves at the top of the Hill of Greatness. And planted apple seeds as a start of a new beginning. Then they deprecated the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The next day, Applebloom informed two other friends in the past that you may or may not remember. A pony and a Griffin named Babs Seed, and Gabrielle. They couldn't believe it, and wouldn't believe it. They managed to bring back hope to Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, who then ran away by following where that water channel went, which was in Manehattan.

"But the worst was yet to come. Sweetie Belle had been degrading and punishing herself because of what happened. So much so that the thought of suicide was on her mind. The night before they left, Sweetie left a suicide note. We immediately sent out a purple note and mobilized the Guard in every city to lock them down and find those fillies. They were spotted in Manehattan. We found Applebloom first, who was looking for Sweetie Belle herself. A few minutes later, we found Sweetie in a terrible position.

"She had somehow gotten her hooves on a magic absorber and was using it to stop us from stopping her from dropping a rock from off the top of a bridge that had a rope wrapped around it and her neck, suffocating her. Sweetie was going to commit suicide in front of us, her family, and friends. Because she felt responsible for getting Scootaloo killed. She felt she didn't deserve to live.

"Rainbow Dash had managed to get her down by telling her own story about thoughts of suicide. The rope had managed to leave a groove in her throat, at the top of the esophagus where the vocal box is. Permanently damaging her throat. She can no longer talk or sing at full volume and resorted to sign language to communicate. None of them were the same after that. Having given up the false hope that Scootaloo was still alive. Until Babs and Gabby confirmed that she was. I don't know if you remember Mrs. Goldhoof. But many years ago, a young Appleloosan filly and a Griffin had shown up to East Manehattan Hospital and asked about a pony that matched Scootaloo's description. You supposedly said she was recently released. Ever since then, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Gabby, Babs, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon who were friends of theirs, have been searching non stop. Finally, after eight years of searching, she came to us. But not as we suspected. She came here..." Twilight looked to Kind Goldhoof. "Because she was touring Equestria."

"...no," Max and Kind whispered.

"Scootaloo is Magenta Streak. Fastest rising star of Electronic Dance Music, Vlogging, and DJ millionaire in Equestria. And the richest teenager in Equestrian history."

Max and Kind looked at each other then at the town around them. The story, Magenta's Cutie Mark that they could see was the biggest on that hill, Magenta's missing wings and all those scars...

"It all makes sense," the two whispered.

"We were at your home earlier after Magenta and her sister suspected those mares were hiding something when she saw them here this morning."

That caught their attention. Kind looked up and asked, "What?"

"They wanted to apologize," Celestia explained. "But your daughter didn't even want to know what happened. Though she and Bright did request that they stick around to hang out."

Kind and Max blinked, glanced at each other, then immediately turned around and took off, heading back to Manehattan. After the dust and coughing cleared, Rarity sighed and exhaled, "I wasn't expecting that."

"I kind of was," Fluttershy responded.



Magenta pushed open the double doors for her large two-floor bedroom. Her actual bed was on the bottom floor while what appeared to be an office sat at the top on a balcony on the side. It was messy with lyrics, instruments, and a lot more things like clothes and underwear littering the floor. Just like a regular teen's.

Bright poked her head in and made a face of disgust. "Ew," she deadpanned. "Magenta you have to clean your room, mine is spotless."

Magenta walked inside and casually used a rear hoof to kick back one of her underwear onto Bright's muzzle. "Ack—yuck! Stop it, Maggy! Gross! These have been in your lady bits!"

Magenta chuckled while Bright threw it back at her. "I need to wash my underwear," she stated. The other girls poked their heads inside and looked at the large area. Magenta stood up and spread out her hooves like at her concert. Then sang in a sing song voice, "Welcome~ to Magenta's lair~! Where dreams come true~~!"

"And where you mastur—" Another pair of underwear were thrown at Bright's face.

Ignoring that, Sweetie made a sign. "You have an office job?" Applebloom translated.

Magenta shrugged then ran up the stairs for her office. She flipped a switch to turn off the lights in the room then turned on a lamp for the desk. She grabbed some gold rimmed glasses and popped them on her face. Then smiled down from behind her desk.

"I have to read analytics and stuff for our videos that I print out," Magenta replied. "I do this at night so I know what we can make next. Along with viewing comments on my computer." She pointed across at the large black square hanging on the wall away from her desk on the opposite side of the room. She pressed a button somewhere up there and turned it on, displaying an animation for a Z27.

"You have a Z27 Mega?!" Babs asked.

Magenta nodded and answered, "Mainly used for business, but Bright and I watch movies on it. I don't make music with it. Come up here, er...."

"Babs."

"Babs Seed! Yeah, we went to school together! Come up here!" Ignoring the looks from her friends, Babs tentatively walked up the stairs and sat down in front of Magenta's desk. Magenta folded her hooves and positioned the lamp on Babs. "You have a lot to explain," she said in mock seriousness.

Babs smirked and asked, "Oh I do?"

"Yes. Tell me, Babs." Magenta sat back and kicked her hooves up on the desk with her eyes still trained. "Why didn't I know your name in high school?"

"Because you stuck with the musicians?" Babs answered, as if it were a dumb question. "Farmers and Musicians don't mix."

"Hmmm... Yeah, that adds up," Magenta responded. "But riddle me this... Is your name really Babs? Or is it Babs Seed?!" Bright sighed and shook her head down below.

Babs glanced around and answered, "It's...both."

Magenta chuckled and shook her head, "No, it's not."

"Maggy makes the lamest attempts at jokes," Bright muttered.

Magenta stood up and glared down to the others over the railing. "Shut up, Bright! And what did I say about calling me Maggy?"

"And what did I say about calling me Brightlight?" Bright fired back. Magenta reached back and picked up another pair of underwear and threw it down on top of Bright again. "Aw, come on!"

While Magenta chuckled, they heard yelling outside the door. "Bright? Magenta? Where are you?"

"Mom? Why is she yelling all of a sudden?" Bright asked. Magenta shrugged before the door burst open. Goldhoof and Max strode into the room and looked around. Then focused on Bright, who still had underwear on her head.

"Uhh... Dear you have... Take those off," Goldhoof instructed. Then locked eyes with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle.

"Mom?" She and Max looked up towards Magenta's office, who was staring down with a confused expression. "Dad? You guys okay?"

They didn't answer. Instead, turned back to Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. Goldhoof slowly walked up with narrowed eyes then loudly stomped her hoof at the last step, making the two jump. "Let me make this very clear," she snarled. Then leaned in really close that they themselves had to lean back. "I will make your life a living tartarus if you ever hurt my daughter...again. Understand?"

Applebloom and Sweetie quickly nodded.

"Yes, ma'am," Applebloom responded.

Goldhoof looked around and pointed to the others. "That goes for the rest of you. Am I clear?"

"Mom, you're embarrassing me," Magenta groaned.

"Am I clear?!" Goldhoof repeated much more sternly. The other mares quickly nodded. Goldhoof nodded once and then smiled again, completely changing personalities. "You're welcome to stay the night. Don't make a mess, and baby please clean up your room and stop throwing underwear at your sister."

Goldhoof turned around and quickly made her way out of that bedroom. Max continued glaring at Applebloom and Sweetie Belle before he too turned and calmly walked out.
> Chapter 24 - First Street Interview
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

That night was pretty tense in the Golds mansion. Kind's warning frazzled the nerves of not only their guests, but their daughters as well. The joking ceased, the questions stopped, the talking itself nearly ended. The party was taken outside behind the Estate where they could see the sunset over the grassy golf course.

The sky was turning a beautiful orange and the sun was dipping beneath the clouds to make room for the moon. All the fillies lied on their backyard balcony, observing the spectacle from the comfort of beach chairs while drinking beverages fit for a king or queen. A little peace and quiet always did the trick away from the corner of fame.

But sometimes, too much quiet was unfitting. Mom and Dad knew something about her past and made it plain and clear earlier when they came back home. Now, the fun times were awkward.

Magenta groaned from the balcony they were on to watch the Sunset, attracting their eyes. "Excuse me," she apologized.

She turned around and made her way back into the estate. Magenta had to talk to her mother about what happened earlier. It ruined the atmosphere terribly. Uncool.

She found her and Max talking in the living room on the second floor drinking tea or something. The lights were dimmed and everything was pretty quiet. When Magenta entered, they ceased their discussion and looked her way.

"Mom, what was that earlier?" She asked. Goldhoof sighed and looked her daughter over. All those scars, missing wings... 

...a catastrophic event tore them all apart. One almost literally... Twilight's voice rang in Goldhoof's head.

She sighed and set down her cup. "Oh, baby...I'm sorry if I embarrassed you or your friends and caused any discomfort."

"Mom, everything was going fine until you two came in with fire in your eyes that burned holes in their souls," Magenta blandly replied.

"Sweetheart, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were the primary reason you were—"

"La la la, don't wanna hear it!" Magenta interrupted.

Goldhoof and Max shared a look before focusing back on Magenta. Max sighed and asked, "Magenta, are you sure you don't want to know? It's very important that you do."

"Yep, don't tell me. Now I have to get ready for tomorrow's interview. Please don't make them uncomfortable, these are me and Bright's first real friends ever since we made it big. And you guys know how hard it is to even make any now. So please don't ruin this for us. And at least for Bright." Magenta turned and headed back to her room to set out her clothes for tomorrow.

Her parents watched her leave then looked at each other with the same thoughts. They knew Magenta and Bright can't really make friends because of who they are. But was it wise to make friends with the same girls who put Magenta in her unfortunate and permanent situation? They almost caused her to die.

"I'm watching them," Goldhoof whispered. "I know Maggy wants to be her own mare now and deal with these things on her own, but I'm her mother and I'm going to watch. I don't care what she says."



While Magenta was preparing, Celestia finally lowered the sun and Luna raised the moon and stars. The group stared up at them with an empty mind before Bright looked over at the five mares beside her, all looking up at the moon. They knew exactly what happened to Magenta. But Magenta herself didn't even want to know. Bright was very curious, but if she found out, she may look at her sister oddly and make her uncomfortable. So she decided to push it aside for now.

Bright stood up and stretched her wings with a loud yawn, attracting the attention of their guests. After smacking her lips, she smiled over  and said, "Well! That's enough for me today! Can I show you to your rooms or do you want to stay up and...whatever?"

The five looked at each other and nodded in an unspoken agreement. Then Sweetie turned to Bright and made some signs. "We'll stay out here for a moment."

"Alright. Well, you know where Magenta's room is, so just go to her for help if you need it. I'm about to turn in. Tomorrow's going to be another day! Yay!!" Bright jumped up and did a little cheer before she turned and skipped into the mansion, leaving the five mares alone.

Once away, Applebloom sighed and turned back towards the moon. "I...was not expectin' any of this," she muttered with a shake of her head.

Sweetie nodded and made a sign Applebloom translated. "I was expecting more of a 'tell me everything that happened', anger and yelling, possibly glass projectiles, and a few more things."

"So..." Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon shared a worried look. "...we stay on the tips of our hooves until that does happen?"

"Apparently," Babs answered. "And I have to get her and Bright to make friends somehow in some unimaginable way. You can't exactly make normal friends if you're a celebrity."

"You can say that again," Silver responded before she turned to Applebloom and asked, "Any response from Gabby?"

Applebloom shook her head and answered, "Not yet. She's more than likely asleep. She goes to bed really early and wakes up really early. Like four in the morning. She'll more than likely bug me and Sweetie at three or something asking where we are. Gabby's not from Equestria so she has no idea what a Manehattan Unique is. Let alone a Magenta Streak. So we'll have to meet her in the morning and get her ready. Let's get to bed."

Applebloom stood up first before the others, then turned and led them back into the dimly lit hallway of the mansion. Remembering the way they came, they traversed around a corner past the long glass windows in the back and towards the high staircase that led to the third floor. Why they needed a third floor was beyond Diamond Tiara. Must be nice to spend this many bits on things you don't really need.

After reaching the third floor, they looked around to find their way to the bedrooms, which were on a very wide hallway. Similar to a lobby.

Babs muttered, "This is a really big mansion." Applebloom nodded in a definite agreement. Then pointed towards the white glow coming out from underneath a pair of wooden ornate doors. Scootaloo's bedroom.

"Looks like she's still up," she whispered, then made her way over to the door with the others behind her. They gathered by it then lightly knocked.

"Come in!" Magenta called. Sweetie Belle pushed it open and peeked inside. Magenta was behind her desk looking across it and over the entire room at the large display of the Z27 Mega, displaying graphs that they could read. She had a lamp trained on her desk, wearing her gold rimmed glasses. Magenta looked down at the door and smiled at the group. "Hey! Sorry about mom earlier, she's really defensive of her kids."

"It's cool," Diamond Tiara responded back. "Listen, tomorrow another past friend of yours that's been searching for you is coming and—"

"You want me to come meet them," Scootaloo finished. "Sure, I guess. What time? I can add it to my schedule." Schedule? The group of gals looked at each other with a strange eye. Scootaloo has a schedule? Magenta's chuckling from above brought them back to the subject.

"It looks like I didn't have a schedule when I was around, huh?" She asked while writing. "Well being me with a lot of interviews, studio time, picking up my sister from school, and having meetings with the label, I pretty much need one. Not to mention when I have online shows, which I have not missed even once. Can we meet with them early?"

Applebloom shrugged and answered, "She's an early bird anyway. Literally."

"Alright. because a lot of ponies get up early in Manehattan to get to their jobs, me included since I have an interview to get to at eleven. So I have to be ready."

"Umm...is five okay?" Applebloom asked.

Magenta nodded and answered, "That's actually perfect. I'll wake up at four and we can catch some breakfast then leave. Everypony in this neighborhood gets up early anyway."

"Great! So uhh...where's..."

Magenta raised a hoof and pointed towards the monitor without looking up from her notes. "The guest rooms are the doors on the side at the end of this hall. We have six I think, so you love birds can either snuggle together, or separate. Doesn't really matter."

"Alright. Good night, Scooter," Babs responded before they turned and made their way out.

Magenta stopped writing and looked at where they were at previously, now vacant. Smiling, she muttered, "Scooter...interesting name for me, Babs." Then went back to work. She had some estimating and planning to do.



Snores filled the mansion at around two. Well, on the third floor. Except for one. Babs could barely sleep. She was in a room by herself, hooves folded on her chest staring up at the ceiling underneath her blankets. Seeing Scootaloo was so... Surreal. They were expecting many reactions when they found her. Yet, she didn't even want to know who they really were, nor what happened. A lot of fireworks were going to pop in their faces in the future. Mainly the Purple and Orange one.

A creak made Babs' ear twitch. She immediately sat up and looked at her door, now slightly ajar. Didn't she close it before sleeping? Babs jumped out her bed and onto the solid wooden floors. Then timidly and quietly walked over. She opened it wider and peeked out, glancing into the long dark halls. The right seemed clear, and the left...

Magenta. She was slowly and calmly walking towards the double doors at the end of the hall. Looks like she couldn't sleep either. But where was she going, and why did she look so droopy? Sad? Scootaloo had her ears pressed against the side of her head and was more quiet than she's been since they spoke to her. Even if it was dark. It was strange seeing the loud musician quiet.

Magenta pulled down the handle of the door and pushed it open. Moonlight seeped out that brightened the hallway before she walked in and closed it back, blackening it once more. Something lied beyond that door.

Babs looked around for anyone else before she followed out herself towards the room that held light. The others were asleep, so it was just her and Magenta. She stopped at the door and peeked through the crack. She could see her behind it. Magenta was directly in the middle of the glossy tiled floors, staring up at the stars through the glass ceiling. She watched Magenta take in a deep breath and sigh. Then lift up her hooves and looked at her scars.

That's what it was. She was embarrassed or something about those scars all over her body. Time to be a friend.

Taking a deep breath, Babs pushed the door open and stepped in. An observatory. A room with walls and a ceiling created entirely out of glass. Magenta didn't even move when Babs walked in. Still eyeing her scars. Seeing Magenta Streak without her hood on made Babs smile. But seeing her sad made her frown. She didn't want to know what Bright looked like when she was sad.

Taking a deep breath, she called quietly, "...Magenta?"

Magenta jumped up and looked back at Babs in surprise. "Oh! Babs, didn't know you were awake!" She responded. Then glanced around for a moment. "Couldn't sleep?"

Babs shook her head and humorously answered, "My door was creepily pushed open by a mare walkin' around the halls."

Magenta blushed and stuttered, "J-Just checking on everypony."

"Nopony else's door was left open," Babs deadpanned.

"Okay fine, just checking on you then." Babs chuckled then walked over to stand beside Magenta and stare at the stars. Magenta followed her gaze and asked, "Like it? I come here whenever I can't sleep and just think about things."

"You and Bright do a lot of thinking," Babs commented.

"Yeah, we do. Mainly because it's what makes us more bits. Now who's Gabby?"

Babs looked her way and answered, "Gabby's a Griffin."

Magenta looked back and asked, "What's a Griffin?" Babs raised an eyebrow. Magenta didn't know what a Griffin was? "I probably learned what a Griffin was in the past. But since I never left Manehattan, I probably forgot."

"Well, a griffin is pretty much a... A large bird, let's just go with that."

Magenta chuckled and asked, "Couldn't remember either?"

Babs playfully nudged her and answered, "No, I just can't really describe her. You'll just have to wait and see, Scooter."

"Was that like a nickname in the past? Or is that just a name you're giving me?"

"Can I say both?"

"Don't see why not."

"Then it's both." The two laughed for a moment before they basked in silence. "So... Why were you sitting out here all sad?"

"You noticed that?" Magenta whispered without ripping her eyes away from the sky. Sighing, she answered, "Can I be honest?" She saw Babs nod in the corner of her eye. "Being a megastar is stressful. But being a megastar with a past that leaves you in...scars for all eyes to see for the rest of your life... I'm worried about tomorrow. I don't know what to say or do."

"Ah. Well... Remember your Megashow? When you finally revealed yourself to the world?"

"It was last night, I can't forget it," Magenta deadpanned.

"Well it was shock and awe at first. Stares. Then there was applause. Everyone cheered for your bravery. At least that's what the newspaper said. You ripped your pants off and exposed yourself in front of millions, pretty brave." Magenta smirked and rolled her eyes. "This time it's the same thing, just without you ripping off your pants. I mean seriously, you ripping off your pants..."

"You loved it when I ripped off my pants," Magenta muttered.

"Anyway, just smile and remember that Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Bright, myself, your parents, and soon Gabby will be cheering you on out there. Especially me, because you and I have talked much more than the others by now."

"Oh, go to sleep." She and Magenta shared another laugh before Magenta casually wrapped a hoof around her shoulders and pulled her into a tight hug. Then whispered, "Thank you, Babs."

Babs smiled and wrapped her own hooves around her in content. "You're welcome, Scooter." She pulled back and asked. "So...the stallions?"

"Well!" Magenta looked back to the sky and answered, "Since nopony knew what I looked like underneath the hood, it was difficult to snag a boyfriend. Most of the time I turn into a siren and sing them my way. Bright has her own technique that involves a lot of mane and tail flips. One time..."



Sleep was the best thing in Magenta Streak's world. And she really hated for it to be interrupted. Especially when that interruption is by a familiar poke and a push. Magenta opened her eyes and growled through her teeth, "Bright, what did I say about interrupting my sleep?"

"...It's Babs." Magenta quickly sat up and looked around. They were still in the observatory. Did they sleep in here? Babs probably just woke up too, based off her tired smile. She stretched and yawned, "It's four in the mornin'. Might wanna get ready. The others I think are already awake, based off of your sister's cheerin' I can hear."

Magenta turned towards the doors and listened closely. Sure enough, she could make out Bright's cheerful voice. "Wakey, wakey, get up already! Stop snuggling, and get ready, jeez! You two are inseparable! Silver Spoon's up! YAY!! Where's Magenta and Babs?"

Babs turned to Magenta and asked, "Should we hide?"

Magenta chuckled and shook her head. "She'll sniff us out. Let's just get ready for—" Bright zipped right through the observatory doors and up to Magenta, shocking her so much, she fell on her back. Bright stared into her purple eyes with eyes full of excitement.

"Up and at 'em, sis! We have a pony to see and an interview to get to!" She grabbed Magenta and pulled her back onto her hooves.

After getting that shock out of her mind, Magenta quickly made her way out behind her hyperactive sister to get ready. After fifteen minutes, she met the group downstairs wearing her signature lipstick, mascara, and eyeshadow. Along with perfume and for some odd reason glitter in her hair. Applebloom also smelled a hint of perfume when she walked past. Just like Magenta told them yesterday, she had switched instruments. There was an electric blue Electric Guitar strapped around her body on her back on top of a purple transparent dress. Nothing too much because you could still see her scars.

Bright rushed to the doors and pulled them open. It was still dark out, but there was a visible blue on the horizon. Bright turned around and stated, "I have never been out in the dark before if it wasn't at a concert."

"I have," Magenta responded before she trotted down the steps with the others behind her. Bright closed the door and eagerly followed along.

"I bet," she responded. "All those birthday parties in the past and raves."

The group began their trek towards the gates of the fence, listening to the muted sounds of the neighborhood. Even though the mansion was at the end of the street, there were still some homes directly in front of them. This mansion had to be the pinnacle of Manehattan Unique. Magenta pressed a button on the back of the gates like Bright did yesterday and popped them open. Then pulled them all the way out and lead them all out into the neighborhood. Then pulled them closed once more.

Just like Magenta said, it was a little busy. Rich ponies stayed busy it seemed and never stopped working. Unlike the lower class of Equestria. While they moved, the visitors stayed close behind Magenta and Bright. Their neighbors eyed them carefully. Narrow eyes behind gold-rimmed glasses like Magenta had when she's doing office work.

"Don't worry." Bright Snow said. "As long as you stick with us you're safe. They won't try to throw you out or anything."

The visitors nodded, but that didn't appease them until they finally arrived at the gate. The guard on the inside of it, pressed something inside of his shed and opened it up, letting them out into the quietness of East Manehattan. The streets were barren, the many Manehattanites present yesterday evening having gone home to rest and prepare for the next day which was today. Manehattan Unique was technically connected to the city. So the second they stepped out of the neighborhood was the same second they walked into the granduer.

Magenta looked around and asked, "So... Where's your Griffin friend?"

Bright looked over and asked, "What's a Griffin?"

"I think it's a large bird."

Applebloom smirked and shook her head. Babs told her that. Definitely Babs. She answered, "Gabby sent me a letter at around three this morning and said she was meeting us in Manehattan Park."

"That's nearby," Bright informed them. "Walk a half mile, then turn left and continue. It should take us twenty minutes at our current speed—"

"Without interruptions," Magenta interrupted. "Anypony hungry? We can get you breakfast without a problem." The group muttered their agreements. "Alright, well I'll have my sister make a quick stop. For one she can get it far faster than I can, and two she's not the main star of the interview today."

Bright sighed and nodded happily. "And I am glad about that," she announced. Then ran forward and took off into the air, leaving them with Scootaloo.

While they watched her fly off, Magenta kept walking, not even paying attention. "Come on, we're burning peace here." The others looked back and scrambled to keep up with her. Babs wondered if Scootaloo was always such a fast walker. She had walked maybe thirty feet within a few seconds. Sighing, she followed along.

Magenta looked over her shoulder and added, "Bright can spot us from the air and easily land without scaring you too much. And have a full bag of food on her back at the same time."

"Aren't you a Pegasus?" Diamond Tiara asked.

Magenta shrugged and answered, "I'm a Flightless Pegasus. A Pegasus without wings. So I guess you can call me a Pegasus. All Pegasi are Pegasi because they have wings. The only thing I can do is manipulate the weather apparently. You know where I always wanted to go?" Sweetie Belle popped in front of her and made a hoof sign.

"Where? Las Pegasus?" Applebloom translated.

Magenta shook her head and answered, "Cloudsdale. Out of all of my known years being here in Equestria, I have traveled mostly every city except Cloudsdale. Why? Because everypony thought I was an Earth Pony or something. So I couldn't actually walk on the clouds. So everypony up there can only view me online, in another city, or at Ponyville like recently."

They suddenly turned left down a street and walked faster. There were other ponies out and about here. They needed to stay out of sight. Sort of hard to do since you're the only pony with a guitar on your back. Luckily, they walked past without incident and stayed out of their fandom's eyes when they hit the main street where the park was.

Upon entry, Magenta sighed in nostalgia. She had actually done a performance here many years ago for a touring group of foals. She was going to talk about that later on today during the street interview, definitely.

Applebloom stepped forward and pointed towards a certain point. "There she is!" She announced. Magenta followed her hoof and saw the most weirdest sight. Just like Babs said, a large bird. She had a completely round head with a lot of feathers, paws for rear hooves and claws for front hooves. She had a pair of brown bags on her back that held something in them that were large enough to be bulky. She was standing on top of the bridge she and Bright would watch the water from, searching with outstretched wings.

That bridge served a different reason in Sweetie and Applebloom's past.

"GABBY!!" She looked their way and immediately smiled when Applebloom called her. "We found her!! And you'll never guess where!!" Gabby jumped off the ledge and onto the stone. Then ran straight for them.

"Scootaloo!! Oh my gosh!!" Scootaloo squeaked before the one known as Gabby tackled her into a giant hug, squeezing her tightly. "You're alive, you're alive!! Oh my gosh!!"

Magenta grunted and said, "Er...yeah. You're...a Griffin?"

Gabby pulled back and looked her over. Her smile turned into a look of confusion when she asked, "You...wear makeup?"

"Yeah. I can't exactly be a star without looking beautiful," Magenta responded. "And your name is..."

"Oh yeah! I was told you may have forgotten your memories years ago. I'm Gabrielle, one of your friends when you were in Ponyville. I'm so happy to see you alive, you have no idea!" She ran forward and engulfed Magenta into another hug.

Magenta coughed and stated, "I think I'm going to die if you continue hugging me." Gabby pulled back and looked her over again before Sweetie stepped in, making sign language that confused Gabby even more. What the hay happened over these last eight years?!

Applebloom translated for her. "Scootaloo had been in plain sight for many years. But we couldn't, nor could anypony else, recognize her. She is crazy on a piano and more."

Magenta turned to her and explained, "I'm a famous musician here in Equestria. Me and my sister, who does more dancing than actual music."

Gabby raised her eyebrow and asked, "Sister?"

"MAGGY!" They all looked up at the sky the second Bright landed in front of them with a bag full of food on her back. She smiled and turned to Magenta. "So I got breakfast, we have a long day, eat up!" She tilted her body and used her wing to drop the bag on the ground. Then leaned in and started tossing food out to the visitors with her mouth. They all ended up catching it in their hooves, including Magenta who merely did it with one. She was used to the way Bright worked by now.

With a smirk, Magenta motioned towards her with the food and thanked her. "Thanks, Bright. You have no idea what it's like when I try to walk into a casual restaurant. Even the employees go haywire."

"Puh, you have should have seen what happened when I walked in," Bright responded. "All , 'Oh my faust, it's Bright Snow! Can I get an autograph?!' It was ridiculous—oh hey!!" She ran right up to Gabby, nearly pushing her to the ground. "I'm Bright Snow. Magenta Streak's sister. You've probably heard of us?"

Gabby stared at her in surprise and slowly shook her head. Magenta and the others muffled their laughter at her facial expression. "I have absolutely no idea who you are."

"WHAT?!" Bright yelled then turned back to the others. Pointing at Gabby, she yelled, "How is this possible?! Everypony in Equestria knows who we are!!"

"Yeah, Bright," Magenta agreed. "That's every pony. She's a Griffin, not a pony. They don't even know what EDM is, let alone bits."

"Wait wait wait hold on!" Gabby yelled, getting everyone to be quiet. She jumped back on her paws and claws, pointed at Bright and asked, "You're...Scootaloo's Sister?"

"Who? you mean Magenta?" Bright interpreted. She pointed to Magenta who was busy looking her Guitar over. Sweetie Belle was a little interested too. "Yeah, I'm her sister. We grew up together. I'm sixteen, she's nineteen. And she has a BIRTHDAY COMING UP, WHOOO!!" Bright wrapped a hoof around Magenta and shook her around a little.

Magenta gasped and shot an annoyed look to her sister. "Bright! You weren't supposed to tell anypony that!" She scolded.

"Sorry, couldn't help myself. By the way, you may wanna hurry up. I saw others already out and about. Let's make this quick."

The girls looked at each other then back at the two sisters. Babs muttered, "Uhh, Scooter? Your birthday is—"

"April thirteenth, yeah," Magenta interrupted with a smile. "Yeah, mom gave it to me on Bright's ninth birth—"

"MAGENTA STREAK!!" They stopped talking and turned towards a mare in a business outfit rushing over from behind Gabby. Then slid to a stop right beside Magenta. "Oh my gosh, Can I please have your autograph on my laptop bag? And a picture? Please?" She asked desperately.

"Er...sure," Magenta responded. The mare reached into her bag and pulled out a marker that Magenta took in her teeth. Along with a Z4. Then lifted up the bag itself. Magenta leaned in and quickly scribbled her name in cursive. Then slashed through it diagonally for a streak. The mare squealed and retrieved the marker when Magenta presented it back to her. Then quickly took the picture with her.

"Oh my faust, thank you so much! You have no idea how much I loved Wake Me Up! I can't wait to watch your interview on YouHoof when you and Bright tell your stories!!"

Magenta smiled and nodded. Then responded, "I'm glad you will. You're in for a heck of a tale."

"I can't wait! Eee! Thank you!" She turned around and quickly made her way to work.

Magenta turned back to the others and announced, "That's our cue to go. When we're spotted by one pony many more will follow. We'll never make it to YouHoof. Let's move, Bright. YouHoof awaits. You girls can watch on one of the televisions in the city, head home, eat breakfast, catch up, I don't know." Magenta turned and weaved back for the city with Bright. Leaving the others behind.

Gabby watched them leave, then asked, "What... Was that?"

Applebloom sighed and answered, "You'll just have to see for yourself. Come on, we have an interview to watch. And a few past to tell you."



The YouHoof headquarters were located deep inside of East Manehattan, right beside another corporate office. It was tall, glass, and had its logo at the very top in red and white.

Outside of its six-door entrance, a video crew outside its doors setting up for a walking street interview. A security rope had been placed around where the stars of the hour would be sitting at before they began the movement and security was already on-site setting up points of observation. The host, Blue Lily, had heard that they were already in the building. But she had yet to see them.

Fiddling with her microphone, she looked it over before clipping it to the collar of her light blue and silver dress that matched her coat, short silver mane, and tail perfectly. Now if only she could get something to match her yellow eyes she'd be amazing.

One of the technicians leaned over and whispered, "Three minutes." Then darted back to where they were before.

Blue Lily nodded then trotted over to take a seat in her own chair. "Okay, Blue," she whispered to herself. Then took a deep breath once more. "You got this, just a couple of millionaires, nothing more, nothing less."

A few blocks down in a fast food restaurant, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and their friends were explaining to Gabby about who Magenta Streak was, what she does, who Bright Snow was, and what EDM was. Along with a concert, DJ-ing, and producing, and the riches they accumulated.

Gabby calmly sipped her drink and listened the whole time until Babs said "The end". Gabby removed the straw from her beak so she could speak. "So you're telling me that she flew through a pair of filters, ended up in Manehattan, and then became a super-musician years later with a sister who is the best dancer, and now lives in a mega-mansion in East Manehattan, the richest area in Equestria?"

The group of five looked at each other. Then turned back to Gabby. Sweetie nodded her head, giving her her answer. Gabby chuckled and said, "Stop bucking me around and tell me what's really going on."

"Gabby, we're tellin' the truth," Applebloom responded around a mouth full of hayfries. "This is her, you saw her yourself." Sweetie Belle poked her side, getting her attention. Then pointed at the television behind the counter. There was a YouHoof logo on the screen. "And it looks like she's about to start the interview."


***


The crowd behind YouHoof's security line that started at the door cheered as the host introduced herself in front of the doors to the building. "Hello, everypony! And thank you so much for joining us at this hour! Recently, YouHoof decided to interview the stars and largely viewed channel in YouHoof history." The image on the televisions switched to clips of Magenta Streak and Bright Snow doing live shows and concerts while she continued to speak. "They've made their channel, reached over five hundred million subscribers, and one of the stars just recently revealed herself in front of millions live, give it up for The Gold Sisters, Magenta Streak and Bright Snow!"

The front doors of the building opened to let the two out at the same time. Bright stepped out first and calmly waved at the big and loud crowd, followed by Magenta without her coat and hood. Everyone cheered even louder as she smiled and waved. After shaking a few hooves, the two calmly made their way over to the three chairs setup in front of the YouHoof sign. Blue Lily greeted them with a shake of their hooves, then gestured for them to climb up on the chairs and take a seat as the crowd continued cheering.

After a few seconds, they all simmered down and paid attention. Blue Lily huffed with a smile and greeted, "Bright Snow. Still in High School and already hosting shows and original recitals. Magenta Streak, who looks way different without her hood. How's it feel to be where you guys are now?"

Magenta and Bright sighed. Bright answered, "Eh, it's pretty good."

"Pretty good?" The host repeated. Then giggled and commented, "Surely you mean something better than 'Pretty good.'"

"Well we love doing shows and such," Magenta inputted. "We're ready for a break right now though with the music. I've been releasing one song every two weeks for the last few years. Time to relax for awhile. At least a week."

Bright pointed at herself and added, "Especially me. I do a lot of movement and need to catch up on school."

Blue Lily nodded and said, "I agree you girls have done a lot for the last few years. And I'm sure everypony all over Equestria knows by now. As well as who Magenta looks like without her hood!" The crowd cheered as the camera positioned on her face, adorned with makeup. Magenta blushed and waved at the camera at the same time the sunlight breached through the clouds and hit the glitter in her hair. "I must say, nopony was expecting what we saw underneath your suit. On YouHoof or in body." The cameras zoomed out to get a full display of Magenta's body. Even underneath the transparent purple dress the scars stuck out. "But we all agree I'm sure that it does not negate your beauty at all."

Magenta grinned and responded appreciatevly, "Thank you, I try to get past it with makeup."

"Well you look stunning. Now we usually see you with a Piano or something on your back, right?"

"Yes, a Synthesizer."

"Most of the ponies on myStable have probably posted about you replacing it with a Guitar by now. What's up with that?"

Magenta laughed and answered, "While most ponies know I can play piano, I actually play four instruments." Everyone around fawned in surprise.

Blue Lily leaned in and whispered, "Four instruments?"

Magenta grinned and nodded. "Yeah, Piano, Guitar, Drums, and Violin. I learned how to play Piano and Guitar when I was maybe sixteen and Drums and Violin when I was eighteen."

Bright wrapped a hoof around her neck and added, "When Magenta plays in the studio it makes your ears ring, it's so loud."

"I bet," Blue Ivy agreed. "Magenta's songs have gotten a lot louder and more wild. Now from what we've seen on YouHoof, you can also DJ."

"Yeah, Magenta and I actually learned at the same time. Whenever she's out handling business, I'm setting up the decks for our next live show."

Magenta added, "Bright's songs for shows are usually picked where she can dance. So a lot of simple stuff are used for that reason on our shows. Something I can sing to."

The crowd cheered again before they continued. "That's great. Your online shows, so says the rumor, actually give you a lot more attention then doing tours. Correct?"

Magenta and Bright spoke at the same time, nodding their heads all the while. "Oh yeah," Bright answered slowly. "Like when we first started performing it was for free, you know? Just like any other YouHoof star out there. Then Magenta's songs called Wake Me Up and the other one's views grew. So we quickly monetized it. After that, Magenta started doing online DJ sets. Our first one..." She turned to Magenta and asked, "How many was it again?"

"Like twenty thousand," Magenta answered.

"Twenty thousand bits the first time. But that was in Manehattan. When we expanded, things grew. Our tours make us a lot of money too, but our longest one which was about a month only got us both five million. Thanks to our online shows, within that same time frame, we both made eight million bits. Each."

The crowd fawned then clapped again while they waved.



The ponies in Ponyville were staring at the television with mouths open in shock. Those from Ponyville but in Manehattan were no better.

"What...the...buck?" Applebloom muttered. They made that much in a month?!!

Blue Lily nodded and asked, "Well I'd say it was pretty much worth it, huh?"

Magenta nodded and answered, "Oh yeah. But eventually, we began getting too many bits. So we donate to shelters, hospitals....orphanages of course."

"Speaking of, you two ready to start your stories?" Magenta and Bright nodded and hopped out their seats with Blue Lily. Then began to direct her away from in front of YouHoof. Security escorted them along as they walked, cameras trained on their faces as they moved.

"Let's start with Bright Snow."

"Alright," Bright agreed. "When Magenta and I first met, I was eight years old in the hospital for shattered wings. The balcony on my family's apartment had broke, sending me and my parents to the ground from twenty stories up. I couldn't fly yet, no matter how much I wanted to. My wings were underdeveloped. I survived...but my parents didn't."

Those watching fawned in sadness. Even the Element Bearers watching in the castle in Ponyville.

"That's so sad," Fluttershy whispered.

"They kept me in the hospital for eight months while my wings healed. A lot of doctors. But when Magenta was rolled in it was pure chaos. All you hear blaring through the hospital is Code Purple, Code Purple!"

Magenta recalled her tale "Mom told me the story. I had washed up on a beach in Manehattan Park, bleeding. All cut up and gone. So much so that they had to cut off the water in the entire city because there was so much." Twilight and everyone else in Ponyville nodded. They figured that. "She said they put me on a stretcher and carried me into a chariot, and that I died on the beach, then again inside the chariot after they brought me back. Then again in the hospital. They said a major artery had been severed in three different places. So technically, a large vein carrying blood to my brain was leaking blood in three different places and that that may have been the cause to my Dissociative Amnesia and Dissociative Fugue. No blood was going anywhere. Everything had stopped."

While everypony was listening with slightly opened mouths, Magenta pointed towards the top floor of the hospital a few feet away. "The operation to save my life was downstairs, but they rolled me upstairs right after. Three days later, I wake up and meet Nurse Goldhoof, Doctor Sore Health, and finally...Bright. Meeting her was the most strangest."

"Go ahead! Tell us!" Blue Lilly stated. The crowd around them cheered them on. Applebloom and the others were also interested.

"Alright," Magenta chuckled. "Well I remember eating lunch or something in my bed, I'll never forget it. It's a treasured memory. Then I fall asleep. Next thing I know, I feel a hoof poking me, and a little voice asking..." Magenta cleared her throat and spoke in a filly's voice. "'Hey, are you awake?'"

Bright shrugged and said, "I snuck into her room. I love meeting new ponies."

"Yeah. She snuck in and asked if I was awake. Well we talked for a bit and became friends. After I learned she lost both of her parents, and nopony could find mine, we sort of depended on each other after that. Bright took care of me with my struggles to move, read, write, and learn, and in turn, I took care of bright by being her big sister. I'm older than her. She just hit a weird growth spurt."

They continued down the street and turned onto a busy mall of restaurants. "Now your music?" Blue Lily asked. "And your dancing?"

"My music," Magenta repeated. Then sighed. "My music... Oh boy. The first song I ever sang was Wake Me Up. Except without written lyrics. The story was that Doctor Sore Health had heard me humming and told our mother—Nurse Goldhoof—about it. She was changing out my bandages and told me what he said, and asked if I could sing for her sometime. Well Nurse Goldhoof was my first friend in there, so of course I said yes. Well around two days later, during my scheduled nap time, I told her I was ready to sing to her. She wanted me to nap first, but I was afraid I was going to forget my lyrics so I asked to do it then. She allowed me."

"When Magenta..." Bright started. "Sang Wake Me Up...everypony stopped what they were doing and listened. Even the little babies, the much younger ones. Parents, doctors, the whole unit was silent."

"A friend we knew named Fuchsia Winds—the manager for AJR—was actually in the hospital too for a stomach bug I think. She told me I sounded amazing. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be a singer like Songbird."

"After the hospital," Bright took over. "We were moved to an Orphanage called Quick Hooves. Where we met the others. And everything happened. After that, our lives grew. Be ready for the next part. Because it's going to blow your minds."
> Chapter 25 - YouHoof Specials
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After a few minutes of walking Magenta, Bright, and YouHoof stopped in front of the gates for Quick Hooves Orphanage. The building about as big as their mansion. "We started off here inside Quick Hooves," Bright explained to the many fans. "This is a quiet neighborhood, but that's probably because everypony's watching us right now, at work or school... You know."

Magenta walked over to a buzzer and did something before the gates popped open. Bright pushed them the rest of the way, then walked in with everyone else. "We can show you around right now since it's eleven," Magenta explained. "All the foals are in school." They walked through the loop and soon through the doors of the orphanage after Director Diamonds let them in with smiles and kind greetings.

Bright pulled her into a hug then turned back to the host while Magenta did the same. "This is director Platinum Diamonds, the Orphanage Director." Director Diamonds smiled and waved. They had already asked if she wanted to be interviewed. So she, along with a few matrons signed a consent form to be seen on TV and YouHoof.

Blue Lily walked forward and asked knowingly, "What was it like?"

Director Diamonds huffed and answered, "We kept Bright away from sugar, and since Magenta was still injured and had 'Super Amnesia', as the foals called it, patience was very much required."

Magenta poked in and joked, "We shared a small bedroom."

"It was not small," Diamonds denied. Then turned to the cameras shaking her head. "It wasn't small, don't listen to her. It was big enough for two queen sizes to be across from each other with a full wooden desk and large closet. It is anything but small."

"How about small for Bright?" Magenta and Diamond grinned to Bright Snow before she moved on to get rid of her blush.

"We ate a lot of cookies," Bright said quickly. "The back was the playground, but Magenta and I have only been out there once or twice because Magenta was recovering from the gashes and cuts and could barely move."

Magenta nodded then waved them along to the left, headed for the living area. It was filled with toys, books, and a television. "I was wrapped up in white gauze, a lot of gauze. So instead of going out, me and sis would sit here on the couch and read, talk with friends, things like that. Now the first time I sang in front of ponies was on Bright's ninth birthday. When Bright's parents died, she didn't want a birthday party. Including presents."

The Element Bearers and Princesses turned to Pinkie Pie's frozen face of horror. Bright nodded and confirmed. "That's right, I didn't want one because I always had a private party with just mommy and daddy."

Magenta shook her head. "I was not going to let that slide. So on her birthday, I wrote some lyrics down and added them to my book of lyrics. I memorized them, I found a song on my radio that matched perfectly, then I met Bright outside when she got back from school. I didn't know how to make music then."

Bright pointed towards a window and added, "She stalked out of a pair of bushes blasting music. Then began singing. It was the most sweetest thing, because Magenta was really scared of singing in public. Like shaking-in-her-hooves scared. Yet she crawled out those bushes and sung loud and proud."

"Anything for my little sister," Magenta responded. Before slapping Bright's outstretched hoof and hip bumping with her. "Fast forward, Hearth's Warming. I had gotten my gauze removed by this time. So that's when clothes started happening. Mom and dad showed up with...nothing. Because our presents were upstairs. Bright didn't like Max, our father dating Nurse Goldhoof, our mother. She thought he was trying to take her away from us. So she made all kinds of traps to 'catch him in the act'. One included him underneath a very big net."

Director Diamonds nodded and said, "I still have the video your mother took on Hearth's Warming." She waved them towards the television and set it up. "I already put it in. It was sooo cute. Magenta had no idea what adoption meant. Or a video camera." The video started off with two tiny versions of Magenta and Bright wearing Hearth's Warming clothing decorating Maximum. Another filly was dangling a yoyo in front of his face while they messed with his mane.

After they heard Goldhoof speak for a few seconds, Magenta and Bright rushed over looking her over. Well Magenta was more interested in the camera. She sniffed the lense and asked, "What is this, Ms. Goldhoof?"

"It's a video camera. Say hi, girls!"

"Hi girls!"

When they got their presents, Bright and Magenta didn't know how to do it. So Max walked behind Bright and showed her. Magenta was looking over and copying what he was doing. After they did and read the sheets, Magenta asked, "What does adopted mean?"

"It means you have a mommy and daddy who will love you just the way you are," Goldhoof answered before the camera turned to Bright.

Director Diamonds paused it and said, "Warning? Bright's going to cry. And when she cries, you might too." Then pressed play.

They watched Bright as she read it over. "Bright~?" Bright looked up at the camera with a look of sadness. "Are you okay?" The Princesses in Canterlot fawned over at her hopeless blue eyes.

Bright blinked. Then set the paper down and walked over to hug Nurse Goldhoof's hoof, bury her face, and start crying. They heard Magenta gasp. Then quickly scurried over to check on her. "Oh no! Bright's crying!" Little Magenta darted over and hectically began asking questions until she finally understood what was going on. Then began crying too.

Real life Magenta pointed at the television and fawned, "Awww, Bright was so cute. She was all small... And I was all big." The cameras zoomed back out on Magenta and Bright.

Bright harumphed and waved at Magenta while smirking at the cameras. "Magenta's always had a thing for being the older sister, and likes to brag about it. News flash, Magenta? Everypony likes the younger ponies. You're about to get old in a few weeks."

"Pffftt, twenty isn't that old." She turned and began to walk towards the door. "Thanks for letting us stop by, Ms. Diamonds!"

"You're welcome dear!"



After they finished up at the orphanage, the television and vlog crew followed the two out of East Manehattan, and into West. Where apparently that's where their most famous songs really took notice. Magenta pointed at some of the small more older buildings and said, "Humble beginnings. Bright, dad, mom, and myself grew up in one of these homes and didn't actually move to Manehattan Unique until after three years when our video first trended."

Bright poked in and added, "Magenta had a small bedroom, I had a small bedroom, mom and dad had a small bedroom, no huge computers, Magenta only had one synthesizer, humble. Well, to us."

"WHOO! MAGENTA'S SO HOT!" Everyone stopped and turned to the right at a crowded skatepark, filled with millennials. All of them were watching them pass by with grins, pointing and waving.

Magenta could feel that teardrop on the back of her head. While Bright chose to snicker, Magenta chose to continue. "Th-this skate park was actually hung out at when I wanted alone time. By me. I learned how to skate here too."

"Anyone you know that still lives over here?" Blue Lily asked.

Bright shrugged and answered, "A few neighbors. And possibly that stallion that called Magenta hot. Told you somepony was going to say something."

Magenta shrugged and continued the tour. "I barely dated my whole known life. I'm not going to show where we grew up because somepony may have moved in by now, but we do have family photos in front of the home." After West Manehattan and a small autograph signing, Magenta led them all back to East Manehattan. Then stopped in front of the same restaurant where Applebloom and everyone else were watching from. They quickly resorted to the windows.

Bright motioned to the spot in front of the doors and cheered, "Right here! This..."

"Was where..."

"Magenta Streak was born!" Bright and Magenta cheered at the same time. They slapped each other's hooves and bumped each other's hips before Magenta took over. "When YouHoof first came out, Bright and I quickly began creating content. Not much as we do now, but we still did. We gathered our allowance money, bought a camera and computer, and started doing it. But they weren't reaching many ponies, if any at all."

Bright turned around and added, "We realized that our videos weren't getting a lot of views due to the lack of word-of-mouth, not word of mouse. So Magenta and I were out and about, wayyy too shy to say anything. Until we heard a few street performers. Magenta and I started listening, bobbing our heads like regular ponies until Magenta stalked out singing along. All eyes were focused on her, and the guys we called G6. They got the message and continued playing. Everypony had their phones out recording 'amazing street-singing filly'. Magenta was fifteen and I was thirteen."

"After the song ended," Magenta took over again. "Bright began telling ponies about our Youhoof channel. Our views spiked over one hundred percent. So the next time we saw those guys, I did it again and Bright began publicly dancing. Our views gradually began to climb over time each time we published a video. Then I began mixing. I bought my first DJ set when I was sixteen. And made a thirty minute mix of my original songs when I finally learned how to use it. I put it out on YouHoof and the regular views doubled. Those guys saved our channel just by playing out here. We're all good friends here in East Manehattan now. And tend to talk from time to time when we can."

"Next up... Drum roll!" Bright pretended there was a set of drums in front of her. Then stopped and whispered, "Our success story. A lot of you have been asking about it, so 'Mystery Magenta' and I agreed to tell ya'."

Eveeyone watching or listening fawned and quieted down to hear. Magenta cleared her throat and began the tale. "It all began with the rooftop video. By this time, we had managed to get our hooves on some hardcore cameras. And I had managed to get a new track finished called, Ready For Love. I'm sure everypony here has heard about it."

"If I may," Blue Lily interrupted. "What exactly inspired you to make that track?" Bright and Magenta both seethed through their teeth. "Bad memory?"

"Terrible," Magenta answered. "I was duped at a high school dance for another pony. And that was because I was wearing my hood for promotional purposes. Bright gave him a phobia of chocolate cake because of it. Anyway, we did the rooftop video and uploaded it. Around twenty-five thousand views at first. A few months later, I'll never forget it, Bright and I head to East Manehattan High for school. We walk inside and make way for the cafeteria. Synthesizer on my back with the hood, Bright in her cheerleading outfit. We push the doors open, step in, and everypony cheers and rushes right for us."

"What?" Applebloom asked.

Babs nodded from the side and said, "I remember that day. Autographs are next."

Bright poked in and added, "They had grabbed their stuff and were pushing it towards us, begging for autographs and taking photos on Z4s. Magenta and I? No idea we had went viral. None. So we're standing there a little freaked out, but did in fact sign. After around ten sigs, we ran and they followed."

Magenta added, "We ducked into a library and met up with two friends whose identities will remain a secret. They're really smart and actually helped us with Marketing. We asked them if they knew what was happening... And they showed us the analytics."

"Ready for love on the music video had reached twenty million in... Are you all ready?" Everyone listening nodded. "Alright, here we go. Two......nights." Everyone once again gawked. "I'm not joking. In two nights, Ready For Love had skyrocketed from over twenty-thousand to over twenty million. And the original mix was over forty. And you wanna know what else? This is definitely going to blow your mind, tell 'em Bright."

Bright leaned in and whispered to the camera, "It was all... By chance. We got insanely lucky. As I'm sure you can tell, boosting like that is extremely rare, next to impossible. A friend of ours in school actually had a theory that explained it."

Magenta nodded and explained, "Somepony in Manehattan who were first starting out on YouHoof had created a song with Ready For Love as the title. Our friends theorized they had shared it with their own friends and family possibly outside of Manehattan. Well by chance, our video popped up first because of YouHoof's algorithm. So they clicked it, became impressed, and shared it by telling friends. Those friends watched it, also became impressed, shared with their friends. They did the same, and so on and so forth until we reached around one hundred million views."

"So technically, somepony else inadvertently helped you reach the top," Blue Lily concluded. "Quite the day, huh?"

Magenta chuckled and waved them along. "Definitely. We Immediately monetized both the Original Mix and Roof Video, and gained a few million. Soon after, we uploaded a thank you video to YouHoof then uploaded another House track that had the same result as last time. Our subscriber count grew really fast. Our parents were way proud and our friends were too. Eventually, Starfire reached out to both me and Bright. We talked, signed an agreement, and are now doing tours around Manehattan. Then finally and really recent, our first nationwide tour. Crystal Empire was great, but Ponyville was a party."

"I'll say," Blue Lilly responded. "So have you uncovered anything about your past ever since you left the hospital when you were younger?"

Magenta huffed and responded, "In a way....yeah. I still don't know what happened and I don't think I even want to know. But I have finally uncovered a few things. Such as my real name which will be kept to myself, Bright, my parents, and a few ponies who told me. I also learned where my hometown was before. Which will also be private... For now."

Bright rolled her eyes and continued their tale. "Magenta was always the musician. So she has a lot of instruments. We have three studios at the house, and two in the city. One at Starfire and another that Magenta herself bought."

"That's our next stop," Magenta added. "My penthouse that I turned into a studio. I could actually live there if I wanted to, but I don't want to leave Bright behind. And mom too, she's... eh."

Blue Lily leaned in and asked, "She doesn't want to let you go?"

Magenta shook her head. "Nope. I'm still her little filly. The penthouse is in the direct center of East Manehattan. So it's pretty easy to get to." Applebloom and everyone else inside of the restaurant turned around and watched the television again. They were in front of the windows a second ago, now are out on the sidewalk once more.

Sweetie Belle sighed and made a bunch of Hoof signs with her eyes trained on the table. Applebloom interpreted, "'Jeez, Scoots was doing a lot in eight years. And we were never around.' I'll say. I just want to see her downtown studio now. Maybe we can stop by her place later?"

Babs shrugged and answered, "Well that would be nice. But we don't have a card to get in. You know that place is extremely private. I only went in once my entire life, and that was yesterday. It was really nice though. Her mansion is huge."

Gabby leaned in and whispered, "How huge we talkin'?"

"Three stories with a dance studio, a music studio, a video studio, a two floor bedroom with a Z27 Mega in her room. I didn't get to see Bright's room yet. A large kitchen with a lot of food, a massive living room, a skatepark and pool in the backyard—that's all I'm saying, I can't go on." Gabby put her beak back in place before they focused back on the television. Magenta and everyone were nearing the front doors to a hotel titled Rising Sun Hotel.

Bright turned around and said to the cameras, "Rising Sun is an exclusive hotel. Really expensive. One hundred bits a night."

Magenta turned around and added, "And for some odd reason, whenever I walk in, everypony just stops talking. I don't get it." She swiveled and pushed the doors open for the lush and lavish lobby, filled with glass items on the side. Just like Magenta said, everyone in there had cut their conversations short and just smiled and waved to her. She waved back and approached the elevators on the side.

Bright leaned in and said, "The elevators here are huge. Like, really big. We can bring in a stove using the elevator and still have enough room for five more ponies. So don't worry about not fitting inside." The elevator door dinged and slid to the side. Just like Bright stated, it was a very large space. Like a large walk-in closet. Magenta and Bright walked in first, followed by the cameras and crew who stood in the back behind them. Once they were all inside, Magenta reached into her mane and pulled out a key.

She smirked at the group behind her and said, "I got the mane idea from a friend of ours. I see her usually taking things out of her mane and I was like, 'That is really convenient.' So I started doing it too." Sweetie Belle smiled and turned to Applebloom in the cafe, who only groaned in return. Magenta stuck the key into a slot underneath the keypad and twisted it. The entire keypad lit up green before the elevator began to ascend. Then twisted it back and retrieved it by placing it back in her mane.

Bright leaned into the camera's viewfinder with a big grin, "Magenta's mansion is huge, but her downtown studio is more...normal. Humble beginnings." After a few more seconds, the elevator slowed to a stop. The doors cracked apart then creaked open.

Magenta turned around and raised a hoof towards the door. "Everypony? Welcome to Violet Haven." The group stepped out into a completely white expansive space. It was obviously the penthouse side of things. The floor was glossy and directly across a few yards away was a completely glass wall which a few couches and a dining table facing it. A lot of pictures on the wall leading into a hallway of Starfire Records, Bright, and family. The glass wall had a perfect view of Manehattan and Canterlot in the distance. On the left was a modern day kitchen with an island in the middle fitted with square chairs and a hanging lamp. The sun's morning rays were hitting everything, sending the bright white all over the place. 

The cameras and their technicians were in awe while Magenta skipped in. She stopped and spread her hooves out. "Now this is the penthouse. The living area. Where I eat, sleep, relax, kick my hooves up, enjoy all of our hard work with ease. I invited the crew from Starfire to visit sometime, but they usually have their own things. So most of the time it's just me and Bright." Magenta trotted up to the camera and said, "Hey farmer mare, city mare, and Bab Apple that I went to school with. You guys are welcome to come too. Just stop by, I'm going to be here all day. Working on a new track that Sea Creature and I are working on together."

Blue Lily eeped and quickly asked, "Did you just admit that there is a possible Sea Creature and Magenta Streak collaboration coming soon?"

Magenta nodded and answered, "Yes, I did. Now let me show you around." Magenta turned around and led everyone around the home while she let that sink into the minds of everypony in Equestria. She showed them the three bedrooms, the bathroom, the kitchen, the observatory area, and the closets. Those were the most colorful. "In case anypony doesn't know, I'm a raver." Bright looked to the camera and slowly shook her head while Magenta grabbed a few costumes and presented them to the cameras. Most of them were obviously designer. Based off of the colors and shapes. She slipped on a pair of golden half-circle lenses and batted her eyes with a smile. "These right here are what woo the stallions. And the mares sometimes, things happen that even I don't understand."

Bright took over and clarified, "Our relationship lives are nonexistent because of who we are. If I try to talk to a pony, they turn into slushy and just melt. And Magenta just...didn't do it."

"I have never had a boyfriend or girlfriend my whole life," Magenta clarified. "Like, I'm open to a relationship but everypony's just...like...too scared to even ask me a question that isn't about my music. Well except for Blue Lily and some friends. Bright and I are just the rich ponies in Manehattan that live in Manehattan Unique. So we automatically get a bad rep. We're not bad ponies at all, I assure you. Now about my Ponyville concert. The setup crew all knew that I was planning on revealing myself tonight, but they didn't have any where to place my microphone. So I walked into town and had gotten this insanely awesome belt from this sweet shop called Carousel Boutique." Magenta placed her clothes back and grabbed Rarity's belt, holding it out for everyone to see. Then turned to the camera smirking. "When I say...that the clothes in there are fashionable... I'm not joking. I'm not being nice, generous, whatever. I absolutely adored Ms. Rarity's designs. She probably didn't realize it, but I was checking out some of the clothes in the room. The shop is small, but the designs are big, I'm telling you. She gave me this yellow belt to help me out and I had placed it with one of my more popular designs in my closet. I would like to go back, but unfortunately I can't at this moment. Hey but she's welcome to come here, I have way too many bits and I like sharing."

Everyone in the Canterlot Castle slowly turned to Rarity who had a look of disbelief on her face. After a few seconds, she pounced up and high-tailed it out of there. "I have to get my design book ready! Along with my designs!!" She screamed before the door shut.

Magenta pointed up at a pair of wooden stairs in front of her. "This is the path to reach the studio. Come on in, ponies." Magenta took the initiative and walked up first, leading them up to a pair of wooden doors embossed with her name painted white with a purple streak going through the name. Her signature logo. Then pushed the doors open, revealing another home inside of a home. It was dimly lit, but that didn't stop the cameras from picking up the many different colored synthesizers lining the walls, the guitars, and the drums behind glass walls. There was also a grand piano on the right a little behind the large master mixer in the middle. Behind that was a glass wall protecting a recording booth. There was a stand in there along with a synthesizer already in place. Large and bright red. The master mixer in front of them had a small microphone attached along with two televisions hanging from the ceiling. At the moment, they weren't on. But Magenta walked up and pressed a button. The sliders on the mixer began moving on their own in an automated state before freezing again.

Bright popped in and yelled, "This is where all the magic happens. We may do a vlog in here sometime. We rarely do, most of the time it's out and about. But we may show you how the process works in here." The TVs above slowly dimmed up revealing Magenta's and Starfire's logo. "We created a few of our hardcore tracks in here, but most of them are usually in our own mansion. The closest studio. That's the best one in Manehattan."

Blue Lily looked at her watch and approached the two. "Thank you so much ladies for taking the time out today to show us around and tell your tales." She shook both of their hooves before turning back to the cameras. "Thank you everypony for joining this exclusive interview with the Gold Sisters. Our time is up but we hope you enjoyed the view."

Before they could cut, Magenta peeked in and said, "Stop by girls! You know who I'm talking to!"
> Chapter 26 - Mall To Magenta
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

While the YouHoof Team went one way away from Rising Sun, Magenta and Bright went the over for a casual walk downtown, an understatement considering the fact that Magenta decided to change clothes.

She tossed her nearly transparent violet dress to the side and decided to go with one of her more bolder colors. Yellow shirt and a yellow skirt, complete with the yellow belt Rarity gave her, and a pair of gold rimmed glasses that were all the rage in Manehattan.

Bright decided to stay humble and stick to absolutely nothing, bearing only her white coat, silver mane and tail, and light blue eyes. Not to mention snowflake cutie mark. Humble beginnings were the best representations.

They walked through Manehattan, avoiding the eyes and comments. It were as if the sun itself were blinded by the influence of these shining stars.

Bright muttered, "You just had to make a statement, didn't you?"

Magenta stopped and adjusted her glasses as the sun beat down on her yellow outfit, bearing a title with thick golden Pegasus wings on the sides. Colr Arch. The skirt had golden feathers on it, but didn't contrast too greatly against the yellow on the shirt.

Magenta grinned and replied, "I'm feeling myself, what can I say? We worked hard for this, staying up late for a full week one time for one of your own tracks that you don't want to release."

Bright shushed her then looked around. Satisfied that nopony heard her sister's decree, she leaned in and whispered, "Nopony's ready to hear that yet so don't blurt it out."

"Fine," Magenta replied back. Then waved at a few ponies on the other side of the street taking pictures. Grinning, she nudged Bright and motioned with her eyes towards one of them. "Look at that cutie."

Bright followed her gaze towards a short haired stallion showing off a goatee. He was admirably handsome, but he wasn't her type.

"Ooooohhh~" Bright sang. "He's more your taste." Magenta scoffed and nudged Bright his way.

"Absolutely not, he's more your type. I have no type."

Bright snickered and replied, "Exactly. That's why he's more you." Before she could reply, a dark orange colored face with freckles popped into view.

Babs greeted, "Hey ladies." Magenta yelped and jumped back out of surprise while Sweetie, Gabby, and Applebloom came out of a shop chuckling. With a smirk, Babs added, "I saw you looking at that pony. What's up with that?"

Magenta's tail smacked Bright's flank when she answered, "Bright's crushing on him."

Bright stuttered, "I-I do not—I am not! Don't listen to her guys, I'm not."

"Bright, I'm your sister," Magenta deadpanned. "I can always tell when you're crushing on a pony. Especially when you start to flip your braid around without even realizing it." Everyone turned to Bright who was nervously twiddling with her braid, flipping it around and such.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Magenta sighed then shook her head at their friends. "She so does," she whispered. Then switched to her playful attitude and asked, "Did you guys enjoy the interview?"

Sweetie eagerly nodded, then made a bunch of hoof signs. "You guys must be really expensive for a feature," Applebloom translated.

Bright shrugged and replied, "Well actually, we hold a bunch of unseen opportunities to have features with YouHoof. Starfire actually handles different signed artists that want features. I don't have any yet. Although me and Sea Creature are actually working on a collaboration, that doesn't make it a feature. I'm the top performing artist in Equestria. So for me to actually give a signed somepony a feature on one of my tracks will be pretty legendary. We've done plenty of vlogs with other ponies and YouHoof stars, but never actually had a feature with any YouHoof artists, along with signed artists. They're probably scared of us or something. Hey, but me and Bright are pretty much open to the idea though. But we can't exactly hold a feature with an artist because we have to speak with Starfire about it. And they area really picky."

Babs wrapped a hoof around her neck and said, "You should totally try it out! Yeah, get like a feature in with somepony else besides just you and Bright! Everypony in Equestria knows you can sing by this point and the both of you are considered legends in the EDM race. You mares already won and the game is just beginning! Time to bring in some more players to get you even higher!"

Magenta pointed at her and whispered, "It sounds like a plan. But we'd still need to get that idea to Starfire and approved if we sell it through them. Their rights are really reserved and—to be honest—don't like to share royalties with anypony that isn't in the label. So we have to ask them. We'll do it tomorrow. In the meantime, you girls want to go shopping? Bright needs a new outfit for when we see that pony again."

After a slap on the flank from Bright, the girls took Magenta up on her offer and proceeded to walk towards the mall. Apparently all of their funds are in the bank which means they have access by card. In the more smaller parts of Equestria, there were no cards. You had to use real bits. Hopefully that stuff would begin rolling out soon to those areas. As they walked along the streets, many ponies stopped what they were doing and just took pictures, waved, and other things. Magenta's flashy outfit was apparently catching all the eyes in East Manehattan. They walked into a plaza and turned left, making their way through a bunch of restaurants and more that held a lot of ponies. Of course seeing two celebrities like this were much. But to see them walking with regular ponies was a shocker.

Magenta looked over her shoulder to Babs and stated, "Just stay close. You six have just become ponies and Griffin of interest."

Gabby poked in and whispered, "But I have never heard your music."

The two sisters chuckled then responded, "We know." Magenta whispered, "And that's what makes all of this even more fun."



Apple bucking. Bucking apples. The main activity of Applejack and Big Mac. Pretty much everyone in the Apple family besides those married in. Big Mac was off with his girlfriend, leaving Applejack to take care of the farm ever since Granny Smith passed away. Boy that was a depressing day. The funeral held even a bit of Royalty. Princess Celestia herself showed up to pay her respects. Applejack sighed and bucked another apple tree as the wind moved in to provide a cool atmosphere among the heat. Hopefully Applebloom was having fun catching up with her lost friend. Applejack did wonder what it was like inside that huge mansion though.

"Applejack." Applejack screeched and jumped up in the air from the sudden familiar feminine voice in her ear. Coloratura watched her get stuck in the branches of her tree, wondering how she actually managed to get up there in surprise. Strong hooves probably, she thought.

Applejack groaned from inside the branches and gazed down at her familiar friend smirking up at her. Still wearing that black and gray shirt design. Deep purple and teal twirly mane and tail. "C-Coloratura?" She asked. Then looked around. Nopony else in sight. Neither was Pinkie Pie, thankfully. She focused back on her friend with a calm smile. "Well howdy to see you. Whatcha' doin' around these parts?" Applejack shifted her hooves and broke a few branches to free herself, crashing down onto the ground in a heap.

Coloratura grimaced then reached down to help her up and brush her off. "Well besides actually having no one to talk to, I saw you and your friends backstage at the Magenta Streak Mega-show."

Applejack grinned and nodded. "Yep! Whoowee, that filly can certainly play! We all got to see her play. Sing, mix, and play live. She got some hooves and some skill, I tell ya'. Wanna have somethin' to eat? Comin' all the way down here from Manehattan you must be starvin'."

Coloratura nodded and followed as they made their way towards the farm. Applejack pushed the door open and gestured her to walk in. Thanking her, she did and was followed by Applejack. Moments later, Applejack slid a large slice of Apple Pie her way on one side of the table while she carried her own plate across. "Thank you, Applejack."

"You're welcome," Applejack responded. Then sat down and asked, "So how are ya'? It's strange seein' you around these parts and not performin'."

Coloratura took a bite and chewed before responding. "Well... I could be doing better I guess," she sighed.

Bad news, Applejack thought. She lowered her own pie to the plate and asked quietly, "What's goin' on?"

"It's... My status in the music world," Coloratura admitted. She sighed. "My sales, they've lowered. As a matter of fact, it's not just me. All of the Celebrities that aren't with Starfire Records have lowered. They're.... They're just too good now. Ever since Magenta Streak was signed with them, our sales continue to drop. Thing is... We just can't keep up. You know, I released a song the other day."

Applejack glanced left and right, knowing she was not going to enjoy this conversation. "I... Actually didn't know that."

Coloratura jabbed a hoof at her and exclaimed, "Exactly! Nopony knows! It was five minutes long and took two months to make, yet it only reached a shocking ten thousand views, giving me only five hundred bits off these streaming networks. Magenta Streak released a song on the same day and received over one hundred million! One... Hundred... Million views within a week."

"Well... Her music is really good," Applejack protested.

Coloratura began to protest herself. But paused and glanced up at the ceiling in thought. Shrugging, she admitted, "I'm not going to lie, yes it is. Especially her voice. But she's not the only artist in Manehattan. Did you see the interview with YouHoof? Do know how many Artists I have partnered with simply wish they could at least have a live interview with them? Magenta Streak and Bright Snow happen to just do a live show one night and are immediately selected to be main topics for the interview!"

Applejack lowered her pie and quickly asked, "Wait, there's a roster?"

Coloratura urgently nodded. "Yep. The list has all the artists up there in Equestria. From Songbird Serenade to Firestarter, my DJ friend from Cloudsdale. She is not a fan of Magenta. Like, at all. The reason why is because... Magenta's stolen all of our fans, and it's nearly impossible to get them all back."

Applejack grabbed her pie to continue eating and asked, "I'm not sure how the music world works, but... Can't you just do a collaboration I guess with her?"

"Impossible." Coloratura leaned forward and gripped Applejack's face. "Do you know how hard it is to even talk to her or Bright Snow for that matter? Exclusive access only. I'm not exclusive anymore, can you believe that? That's how bad my sales have gotten. She's stealing all of our fans. Half of those fans from her mega show were mine in the past. Now I bet all they do is listen to Magenta Streak. It's insane!"

"Is it really that bad?"

"It's worse!" Coloratura practically screamed. "I had to do a show at one of the clubs the other day in Manehattan. And most of the ponies were muttering things like, 'She's no Magenta Streak, but still pretty good.' Things like that. Do you know how that makes me feel? I've worked just as hard as her, yet somehow she's getting all the praise here! Yes, she knows how to create like all the sub genres in EDM, but still!"

Applejack pried her friend's hooves off her face and cooed, "Okay, simmer down, Ra Ra. I'm sure I can help you out. In case you didn't notice, I have actually met Magenta Streak in body, and my sister is more than likely still with her right now. Don't tell anypony, but Magenta had actually invited us to her mansion in Manehattan Unique. I never even heard of the neighborhood. Or even The Manehattan Elite for that matter. My sister and her friends actually got the chance to spend the night. They're probably hanging out right now."

"SERIOUSLY?!" Coloratura yelled. Then reached into her jacket and pulled out her Z4. Checking something out. Typing in Magenta Streak, more than a billion results appeared on myStable. Most of them of recent images of Magenta wearing a very expensive outfit walking with Bright through East Manehattan with a few more mares. And a Griffin?!

"Is her music expanding outside of Equestria?!" Rara shouted. "She has a Griffin with her!" Applejack raised a hoof to say something, but decided against it. "Hey, you're right! I see little Applebloom with her!" She pointed a hoof at Applebloom speaking with Sweetie Belle in the image.

Applejack nodded. Then stated, "It's not much but I'm sure Applebloom could probably set you up to meet with her or somethin'. It's a long shot, but believe it or not I'm positive Magenta wants to meet other ponies in this industry."

"That'd be great, Applejack!" Rara cheered.

"Unfortunately, Magenta can't leave Manehattan though. It's in her contract. She told us that."

"What?" Rara asked in disbelief. "That's ridiculous."

Applejack nodded and said, "We thought the same. But apparently Starfire has a reputation to uphold regardin' punctuality."

Rara calmed down in realization. "Ooohhh, okay. Yeah, everypony in Manehattan knows that all of Starfire's artists are never late. It's pretty amazing really. Not even a second late to a show. So you think Applebloom can get me in to speak with her about this issue?"

"Well since Magenta is actually open to talking to anypony right now, it shouldn't be an issue. But it's still fifty-fifty."

"How about I just post and ask? Nopony has ever done that." Applejack delivered her a glare. "...what?"



When Magenta said shopping, her crew and friends were thinking small places. Not Colr Arch, The Diamond Crown, and Mahlooho. Luxurious storea. A simple t-shirt costs at least five hundred bits in those stores! The mall they walked inside of was full of ponies from East Manehattan, and some from out of town. Sweetie Belle recognized a few from Ponyville too. The second they walked in, cameras started flashing and ponies began pointing, shouting, and pretty much begging for Bright and Magenta's attention.

Magenta looked to Diamond Tiara and announced, "We rarely come here." Babs poked in with a disbelieving look.

Bright chuckled and added, "No seriously. We only came here once last year because of the madness that follows when we walk in the door. So we usually arrange for security to come and help out when we're here." Bright waved before five ponies wearing yellow jackets approached to stand beside Magenta and Bright Snow, and behind their friends. Providing an escort.

Magenta gasped and yelled, "I need more glitter!" She turned to Babs and slung a hoof around her neck. "And Seeds here needs a suit. You'd look really cute if you wore one."

Babs smirked and asked, "As in a jacket with a tie?" Magenta nodded. "Suits aren't my thing."

Magenta shrugged and responded, "Eh, suit yourself. Or suit yourself in Suit Yourself Up!" Magenta motioned with her hoof towards a star they were coming up on.

Diamond Tiara asked, "Did you just make a pun?"

Gabby leaned in and added, "Did you just make two or three?"

Magenta shrugged again before beginning their shopping spree. Gabby didn't want anything, but that didn't stop Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara, Babs, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle from getting anything. After two hours of shopping and gift giving from the two super stars, they relaxed in a private corner of the food court, enjoying a simple lunch with their many bags of designer clothes. Magenta, Bright and Babs were sitting on one side of the table, eating while the other five were around. Successfully occupying the entire table.

Diamond Tiara set down her slushy and nodded to the two in appreciation. "Thanks so much for treating us, Magenta."

Magenta waved it off and replied, "No problem. Not many ponies get an opportunity to shop with us. And we have wayyy too many bits."

"Or really conversate with us because well..." Bright gestured with her head towards the other ponies eating and taking pictures. "We're just entertainers to them, not friends."

"Well you're pretty good entertainers and friends to us," Babs appeased.

Magenta smiled and pulled out her Z4, looking at a few things. Whenever she puts up a new post, she always bets against herself whether her phone would just shatter because of the vibrations that follow after. She looked at a bell on the top that held over three hundred million notifications and her messages that held over twenty-thousand. Check the messages, that little voice said in her head. Please don't, said the other.

Magenta shrugged and pressed on the icon. "So many fans," she muttered. She moved down the list of messages, making a mental note one day of actually reading them. She was tempted to pressed back, but one of these messages caught her eyes. A pony by the username Color Rara. What caught her eye was the fact that they had a star on the bottom right corner of the unrecognizable image. They were verified. There was another one from apparently... A school?! Their page had sent her a message!

Bright moved past the Color Rara one and read that one quickly. "They want me to what?" She asked herself after a few seconds. Bright looked her way, then at the phone when she placed it in front of her.

After reading it, Bright and Magenta shared a grin. Babs shook her head and asked, "Who dissed you?"

Magenta turned to her and replied, "What? No, I'm not a rapper. I just got a message from a school. Middle school. They're having a ball or something and want me to perform along with questions the day after. Three weeks."

Bright slapped her sister's shoulder with a wing and stated, "Just Maggy though. I have a recital the day before that event and have to practice."

Silver Spoon smiled and asked, "Are you going to take it?"

Magenta eagerly nodded and added, "And schools aren't included in Starfire's contract. This is a solo decision. Completely all me. It's in North Manehattan. I'll give them a call later. Hopefully this is no joke. I'm visiting a hospital this friday for the Make-A-Wish program to meet and greet foals who are bedridden. Both of those are free. I would never charge for those. Now I have to bring out my DJ equipment from me and Bright's storage. You know what I want to do some day?"

Sweetie shook her head. Magenta answered enthusiastically, "I want to tour the Castles in Equestria! I remember when I was a filly in the hospital, mom told me that Princess Luna barges her way into your dreams. What gave her that idea?"

Diamond Tiara glanced up in thought. Then answered, "That's... A good question."

Magenta nodded and started typing on her phone. She put up the post, but not without putting up PQ first, which meant Playful Question. Being a celebrity, you had to watch what you say online. And she was talking about a princess. Magenta and Bright never made that mistake like so many other celebrities. Setting down her phone, Magenta added, "I also got a message from a 'Color Rara'. Whoever that is. They're verified so I'm guessing important."

Sweetie set down her cup and signed, "You don't know who that is?" Magenta shook her head. "That's Coloratura, a famous EDM artist that makes Pop."

"Oh, okay. That pony. Well it says here that she wants to speak with Bright and I about something. You girls wanna head back to my penthouse?"


***


The Rising Sun's elevator dinged open, letting out the group of laughing mares onto Magenta's Penthouse floor with their bags. Magenta and Bright walked out first with the former staring at her phone, and slid their bags off their backs. "So I told Ms. Coloratura to meet with me tomorrow in front of this here penthouse. Wonder what she wants to talk about. Not many ponies actually get a chance to speak to moi. About anything. Except Babs."

Babs walked over to the glass wall and looked out over Manehattan. It was a beautiful view. She could see the boats and such going under the bridge that led to the mainland. Bright looked over to Applebloom and Sweetie Belle who were lovingly nuzzling each other. "Try not to copulate in here though, okay? Really expensive couches and beds." They stopped nuzzling and turned to Bright who winked at them.

Magenta feigned tripping and flopped down on the cubed white couch that Diamond Tiara was poking at, sighing in relief. "Oh, it feels good to rest these muscles. This is one of those grand rare moments when I can actually sit down and relax for an hour before popping back up again." Babs smirked. Then ran forward and jumped on Magenta's back, taking her by surprise. She shrugged and stated, "Not the first time this has happened."

Shrugging that strange revelation off, Applebloom asked, "Doesn't it get stressful?"

Bright nodded eagerly from the kitchen while rummaging through the fridge. "Oh yeah, definitely. I still have school so you can imagine. I'm only sixteen. Maggy's nineteen, so she's worried about life outside of those walls. Because she can't go back." Bright leaned her head back to drink out of her water bottle before quickly adding, "Unless somepony asks you to do a performance. I wonder why they didn't send a formal email or letter."

Magenta answered, "They probably did, haven't checked my email today yet. I usually do that at the end of the day—whoa, Babs. Getting comfy?" Babs stopped wiggling around on Magenta's back, realizing where she was. Right on Magenta's butt.

Her friends were stifling their giggles while Magenta was just relaxing. "Er.... Yeah, it's really... I'm just going to get off now." Babs slid off Magenta's giggling form so she could right herself. "So who was that pony Bright was crushing on?"

Bright set her water bottle down and answered, "No one!!"

Magenta answered, "Probably a senior from East Manehattan High. He looked the type."

Bright trotted over and denied it. "Nuh uh! He's just a pony in Manehattan!"

"Who visits smoke shops? Because it's a no if he likes you." Bright groaned and rolled her eyes. Magenta looked to everyone else and said, "Bright likes the bad boys. And sometimes the bad girls".



That afternoon, Coloratura ventured her way quickly off of Applejack's farm and towards the train station. She couldn't believe it. It finally happened. Rara reached in her jacket and pulled out her phone, dialing a friend in Cloudsdale. She'd want to hear this. Won't like it, but still. Coloratura walked onto the platform and stayed in the dark away from all the other ponies.

"Hello?" A throaty feminine voice on the other line greeted.

"Hey, Fire," she greeted. Looking around nervously, she asked, "How are you?"

"What do you think, I'm running out of money here."

"Well I have good news. It's about you-know-who."

"What did I tell you about talking to me about that carpet munching taint kisser?!!"

And that is why you're named Firestarter, Coloratura thought before responding. "You'll want to hear this. I got in."

"...huh?"

"I got a Private meeting with her this Friday at two in the afternoon at her Penthouse downtown." Coloratura could feel her friend's jaw dropping.

"What? You're joking."

"I spoke to her on myStable." Coloratura heard the train whistle coming down when she added, "She said 'meet me in the front of The Rising Sun tomorrow morning at ten. Bring your other ponies and tell no one.' We're going to talk to her tomorrow about this."

"Are you telling me all we had to do was message her on myStable??!! BUCK!!"

Coloratura rolled her eyes and replied, "My account's verified, that's probably why. I'll call you later, get Spit Rhymes on the phone, tell him to come to my Manehattan place Sunday. You follow along. We're talking to her about this." Coloratura hung up the phone at the same time the train pulled into the station. She stepped up towards it before the doors opened and a few shopping bags fell out.

Diamond Tiara, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle hopped out with Rarity and Pinkie Pie. Sweetie used her magic to grab the bags with Rarity and hopped off with the others, laughing and giggling. "That was so fun!!" Diamond Tiara cheered. Then turned to face the others as they made their way into town. "Are you guys going back tomorrow? She gave you access cards."

Sweetie shook her head and signed, "Can't. Business at the boutique's going to be booming and Rarity needs help."

Rarity nodded from behind and added, "When I got back this evening, there was a fifty foot line by my door! I told everypony that the best place to shop at for today is the one in Canterlot until I get my assistant back. Sassy called earlier and said that we had ran out of accessories! My sales topped the charts in less than a day."

Applebloom smiled and began to walk into town before she collided into another pony, nearly knocking them over. "Oh sorry... RaRa?"

Coloratura waved and greeted, "Hey, Applebloom! How are you?"

The others walked past while Applebloom sat down and had a discussion. "I'm alright. How are you?"

With a smile, Coloratura answered, "I'm dying here."

"Oh, well....that's...er..."

Coloratura leaned in and whispered, "Were you with Magenta Streak today?"

Applebloom smiled and whispered, "Yes I was. She told us you wanted to talk to her?"

"Yeah, it's very important. It's about every other celebrity in Equestria. That's all I can say. I'll see you some time, okay?" Before she responded, Coloratura hopped on the train before the doors shut and pulled off again. Leaving Applebloom with a strange vibe.
> Chapter 27 - Artist to Artists
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few days later were full of relaxation. The label wasn't requesting them to do anything else for a few weeks, so Magenta and Bright Snow took that time out to catch up on school and vlogs. Of course a special one was in place too. The Make-A-Wish foundation on Friday. Today. The alarm clock blared right by Magenta Streak's ear and beside Bright's, shocking them both awake. Magenta did her daily yawn to annoy Bright, earning the desired response. "MAGENTA!!!"

Laughing, Magenta flipped the covers off her form and jumped out of bed, stretching her joints. Then trotted eagerly towards her large walk-in closet across. She tossed clothes out onto the bed behind her recklessly. "No... No... Definitely not. How about this?" Magenta pulled out a short sleeve shirt, bearing a grin before she lost it and threw it to the side. "I'll just go commando today."

"Uhh....no." Magenta turned her head to the door. Bright decided to poke her head into the room grinning. Either to get her back for her rude wake-up call or something else. "You need a haircut."

Magenta reached up and grabbed her magenta hair with the black streak in the middle. It had reached down to her shoulders. "Ah, jeez," she groaned. "But I don't feel like paying for it though." Bright gave her the most deadpanned glare she could deliver. "I'll get one sometime next week, I have to go to the Hospital today, then I have to meet with Coloratura and whoever she's bringing downtown. I have a chariot picking us up here."

Bright shrugged and replied, "Okay. Just don't cause a ruckus."

Magenta scoffed and walked into her bathroom. "Since when do I ever cause a ruckus?"

"Each time you sing." A golden shoe hit the wall next to Bright's head. "Want breakfast before we head out?"

"Yeah, sure!" Magenta responded. "Now leave me be, I have to get ready!"



A glass cup was slammed down onto a marble counter inside a dark kitchen after a Pegasus mare with a purple coat, a red mane and tail with angry red eyes opened her phone. "What the buck!!" The blinds blocking the sunrise slid open by a unicorn stallion with small purple dreads, a goatee, and a dark brown coat, sighing in annoyance.

"Let me guess," he said while making his way into the slightly more than average kitchen. "You saw Magenta Streak on your phone again."

Coloratura walked into the room when Firestarter yelled, "Yes! She's everywhere! Ponies all over YouHoof are doing reviews of her tracks! Carolid, all of them! It's driving me insane that she's getting all this attention! Oh, I can't wait to see her today!"

Coloratura walked into the room with another pony that had a light blue and silver mane with the matching tail, light yellow eyes, and a brown coat. Smiling down at Firestarter. "Calm down," she stated. "You'll be fine."

Firestarter turned around and replied, "Blue Arrow, she's toppled all of our sales and is only nineteen. Nineteen. That's less than 'fine', we're devastated if she can't help us out. No matter how much I don't want her to, it's our only choice."

Coloratura grabbed a water bottle out of the fridge and warned, "Exactly. So don't blow up, we're on nice terms. We're trying to get something. Not get rid of something. And Magenta Streak lives in East Manehattan Unique. That primarily means she's Manehattan Elite. I don't want to get on her bad side. And neither do you. So watch what you say. And drink."

Firestarter scoffed and poured herself another cup of wine. "It's non-alcoholic, don't get your panties in a bunch." Coloratura rolled her eyes and continued with her breakfast.



The air felt amazing as it flowed through Magenta's mane, pushing it back as she rode with Bright Snow to school in their massive luxurious chariot, pulled by ten bodyguards. Mom and dad were already at the hospital, the same one she was doing the Make-A-Wish at. Apparently her mother said something ironic happened before she left this morning via a note on the fridge. Magenta had no idea what she was talking about. Too soon, the chariot rolled to a slow in front of the school large school Magenta herself attended nearly two years ago. They always decided to get there early so Magenta could help her sister and herself avoid interaction with anypony else who wanted autographs, photos, all that jazz. When the bodyguards pulling the chariot stopped, Bright turned to her sister and warned playfully through gritted teeth, "No. Ruckus."

Magenta stuck her tongue out and blew a raspberry before the two shared a loving hug. After a hug and nuzzle, Bright pulled away and flew out onto the concrete sidewalk, landing softly on the cool surface. Magenta wouldn't tell anypony, but she was envious of Bright. She had wings and didn't have to depend on somepony to take her where she needed to go quickly because she's a Pegasus. With wings. Unlike herself. Raising a hoof, Magenta yelled, "See ya' later, sis!"

Bright waved back before she turned and made her way up the school steps. While watching, Magenta grabbed some golden framed shades from behind and placed them on her face before commanding, "Let's go!" The ponies at the front pulling the chariot pulled off from the side of the street, making their way towards East Manehattan Hospital. The chariot was big, humongous really. Big enough for Magenta to stand up and walk towards the snack bar on the side. She grabbed a small vine of grapes and a cup of water as they moved, stopping at a crosswalk so a few ponies staring up at it could pass. Magenta smiled over the top and waved at them while they more than enthusiastically waved back. Then pressed play on a nearby music player. She jumped back on her seat, leaned back, and started eating it while some dirty synths with a lot of percussion began playing, and they began moving once again.

Magenta popped a grape in her mouth. Then splayed her hooves across the top of the cushions and faced the sky, muttering, "This... Is... Nice."


***


After breakfast and a final wine drinking, Coloratura, Firestarter, Blue Arrow, and Spit Rhymes with a pair of saddlebags all made their way towards a nearby cafe shop before two, which was still five hours away. Firestarter wanted to go and check out Manehattan, where dreams come true but Blue Arrow needed her coffee first. So they were headed that way. Along the way, they all had a few pictures taken with the average older adult who enjoys their music and shows outside of Manehattan. But not nearly as close as Magenta Streak. Soon, after a few more minutes, they stopped in front of a quaint little cafe shop on the main street of East Manehattan right next to the square. It was small and quiet. Away from a majority of ponies that like to talk. Firestarter pointed at it and asked, "This is where you get your coffee?"

Blue Arrow nodded and answered, "Yep. Their coffee is really good though. The shop is small, but the tastes are big." Blue Arrow darted in and after five minutes walked out with a cup in her magical grasp. "Alright, let's go."

"How about we head towards the park?" Spit Rhymes suggested. "It's right across the street." He pointed towards the park with a stone arch bridge, empty of any ponies.

Coloratura shrugged and responded, "Yeah, sure. Sounds like a plan." She and everyone else began walking towards the edge of the sidewalk before a chariot with the YouHoof logo on the side passed by at a slow speed, forcing them to a stop. Then another one, and another. Before they all pulled over to the left side of the road in front of a tall building that held a few ponies out front wearing lab coats.

Firestarter raised an eye and asked, "And where are they going? YouHoof's the other way." The others were just as confused before a group of ten stallions wearing suits with sunglasses slowly trotted past pulling a long and large golden chariot that towered over them playing some happy music. Larger than the Princesses'. The group gawked at it as they pulled over to the left lane behind the YouHoof chariots, stopping once they were there.

Quickly dismissing the idea for the park, Coloratura led them towards the media and large golden chariot. The ponies wearing sunglasses and black suits unhooked themselves from the chariot and started to make their way towards the left side of it on the sidewalk. A walkway lowered as if it were just a large block, revealing a pair of purple staircases. Two more meanwhile were going through a compartment on the side of it grabbing a few things. The ponies with YouHoof had miraculously setup their things already and had a few cameras trained on the side of the chariot as movement caught their eye. An orange pony with a purple and black streaked mane walked down the stairs grinning at the group. Body riddled with scars but a grin on her face.

"Magenta Streak," Coloratura whispered. Then turned to Firestarter who was biting her hoof hard with her eyes shut. "Jeez, stop it already."



"Hey, mom," Magenta greeted when she walked up to her mother. Max was somewhere else.

Dr. Kind Goldhoof squealed then trotted up to her daughter to pull her head into a hug. "Oooh, it's so good to see you baby!"

"Moooom," Magenta groaned. Then calmly pulled her head out of her mother's hold. "I'm not a filly anymore."

"You'll always be my little filly." Doctor Goldhoof turned around and motioned to a few more doctors and nurses. "These are the ponies who have been overseeing Golden Daisy's care here."

Magenta reached out and shook the three ponies' hooves with a smile. "Hello. I'm Magenta Streak. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," the stallion in the middle stated. He had a light red coat with an orange mane and tail. "I'm Doctor Safe Haven. We really appreciate you coming here today. I know your schedule's very busy."

"It is next week," Magenta responded. "But I would never turn down this opportunity. So who's the little filly?"

The Doctor answered, "Golden Daisy. She has a disease that's eating her protein each time she consumes it. So she's really frail and weak. We're expecting her to... you know any day."

"Aw, jeez," Magenta whispered to herself. Then smiled and replied, "Well let's go make her wish come true, huh? What do you need me to do?"

The doctor turned around and began to lead Magenta with YouHoof into the store, leaving the spectators outside. Along with a few Make-A-Wish volunteers who were grinning, and Magenta's bodyguards who hoofed over a basic guitar that she strapped on. "Well what do you want to do? She asked to see you."

Doctor Goldhoof bounced in and stated, "Well maybe we should just act casual about it. I'll show you."

Magenta rolled her eyes and moaned, "Mommm..."

"I'm one of her doctor's. The best one yet." Doctor Safe Haven coughed from the side, getting their attention. Goldhoof looked over and asked, "You okay?"

Doctor Safe Haven looked over. "Hm? Oh yeah, I'm fine, what are you talkin' about?"

Magenta and her mother shared a knowing glance before they moved across the lobby towards the elevator. Kind pressed the up key to open the doors, then led them all inside. Magenta only had two bodyguards with her. Kind leaned over while they ascended and said, "You know... Golden's room... is in yours."

Magenta looked to her in surprise and asked, "Seriously?"

Doctor Goldhoof nodded. "Yep. The exact same room, on the exact same floor. She doesn't know it. Nor the fact that you're coming today."

"Aw, jeez," Magenta muttered. The elevator began to slow. And after a few seconds, its doors parted. Bringing back memories. The colorful floor was quiet, a strange sight for Magenta. Isn't a hospital supposed to be noisy? She and everyone else filed out and began to make their way towards the nurses desk. "Okay, so I have an idea."


***


Unlike in the past, the movie room in the hospital was filled. The nurses and doctors thought it a good idea to have all the little colts and fillies watch a movie together with each other since they rarely did. The nurses and doctors sat to the side and kept a close eye on every foal in the room. Those in wheelchairs were in the back while those who could move on their own were on beanbags or on the carpet. Watching a Daring Do movie. One of the nurses that were at the nurses desk outside quietly opened the door and sneaked in. Then closed it back and silently made her way over to the nurses on the side. She said something to them that had two of them stand up and take a peek out the window. Then duck back in with grins directed towards the frail little pink filly in a chair with a yellow mane, watching the movie with her mother beside her.

Doctor Goldhoof peeked in and whispered, "How much more time in the movie?"

One of the nurses glanced at the screen and responded, "Around ten more minutes. She arrived right on time."

Doctor Goldhoof nodded, then ducked back out and faced the rest of the group out in the hall. The nurses that were behind the desks were speaking with and getting autographs while the YouHoof crew were recording her daughter having  quiet conversation. She walked back over and whispered, "Ten minutes. So what are you going to do?"

Magenta hoofed back over the signed purse and turned to her mother with a smile. "Well first I'm going to meet and greet. Then I'm going to play a little song on this much smaller guitar. I can't play that deep bass here, and I'd rather not either. Then me and Golden are going to hang out for awhile. Are you serious she has my room?" Magenta turned her head around and looked at the room near the front of the unit a little by the elevators.

"Yep," Goldhoof responded. "Your old room is now her room."

Magenta nodded and replied, "Awesome." Then turned to the cameras that were streaming her live, whispering. "Alright, everypony. Today we have a special little treat. I'm here at the East Manehattan Hospital with Make-A-Wish, come on in guys." A stallion and a mare walked into view with blue shirts bearing the logo Wish on them while a few more were standing to the side with the same outfit. "A little filly's number one Wish was to meet and greet her favorite musician Magenta Streak. From what I was told, she really likes the guitars in my songs. Now none of the patients know we're here. It's a complete surprise. So today..." Magenta turned around, displaying her less than average guitar on her back. Then looked over her shoulder, smirking at the camera. "We're going to play."

After a few more minutes the movie in the movie room began to roll the credits, signalling the end. One nurse turned on the lights while the others began to help the other little fillies and their families back up. Doctor Goldhoof stepped into the room and began to speak before they could do anything else. "Okay, everypony! We hope you colts and fillies enjoyed the movie?"

A round of cute choruses filled the room. One colt yelled in between breath intakes, "I like, I like, I like when Daring Do hit what's his face in the face!"

How cute, Goldhoof thought before responding. "I'm really glad you all did! But before anypony leaves we have a special treat for everypony in here. She's really popular and decided to treat us today with a visit for a special little filly. Say hello kids!" Goldhoof stepped to the side and opened the door to let in her daughter, who walked in with the camera crew and Make-A-Wish grinning.

Everyone took in a deep breath and screamed in surprise while trotting towards Magenta. "Hey, hi!" She greeted while looking around at their smiling faces. "Oh wow, look at all of you! Getting better already!" She reached down and hugged a few fillies and colts before focusing on the crying filly in the wheelchair, wet eyes on hers with both hooves covering her mouth. The parents were also a little ecstatic.

Magenta slowly walked over with a grin. "Hey, are you Golden Daisy?" She slowly nodded, tears still spilling. "Hi, I'm Magenta Streak, I'm here for you today!"

The filly didn't move her eyes before she started sobbing. Then raised her hooves towards her. Magenta looked towards her mother who quickly pounced up and quickly helped her out of her wheelchair. Magenta sat down before she placed her in her hooves, allowing her daughter to give her favorite artist a tear-filled hug. "Awww, it's okay," Magenta cooed as she buried her face in her neck. Golden Daisy cried for a little while before she pulled back and looked Magenta in the eyes.

"Are you really here?" She asked.

Magenta eagerly nodded and answered, "Yes I am. Did you know your room was actually my old room while I stayed here when I was a filly?"

"Really?!" She asked enthusiastically.

Magenta grinned and nodded even more. "Yep! Your room was my room, and Bright's was next door. She may seem like she's really active, but in here she was a heavy sleeper. Between you and me..." Magenta leaned in and whispered, "Bright snores." Golden Daisy laughed before Magenta set her back in her wheelchair. "So my friends from Make-A-Wish managed to grab me and throw me in here to see you. And I'm glad they did. You're my new friend today! Today's all about you, what do you want to do?"



After a few hours of reading, playing the guitar, talking, and drawing in coloring books, Magenta's time had come to a close. But both of them didn't really want to see the other go. Magenta was in her room holding Golden Daisy close to her while shedding light tears herself. "I'm going to miss seeing you," Magenta whispered in all honesty.

"Thank you, Magenta," Golden whispered back. "I'm tired..."

Magenta looked up towards her mother and motioned with her head. She quickly darted forward and helped pull her away before she could fall asleep. Then thanked Magenta quietly before the nurses and Doctor helped her into bed with critical care. Magenta watched her for a moment before she turned around and made a cutting motion with her neck towards the camera.


***


"That...was intense," Magenta whispered as she, her bodyguards, and her mother made their way towards the Hospital entrance. "She didn't look too good."

Doctor Goldhoof sighed sadly and responded, "Unfortunately, there's no way we can stop this disease, it's very deadly. Any day now."

"Aw jeez... I wish I could do something." Magenta tapped her chin in thought before she came up with the perfect idea. She was insanely rich. "Mom, when that filly leaves this world... Let me know, okay?"

"Uhh... Sure, dear." They walked out the door of the building and towards the large golden chariot. The bodyguards lowered the steps for her and let her on while ponies walking by took a few pictures of her. Then pushed them back up while Magenta peeked over the side to Goldhoof. With a smirk, she asked, "You pickin' some stallion or mare up in that thing?" It was no secret to Goldhoof that Magenta definitely considered dating either genders of pony. Although she's never actually done it.

Magenta smirked and shook her head. "No, but I am picking up Bright later in this 'thing', as you call it. It's my own personal one, you know I can afford it. I'll see you tonight, okay? Love you mom. Let's go guys."

The chariot began to pull off at the same time Doctor Goldhoof waved. "See you this evening, dear!" Then turned around and made her way back into the Hospital. 

Magenta quickly reached down into her Grape bowl and grabbed another vine of grapes. Then leaned back into her velvet cushions while the breeze blew her mane back. She had to meet with those ponies, but she needed some deep bass to get her out of this depressed funk she just descended into. "Buck," she whispered to herself. "I'll just have somepony grab them when they show up." Then leaned back into her seat for a few more minutes until the chariot stopped in front of The Rising Sun. She let herself out this time, then turned to one of her bodyguards. "If you see Coloratura show up, escort her up to my penthouse."

He nodded and responded, "Yes, ma'am." Magenta nodded back and grabbed her guitar one of the others lent to her. Then turned around and hastily made her way into the hotel.



A few minutes later at around two ten, Coloratura waited around the corner of the entrance to the hotel to take deep and slow breaths. Firestarter was looking at her with a hint of confusion. "What in Equestria are you doing, it's just another celebrity. Not Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadance, or Twilight." Blue Arrow was also wondering the same thing and Spit Rhymes was shaking his head.

Coloratura stopped her intakes and stated, "I'm not breathing heavily because she's a celebrity. I'm breathing heavily because she's a Manehattan Elite. Do you guys even know what that is?"

"A bunch of rich ponies," Spit Rhymes assumed.

"A bunch of rich ponies who hold power," Coloratura corrected. "With a single sentence, she has the power to shut down everything we've worked so hard for. I've seen it happen with a few ponies that were in The Manehattan Elite."

Firestarter rolled her eyes. Then used her head to push Coloratura out into the open. The front of the hotel was empty at the moment, save for the two stallions dressed in black suits looking out. The group stopped and looked themselves over before making their way forward. It was time. "Excuse me?" Coloratura called nervously.

One security turned her way and began to trot over. "Are you Coloratura and her group?" He asked in a deep voice.

Coloratura nodded and responded in confidence, "Yes, we're here for a meeting with Magenta Streak? She said she'd meet us out here."

"She told me to escort you up. Follow me please." He turned around and began to make his way inside. The group of four shared a look before doing as asked and walked in with him. Glancing every now and them at the golden chariot sitting in the street. They've never been inside this hotel. So when they walked through he doors they were immediately entranced by the glamour. The glossy floors and the large chandelier at the top that had sparkling diamonds in it. Too entranced to notice they had actually walked into the elevator before the door closed. The bodyguard quickly punched in a code for the top floor penthouse since he didn't have a key before the number pad flashed green. And the elevator began to rise. The ride to the top was quiet. Really quiet save for the shuffling of nervous hooves and the hum.

When the elevator stopped, the bodyguard moved to the side and gestured to the doors when they slid open, revealing Magenta's more than extravagant penthouse. There was no sign of her though. But she was definitely in there somewhere based off the bass drums and more playing above that had stopped for a second. Leaving them with a strange silence as they carefully walked in before a few clapping samples loaded up upstairs. While they stared and fawned, the bodyguard poked his head out and whispered, "She'll be with you in a second." Then ducked back in and closed the elevator doors. Once they did, they were left with the only sounds being their breathing and the samples being played up the stairs.

"So...we just wait?" Firestarter whispered blandly. Before they could respond, Magenta trotted out from behind a wall next to them, holding a glass cup filled with grape juice, surprising them all. Wasn't she just upstairs?!

Smirking, she greeted, "Hello. I'm Magenta Streak. And you are?"

"Er..." Coloratura reigned herself in and answered, "Hi, I'm Coloratura. This is Firestarter, Spit Rhymes, and Blue Arrow. We're all musicians and artists in Equestria."

"Cool. Take a seat." Magenta made way for the living room, but pressed a button on a control panel that held a few keys on the wall first by the elevator. The wall of windows across from them that delivered light magically tinted, shadowing the home before a few lights above shined, basking the living area in a deep evening glow in the afternoon. Magenta led them towards the couches at the bottom of a small staircase. Then pointed to the long one while she jumped into the single one facing theirs. They all took a seat on the insanely soft couch while Magenta took a sip out of her glass. The lights above gave her face an intimidating shadow. And her narrowed eyes and smile weren't helping either. Nor were her crossed rear hooves and the glass cup she was twirling around. Firestarter was becoming a little nervous now. Before, she thought she could do this. Second thoughts.

"So!" The group jumped at Magenta's outburst and focused on her. Smiling, she asked, "How can I help you?"

Firestarter nudged Coloratura, pulling another jump out of her. Clearing her throat, she began to explain. "Well... In the past I was the biggest pop singer in Equestria. Have you ever heard of Coloratura?"

"It rings a very strange bell in my head," Magenta responded.

"Well I... I'm beginning to wash up. You see, ever since you've arrived on the EDM scene, my sales and engagement with my brand have exceedingly and noticeably slowed. Along with Firestarter's, Blue Arrow's, and Spit Rhyme's. As well as many other artists." Magenta nodded and placed her finished cup on the table next to her.

"Alright," she sighed. Then asked, "So... What do you want?"

Firestarter answered, "We want you to at least lower down your music so that our music can climb again. We're running out of bits each month here while you make millions."

Magenta nodded slowly. That was in fact true. She and Bright made two million each just by having an interview with YouHoof yesterday. She checked this morning before leaving. Were she really stealing fans here? Jeez, my music must be legendary, Magenta thought. Then answered, "Well that's very unfortunate. If there was any other way I could help you, I would do what I can. But I can't just lower my music's intensity. I play music in all genres, so practically all ponies in Equestria stream my tracks over a million times a day. All that money pays for my mansion, my penthouse, and my other bills. As well as my parents' well-being and helps Starfire succeed. They take a twenty percent cut. I get the rest. If that lowers noticeably, many things in my life will be cut."

Spit Rhymes took over and asked, "Can't there be some way? I mean your music is affecting our own sales. Ponies are migrating from us to you. And it's impossible to keep up."

Blue Arrow hummed and nodded in agreement. Then suggested, "How about a collaboration? Or a feature?"

Magenta smiled and answered, "I would love to, but unfortunately I can't if you're going to sell it physically or on digital stores."

That was news. Firestarter cocked her head and asked, "Huh? Why not?"

Magenta sighed and answered, "It's in our contract. As I'm sure you all know, Starfire is really... They have a tight hold. A tight grip on their clients. In me and Bright's contracts we can't do features for that end result unless you go through Starfire first. Everypony under Starfire's contracts are exclusive access only unless partnered with another party. In which case you can go through them if they have that opportunity. Starfire is the door to us. In order to get to us and use us to get a mix out, you have to go through Starfire. For things such as interviews with anypony that aren't partnered with YouHoof, live shows, concerts, signings, features, and collaborations. And Starfire reviews everypony that requests Bright and I to see if they can make a good amount of bits on it. Except YouHoof because Bright and I are partnered with YouHoof. So to vloggers that's solely our decision. That's why we do so many vlogs and live shows. Because we're exclusive YouHoof partners."

"Are you saying you're so exclusive that even a feature isn't your decision?" Blue Arrow whispered in disbelief.

Magenta sighed and sadly nodded. "Yeah, in a way. To be honest, Bright and I make more with YouHoof than Starfire on shows. They're both tools we use to gain bits but YouHoof offers us instant and direct access to our fans along with immediate release while Starfire provides great shows and promotion. Without Starfire, we'd be right back to where we were before. Hoof crafting materials with only YouHoof. That Ponyville Mega-Show was all Starfire. They set that up. Although my post helped out a lot. Let me show you how it works."

Magenta looked around for an object but decided to use the empty cup, glass table, and the picture behind her. She grabbed the cup and positioned it in the middle of the table. "Imagine this as this new song we just made. We're pushing it to the public. The glass cup here is the song that needs registration, promotion, publication, attention, and security so we get bits. Including copyright in our name that we all get a copy of. We need that. But YouHoof only offers vlogs, video copyrights, Music ID if the song's been copyrighted already, vloggers, and promotion on their site. That's the glass table. But we don't need that, we need a lot of bits and protection. Not zero point zero forty-nine of bits per play on their site with them getting a two percent cut. We need bigger because Magenta streak is on this track too. We want online stores, physical stores, radio play, all of it!"

Magenta stood up and walked over to the large photo. Then pressed the cup against it while facing the group. "This is Starfire. They offer copyrights they hoof to you for free, distributions to all five hundred fifty-six stores in Equestria, online stores, YouHoof's Music ID Service where whenever somepony uses your track in a video they have to pay because it's been copyrighted, of course promotion, cover art design, live performances of the song, off-site advertisement, and sell the track for three bits with them getting a twenty percent cut after royalties pour in, and include specials. Technically, Starfire offers extremely effective sales while YouHoof offers extremely better promotion. But the thing is, we just don't want this song out on Net getting a lot of bits. We want it everywhere to get a castle of bits! Billboards, TVs, news, shows, shows on Net, radio stations, anywhere! Unfortunately, YouHoof doesn't have that. Only Starfire. So instead—" Magenta banged her cup against the picture, filling the penthouse with a resonating bang that moved into silence. "We go through Starfire. And the only way to go through them... You must be signed, ALL the artists on the track or CD must be signed."

The group got it this time. But Magenta continued. She removed her cup and placed it down on the table. Then said, "Basically Starfire's a club with incredible benefits. But they all come at a cost. To get this—" She pointed to the picture. "You can only work with Starfire artists. And unfortunately, there's no other label that holds those benefits in bulk like that for a single release. Those are a lot of bits."

Blue Arrow pointed out, "But in your YouHoof interview, you and Bright said you make more money with YouHoof than Starfire."

"In shows," Magenta clarified. "It depends on how far the event spreads. For online shows, we use YouHoof. For song releases, we use Starfire. If you guys want to make a track with Bright Snow and myself or even a full LP, EP, party mix, just know it's going to get you far less than average bits than you could without Starfire's representation. Add that to the fact that I can't leave Manehattan either. But remember. If we go this route, we'll be gambling with your time. Bright and I will be fine, we have way more than enough bits to get this party started and can spend nearly a million for promotion. We won't be affected by Starfire because we're not using their services, we're using YouHoof. This is a separate project and they can't do anything about it. If we release anything, it'll go into my account and I'll hoof it all over to you four."

"We'll take it, we all need bits coming in," Blue Arrow quickly responded. Then asked, "But why don't you want a cut? I mean you work hard, I can see the bags under your eyes."

Magenta reached up and patted her face. Sure enough, no make-up. "Buck," she muttered. Then said, "Well for one, I really don't need it, I'm a millionaire with way too many bits than I know what to do with. Me investing in a partnership with you guys will do farrrr less than affect me. I'll probably lose one million just to release a whole LP complete with promotion. I'm fine. And two, Bright and I used to make songs for free. So this gives me and her a grand opportunity. Trust me, she's on board."

"You bet your shifting back bones I am!!!" The guests yelped and held a hoof over their hearts while Bright bounced down the stairs grinning. Then skipped over to Magenta. "Sounds like a plan."

Firestarter looked around, trying to figure out where she came from before Bright stated, "I fixed that strange clapping on our new song. It wasn't blending in with the overall mix so I had to fix it by mixing the sample instead."

"Awesome," Magenta responded. "I was having a little trouble with it. Thanks, sis. And 'Shifting back bones'?"

Bright nodded then skipped towards the kitchen. "Yeah! I can see when you move the useless Pegasus joints back there. Like a giant bug." She popped open the pantry and dug around to pull out a box of fancy cakes. "So I'm guessing Magenta Streak, Bright Snow, Firestarter, Spit Rhymes, Blue Arrow, and Countess Coloratura are collaborating in secret?"

Magenta nodded then threw her the empty glass cup way across the room, which Bright caught in a wing. "Yep. These ponies need help and we like our old ways. Doing things for free. So we're going to help them out. And before you guys ask, Bright can make Nightcore. That song coming out next month titled S.L.U.T, she made that. The song she live mixed at my Mega-Show. That was all her."

They looked back to Bright who was doing tricks with the cup, balancing it on her nose and wings. "I made out with that cup, I hope you know that," Magenta informed her. "I mean like I had my lips all over it, inside and out."

"I know," Bright responded before flipping it in the air and landing it on her muzzle.

"...you're gross, Bright."

"And now I know you make out with cups, Magenta. How was the Hospital?"

Magenta sighed and walked towards the studio stairs. "It was so... Sad. She looked really bad. The poor filly has a condition that prevents her body from receiving protein. By this point, she's just rotting away. And the doctors can't do anything to help her."

The mood in the penthouse became somber. Bright stopped juggling the cup and Firestarter's hard heart grew soft. "Awww, poor baby," Bright whispered.

Magenta stopped on the stairs and sighed. "Yeah... I couldn't live with myself if I said no." She cleared her throat to rid of the mood and said, "Well! Let me show you guys one of the studios we'll be using!"
> Chapter 28 - Vacay!!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Early in the morning the next Friday, a week later, Applebloom decided to take the initiative and ring the doorbell in front of the gates to Scootaloo's mansion. Visible even through the dense barely lit fog that covered the streets of Manehattan. It was obviously still warping Sweetie Belle's mind that her favorite artist was her best friend. Evident by her squinted eyes and slowly shaking head. "Lavender!" Sweetie jumped from her concentration and made a bunch of angry hoof signs at Applebloom before punching her shoulder. "Ow! Jeez! Stop thinkin' about it now, you know it's Scootaloo."

Sweetie made a few more signs while the gates opened, letting them in. "I know that, it is just really hard to believe." Applebloom and Sweetie walked through the gates and up to the doors where Bright was standing with... A velvet robe, facial cream, and a bunch of other things in her hair that was surprisingly clear of its braid. Now in a straight let down fashion.

"Mmm good morning," Bright greeted tiredly. "We have great news."

Applebloom and Sweetie smiled as they walked up the steps to meet her. Sweetie signed, "Good morning. What is it?"

"Magenta and I have been given the green light... To leave town. Nothing's going on for the rest of this month, so we're free. We spoke to our manager and he gave us a 'Month-long planning period', along with the rest of Spitfire. We have a plan, but it's not with Starfire."

"Wait, you can finally leave Manehattan?" Applebloom asked.

Bright nodded and answered, "Manehattan's gates are open, we're free to come and go as we please for the rest of this month."

Sweetie tapped her hooves together excitedly while Applebloom jumped up and declared, "That's so excitin'! So where you goin' first?"

Bright waved them into the dimly lit home, then turned around and led them inside, stepping onto the velvet carpeting. Applebloom shut the door once they were inside and faced Bright, who answered, "Well Magenta wants to visit where she grew up and I always wanted to see Cloudsdale and the Wonderbolts. Magenta does too, so Ponyville, Cloudsdale, and Canterlot to tour the castle."

"You bet your snowy butt!" They turned to a corner that Magenta trotted out of grinning, carrying a pair of designer saddlebags and of course an electric guitar, this one red. "In case you were wondering, I have eighteen guitars here." Sweetie zipped forward and pulled her into a hug. Surprising Magenta enough the bones in her back buzzed. "Whoa! Hey, wassup? Oh, I'm inviting Babs too by the way. She's like my Manehattan friend who likes to stalk me, so she's following."

Applebloom trotted over and said, "She's actually in Ponyville this week for a family reunion at the farm." Magenta and everyone else filed out the front door, heading out while Bright somehow in some unseen way managed to get rid of all that stuff she had on. Making way for the train station.

"You know," Bright hummed. "Magenta and I toured an Apple farm while were in Ponyville. It was huge, we just had to."

Applebloom deadpanned, "That was my farm."

"Oh!" Magenta turned with a smile and stated, "It was truly beautiful—we didn't eat any apples though."

"Nope, not at all!" Bright added.

"Uh huh."

Magenta thought this was beyond a grand opportunity to tell them the news while walking the darkened streets of Manehattan Unique. She looked to Applebloom and said, "So we finally did it."

Sweetie and Applebloom shared a look before Applebloom asked, "Did what?"

"We got features that aren't with Starfire." Sweetie squealed and began tapping her hooves rapidly once again.

Applebloom gasped and inquired, "Really?! How?"

"Remember Coloratura?" The two nodded. "She and three more ponies met with me and told us that our music—"

"Mainly Magenta," Bright interrupted.

Magenta sighed and responded, "Yes, my music since Bright rarely makes any has caused a few artists to begin experiencing a dip in sales. Technically, I'm stealing their fans, potential fame, and bits. And they were suffering. I told them I could help them with features, but only through YouHoof since Starfire holds a 'signed clients only' contract. I can only distribute through YouHoof and gain revenue through ads, which I'll hoof every bit over to them. I already have too many bits. That's all I can do. They decided to take it, so we'll be making a few tracks next week on Monday in Canterlot. All of this is in secret. Nopony on their label knows and nopony with Starfire knows, save for Bright. We'll tease it in the future, but for now? Just you guys."

"That's awesome, Scootaloo!" Applebloom yelled. The team walked out the exit of Manehattan Unique and began their trek to the train station. The streets were quiet, wet, and dark. Their lights still on and active with a few ponies.

Sweetie stepped into Bright's view and made some signs. Reading them, Bright replied, "Uhhh... Not really. We only rode the train... Never. Zero times."

Apple Bloom waved a hoof as if it were no big deal and appeased them with, "Oh it's really simple. Come on, we'll show ya'."



The sun's rays that were blasting through the farmhouse's bedroom window into Applejack's face, along with the rooster attempting to sing, as well as Winona's barking made Applejack stir underneath the comfortable apple green comforter, rousing her awake. She took a deep breath and let out a mighty yawn. Then opened her eyes after shifting her hooves, focusing on the orange-yellow eyes, piercing into her own. Wait... Eyes?!!

Applejack screeched then jumped out of bed, landing on the floor with a thump. After awhile she looked up and asked, "Apple Bloom? Wh-Wha...?" Just like nearly a decade ago, Apple Bloom had her bow back on her head and hair straightened out. Bearing a grin.

"Mornin', Applejack!" She greeted.

Applejack looked around in confusion. Then sat herself back up and asked, "Uhhh... What's goin' on, Apple Bloom? Your uhhh.... Mane..."

Apple Bloom waved it off and answered, "Yeah like how I used to look. Come downstairs you'll never guess who decided to visit." She stood up and jogged out the room, leaving Applejack with a lot of questions. After a few minutes of prepping herself, Applejack walked downstairs to get some breakfast. Her hoofsteps were accompanied by the sounds of laughter down below.

"How long you stayin?" Big Mac asked.

"A month outside of Manehattan," a familiar female voice responded. "Everypony with Starfire's free to do absolutely nothing for a month. This rarely happens. This is the second time in six years. How do I look in this one?" Wait, Starfire? As in Starfire Records?! Applejack quickly trotted down the stairs and into the living room. Sure enough...

"Scootaloo?!!" She yelled with wide eyes.

Magenta streak was in the Apple family's living room wearing a Magenta sundress with her name on the sides, sporting a pair of golden glasses. Posed in a position as if she were a supermodel. Bright was rummaging through a bag nearby searching for something. At the mention of her apparent old name, Magenta turned her head to the stairwell. Smiling, she waved a hoof and greeted, "Hey, uhhh.... That's what it was, Bright!" Bright pulled her head out of the bag and turned to Magenta wearing a pair of completely golden shades. Even the lens were somehow golden, reflecting Applejack's disbelieving face.

"What?" She asked.

"We never got their names! I just call them the Elements of Harmony but like never their names! You got another pair of Colr Archs?"

Bright dove back in the bag to pull out another pair of those shades in her mouth. Then tossed them to Magenta who replaced her regular glasses with them, expression as if she were all business. Bright zipped the bag back up and responded, "I don't know how that slipped our minds."

Magenta shrugged then turned back to Applejack who stated, "I thought you said you can't leave Manehattan!"

"I can't, but the executives are in a Planning Period. That's when the label takes a month out every now and then to invest, schedule shows, interviews, all that stuff. Technically, it's when Starfire starts to invest in new things, spending their earnings. Executive business. So they decided to let us roam free for a month since no releases or shows are booked. Until next month for Sea Creature."

Applejack glanced to Applebloom and Sweetie Belle who were sporting excited grins while Scootaloo and Bright were frozen. Apparently trying to attempt a pose that involved serious expressions behind shades while staring up at the ceiling. Bright whispered slowly, "Epic... Totally epic."

Still in pose, Magenta whispered, "We need a photo. Brightlight and Magenta Streak have come to save the day. Golds style. Awww yeeeaaah. We're awesome."

Apple Bloom cleared her throat and informed Applejack, "They're rentin' out those new timeshares on the Eastside of town for their stay."

"It's gonna be epic," Bright whispered. Then took off her shades and said in a normal tone, "But we're also touring the cities of Equestria on our own time, taking photos, and being sisterly with one another. Me and Magenta are really eager to tour Cloudsdale because the Wonderbolts are there!"

"Aw yeah!" Magenta cheered. She slapped Bright's outstretched hoof and shared a hip bump with her. Then turned to everyone else and added, "But first!... We have to make a statement. Can we borrow your sister? For, like, the rest of the day?"

Oh no, she's talkin' like a millennial, Applejack thought before nodding her head. "Yeah, I don't see a problem with it. Just have her back before sundown, ya' hear?"

"Awesome!" Magenta trotted behind Applebloom and Sweetie with Bright. Then began pushing them out the door.  She said quickly, "Now let's go do that thing you told me about that we used to apparently do when I was supposedly around that I don't remember but am very eager to try out, YES!"

Sweetie made a few hoof signs that Bright Snow translated as she pushed her out the door. "Wait, wait! We need beach chairs first and they're in the clubhouse! Apple Bloom locked them...." The door to the house shut after they were out, leaving the building in a dead silence.

Applejack sighed and focused on Big Mac who was in the kitchen smiling warmly. "Don't worry," he appeased. "They'll be fine."

"I sure hope so."



The sun's morning rays beat down onto the coats of the morning ponies going about their tasks they had scheduled for the day. A few of those ponies were Princess Twilight Sparkle who was anxiously searching the square with Spike, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie for a birthday cake for Fluttershy, who's birthday was right around the corner. A few days from now. Pinkie was working on the party at the moment. Literally bouncing around with a pair of saddlebags stuffed with a bunch of party gimmicks and things. Rainbow Dash constantly told her that pranks and Fluttershy don't bond well together, but Pinkie insisted that "Fluttershy did great with bats. Pranks are foal's play to her."

Just thinking about that made Rainbow Dash shake her head. Then look up to Rarity's getup. Magenta was right when she said she held power. A few words made Rarity's business soar within a week. She had manged to start construction on a new wing for Carousel Boutique that would hold a bunch more of her designs. The afternoon after Magenta's interview, Twilight reported walking in on Rarity sleeping on a stockpile of bits in the living room. She was literally rolling around in them.

"A lot of bits movin' around Equestria," Rainbow commented aloud.

After grabbing a few more supplies, Spike turned around and asked, "What are you talking about? I have none, and the Princess here is almost out." Twilight dropped an empty coin purse next to him. "Correction. Out of bits. We have none."

Rainbow Dash sighed and complained, "And I spent the last of mine on a new stove. My other one broke after I tried making omelettes." The group turned around and made their way back towards Sugarcube Corner to bake the cake.

Pinkie bounced backwards in front of Rainbow Dash and asked excitedly, "You broke your stove trying to make Omelettes? Wow! Must've been a doozy—WHOA!"

"OUCH!" Pinkie Pie fell on top of a dizzy pony with an orange coat, wearing golden sunglasses and holding a beach chair on her back.

"OHHH, and she's down!" Bright cheered. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara, and Babs chuckled with her before she asked, "You okay, Maggy? You took one heck of a fall there."

The others looked up at her and gasped in surprise. "BRIGHT SNOW?!" Rainbow yelled. Then looked around and asked, "Wh-What are you—"

"We're on vacation!!" Magenta yelled down below. "Can somepony please get the pink pony off? Please? She's really heavy, no offense. I feel like a boulder's on my back, but made out of metal!" Twilight used her magic to lift Pinkie Pie up and set her off to the side. Magenta bounced right back up and stretched out her hooves. Then smoothed her designer dress of any wrinkles and dirt. Barely anypony was out yet, and those that were had cameras or something out already. Made Magenta want to check out Cloudsdale first. Comfortable once again, she turned to the Princess and said, "Yeah, we're on vacation because Starfire's going through their planning period, which is investing in new things. For a month. They let us roam free and cut the chain on our tails for a little bit. Now we're playing fetch in Equestria. Golds style."

Bright slung a hoof over Magenta's shoulder and added, "We're touring Equestria at a more easy pace this time. And we're starting here and Cloudsdale. But first?" Magenta and Bright put on their shades and donned their serious expressions before Bright whispered, "We're going to be epic."

Magenta shook her head and added, "So epic. Is this where we're settin' up?"

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, and Babs Seed grabbed their own shades and donned similar looks. Babs answered, "Yep. Right here, directly in the middle of the square."

"Cool. Now if you'll excuse us, we have to be awesome." Magenta and the group walked around them with their beach chairs strapped to their backs. Once they reached the middle of the square they slid off their beach chairs and popped them open. After they all sat down and whipped out some sun reflectors, they crossed their rear hooves, set them up to face their faces, then faced the sky. Serious. All business.

"Cutie Mark Crusaders....er, you got somethin' Babs?" Apple Bloom whispered.

"Cutie Mark Crusaders... Are taking time off?" Babs suggested.

Magenta whispered slowly, "You know what?" Then slowly nodded her head. "Cute Mark Crusaders...are being awesome."

Bright shook her head and suggested, "Nah. How about...Cutie Mark Crusaders...Chill-axers."

They all smiled and nodded in agreement. "And that is why you are my favorite pony, Bright," Magenta whispered.

Rainbow chuckled from the back and whispered, "Just like old times. Hey Magenta!" Magenta Streak lowered her mirror and  looked over her shades at Rainbow Dash. "If you want a tour of Cloudsdale, come find me. I'm the captain of the Wonderbolts."

"Oh yeah! I just forgot about that! Hey Bright! Rainbow Dash is the Captain of the Wonderbolts!"

Bright's hoof poked out over the top of the chair when she yelled, "Yeah, I heard her! Thanks, Rainbow! We'll come find you sometime!"

"Cool!" Rainbow Dash turned around and led her friends back to Sugarcube Corner. Leaving the mares alone with each other.

For nearly an hour, a lot of ponies just stared at them and took pictures. It was extremely rare to see Magenta Streak and Bright Snow outside of Manehattan, let alone wearing a dress and relaxing in the middle of a town showing off her curves. Magenta suddenly grunted and grimaced, grabbing her sister's attention. Bright lowered her mirror and looked towards her sister. "You okay?"

Magenta nodded and replied, "Yeah, just a spark in my head. It's been happening whenever Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle show up, don't know why." Apple Bloom, Babs, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon all lowered their mirrors and took off their shades with wide eyes. Magenta waved it off and added, "It just happens around them, but it's not going to stop me from having a good time. Now... Let's continue being awesome until my dress gets—okay, it's really hot out here, anypony else getting sunburns?"


***


After packing up and grabbing their belongings, Apple Bloom led them all back to the clubhouse in the back of the woods behind the farm. Magenta and Bright had packed their own, so they just decided to carry theirs back to the timeshares on the Eastside of town when they would leave again. While they moved, Magenta asked, "So... Are we trending again? I really need a business suit for when we visit Cloudsdale and Canterlot."

Bright hoofed her the phone so she could look at the photos on myStable. Magenta lowered her shades and grinned at the post. There was a pretty good photo of them that had an angle capturing all seven of them. She didn't notice it before, but Babs had managed to grab a soda from somewhere. "'@magentastreak and @brightlikesnow kicking up their hooves here in #Ponyville. Along with a few natives.' Epic, sis. Did you change your handle? I love that, Bright Like Snow. Totally awesome!"

She hoofed her sister back her phone when she responded, "Thanks." Then focused back on Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Something about these mares were making Magenta's head hurt. And if her hunch was correct, Bright didn't want any surprises. Coming up with a plan, Bright smiled and suggested, "Hey, after this, how about we split up?"

Magenta and everyone else stopped and looked to Bright in confusion. "Huh? Why?" Magenta asked. "I'm not opposed to the idea, but... Why?"

"Well~, I just want to ask Apple Bloom a few things with Sweetie Belle while we move and I don't want you getting a constant headache," Bright answered honestly.

Magenta shrugged and replied, "Okay." Then turned to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle and stated, "No offense, but just like being around, you guys are giving me a migraine that's killing me, seriously. Like, dude! I'm already dead here!"

Apple Bloom quickly muttered, "Please don't say that. Hey, here's the clubhouse!" Apple Bloom pushed aside a patch of bushes to show the old treehouse. They never showed it to them before. The only ones who actually knew were Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Babs, and Gabby. The first thing noticed was how old it was. Where before it had brand new paint on fresh wood, it was now peeling off with loose planks. The walkway now had a bunch of broken planks and the grass around it had overgrown. Very tall.

They stopped and stared at it for awhile. How'd this place get so bad? Apple Bloom nervously rubbed the back of her neck and whispered, "We uhh... Relinquished the Cutie Mark Crusaders after you... After we buried your wings."

Whoa, wait what? The sound of a record scratch played in Bright's mind before she turned to them and asked, "Wait, buried her wings?"

Magenta looked to her back at the large scars that were her wings, then up at the two crusaders. "I'm a little curious about that too but I don't want to know so don't tell me!" Magenta quickly turned around and made her way away from the clubhouse muttering something about needing sugar and singing a song with her beautiful voice. 

Bright watched her go then turned around to stare at the ponies in front of her. "So.... Her wings?" She asked. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were slightly intimidated. Same for Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara. Babs had no idea about any of this. Sighing, Bright rubbed her forehead and demanded, "You ponies are going to tell me exactly what happened to my sister here before we go any further. You and I both know that you know her memories are coming back. Mom and dad could probably tell as well if they were here. So you're going to sit right here and you're going to tell me exactly what happened. Got it?"

The four of them all nodded before Apple Bloom took a deep breath and started off the tale. "It all started a day before Princess Twilight's twenty-first birthday..."



While they were recalling their tale, Magenta decided to go for a walk through town, taking the dirty route back to the farmhouse to stow her sun dress. It was getting a little hot and there was no pool nearby. Bummer. Magenta breached the treeline that led onto the farm and made her way through the vast amount of apple trees to the house. She couldn't believe how many were out here. There were so many. Much more than she could really count.

While walking, she spotted a pinch of blue at the top of a nearby tree. Blue on a tree? Strange. Magenta slowed her movement and stopped directly under it. A pony was sleeping on one of the branches, partially hidden underneath a mess of branches and leaves. What was her name again? Rainbow Dash? "Hey!" Magenta called. Rainbow continued snoring away. "Hey, er.... Rainbow Dash?" Rainbow grunted then turned over lying on the branch on her stomach. Still snoring logs.

Magenta rolled her eyes. Then took a deep breath and cheered, "RAINBOW DASH!!"

Rainbow's eyes shot open. Then she jumped out of the tree and yelled, "I'll save you Scootaloo, don't worry—wait..." Rainbow landed back down in front of Magenta's scarred body, eyeing her. "Scootaloo?"

Magenta smirked with upturned eyes and responded, "I prefer Magenta Streak. Why are you sleeping in a tree?"

Rainbow followed her hoof to the tree she was sleeping in, then back to Scootaloo's purple eyes. Smiling, she answered, "I usually sleep in these trees because of the silence on the farm."

Magenta swiveled her ears to catch a sound in the crisp daytime air. Sure enough, nothing. She smiled at Rainbow Dash. "It is," she whispered. "Peaceful, unlike Manehattan. Everything's always loud there."

"I bet," Rainbow responded. "A lot of things happen up there. Mainly around a purple haired Singer, Producer, and DJ. Know anything about that?"

Magenta hummed and shook her head, smirking playfully. "Who is this pony? Are they trying to steal my spotlight? My lime lights?"

Rainbow chuckled and answered, "Nope, you still have them. So what do you usually do outside of your music? Any fun times?" Rainbow jumped up and snagged an apple. Then landed and took a bite while they moved, heading towards the home.

Magenta shrugged and responded, "Bright and I would just go shopping, skateboarding, scooter-ing, hit the pool in the backyard, play golf, record fun vlogs, cook, try on clothes and... That's it."

Rainbow stopped and feigned thinking. Tapping her chin with a hoof. "...I think you're missing something, little pony."

Magenta shook her head and responded, "Nope, that's it."

"Well then I think it's time I introduced you to my own chill time. Ever slept on a cloud, DJ?"

Magenta sighed and answered awkwardly, "I... Can't fly. Obviously." Rainbow Dash looked towards Magenta's back and bit her lip. Her wings were painfully yanked out and buried on the hill of greatness, underneath the Apple Tree. Because of her. And everyone else here.

Rainbow decided to make it up to her. Smirking, she asked, "Who said you needed wings?" Before Magenta could respond, Rainbow  used a wing to scoop her up. Then tossed her on her back.

"Wait, what? Wha—Rainbow!" Magenta yelled. "What are you doing?!"

"Hold on, Squirt!" Rainbow opened her wings and shot into the air, leaving the ground behind along with the apple she was munching on. Magenta's hooves locked tight around her neck. Thoughts like "Rainbow has some muscles if she can support my weight on her back" flew through her mind before she started screaming.

"Ahhhh hahahaaaaa fasterrrr!!!" Magenta cheered. There she is, Rainbow thought before doing as asked. Taking her old friend for a speedy ride.



The four ponies all tried to avoid Bright's unreadable expression as she stared down at the Cutie Marks on the hill of greatness. Then up at the Apple Tree where Magenta's wings were buried under. Next she looked at the Crusaders and their friends, and the town behind them, completely missing the cheering coming from the rainbow colored loopy loops behind her. Bright pointed to Babs and asked, "Were you involved before she hit the water?"

Babs quickly shook her head and answered, "I was in Appleloosa, and Gabby was with the other griffons. We had no idea."

Bright nodded. Then took a deep breath and said, "Then don't worry about my next words." She directed her eyes to Apple Bloom and stated sternly, "I don't know if I should punch you, buck you, cream you—" They were all biting their lips. "Stuff you with chocolate until you burst, use the power as a Manehattan Elite—" Sweetie definitely gulped. "Or... Hug you."

They all popped their eyes open and looked at Bright in surprise. And confusion. Still failing to notice the Rainbow zips flying around with Magenta's cheering behind Silver Spoon, who asked, "Wait, what?"

Bright nodded, and clarified, "Yeah. Hug you. But also not hug you because if I even touch you, I'll strangle you. If your reckless and selfish and foalish antics didn't drive her away, I don't know what would have happened to me or my new family. I'd still be friendless, probably still an orphan, and scared to dance. Continue being bullied, not celebrating my birthday. Mom wouldn't be my mom, there'd be no Magenta Streak, and Scootaloo would more than likely be dead. Floating in the water with blood as her only friend because YOU PONIES DECIDED THAT IT'D BE FUNNY TO—" Bright stopped yelling and took a deep breath to reign herself in so the five in front of her could stop shivering while Rainbow flew right above them cheering with Magenta.

Bright rubbed her forehead again, already feeling a headache. She was too young for this. Huffing, she pointed a hoof and muttered, "Here's the deal. I won't tell Maggy about this and I won't do anything to you... I think. But only because she doesn't want to know. Just watch what you say and do to my sister. She obviously considers you friends so I'll let it be in the past. But I'm looking out for her future. So just like the wind, I'll be all up in your face, just waiting to blow back your mane if you ever hurt Magenta... Again. AM I CLEAR?!"

She's more intimidating than her mother, Sweetie Belle thought before she and the others anxiously nodded. Bright took a deep breath. Then reverted back to her playful and excited side. "Good. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go find Maggy. You're welcome to help." They began to walk before Rainbow Dash dropped down with a proud grin in front of them.

Magenta was on her back with her own huge grin and long overflowing Magenta hair windswept. Lifting a hoof, she cheered, "Whoooo hoooo!!! Aww yeah, so awesome!! Thanks Rainbow Dash for the awesome flight."

Rainbow chuckled and replied, "You're welcome, Scoots." While Magenta was hopping off Rainbow Dash's back, she locked eyes with Bright Snow. Was it just her, or were her eyes filled with fury? Bright lifted her hoof and jabbed at her own eyes. Then spun it around and jabbed it at Rainbow. I'm watching you.

While Rainbow was trying to figure out what she meant, Magenta stood up on her hooves and ripped off her designer dress. Everyone looked down at it then up to Magenta, proudly standing up showing the full extent of her scarring. Including in the few places that had Babs giggling. Apple Bloom turned to Sweetie Belle who had her eyes locked directly on the area between her hooves and covered her eyes. Bright shook her head and said, "Sister you are showing it all. Is that another scar in there?"

Magenta scoffed and responded, "I told you I was drenched in them. And stop looking! Ask mom if you have questions, Brightlight! She's the doctor! Or we can go to the Museum of Medicine in Canterlot so you can ask all about the erogenous zones." Magenta's hair began ringing so she reached up, dug around, and pulled out her phone. "Speak of Nightmare Moon and she shall appear. Hello?" Bright rolled her eyes and shook her head while Magenta spoke. "Hey mom.... In Ponyville.... Uh huh.... Yeah, Bright's with me..." Bright glanced up and held a questioning gaze. Magenta shrugged before Goldhoof's voice came through once more. Magenta slowly lost her smirk replacing it with a despondent one. Then sat down and covered her mouth. "...aw jeez," she whispered. "Okay, well... I'll let Bright know and send her a message."

Sweetie and Apple Bloom shared a look just like the others while Magenta continued her conversation. Must've been bad news. "Okay," Magenta whispered. "....possibly five thousand. Maybe a gift that costs that much and holds sentimental value. I know it's overkill but it'll help. Thanks for letting me know... Love you too. Tell Dad we said hi... Talk to you later." Magenta pulled the phone away from her ear to hang up, then looked up to Bright.

"What happened?" She asked.

"Remember the filly from Make-A-Wish?" Bright nodded. "...she's gone. Ten twenty-four this morning."

Bright sighed and lowered her head. "She was so young," Bright whispered. Then asked, "How old?"

"Eight. I need some music. You comin'?" Magenta asked then began to walk away.

Bright nodded then eagerly trotted away after her. Leaving the others alone. Whatever happened, ruined the mood.
> Chapter 29 - Shots Fired
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Across town, Babs and everyone else were making their way towards the Castle of Friendship. Whatever happened had shifted the mood a little. Causing slight worry. Rainbow pushed the door open first and walked in after the younger mares did. Then turned to Babs and asked, "So Bright knows?"

"Yeah," Babs sighed. "She was havin' suspicions and ordered us to tell her. She is very intimidatin'."

Sweetie shivered and made some signs that Apple Bloom translated. "'Her eyes melted my soul.' Jeez, Sweetie. So dark. What was that, a poem?" Sweetie Belle nudged Apple Bloom then blew her a raspberry while Apple Bloom laughed and shared a nuzzle. Then focused back on the conversation. "But yeah, Bright was in fact really intimidatin'. Her eyes were on fire."

"Filled with fury," Babs added. "She said she wouldn't tell Magenta, but that she would be watchin' us. So I'm not going to get on her bad side. Not to mention... Her headaches."

Rainbow turned her way with a questionable expression. "Headaches? What are you talking about?" She asked. Then pushed open the door for the library. The remaining Elements of Harmony were in there eating a breakfast of pancakes.

"Magenta's been complainin' about headaches whenever Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are around." Twilight started choking on her pancakes, putting Pinkie Pie into rescue mode.

She gasped and reached into her mane, pulling out a rubber mallet. "Don't worry, Twilight! I'll save you!!" She pulled back and swung it directly into Twilight's stomach, forcing out the marshmallow that got stuck in her esophagus, which landed on the crystal flooring and rolled to a stop in front of Diamond Tiara's hooves. She glanced down at it, then up at Twilight who was doubling over after being pretty much sucker punched in the gut. Spike had his head bobbing with a pair of Magenta Streak signature headphones in the corner, not even registering what was going on.

"Ugggh," Twilight moaned with her face to the table. "For future reference Pinkie... Never use a mallet on a choking pony. It hurts. A lot."

Pinkie shrugged and replied, "What? I use it on Limestone all the time and she never even flinches."

Rainbow glanced to the side and muttered sarcastically, "I wonder why. So I take it Twilight knows why Magenta's getting headaches all of a sudden?"

After recovering from pretty much a hammer to the stomach, Twilight sat up straight and took a deep breath. Then nodded and answered painfully, "Yes. Magenta's memories could in fact be returning to the surface. And those would be a lot of memories. So it would make sense for her to start getting headaches. She could possibly pass out when they do finally break through from an overload and possibly be down and out for a few hours. Or even days. Those are a lot of memories, which will be added alongside her current ones when she first arrived in Manehattan to when it finally happens."

Diamond Tiara gulped and muttered, "So... She'll remember everything."

Silver Spoon tuned in and added, "Including the incident and what happened. It'll traumatize her."

"Maybe," Rarity replied. Then grabbed a drink and took a sip before stating, "Her getting her memories back could in fact hurt us in a few ways. Especially me if she becomes really angry. Remember... She's a Manehattan Elite. We all know what that means."

Pinkie cowered down and whispered, "She could take everything away from us with only a few words."

"This must be a pretty great place to live," someone out in the hall announced loud and clear, catching everyone's ears. They turned to the door when it opened, letting in Bright and Magenta look around with a camera. Magenta pointed to the ceiling and said, "Ow wow, is that a tree root? Pretty awesome!"

"Yeeeaaaah.... Ohhh, sis? I think we interrupted something." Bright used her wing to move Magenta's head down towards the table of mares talking, and one dragon bobbing his head in the corner, reading a comic book. An awkward silence followed along before Bright said quickly, "We asked a pony if it were possible to just look around the castle."

"They said yes," Magenta added just as fast.

Twilight looked to the others who in turn looked back. Then turned back to Magenta and responded, "It should be fine. Just don't break anything."

"Awesome!!" Magenta cheered. Then walked towards the table with the camera. "Hey, can I get a picture with you? I always wanted to meet you but never got a chance since you know... Can't leave Manehattan." Twilight shrugged, giving Magenta an answer. She and Magenta turned to the camera with a grin when Magenta finally took the photo. After reviewing it, Magenta turned to Twilight and eagerly shook her hoof. "It is such an honor meeting you! I mean the idea of Net was utter genius! Without it, me and Bright wouldn't be where we are right now!"

Bright walked over with a grin and nodded hard. "Definitely!" She agreed.

"OH MY CELESTIA, SHE'S IN THE CASTLE!!" Everyone turned towards Spike who had thrown off his headphones and flew straight over to Magenta, grinning hard. "Can I please take a picture with you?! Please?!" Everyone turned to Magenta for her known smiling face. But were quite surprised to see it replaced with a terrified frozen expression.

Bright cleared her throat and muttered, "Three.... Two... One...." Magenta took in a deep breath, jumped up, and screamed loud, making everyone's ears ring before she turned and left a dust trail when she bolted out the door, leaving them all with a windswept mane. No one moved for a few seconds, letting her scream take root. Then turned to Bright.

After fixing her mane back into it's signature ponytail, Bright smiled and answered their unasked question. "Don't tell anypony, but... Magenta's extremely scared of Dragons."

"WHAT?!" They all asked, including Spike. He quickly fixed his scales and asked, "What? Why though?"

Bright rubbed the back of her neck and answered, "Well... It's common knowledge now that Magenta was subjected to something sharp that ripped out her wings, and pretty much cut her to pieces. When we were foals, she decided to keep away from sharp things. Scissors, knives, anything that's really sharp. And Dragons are naturally born with the tenacity to fight, eat, and bite anything. You guys have sharp fangs, tails, the whole package. It's like you're a walking bag of sharp and hot knives. And she doesn't want to get cut. So when a dragon comes around, she goes maybe three hundred feet away. Probably behind that door we just walked through."

"Oh don't worry about Spikey Wikey," Rarity cooed while running her hoof through his scales. He moaned and sighed in relaxation. "He's so innocent it's adorable."

Bright took a seat then shrugged. "Be that as it may, Magenta doesn't want to get hurt anymore. So she likes to keep her distance. Nothing personal, Spike. But it's just her biggest phobia ever since we met and she first saw that dragon land in Manehattan. Large sharp teeth, huge scales, long claws. She took a look at herself underneath the clothes, then at those claws. Next thing you know, I blink and Magenta's way down main street, leaving me behind screaming about a dragon going to kill her. Hey, I'll get her to sign that autograph though. She just doesn't want to be near you, but would be happy to sign."

Spike shook his head and responded, "No, it's okay. I'm not going to force it on her if she's scared of dragons. I'll take a picture with you though, if that's okay. You look really nice. Super nice."

Bright blushed, then shrugged and responded, "Okay." Spike zipped over and held up his phone for them to take a picture, grinning with Bright Snow. After he reviewed it, he smiled at Bright and responded, "Thanks. So... Can I put my number in your phone?"

"...er...." Bright glanced to the door. That was a perfect way out. Turning to Spike, she answered, "I have to go check on my sister, so...." Bright turned around and quickly walked to the door, leaving the others with Spike.

After the door shut, Apple Bloom giggled and stroked his scales. "Sorry, Spike. I don't think Bright Snow's into ya'."

Spike shrugged, then walked towards his headphones and beanbag so he could continue his reading among all the chuckling from the mares. "Eh, her loss," he responded. Then grabbed his headphones and jumped back on his bag. The door to the room opened, once again grabbing their eyes. Bright walked back into the room while Magenta stayed on the opposite side of her, casting fearful glances towards the dragon reading on the opposite side.

"I should bring my coat more often," she muttered before stopping in front of the Princess. Leaning in, she whispered, "Why is there a dragon in here, Princess?"

Twilight smiled and responded, "That's Spike, my assistant. I raised him when he first hatched from his egg nearly twenty years ago. He's been raised by ponies and completely harmless. The worst he could do is scratch you and that has never happened to anypony. Even his fire's harmless. I promise."

Magenta peeked over her sister's back at Spike. "He won't hurt Bright?"

Bright laughed and answered, "We just took a picture then he tried to get my phone number." Magenta grinned, already coming up with a few things she could do with that bit of information.

"Whoo~, Brightlight's starting to pull dragons now? Jeez, tone it down some, sis. Let me have a stallion at least once."

Bright shrugged and walked away, prompting Magenta to follow along. She didn't forget about that scary dragon in the corner not even paying attention. Too busy reading and listening to music. "Sorry, Maggy. My secrets on grabbing a pony is just that. A secret. But I will give you a hint. It involves my braid." Bright swished her head from side, swinging her braid back and forth. Spike immediately lowered his comic book and focused on it as it moved, grabbing all the mares' eyes. Magenta immediately ducked down behind her sister while Bright giggled and whispered, "See?"

Magenta rolled her eyes and answered, "Yeah. Now all I need to do is put my hair in a braid... That's actually a good idea." Sweetie chuckled and pulled out her own phone to look at a few things, leaving them to their conversation. YouHoof has great videos, she thought before browsing through. But one of those videos caught her eyes. The one with two hundred seventy thousand views that were uploaded maybe fifteen minutes ago. About Magenta. She nudged Apple Bloom, getting her attention. Then motioned to her phone. Apple Bloom peeked in and looked at it a little.

Without taking her eyes off the thumbnail, she called, "Uhhh, Magenta?" Magenta stopped playing with her mane and turned to them. "You may want to come over here." Magenta let her mane go and briskly walked over with Bright.

"What's up?" She asked. Bright walked over to stand beside Sweetie Belle, who pointed at the video on her phone.

Shaking her head, Apple Bloom answered, "There's a video about you. And it don't sound very nice." Magenta and Bright shared a look before motioning to the video. Getting the hint, Sweetie Belle pressed the thumbnail, getting it to load. After a few seconds and an ad starring a movie, it started. The first thing Magenta noticed was the host. The Vlogger. She heard about this mare. Covered Scenes. A critic in the entertainment industry. She lives in Cloudsdale and reviews a majority of the most famous ponies in Equestria for around ten minutes, then leaves them a star review between one and five. She's ranked as number five on the YouHoof charts while The Gold Sisters were number two.

She was seated behind her "Newsdesk" that was decorated with a few items while the area behind her was displayed with her own logo. Yellow coat with a silver and blue mane and tail, yellow eyes focused on the camera. Smiling, she greeted, "Hello, everypony. And welcome to a Flash News Report." A cheesy animation of "Flash News" cut into the video before it shot back to her. An image of Magenta Streak at a concert with her hood on popped in beside her head. "Our subject today?" Covered Scenes sighed and answered far less than enthusiastically, "Magenta Streak. I don't know if anypony's noticed, but in case you didn't I'll let you know. She's a millionaire and the number one top performing artist in Equestria. Let me repeat. Number One." An image of a hashtag with the number one appeared on Magenta's image. "According to her known history, she climbed the charts on YouHoof after her street performance with a bunch of Indie Artists years ago in Manehattan and displaying her expertise in pulling at the puppet strings of everypony in Equestria with strong Hardcore, the many genres of House, Dubstep, Nightcore, Drum 'N Bass, and many more EDM sub-genres that get everypony to dance. She was signed with Starfire Records a few weeks after her music video Ready For Love took off six years ago, grabbing a maximum of four hundred million views across the country after a few days. She and Bright Snow have signed a one hundred million bit contract with Starfire Records and now work closely with Songbird Serenade..." A video of Songbird at one of her concerts many years ago popped up with her hovering over the crowd on a bunch of clouds. "...Sea Creature..." Another clip popped up, this time with Sea Creature at her own mega show of three thousand ponies. And a final clip showed up of different artists under Starfire's management. "And a few more artists, dancers, painters, and more that are currently signed with them. All of them have a lot of money and fame, ranging from the average twenty million listeners on Glow Sounds, Equestria's top listening platform to three hundred million. But none of them compare even close to Magenta Streak."

Everyone in the castle looked over to Magenta, who shrugged as if it were no big deal when Covered Scenes continued. "Songbird Serenade's song titled Rainbow reached two hundred million while Magenta's tracks average out to about three hundred each time a new one is released. Whether through YouHoof or Glow Sounds. Not to mention, Magenta Streak and Bright Snow's YouHoof channel titled The Gold Sisters has a whopping one hundred million subscriber count, and are ranked the second top channel on the platform, right behind Carolid, the wild Vlogger who interviews pretty much everypony about everything and has three hundred million subscribers. Now get this. Bright Snow and Magenta Streak are both millionaires, and became millionaires when they were really, extremely young. Bright I believe was thirteen, and Magenta sixteen. Making them the fastest growing celebrities in Equestria's history. And like I said, they were signed with Starfire Records for a one hundred million bit contract after a decade of being their client. For both of them. In case nopony has registered..."

Covered Scenes leaned into the camera and deadpanned, "That. Is a lot. Of money. An average house in Equestria costs maybe two hundred bits a month and at a sum cost about ten thousand after it's entirely paid off. A standard chariot costs maybe seven hundred bits. Necessities in life are in the hundreds. Magenta Streak and Bright Snow are both getting one hundred million bits. Each." The ponies in the castle all dropped their mouths and turned to the two sisters who continued watching the video as if it were no big deal. Something was up. "Now the reason I am making this video is because by now, that amount of bits won't even matter really. I don't know what it feels like to wake up one morning with an estimated two to three million bits in my bank account when the night before I had maybe seventy thousand. I usually wake up with ten thousand after a month. These are big numbers. But the question that is running through my head is...." Covered Scenes took a deep breath and yelled, "How the buck is Magenta Streak making that many bits so fast, and what exactly is she doing with them?!

"Let's go to a few past events. A few weeks ago, Magenta Streak finally revealed to the world about who she is, and what is underneath that coat and hood." A clip of Magenta's Ponyville Megashow popped in, playing the part five seconds before she flipped off her hood from an angle that must've been one of the news cameras that were trained on her. Then again when it showed her taking off her suit and flinging it out into the crowd that was released with all of the lights, fires, and effects. The video cut back to Covered Scenes who was in a position as if she were going to shrug. Then said, "I admit, it was pretty brave when she took off her suit and told everypony what had happened to her. Or what didn't anyway. Remember this. That concert held over four thousand ponies, including the Princesses of Equestria."

An image was slapped onto her desk that the camera cut to of Twilight with a hoof to the air, cheering. Everyone with Magenta turned to Twilight who had suddenly found the roots above her interesting to stare at.

"Now I checked with YouHoof about Magenta's earnings from that concert. Because not only was that concert in pony, it was streamed live on YouHoof. She was paid by Starfire, and YouHoof from that concert, her and Bright. Along with Starfire. Who in total gained a total of ten million from this Equestria-Wide tour.

"But once again... What is Magenta doing with this money? Let's do a history of music everypony, and how exactly record labels work and their way of payment.

"When an artist first starts off, they have to be good. Bucking legendary. Magenta had impressed Equestria with her voice, not with her skills in music. She was discovered singing, not playing an instrument. That's how she became so famous just like that. After she became famous, she introduced everypony in the world she could also mix, and produce. That alone is highly desirable by any record label. If I were the CEO of a label, I would lock down Magenta Streak and protect her like she was my daughter. In all honesty, she's incredibly good, I'm not going to lie. But let's chop up these numbers.

"An average musician like Magenta Streak shouldn't be able to play this well and make over three hundred million views. Equestria isn't that big, at most she should be making around eighty million. Three hundred million means that ponies are playing that one song at least more than three times a week. Ready For Love reached a whopping two billion just the other day. And guess what? Since that song is monetized, she's still getting paid possibly one hundred thousand bits a week off that track alone.

"Alone! Off YouHoof! That's not even counting Glow Sounds after it was released on the platform!! In an estimated total, Magenta is getting paid five hundred thousand bits a week, that's over two million bits a month for her! Not even Bright Snow, just her. Bright gets about a few hundred thousand a month—nearly a million—because she's a dancer. Equestria lives off of music, not dancing. But she has some pretty good moves and gets everypony else to dance. And from what I heard, she also makes music. Not sure what type because it's extremely rare to hear her tracks. But she does.

"Now with the knowledge that Magenta makes over two million bits a month off of Ready for Love, let's look at her other tracks." The scene changed from Covered Scene's desk to The Gold Sisters' channel. It was a recording of it scrolling down Magenta Streaks songs, the views circled red. Covered Scene's voice continued to speak.

"Look. All of her videos. Are in the millions. Letter M, letter M, letter M. One after the other. All two hundred fifty three of them. Including her more older works." The scene changed back to her desk. "I don't know how, but they are. Now on Glow Sounds, only maybe one hundred fifty of her works show up there because she was signed to Starfire Records a little after her older ones were published on YouHoof, and she never distributed through them.

"Now remember, all of those tracks are in between two to four hundred million views by this point. Not counting Ready For Love. Those are a lot of ponies listening. Now the way labels work is they distribute, promote, and provide copyright. Then after a little while, provide payment to the artist after taking a cut. A percentage for their services. It's in their contracts. Golden Records, a record Label in Canterlot take a ten percent cut each time a distribution is made, a tour is scheduled, a show is booked, an interview, all of that. Now that's just the label. You have the manager who also takes a cut, and the distribution service they distributed to. So if I made a track that had a Net Payment of five thousand, I would make maybe one thousand by the time all those cuts are taken out. And get this. Golden Records take a ten percent cut. Starfire takes a twenty percent. Yet each time Magenta makes a distribution, she gains another million. Can you see where I'm going here?"

Everyone slowly turned to Magenta Streak in shock once again. Including Spike in the back who could hear the video loud and clear. Covered Scenes took a deep breath, then thrust her hooves out and yelled, "Magenta Streak is loaded with Starfire alone!!! YouHoof also takes a cut, but it's five percent! Same for Glow Sounds! Now the next part I want to get at is that YouHoof and Glow Sounds have a payment system. A majority of streaming services do. Called PPCs. Pay Per Clicks. Everypony partnered with them get paid in two ways: Streams, and PPCs. Ads. Each time somepony clicks on an ad that's attached to that artist or Vlogger's content, that Vlogger who's content it's attached to gets paid maybe a single bit. But if you're an official partner with YouHoof, each time somepony watches your video, you get paid zero point zero five bits per view by the end of that week. And Magenta is partnered with YouHoof. Now lets do the math. Ready For Love is currently at one billion, two hundred twenty-five million, seventy-five thousand, eighteen views on Youhoof. This week, it was viewed over five million times. We're going to multiply that by zero point zero five. What do we get?"

I'm going to destroy this pony, Magenta thought before the number popped up on the screen, pulling a gasp out of everyone except, once again, Bright and Magenta.

"Magenta, this week, had gained two hundred fifty thousand bits. Now we're going to multiply that four times, which is a month in Equestria. That's one million in a month at that rate. She made around one million this month off that track. And she didn't even really do anything. Remember, all of this is from YouHoof. And YouHoof alone. No managers, no shows, just straight music with a graphic image as the video with it playing in the background. Her other songs had around the same range. each month, if not more. All from YouHoof. Now we're going to look at the shows, concerts, Starfire Records' payments... All of which with no collaborations might I add since Starfire is extremely exclusive. I want everypony in here to think about how many in-person shows Magenta has done so far ever since she was signed to them. Around maybe forty or fifty right? Fact check?" Covered Scenes threw another image of Magenta Streak into the scene with a big number on it. "Over the past six years? Forty-six. Magenta Streak has done a total of forty-six shows in... Manehattan. And only Manehattan. That's in person. On YouHoof, it's around one hundred something, I know that. Those shows average out at about the same views like her songs on YouHoof, since it's streamed live there and in-person. Now interviews? Around two thousand. Concerts, three thousand. Total? Magenta Streak has done a total of one hundred and eighty-something shows that average out at about three million views per month that begin to slow down after awhile.

"After the math, Magenta Streak received one hundred seventy five thousand bits this week, and will probably receive seven hundred thousand bits at the end of this month just from YouHoof. But overall from her songs which get viewed millions of times a month? Nearly two hundred million a month!! Total!! Boosting her already towering bits over every single artist in Equestria that are forever stuck with the realization that they will never reach the status of Magenta Streak.

"I was recently informed by a reliable source that said Magenta Streak is finally reaching her first one hundred million."

A sound effect of a clock buzzer with an X on the screen cut in. "WRONG!!" Covered Scenes yelled, then fell out of her chair. She jumped back up and pointed at the camera, yelling, "Magenta Streak has already made her first one hundred million not even a year after she took off! By this point in time, she should be reaching her first billion off of YouHoof in a few months!! All of her songs max at out about two million views a week up there! And there are over two hundred fifty three! Over two hundred fifty three!

"Magenta Streak, proven with straight math, is reaching her first eight hundred million in a few weeks!!!!! All off of her music playing over three million times a month on YouHoof! After taxes and YouHoof's cuts! She is past a multi-millionaire and soon, really really soon, will be reaching her first billion!! Which would make her the most sought out and expensive Celebrity in Equestrian history, if she isn't already! Let alone the richest pony and first billionaire!! Magenta, at this time, is holding a max of over eight hundred four million, eight hundred thousand bits. But...what exactly is she doing with that money?"

Magenta rolled her eyes. This pony was starting to irk her. And it took a lot to irk her. An image of Magenta walking down the street with no clothing was slapped on. Then her personal chariot, clothes, mansion, neighborhood she lives in, all of it from her myStable page. It made Magenta concerned about where she got those photos.

"Her chariot is about seven hundred thousand bits, complete with bodyguards who pull it. Her mansion is about ten million bits which is the biggest in Manehattan Unique and actually the biggest home in Equestria, let alone Manehattan.

"Next, she is seen in these images with a bunch of instruments that are used to create her music that makes everypony in Equestria dance. All of them here being synthesizers that cost around two hundred thousand bits each, while we recently learned from her YouHoof interview that gave her around three million more bits is that she can play piano, guitar, violin, and the drums, boosting her Net Worth with just those few words. It makes sense really, a few of her songs actually include complex guitar sounds, pianos, and it of course explains her intense playing at the Ponyville Megashow, showing her playing a song on the large XS4500—which cost three thousand bits—that has yet to be released.

"All of those songs Magenta played there were never released yet. Including the one Bright herself played, which we believed was a song made by Bright Snow herself that Magenta streak added to her set, who holds a large candle with Magenta Streak's status with bits.

"But what separates Bright Snow from Magenta Streak is that she has told us countless times over and over again through her social media account on myStable that she was saving up to be able to go to college for a degree in Corporate Management so she can become Founder and CEO of her own private dance academies in Equestria. She has posted plans, images, and even recorded videos of her actually touring schools while still a freshman in High School. Plans, goals. She has around three hundred million in her name and has a net worth of four billion at the age of sixteen, but has proven that she was actually going to do something with it. But Magenta Streak?"

An X crossed over Magenta Streak's logo. "Not. A single. Thing. She is literally getting paid millions a week and is doing absolutely nothing with it to benefit Equestria or help these starving artists out here that are possibly working even harder than her. Has over four hundred million dollars in her name and is worth over nine billion. With absolutely nothing planned after her contract with Starfire is closed which will give her one hundred million more bits. As a matter of fact, I bet she wakes up each day to nearly a million in her bank account. All from her old songs.

"She has made music, gone on tours... All of it's hard work, yeah. But...what is she working towards? Last time I checked, Magenta Streak is sticking with Starfire for another four years, getting paid millions before each Annual Restitution Period. Technically, that's the period when all management for major brands give you a tax return. Your rightfully deserved amount of bits. So those cuts all those companies did for your release? They give all that money back during the beginning of fall. Don't know why, but they do.

By the end of next month or two, Magenta Streak will officially be the richest pony in Equestria at this rate. Doing absolutely nothing with those bits that are sitting in her bank account under around a thousand locks and keys rusting away that are completely getting added to by the thousands each day. She could sit back in her mansion watch a movie with surround sound, then take a nap, wake up, and have four million deposited into her bank account. And does absolutely nothing with it for a very long time. While many artists are out here starving and hoping for those lights, cameras, and all that action, Magenta Streak has reached that already and is not even giving any other artist a chance to shine. She is hogging our bits and stealing our ears away from artists that probably shine way more than she does. That's why I urge you, Equestria, to stop listening to Magenta Streak."
> Chapter 30 - Bright's Light & Magenta's Fury
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Magenta's narrowed eyes were the most scariest thing anypony has ever seen. Add that to the fact that her teeth were barred and back bones buzzing. "I...need... My bucking CAMERA!!!" She yelled. Then turned around and jogged out the room. "SHE IS MESSING WITH ME?!! I WILL DESTROY HER!! AND HER LIFE!!" Bright turned around and jogged out the room behind her. Everyone else inside held a hoof over their chest, attempting to slow their heartbeats. She yells really loud.

While making her way down the hall, Magenta reached into her mane and pulled out her phone. She turned on the camera and pointed at herself, set to record. Smiling, Magenta greeted, "Hello, everypony. A friend of mine just showed me a video from fellow Vlogger Covered Scenes who was critical of my goals as a rising entrepreneur in Equestria. These words are for her. Don't you ever make a video about me, my music, my sister, my family, or Starfire ever again. Let alone my funds. I don't know how you got those numbers but I never permitted you to put my figures out for everypony in Equestria to hear. That is a complete invasion of my privacy and I can have you kicked off of YouHoof for that and arrested. And since you know me so well, then maybe you can tell me exactly how much I practice each week for a single YouHoof show. Maybe you can tell me about my past that even I don't know about and how much work it takes to make a new song each week while working on an album at the same time. You know it right? Maybe you can tell me! This is my only warning. Don't ever come at me again." Magenta lowered her phone and ended the video. Then pushed open the doors to the castle while making a phone call.

Bright caught up to her and said, "Magenta, I know you're upset—"

"I am furious," Magenta snarled, correcting her. "How dare that little wannabe tests me! I worked hard for my bits, endured all kinds of things and she wants ponies to stop listening to my music that I work hard to make everyday and every night! Not counting our vlogs! I'm heading home and pushing that track! The hardest one yet. Then I'm calling the others to get this party started—hello? Yeah, get me my chariot to Ponyville as soon as possible. Right by the train station." Magenta hung up the phone, uncaring for an answer and said, "You don't have to come if you don't want to, Bright. Have fun on your vacation, you deserve it. But I'm pushing that track out on YouHoof. Then helping Golden Daisy's mother."

Bright shook her head and answered, "No, I'm coming. She's messing with our success. I know you have a plan with those bits... Right?"

"Yeah, I'm giving them away." Record scratch in Bright's head. "I've already applied for school. I'm attending currently and do online classes through Net. I never tell anypony because I don't need Press hounding my flank about school and classes, my music, all that. Just like that dumb filly stated, I am the most sought out pony in Equestria. Which means everypony is watching me. I am already the hot topic, I didn't need that little filly telling everypony about how many bits I really have because now everypony's going to be wondering what I was going to do with them. And I didn't need that attention. But now she practically threw it out there. So now, I have to let everypony know about that, and the fact that I was planning on starting my own Record Label on the side. I have way more than enough bits to do it in the near future. But now my income may pause all because of her. I even have forms, documents, all of it to prove it. Not to mention, her words will possibly affect the future sales from the releases of Coloratura, Spit Rhymes, Fire Starter, and Blue Arrow. That was going to help me start off my record label I want to call Color Flash. And now, because of her, all of those plans will be delayed."

The sisters walked into town, thus beginning the onslaught of questioning from a few journalists and random ponies. Forming a tight circle around the two ponies as they made their way towards the train station. They didn't answer a single question and soon made it to Magenta's large luxury chariot that landed right beside the train station. The Pegasi bodyguards pulling it quickly let down the stairwell, allowing them on before they closed it, locked it, strapped themselves back in, then took off back into the air. Leaving everypony on the ground without answers.

"Magenta sighed then groaned, "I have to ask Apple Bloom or somepony if they'd be willing to watch my stuff for me until we get back. Or bring it back to the mansion. I have to fix this and have no time to go back and grab it."

Bright hummed and stayed silent. That mare's words practically hurt Magenta's feelings. Thus irking Bright, even though they weren't for her. Magenta's phone rang, interrupting her thoughts.

Groaning, she put it on speaker and answered, "Magenta."

"Hey, it's Coloratura. What just happened, you're on the news."

Magenta grunted just thinking about it and answered, "Covered Scenes just put my real earnings out on display and is asking everypony to stop listening to my tracks. I'm expecting a slow in YouHoof and Starfire Sales.

"Bright and I are heading to the penthouse to prepare and release my hardest to get these listeners to continue listening. With all the instruments I have learned how to play fitted with effects. Everypony is about to see what hard work looks like. Let the world know. We have to speed up our studio time before somepony else attempts to call me out. Have everypony meet me at the penthouse tomorrow at noon."

"Okay. Don't do anything stupid."

"Trying my hardest not to." Magenta pulled the phone back and hung up. Then started to upload her message video to myStable. This mare had peed on her life's timeline and ruined her vacation. And Magenta had a few choice words. And a show to put on. Way too soon, the chariot landed back down on the streets of Manehattan. If they were going to Manehattan, they weren't allowed to fly directly to their destination for safety reasons. Just as expected ponies out and about immediately called out for her, trying to get some information about her plans, bits, and overall hidden life. This mare had infuriated her.

After a few more minutes, they stopped in front of The Rising Sun, ready and expecting the worse. And it was bad. According to Magenta. Press, Magazines, and Journals. Ponies from these categories we're all there recording and calling up to The Gold Sisters while their bodyguards kept them back and lowered the walkway so they could go to the doors.

"Magenta! Magenta is it true about your real amount of bits?!"

"What are your plans after the contract with Starfire is closed?!"

"Why are a majority of your tracks still monetized?!"

Just a few questions from the ponies taking photos, holding mics her way, and recording them both before three bodyguards led her up to the elevators. Magenta pointed to Bright and said, "She's going to make me destroy one of my synthesizers after this." After the doors dinged open, they strode right inside.



Nearly three hours after the video was uploaded, Magenta Streak once again became a hot topic. But not about her music. Vloggers, News Channels, and even more all over Equestria were discussing Magenta Streak. And her vast amount of bits at the age of nineteen and current known projects. Theories flew all over Equestria about how she gained that many bits. Diamond Tiara could tell that this was about to get ugly. And not because of what Magenta posted on myStable in anger. But because many ponies were already talking about no longer listening to her music. About half of Ponyville.

Until Magenta did another live video through YouHoof that was scheduled to commence at five pm. The second it started, Diamond Tiara and everyone else could see Magenta's angry face set up in her studio. "Thanks everypony for watching this video. I just want to set a few things straight. Firstly? Stop putting my business out there for everyone to hear, Covered Scenes. That is a complete violation and invasion of my privacy, as well as the rights in Starfire's privacy, and YouHoof's privacy. If you were to actually read their terms and conditions you would see that instead of reading my earnings that you have no reason putting your nose into anyway. And yes, I admit. I make a minimum of three hundred thousand bits a day. But I'm not sitting on them. Just like my sister, I'm saving up for something grand. And I have the right to retain that information from public eyes and ears, but I will tell you this. It is to help all other artists and musicians succeed, I promise. I have been working closely with YouHoof, Glow Sounds, and many more companies to get this done. Unfortunately, I can't have none of it done until I am twenty-one. I am nineteen. And as for me not doing anything?"

Magenta reached out of frame to grab something. After presenting it to be a towel she rubbed her face with it intensely. Then pulled it back. Bags. She had a bunch of bags and rings around her eyes. Sweetie Belle mouthed, "What the buck?" Everyone else that were watching held the exact same expression. Muttering things about Magenta's appearance.

Pointing at her face, Magenta explained, "I once did a tour in Manehattan for two weeks and only got an average of three hours of sleep a day, why? Because none of my mixes are the same. I have to setup my tracks to the cue points, timing, all of that so nopony hears the exact same thing. I constantly make new tracks for new shows every day and I have to practice. Just like anypony. And as for making a lot of bits? Ponies just love my older tracks, what can I say? They make you dance, they make you move. As a Vlogger partnered with YouHoof, I naturally upload a lot of tracks to YouHoof and a lot of ponies view them. I work hard for this. And you can't say I don't—nopony can say that, let alone you, Covered Scenes. I really hope your channel is suspended, because you are messing with my goals and my opportunities right now. Now off of her, I have a new track that will be on YouHoof tomorrow morning which will not be monetized just for fun. It's not even going to be on Glow Sounds. Now if you'll excuse us, Bright and I have to go back to being awesome... And sleeping." Magenta pressed a button on her mixer, cutting the feed. Then leaned her head back and groaned.

Bright poked her head back in with a worried expression. Magenta was more than exhausted. "Jeez, Maggy," she sighed. Then walked in while Magenta took down the camera. "You need rest. How come I've never seen this before?"

With the camera and cords secured in a hoof, Magenta turned around and made her way to the door, Bright directly behind her. She sighed and answered, "Because I didn't want you, mom, or dad worrying about it. And now that little pony is trying to expose it. This vacation is a chance for me to relax, take it easy, work on my sleep and other things besides just my music. I want to help out other ponies with theirs, get some sleep, go out of town. Things like that. Now it's ruined."

"Well you're not doing anything until you get some sleep first," Bright stated sternly. "You are clearly exhausted and are in desperate need of it. Mommy and daddy would say the same."

"Brightlight—"

Bright put a hoof in front of Magenta, stopping her before they could walk down the stairs. With narrowed eyes, she said, "No. You need sleep. You have migraines, you write songs and vlog ideas, you go to meetings, you handle finances, you. Need. Sleep. Everypony at Starfire and YouHoof need sleep and would say the same thing. Let me handle YouHoof and the press for awhile. You are clearly not up to the task to do it right now."

Magenta sighed. Then smirked at Bright. "What happened to the little sister I used to look out for?" She whispered.

Bright shrugged and answered, "She's growing up."

"Well stop growing." Magenta held out a hoof that Bright slapped. Then shared a hip bump. "Alright, I'll... Get some sleep here. Let everypony know that you are in charge of everything right now. Carrying both loads while I get some rest. Because you're right, I need it."

"Good." Bright grabbed the camera from Magenta's hold. Then began to walk with Magenta down the stairs. "Hey. Is it okay if—"

"Bright, you can do what you want," Magenta interrupted. She knew exactly what she was going to ask. "We may be sisters. But you are also your own brand and pony. You have over thirty unreleased copyrighted tracks with cover arts through YouHoof. You could make your own solo album. You do what you want with those tracks." Magenta yawned loud. Then smacked her lips and walked down the hall towards the master bedroom. "What's mine is ours, Bright. Do what you want." After that, Magenta walked into the bedroom and closed the door back.

Bright sighed, worried eyes on the wooden ornate door. Hopefully Magenta would be alright when she woke back up. Until then... Bright turned around and quickly ran back up the glossy wooden stairs. She had a single to release.



From the other side of the snack table, Apple Bloom nudged the Z4 in Sweetie Belle's hooves and stated, "Ponies are still talkin' about this sudden beef between Magenta Streak and Covered Scenes. What's up with her anyhow?"

Babs looked around the rest of Ponyville's busy Square and answered, "I don't know. Maybe jealousy. Magenta Streak makes a lot of bits apparently and is richer than any YouHoof star out there. Carolid has a lot of subscribers and views, but not nearly as much as The Gold Sisters. Yet she's number one. Wonder why."

"Hey, listen. Bright Snow just released something on YouHoof." Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom looked at each other, then behind them towards a stallion who was showing them his Z4. "Dude, she just released it. Didn't even know she could sing. It's really good." Apple Bloom shot her wide eyes to her friends who in turn stared back. Sweetie and Diamond both flew through their apps towards YouHoof. Stopping on The Gold Sisters' channel. Sure enough, there Bright was in a thumbnail behind a Mixer, smiling.

"'Bright Snow - Shine On'," Babs read aloud, motioning towards the title. Then at the impressive views. "Twenty million already?! It's only been up here two hours!"

"Quick, play it!" Silver Spoon instructed. Sweetie did. The video started off with Bright jumping from the side into the chair in Violet Haven's Studio, spinning it around.

She thrust out her hooves to grab the mixer and stop spinning, eyes on the camera grinning. "Hi, everypony!" She greeted. "It's your favorite dancer, Bright Snow. I'm sure by now that all of Equestria has heard of the sudden conflict between my sister and Covered Scenes. Not to mention her display of stress on her latest live stream on YouHoof. Well to be honest? I have never seen that. Nor have mom or dad. Apparently she stays up way too late and gets one hour of sleep on a regular day. When she's touring, three. So she is drained and exhausted. Magenta is now sleeping and more than likely won't wake up until eleven tomorrow. So I'm carrying both our loads until then. Any questions can be directed to me.

"This evening while Magenta and I were watching Covered Scenes' rant, I realized that I do have a lot of tracks that are unreleased. So many in fact that I could publish two albums through YouHoof and still have two or three singles afterwards for Starfire. So I decided to share one of them with you. I hope you enjoy it!" Bright reached out towards the play button on the mixer. Then pressed it.


Bright's Song





After Bright uploaded her track, she tenderly walked down the staircase into the lonely living room. Serene, quiet. Alone once again. Was this what being a superstar was all about? Bits? Fame? Conflict with a pony she's never heard of before? Who the buck is Covered Scenes anyway and how did she find out about Magenta's real earnings? There was no way all of those were estimates. They were too on point.

Ignoring those thoughts, Bright walked into the kitchen and opened the steel refrigerator. Rummaging through it for a soda. After grabbing it, she walked towards the balcony doors and slid the door open, letting in the cool evening breeze. Bright walked out and looked out over the city of Manehattan, observing the average Pegasi fly by with a friend or two, eating ice cream. Bright was eager to see what would happen if they dropped that cone. She was also eager to see how many views she was getting on her song. Magenta was going to release her emotional tomorrow, but was more than likely going to sleep right through that.  Bright had to do it. She was more than happy to share the load. Magenta was always working. It was her turn.

Bright sighed and popped the cap on the bottle with her teeth. Then leaned back her head and took a sip. Sighing in relief as the acidic bubbles fizzled on her tongue, the taste of strawberries flowing through her mouth and down her throat.

She whispered, "That's a great change of pace."

She placed the bottle down on the glass dining table beside her, then took a seat on one of the square white soft cushions behind her when the phone rang inside. Sighing, she stood back up and walked in to get it from the living room. Probably mom.

Once she reached the table in the middle of the room, she pressed the answer key and answered, "You've reached The Gold Sisters."

"It's your mother. Where's Magenta?"

"Sleeping." Bright looked towards the hall Magenta disappeared down and listened to some heavy snores. "And sleeping hard. She snores like a pig."

"Good. Your father and I were very worried when we saw the images on the news. Did Maggy tell you about Golden?"

"Yeah. She passed away, right?" Bright asked solemnly. "I'm very sorry to hear that."

"Yeah, she was a sweet pony. Magenta wanted me to let her know."

Bright nodded and made her way back out onto the patio. Speaking all the while. These new inventions were amazing, they could pick up her voice from meters away.

"Yeah, Maggy was saying she was going to do something for the family. She was going to give them some bits for her funeral."

"That sounds like a good idea," Goldhoof responded quietly. "It would show that she cares. When will she do it and how? I recommend not doing it through the mail because that would infer that Magenta had her address."

Bright picked up her soda and responded, "Make-A-Wish has her information. So Magenta can send them the money, then they could give it to her." She twirled her bottle around and watched as a few ponies flew by.

"Yeah, that could work. They would understand and hopefully cooperate with all of these new rumors about Magenta not having a goal in life. Speaking of all of this, I'm very proud that you moved all the attention away from your sister onto yourself with one of your songs. It was really good by the way."

"Thanks mom," Bright replied. Then put the bottle to her lips and took a sip. "Maggy's releasing her 'emo track'—as she calls it—tomorrow. But she'll more than likely sleep through it. So I'll just do it for her."

"The one that has something about scars in it and had the house shaking when she was recording her voice?"

Bright grinned and nodded. "Yes, that one, mom."

"Everypony's going to be really impressed with that one. Add that to the fact that she's not monetizing it. Listen, let Magenta know that we love her and we're going to be rooting for her always. And to enjoy her vacation as much as she can, okay?"

It seems the conversation was wrapping up. "Okay... Love you too mom. Say hi to daddy for me, alright?... Okay, see you later." Bright walked back into the penthouse and closed the door back when her mother hung up. She had to monitor these news reports and—

Bright's vibrating phone pulled her out of her thoughts once again. Walking back down into the living area, Bright grabbed it from the table and looked at the ID. "Carolid," Bright muttered. Then answered it with, "Bright Snow."

"Heyyyy, Bright! How's my girl?!" Carolid asked immediately. "Saw some Magenta Streak beef going on and wondered... Why?"

Bright hopped down onto the couch and grabbed the remote with a wing. "Don't know. Maggy's sleeping right now."

"Good thing. I mean seriously, those bags could scare Nightmare Moon on Nightmare Night. They sure scared me. How are you guys handling this? Need some help?"

Bright smiled and shook her head. Classic Carolid, always helping out others. They may just be friends for business, but she still had a soft side. "Since you're offering."

"Awesome. I'm doing a Live Vlog about this in a few minutes. I know Magenta was super-duper frustrated when she saw that video, huh?"

"She was T'd off," Bright corrected. Then stopped talking and turned her attention to the screen. "And apparently, so is YouHoof. News just said they're suspending Covered Scene's Channel for two months."

"What?! Oh man, that's going to burn her income. Probably should've watched what she said. She was tampering with a fellow Vlogger's success by spreading conspiracies on YouHoof. She could actually be sued. But a bunch of snoring is telling me Magenta's too tired." Bright lowered the phone and listened closely. Snickering at what she heard.

Bright sighed and lifted the phone back up. "Yes, that's Magenta."

"Lol. Cool. So I'll mention you guys in this upcoming vlog. Hey, I know Magenta was thinking about starting her own label, and had to actually be twenty-one to do, correct?"

Bright nodded and answered, "Yeah."

"Well Equestrian laws state that if somepony wanted to start a business, they could as long as they were represented by another company. They can't do it alone. So technically, if Magenta really wants to start her own label, she could theoretically use YouHoof. You know they promote YouHoof and The Gold Sisters as an official partner.  Imagine it like this. You're a brand that is escalating into your own business who is owned by YouHoof. If Magenta could get in contact with YouHoof's corporate offices, she could actually do it."

Bright threw her hoof to the side in realization. "Wait, I remember that in their Terms and Conditions for Creators when you first sign up!"

"Wait, you read those? I just get a simplified version from a random library's archives."

Bright scoffed and answered, "I also get a paper copy. Magenta could actually start it if she wanted to! But... Magenta and I are privately owned by Starfire though. And you know how selfish they are. A business under a business would make things technical and complicated. So unless Magenta backs down from Starfire, she can't until the Ten-year contract is closed."

"Right. Buck, I thought I was onto something."

Bright hummed for a moment in thought. Thinking on what she suggested. "You may have been," she whispered. "I need to do some more digging into this contract. We may be able to find a loophole. Until then, we'll just continue with what we're already doing."

"Alright. I'll mention you guys in my latest video. Have a great week, girls!" Bright started to say something before Carolid hung up, leaving the phone with a dead tone. Sighing, Bright hung up next. This was going to be a long week.



The next morning was full of activity on news channels, YouHoof, and Starfire's label, who reached out to Magenta but ended up with Bright the next morning at eight. Leave it to them to be early. Bright had actually taken a shower and was making her way to the kitchen for some food. Magenta always had something good in there. Mom would sneak something healthy in Magenta's food stash she always thought Magenta herself put. It was definitely mom. After grabbing a mandarin orange from inside the fridge, she closed it back and went through the process of peeling the fruit with her teeth. She opened her mouth and descended down on the orange before the phone rang, freezing her.

She glanced up towards the living room at the daunting phone. Then sighed and backed away from the orange, destination for it. Hopefully there would be no drama this morning. Along the way, she pressed the control to let in the sunlight through the window, lighting up the area that was previously lit only by lamps sitting on the tables in the corner.

While the home brightened up, Bright pressed the answer key. "Gold sisters," she greeted.

"Hey, Bright, it's your manager," Sound Boost greeted. Bright sighed and glanced away, clearly annoyed. She could bet her bits that he was behind his desk, drinking some type of fancy beverage back at the office, reading a newspaper on them. No matter how specific it was. "How are you?"

Might as well face the fireworks, Bright thought before answering, "I'm alright. At home right now."

"Good, good." Sound Boost swiveled around in his chair and looked out the glass windows that made up the whole wall of his office back at Starfire, watching Celestia' sun rise. "Listen, I want to speak to Magenta but I know she's asleep. So I'll relay it to you. As your manager, I'm required to tell you that even though I don't like this beef between her and what's-her-mouth, it's excellent marketing material. Great for promotion. Everypony's going to be talking about this. But it's a gamble. If Magenta messes up, it could cause sales to dip. And her sales have always been high like a stock. And if her sales dip, Starfire's sales dip. Starfire relies solely on her to make great music and material so we can make great bits. Now as for her income, it's true, I won't deny it. She gets paid a lot, and we don't want it to stop. She doesn't want it to stop, we know that. And that's why... We want her to push that new track through Starfire."

"Wait, what?" Bright asked. That was Magenta's decision, not theirs! "Magenta said she's going to push that through YouHoof, not Starfire and she has that right."

Sound Boost rolled his eyes and turned back around to face the desk he was sitting behind, eyes on the newspaper with Magenta Streak's face. "I mean yeah, it's her decision. But with this recent conflict, she has gotten a lot more attention, I just learned this morning through our marketing department. Way more than usual. Just like that pony said yesterday, she in fact gets paid because the same ponies listen to her tracks multiple times a day. But that's not all the ponies in Equestria. Right now, she has the eyes of all the ponies in Equestria. So if she were to release this track through Starfire Records, she could make a ton of bits off that one track. She would lose a lot of money if it's not monetized. It's no big deal, but we highly recommend it."

"Magenta's going to release it through YouHoof, that's her final decision," Bright relented.

Sound Boost sighed, then glanced up to the five ponies standing in front of his desk with stern faces, waiting for an answer to their unasked question. Sound Boost shook his head to them and replied to the call, "Alright, Bright. You know I'll support you guys either way. We'll handle the damage on this end... Alright, talk to you later." Sound Boost hung up and reported, "Magenta's distributing through YouHoof and that's her final decision."

One of the C-Suite executives, a yellow mare with a silver and violet mane and tail stalked forward and stated, "We need to modify her contract. This beef has unexpectedly skyrocketed her value and popularity in Equestria. Not to mention Net Worth."

Sound Boost gasped and asked, "W-What? Ms. Gold Spoon, with all due respect her term is almost complete! We can't just add to it now, we'd have to offer a new contract! And it wouldn't be exactly fair for her either!"

"Then we'll make a new contract. Magenta's attention just grew and we need to take advantage of it to take over Equestria. Our label would be immense. Imagine our company enrolling into the stock market, becoming more than just a label. We could own so many businesses alone. So many bits would be circulating through our pockets. And it all starts with her." Gold Spoon placed her hoof on Magenta Streak's photo on he newspaper. "We need her to stay with Starfire until we can get this done, then she can go. The more music she can make and monetize, the more we can succeed. We just authorized a nationwide tour for your clients and made millions. We want to do more of those but we have to have her stick with the label and only the label."

Sound Boost was getting a bad vibe. Only the label. Leaning in, he asked slowly, "What are you saying, ma'am?"

"She needs to drop YouHoof. All that money she makes off her online shows could be for Starfire. Instead, they're going straight to YouHoof. We want that, we need that, and we're going to get that. And with this new scandal, we could use that to our advantage. An excuse. 'Magenta, you need to get off YouHoof because you are causing too much drama.' Boom, she has no other choice but to distribute through Starfire."
> Chapter 31 - Enter Goals
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Bright turned on all the lights in the home, that was the cue for Magenta to wake up. Starting off with her signature high pitched tone that annoyed Bright to no end. "OH MY.... GGGAHHHH!!" Magenta chuckled and bounced out of bed, feeling way better than she had in months. Not to mention those headaches were gone too. For now anyway. They always seemed to pop back up whenever they wanted to. She needed to speak to either mom or dad about it.

Relieved, Magenta stretched her hooves, popping the joints and more. Then made her way to the bathroom to get ready when her door opened, pulling a jump out of her. Bright stuck her head in and blandly asked, "Are you up?"

Magenta sighed and made her way into the bathroom. "Yes, Bright," she answered. "I'm up. If I weren't you wouldn't have heard me cheer. How was it?"

Bright opened the door wider and stepped into Magenta's room, making strange sounds as she tried to come up with a way to word it. "Ehh.... errr, it was... Eventful. Let's just say you're national news once again. And that Starfire wanted you to push the track through them."

Magenta immediately popped her head back out from the bathroom and yelled, "WHAT?!"

Bright smiled and answered calmly, "Don't worry, I told them no. Starfire's insane."

Magenta breathed in relief and ducked back into the bathroom. "Thanks Bright. Jeez, that would've ruined my reputation. Did they have a reason?"

Bright jumped on Magenta's bed and answered, "Yep. Apparently, this new beef between you and Covered Scenes caused a growth in popularity. Turns out Covered Scenes was right. Not everypony listens to your music, but the ones that do listen multiple times a day. That beef yesterday caused those that don't listen to listen, creating a spike in sales. Well Starfire wanted to use that to their advantage and wanted this beef to continue as long as it could so they can make more bits."

"They're risking my YouHoof channel for money?" Magenta deadpanned. She sighed and walked out of the bathroom, making her way to the desk in the corner. "Starfire's selfish, I don't care what they say. If I continue with this beef that'll drop my sales on YouHoof, which means we'll have to get in with Starfire. Which will disrupt my plans to get this release out there. I'm pretty sure they know that." Magenta pulled open a drawer and whipped out her makeup kit, stylized just for her. It would make Rarity proud.

"Yeah," Bright agreed. She hopped off the bed and made her way to her sister. "But... I have a bad feeling. Starfire must've been really desperate to want you to risk the start of it all for their own bits. They know our channel is very important to us, yet wanted us to risk our reputation and channel by engaging in a beef."

Magenta nodded and grabbed a bottle of glitter. Then raised the bottle above her head and shook it into her mane before running a single hoof through it. Next she sat it down and grabbed her magenta colored lipstick. "Yeah, it must have been a real problem. Thing is, Starfire doesn't really have any. None that I know of anyway. Is the track released yet?"

"Not yet, it's only seven. We're releasing it at ten. I setup the timer last night. You know who called last night?"

"I was sleeping, Bright," Magenta deadpanned. Then popped her lips and smiled at herself in the mirror. She looked great. Especially after putting on her eyeshadow.

"Carolid. We were talking about you and she made a good point about you actually starting your own label. Equestria has a law that reads that if you were underage, you could own a business as long as you were represented by a company."

"Uh huh." Magenta applied some mascara and batted her eyes in the mirror.

"Carolid suggested you use YouHoof to start." Magenta stopped applying and listened. "She said get in contact with their corporate offices and setup a meeting with them. But I said that since we were under Starfire's contract, we couldn't really do anything."

"Ahh, jeez," Magenta groaned. Then went back to applying her makeup. "Thought you were onto something."

"I am. I looked it over last night. Even though we are exclusive to Starfire, their contract states we couldn't have representation by a third party record label, distributor, or promotion agency. YouHoof isn't any of those." Magenta slowly lowered her makeup and stared at Bright in the mirror. "YouHoof is a social media platform that pays creators who fit the profile. We artists just release music up there that are classified as vlogs. I checked into YouHoof's Equestrian Classification Record? They are classified legally as a Social Media Platform that enrolls specific vloggers into the payment program. Not a Record Label, Promotion Agency, or Distributor."

Magenta dramatically dropped her makeup and turned back to Bright with a look of hope. "Are you saying all we have to do is get represented by YouHoof and we can do this thing, Bright?" She asked quickly.

Bright nodded and answered, "Yes. We can schedule a meeting and work out more specifics. I found a loophole."

Magenta jumped in the air with a raised hoof and cheered, "YES!! Way to go, Bright!" She wrapped her sister in a tight hug, then slapped her hoof and delivered a rather rough hip bump that nearly pushed her sister to the ground. "You're a bucking genius!"

"Maggy, language!" Bright scolded.

Magenta rolled her eyes and made way towards the closet. She jumped in and began digging through clothes, flinging some recklessly behind her to find a great outfit. "Sorry, I'm just really excited! I need to get YouHoof on the phone as fast as possible!" Magenta walked out of the large bedroom closet wearing a magenta colored jogging suit with the name Mahlooho on it, eagerly making her way to the door. Talking about plans and more as she was followed by Bright. "We need to get artists, marketing tools, a place to build studios! I can afford all of that, it's only an estimated five million in total. Not to mention contracts and more! We get sponsored and work through YouHoof who will be my 'adult' until I turn twenty-one."

Bright shook her head and responded, "No, Maggy. The way it would work is YouHoof would be the parent company of whatever you want to call the label until you turn twenty-one. They can and would help you get all that setup."

"Even better!" Magenta and Bright Snow walked down the stairs and into the large living room, heading for the phone on the table. Magenta reached out to dial the number, an inch away from her hoof before the phone began ringing. The two froze and glanced at each other. Quite the time to ring, wasn't it? Shrugging, Magenta grabbed the phone and answered it. "Hello?"

"Hey, Magenta," Sound Boost greeted. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, thank you. Look, is this important, we have to make a very important call," Magenta responded.

"Yeah. The CEO wants to see you in her office," Sound Boost answered. Magenta took note of his tone. Most of the time he was all jumpy and excited. Now he seemed... Depressed.

She turned to Bright and asked, "Sound Boost, are you okay? You sound... Uncool."

"Everything'll be explained once you get here."

"Okay, I'm on my way." Magenta hung up the phone and turned to Bright. "The... CEO wants to see me. You coming?"

Bright shrugged and responded, "Yeah, but we need breakfast first."



After a quick grab for the nearest bagels, Bright and Magenta boarded their elevator and rode down towards the lobby, listening to the calm and soothing jazz playing. While they moved, Bright and Magenta calmly ate their bagels, avoiding the daunting realization that the CEO of Starfire wanted to meet with them. The C-Suite executive wanted to see them. They've never met them. After a few seconds, the ride slowed and the doors parted for the lavish lobby of the Rising Sun Hotel. It wasn't that busy this morning, although it was getting to that point when others should start to wake up. Ignoring those thoughts, Magenta and Bright calmly walked through the lobby heading for the front doors. The sun had already risen and it was nearing ten o'clock, based off the readings on the clock above the door. They walked out through the front doors and into the streets of Manehattan. Then made their way down the sidewalk for Starfire. Even though ponies called for them, they didn't pay them any mind. Beyond trained were they in ignoring the shouts of fans and more.

After around ten more minutes, at nine fifty-six, Magenta and Bright finally arrived at the Office Building hosting Starfire Records. They walked up the stairs, waving at a few ponies they worked with and into the tall building. Just like usual nopony really spoke to them. Just nodded and continued on while they sat by the elevator on the fancy marble floor. Finding this a good time, Bright leaned into Magenta's space and whispered, "What do you think it's about?"

Magenta shook her head and whispered, "No idea. I don't even know who the CEO is." The elevator in front of them dinged open, allowing them access. Within a few minutes, Magenta and Bright next walked into the chill lobby of Starfire Records. It was mostly empty. Save for Sound Boost who was sitting in a chair on the side, reading a book.

He glanced their way and practically threw the book to the side so he could rush over. "Alright, kid," he whispered hectically. Then wrapped a hoof around her shoulder, leading her towards one of the stairs while Bright hopped on a couch. "The CEO is Gold Spoon, but just call her Ms. Spoon. She doesn't smile and rarely makes jokes. So just nod, greet, answer questions, and when she asks you the big one... Say no. Decline."

Magenta got a bad vibe. She glanced his way and repeated, "Decline? Say no? To what?"

"Just. Say. No. Alright?" Sound Boost stopped in front of a pair of double wooden doors and knocked. Then turned to Magenta and repeated, "Say no. We'll be downstairs."

Sound Boost quickly walked away, leaving Magenta at the door with a bad feeling. She couldn't ponder on it though because an older feminine voice on the other side called, "Come in!" Magenta took a deep calming breath. Then reached out and opened the door. The room was similar to Sound Boost's. Marble floors, a wall of glass that had a great view of Manehattan behind the grand wooden desk. Sitting directly behind the desk was a unicorn mare that had a yellow coat with a mane and tail colored a mix of silver and violet.

That's a terrible combination, Magenta thought before walking in. "Hello, Ms. Streak," she greeted. Then motioned in front of her desk. "Have a seat."

Magenta quickly did, eyeing the newspapers on her desk of herself. Once again making the headlines. Magenta Streak-Covered Scenes Beef?

The mare in front of her sighed and coldly introduced herself. "My name is Gold Spoon, I'm the CEO of the Label. I am the manager of the managers. Now the reason I called you here is because I needed to speak with you about this Covered Scenes-Magenta Streak beef. Sound Boost isn't going to tell you, so I will. Ever since yesterday, your sales have soared. Your next pay period will be a lot bigger than usual and we're expecting a lot more."

Magenta smiled but stayed on her hooves while she continued. "But the thing is, we don't want it on YouHoof. YouHoof is great, of course, right? The foundation of your success and career. But it causes issues. Conflict. We want our representatives and clients to stay away from drama, and YouHoof caused it."

"What are you saying?" Magenta slowly asked. Sirens were blaring loud in her mind right now.

"My team and I have come up with a compromise. In exchange for you giving up YouHoof, we double your contract from one hundred million bits to two hundred million bits. If you don't, we... Cancel your contract."

It's like Magenta's heart shattered. Her eyes wide as her mind processed what the CEO just stated. If she quits YouHoof, they extend her final income. If she doesn't, she gets no income. "Y...y-you're cutting me off from Starfire?" She whispered. "With all due respect Ms. Spoon that's very unfair, I've worked hard to make sure everyone here is represented."

Nodding, Gold Spoon responded, "And I understand that. But Starfire doesn't want to look bad. This YouHoof beef helped us, but we have to let it go."

Say no, Sound Boost's voice rang in her mind. YouHoof was the beginning of everything! She couldn't just quit all of that! Using her magic, Ms. Spoon slid a card her way, smiling. "Why don't you think about it?" She whispered. "And enjoy your vacation."

Magenta grabbed the card and stood up. Then quickly made her way out the door. Her mind was blank as she walked down the stairs, heading for the lobby. Bright was relaxing on one of the couches. Bouncing up when Magenta stepped on the floor with a confused and dumb look on her face. Concerned, Bright asked, "What happened?"

Magenta focused on her for a moment before motioning with her head toward the elevator. Bright joined her on the trek for the doors when Sound Boost stepped into view. "Did you say no?" He asked Magenta.

Magenta held up the card and answered, "I'm buying my time. I already have a plan. I need to make a post on YouHoof about this." Bright was looking between the two, huffing in annoyance. She really hated being left out of situations. Thankfully, the elevator arrived if the ding was any indication. After the doors slid open, Bright quickly pushed Magenta in. "I'll call you later, Sound Boost!"

"You do that!" He responded before the doors shut.

Once they did, Bright turned to Magenta with focused eyes trained on hers. "So what happened?" She asked urgently. "Leave out nothing!"

Magenta took a deep breath and decided to just drop the bomb. Without taking her eyes off of the steel doors, she answered, "You and I both knew Starfire wanted me to drop YouHoof."

Since Bright wasn't talking, she bet a bit that Bright was going to yell when she did. After a few more quiet seconds, she and Bright walked out the doors and back into the lobby. Still no word from Bright. Finding this a great time, Magenta grabbed her phone and speed dialed a number. After the tone ended, a mare's voice appeared on the other end. "Hello?"

"Hey, Babs. It's Magenta. Look, do you want to come by my penthouse?"

"Yeah, sure. I'm not working until tomorrow anyway. What time?"

"Now would be great." Magenta glanced over at Bright who was walking with a red face. Oh boy. "And make it quick please? Bright's about to blow right now."

Bright's head shot to Magenta when she yelled, "THEY WANT YOU TO WHAT?!!" The other ponies outside enjoying the sunny day stopped whatever they were doing and looked up at Bright who was shaking her head. "NO! NO WAY, ABSOLUTELY NOT!! THEY ARE OUT OF THEIR BUCKING MINDS!!!"

"I'll talk to you later, Babs," Magenta calmly said. Then hung up and dialed Coloratura while they walked for the hotel. Bright was still having her tirade.

"Hey Magen... What's going on on that side of town?" Coloratura greeted.

Magenta calmly pushed Bright's face away, who was still yelling. "Are they serious?! Are they really bucking serious right now?! Who the buck told you to do that?!!"

"CEO, Bright. Look, Rara, just get to the Penthouse. Seriously. And bring the others. I'll tell you what's going on when you get there, it's an emergency. It's not going to mess up our plans, but I need you guys to hear this first." Magenta didn't even wait for a response. Instead hung up the phone and pushed Bright into the Hotel Elevator. "You can yell all you want inside the elevator."

"I'm yelling, NOW!!" Thankfully, the elevator door dinged open. So Magenta practically threw Bright inside and ducked in with her, closing the door three seconds later. "Why did they ask you to—" Magenta thrust a hoof into her mouth.

"Not now," she whispered. "We're still in public. Wait until we're in the penthouse."



The last thing Babs expected to see when the elevator doors parted for Magenta's penthouse floor was Coloratura, Firestarter, Blue Arrow, and Spit Rhymes all talking at once. She calmly walked forward into the penthouse and into the living room with the rest of the frantic celebrities. Bright was drinking a large bottle of water, Magenta was reading something and the other four were asking questions like the world was ending. Magenta caught Babs' eyes and smiled. Waving, she greeted, "Hey, Babs!" The others stopped talking and turned to her.

"H-Hey, Magenta," she responded slowly. She glanced at Firestarter then back at her and asked, "What's... Going on?"

Magenta threw the contract to the side and sighed. "Well... Earlier, I was called into Starfire's CEO's office. Thanks to this Beef, I've gotten a lot more bits because everyone is watching it. Unfortunately, Starfire doesn't... Like that. So they offered me a compromise. In exchange for dropping YouHoof—"

"What?" Babs interrupted.

"—they'll double my contract for two hundred million bits. If I don't, they'll drop us from the label."

"WHAT?!!" Babs yelled. She ran over and yelled in horror, "Th-That's not fair though! You're the top performing artist and you started from YouHoof, plenty of ponies listen to your music on YouHoof!"

"That's why I'm saying no. I'm leaving Starfire. And it's all because of that Covered Scenes pony. And this couldn't have came at a great time. This morning before we were called in—they don't know about this yet." Magenta motioned towards the four in the room. "Bright told me that she held a conversation with Carolid last night who reminded her of something that may in fact make my next step come true just in time. Owning a Record Label."

Coloratura reminded her, "But aren't you too young to own a business?"

Magenta nodded and answered, "Yes, I am. But she also made a good point. According to Equestrian law, anypony underage can own a business as long as they are owned by a parent company. Sort of like how a foal has adult supervision and guidance. Carolid said we could actually do it and distribute under Starfire, but Bright said we couldn't because we were owned under Starfire's contract."

Firestarter and asked, "Okay... So..."

Magenta smirked and added, "But they left the door open on their contract. Bright did some digging last night. The contract states we are not to engage in any third party record label, promotion agency, or distributor. Label, Promotion Agency, or Distributor. YouHoof, is none of those."

Bright burped loud, clearly stressed out and added quite blatantly, "YouHoof, under Equestrian Record is a Social Media Platform that hosts a program paying creators. They are not those, so the contract legally doesn't apply to them."

"Our plan before was to get YouHoof to partly own my new Record Label while we setup distribution, promotion, and event acquisitions. My Record Label would be partly owned by YouHoof. But since we are dropping Starfire Records in the future, we don't have to worry about them once we do. I'm also taking down my music from Glow Sounds since Starfire makes money off of them and keeping the copies on YouHoof for myself. So long as my music is on Glow Sounds, Starfire continues making money off of me."

Startled, Blue Arrow quickly asked, "Can you really do that?"

Magenta gestured to the papers on the table setup in front of her. "This is the contract they gave me. A copy of it anyway. According to it, they handed me the copyright so that music legally belongs to me and only me. Nopony else. I can have it taken down whenever I want to. The only rights Starfire held over it was timing whenever it came out. I gave them the record and they put it out when they wanted to. But I can take it down whenever I want to."

Babs repeated, "So you're leaving Starfire."

Magenta nodded and answered, "Yep. Bright and I have been thinking about it for awhile but was too afraid that they would sue us or something. They're dropping us. So, we don't have to worry about that. Right now I'm buying my time by acting like I'm making up my mind when in reality, I'm making a phone call to YouHoof..." Magenta pressed the answer button on the phone, dialing a number. "...so we can get this thing started."

Everyone listened to the dial tone ring, summoning YouHoof's Corporate Headquarters in East Manehattan, literally a ten minute walk away from the penthouse. After a few more seconds, the phone picked up with a voice. "YouHoof Customer Service, can I have the name and reason of contact?"

"Yes, Magenta Streak and Operations Management," Magenta answered.

Oh! Ms. Streak! Is-Is there an issue with your channel?"

"No, but I need to schedule a meeting with YouHoof's Partner Office please. I don't have the number."

"I'll page you right to them because, unfortunately, we don't schedule appointments on this floor. Give me a moment." The room was filled with piano music while they waited patiently.

While they did, Firestarter asked, "So is Starfire and Magenta Streak enemies now too?"

Magenta shrugged and answered, "We're approaching a cold war." The phone picked up before they could continue the conversation.

A male voice greeted calmly, "YouHoof Partner Support, can I please have the name, and reason for contact?"

"Yes, Magenta Streak, and partnership opportunity."

"Ah, yes. Magenta Streak. How may we help you today?"

"I'd like to schedule a meeting with Chief of Operations please as soon as possible."

"Alright." Magenta listened to the clicks and movements on the other side. "He has a ten o'clock and a three thirty next friday. Would you like the ten o'clock?"

"Yes please." Magenta looked towards Bright just to check on her to see her sleeping. Was she really that upset? Thankfully, she didn't break anything. She looked to everyone else and motioned towards her. "She looks terrible right now," she whispered.

"Give her some chocolate," Coloratura suggested.

"Alright, Ms. Streak, you're down for ten o'clock next friday morning."

"Okay, thank you." After that, she hung up and looked towards her friends and family. "Well... I'm about to start my own Label. And Starfire's not going to be happy."
> Chapter 32 - Babs' Rumor
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After getting a meeting in with YouHoof, Magenta laid out the plan to Bright, Firestarter, Spit Rhymes, Babs, and Countess Coloratura in a dramatic way that woke up Bright. She grabbed a nearby sheet from underneath the table that no one had spotted before and slammed it on top. Out of shock, Bright flapped her wings and soared up into the air.

"Alright, listen up!" Magenta yelled at the same time Bright fell back down to the floor, right on her front. "I have a plan. And it involves a lot of promotion, timing, and—ow! Bright!" Magenta looked over to Bright after she slapped her back with a wing, scowling at Magenta. "What was that?"

Bright deadpanned, "I was sleeping, hello!"

"Ah, sorry. Now let's get this thing started. So we have four singers here: Blue Arrow, Coloratura, Spit Rhymes, and myself. I know that Firestarter mixes and produces. If me and her produced a track, it would be completely epic. I'm thinking... Put Spit Rhymes' sing-song voice onto a House track."

Firestarter asked, "How exactly are we going to release it?"

"YouHoof. Of course after promotion, which would take around three weeks, possibly a few days once they learn the Gold Sisters are finally collaborating with artists that are not under Starfire. I'm hoping to have a label setup in a few months. But during that time, I'll propose to YouHoof to have a website setup in partner with them." Magenta raised a hoof and moved it from left to right. "I'm thinking... Color Flash by YouHoof. It's going to be under their name and managed by them while I deal with all of the stress of marketing and overseeing artists, all that jazz. It brings them a lot of profit. I've done it before, I can easily do it again. Not to mention, I'm a millionaire. Both Bright and I. Getting all of this started would take only at most one hundred thousand bits. Having ads created aren't that expensive... For me."

Babs sighed and deadpanned, "Yeah... We can see that." She and the others looked around Magenta's lavish penthouse. Coloratura even stroked the arm of the couch they were sitting on.

Magenta nervously chuckled and nodded her head. "Eh heh heh... Yeah. Well we just need to work on a photo and post it online. I can have somepony at YouHoof work on that once we're done here. In the meantime, let's get started on this new song. Follow me." Magenta gathered up her sheets and made her way for the stairs, eagerly followed by the artists. "You coming, Babs?"

"I'll probably just head out for some food," Babs answered. She turned and made way for the door. "I see you've got everything handled, so..."

"You're always welcome to stop by, remember that!"



The first thing Babs recalled when she burst into Sweetie's room at Canterlot Boutique later that evening was Apple Bloom on top of Sweetie, doing some really naughty things. "STUFF'S ABOUT TO GO DOWN—oh my faust, Apple Bloom's going down..."

Apple Bloom and Sweetie turned to Babs with bright red cheeks. Apple Bloom's face was between her rear hooves while sweetie was laying back on a bunch of pillows. The obvious was happening. Babs had her eyes covered and asked, "So... Ya' decent?" Three high heels were suddenly thrown her way. "Ow, ow! Hey! Ow, jeez, okay!!" Babs backed out before another one was thrown and shut the door behind her.

"You caught them in the act, hmm darling?" Babs squeaked and turned around to face Rarity. She had a knowing smirk on her face. How many times has this happened for her to hold that?!

"Er... It was very embarrassing," she whispered. The door opened again and Apple Bloom walked out. She turned Babs around and pushed a hoof into her chest.

"Ya' saw nothin, and ya' heard nothin'. Got it?" She snarled.

"Yep, no worries here. And to be fair, you really shouldn't have the door unlocked when you're being intimate."

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. Of course they forgot to lock the door. It usually happens when things get rather steamy. Turning around, Apple Bloom waved her into the room and walked in with Babs right behind her. Sweetie was underneath the cover, eyeing her as she moved. "Now what was so important you had to barge into the room? It better be worth it," Apple Bloom requested.

Babs sat down and answered, "It's about Scootaloo." Sweetie's ears perked up with Apple Bloom's. "She's quitting Starfire and pursuing her own label with YouHoof. She has a meeting with them coming up."

Apple Bloom gasped and asked, "Magenta's qui—" Babs forced her hoof into her mouth before she realized here that mouth has been. She quickly pulled it back out and wiped it on the floor.

"Not so loud, it's supposed to be a secret."

Sweetie jumped out of the bed and trotted over to Apple Bloom. Then made her hoof signs. "What exactly happened?" Apple Bloom translated. Sweetie used her magic to shut and lock the door this time. They didn't need Applejack or somepony else bursting inside. It seemed to be happening a lot lately.

"Starfire called her in this morning. According to Magenta, they were going to make her drop YouHoof."

Apple Bloom shook her head. "No, no way. I take it she didn't do it?"

Babs shook her head and answered further, "She's actually stalling right now. They gave her time to think about it, but she's already made up her mind. After this meeting with YouHoof she set up around two hours ago, which I hope goes as planned, she's going to make sales with YouHoof instead. She's planning on using YouHoof as a parent company to her label and finally collaborating with other artists like the ones she already has lined up."

"This is a big deal in the music business," Sweetie signed. "For one, Magenta leaving behind a one hundred million bit contract would be called stupid, but it would also get her some attention too."

"Definitely," Apple Bloom agreed. "So any new songs planned out?"

"She's currently working on some with the first runner up. Firestarter."

Sweetie shrugged and signed, "What music does she make?"

"Future Bass. I looked her up on her way here. That's the music with the crazy synths. I think she makes Uptempo too."

"Magenta on Future Bass. Has she ever made Riddim?" They looked to their local Magenta Streaker Sweetie Belle who shrugged. She honestly had no clue. Never even heard of the genre actually. "It would be a new lane for her. A really new lane."
> Chapter 33 - YouHoof Bound
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sleeping was great. Sleeping was cool. Sleeping was fun. Sleeping was one of the things Magenta does when she's away from the mixers, microphones, synthesizers, equalizers. Away from the music. Well attempts to sleep anyway. Mom's cooking downstairs usually stops that a few hours after it starts. Magenta's eyes fluttered open and focused on the pillow her head was supposed to be on. Did she sleep without that pillow? That wondrous soft feather-filled pillow? "I'm going to have a crick in my neck today," she grumbled. Then yawned and sat up. She rubbed her eyes and looked around her room, clean and spotless, unlike usual. The office above her was clean too when she started cleaning yesterday evening.

Magenta sighed and hopped out the bed, landing on the hardwood floors to stretch. Just as she thought there was a crick in her neck. It was quickly rectified with a pop and a snap. Then a wiggled of the hooves before the most epic of journeys to the bathroom across from her bed. Once finished, she stepped out of her room opened her mouth and sang out, "Ohhhh, I'm awake~!!"

"MAGGY, SHUT IT!!" Magenta jumped and looked to the right into the face of Bright. Or what he thought was Bright's face. It was just a bunch of green cream with cucumbers. "I'm trying to enjoy my Friday before it's ruined."

Magenta chuckled and nudged her face. "What's this?" She asked.

"It's Spa cream, duh! It's going to replenish my looks."

"How can you see through those cucumbers? You know what, don't answer that. I have the plan all laid out. While you're at school I'm heading out to YouHoof to get this thing started. Nopony's going to want to see Starfire after this. The name of the COO is Prolifer Smile. I looked him up last night? He's a looker."

Bright didn't get it. Slowly shaking her head, she repeated, "Looker?"

"Handsome. Cute. Whatever you high school fillies call hot, he's that. Been with YouHoof for ten years and runs the YouHoof Select Program. The Program we're in. I want to be able to partner with them on a new contract."

Magenta walked back into her room for a moment, leaving Bright standing there with cucumbers on her face. "So how exactly are you going to do that?"

Magenta grunted inside her room and answered, "I'll be making suggestions. Simple as that. Now about the promotion and press teasing." Magenta walked out wearing a Mahlooho sports jacket with a golden pattern. Fitted with golden wings on the side. "I'm actually just going to make it obvious something between me and YouHoof is going on. You know how I like press."

"Yep, I always can tell. Now, I think it's time I washed this stuff off, I'm starting to feel cringy. You go and do your thing, I'll catch a ride or something."

"Bright just take the scooter."

Bright gasped and yelled, "What?! But you need the scooter. You can't fly, remember?"

"I should hope so. I've been wingless for as long as I could remember. Trying to fly is like telling an Apple Tree to grow faster. I'm out of here." Magenta turned and made her way towards the stairs, leaving her sister in the hallway with cream on her face.

"Wait. guide me to my room first... Maggy?.... Maggy." Bright lifted up one of the Cucumbers on her face at the spot where Magenta's voice was coming from, now vacant. She sighed and made her way way back to her room. She had a feeling this was going to be a long day.


~★~★~


The morning weather was great. The cool wind on this sunny friday tickled Magenta's fur as she walked the streets of Manehattan. East Manehattan. While she moved, she of course waved at the ponies walking past, cheering her name. Just another day in Manehattan. But unlike usual, this trek had some reason and goal. Not routine. Drop Bright off at School, go to Starfire and progress on a new project. No. This one was about YouHoof. So instead of walking straight ahead towards Bright's school, Magenta took a sharp right onto a street she rarely walks on. Just like any big business, YouHoof was located in the middle of East Manehattan. A tall skyscraper with the Logo on top. She glanced up to it and smiled. This was the start of a new future. Hopefully. If they approved, she'd drop Starfire. If they didn't, she be forced to drop YouHoof.



Diamond Tiara nearly spit out her milk when Babs, Sweetie, and Apple Bloom told her and Silver Spoon about what Magenta's plan was. Instead she held a hoof over her mouth and swallowed. Then yelled, "What?! Magenta's dro—" Apple Bloom plugged her mouth with a hoof and shushed her.

"Shhh! We don't want to reveal anything yet," she whispered. Then gestured to everyone else inside of Sugarcube Corner watching them in the corner of their eyes.

Tiara nodded after Apple Bloom removed her hoof. "So what's she going to do if they refuse her offer?"

Sweetie shrugged and made some hoof signs. "Not sure. But since she's... You know, it would be really stupid to."

Apple Bloom blinked and commented, "I'll say. Hey, we goin' to Manehattan later? Just to check on her?"

Silver Spoon shrugged and answered, "Why not? Nothing really happens in Ponyville anyway. Well not anymore."



The YouHoof building was tall. Not too tall, but around the same size as the building that housed Starfire. Magenta really couldn't stop to stare at it at the moment though. Just like usual, anyone who ever saw her would usually freak out. But this time was different. Magenta's been all over Manehattan. East, South, and West. West was where she and Bright used to live at. And she's traveled the entire area. As well as South. But East is much bigger. And expensive. The Headquarters of large corporations were housed here. But the only area in East Manehattan she's ever traveled was around East Manehattan Unique. The area she was in wasn't full of stores, fancy restaurants, and crazy fans. No, this area was full of corporate businesses with ponies in suits, casual wear, and briefcases. Past being millennials. And since Magenta was a superstar, in a corporate area of East Manehattan that made all the news outlets and ponies swarm her like flies, flashing cameras and taking notes with the obvious question:

"Is a deal coming between a corporation and Magenta Streak?"

"Is there a new program starring you and Bright Snow?"

"Is there a plan in place?"

Undeterred, Magenta continued pressing forward, followed by the Press who stopped when she walked up the steps to YouHoof. After opening the door she walked into a really friendly lobby. There were funny made chairs that made her start planning out a lounge in the mansion, holding ponies reading books, talking, and making noise. She ignored them and made her way towards the Customer Service desk in front of her. There were three ponies behind them wearing glasses—whether stylish or not, Magenta couldn't tell. She walked up to one free spot and placed her front hooves on the counter, clearing her throat.

The mare behind this one looked up and greeted, "Yes, how may I—hello, Ms. Streak! Oh, jeez, I was told you may be coming this morning. Give me a moment."

Jeez, didn't even have to say anything, Magenta thought. SHe dropped back down onto her hooves and looked around the lobby. Some of the fillies around here had their phones out recording her and waving. Smiling, she waved back and turned to the counter.

The mare leaned over it and hoofed her a card and a clipboard. "This is your visitor card. The pony you want to speak with is on the fourteenth floor. But before you go, please fill this out. It's just a simple survey."

Magenta nodded and looked the survey over. Just a simple questionnaire asking how she, the attendant did. Was she friendly? Yes. Knew what she was doing? Confident? Yes and yes. Have a smile? It was hurting her eyes. After she completed a few questions, she hoofed it back to the attendant then made her way over to the nearest elevator.

"Thank you very much," she called over her shoulder.

"Y-Yes, ma'am, have a wonderful day!" She responded. Magenta walked in front of even more customer Service desks, all eyes on her. Just like in the Starfire Building, Magenta pressed an up-arrow and sat down to wait. She didn't have to wait long. Or look behind her at all the eyes and whispers directed her way. That gets really old. Soon, he elevator opened up. The floor had red carpet and a reflective ceiling with lights. Magenta stepped inside and hovered her hoof over the buttons. Finding the number, she pressed fourteen and closed the doors.

Finally alone, Magenta tilted her head back and enjoyed the ride to the top floor. Her mind was coming up with questions they would ask and the answers she had for them. What do we get out of merging with you? More creators in your pool of vloggers, musicians, and a successful artist as a promotional tool. I can hook you up with so many more artists and we can start a music platform on YouHoof. I understand that YouHoof has a standard when it comes to videos and are based around interesting creators. I can find those creators in a few days with my influence on the industry. They just have to be with Color Flash. Not to mention you have the opportunity to gain more bits. But why would we need you to get that done? Because nopony else in Equestria has as much influence as I do.

The elevator doors parted onto a much more lonelier floor. Right across from the doors was another pony behind a desk, working on something. A stallion.

He glanced up and locked eyes with Magenta Streak, who was staring right down at him. "Hello, Ms. Streak. Mr. Smiles is waiting for you in room fourteen o'two. Right there." He pointed to a pair of double wooden doors on the right side of the elevator.

Magenta nodded and took a deep breath. Then made her way over and knocked on the door. "Come on in, Ms. Streak."
> Chapter 34 - YouHoof Settlement; What's Next?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

This was it. The big guy. The Chief Of Operations. The one who leads and approves projects at YouHoof. When Magenta stepped onto the carpeted office of one of YouHoof's Executives, she knew she was in uncharted territory. The pony she was supposed to speak with had his face buried inside of a folder. Hiding him from view. But Magenta didn't have to look at him to know he was the big boss. One of them. His office was like Sound Boost's and the CEO of Starfire. A glass wall with a bunch of awards lying around. Newspaper clippings and pictures hung on the walls of YouHoof awarding different ponies. She wasn't up there though. Not yet.

The COO pointed to the front of his desk and said, "Have a seat. Would you like something to drink?" Prolifer Smile lowered the folder and shot a smile straight at Magenta. Whoo was he handsome. Magenta didn't feel anything for him though. A unicorn. His orange coat was identical to her own while his yellow eyes greatly contrasted against her Magenta ones. He had a short light blue mane and tail. But that smile was the breadwinner.

Following his instructions Magenta plopped down onto one of the two pillows in front of her and shook her head. "No thank you."

"Okay. So what brings you here today? From what I hear you have busy schedules." He closed the folder he was looking at and slid it to the side.

Magenta shrugged and answered, "My schedule is actually empty right now. No shows at the moment, just vlogs."

Prolifer chuckled and asked, "Trouble in paradise?"

He was good. Magenta sighed and asked her own question. "How'd you know?"

"You're with Starfire Records, which doesn't exactly have the best reputation. Something going on?"

Magenta nodded and whispered, "Don't tell anypony, but... Starfire wants me to drop YouHoof."

Prolifer's mind was suddenly filled with chirping crickets. After a few seconds he leaned back and kicked his hooves up in a relaxed state, eyes on the ceiling. "Well that would be the most stupidest thing they'd ever do," he spat out. "You are the top performing artist on YouHoof, Glow Sounds, and a few more platforms. You're making them a lot of bits! For them to drop you would be bad for business and would drastically decrease their income. By thousands a week."

"Yeah, thing is? I've been thinking about leaving and starting my own label anyway. I have way more than enough bits to get it started and still have enough for everything that goes with it. But I have to be twenty-one to get it started."

Prolifer nodded and confirmed, "That's right."

"On my own, that is." Prolifer looked her way. Magenta had a smirk on her face that was... Intriguing. "I have a proposition that could benefit both of us. YouHoof, and the Gold Sisters."

"... Go on."

Magenta leaned in and spoke in a much quieter tone. There was no telling who had good ears and who didn't. "So a friend informed Bright and I about the fact that even though I have to be twenty-one to even get the label setup on our own, if we partnered with another company to be our 'adoptive parent', we would be able to do it. We were thinking to have a label work closely with YouHoof, but also managing our own sales."

Prolifer nodded and sat back in his seat. He crossed his hooves and said, "Well that would be a grand idea. YouHoof's Corporate here is all about money and investment. I could talk to the executives about it, but they would want to see some guarantee. I'm sure you know a label isn't a label without its artists, managers, promotion, and distribution. And you, from last we heard have over seven hundred million bits, I'm sure you can afford that."

Magenta nodded and waved her hoof his way. "Yeah, no sweat."

"So here's the deal. I can speak to the CEO about it and your proposition. But he will want to see some Guarantee that you can pull this off. That means while we're making the decisions, you have to search for artists, managers, promotion tools, all of that."

"It's possible to publish on YouHoof, right? Albums, singles?"

Prolifer Smile shrugged and stood up to make way for one of the bookcases by the door. "Well yes, and no. You release singles all the time on YouHoof. Albums would pretty much just be a bunch of singles in a playlist. But if you're talking about a program in YouHoof that releases albums in the form of a label, then no. We don't have that."

Magenta jabbed her hoof in his direction and stated, "That's what I'd like to see."

Prolifer counted off his binders and grabbed a white one on the far right with his magic and tossed it onto his desk. Magenta took note that this pony was very casual and laid back about everything. "Well if you were to lead it and be the founder of the program, it'd be a go. But just like anything on Net, we want to see some features. Contracts, legalities, all of that we want to see. We just don't want a name. We want to see that you're for real about all of this. So I'll tell the top head about it and get back with you. All you need to do is get some artists, promotional platforms, and some other things that I'll list out. Once you have that, give me the details, and I'll show it to my boss."



Bright liked school. The smell of too much perfume in her math class, the struggle of trying not to sleep and keep the cameras and such away from her. Seriously, it was hard to not make a scene. If she were to sleep, it would be all over Net, and it would be extremely difficult to get off. That was the let down of being superstars. A serious letdown.

Luckily, lunchtime was her favorite. And lunchtime was now. She didn't need to skip straight into the lines, she always brings her own food, or she goes out to eat. After bouncing into cafeteria full of hungry students, she zipped straight over to her clique: The Cheer Squad. She plopped down into the seat in the middle and whipped out her food. Then nodded to the mares she was sitting with. Since she was the only mare left from Quick Hooves that goes here, she had to make some new friends. While they were speaking about something, Bright's phone rang, stopping her before she could take a bite. And attracting her friends' attention. She smiled at them and pulled out her phone to check the ID. Magenta. To keep others in the dark, they used code names to keep them away from their conversations. Some things ears pick up on.

She answered it and held it up to her ear. "Hey, Purple Diamond."

"Hey, Bright. Look I just left the meeting."

Bright nodded and took a bite out of her sandwich. Then asked around her mouthful, "Yeah? What they say?"

Magenta walked once more into the elevator on that floor and closed the door to answer. "Well they said it's a good idea, but they want to see some push. So Prolifer gave me his—"

"Number?"

Magenta rolled her eyes and answered, "No, Bright. Listen." Then chuckled a little before getting serious again. "They want us to grab some artists and more. So technically, we have to set up the label so they can get some promise that we're serious about this. Then have them get in contact with us and make some decisions."

Bright waved to a pony at another table and asked, "So what do we do now?"

The elevator doors opened for Magenta to step out. "Now we start to build. Since you're really friendly and like to talk, try to search for some artists whenever you can. I'll handle all the legal stuff. Talk to Rara, Firestarter, Spit Rhymes, and Blue Arrow and be on the lookout."

Bright stood up and looked around the cafeteria with the phone to her head. Scanning the crowd for a specific pony. "I already have a pony in mind. I'll keep you posted."

Magenta nodded and responded, "Great. I love you, Bright."

"I love you too, Maggy."

Magenta hung up her phone and made for the front doors. She was holding the folder Smiles hoofed over to her that needed to be filled with information. Once it was all in this folder, she'd give it back. While she moved Magenta read some of it. Artists, managers, promo teams, venues, she knew just who to get in contact with about this stuff.

"Jeez, ya' need a haircut."

Magenta stopped and looked around. Who had the nerve to... Babs. Babs somehow managed to sneak up right next to her undetected with a smirk on her face. And was it just her or did she look different.

Magenta shut the folder and greeted, "Hey, Babs. How are you? How'd you find me?"

Babs squinted her eyes and deadpanned, "You're Magenta Streak. All I had to do was ask."

"Oh... Yeah." Jeez, I can't even walk around anymore, Magenta thought. Then asked, "So what's up? Are you wearing makeup?" She reached out and felt her face. Sure enough, there was some blush. Magenta smirked up at Babs and whispered, "Who's the stallion? Or mare? I don't judge."

Babs blushed and whispered, "There ain't no pony."

"I'll believe that when I can fly again. Come on, start spilling." She stood up and walked into the street with Babs on her tail.

Babs shook her head and answered, "I ain't tellin'."

Magenta gasped and announced, "So there is a pony! Start. Spilling. Who are they?"

Babs rolled her eyes and hip bumped her lightly. They both missed the very quiet camera snap. "I'm not telling you."

Magenta shrugged and whispered, "Fine don't tell me. I have secrets too."

Babs chuckled and nodded. But couldn't help but think about what Magenta just said. What secrets did she have?
> Chapter 35 - Enter Sunrise Miku; Purple Diamond
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunrise Miku wasn't an average pony. She wasn't even an Equestria pony. A fellow student of East Manehattan, she sees one of the Gold Sisters every weekday. Each time she was at her locker, she'd see Bright Snow trot past with someone else. When Sunrise and her parents first moved her a few years ago to start a restaurant business, Magenta Streak was all the rage and just became popular. So much so it drove her a little mad, and made her high red ponytails go weird and out of place. Her orange coat had to be groomed constantly. Magenta and Sunrise actually lived on the same block in the past apparently. Her mother said that she's witnessed her mother leave a house on the corner with their father. Technically they were on the same street too. Either way, she's inspired her to make music.

Sunrise wasn't the best, but she has released a few tracks through a few indie platforms. YouHoof being one of them. Like before, not many results if any at all. She, just like any artist out here strived to be like Magenta Streak. To do shows, make music, be recognized, and of course all the bits. Bright wears fashionable clothing. Colr Arch, Golden Diamond Crown, Mahlooho. All extremely expensive. And she has more than twenty outfits of Colr Arch. Sunrise has been counting. Over eight million bits spent. Total.

She's only seen Bright in person. Magenta was impossible to get to. Sunrise would be extremely lucky if she could see her from three yards away. And would be insanely lucky if she got to talk to her. Many of the students here wished the same thing. With that thought in mind Sunrise opened up her locker and stuffed her books inside to mix with the mess of stickers, report cards, and a mirror.

She reached up and fixed one of her pigtails. Then sighed and closed it back. "Hey!" A high pitched voice greeted.

"Gah!" Sunrise jumped out of fright and held a hoof over her chest. When she closed her locker, Bright was leaning against the one next to her on the other side with her hooves crossed. Watching her. Or the steel door.

Bright smirked and asked, "Are you okay?"

Sunrise rubbed her eyes and blinked a few times. Then looked around. Was Bright Snow talking to her? The Bright Snow?! Bright could see where this was going. She nodded her head and answered her unasked question. "Yes, I'm talking to you. I need to speak with you for a bit before we get out of here."

Sunrise pointed to herself and asked, "You need to speak... With me? A-Am I in trouble?"

Bright shook her head and answered, "Far from it. Just come and walk with me." Sunrise shut her locker and grabbed her bags from the floor. Then proceeded to follow her down the hall. Bright had to have just come from Cheer practice since she was still wearing her cheer outfit. Sunrise was over the moon. She was walking with Bright Snow! Bright Snow! Oh wait until mom hears about this.

They walked into the main lobby and out the front doors into the air of East Manehattan. Looking around, Bright said, "You make some good music, Pony."

Wait, what?! Sunrise gasped then swiveled to face Bright. She whispered, "You know I make music? And listen to it?"

Bright nodded and answered, "Yes, I do. Please don't freak out, it's unnerving." Sunrise settled for biting her lips with wide eyes. Bright could tell she was about to start screaming. "I like how you use another language that isn't Ponish in your tracks. It's unique. And from what I know about the industry, nopony else does that. At all. Let alone makes good music with it unless I'm missing something."

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, Bright Snow is talking to me about my music! Sunrise barely contained a simple nod. This was something she would never expect. Or even expected!

"S-S-So, what do you want?" She stuttered.

Bright sat down and looked around her surroundings. Then whispered, "Magenta and I are in the midst of a... Transitional period, if you catch my drift. Magenta hasn't heard of your music. So I'll introduce her to it and see what she says later on tonight. You obviously have some talent and I would like to see it go further. How old are you?"

"Sixteen," she whispered.

Bright nodded and responded, "Yeah, it should be no problem. I'll have Maggy look at your YouHoof channel tonight and see what she thinks. And if she likes it, we'll do some more explaining. I'll have her look at what I think is your best track. And if we like it, we'll send you a letter. Keep it up, kid." Bright stood up and made her way down the steps, leaving Sunrise with a more than excited look on her face. Once Bright was out of view, she quickly shimmered off down the steps and high tailed it to her house. She had to tell mom, she had to tell mom!

While Bright was on her mission in Manehattan, Magenta had her own mission that required a saddlebag-suitcase, her phone, and a business suit. The best one she had actually. The one that was black, white, and had a Magenta-colored tie. As well as Colr Arch shades with the golden front. After grabbing the suit from her closet back at her penthouse, Magenta also grabbed a black stetson that was hanging inside that she never remembered getting. But she barely remembers getting any of the two hundred outfits in here. This hat was no different. She donned it on her head and adjusted her saddlebags. Then closed the door in her room and made her way for the elevator. Where she was going, no one would notice her. As long as nopony knew about it actually being her. In Manehattan, she was Magenta Streak. But everywhere else, she was Purple Diamond.

The train ride was uneventful. Nopony questioned the most elegant pony getting on the train wearing an expensive suit and sitting in the back in the corner all by herself looking out the window. The afternoon sun cast shadows on her face each time they passed a tree while her eyes behind the golden shades were squinted with intensity. And not because these glasses were partially hurting her eyes. But because of the fact that she had a big mission up ahead: Getting recruits. She's been waiting for this day. She's been waiting for this day less than a week. Ever since Covered Scenes blew her up. She wanted to blow her up. But luckily, YouHoof got to her first. She was a lucky mare. A little slap on the wrist from the ponies that give her bits. But to Magenta Streak, that wasn't enough.

Either way, nothing could be done. At least right now. Her thoughts were on the mission: Recruitment. She had to get more artists, platforms, and promos. Believe it or not, every city had different styles. Magenta's just one of them that plays all of those styles. Hardcore was something from the Underground Manehattan scene. Where Ravers move in and take the dance floor, swinging their hips from side to side and singing along to her sounds. The scene that made her go sky high, sitting on bits back at her Manehattan Elite mansion. Upper Manehattan was the House Scene. North Manehattan was the Nightcore scene. The Happy Hardcore. Another scene that helped. The techno scene was Las Pegasus. Those were the main scenes. But there were some different ones out there too. Genres from ponies who are hoping to be noticed. And she knew a mare who knew ponies that knew where to find them.

It wouldn't take much to actually do it. She had ponies in every single city. So many she could do it herself. But if they were like her when they started off, they weren't going to just come out and say, "I make music too." Doing that for some dumb bucking reason gets you teased. If you were on YouHoof, and had more than a million subscribers, you knew Magenta Streak. If you were popular and had bits, you knew Magenta Streak. And if you were an Elite of some sort, you knew Magenta Streak. Or she knew you.

Far too soon, the train screeched to a stop in the station of Canterlot. Magenta Streak picked up her saddlebag-suitcase and adjusted her suit, then trotted out of her seat and soon out the car's doors. Once she was outside she stopped and breathed in the air with a sigh. Then continued on with her movements. The streets of Canterlot were busy with high end horses. Not as high and mighty as Manehattan. But still a little on their high horses. Only dreamers wish they could live in East Manehattan Unique. These were the dreamers. Canterlot.

"Purple Diamond" Moved with a status. Hooves carefully clopped across the street for a subtle but apparently busy couture shop. A very fancy one that more than likely went through modifications within the last few weeks. Magenta wasn't surprised. A word from her escalates your life. Or plunders it. With the hoof bearing the golden flashy diamond drenched watch, Magenta grabbed the handle and pulled the door open.

Yeah, it was busy. Canterlot Elite browsing through dresses, pants, and dress suits. Sports jackets, belts, all of that. Are these new workers walking around? She's heard of Sassy Saddles, the General Manager working the Canterlot Boutique office. But there were some new faces too. "Whoo, I upped her business," Magenta murmured. Then made her way through the store towards the counter. Rarity must be making a lot of bits if she can afford Sassy Saddles' paycheck, and provide her with a fixed budget to keep three new mares behind the counter rolling and two more out on the floor keeping it nice and tidy. Then Magenta remembered Rarity had a Manehattan branch too. That's more than likely where a majority of her income was coming from.

A pink colored mare with a low class but still fashionable jacket smiled at her from behind and greeted, "Hello, miss! Welcome to Canterlot Boutique! How can I help you?"

Magenta leaned against the counter and stared at her nonchalantly behind her completely golden shades. "I need to see Ms. Rarity, please. Is she around? I have a feeling she is."

The pony in front of her fidgeted a little. Then stammered, "Er, well... She's in the back at the moment discussing with a business partner."

Magenta hummed and murmured, "...business partner..." She wasn't so sure about that. Magenta knew for a fact there were no business partners in Canterlot. The only Business partners she's heard of were the Pear and Apple family years ago, Flim and Flam, and Bright Snow and herself. Not to mention every single affiliate with Starfire. In Canterlot, there were no business partners. There were only heads. Heads of the business. The pony in the back room handling the bits and taking four fifths for himself, and leaving one fifths for the pony actually doing all the work.

Rarity was currently speaking terms with the pony who possibly owned this entire block.

Magenta cleared her throat and nodded after a few seconds. "Right... Right, so I'll just go and grab her myself then." Magenta dropped back onto the floor and made her way around the counter before the mare could protest. Then walked down the hallway that led into the back. It was dark. creaky and wooden. But not scary. A great contrast to the front though.

Her left ear twitched to the muffled voices up ahead. "With all due respect, three-eighths is entirely unfair." Rarity. Definitely Rarity. No pony else has that voice but her.

A deep chuckle. A deep pony. Just like Magenta thought. A "business partner" in the midst of possibly a blackmail. "Oh, Ms. Rarity. Bits don't just come in. They come in through promotional efforts. My promotional efforts brought you these sales. Charts never lie."

Magenta rolled her eyes and calmly walked in the room. She knew this trick. And his type. Possibly somepony with the Canterlot Elite riding off the business of the Manehattan Elite. There were three big burly stallions standing in the corners with narrowed eyes trained on Rarity while another had his hooves propped up on the edge of the desk she was behind, smoking a cigar of some sort with his back to the door. He was brown and had a long black mane with one half shaved off, leaving the other half to drape over his eye right. She's heard of this one.

Consort Steel. The heir to a ring of Restaurants in Equestria. His family owns a bunch of businesses here in Canterlot, and are Canterlot Elite who are actually at war with another family in the Manehattan Elite. Magenta receives information through a newsletter every saturday about how much power they have just by having Magenta Streak around, along with the news of developments through other members. But the Canterlot Elite believe they bluff and still move their "slaves", even those under the Manehattan Elite's protection. As a consequence, some were called out and lost their wealth in a few months. Worst case, days. They never learn their lessons. In the newsletters, The Manehattan Elite believed they could cause them to lose their wealth in hours with Magenta as backup.

She usually declines with the excuse that even though she held power over everypony, she didn't want any bad karma with anypony in the future. But now she was starting her own business. She didn't want to own anypony, just needed them for information on anypony in case another tried to ruin her.

She already had them. A few of those ponies were music lawyers, CEOs of labels, and owners of music stores in Canterlot, Las Pegasus, East Manehattan, West Manehattan, North Manehattan, Ponyville, Cloudsdale, and the Crystal Empire. They would continue to keep her updated as long as her music continued appearing on their shelves, and her promise of future collaborations continued. Even appearances with their artists.

She had sixteen ponies here in Canterlot that keep tabs on this guy. And his cronies who locked eyes with her the second she walked in and reached in her jacket to pull out a sliver of paper. Not to mention way more in Manehattan. "That's true. Charts never lie," she repeated.

She presented the paper to the stallions rushing to her who slid to a stop and just stared at it. Who knew a neighborhood logo could have these ponies slowly back away. The real big boss was here.

Consort Steel looked over his shoulder and grumbled. Then stood up and stomped his way over to the mare with gold on her face, thinking she was Ms. Big Shot. Taking slow and threatening steps her way. "I don't know who you think you are, pony..." He growled. Then stopped and stared down to her. He was a tall stallion, with big muscles and more muscle as backup. He took a breath through his cigar and blew it into Magenta's face. Then sneered, "But this is my client. That means get out." The single lamp light on Rarity's desk cast him in a shadow. But these gold shades were still pretty good.

While he was taking another drag, Magenta glanced to Rarity who was looking between the two. Probably didn't want her shop trashed. It wouldn't be. Magenta sighed and shook her head with a smile. "Oh pony, you have it all wrong. Especially when it comes down to those charts sitting over there. No. No, you see..." Magenta reached up and took off her hat. Then her sunglasses. Even Rarity stopped breathing. "You have no power here. The only one who does is Rarity. And she's not even my client. I did her a favor. And am so proud of her success. But I really don't like it when the Canterlot Elite come in and... Try to ride off the M.E's kindness for their own gain. It sort of irks me and nopony likes an irked Magenta Streak."

Magenta reached up and took the cigarette out of his mouth. Then hoofed it over to one of his cronies, who took it with a shaking hoof. She focused back on Consort with a smile and calmly patted his face. "It's rude to smoke in the presence of a lady. I'm sure the girl you met at a club waiting for you beside Donut Joe's right now told you that. Every thursday—the second busiest day of the week, four in the evening, right? Three hours before you're 'done with the nightly meeting with your boss?'"

Rarity focused on the silent stallion just like the three with him. His mean eyes took on a slow careful stare, glancing around with apprehension. Magenta gasped and added, "Or, even better, your three month pregnant wife nopony knows about. I'm sure she's told you that. Right?" She leaned up to his ear and repeated slowly, "Right?"

She didn't wait for an answer. Magenta calmly walked around him for the chair he was just sitting in in front of Rarity. "You know... I'm sure neither of these mares would mind if I told them how exactly you get your bits. Along with some... Extra information."

He snapped out of his daze and took in a deep breath. Then turned and bellowed, "I thought you weren't with the Manehattan Elite!"

After taking a seat and getting comfy facing her friend, Magenta deadpanned, "I'm not. But because of who I am, and because of what I do, I don't even need to be part of the Manehattan Elite to have you do what I want. Rarity, do you have a mint?"

Rarity nodded and reached in her desk. She prides herself for being ready for meetings. Magenta pointed to a specific spot for it to be placed. Then nodded and requested, "Okay. Now the famed bags of bits you owe this pony, can you place them next to it?"

Rarity just stared at her. Why did she need those? But did slowly reach down and grab one bag to place next to the mint. Then a second. Third. Fourth. Fifth. Magenta slid her chair to the corner of the desk to present them to those behind her.

Shr whistled teasingly and stated, "Wow! Are you sure you made this happen, Consort Steel? I'd take you for a liar if these charts weren't legit. It's a good thing I stopped by today, I'm learning something new. And I love to learn." She picked up the charts on the desk and looked them over. "Because I could've sworn your status in the Canterlot Elite is lower than even Blueblood. And that is saying something. There's no way you could have made this happen, I mean seriously! Really!! I didn't even see any ads from your family-owned company save for my face on YouHoof talking about Rarity's business. I didn't even know you had a campaign running like you claim you do."

She placed them back down next to the bits and kicked her hooves up on the desk. Then reached in her suit and pulled out her phone. "Let's make the right choice, Consort Steel. Do the right thing, and I don't have a few friends spread some 'little rumors' about how you're stuffing another mare while your wife is already pregnant with your foal. Package complete and shipped with photos on July ninth last year with you two behind the Las Pegasus Sweet Suites. Another in the same week at a Club that I was performing at, and another boldly the next morning on a Saturday located in the same home you live in with your pregnant wife between the hours of eight AM and eleven AM. Walking in, and walking out. Thing is... This mare doesn't even know you're married. What would your mother say, or do? Probably hoof all those bits to your much smarter younger brother, right? Attending college for a Master's?"

Consort Snow gulped and glanced between the mint and the bits with the charts. Just to urge him on, Magenta leaned down and sniffed the mint. "Mmmm... Good smelling breath would make any mare melt. It's a custom so many cheating stallions don't use. Isn't that right, Rarity? No mare like us would want a stallion with foul smelling cheater breath. This mint would definitely hide that from both mares. Your wife, and your 'backup'."

Consort Snow sighed and walked forward. He didn't have much of a choice. His wife was a menace when angry. He reached out to drag the mint off the desk and into his hooves. Then slowly backed away. Magenta nodded and whispered, "Good stallion. You're going to make that mare happy tonight. Go on now. It's rude to keep a lady waiting." He blew hot air out of his nose and made way for the door. He snatched the cigar out of the hoof of one of his compadres to relieve his stress.

"Oh, and one more thing, Consort." He stopped and looked over his shoulder.

Magenta placed her hat back on her head with the glasses, then shot him with a gleaming grin. "Tell your friends pretending to be customers out front that.... Purple Diamond is always watching. You and them stay off this property. You wouldn't want to know what happens if you come back. Have a good night."
> Chapter 36 - So... Who Is She, Again?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sassy Saddles wasn't sure what happened. While stocking up on a few clothes, one of her employees ran over in a panic and stated that a pony with a suit and a stetson walked into the back without authorization. Sassy said that as much as she wanted to, she couldn't do anything about it now. The Canterlot Elite really hated to be disturbed. So they just continued working and let Rarity handle the payment. But it came as a complete surprise when Consort Steel walked out from behind. With nothing.

One of the mares in the gallery slowly lost their smile. She looked down at his empty hooves and asked, "Where are the bits?"

Consort motioned towards the doors and answered, "There are no bits, let's go."

"What do you mean no bits? This is our block, we need our bits!"

Consort shook his head and said, "Manehattan. This is Manehattan's client. We stay away from Manehattan."

"What? Ain't nopony more powerful than Canterlot!" She started to walk over towards the edge of the counter before Consort grabbed her by the tail.

"Pony, you're gonna get yourself hurt! Come on!"

"And what is this ruckus?" Purple Diamond casually walked out from behind the counter and leaned against it. "You don't rule here, pony. And neither do I. But what I say goes. You have three seconds to get out, Farm Hand or there's going to be a charge of over one hundred thousand bits from Manehattan coming straight to your parents home for all that stuff you broke on Hoofenstein's set you're still working to pay off. I'm sure my friend would be very happy to settle that deal by this point."

The mare grunted but turned and begrudgingly walked out of the building with everyone else, leaving Magenta with that grin on her face. She knew what she had to do. Once the door shut, Magenta turned her head to Rarity's open mouth expression of disbelief. "You're gonna catch flies."

Rarity stammered, "But... What... I thought you said you're not part of the Manehattan Elite!" MANEHATTAN ELITE?! The other mares in the room shifted their sights straight to "Purple Diamond".

She slowly shook her head and answered, "I never said that. What I said was, 'We're not a part of them like you think we are. We try to stay away from that stuff, but sometimes... You run into a roach every now and then. Nopony messes with me, and those that do... There are no chances for them. I wasn't expecting Canterlot scum to be in here. I needed to drop by for something else and this suit was for that, not them. Today was your lucky day."

Rarity peered down at Purple's smirking face with her own suspicious one. She asked slowly, "Then why are you here?"

Magenta glanced to the mares watching her and decided to speak in code. "I'm looking for talent. Ponies in the arts. I would ask some of my contacts here, but those definite colts and fillies would never talk about their underground work in front of a music shop."

"...arts?" Rarity repeated. Then smiled and assumed, "You're looking for musicians, aren't you darling? And you believe I'd know!" Magenta shrugged. "Well you're in luck. Magenta Streak is a very high influencer, even when she doesn't know it. Rumor has it there is an underground club in a few cities in Equestria where ponies can test their skills on the stage. Entirely funded through donations of local ponies."

"Is there an age range?"

"I heard Junior age of High School and up. Apple Bloom and Sweetie know more."

"Interesting." It sounded like somepony had developed a club in her honor. "Very interesting. I'll let my sister know, she's handling the Business-2-Consumer Pony Relations." Rarity obviously didn't get it. "Direct recruitment. Talking to them face to face. What are the clubs called?"

"Ah, they're called Magenta Stages. What brought all this on Darling? Last I heard, you still have a long way to go before you get those bits."

"Buck the bits," Magenta boldly stated. "My supervisor's supervisor wanted me to drop my number one source of income in exchange for a new sum. What they really want is for me to work solely through them. And they said if I don't, they'll 'fire' me."

"Well that is utterly insane!" Rarity preached. Then gestured with her hoof and asked, "So you are..."

"She gave us 'some time to think on it.' I already made up my mind. I spoke with my number one source and they would be happy to help me. But I need some good 'show and tell' to prove we can do this. Fine White's handling the talent, I'm handling the business. And according to you, there's a combination of an underground business with some talent. Correct?"

Rarity nodded and motioned behind her head.  "A good place to start would be in, believe me, Ponyville. There's a new comedy club that was rented out by them that my sister and her girlfriend go to on friday nights."

"Good. I'll let my sister know. I have more business to handle. Nice seeing you again, Rarity." She patted the top of the counter and made her way out the door, leaving the others clueless. Those ponies were nowhere to be found. This was her place. First thing's first. Slip some sheets in through doors and get home. She trained her eyes on the castle in the distance and adjusted her suit. Then began to make her way downtown.

While she moved, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number. She stopped at a stoplight and waited for chariots and more to cross. When the phone picked up she was greeted with, "Yo."

"It's Purple Diamond. We have a name of 'honor clubs' packed with potential talent. Called Magenta Stages." Magenta quickly crossed the street when the light changed. "A friend said a good place to start would be in Ponyville. Bloom and Belle go to a few. It's located at some new Comedy Club after hours."

"I'll stop by there tomorrow. I have somepony you may wanna check out. Name's Sunrise Miku. Small time, but no one that I know of makes sounds like these."

"YouHoof?"

"YouHoof."

"We'll check her out this evening. I enjoy talking like this. I just got to Canterlot and ran into some Elite here trying to shag Rarity because of her store's location. They won't be coming here anymore." Magenta stopped and locked eyes on the music store she was headed to across from her. It had a closed sign on it. The pony in charge was out. He practically lives on this side of town and there were only three restaurants. She knew where he was.

Magenta turned right and made her way down the street when Bright responded. "Be careful, Maggy."

"I am. Trust me, I have underground workers. I'll see you tonight. I heard mom's making burritos."

"She is, I can smell them. See you then."

Bright hung up, urging Magenta to pack her phone in her pocket. She had some papers to pass out.



Rarity was a little surprised when Babs showed up on her doorstep later that evening. Luna just raised the moon into the sky, urging all ponies into their nightlife. At first she thought she was coming from a party based off of what she had on her face. So she asked, "Hello, dear. How was the party?"

Babs stopped scuffing the ground and asked, "Party? What party?"

"That is why you're wearing makeup. Is it not?" Babs slowly shook her head with the thought of was it really that noticeable?

Rarity glanced left and right for anyone around. Then stepped aside to let her in. "Well come on in. Sweetie is helping Apple Bloom upstairs with something again."

Once Babs was inside and Rarity was heading back to whatever she was doing, Babs had to ask. "Are you not concerned about them havin' sex?"

Rarity took a seat on one side of the kitchen table that had some scrolls strewn about. "No, should I be? As long as there's no risk of pregnancy, I am alright with it." Babs was about to respond before some moaning upstairs cut her off. Some very loud moaning. Rarity and Babs both glanced to the ceiling.

"Whew... Mmm, Lavender is my favorite... No Sweetie, there is no other, calm down."

Rarity and Babs blushed but went right back to what they were doing before. While she was getting comfortable standing, Rarity asked, "Did you need something, darling? I believe Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are a little... Busy at the moment."

"Well, I just needed to... Talk to somepony about something."

Rarity pointed to the seat across from her and ordered, "Well, I'd be happy to listen. Come have a seat and tell me what is going on." Babs nodded and quickly walked over to the other side of the table. "Would you like some water or anything?"

Babs shook her head and answered, "No, thank you."

"Alright, so tell me everything." Rarity slid the scroll to the side she was working on and focused on Babs in front of her. The bigger cities had all the nicer things while towns like Ponyville get one sixth of the barrel. It didn't matter much, Ponyville had always used scrolls.

Babs cleared her throat and started fidgeting and twiddling with her hooves. "Well, there's a... I have a uhhh..." Rarity blinked. And made a motion to continue. Babs took a deep breath and quickly stated on the exhale, "I may have a crush on somepony."

"Oh! Is that all, dear?" Rarity giggled and waved her hoof in Babs' direction. "Oh excuse me, but I thought it was bigger than that."

"It's on Scootaloo."

Rarity's chuckle turned into silence. She stared at Babs with a blank mind for a few seconds. "So... The makeup?"

Babs scuffed her face and whispered, nervously, "Er... I-It was supposed to get her attention."

"Ah yes, I know the game. So... You really like Scootaloo. You girls are growing up. Way too fast for even my tastes. Going through hormones and instincts and—"

"Ooohhh, Sweetie! What are you doin' to me?"

Rarity and Babs glanced up before continuing with their conversation, no matter how awkward things were getting. "I remember you being a little filly from Appleloosa and growing up in Manehattan. Now you live by yourself in Manehattan getting crushes on very expensive ponies. Let alone one of your friends. So tell me, when did this start?"

Ignoring the sounds of climax upstairs, Babs explained, "Shortly after we went to her mansion. That night, Magenta couldn't sleep because she was worried about the YouHoof interview the next day. So I decided to keep her company and appease her in the observatory. The observatory was the area of the mansion made of glass. The way the moon and stars bounced off her eyes were captivating. We talked for awhile longer and I learned a few things about her I never would have guessed. She's really beautiful in the moonlight, and... I guess I sort of fell into her hooves right then."

"You have a crush on Scootaloo?!" Babs and Rarity jumped out of shock and looked towards the fridge Apple Bloom was silently going through for water. But stopped when she heard the story and faced her cousin with a wide grin.

Babs stuttered, "W-Well, I uhhh—"

"Hey, Sweetie! Babs has a crush on Magenta!"

Babs and Rarity facehoofed before thunder rumbled down the stairs. Sweetie slid in on the other side of Babs and gestured for more info by circling her hoof in her direction. Babs deadpanned, "What more do you need, Apple Bloom told the entirety of Ponyville."

Apple Bloom tossed Sweetie a water bottle across the table then approached Babs with a grin. Completely ignoring Rarity's look of disapproval of her manners. "So... What are you going to do about it?" Apple Bloom asked.

Babs shrugged and gazed at the table sadly, sighing. "I don't know. Scootaloo's like a hardcore celebrity who makes thousands a week, and I'm just a small time pony who works at a fast food restaurant and lives in West Manehattan."

Sweetie shrugged and made hoof signs with facial expressions read by Apple Bloom, "'So? Apple Bloom's a farmer who gets dirty everyday, and I'm a... I have no goals right now.'"

Rarity smiled and clarified, "Sweetie and Apple Bloom are complete opposites, yet managed to make things work."

"Yeah, but Scoots doesn't even know I exist."

Apple Bloom laughed and asked, "Doesn't know you exist? She calls you her 'Manehattan friend who follows her'. Trust me, she knows you're around. She gave you exclusive access to her mansion. Hey, if it makes you feel better, why not talk to Bright?"

"But I like Magenta," Babs deadpanned. "Why would I talk to Bright?"

"For advice. Nopony knows Magenta better than her sister."

Rarity jabbed at Babs and added, "And tomorrow is a great time to do it. Bright Snow is coming to town tomorrow. A little birdie told me they're quitting Starfire and are looking to start their own label. But need talent. So they're checking out the Magenta Stages, starting in Ponyville."

Apple Bloom gasped and whispered, "Seriously? They're really quittin' Starfire?"

Rarity nodded and said, "Scootaloo sort of... Dropped by my shop this evening for information on Canterlot talent. I told her the best place to start would be the Magenta Stages. Apparently Bright is handling all the talent and Magenta all the business. So... When did you start liking mares?"

Apple Bloom leaned into Babs' space and drawled, "Oh yeah. You were all weirded out when Sweetie and I started datin' years ago."

Babs rolled her eyes and dropped her face onto the table. "I don't like 'mares', I like Magenta. There's a difference."

"Uh huh, sure. Tell you what, we'll talk to Bright tomorrow and see what she says about this. It shouldn't hurt Magenta, but it's better to get a closer second opinion. How's that friendship mission goin'?"

"Not sure." Babs sat back up and said, "I'll visit Magenta tomorrow and see how I can get her to make friends. But like she said, it's hard to make new friends when you're a celebrity. I'm still trying to get over the fact that Scootaloo's rich and famous. I can't even afford to walk in East Manehattan, and Scootaloo owns the biggest mansion there."

Sweetie laid her hoof on Babs' and nodded solemnly. She knew the feeling.

Apple Bloom scoffed and replied, "Eh, I'm not all about the big life, I enjoy farmin'. But I may have an idea on how to get Magenta some friends besides us."

Babs glanced away and muttered, "No matter how long that will last."

"Don't ruin this. In the entertainment business, everypony is just that: Business. Nopony's in it for friends, they're in it for bits. But if you find lonely ponies just like that who are lookin' for friends and can make music and bits, then you're in luck. All you have to do is find those ponies."

Babs sighed and asked, "Yeah, but how? We're not just talkin' about any pony here. We're talking about..." She leaned in and whispered, "Magenta Streak."

Sweetie made a sign behind Babs' back asking, "'Scared Magenta's gonna hear about your crush?' Ow! Sweetie said that!"

Babs whipped around and popped Sweetie's head. Then explained, "We can't just talk about our friend like that."

Rarity waved her hoof and interrupted, "Girls, girls!" They stopped discussing and focused on Rarity, who was beginning to become overwhelmed with all of this "Babs has a crazy crush" madness.

She took a deep breath and stated, "One step at a time. Just meet with Bright Snow tomorrow evening at that little club you hang out at and talk to her about it, okay?"



The mansion was quiet by the time Magenta stepped inside. But it was always quiet in the foyer. If you wanted to get your mind off of something, the foyer was the place to do it. There was so much noise in the rest of the world outside those doors. As well as deeper inside the mansion. But right here in the center, there was nothing but silence. Magenta sighed and took off her stetson, making a mental note to take it back to the penthouse tomorrow morning. Then made her way towards the staircase. Along the way, she could smell the burritos. Her mother's fancy cooking. It was always good. Something with apples and cinnamon. Mmm, mmm, good... An idea for a new song.

Magenta stuffed that in her head for later and focused on the living room she walked into. Yep, there mom was. Over the stove making some grub with her back turned. Magenta smiled and greeted, "Hey, mom."

Kind Goldhoof looked over her shoulder and smiled. "Hey, sweetheart!" She greeted. Quite loudly too. "How was your day?"

"It was okay." Magenta walked into the living room and hung her hat up on a rack in the corner. "How was yours?"

"It was great, dear! Thank you for asking. I'm making Cinnamon Apple Burritos tonight, your favorite."

Magenta grinned and made her way for the stairwell. "Sweet! Thanks, mom!" She quickly climbed the stairs onto the third floor, destination for her bedroom. She didn't hear Bright moving around down the hall. That meant she was in one place. Magenta sighed and rolled her eyes. She loved to play this game for some reason. But Magenta had to admit, it was fun. She pushed her door open and stepped into her dimly lit room. The moon's light was casting onto all the stuff on the floor reminding her to pick it up before tomorrow evening. Jeez, when did she become so Messy?

Magenta pushed that thought aside and walked through the threshold that was her room. "Hey, Bright. Get out from behind the door, you could have gotten hurt."

Magenta, without turning heard the door to her room shut and the sigh of Bright. "How do you do that?

"Because whenever you sneak into my room, everything else gets all quiet." Magenta reached down and picked up a sheet of paper. Then smirked over her shoulder at her sister. "It's like every single thing is watching you. Even the hallway lamp. Good evening, Brightlight."

"Good evening, Maggy." Bright nuzzled her ear and then made her way for the stairs leading up to Magenta's office. "What happened out there?"

Magenta sighed and turned around to follow her. By the time she reached the floor, Bright was already leaning back in her own chair with her feet kicked up on the railing. Smirking at Magenta. She knew exactly what was going on. But Magenta decided to appease her.

She jumped into her office chair and answered, "I was heading to Rarity's little Canterlot shop I heard about when I happened to run into some Canterlot Elite who were using my promotion as a way to get Rarity to pay more. They won't be going there anymore. If they do, they'll be in some trouble. Deep bit trouble. Now who is Sunrise Miku?" Magenta sat down and booted up the computer while Bright explained.

"You know, for a mare that lost her memory, you sure have a good one. Sunrise Miku is actually a pony named Summer Wind. Sixteen years old, has some pigtails and is pretty much a loner."

Magenta nodded and logged into her computer. "Okay, stalker. Now what sets her apart, what makes her special? What type of music does she make?"

"Dubstep and Riddim. Her tracks don't get that many views on YouHoof because she's just starting out and some ponies don't get her sounds. She's from some other nation and has a native tongue that isn't Ponish. And she uses words in that language in her tracks."

"...interesting. What's her channel name?"

"Kotori." Magenta typed that in and waited for the results. Her channel art was interesting to say the most, and was the catcher in her eye when it all finally loaded. She didn't have a mask and pretty much showed herself off. Magenta hummed and muttered, "She's obviously confident in her work if this art is anything to go by. Now let's see if her smile is backed up by her hooves."

Magenta scrolled down and clicked on the best track that appealed to her most. She waited for it to load up and listened a little with Bright. The speakers setup around the room began to bump and eventually Magenta began to bounce her head of medium length Magenta hair. That was actually pretty good. Then again, this track was one of her older pieces from around three years ago.

Bright motioned towards the computer with a smile and suggested, "Listen to Deshi. That's a real headbanger and one of her newer tracks that I believe came out earlier this month."

Magenta repeated silently, "Deshi?" Then moved the cursor onto the cover art of the song Bright pointed to. Then pressed play. This was bound to be interesting.
> Chapter 37 - Interlude
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The cricket's chirping and the owl that howls at night was interrupted when the front door of the Gold's Mansion swung open. The glowing light from inside shown onto the cold marble steps as Bright stepped out and looked around the early morning air, once again in her housecoat. She may be a teenager. But this lifestyle required some things to be taken with a very mature firm hoof.

She raised a hoof to her mouth and yawned. Then smacked her lips and made her way for the front of the gate. She had to go and grab the paper. Along the way, she thought about the new label. Color Flash. They needed new artists, but they all can't be EDM. Too much EDM turns ponies off, which means a loss of bits. They needed singers, songwriters, even some Orchestral. As long as Celestia lives there was going to be a lot of those ponies out there that could make that type of music. And tonight, she was going to find them. But first...

Bright opened the gate and picked up the newspaper. On the front page, the premiering of the new Daring Do movie tomorrow night in the Crystal Empire. She really wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Rumor around the neighborhood was that somepony was going to get an award off of it.

Bright shrugged and made her way back onto the property. The gates began to automatically shut while she used her wings to look through the paper. There it is. What she was looking for. Two out of the three words in the Gossip Gallery article. Magenta Streak... Dating?!!

Bright stopped walking while the gate shut back and eyed the photo as much as she could in the dark. Was that... Bright tucked the paper underneath her wing and soared back to the mansion as fast as she could. Not exactly Rainbow Dash speed, but the coat rack in the foyer fell from the wind. She shut the door back and looked at the article once again in the light. Yep, it was Magenta with a gorgeous smile aimed at... Babs Seed?! Bright's eyes widened and trained on Babs. She was wearing makeup. Bright goes to school with mares who do the same thing, it's easy to pinpoint where the strokes were. Babs wearing makeup and Magenta smiling and laughing with YouHoof in the back implies a few things.

But the main implication was in big bold letters at the very top: Potential Love for the Famous Singer?

"Holy buck," Bright whispered. This may spell a little bit of trouble for Magenta and their plans. They had to clean this up somehow before tonight. Or at least plant a bomb to blow it out of proportion on its own. And she knew just who to talk to get ponies to not stress out about it. She wasn't doing anything today. And neither was Bright. Until tonight.

Bright folded up the newspaper and made her way for the stairs. She had to make a very important call. Dad was up getting ready for work. Mom didn't work on the weekends so she and Magenta were asleep. Mornings like these were what he called father-daughter time. When Bright and Max would just bond over random things they both enjoyed.

Well today, they were going to bond over the juicy gossip of Magenta possibly having a suitor.

When she walked into the living room, Max was currently making a quick breakfast. Some cereal and other stuff so he didn't have to cook.

He locked eyes on Bright's suspicious smirk when she stopped on the other side of the island he was sitting at, planting a smirk of his own directed at her.

He drawled, "What are we smiling for?"

Bright shook her head and decided to let the paper answer for her. She took it out from underneath her wing and dropped it beside his bowl of cereal. Then pointed at the article. He glanced at it for a moment then nearly spit out his cereal. He dropped his spoon into the ceramic bowl and picked up the newspaper to get a closer look.

Without taking his eyes off, he whispered, "Are you serious? Isn't this going to mess up a few things for you guys?"

Bright nodded and answered, "I have it all handled. I know a few ponies who can clear this up as fast as I can walk."

"Yeah you almost ran me over yesterday just by going to the bathroom." Bright grabbed the paper and playfully hit him on the muzzle. He laughed and asked, "But seriously, what are you going to do?"

"Get in contact with Carolid. She's not doing anything today anyway. Magenta doesn't know me and her talk more than anypony we ever spoke to. I talk to her almost as much as I talk to big sis."

"Shooting a vlog about it?" Max picked his spoon back up and continued with his breakfast.

"Shooting a live vlog about it. I'm sure she knows about the rumor by now, and if she doesn't, she will by the time Maggy wakes up. So, I'll beat her to the punch." Bright winked and made her way back up the stairs. She needed to get her hoof on a phone. Like right now.



CEO Gold Spoon. The mare with the bits. She didn't live in Manehattan. Instead preferred to spend her work and home life completely away from each other. She lived on an expensive ranch way in Appleloosa and took the train all the way to her Label. A lot of ponies knew her in Appleloosa. Not many in Manehattan, even if she was the founder and owner of Starfire that was located in Manehattan. But news and words still travel. Even all the way to Appleloosa. The newspaper reached all the way to her private ranch and she encountered it when she was walking to her own private chariot to the train station way into town. Her pristine silver and violet mane and tail shimmered in the sunlight while her silver sunglasses reflected off the heat. But in this temperature, she smiled at the gossip. Magenta Streak and some random pony. A relationship, huh? Interesting.

Those bits would be flowing into her hooves as quick as eating a chocolate pie with this bit of news. This may affect some of Magenta's sales with the fact that she was a lesbian. Some ponies may even force her to come out about it by boycotting her music out of her control. And she would come straight back to them. Starfire. And finally drop YouHoof.

With that pleasant thought in mind, Gold Spoon adjusted her sunglasses and made her way for her chariot. She had to get to the office.
> Chapter 38 - Interlude 02
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Way before the sun poked out from the horizon, and before Magenta's year round sing-song voice pierced her eardrums, Bright had set up her agenda for damage control. Similar to Magenta's, Bright's room was focused on size and skill. Whereas Magenta's room was built for research and music, Bright's was mainly focused on dancing and moving. A few instruments hung from the ceiling, both high and low with a second level that reached up to Bright's full dance studio.

But at the moment, she was digging through her closet for something to wear. Magenta would be getting up sometime soon. She gets up late when the sun doesn't shine, and early when it does. It's a partially cloudy day, so she'll rise at around nine. It was nearly that time. Bright needed an outfit to start moving. Similar to her sister, Bright throws her clothes out behind her in a reckless fashion.

After a few seconds of colors flying through the air, Bright settled on a standard pink wear. She stepped out wearing a Mahlooho pink sweatsuit, complete with a pink hoodie and sweatpants, fitted with small golden designs along the edges. She struck a pose and flipped her braid around in pride. She looked good and she knew it. Didn't even have to look in a mirror.

Satisfied with her attire, Bright swiftly picked up her phone and sat down to dial a certain number. Once she did, she put it to her ear and waited. It never took long for Carolid to answer. Bright swears she takes her phone in the shower with her.

After a few seconds, Carolid greeted, "Bright Light, whassup? You didn't call yesterday, what was that about?"

Bright walked over across the glossy wooden floor to her wall of items and grabbed a laptop bag hanging low, already fitted with what was needed today. "Sorry, me and Maggy had plans. Listen, I know you saw the paper."

"I saw the NEWS, my friend. I turned on the TV? Boom. Magenta and whoever that is on the screen. I swear, they stay on her more than they stay on me."

Bright sighed and swung the bag comfortably over her back. Then made way for the door. Of course Carolid saw it. She rarely misses anything. Bright's ears rattled when she heard Magenta finally rise out of bed with the dramatic number. "Yeah, well we need to do damage control. I'm heading to your place for a live vlog session. Sound good?"

"You know I'm not doing anything. Swing on over. Or I could come to your place. Doesn't matter, yeah come by."

Bright stopped in front of Magenta's room and looked inside. She was doing some stretching by her bed humming something with a deep smile. A perfect time to walk in and toss the paper on her bed. Magenta glanced at Bright for a moment. Then picked up the paper to read. Bright replied, "Alright. I'll see you later... Okay." Bright removed the phone and tucked it in her bag. Then finally faced Magenta's Open-Mouth expression.

Slowly, Magenta faced Bright, pointed to the paper and asked, "How? And why?"

Bright pointed at the paper and answered, "A possible 'razzi in the bushes, and because it makes for a great story. We're trending topics. Before I turn into a maid and clean it up..." Bright grinned and whispered, "Is it true?"

Magenta blushed and stammered, "N-No!"

"I wouldn't blame you if it was. Babs has an interesting complex. She looks like a hardcore filly, but has a really soft side. Are all Appleloosans like that?"

"I don't know! Look, just play clean up while I sneak out and reassure her everything's fine. She's gonna wanna talk about it. You're best at doing these things." Bright only stared with that annoying knowing smirk. Earning a bop on the muzzle from Magenta. "Get out of here!"

"Fine, fine, I'll go." Bright turned and slowly walked towards the door. But not without adding. "Don't act too quick to say no though, she might like you. In the photo she was wearing makeup to obviously see you. You might not like her, but she may like you." And with that and after a wink, Bright strode out of the room and into the hall, leaving Magenta to ponder on what she just said.

She blinked and directed her sights to the paper on her bed. Babs wearing makeup and trying to look nice. It would actually make a lot of sense. A lot of mares had a thing for Magenta. But most of the time they originated from the fact that she was a rock star and had a lot of bits. Not because they truly had a thing for her. But Magenta could easily tell that Babs was different. A truly different mare. With a plan formulating, Magenta smirked and made her way to the bathroom to get ready.



No one could recognize Bright. Similar to Magenta's masquerade yesterday, Bright was setup in a conspicuous outfit and walking with everyone else on the sidewalk for the train station. Technically speaking they were still on vacation until they are told otherwise. They could go and leave as much as they wished until a phone call came in saying it was time to get back to work. But Bright wasn't hiding because of Starfire. She was hiding from the ponies nearby. No doubt everypony heard about the Magenta and Babs shipping. Poor Babs was probably scared to come out of her room, let alone the house.

After walking out the mansion and into the streets of Manehattan Unique, Bright buzzed to the front gate and out into the Manehattan air. The sun was glinting off the many metals in sight, creating a spectacular light show that accentuated the sight of East Manehattan. Not to mention the ponies. But Bright was on a mission and had no time to fantasize and enjoy.

Spreading her wings, she took to the air and made her way up to the clouds. Cloudsdale wasn't even an hour away, but it was a good thirty minutes at her speed. She whipped off her pink hood and took a deep breath. "Well... Let's do this,"she whispered. Then flapped her wings and soared into the sky, heading for Cloudsdale in the distance.



Babs had no idea what happened. How it happened, let alone when it happened. But she had a good idea. Babs' home was nowhere near East Manehattan. Not even close. She lived in Northwest Manhattan. The part of Manehattan where ponies say "You live to work." Basically, if you live in Northwest Manehattan, you're going to have a hard time getting out. The homes here weren't rundown per se, but they did have an obvious wear and tear on them. Babs home was actually a studio apartment. It was small but still livable. Her bed was made up in the corner with a dark shade of orange as the comforter, the kitchen was only four hoofsteps on the right, the bathroom on the left, and what she liked to call a resurrection section in the corner. Twilight would hurt herself trying to organize all the mismatched books over there next to the window.

When Babs got word of the rumor, it was from a phone call. The soundless peaceful snoring under the comforter was interrupted when the phone rang by her ear. Babs' eyes sprung open and blinked away the groggy blurriness that made the colorless walls even more hard to recognize. But when she finally got her sight back, she trained her sights on the phone right in her face. Sighing, she slid her hoof out and pressed the answer key. "You've reached Babs," she greeted tiredly. "If you'd like to make an appointment please send an—"

"Babs, get up," Magenta ordered. "And check the paper."

Babs blinked then sat up and looked around. "Huh? Why?"

"Just check the paper. I'm sending a ride over there right now. Get dressed and keep yourself incognito." Before Babs could respond, Magenta had hung up. Babs sighed and decided to indulge herself. Whatever it was had Scoots in a take charge kind of attitude. She... Kind of liked that.

Babs shrugged the covers off and jumped out of her bed onto the wooden flooring to stretch. Once all the cracks and kinks were out, she smacked her lips and made her way to the door with lidded eyes and a pleasant smile. The air inside was cool. Just like the air out the door when she opened it. She yawned once again and picked up the newspaper lying at her hooves. Whatever this was about had better be good.

The door across from her opened up and out walked her nosy neighbor. This stallion was annoying. Very annoying. He was a unicorn that had a deep white coat and bright yellow eyes. And the cutie mark of a sun. He looked her way and greeted, "Good morning, Babs! How are ya' feelin'? Still workin this year?"

What the buck kind of question was that? Still working? Was this guy expecting her to quit? He was a really strange pony. Babs sighed and feigned a smile. "Yep! Still working," she responded. Then looked back down at her paper while he drawled on.

"Yeah, me too don't ya' know. Wait, you don't know! Oh how silly of me! So I've been working on a new project! And I was hoping you and I could—"

Babs' gasping cut him off. She quickly covered her mouth and read the headline once again. There she was, framed in a photo with Magenta Streak looking like she and her were on a date. She had to admit, they got the best photo, but that was beside the point. There shouldn't even be a photo! She stepped back and closed the door before the nosy neighbor could say something. Which he did.

"Holy buck, you know Magenta Streak?! Are you two actually dating?! Hey! Hey, everypony! Babs is dating Magenta Streak!!"

Babs facehoofed and dragged it down her growling muzzle. That pony's mouth was too much to handle. She had to get out of here. And not because Magenta said so, but because the whole complex was going to start asking questions. Babs threw the paper to the side and grabbed her phone, house key, and a few other things to throw into a bag before someone knocked on her door.

"Babs Seed, this is the manager. I have a few questions regarding—" Babs opened the window in the corner and climbed out. Then jumped into a row of bushes below.

"Ow! Ouch! Oh not, not there! Now I got to get that looked at." Babs crawled out of the bushes and spat out a twig. Wiping her mouth, she whispered, "That was a bad idea." But completely necessary, nonetheless. She eeped and ducked back down when she saw a few ponies walk past with a newspaper underneath their wings. Once they were out of earshot, Babs whipped out her phone and dialed Magenta. Then put the phone up to her ear and kept  look out.

"It's Magenta."

"Wow, such a greeting. Listen, how am I getting out of here?"

"There's a chariot at the entrance of the complex you live in. Just make a sprint for it. You can't miss the chariot."

"Yeah, I bet. I'll see you later. And... Thank you."

"No problem, just get here." Magenta hung up the phone before she could respond, leaving Babs with a feeling she didn't understand yet. But if hanging a whole day with Magenta was in the cards, it was certainly going to to come to light soon.

Sighing, Babs looked around and assessed the area. Good thing Magenta warned her. All the ponies were reading the paper and making their way across the paths to the building Babs previously occupied. Curse the fact that she was a beautician. Everyone apparently had mane problems on this side of town. Once they were out of sight, Babs bolted out of the bushes and into view. She used all the strength she had to run with her small bag of supplies. Add that to the fact that she had no idea where the ride was and she was an open target—oh wait, there it is. Jeez, Magenta. Why'd you have to call the gold open chariot?

The ponies pulling it looked like they just woke up and quickly dressed to impress. The two at the front watched her approach and jump inside. Then waved a hoof forward, pulling the chariot along. Babs yelped and fell on her back from the sudden pull. She was not expecting that. But once the ride got started, she sat up and looked around. They were leaving Northwest Manehattan, but not on the faster road they usually go to get to East Manehattan. They were taking—pretty much—the dark alleys of Northwest Manehattan. All eyes on the speeding chariot. Jeez, these stallions could move. Before Babs knew it, they had drove around East Manehattan and were now in front of the gates to East Manehattan Unique. The security guard there immediately opened the door and allowed them in.

Babs muttered, "Well... This'll wake you up literally any morning." Last Babs checked, it wasn't even nine yet. The chariot slowed and turned into the open gates of the Gold's mansion, still larger than life and as big as the castle in Canterlot. Just more... House-like. And had three floors without spires. The chariot slowed to a stop at the same time the front door opened to allow Magenta out, wearing an orange and gold housecoat.

Babs grabbed her small bag and made her way up the stairs to Magenta with an expression of worry. Magenta had a more casual look on her face about it, complete with a chill smile. All she needed was acup of coffee and she'd be the most successful looking pony in the nation. Groaning, Babs asked, "How in Equestria can you be so calm about this? What, how, and when did it happen?"

Magenta motioned inside and answered, "I'll tell you once you're comfortable. Thanks, boys! Prepare for a five hundred bit bonus on your next check!" The tired stallions immediately perked up.

Ignoring Babs face of confusion from the side, Magenta closed the door and locked it. Babs asked, "Five hundred bits just for an escort? Each? That's my rent."

Magenta chuckled and turned around to make way for the stairs. "I don't have rent."

Babs followed along and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, way to rub it in. Now what's goin' on, Scoots?"

Magenta lead the climb up the stairs for the foyer and answered, "A paparazzi took a photo of the famous DJ and put it out. Pretty self-explanatory, dont'cha think?"

Babs shrugged and blushed. "I uhh... Didn't think about that."

"Uh huh. Well you're staying here until the heat blows over. If I'm correct, those ponies at that place you live at won't stop asking you questions until everything sort of gets answered. That's what Bright is working on. She's out and about today looking for talent. Meanwhile, I'm in here handling some basic office work for the label by meeting with a few ponies I know that are coming over today."

Babs sighed and smiled at her. "Thanks, Scoots. I don't have to work today so there's no worry about coming in. But then again... My boss might just call in last minute and ask me to, just to drum up business."

Magenta motioned towards the couch and sighed. "Yeah, corrupted bosses. I can... Sort of relate."

Babs laughed and tossed her bag on the couch before hopping on afterwards. "Oh really? The great Magenta Streak had a corrupted boss? Do tell."

Magenta laughed and walked into the kitchen to grab some food and beverage for her guest. "Yeah, the label CEO. Remember? Making music was actually the only job I ever had." Magenta opened the fridge and pulled out a large stack of four pancakes. Then closed it back and made her way to the microwave. "So I can't really relate to like.. A normal job. So like a store clerk, librarian, I sadly can't relate. Since everything I pretty much do is newsworthy, my bosses really don't try and make wrong moves because I have so much power over Equestria. Everyone will end up finding out."

Magenta set the plate down inside and beckoned Babs over before adding, "I guess CEO Gold Spoon didn't get the memo. I'm going to become a billionaire after some investments and cross-promotion. Can I let you in on a little secret?"

Babs quickly bounced up to Magenta's side and answered, "Yeah, what is it?"

Magenta whispered, "Bright showed me this artist on YouHoof named Sunrise Miku. She makes Dubstep, but it's original in a way. She uses a different language in the background and had me checking her out a little bit. I told Bright to stay in contact with her and to keep her informed. I'm actually interested to see what she can come up with next. We'll find out soon enough."
> Chapter 39 - Run, Babs! Hide, Babs!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cloudsdale was pretty easy to hide in. At least to Bright. Her coat and mane colors allowed her to blend right in with the clouds themselves rather than the buildings sitting on them. Like an invisible shadow, she snuck along the moisture underneath her hooves towards the more quiet side of the city, dodging the laughter of other ponies and such. Normality was a luxury she and Magenta didn't have. As the richest teenagers in Equestria, they had to stay quiet and try not to make too much noise on a similar topic because then it becomes national news. Such as the Magenta Streak-Babs Seed rumor. At least it wasn't international.

Once the clouds were as quiet as possible, Bright trotted out of the alley she was hiding in and moved towards the seemingly small home on a much more private part of town. Carolid, just like any other prospering vlogger had a large home. But unlike Magenta's—and everypony else for that matter, Carolid's was only one floor. Made sense, huffing large equipment from one floor to the next would be taxing. She had a lot of cameras.

And just like any vlogger, it was all protected by a steel magical fence. They were really expensive, but it was well worth it. Going up ten feet, they created a radius of magic, placing your home in a box. Nopony was getting in. It was some rough magical technology Bright got a headache from.

Without delay, Bright briskly walked across the street made of shining white clouds and up to the fence's doorbell to ring. Then sat back and looked around for any wandering eyes. This may be the private part of town, but there were still ponies around that knew of her and Magenta. All of Equestria knew of her and Magenta. And it would probably make the paper when Carolid gets it with the headline "Unknown visitor at Vlogger Carolid's gates. Friend or foe?" Or something else equally as ridiculous.

The steel gates creaked then pushed open, allowing Bright to shoot through onto her property. Carolid must've been doing something. She would usually meet her at the door. But not today. They had plans inside. Which means she more than likely left the door unlocked and went ahead and setup for visitors. The house was entirely white, a minor contrast to the mare inside. Bright walked up the white stone staircase to the pair of white doors hidden underneath a slanted roof, flanked left and right by big and tall pink flower pots holding a mess of roses. Ignoring them, Bright grabbed the lower handle and pulled the door open. Yep. Unlocked. So Bright took advantage of the invitation and walked onto cool wooden flooring and shut it behind her. The foyer of this estate had the exact same type as Magenta's. Just without stairs since it was all one level.

The floor was white and marble, decorated on the side with a lot of knick knacks and photographs. But the real treasure in this home of treasures was the light pink mare approaching from a nearby hall with a cocky smile on her face. Carolid walks with a literal skip in her step. She reminded Bright of herself when they were younger. Always excited, always happy. Carolid had a light pink coat with light blue eyes, and a silver mane and tail. And a smile that will make anypony have an orgasm. "Yo, Bright!" She called out.

Bright made her way over and took off her hood. Then shared a hug with Carolid. "Hey, Carol. Thanks for having me over."

Carolid quickly waved it off. "Hey, no problem. Just get back here so we can do this. But give me some details along the way, alright?" The two immediately started the trek down the shiny marble hallway placed on a slight incline Carolid just left and engaged in the conversation Bright knew Carolid wanted to hear.

She sighed and started with, "The pony on the front cover is actually an old friend of Magenta's."

Carolid looked her way and added, "And you?"

"Nope, never seen her. And get this. She's from Magenta's past."

Carolid slid to a stop and yelled, "Her past?! I thought she didn't remember anything!"

Bright stopped a little feet away to clarify, "And she still doesn't. Remember the YouHoof interview? This is just a bit of what Magenta found out. To be honest, ever since our first out of Manehattan tour, a few ponies from back then came forward in private and said they knew her in the past. Babs is one of them."

"Oooohhhh." Carolid continued taking the lead towards the studio up ahead behind a pair of glass doors and asked, "So did she find out what happened?"

"She doesn't want to know. But I was told what happened. I know everything. But I'm not going to tell anypony about it though. Don't tell anypony about this conversation, alright?"

Carolid stopped at the doors and pulled one open for Bright. Then made a few motions responding, "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

"What the buck even is that?"

"I don't know, it came from somepony here in Cloudsdale... I think."



This bathroom was divine. Magenta had everything. After Babs ate a stack of Pancakes with Magenta and engaged in conversation which she found quite pleasant, Magenta showed her to the bathroom in her own bedroom. It was amazing! The floor was clean and tiled, the sink was wide and could be used for two. The toilet was more than comfortable and there was a towel rack that was—get this—golden. A golden towel rack. Same for the outlining of the shower doors. The shower head itself was gold too! Holy buck, so much gold!

While she was relaxing in the shower, Babs yelled, "Magenta, you're spoiled!"

She heard Magenta laugh and yell back, "Yeah, well I don't hear you complaining!"

"I'm not going to complain about a golden shower!!... That came out wrong!!"

"Yes, it did!" Magenta guffawed, nearly falling off her balcony office in laughter. Hopefully she wouldn't make that mistake again. But Magenta had to focus on today's tasks: Preparing for a meeting with the ponies who will help her get music into stores all over Equestria. Along with promotional tools, small time interviews, reviews, all of it. Magenta plopped down into her seat and pulled up her documents on the large screen on the wall, paying close attention to the texts in her mailbox. They all received the documents and were more than anxious to get started. They needed business. And having Magenta Streak and her new label on their shelves would more than likely bring smiles to their faces. The labels in Canterlot were also more than excited. But Magenta was also worried too.

This was in Canterlot. Canterlot. She was stepping into bounds she didn't belong. Canterlot was Canterlot Elite territory. She rarely goes head to head with Canterlot Elite. A clear example was what happened recently with Rarity's shop. That was the first time she had an encounter with them in four years. And she wasn't as powerful as she was now. Selling her products in Canterlot Elite territory not only spelled trouble for her, her label, and the Manehattan Elite, but also trouble for the shelves they were on. Those stores could possibly be trashed all because the products were on those shelves. It's what the Canterlot Elite called "Treason." If you're in Canterlot, you sell Canterlot products. Which meant if Magenta wanted to get into those stores...

"I may have to partner with the Canterlot Elite," She muttered. "Hmmm... I need to talk to Bright about this. And bring it to the attention to the others when they get here." Magenta sighed and began typing in more plans before Babs walked out the bathroom wearing her red robe. Now that's something to see. Magenta smirked with lidded eyes and called, "Hey." Babs stopped walking and looked up at her. Magenta nodded and declared, "You're wearing my robe."

Babs squeaked and stammered, "Oh, uhh... Sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"Babs? You look nice in it. You can wear it all day if you want to. I think it looks great on you."

Babs' face went from orange to a deep red, revealing her embarrassment. She smiled and giggled like a little school filly, amusing her famous friend. "Thank you, Magenta!"

"No problem. Hey want to see something cool in my studio?" Magenta popped out of her seat and moved for the stairs eagerly. Babs had to see this. "Bright doesn't do a lot of music, but she's still good with it. Either way, she doesn't come in my studio that much." She hit the bottom floor and led Babs out the door into quiet fancy halls.

Catching up to her right, Babs commented, "You walk really fast."

"I do? I never noticed."

"Sarcasm?"

"Nope."



When Spike brought Twilight coffee this morning, she nearly spit it all over their dining table. And Starlight across. Luckily, that didn't happen. But Twilight did fling open the newspaper and read the rumor. Babs Seed and Magenta Streak. A strange match. A pony whose family are lovers of low-class things and another pony who's so rich, you could never keep up. That would be interesting to see. Or strange. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are cute. Twilight's just gonna have to wait and see.

Starlight sighed from behind the newspaper blocking Twilight's vision and asked, "Crazy enough for you?"

Twilight shut the newspaper with one of those weird expressions. Shot open wings wide crazy eyes, and a bit lip. Twilight stammered, "Babs Seed and MAGENTA STREAK?! Starlight, their friendship goes beyond it now!! The map sent Babs to date Magenta! Scootaloo!... Magenta-Scootaloo!"

"Can't figure it out?"

"Nope."

"I stopped trying the second I found out and just settled for Magenta. Look, it's okay even if it wasn't a rumor and a fact. She's still that filly we all know and love. And I mean all." Starlight and Twilight glanced over at Spike in the corner eating and wearing some "Magenta Approved" headphones, bobbing his head.

Twilight shook her head at him and stated, "His neck's going to hurt later. But I see your point. Magenta and Babs could be good—for friendship I mean."

Starlight blinked and reminded her of one important fact. "Twilight? I don't know if you've noticed but they're already friends."

"Then you and I both know that she's bound to get her memories back really really soon if my hunch is correct. If she hangs out with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom again."

Starlight sighed and pushed her breakfast to the side. She had lost her appetite. Focusing on Twilight, she inquired, "Is that a bad thing?"

Twilight immediately shook her head and answered, "No, of course not. It's just... What's going to happen after? Will she push them away with the rest of Ponyville? Or will she accept their friendship in return?"

Starlight sighed and shook her head. To be honest, she was also a little worried about that. But they couldn't really guess at it, if at all. They just had to wait for the definite and hope for the best. Or the worst.
> Chapter 40 - Welcome To Color Flash
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apple Bloom couldn't believe it. Apple Bloom wouldn't believe it! But there it was, sitting on the table between her, Diamond Tiara, Sweetie Belle, and Silver Spoon. Babs and Magenta Streak. Front page. It's only been one day, did she snag her up that fast?!

Apple Bloom shook her head and plopped down into her seat next to Sweetie Belle's dumbstruck body. All the noise around them at the coffee shop seemed to dissipate before Diamond Tiara blinked and asked, "I didn't know your cousin liked Mares, Applebloom."

She responded by shaking her head and answering, "We actually found out yesterday. Poor stallions never stood a chance with Magenta."

Sweetie nudged her and made a few signs reading, "We don't know if this is true or not. You know how magazines like to sell stories by exaggerating them a bit."

Applebloom shrugged and motioned to it. "Yeah that's true. Sweetie said this may or may not be true. It could be the newspaper selling a story. But you know..." Applebloom leaned in and whispered, "Babs confessed yesterday that she did actually have a crush on Magenta. So this is nearly accurate. We're meeting up with Bright tonight at the Ponyville Magenta stage to see what she has to say about this."

Silver Spoon popped the straw out of her mouth and smirked her way. "We'll come with you. Because we're not leaving them or you in this alone."

Diamond Tiara nodded and agreed. "Yeah, that and I want to hear about this crush of Babs'."

Sweetie sighed and signed, "Don't we all."



Babs has seen most of Magenta's "Castle" by this point. A lot of hallways, fancy pictures, grand bedrooms. Extra rooms they really didn't need. Did Magenta work out? Did Bright work out? That'd be interesting to see. Maybe they're dad or mom did. Either way, they had a weight room in here. A large closet-room. She had all types of places.

But the best in the entire house was the studio. Lights dimmed, a camera behind the glass for vlogs, spacious, all types of Synthesizers. A room full of them, lining the walls with cords and lights all over the place.

Magenta gestured to them and said, "This room in total? Costs nearly two million bits. To be honest, this used to be a jacuzzi room when I first bought this place. But I had that broken down and moved to a new room near the pool in the back. Then remodeled this into my studio for me and Bright." Magenta grabbed a chair and rolled it to Babs while she herself plopped into her own seat. Then faced the master mixer connected to their computer. "Out of all of my studios, this is my best one."

Studios? Plural? Babs rolled up a foot or four near Magenta and asked, "How many do you have?"

Magenta made a face and glanced up to the ceiling to think. "Well... I guess two now since my personal one was at Starfire Records. Speaking of which I have to send an email to my previous employer with my decision to drop out of Starfire. Let me tell you something." Magenta swiveled her chair around and faced Babs. "When I first started at Starfire, it wasn't all about bits."

Babs glanced at the master mixer and shifted her body around so her rear hooves were on top and she was leaning back. Then asked, "Really?"

Babs wearing a robe and kicking back. Funny. Biting back a snicker, Magenta nodded and answered, "Yeah. When me and Bright first started out, we met with everyone there and they were like, 'Here at Starfire, it's all about Creativity.' And it was. So much that everyone ended up trying to outdo the other in music, dance, novels, all of it. It was like we signed up to be in a competition. And Bright and I loved it!  Getting our creativity out there and getting paid was just a big bonus. They didn't worry about YouHoof because we were privately partnered underneath them. So that was just us. But when we released a single with me, Bright, Sea Creature, and Songbird, and shows started paying us big bits to do interviews, shows and such here in Manehattan, things started to change. It wasn't all about the music anymore. Or the creativity. It was all about the money, attention, and the shows. It got to the point where we had to reach a deadline."

Babs repeated aghast, "A deadline? As in you have this amount of time to get things done?"

Magenta nodded and kicked her own hooves up. Then propped her chair back. "Yeah! Seriously, it was stupid. It wasn't like we couldn't make the time, but my manager, Bright, and myself could see that things were starting to change because we simply joined Starfire Records. We're the top performing artists slash entertainers in Equestria, and Equestria loves to party. It's all about Friendship here, so PLUR pretty much rode with it. Our music made those parties epic, so ponies were spending money on Starfire to get those tracks in their clubs, schools, all of it. It was starting to become a little much. Why do you think we dropped a new song on Youhoof every Friday?"

"But I thought that Youhoof was your choice," Babs recalled.

"Yeah, it's extremely complicated. So here's how it works on the Starfire-to-YouHoof end. Even though we get paid by YouHoof personally, we also get paid by the label who actually uses YouHoof for our tracks. Our music is copyrighted to us, therefore our channel. The way Starfire uses YouHoof isn't to upload music, but to actually track and make sure no one else is using our music from our channel without our permission. And when someone does, they have them pay us—along with a cut for Starfire—to keep it up there. If they don't pay, then that channel is kicked off YouHoof for copyright infringement. Because that channel is a brand using another brand's content without their permission."

Babs gasped and fawned, "Ooohhh. So Starfire acts like bounty hunters for your music on YouHoof."

"Yep! Exactly like bounty hunters. They provide security for our tracks and our brand. That's why when you watch a video on YouHoof, you never hear our music. You may see a video of us, but never our music because it's copyrighted. But all of that is about to change. Once I quit Starfire, I'm taking all of those tracks down and republishing them under my label's name with its own policy. And by law, they have to give those tracks back to me or I can take them to court."

Babs sat back in her chair and looked up to the ceiling. "Wow, that's... A lot."

Magenta nodded and tossed something onto Babs' robe covered chest. "Yeah, it is. But we usually don't have to worry about that, the manager takes care of it. So since you're hiding out, I decided that since it's sort of my fault, that you can stay here."

Babs glanced her way and then down to her chest. There was a flat steel card on her chest that she picked up and looked at. Then back to Magenta and asked, "...huh?"

Magenta nodded and clarified, "Yeah, you can stay here if you want. It's totally your choice."

Babs flipped the card around and asked, "Wait, this is a key?"

"Yeah, press it against the gate outside and it'll let you in. Same for the front door. We have manual ones too and those work regardless, but this one is more of a more faster level."

"Oh... Thanks, Maggy!" Babs jumped out of her seat and onto Magenta, nearly pushing her over with the biggest hug she could manage.

Smiling, Magenta pulled her up to her chest and placed her head on top of hers. It felt good to be hugged by somepony she couldn't really remember that didn't want an autograph. Magenta nuzzled the top of Babs' mane and whispered, "You're welcome, Babs."

Did Magenta just nuzzle my head? Babs sat back and looked Magenta in the eyes with a smirk. "Did you nuzzle my head?"

Never in a million years would Babs have thought Magenta would get shy. But here she was, blushing like a cherry. "Er uhh... I uhh..." Babs placed her hoof against Magenta's lips, silencing her for a moment.

"It's okay," she whispered. Then removed her hoof and whispered, "I liked it." 

Magenta smiled then did the last thing Babs would have expected. She grabbed her hips, pulled her body up, and placed her lips on hers. If Babs didn't like Magenta, she would be charged. Thankfully, she did like her. So the most sudden reaction were her eyes going wide for a few seconds, then her body melting into the kiss of Magenta. The feeling of Magenta's lips on hers. The smell of Magenta's coat. The way her mane felt when she reached up and smoothened it back.

Then Magenta just had to pull back and make things weird. She cleared her throat and stammered, "W-Well... I uhh... Screw it, I'm a millionaire. Wanna go on a date sometime? Obviously my treat."

Babs chuckled and tapped her nose. "Yes, I would. Any plans for to—" A noise buzzed from the right side of their position with Babs on top and Magenta on the bottom. Magenta looked over to the far side while Babs removed herself. Someone was at the gate.

Magenta sighed and picked herself up from the chair. "To answer your question Babs, yes I do have plans. But Bright is the only one that has plans tonight. So I'm available then. But right now, I have a few VIPs coming over that can help me secure some stores in Canterlot."

Babs shrugged and followed Magenta into the hallway. "That's fine. I have nothing to do today anyway."

Magenta waved her hoof around, gesturing to the mansion and suggested, "Well you can relax anywhere you want to. There's a pool, a skatepark, a work out room, a home theater, or you can just gaze out at in the observatory or egghead it out in the library. In the meantime, I have business." Magenta turned around and placed her lips back on Babs. "Make yourself at home. But before you do, could you do me a favor?"


~★~


Canterlot was the city of dreams. The place of fortune for the ponies just starting out with plans for large futures. A lot of ponies would move here as startups to get what they wanted done. Well that is usually the plan, especially for Deep Light. When she first started her music career, it was in Las Pegasus where she learned the hard way that her target market was in Canterlot. She learned that to grab fans, you have to go to them. They don't come to you. Las Pegasus wasn't always about the House, they were more along the complex lines of music.

So moving to Canterlot was a must. Unfortunately. When she first arrived, it was a little tense. But according to a friend, Canterlot was pretty much owned by highly respected business owners who scouts out the new competition when they first arrived. And that's what they did. Not even a month later and they were knocking on her doorstep, looking her off-white coat and short white mane and tail up and down to get a good reading. But when she told them she was just a small time business owner for music, they shrugged her off. As well as a few of the ponies standing with her right now in front of Magenta Streak's lavish mega mansion that had her friends staring in awe. Getting into Manehattan unique was... Something.

The Guard at the front gave them special cards to put on their flanks and instructed them not to take it off until they were inside her mansion. Something about nosy ponies watching and leaking. Apparently having Magenta Streak's signature on their flanks guaranteed them safe passage. Without it, they were as doomed as a single pony surrounded by dragons.

Her friends were small time shop owners who all just happened to be contacted by Magenta Streak in the past as well. Way before Deep Light showed up on the scene and started to grab artists left and right. At the moment, she only has four, but they have shown great promise to give her more. But her label's reach wouldn't allow it. Then a miracle happened. A pony known as Purple Diamond walked into her office and said she liked the way her artists sounded. Then presented herself as a private liaison to Magenta Streak. A way to get in touch with her. She said that in the future Magenta was going to open a label of her own and have it running big shows, equipment, locations, all of it. But that she needed artists and more under her belt to get it up and running. She said she's been scouting her label for quite some time and that even though it's really small on a high school level, they showed extreme promise that they'll be able to help each other.

At the time, Deep Light was really skeptical about the offer, but immediately brightened up when her label was mentioned in a vlog by Magenta Streak herself maybe two years ago. That meant this  was legit! At the time she was still wearing her suit and nopony had seen her face, and it surprised her and her entire label what was underneath when she finally took it off. Then the day finally came when a letter was dropped in her office mailbox. That she and her artists were requested to meet with her and her artists back at her mansion. At first she wasn't so sure until she saw the same mark at the bottom of the letter when she was given a card by Purple Diamond two years ago. It was the exact same one. Then it came as no surprise when her friends called to let her know they all had received letter too. Well one of them said they already knew Magenta Streak personally, but Brush Tail was known for that.

Manehattan Unique was one quiet neighborhood. Really quiet by national standards. One of Deep Light's artists, clearly shaking in anticipation muttered, "Why is it so quiet?"

Deep Light looked over to check out her current state. Drawn Out was quite the character. All of her artists were. She had a hidden wild side she thought they didn't know about. Her coat was an off-white with a gray mohawk. She was smart and knew a little music theory. Barely anything about Synthesizers, but a majority of her melodies had earned the thousand viewer on YouHoof.

Flight Night was the most bubbly. Has the attitude of a five year old filly but the knowledge of a twenty year old mare. A Pegasus mare with a black coat and a deep red straight mane and tail. She knew how to play a bunch of brass instruments and mix them down into electronic sounds using tools she buys.

Green Ticket was a dark green coated unicorn mare with a curled light green colored mane and tail. With an obvious cutie mark of a green ticket. Deep Light had no idea what it meant, and she honestly didn't want to find out. Green Ticket is easily excited to engage in a conversation. And just like her friend here, she was vibrating in anticipation for the gates to open.

Then there was Light House, the only stallion in the entire label. But a smart one nonetheless. He had a knack for getting ponies to smile without even trying. A Yellow coated pegasus with a white mane and tail, and a cutie mark of a red snare drum. Then there were a few more ponies with them, totalling this group to seven.

Drawn Out buzzed over to Deep Light and asked, "Is she home? I thought she was home!"

Deep Light patted her head at an attempt to calm her down and answered, "I have a feeling she is. Now calm down, we're here on business. We don't want to make it look like you're foals or something." Their attention was grabbed when the front door way across the front yard was opened and out walked Babs still wearing Magenta's robe. "Isn't that the mare from..."

It took a minute, but Babs finally made it to the gates. Just as instructed, she placed her card on the gates and waited one second before it pushed in, allowing them access. With a smile she greeted, "Hi, I'm Babs. Welcome to Magenta's Mansion. Follow me."

Drawn Out stepped in first and jumped in the air. "Oh my gosh, we're here!! We're on Magenta Streak's property!! Wow, this place is huge!! How many floors does it have?! Tell me everything!!"

Taken back a little. Babs glanced left and right awkwardly. "Just... Follow me, please." Then turned around and anxiously walked away, followed by the gawking onlookers. Once they reached the top of the stone stairs, Babs pushed the door open and allowed them in first. Then followed in after. Just like usual, open mouths, freezing hearts, frozen hoofsteps. Babs just walked around them and yelled, "Yo' Magenta! Your guests are here!"

"I can see that." All eyes moved to the left when Magenta emerged from the hall that led to the library and studio into view. Those pictures from the tabloids don't do her justice. She may be drenched in scars, but those rumors about Magenta being hot was an understatement. Smiling, Magenta started to greet, "Hi. I'm—"

"Magenta Streak!! Oh my faust!!" Geen Ticket darted forward and grabbed her hoof to shake wildly. Nearly forcing Magenta into a seizure. "I am such a big fan. You have no idea what an honor it is to meet you."

After she let go, Magenta calmly chuckled and set her hoof back down on the carpet. "Yes, well the pleasure's mine. You guys hungry? Thirsty? I have enough food to feed four families for a whole year in here. Speaking of which, I need to get more. That trip from Canterlot had to have left you famished."

Deep Light walked forward and shook her hoof in a more professional manner than the others. They were the same size, but Deep Light had a slightly deeper voice than Magenta. "Well I'm sure the others would like something."

"Alright. Follow me." Magenta turned around and whispered to Babs, "You sticking around or swimming in the pool?"

Babs grinned and whispered back, "Can I do both?"

Magenta shrugged and answered, "Eh, it's up to you. The house is yours, remember?" Then shared a slightly discreet nuzzle before leading the others past and to the left for the downstairs kitchen. Much bigger than the family kitchen upstairs. Babs watched her walk away with a slight blush. Magenta was cute. Pretty. Gracious. And oh so sexy. And extremely rich.

Babs took a deep breath and ordered herself, "Reign it in girl, reign it in." Then made her way to the library to grab a book and text her friends. They were going to want to know about this.
> Chapter 41 - Tense Realities
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before Babs even made it to the room, her phone was ringing and tone reflecting off the wooden hallway walls. Without looking, Babs stopped and pulled it out of her bag of belongings. She didn't bring much, but there was a bit of something in there she treasured most. After pulling out her phone, Babs answered it and put it to her ear. "Hello?"

"You actually nagged Magenta?!" Applebloom yelled.

Babs had to pull the phone back a little but answered, "Well actually..."

"I told you Sweetie. She didn't actually nab her yet."

"We actually started dating as of a few minutes ago." The line went silent for a few moments. Babs knew  what that meant. Apple Bloom's brain was broken. She pushed open the door and strode into the massive library while Apple Bloom continued to process.

"You're joking." There she was.

Babs giggled and shook her head. "Nope. I think we're goin' on a date tonight." Babs jumped into a blue bean bag by the door and relaxed.

"You have to be joking. We're asking Bright tonight when she comes over."

Babs rolled over and eyed the ceiling. "Yeah, she wasn't here, so... Good luck."

"How's Color Flash?"

Babs turned her head to the door and answered, "Magenta's speaking with some clientele at the moment somewhere around here."

"Wait, you're there with her?" Diamond Tiara asked.

Babs answered proudly, "Yeah, she's letting me camp out. I just hope my boss doesn't call and ask me to come in because he simply saw the paper."



The only sound inside of Magenta's first floor kitchen was the sound of Magenta shaking up a large juice canister in her hooves next to Drawn Out at a marble kitchen table. It was round and large, giving everyone enough elbow room. The kitchen like the rest of the house was expensive. Steel appliances and expensive decorative items. Not to mention some gold.

Magenta set the canister down on the table and said, "Bright and I don't usually use this kitchen. We use the one upstairs on the second floor."

Deep Light looked around at all the fancy decor. The marble, shiny objects, fancy plates and table. As well as the large backyard with a skatepark, swimming pool, a lot of things beyond the wall made of windows next to them. Deep Light gulped and said, "Your home is like a castle."

Magenta shrugged and poured some juice into one of the seven ponies' cups nearby. Then walked around the table and replied, "Eh, my friends say that too. It's a bit too big but I have a reason for everything. Or else I would just be wasting my time. Let's get straight down to business. I'm pretty sure you all got my letter about your fairest wishes coming true: Collaborating with Magenta Streak and Bright Snow. The Gold Sisters. Correct?"

While they all bugged out at the amazing flavor Magenta's juice delivered to their tongues, Brush Tail, a stallion with a red coat, mane, and white striped mane and tail nodded and answered, "Yes, ma'am. We've been anxiously waiting for this day."

"So I can tell. He wants to hear exactly what I'm talking about." Magenta motioned with his hair towards an attentive Light House. Then hopped back into her seat and recklessly tossed the canister back into the sink. "Now. I'm also quite certain you know about Canterlot's... Underground?"

Deep Light nodded and answered, "Yes, I've had multiple encounters with the Canterlot Elite."

"Yeah, well they're at war with the Manehattan Elite. They're waiting for us to slip up so they can—"

Brush Tail raised his hoof and interrupted, "Excuse me, Ms. Streak. But you speak as if you are part of the Manehattan Elite. A lot of ponies say that you aren't. Is that true?"

Magenta made a whine and shrugged, "It's so-so. I am apart of the Manehattan Elite, but I like to stay out of it to the point where I'm not seen. The only time I really use my power is if I am extremely ticked off, or I need something somepony can supply and ask for it, then they ask for an over-exceeding sum. So basically, just don't make me upset and you won't meet... my Manehattan side. So back to the situation. The reason I called you here is because—you are all officially the first ponies to hear this that I don't know very well..." Magenta leaned in and whispered, "Bright and I are leaving Starfire."

Deep Light accidentally spit all over the table while the others had their own forms of surprise. Thus the reason, Magenta reached down and dropped a big ol' box of paper towels in their view. Once she had her air back, Deep Light coughed a little bit and asked, "What did you just say? You're leaving—" She coughed a bit more into her hoof. "You're leaving Starfire?!"

While Deep Light cleaned up the mess, Magenta kicked her hooves up on her table and answered, "Yep. Bright and I are starting our own label. Starfire tried to make me choose between YouHoof and them. I'm choosing YouHoof. So we're out. I'm already in the process of getting this underway. Bright is looking for new artists and I'm handling all the connections and business. And my first few connections were to the same ponies I promised I would get in contact with a few years back. And here we are."

A slender shaped stallion with a deep green coat, light blue mane and tail, and deep green eyes named Juice Drop asked, "So where exactly do we fall into this? And the Canterlot Elite for that matter?"

Magenta took her hooves down and answered, "Well I want the label's music to be placed into stores. But a few of the stores are in places like Canterlot, where the Canterlot Elite of course have power. A thing they do is if you have a star in Canterlot, you must sell Canterlot products. Things made in Canterlot are immediately 'made to be sold in Canterlot.' If not, they'll hire guys to sort of... Make sure you don't sell anything. I'm hoping to come to an arrangement with Zesty Gourmand about this and see if the Manehattan Elite and the Canterlot Elite can reach a compromise to get my music into their stores without it being such a big issue. I already have my music in those stores, but they're under Starfire's representation. I'm not entirely sure how they did it, but they got my music in there no problem. I think we have a Canterlot Elite chilling with the Manehattan Elite.

"Either way, like I promised once we have everything setup and ready to soar, we'll be doing some signings at these music stores of yours and Brush Tail. Now the reason I called your label here Deep Light is because my label isn't going to be like Starfire with 'exclusive access.' It's going to be an open thing. So when I give out the news that we're leaving Starfire, I'll also be releasing more details about that. About all of this.

"My next meeting is going to be with Zesty and a few of the guys I hire. Just get ready for publicization and exposure soon afterwards. Being Magenta Streak is grand and all, but the attention is a little annoying and something I don't really want to have, but use at my disposal."

Deep Light nodded and said, "We're expecting unimaginable things from you two in the musical world. Bright Snow and Magenta Streak are the top influencers in the musical and dance world. It's a huge honor to be working with such legends."

Magenta whistled and repeated, "Legends, whoo! Wait until Bright hears that one." A ringing sound reached all of their ears, urging them all to look around. Magenta smirked and raised a hoof to her mane. Then reached in and pulled out her ringing phone. "This is seriously the new thing now. A major convenience when you want to look good and have a lot of hair." Answering Babs' call, Magenta greeted, "Hello?"

"Sea Creature's at the front door."

Magenta raised her eyebrow and asked, "Huh? Why? Excuse me , everyone." Hanging up the phone, Magenta rose out of her seat and made her way for the front. Sure enough, Sea Creature was standing right there in the foyer talking with Babs Seed.

When she spotted Magenta, she smirked her way and said, "And there she is, Magenta Streak. Are you busy?"

Magenta shrugged and said, "A little. In the middle of a business meeting, what is it?"

"Just thought I'd have a good word with you for a second. Rumors are flying around the label that you're leaving Starfire. Just came to hear it from the source myself. Are you?"

Without giving her a second, Magenta nodded and answered, "Yes we are. Bright and I were given a bit of an offer from the CEO herself. Either leave YouHoof or leave Starfire. We chose to leave Starfire. So... We're back to being solo acts."

"What about that song we were working on? The one you and I were doing, I just can't take credit for it—"

"Yes you can, and you are. Consider it a gift from myself and Bright for these awesome years."

Sea Creature sighed and looked around the mansion. Sea Creature wasn't telling her something. Magenta could feel it. After a moment, she looked back to Magenta and said, "Magenta... I hope you know if you leave Starfire it's going to go under. And a little ugly."

Magenta shrugged and said, "Possibly. If the right choices aren't made correctly. Want something to drink? Come on." Not waiting for answer, Magenta led Sea Creature and Babs back down her hallway while talking. "I am aware that Starfire may go under because Bright and I are leaving, but I'm pretty sure they'll figure something out."

"No, no, Magenta you don't get it." Magenta stopped near the doorway and turned back to Sea Creature with a clear question in her eyes. Sea Creature glanced towards the kitchen. Then towards another room and led Magneta to it. Nopony else should have to hear this.

Magenta looked over her shoulder at Babs and motioned towards the kitchen. "Help yourself. Don't get intoxicated."

Babs made a face in front of the room and said, "All of your drinks are nonalcoholic." Then chuckled and walked into the room.

Once Magenta and Sea Creature were in a nearby lounge, she turned to Magenta and said, "Starfire had a bad record in the past as I'm sure you know underneath the leadership of an older pony as CEO."

Magenta nodded and replied, "Yeah, I heard they retired and Gold Spoon moved in."

"Right. Well Gold Spoon is a sort-of... She's a pony who gets what she wants by force. Before you joined Starfire, it was all fun and great. You know, everyone was relishing in their talents and making friends. Even the exclusiveness wasn't that exclusive. Like we could collaborate. But then... You arrived on the scene." Before Magenta could say something, Sea Creature immediately said, "I'm not blaming you or anything, but... Starfire was in a pretty bad place. Until Gold Spoon saw you.

"Next thing you know, Songbird, myself, and Sound were welcoming you and Bright into the label. As well as everyone else. You were doing shows and bits were pouring in, making you and Bright millionaires within a year. But... All of that was downstairs. You don't know what went on upstairs."

Upstairs and Downstairs were what made up Starfire Records. Upstairs were the offices and executives. Managers, CIOs, CEOs, Marketing. Downstairs was the talent. Magenta asked, "What happened upstairs?"

Sea Creature sat down and said, "Gold Spoon happened. She got greedy. She wasn't all business before she saw you. She was playful, little sloppy, a standard pony. Now she's entirely focused on Starfire. All because she saw you. Before you arrived, Starfire wasn't as popular as it is now. I'm talking one show every four months per talent."

Magenta deadpanned, "That's terrible."

"Yeah, seriously. But when you arrived, so did offers. Bits grew, requests grew, and they kept getting bigger and bigger. Starfire grew all because of you and Bright. A lot of bits came into Gold Spoon's hooves because of it. The entire label was eatin' all because you and Bright showed up. Gold Spoon may be fooling everyone else with this 'pick a side' nonsense, but she's not fooling me. Magenta because of you, and you alone, Gold Spoon is getting paid right now. Like, a lot."

Sea Creature reached underneath her wing and pulled out a document that she hoofed to Magenta. She sat down and took it in her hooves while Sea Creature explained. "Ever since Sound Boost told us about what was going on, I did a little research on our CEO. She lives far away from here in Appleloosa and according to record was barely standing on her hooves before you showed. She said so herself in an interview. She barely had anything. Until you showed up. You were her saving grace and I see why.

"Nopony out here can play and rock out like you do Magenta. You and Bright together are a machine giving Starfire the bits of the century. And Gold Spoon knows that. She may have given you a choice, but by law she has to. You two are giving her bits. And you just don't let your only source of income go." Magenta hoofed the document back before she stopped her. "Keep it, you might need it."

Magenta sighed and placed it next to her hip. "Okay, what are you saying, Sea?"

"I'm saying Gold Spoon may have given you a choice but actually she wants you stay, she needs you to stay. Because if she doesn't, then Starfire falls. And she falls. She doesn't want to fall."

"Once again, what are you saying?"

"Gold Spoon can't stop you from leaving. But she has enough power to inadvertently make you return. A little word with YouHoof, a few Manehattan Elite, Canterlot Elite. She can affect your sales and come up with an excuse to make it seem like Starfire are the ponies making you successful. But to be honest, all these partnerships were non-existent until you signed that contract. Hay, you could start your own label and bury Starfire. Maybe even steal their artists. But Gold Spoon wants you to stay. And do whatever it takes to make it happen."

Magenta sighed and repeated, "Gold Spoon would... Jeopardize my career goals for money?"

"Magenta? You are Gold Spoon's gold spoon, you just don't give that away. You try to bargain for it, or take it back by force."
> Chapter 42 - Bright and Bloom
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Magenta was unusually calm about the whole situation. Sea Creature just told her in honest truth the reality behind her and Bright leaving Starfire. That it would get ugly. And Magenta was swirling a cup of red liquid in her hand with eyes full of unreadable thoughts on Sea Creature. Either she didn't care or she was still processing the news.

After crickets finished chirping, Magenta sighed and said, "We'll deal with it when it happens. All of my cards are ready. I'll release the news tomorrow about us leaving Starfire, I have some... More important business to deal with this evening."

Sea Creature's smirk made Magenta blush slightly. And it grew when she asked, "Going on a date?"

Always the weird smirks and words. Magenta rolled her eyes and moved back for the kitchen. "I could never get anything past you. Let Sound Boost know of our decision beforehand but nopony else, okay? It would ruin the... Surprise."

Sea Creature rolled her eyes and followed after her into the hall. "Going to embarrass Gold Spoon?"

"Going to devastate Gold Spoon. She apparently doesn't want me to leave, so I'll have to show her I'm serious about this when she's not."

Leave it to Magenta to make a big splash onto the scene. When she first started out with making music, she was obviously nervous. But that was many years ago. Now she's making huge hits and rocking the stages as fast and as hard as she can.

Before they reached the kitchen, Sea Creature left Magenta. "I'll show my way out. Do I need to make a post about warning people to pay attention to the Gold Sisters' vlog for 'Big news?'"

Before she entered the room, Magenta shook her head and answered, "No. I'm pretty sure Bright already has something ready. I'll let you know about everything later, alright? Keep the dating thing under wraps for now, okay?"

"I'll probably forget you ever told me about it. See you later."

Magenta nodded her way and walked back into the kitchen where Babs was relaxing with the others, drinking out of a wine glass filled with that red drink she had made nad speaking with a few of the ponies in there. Whatever they were talking about, it was cut when she walked back in and asked, "Okay. Where were we?"



Shovel, shovel, shovel. Dig, dig, dig. Plant, plant, plant. Buck, buck, buck. The warm sun beat down onto the back of Apple Bloom when she bent low and bucked another Apple Tree on her family's farm. Applejack had already finished her part of the orchard with Big Mac. And Sweetie Belle had her own plans this afternoon. So it was just her.

The chariot she was filling was half-full. And she had around thirty more trees to go as far as her eye could see. Usually, it would be no sweat. But today was different. Her heart was pumping adrenaline. Her head was getting all crazy. What was it?

Apple Bloom plopped down and reached up to her head to stroke it back. Eyes closed, she sighed in satisfaction when the sweat was pushed off.

"Are you practicing for Sweetie Belle?" Someone whispered in her ear.

Apple Bloom shook her head and whispered, "No, I'm just not—HUH?!" She whirled around and nearly hit Bright Snow wearing a sweatsuit, a teasing smile, and sunglasses.

Apple Bloom looked her over and stammered, "B-BRight?! What are you... Where..." She looked around and tried to pinpoint Bright Snow's point of entry. There was none that she could find or see. This sneaky little pegasus.

Bright pointed a hoof to the sky and answered, "Where? Cloudsdale. I was with a co-worker slash friend recording a video to get the press off our back before they started."

"Ah, right. The Magenta-Seed thing." Apple Bloom turned around and went back to work while Bright watched. "She called us a little under an hour ago and said that she and Magenta were going on a date tonight."

Bright gasped and repeated, "Wait, tonight? So they are actually dating?! Dude, I just told the world they weren't! Ah, c'mon, Maggy!"

Apple Bloom bucked the tree and giggled at Bright's annoying face. It was adorable in a way. She reached out and patted her head. "To be fair, they actually agreed to a date, maybe an hour ago. You literally weren't around to know, so you just went with what you did know. You're going to the Magenta Stages tonight, right?"

Bright coalesced with the fact that she had no idea about Magenta dating Babs and answered with an eager nod, "That's the only reason I'm here."

Only reason huh? Apple Bloom smirked and taunted, "Oh so you fancy ponies are afraid to get your hooves dirty?"

Bright pointed her muzzle to the sky and answered, "I never said that."

"Are you afraid to get your hooves dirty?"

"...I don't know. I never had to."

"Let's find out together. Here." Bright eeped when Apple Bloom ducked around her and used her head to push her up to one of the trees. Once she was close, Apple Bloom pointed at it and ordered, "Buck this tree."

Bright scrunched her nose and whispered, "Jeez, what did the tree do to you?"

"No no no, what I meant was kick it and make the apples fall..." She used her hoof to drag a bucket over underneath the branches. "Into here. Buck the tree and make the apples fall in here. I'll demonstrate." Apple Bloom skipped over to another one and swiveled around. Then lifted her rear hooves and bucked super hard into the trunk. It shook for a moment, then apples rained from her leaves into the bucket below.

Bright pointed at it in disgust and asked, "So that's how you get apples?"

"Yep! All the magic of the taste is in the growing process. Then we have to get dirty in order to sell them. There's an apple tree on our hill too."

Bright followed Apple Bloom's pointed hoof to the single hill overlooking Ponyville bearing the Cutie Mark Crusaders' cutie marks. Then back to Apple Bloom bucking apples in sorrow.

"That was a bad day, huh?" She whispered.

Apple Bloom stopped bucking and slowly looked back to the hill in nostalgia. She could still here all the voices of everyone crying. Scootaloo's whimpers when she ran away. Literally the last time they ever saw her as a foal.

Apple Bloom sighed and went back to bucking. "The last time we saw Scootaloo... She was crying and ran away. Then we met Magenta Streak. To be honest... If we didn't do our horrible deed, she would have never met you or become who she is today. You yourself said that."

"...yeah..." Bright shook those thoughts out of her mind and asked, "So what exactly happens at these Magenta Stages?"

Another tree bucked, another bucket full. "Singing, DJing, parties, comedy sometimes, it's like a talent show without any winners or competition. Just fun. Magenta Stages are great ways to relax and unwind. Sweetie gets stressed out at the boutique during the daytime with Rarity. And being unable to talk, she has to use extra muscles to communicate. She's actually being a lot more active then I am considering I don't actually work all day. Yeah, like I have to buck trees, water the plants and plant new seeds. But Sweetie's doing this—" Apple Bloom waved her hooves around all crazy for a few seconds. "—every time she has to talk. She's using her hooves way more than anything else each and every day since she lost her voice."

Bright approached a tree and turned around to give it a shot. She grunted and lifted her rear hooves. Then slammed them against the tree with a shakening bam. Apple Bloom jumped and watched with Bright as all the apples came tumbling down. Then glanced to Bright and whispered, "Amazing first try."

"First try? Please, I'm a dancer, I use my hooves a lot. Hey, I don't think you ever told us about how Sweetie Belle lost her voice."

Apple Bloom whipped around in surprise and asked, "We didn't?"

"Not that I can recall."

"Oh. Well... When Scootaloo went missing, it devastated the town. But the person who felt guilty the most out of all of us was Sweetie Belle. She knew Scootaloo before I did. I actually met the both of them together. I never asked how they met really. But Sweetie blamed all the guilt on herself. On a mission heading down the same channel Scootaloo's body flowed into Manehattan, Sweetie Belle fell into the guilt and tried to kill herself. She had a plan.

"A bag with a rope in it, a magic absorber, and guilt. All rolled up into one. Remember that Bridge when we first met and introduced you guys to Gabby? In the park? That was the same bridge Sweetie was going to drop a rock tied to the end of a rope from connected to her neck. The rope was so tight that it cut into her neck and left a scar. Now she uses a choker to keep it covered up."

Bright figured something like that happened. "I'm really sorry you guys had to experience that."

Apple Bloom shrugged and stated, "Well.... It's life. So!... Are you ready for tonight?"

Bright shrugged and lifted her wings about to take off. "Eh, we'll see. I have one more stop to make before I come back so..."

Apple Bloom nodded and was about to get back to work before she remembered something she heard from Fluttershy. She raised a hoof towards Bright and asked, "Wait, hold on! You know Magenta best, right?"

Bright folded her wings in and nodded. "Yeah, we grew up with each other for years. Never away from each other. We got on the others' nerves... You could say I know her best."

"So... Rainbow Dash has been feeling down. Like when Scootaloo 'died,' she was deeply depressed and almost followed in the same steps as Sweetie. And now that she knows she's alive, Rainbow's trying to figure out an apology present with Twilight. What does Scootaloo want most in the world?"

Bright lifted her hoof and answered, "A private island, a very expensive wine I can't remember, her own yacht, a studio in the Crystal Empire, to see me go to college, and mom and dad having their own joint doctor practice." Apple Bloom was either broken or her brain wasn't functioning. She just stopped breathing all together. Bright gasped and added, "Oh, and flight. Since she can't fly, I have to grab a cloud and push her up to the sky so we can hangout up there. Even go to Cloudsdale sometimes. But whenever we do, she's always talking like, 'What the buck happened to my wings?' 'I'm going to hire someone to make artificial wings,' things like that."

Apple Bloom started breathing again. That was more her league anyway. "So Scootaloo wants flight?"

"Yeah. It'd be a miracle if somepony figured it out."

"Yeah... Definitely."



This was about to get dangerous. Really dangerous. Sea Creature could see that based off the look Gold Spoon was delivering to her, Sound Boost, and Songbird. After she left Magenta's mansion, she got a call from Sound Boost about meeting up with him and Songbird at the headquarters. He never said bring Magenta. He knew she was with her. Which meant they were going to talk about her. And her sister.

He also failed to mention Gold Spoon was the one to call the meeting in her office. So here they all were. Staring into the face of Gold Spoon. On her desk sat three newspapers that were scheduled to be released tomorrow. On the front page of all of them was Magenta Streak walking out the front doors of YouHoof holding a folder. The headline was, "Speculating rumor of Gold Sisters leaving Starfire Records! Beginning of the end?"

Gold Spoon calmly placed her hoof on one of them and whispered, "I want to know if this is true or not. Have any of you heard any of this stuff? Is it pretty solid?"

Sound Boost and Songbird shook their heads while Sea answered, "I heard she was reviewing her options. I don't know about any options specifically."

Gold Spoon sighed hard and leaned back in her chair, staring at all of them. "I'm pretty sure you have all—including those not here—have realized that Starfire Records received an extremely tremendous boost because of the Gold Sisters. Magenta Streak the producer, singer, and DJ, and Bright Snow the dancer, singer, and DJ. An amazing duo who dominated the charts as fast as lightning in a single night, and help others under us succeed. If she leaves, she'll receive so many opportunities that we, as in Starfire, will be pushed back into the shadows. Out of mind. What we need is a compromise. From what I'm reading, we don't have much time."

Songbird stated, "But wouldn't it primarily be her choice still?"

"Yes, of course. But we still want her secured here at Starfire Records. We're the top performing, rated, and overall leading record label in Equestria because of the Gold Sisters. Without them, Starfire wouldn't exist. So we want to keep her. Especially since she's more valuable now. What I want you all to do is watch her and report what you hear to me. We need. The Gold Sisters. To stay."



Day soon crawled away to allow night to take over. The sky shifted from light blue, to purple, then to black. Allowing the Stars and Luna's moon to shine down onto the cities of Manehattan and Ponyville. The inhabitants moved all daily activities to indoors, leaving only a specific few out the doors. Two of them specifically were Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle leaving the Carousel Boutique as they were.

Sweetie was obviously looking forward to tonight. She was wearing the glittery collar. The one she always wears when excited. As they moved up the street, Apple Bloom asked, "Happy?"

Sweetie grinned at her and nodded so fast it made Apple Bloom think she was really Pinkie Pie in disguise. Then made a single hoof gesture she and Apple Bloom made themselves that read, "Exuberant."

"Happy because Bright's coming or..."

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon literally swooped up out of the darkness and answered, "It's more than likely because we get to hang out with her outside of Manehattan. They never leave that place. Yeah it's nice, but nothing is better than getting out of your mane once in a while. You know?"

They soon stopped in front of a large one story building that served as a luncheon in the daytime. But turned into a small club at night. It was surrounded by businesses only, no homes. They would be unheard for miles around.

A few other ponies were already out waiting for the doors to open. Some had on special clothing and carrying instruments while more ponies had other things to showboat. Apple Bloom breathed in the air while they slowed their speed And was about to say something before a familiar voice did.

"So this is where you guys hang out?"

Apple Bloom eeped and whirled around to face Bright Snow. But... It looked nothing like her. She was wearing a light blue farmer's outfit and had somehow dyed her mane and tail to a black color. It was still shiny, just darker. There was a dark leather choker around her neck littered with diamond dust, sparkling in the night that adorned her smile.

Sweetie Belle grinned at her and made a few fast hoof signs that Bright interpreted. She nodded to her question and answered, "Well I can't just walk in and say, 'I'm Bright Snow' right? Is this the place?"

Diamond Tiara turned back to the building and answered, "Yes. They call this one Purple Sky. All of them have different names. This one is just a little more active though because Magenta made her impact here. What's your alias?"

"Snow Light." She walked around Apple Bloom and made for the front doors of the building. "Now let's go scout some talent. I'll let Purple Diamond know I'm here." She reached up into her mane and retrieved her phone while the others caught up. Then dialed Magenta's number.

Magenta had her own plans. When they were little, she would stick with Mom while she got ready for her date in the upstairs bathroom with their father. She knew exactly how to apply makeup. She did it all the time whenever she had a show. But Goldhoof wanted to do it. And Magenta couldn't fight her on that. So here she was sitting in front of her bathroom mirror while Goldhoof walked around her with the most giddiest of smiles on her face.

"Ohhh, my filly's first date~!" She sang. Loud and proud. Magenta was sure Babs was giggling downstairs.

Magenta rolled her eyes and groaned silently, "Moommm, could you please? Not while Babs is downstairs."

Goldhoof sat on Magenta's right and picked up an eyeliner with her teeth. "Oh alright," she replied. Then brushed Magenta's right eyelid. "You'll be fine dear. I'm just really excited. You have never been on a date before. Not that I know of. But here you are, about to have the best date night of your life. Try not to have sex on the first night though okay? That can always ruin things."

Magenta just decided to let that one slide and asked, "So... Where are you guys going to be?"

"Upstairs."

"I'll believe that when clouds can talk to me."

Goldhoof sighed around the brush and set it back down. Then smiled at Magenta through the mirror. She was wearing an orange dress outfitted with sequins. She had it personally made years ago, but never had a reason to wear it except to award shows. Awards she's never won. Her and Bright's cabinets were still blank.

Goldhoof coalesced silently, "Fine, I'll be in the living room nearby. Also, word of advice, your goal is to make her happy. Never sad. So always be happy for her even when she's not, okay?"

Magenta took that bit of information to heart. Mom was really into romance anyway. It would be foolish if you didn't listen to the guru. Magenta smiled in gratitude and whispered, "Thanks, mom."

"Anytime, dear. I love you, Magenta."

"I love you too, Mrs. Goldhoof." The two shared a deep affectionate muzzle before Magenta's phone rang from the counter. She let her mother go and quickly grabbed it with a sense of urgency. "Bright," she muttered. Then answered and put it to her ear with a, "Yeah, what's up?"

"I'm at 'Purple Sky,' one of the Magenta Stages with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon. We're going inside in a few minutes."

Magenta nodded and replied, "Awesome. Remember, inconspicuous behavior. We don't need any press coming out here."

"Of course. I have the cards ready inside my wing to pass out. I'll be home later in the morning."

"Great. Please be safe."

"You too. Also, are you seriously dating Babs? I just made a video with Carolid saying how you weren't!"

Magenta seethed through her teeth and answered, "I'm about to go meet her downstairs right now. Sorry, Bright."

"...It's okay. Just rock her world. Make her scream."

"Bright..."

"Just kidding. Have a great date. I'll figure something out in the morning. Talk to you then."
> Chapter 43 - Magenta's First Date
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dark and lights. The first thing Bright Snow noticed when she and the Cutie Mark Crusaders walked into what is actually a restaurant in the daytime, then a party house at night. When they were outside, the place looked small. That's because they were looking at one floor. It was much bigger in the basement.

Bright Snow decided that for this mission as an undercover scout she'd go by her codename in the Manehattan Elite: Snow Light. That contrasted greatly against her disguise. Shiny black mane and tail, a diamond covered choker, and light mascara.

Apple Bloom didn't even know she could do makeup. Maybe she should ask for some pointers.

The steps to the basement creaked with weight thanks to the many anxious ponies trotting down them.

While they moved, Bright asked, "So who are the stars here?"

Diamond Tiara shrugged and answered, "Well... If I had my own pick, it'd be Deep Star. He's a Disc Jockey."

"DJ. Call them DJs. What does he tend to play most of the time?" Bright and the others made their way onto the floor where everyone else was congregating and took a seat at one of the many round tables. Bright took this moment to actually observe everything. This place was so deep that there were two floors in here. Two floors. The bottom were where the tables were, and the top region was actually just a rounding walkway. Standing room only. Pretty much a small time club. Similar to the other underground clubs in Manehattan, just much more downgraded.

Diamond Tiara answered, "Mostly old EDM tracks and maybe some slow stuff. Not too hype, not too slow."

Bright nodded and asked, "Okay, okay. Who else?"

Apple Bloom took this one and answered, "Merigold Wonder. She's right over there, and a personal friend." She pointed her right hoof to a mare by the stage. She was actually leaning against it with her arms propped up and a cool looking smirk on her face. She was a Golden coated unicorn mare with a straight dark blue mane and tail. Light green eyes and a tambourine for a Cutie Mark. Cool and relaxed amongst all the noise.

Bright nodded and approved. Chill and relaxed. It's never good to be nervous before a show. You're bound to distract yourself and mess up. "So what's her gig?"

"Let her tell you. YO' MERIGOLD!!" Merigold Wonder looked their way and observed Apple Bloom waving her hoof their way. She said something to a few of the ponies she was speaking to. Then eagerly skipped over. Bright noted she had a strange walk to her.

When she reached their table, she greeted, "Yo', Apples!" Then pulled her into a hug before dropping her right back into her chair. "Hey, Sweetie Belle. Sorry, had to steal your girl for a moment."

Sweetie Belle just smiled and waved while she moved on to Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, then Bright Snow. She motioned to her and asked, "So, who's this?"

Apple Bloom wrapped a hoof around Bright Snow's neck and answered, "This is Snow Light. She's from... Manehattan."

She turned to Snow Light and denied, "No. Way. No bucking way, seriously?"

Snow Light nodded and answered, "Yeah, I actually live in East Manehattan."

"Oooh, you fancy. I hear a lot of things about East Manehattan. Nice to meet you, Snow. Hope you enjoy the show."

"Thanks. Hey, what's your niche?"

Merigold raised her eyebrow and repeated, "My niche?"

She probably had no idea what that was. Bright clarified, "Yeah, what's your thing, what are you going to do? Sing, dance..."

"Oh! I'm a singer. Not exclusive yet, but I will be one day. You're going to see Merigold Wonder on the top of these billboards from here in Ponyville all the way across seas."

She's very optimistic. Interesting. Bright nodded and replied, "Awesome! Remember to have fun up there."

"Oh I will. Thanks, Snow. Enjoy the shows, girls." She whipped around and started the trek back to the stage with a pep in her step. Bright honestly hoped she made her night. Sort of.

With her out of the way, she looked to her friends and asked, "So.. Any more?"



Magenta was nervous. She admitted it. The second she crept down the stairs, her heart started beating faster, her mind began to fog over. Thanks to the pretty mare at the bottom of these staircases, waiting for her in the kitchen with her father. Since Babs couldn't actually get back to her apartment, Magenta's mother decided to give her some of her own dresses to dress up in. Nothing too fancy, but still something to show this was actually a real date and not a mockup.

But Magenta could barely walk down the steps without freezing her hooves. Just like her very first show. But unlike that, this was with one person. Magenta stopped near the bottom and took a deep breath. Then followed her own motto when things get tight like this: Screw it and do it.

With a newfound strength, Magenta bounded out of the stairs and nearly tripped on her dress when she saw Babs at the table already. Making conversation with dad who more or less just got off work. When Babs glanced over, her jaw literally dropped. Magenta was actually in the same position. Since Magenta only wore this dress once, Babs was one of the first people to see her in it.

Babs was wearing mom's orange red-orange dress that actually went great with her coat. It wasn't too fancy. Actually it was really plain. Just an orange dress with frills in the back. Babs definitely picked that one out. It showed much country wear to it.

When Magenta showed up, her father decided to immediately take his leave. He had to walk back frozen Magenta on his way out though. So he stopped and used his head to give her that literal push she so desperately needed. "Go on," he whispered. "Make her happy."

Then turned around and left the room. Leaving only the two of them. As Max left the room his hoofsteps left the room with him, leaving them downstairs in silence. When they finally faded, Magenta scratched the back of her neck and just smiled at Babs. "You uhhh... You look amazing," she whispered.

Babs blushed and said, "Nah, you're just saying that because I'm wearing your mother's dress."

Deciding to be bold, Magenta walked over and pulled Babs into a hug. It was quite sudden but welcome since Babs pretty much melted into her hooves. "Hey," she whispered.

"Hey, yourself." Magenta let her go and walked into the kitchen. "So while mom and dad were at work, and you were relaxing in the pool—"

"Can you blame me?"

"No I cannot, there is a jacuzzi in there after all. While you were doing your thing, I decided to cook."

Wait, hold the phone!! Babs turned around to face Magenta digging through the oven and asked, "Wait, you can cook? But all your videos..."

Magenta laughed and placed a steaming bot onto the island a few feet away from the glass table they were eating at. Since it was night, the moon was shining straight through the glass wall beside their table, highlighting Magenta's backyard. And Babs' smile, spotlighted by lip gloss and eyeliner.

Magenta's stare was beginning to make Babs uncomfortable before she cleared her throat and woke back up. Then said, "Right, the videos. So most of that stuff with me trying to cook, is actually just me messing things up to keep the audience entertained. It's humorous. So each time cooking with Magenta comes on they'll think like, 'Oh dude, what is she going to mess up this time?' And then like I'll bring a guest on so they can 'help.' It's for entertainment, but I actually know how to cook. And to prove it..."

Magenta did something over there that involved a ladle and two bowls. Then trotted over with them balanced on her back. She bent low and slid them onto the table with the first one sliding directly onto the center of Babs' spot. Then the second onto her own. Magenta winked at her and ordered, "Take a bite... Or sip."

Babs let her impulses lead her and she did. A lap of the soup and her eyes widened with a satisfied hum. "Mmmm, this is really good!" She congratulated. "What is it?"

Magenta sat down and sighed while giving herself a mental pat on the back. She pointed at her bowl and answered, "This is Magenta's Magic Carrot Soup. It has white whine, a dab of sugar and spice with a pinch of black pepper and vegetables. As well as apple."

Babs took another sip and let her taste buds bathe in the liquid. It was like a little taste of heaven. "This... Is amazing Magenta. Thank you."

"Of course, we're on a date. So..." Magenta leaned in and placed her head on her hooves, shooting Babs Seed a smile that made her smile even more in return. "What don't I know about you? I know you went to East Manehattan High School, which means you possibly come from High Society. You're from Appleloosa, you're my age, and... That's it. What don't I know?"

Babs took one last sip of the soup and answered, "Well let me tell you...."



These weren't the shows Bright Snow was used to. Maybe in the past when she and Magenta would be rocking out on the stages. But the difference in this one was she was in the crowd cheering people on this time.

Merigold was actually a really good singer. She was around Magenta's range. She couldn't reach those notes as high as she could, but she made up for them with her vocals. They actually made sense. Love, depressions, letdowns. Things in those categories. Bright made sure she took good photos of her discreetfully.

The other artists previously mentioned by her friends—Deep Star and Star Sky—were pretty good too. Star Sky was a live performer, which meant he played all of his tracks like how Magenta used to. Through a launchpad and a few effect bundles. Deep Star had a "who cares" attitude when it came to his tracks. But his mixes were still pretty artsy. He created images with his works. He would play a hardcore track, then slow it down towards the end and play something offkey with another track that was on key. That clashed together pretty rough, but it still somehow had everypony in the room jumping up and down.

While the night drew to a near close and Bright was nearly done with her drink, she was approached by none other than Merigold.

She took this opportunity when everything was winding down to slide into a chair next to Bright and yell, "Hey!" Bright nearly spit her drink out when she did, it was so sudden.

Merigold asked her, "So what's it like in Manehattan? Not many ponies from Manehattan come down here for clubs you know, they usually stick up there for the clubs!"

Bright sat her drink down and answered, "Well the nightlife is always hype and crazy, so it feels good to give the small things a chance, you know?"

Merigold tilted her seat back and leaned against the table behind her. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Trying to book a gig in Manehattan is like trying to talk to a dragon. They never listen to you if you're not from Manehattan."

Bright quickly shook her head and answered, "Actually, that's not true. They'll give you a chance in Manehattan, but only if you have experience, good reviews, and a bunch of other stuff to be professional. So recordings of shows, things of that nature. Coming in with halves makes you seem like a noob. They don't want noobs, they want people they can get money from. What I'm trying to say is, you have to already have a legit fanbase in order to be considered."

"...oh." Merigold glanced at the stage where the current rock band was performing with that in mind. She doesn't really have much of a big fanbase. "You seem to know a lot about this stuff. What do you do?"

"I do a lot of things. I live in Manehattan, so in order to be someone you have to do something special that not a lot of people can do. I can't just give you one. But my favorite is... Art. I'm able to paint a picture into the minds and make this minds follow me."

"Oooh, interesting. Do you have any on you?"

When Bright's phone rang, she was so happy this conversation was over. She held up her hoof and reached into her mane to pull out her phone. Magenta was calling at... One in the morning? Bright answered it and yelled, "Hello?"

Magenta had to yank the phone away from her ear a bit while Babs giggled in the bed behind her. "Hey!... H-Hey, yeah, can you hear me?!"

"Yea, what's up?!"

"Yeah, so how are things over there?!"

"They're going great, yeah! They're winding down though so I'll be back in a bit, alright?!"

"Yeah, okay! I just wanted to make sure you're okay, alright?!"

"Yeah, thanks for calling, Purple!!" Bright pulled the phone away and leaned over into Apple Bloom's ear. "Hey, I gotta jet."

Apple Bloom looked over and asked, "Wait, you're leaving already?"

"Er... Yeah, yeah it's morning and I still have school to get to at eight so... Call me or something, alright?"

"Alright, see you later, Snow! Sweetie, say bye to Snow, she's leaving." Sweetie Belle looked over and raised her hooves with a confused look on her face. Bright just waved and walked away. She had what she needed. And Magenta was apparently done with her date already. Time to get a good reading in on how it went.
> Chapter 44 - We're Leaving; Happy Pride
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The melodies of birds tweeted through the air this morning. The sun's warm embrace reached through Magenta's windows and wrapped everything that could be touched.

One of the sun's hands hit Babs right in the face. And the cool bed she was lying in creating a warm surface. She groaned and buried herself in the comforter in an attempt to find the coolness again... It didn't smell like Magenta. Babs cracked her eyes open and glanced around Magenta's sunny day lit room. A little messy, but it was her. Yesterday after their date, Magenta invited her to stay in her room that night. She took the invitation of course. It was just a loving moment between them.

But where was she this morning? Babs sat up in bed and looked around the empty room. Everything was in place, except Magenta. "Hmmm," she hummed. Then crawled out the bed onto the cool floor to stretch her tired bones and rub the crust out her eyes. Vision cleared, she looked at the clock above Magenta's door. It was past nine.

Babs blinked at the clock then made her way to the bathroom to relieve herself and wash up. Then she walked out the room into the empty quiet halls. She's never experienced the silence of the mansion. Even on the night they discovered Magenta Streak was actually Scootaloo, the halls at least had snoring. But now, it was just super creepy. It made Babs walk a little faster to the stairs and onto the floor for the first living room and kitchen. This entire mansion had to be a Castle. It just had to be. There were two kitchens in here, there was no need for that.

Either way, it was empty and everything was put away. So Magenta wasn't in here. Then she heard it. The thump-thump-thump of a bassy drum kick. She was in the studio, of course. Babs doubled her speed down the hall towards the source with a smile on her face. She probably has a busy day planned thus the reason she's up early.

When she trotted into the Estate's sunny and bright foyer she could make out another voice ringing off the walls. Bright. She knew that voice anywhere. Bright may have been known to be an amazing dancer, but she was also a talented singer. Not many knew that side of Bright Snow. Except her and a few others. Hey... Was dating Magenta Streak causing her own popularity to soar? Babs had yet to check her phone.

Babs pushed that thought to the side for a few hours and slowed her speed to the bright studio sign above. The wooden door beneath it was blasting music for a few more seconds before it cut and Magenta's voice replaced it. "Okay, that was good. I'll do the next verse after Babs gets her breakfast."

"Whoooaaa!" Bright cheered. "Slow down, girl!"

Babs couldn't stop the butterflies in her stomach fluttering around. Magenta was going to make her breakfast?! Awwww! Babs couldn't let that go.

She politely knocked on the door and waited for it to swing in. Then there she was. In a cute ice blue and dark blue onesie. Shooting her that gorgeous smile. Babs smiled and greeted, "Good morning, Magenta."

"Good morning, Babs. Come in." She stepped to the side and allowed Babs to walk past into the darkened studio. Then the door was shut once more.

It was hard to miss the only Pony behind the glass waving eagerly. Bright Snow was wearing a black housecoat with one of the most biggest grins on a face that shouldn't even be possible. Then she hopped off of the stool she was sitting on and started moving for the door in here. Babs could only guess what in there caught her tail on fire. It couldn't have possibly been her.

Her eyes shifted from Bright to Magenta when she grabbed her by the chin and rotated her head to face hers. Then shared a kiss right when Bright walked out. "Aww, look at the married couple."

Magenta parted from Babs but didn't take her eyes off of hers. "Whatever, Bright. Hey, you busy today?"

Babs shrugged and answered, "I need to go to work. So unless boss calls and says, you're off today, then yes I'm busy."

Bright zipped up next to Magenta and stated, "That means Babby has to work today. Maggy and Babby. That is sooo cute. I'm shipping Mabs sooo hard right now."

Magenta playfully pushed Bright out of view and said, "I can still make you breakfast if you'd like. The only thing Bright and I are doing today is research and releasing the video of the century. Today's the day we're leaving Starfire. I'm calling Sound Boost this morning and telling him our decision."

Babs smiled and made her decision. "It's okay, I need to get out of here soon anyway." Babs reached up and pecked her on the cheek. "Don't go rocking out too hard, okay? You don't need more headaches." Then turned around and sauntered out of the room.

Magenta just smiled and watched her move. It was extremely tantalizing. Ohhhh, so tantalizing. Magenta bit her bottom lip. Fully unaware of Bright's hoof waving in front of her face. "Hey... Hey, Magenta... MAGENTA!"

Magenta's thoughts snapped and she focused on the hoof in front of her. Then followed it up to Bright grinning knowingly. "Already planning a bedding date I see."

Magenta scoffed and pushed her hoof away. "Yeah, whatever. You need to get some sleep, you've been out all night, right?" She turned around and sauntered back over to her seat with Bright. Then dropped down into it and started mixing with the faders.

Bright leaned back and answered, "I mean yeah. But I still have some business to take care of."

"It can wait, get some sleep. You need it. I'll be in my office if you need me."

"I can stay up a little bit longer."

Magenta rolled her eyes to face her sister. She knew for a fact Bright was tired. Her eyes were doing that weird twitchy thing. Which meant she wanted to talk. She leaned her hoof on the console and placed her cheek on it. "Alright, what's up, Bright? You're bugging out again."

"Why is it that you always manage to pull ponies and I'm... Alone?"

Ah, okay. Bright was a little jealous that Magenta found a spouse, a special somepony. And she didn't. "Aww, Bright," she whined. Then stood and walked over to her sister to deliver a much needed hug around the neck. Bright raised her own hoof and merely tapped it. "Hey, you'll find your special somepony. I know you will. With looks like yours and moves like that? I'm surprised by the point that you don't have anypony by now."

Magenta removed her hoof to cease this bit of intimacy followed by a shrug from her sister. "I just don't want to be used, so... I sort of turn down every opportunity. Especially after what happened to you..."

Magenta grunted and made strides for her seat. "Don't remind me," she growled. "I doubt that would ever happen to you though."

"I mean, like I know I'm being a worry wart, but... I want to be somepony's special somepony and vice versa, but... I don't want to be used either. And being stars like us, it comes with the business."

"Yeah... But you deserve happiness too. Definitely. I know one day you'll have the cutest stallion on this planet."

"Maggy, stop," Bright playfully scolded. She rolled her eyes and waved her hoof. But Magenta could definitely see that smile and blush on her face.

Magenta jumped into her seat and spun around. "I'm serious. He's going to be big, muscular, with a hot beard. He could lift you up with one hoof." Bright just shook her head and covered her eyes with crossed hooves trapping her tail between her thighs. "And then, and then, and then he's going to have the biggest—" Magenta found Bright's hoof covering her mouth.

"I get it, I get it," Bright interrupted. She made moves for the door and said, "I'm hot, I know."

"Buck yeah, you are. Now go and show that body, girlfriend—oh wait, I can't say that to you. Babs might get jealous."

Magenta's phone rang loud while Bright indulged in her laughter. Playing some catchy tune that made her swivel her chair back to the mixing console. She picked it up with a free hoof and read the caller ID. Sound Boost. So Sea Creature must've told 'em. About time, she was getting tired of waiting. It's been nearly twenty-four hours. Sound Boost usually doesn't take that long to start acting on news he hears.

Well who cares? Magenta picked up the phone and answered it alone. "Hey, Sound Boost," she greeted. Her rear hooves flew onto her mixer and she leaned back in her chair to relax.

The early morning sun hit Sound Boost's relaxed Dark Blue eyes. Trained on the city of Manehattan on the other side of this glass window behind his desk. The room was cleared out of any other pony, leaving him as the only occupant. His gray smooth suit was barely recognized for his much brighter colors. The usual smile he had on his face wasn't there today. He sighed and greeted, "Hello, Magenta. So... I heard you made your decision."

Magenta nodded from inside of her studio. Not that he could see her, but it still felt like she should. "Yes, I have," she answered. "Me and Bright are leaving Starfire Records in pursuit of personal interests."

"Sounds like to me you may be starting your own business?" Sound Boost turned around and calmly walked back to his desk.

Magenta had to give him some props. Well she did say "Personal interests." She looked around her studio and answered, "Yeah. We have enough bits for this."

"Ah, but you don't have enough financial information." Sound Boost dropped down into his seat and sighed in relief. He's been walking around all morning for the last two hours. How his clients could do it was a mystery. He sighed and rubbed his face. "You're going to put us in a huge bind, Magenta."

Magenta rolled her eyes and said, "Well you all could come work for me too, you know. We're not that far apart."

"...leave that for a plan B," he muttered.

"You got it."

"I'll let Gold Spoon know of your decision. And I'll be sending you a bit of information through the mail, so be prepared for that. You'll need it for the future, and a few things to help get you started. I'm glad you made the right decision, Magenta."

Magenta sighed and focused back on the area behind the glass in front of her face. On the empty recording studio. She smiled and teased him with, "Thanks, Booster."

"Don't call me that."

"Me and Bright are releasing a vlog this evening about our decisions. Anything else you want to tell me? Like what the heck Sea Creature was talking about Gold Spoon 'being difficult'?"

Sound Boost trained his eyes on the door. On the blurred out window that a shadow passed by with his name on it. "...it'll be with your mail. Whenever you decide to tell the word is now your decision. I just need you to come down here and sign your papers, alright? Doesn't matter when to me, but you still need to sign them."

"I'll be there at around eleven. Keep the pen warm for me, I hate having cold metal in my mouth."

"Then I guess your dentist lost his number one client. I'll see you then."

"Alright." Magenta pulled the phone away from her ear and hung up. Then leaned back with her face to the ceiling and sighed. This day of relaxation just got a teensy tiny bit less-relaxed. But first... Babs needs her breakfast. Magenta smiled and bounced out of her seat to start a dash for the door. She wasn't expecting that call to be that long. But it held her up just a little bit. That was okay though. Anything for that hot reddish orange pony with the biggest flank she's ever seen. No to mention an amazing personality that made her want to...

Uggh, Magenta was getting sidetracked. Breakfast first, flirting later.



Applebloom's hooves treaded crystal floors with quick anxiety. Her heart was pumping and her mind was thick with an idea. The halls of Twilight's castle were abandoned and quiet, but she was awake somewhere in here. Otherwise the front doors would have locked Sweetie and herself out.

Speaking of, Sweetie jumped out in front to pause Applebloom's progression. Then made her hoof signs to explain what she wanted to say. "Are you sure about this?"

Applebloom eagerly answered determinedly, "Absolutely. If anypony can do it, it's Twilight." She walked around Sweetie Belle and started looking into rooms. She could hear Twilight's voice bouncing around in here, but she couldn't find her. Sweetie's groaning forced her to turn around and follow her hoof into a room she passed. Holding Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow Dash for another impromptu therapy session no doubt.

They were sitting across from each other in this lounge of some sort. A regular chair occupied by Twilight wearing a pair of reading glasses with a sad expression on her face. Her violet eyes were trained on Rainbow Dash lying on a fainting couch facing the crystalized ceiling. Hooves behind her head she was speaking about everything.

"And ever since I saw how far she's come..." She whispered. "I think, 'There is literally nothing I can do to say sorry.' At least for being part of the root cause that she lost her wings. From what I hear, flying means a lot to her."

Sweetie poked into Applebloom's view and signed, Maybe we should come back?

Applebloom slowly nodded and the two began to slowly back away with a destination for the hallway beyond the door. But Twilight looked over and smiled at them. "Hey girls," she greeted.

They froze and righted up immediately, "H-Hey, Twilight," Applebloom greeted. "We were coming to ask you something, but you seem a little busy at the moment."

"Is it about Scootaloo?"

"Well... Yeah?"

"Come in. Rainbow Dash is looking for ways to gift Scootaloo with something to say she's sorry for 'causing her pain.' I support the thought, but there are no ideas. Maybe you could supply some?"

Sweetie Belle zipped right up to Rainbow and scared her with wide eyes and a serious expression. She demonstrated a bunch of hoof-sign language in a quick manner. Moving too fast for Rainbow's poor eyes to track. Not that she could read it anyway. Twilight laughed at Rainbow's confused face and asked, "Sweetie Belle, could you slow down a bit so we can see what you want to say?"

Sweetie rolled her eyes and threw her hooves up in the air as a symbol of clear frustration. But did as requested so Twilight and Applebloom could read it. Twilight squinted and hummed while she tried to process Sweetie Belle's suggestion. She stroked the bottom of her chin and stated, "While that is a good idea girls, that's physically impossible."

Rainbow Dash looked past her and locked eyes with Twilight. "What did she suggest?" She asked.

"She said that we should make Scootaloo a pair of steel wings. While that is a good idea to give her artificial wings, the time to calculate how much steel we would need would take a while. Not to mention because they're steel wings picking up a pony, the weight would be ridiculous. That and they would have to be really big in order to support both her and the wings itself. So unless she was planning to take a trip all the way to the Dragon Lands or furthe, then I don't think that those would be what Scootaloo would want. They're too much trouble."

Applebloom mentally cursed and said, "Dagnabbit, we never thought of that. Welp! Back to the drawing board. Come on Sweetie Belle."

"But..." They stopped and turned back around to Twilight and that smile she was holding. "We'll keep that in mind. Thanks, girls."

"You're welcome, Twilight!" Applebloom and Sweetie Belle quickly shuffled out to leave Twilight and Rainbow alone. But their thoughts actually inspired Rainbow to even sit up correctly.

She blinked at the door with a few thoughts racing. Then turned her body to face Twilight and asked, "What should we do for Scootaloo?"

Twilight sighed and adjusted her glasses. Then answered her question with her own in a quiet fashion. "Well what do you think we should do, Rainbow Dash?"

Seriously, Twilight? Still with the therapy? Rainbow Dash sighed and threw her head back into her hooves. This was going to be a long session.



When Babs trotted back down the stairs of Magenta's mansion with good news on her shoulders, she wasn't expecting her nose to be assaulted by the greatest of all foods. She stopped at the stairwell and watched Magenta dance wearing an apron and holding a spatula to some catchy tune she was humming loud.

Babs decided to just take a seat in the stairwell and watch her work. She's never seen Magenta dance before, so this was a new one. She held the spatula up to her mouth and started humming something. Then tossed it to the side and grabbed the pan to shuffle around whatever was in there that smelled so good.

Babs jumped when somepony rushed past her, jumped into the kitchen and yelled, "Yeah, hum it sweetie!!"

Magenta jumped and whirled around to face her mother dancing to no music next to their table. Waving her wings around in her lab coat with a stethoscope around her neck grinning. And Babs laughing in the stairwell. Magenta gasped and scolded, "Mom, not while I'm cooking!"

Goldhoof simmered down and pulled Magenta into a quick hug. "Good morning, sweetie." Then let her go and trotted over to the fridge. "What are you cooking?"

Magenta straightened her body out and waved for Babs to come in. "I'm cooking me and my girlfriend some breakfast."

"Oh that's nice dear. It smells delicious—wait, GIRLFRIEND?!! Who's this 'girlfriend'?"

Goldhoof would have dropped the milk she was holding if she didn't squeeze it with the power of a thousand protective mothers in one hoof. Babs was having second thoughts about meeting her now. But Magenta pulled her over and placed a kiss on her cheek in view. Her grin truly showed her happiness when she said, "You've already met her. My girlfriend is Babs."

Oh! Yeah that orange Earth Pony from Appleloosa that has one half of her mane shaved off. It was a really cute look on her. Leaving only a small layer of mane there and the other half with a good amount. To reinforce Magenta's attempt at approval, Babs grinned with her.

Goldhoof made an I'm watching you gesture first. Then smiled and said, "Well I'm happy for the both of you. Hey honey, guess what?!!"

Babs heard a male voice yell from beyond the stairwell, "WHAT?!!"

"We're officially a PRIDE Household!! Magenta has a girlfriend!!"

"SHE DOES?! Who is it?!"

So this is how they communicate around here from far away, Babs thought. While they continued on with their conversation through the air, Magenta went back to cooking the breakfast. "You're in for a treat, Babby," she said.

Did she seriously just call her Babby? Babs blushed and asked, "What do you mean, Maggy?"

Magenta grabbed the handle of the pan she was using to cook with her mouth and carried it past to the kitchen table in an elegant fashion. Then set it down and smiled at Babs. Because you get to eat up my favorite dish in my entire collection." Babs walked closer and looked into the pan to get a good reading on what she was talking about. It looked like a bunch of mashed fruits and vegetables mashed together to create some kind of casserole.

"I made my celebratory breakfast casserole. It has eggs in it, peppers, and a few other breakfast items I honestly don't feel like naming. Have some, I promise you'll like it."

Goldhoof eagerly trotted up the stairs for a moment to grab something behind them when Babs grabbed a spoon and while Magenta fixed their plates. Babs smiled at the casserole. Then took a small bite. A tangy taste, a bit of salt here and there, something spicy but sweet at the same time. But overall... She swallowed and said proudly, "This is amazing, Maggy!"

Magenta grinned and replied, "Thanks, Babby!"

"Magenta!" Goldhoof walked back down the stairs with a small handkerchief in her hand. A rainbow-colored one. She quickly trotted around to Magenta and ordered, "Hold still." As fast as lightning Magenta hand on a rainbow neckerchief with a knot on the side.

"Ack! M-Mom!" She stammered. She was blushing in embarrassment. Babs decided to make her feel better.

She looked up to Mrs. Goldhoof and asked, "Do you have another one?"

"Absolutely!!" Then Babs had on one too. It was unsettling how it got there. But there it was. Babs slid out of her seat and walked over to Magenta. She turned her head to face her. Then planted her lips right on hers. This their first kiss the Gold Family had seen. A little early but Goldhoof wasn't complaining. As a matter of fact, she already had her camera out.

Magenta backed off with a smile and raised her phone out to her mother. She'll know what to do with it. But those lively purple eyes never left Babs' green ones. She pulled her closer then kissed her once more while the camera flashes went off. There was definitely going to be news circulating around, as well as an exchange of bits. But Magenta wouldn't have it any other way then with her hooves around Babs Seed holding her close, and the taste of her on her lips.

She needed this.
> Chapter 45 - Bye, Starfire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Magenta couldn't believe her luck. Apart from her mother celebrating her sexuality, Babs was given the day off! Which meant it was just her and Magenta. Together. Mom didn't want her to take off the neckerchiefs, and she honestly didn't want to. There was a perfect bright outfit she had in her closet that went great with it.

It was a yellow jogging outfit she found a long time ago she could still wear. After she received the news, and the picture of her and Babs' true relationship was posted on Net, Magenta strode into her room and started digging a hole into her closet looking for that outfit. It wasn't her most beloved treasure and she could actually get another one anytime she wanted to. But this was one of those moments where she wished she keeps up with her things.

While she was digging and throwing things over her back, Max walked in and immediately ducked before a sock could fly into his face. It instead landed on the wooden floor by the door. He sighed to it then smiled back to Magenta. "Hey, sweetheart," he greeted.

Magenta straightened up and turned to face her father. A bit of her mane fell into her face. Sticking a reminder in her mind that she had to get her haircut soon. She blew it to the side and greeted, "Hey, Dad. What's up? I'm a little busy."

Max trotted over to the side and grabbed the exact item Magenta was looking for out of her line of sight. Then pushed it into it. Magenta glanced up and sighed in relief. "Thanks, Dad."

"You're welcome," he replied. While she slipped it on he said, "Hey. Word of advice? It takes two to keep both happy."

"Wow, you just walked in and I'm already confused." She slipped the yellow shirt over her head and tightened her bright rainbow colored jogging pants with a yellow trim. She glanced up to her father with a look and asked, "So what are you trying to say?"

"You keep her happy, she'll keep you happy. Then you're both happy and you have a healthy relationship. It's not always about you anymore, you have a girlfriend now too. So if you're afraid something will affect the both of you, consult her too."

Whoa, Dad's giving me relationship advice, Magenta thought. She nodded her head and replied, "Alright. What else?"

Max walked over to her bed and sat down for a moment for a grown-up talk. "Well I'm pretty sure it goes without saying practice safe sex. I'm not sure how mare-on-mare works, but I'm pretty sure it works somewhat the same way. So be careful."

Magenta sighed and walked over to her bed. "Yes, Doctor Max," she teased. "Anything else?"

"Uhhh... That's it for now. Your mother and I have to get to work. Be safe out here, okay?" He walked over and pulled Magenta into a deep loving hug. Then placed an equal-as-loving kiss on her head.

"We will," she answered. Then pulled back and said proudly, "We're leaving Starfire too by the way."

Well that was news. Max widened his eyes and stammered, "Really? Wait, why? How?"

"Yes, and because they tried to make me choose between them and YouHoof. Humble beginnings, you know?"

Max awkwardly glanced to the side unsure. Then trained his eyes back on Magenta. "Well... Y-Yeah, but won't your income short if you leave?"

Magenta grabbed her vibrating phone by the door and answered, "Nah. I have a backup plan already in progress. Speaking of which... Eh, it can wait. Talk to you later dad." She slipped out of the room before he could say another word and ran down the stairs. He wasn't going to approve of her leaving Starfire. Yeah, the money was good. But if she had to leave YouHoof because of them, it wasn't worth it.

When Magenta walked back into the kitchen she struck a pose with one hoof off the ground. Then whispered to the mare walking over, "How do I look?"

Babs silently giggled and nuzzled under her neck, "Like a beautiful rainbow."

Magenta chuckled and nuzzled her back in love and care. Then pulled away and said, "Let's get out of here."

Babs was entirely on board. She didn't have work today anyway. The boss told her not to come in because business was slow. Guess he didn't hear about the rumors. She nodded her head and followed Magenta out the kitchen for the world. Despite the neckerchiefs.

The birds were tweeting, the wind was blowing Magenta's mane around. They stopped and relished in the spring air before trotting for the gates.

Babs looked to Magenta and asked, "So what's first?"

Magenta opened the gates for the mansion and let Babs go first. Then followed shortly and quickly locked the gates so they could continue moving. "Well, I need to drop by Starfire and sign those forms. Then we can hang and do our own thing before Bright and I do our live feed. How's that sound?"

Babs rubbed up against her side and answered, "Mmm, sounds good... Aren't you worried about how they'll react?

Magenta glanced to Babs and said, "Well of course, but this is all part of show business. I did my part, but they wanted to extend my contract. Hey, girl!"

The Guard at the sunny gate looked inside and grinned at Magenta and Babs in the morning sun. She opened the gate from inside her booth and asked, "No security? Wow! Congratulations you two!"

"Thanks. I'll see you in a bit."

The Guard waved to Magenta and Babs' backs and watched them boldly walk into Manehattan. If she had Magenta's status, she'd be about as secretive as a snake. But this millionaire teenager was as quiet as shattering glass. Oh these cooky kids.

While they moved, Babs inquired, "Wouldn't it have been more proactive to have some bodyguards?"

Magenta waved to a pony hectically waving their own hoof from far away with a grin on their face and answered, "The only time I really need Guards is when I'm leaving East Manehattan. Any place away from here is when I really need them. Celebrities walk around here all the time. I'm just a part of the side that gets a lot of attention. But not too much where I need a gang of Guards."

"Oh... Alright."

Magenta smiled and playfully bumped her. She knew exactly what Babs was thinking. "And don't worry. I'll make sure your space is reserved." Babs blushed and kissed Magenta's cheek. Then boldly walked with her into East Manehattan.

The restaurants were opened, the street lights were off, and ponies were out and about, doing their thing. Of course not without waving or saying hi to Magenta Streak with a side of congratulations.

At the same height, Babs leaned over into Magenta's ear and whispered, "Aren't you afraid of paparazzi?"

Magenta shrugged and asked, "Should I be?"

"Well... Okay maybe not, but still."

Magenta laughed and said, "I'm used to the attention at this point Babs. Come on, let's do this. Serious face." Babs looked around and realized they were in front of the building that held the office space of Starfire Records. The tall building downtown with them occupying the top floor.

She followed Magenta up the stairs into the building's expensive lobby that made her hum in approval. "Fancy," she commented.

Magenta trotted over to the elevator and pressed up. The wait wasn't long. Magenta trotted in first and held the door for Babs, then pressed the button for the top floor and rose up to the fame.

Babs sighed and asked, "How do you think they'll react?"

Magenta kept her eyes on the doors and shrugged with as much emotion as a rock. "My manager and team only want the best. They already knew I was leaving and were pretty okay with it. As for everyone else here, no clue. The CEO will definitely be wanting me to stay. I'm not."

The elevator dinged open and let them walk out onto the seemingly busy carpet of the central floor. The first thought that crossed Babs' mind was that this must be for ponies who vape a lot. Everything was casual. Casual feel, casual sounds, real cool.

The pony sitting in the lobby was the last pony Babs ever thought she'd meet. Songbird Serenade. She was sitting at the lounge table preparing a folder with Magenta's manager Sound Boost when they walked in.

Songbird looked up and greeted with a grin, "Ahhh, there she is. Came with your girlfriend to show off?"

Magenta laughed and answered, "No we're going out after this. Babs, this is Songbird and Sound Boost. Ladies, this is Babs."

Babs reached out and shook hooves with them. "Nice to meet you," she said.

"Same," Serenade replied. "So you're the pony that makes Magenta drip in public."

Magenta blushed and scolded, "Songbird!"

"I'm kidding. Let's do this." She patted the space next to her and looked to Babs. "You can make yourself comfortable. Beverages and snacks over there, library, other stuff. Don't go upstairs, those are the offices."

Magenta pecked Babs on the cheek and sat down next to Songbird while Babs left them alone for awhile. She could honestly go for something to drink. Once she was out of earshot, Songbird whispered, "Mmm, a Southern Belle eh?"

"Shut up."

Songbird chuckled and slid a document in front of Magenta. "Okay, I'll stop. This is a document stating that you are taking back all of your music from our Label per our agreement when you first started. All of it's going onto a single Flash Drive we'll be giving you after it's all done. That includes all title versions. Sign here." She pointed her hoof to a line at the bottom labeled Applicant Signature.

A pen was slid her way that she promptly picked up and started signing with her teeth. One it was signed, Songbird flipped it over and pointed at another document behind it. "This is stating that you won't have anymore affiliation or partnerships with Starfire's distribution packages or artists."

Magenta asked through the pen in her mouth, "Will I be getting a copy of all of this?"

"Yes you will." Magenta quickly scribbled in her signature and let Songbird turn to the last page. "And this is the final one. The form saying you're relinquishing any involvement with Starfire Records."

Magenta realized that if she signed this form, there will be no more Starfire Records. They will become competition. The ponies who helped bring her bits will become the same ponies she's stealing bits from. Was it a wise choice?

Then again, she couldn't ascend without moving on. Magenta leaned in and signed the form with accurate precision. Then set the pen down and leaned back. "Alright! It's done!"

Sound Boost stood up and raised out an envelope for her to take. "This is an indemnity for the years you've been with Starfire. Just to add to that collection of bits you're sitting on."

Magenta chuckled and took the envelope with a smirk. "I'm not sitting on it for too long. Thanks, Booster."

"Don't call me that. It's been a pleasure working with you, Magenta. And if you ever need anything, you have my contact info."

Magenta stood up and pulled both him and Songbird into a hug. "Thanks, guys," she whispered.

"No. Thank you, kid."

They parted and Magenta called out, "Babs! Let's get something to eat." Babs trotted out from the relaxation area and over to Magenta. Then once they were side-by-side began walking back to the elevator.

"Wait! Magenta Streak!" Magenta was about to turn around, but the pony who called her slid in between her and the elevator. CEO Gold Spoon with a desperate look on her face. Magenta jumped back from her sudden eager nature.

She held up a document in one hoof and said, "Look, we don't have to extend your contract. As a matter of fact we can scrap the ultimatum and keep you on board. Same contract, ten years nearly complete after one more, one hundred million for you and Bright."

Ahh, Magenta sees what's going on. She finally realized what was happening. Magenta Streak, Equestria's top performing DJ-Producer-Singer decided to leave Starfire Records. Their biggest source of income was leaving. And she didn't want that.

Magenta seethed and grabbed Babs' hoof to keep her close. Then walked around Gold Spoon for the elevator. Hopefully it was still there. "Sorry, Gold Spoon," she said. "But we're leaving Starfire in pursuit of personal interests."

Gold Spoon leaned into Magenta's peripheral vision with the most widest eyes ever. Ears flicking with her bumping heart. It would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

"What do you want, Magenta? We'll double your contract's closing sum if you stay. One hundred to two hundred, just stay with Starfire."

As interesting as that was, the elevator dinged open and reminded Magenta of her goal. She walked in Babs and responded, "Sorry, Gold Spoon." She turned around to face her. "But Bright and I are leaving Starfire. We'll be posting a vlog about it tonight. See ya'!"

"Wait, please Magenta! We'll..." The doors closed in Gold spoon's face and the elevator lowered down to the floor.

Magenta let out a breath of relief and settled down to take a breather. "Well that was a close one," she whispered.

Babs leaned in and lovingly nuzzled her cheek. "Well you handled it like a boss," she whispered.

"Boss?... I guess I can be called that now, huh? Speaking of..." Magenta pulled out her phone with one hoof and started tapping with the other. "I'm going to be going around tomorrow researching different management firms, and Bright is going to start gathering up those ponies so we can start getting some information on them. A more in-depth look. I already have our assets and partners in place. Now we just need to start signing and putting us out there. Starting with YouHoof."

The elevator dinged and slid open to allow them out onto the first floor. Magenta walked out with Babs right next to her side. If she had wings, she'd lay them on her back and pull her close. But the closest they could get would be intertwined tails and a nuzzle delivered to her cheek. "But I want to take my lady on a date first. Since we're no longer bound by Starfire's strict rules, where do you wanna go?"

"Ponyville. Please?"

Magenta smiled and replied, "Sure. Let's go right now. Nothing is stopping us." With their tails intertwined, they walked out the building and into a few paparazzi taking pictures.

They couldn't feel the eyes on their backs from Gold Spoon staring down upon them. Slowly crushing Magenta's contract against the window she was leaning against. Finding a gem like Magenta was a big deal. If anypony else got their hooves on her, Starfire would be as obsolete as the ground she walks on.

But then again, Magenta's Net Worth was much higher than the millions of Bits she already owns. Buying her would have to be a miracle. She was up to something. She knows that there was no way anypony could just buy her like that. Not even YouHoof.

"What's your angle, Magenta?" Gold Spoon whispered. She squinted her eyes down to the two orange dots leaving their building for the last time. "What are you planning?"
> Chapter 46 - Memories Of The Past
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many say Bits can't buy happiness. Maybe not, but they definitely buy convenience. Babs nor Magenta could fly. So Magenta called up a private chariot service to meet them in Manehattan. Then they were flying through the air on their way to Ponyville. It only cost Magenta eight hundred bits for a whole twenty-four hours. Easy.

The ride was so relaxing, the seats were so plush. Magenta's eyes were closed and her right hoof was around Babs. She held her close and they embraced the air together. Enjoying the nature and the air of tomorrow. "So what's the plan?" Magenta asked to the sky.

Babs cracked her eyes open when the peace was disturbed. "What plan?" She replied. Then whipped her head to Magenta. "There's supposed to be a plan?"

Magenta turned for Babs' eyes. "Well you did want to come here. So I just figured you wanted to do something."

Of course she did. Out of the little time she had known Magenta, Babs realized there was always a reason she was out and about. If not, she'd be relaxing in her huge bucking mansion with her hooves kicked up by the pool. Babs sighed and admitted, "Well I just thought we could hang out together. You know, instead of having a plan we can see where the random dice roll takes us first."

"So... Just hang out."

"Yep." Babs leaned over and pecked Magenta's cheek. Then whispered. "We're just going to hang out for a bit."

"...we're going to see your cousin aren't we?"

"We might run into her."

Magenta sighed and reminded her, "You know I get headaches whenever I get around them."

Babs grabbed Magenta's hoof and begged, "Please, Magenta? I'm older than you, I can make you do it."

Magenta dropped her frown and silently laughed under her breath. "We're the same age," she corrected. "And you know it."

"I'm wiser."

"Uh huh." Magenta sighed and shrugged. As much as this was going to be a cause of pain later, this was the first time they'd be out in public after making it official. "Fine. I need to get Pony Beads anyway and they have a great art shop I read about."

Pony Beads? Babs repeated, "Pony Beads?  Why do you need Pony Beads?"

"...I make Kandi. You never saw that video I made two years ago? It's going to be for my next concert. But we can't stay long, Bright and I have to record this evening."

"Deal." She and Magenta shared a quick smooch before their ride descended over the unoccupied tracks on the outside of Ponyville. There was just something about the atmosphere here that made Magenta smile. Maybe it was the peace and silence mixed with actual friendly ponies for once. In Manehattan Unique, everypony sort of stuck to themselves. Only saying hi when they were at your gate asking for documents. Then they were off again.

The wheels of the Chariot touched down on the outside of town and rolled to a stop behind the train station. Not too far and definitely not too close. They didn't need ponies running up to them. Thankfully, their primary target was literally before they hit the town. The Apple Family Farm. Running over with Apple Trees that was more than enough to feed all of Ponyville in the event a famine took over.

They rolled to a stop on the vacant road leading up to the train station. Magenta breathed in the silence. Breathed in the air full of nothing but nature. She really loved this place here. There was no reason why except for the silence and the no care attitude. Whereas the major cities of Equestria were all fast, Ponyville was... Relatively slow. So slow it made Magenta envious.

Babs grabbed Magenta's hoof and gave it a caring squeeze. Then slipped her way out of the chariot with her on her tail. Magenta grew a smirk with a plan of action on her mind while their chariot moved past for the town. There was a resting point somewhere in there for them to relax in before Magenta and Babs were ready to go. And since they were patiently waiting...

Magenta bumped her snout up against Babs' butt and flipped her up on her back. "Hey, Magenta—mmm!" Magenta darted over to her face and placed her lips on top of hers to share a kiss Babs immediately moaned and melted into it. Her hooves wrapped around her neck and pulled her in deeper before Magenta quickly pulled back up, teasingly winked down to her then walked past as if nothing happened.

"Ugh, you're such a bucking tease," Babs groaned. She huffed and flipped back onto her hooves. Then quickly caught up and interlaced her tail with Magenta's. "I'm going to get you back."

Magenta smirked and replied, "I can't wait to see what you have in mind." She leaned over and nuzzled her face with adoration that Babs eagerly returned. Not everyday you get to share a nuzzle with the mare of your dreams who also happens to be a rich-as-buck celebrity. Nopony else Babs knows can say that.

While they walked towards the Apple Family house, Babs asked a question that's been killing her. "So uhhh... Can I do anything to help out with your industry?"

Magenta hummed and put her lips to the side in a bunch. He mind raced with thoughts. So Babs wanted to help out sometime, that was okay. But there were some things she had to know now.

Magenta nodded and answered, "Well there are a few things you can help out with. Those artists I have under my belt need a few managers and connections. And after we release the news that ponies are definitely going to blow their minds about, there will be managers, labels, all sorts of clientele who want a piece of Magenta Streak and Bright Snow. And those ponies may in fact be checking you out too."

Magenta and Babs walked up the porch and stopped in front of the Apple Family door. Babs turned to face Magenta and queried, "Me? Why me?"

"Connections. If they can somehow get on your good side, they'll expect you to hook them up with me. Promotion and stuff. They did it all the time when we were in school together, remember? I'm sure you've noticed the ponies running up to me on the side and asking all types of questions in High School. Same with Bright. We were very powerful ponies who could get into places they couldn't. And now? You can too. Because you are Magenta Streak's Girlfriend." Magenta winked and raised a hoof to knock politely.

Well that was certainly a mouthful. It wasn't too much Babs couldn't handle. Seriously, how bad could it be? Babs focused on the door when it jiggled and opened up from Big Mac's hoof. He obviously had nothing else better to do today since one hoof was holding a book. He locked careless eyes on Magenta and did the most un-Big Mac thing Babs has ever heard him do before: He squeaked in excitement.

What the buck? Babs thought. Since when does Big Mac squeak?! Magenta however was used to it by now. She nodded to Big Mac and greeted, "Hey, it's me again! Are your sisters around?"

Big Mac nodded fervently as if he was a machine. Then swiveled around and yelled, "Apple Bloom! Magenta Streak is here!" He stepped to the side and allowed their guests quick entry. Then shut the door.

Magenta had never been to a country home at all in her life until recently when she and Bright were on vacation for a few hours. Then that sudden beef with that vlogging pony came up and ruined everything. This is the second time and she could honestly say it's really peaceful here. There was barely any noise and the smell of hay and home cooked meals soothed Magenta's nerves. The wood under her hooves was a great contrast to the luxurious carpets she had back home. And everything was just... Simple. Not bad at all.

Then Apple Bloom just had to come running down those rickety stairs triggering Magenta's headache full blast. She compressed it with a moan and smile that Babs immediately noticed. She nudged Magenta and whispered, "You can go get your things from town if you want to, you don't have to stress through this because of me."

Yeah, that was probably for the best. She had to make more Kandi Singles and maybe a pair of goggles like she wanted. So she nodded and quickly pecked Babs on the cheek before immediately letting herself out of the house. Her trots faded into the distance before Babs turned back to Apple Bloom's confused expression and said, "Magenta gets her migraines because she's around you and Sweetie Belle, remember?"

Ah, right. Those darned things. The sign of what they both didn't want to face. Apple Bloom's ears flopped down and she sadly nodded. "Right," she despondently replied.

Babs inched closer and placed a hoof on Apple Bloom's back in support. "You know she's going to get her memories back soon, right? Are you guys prepared for this?"

"Well... Not really," she admitted. She looked back up to Babs and explained, "Sweetie and I have been looking forward to it, but now that we know Scootaloo is actually Magenta Streak, there's no telling what'll happen."

"You can't guess these things, Apple Bloom," Babs stated. "You can only be ready for it. You need an explanation and a forgiveness. That's it, that's all you need. It's way too late to make up for it, so you can forget that. All you need is a question for forgiveness. Okay?"

Apple Bloom took a deep breath in and let it out. Babs was right. Nothing was better than that. She had this. Apple Bloom nodded and replied in determination, "You're right. Just apologize and say how sorry you are. That's it."

Babs patted her back and cheered, "That's my cousin. So how are things here?"

"Well a little hectic since we just found out you're dating a celebrity!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. Albeit in excitement. She squealed and asked, "Did you guys just start going out? Wait, since when were you gay?"

Babs sighed and walked over to Apple Bloom's couch. "Well first off, I'm bisexual. And before you ask, it was in high school that I found out. I had met this one mare..."



Just like Babs recommended, Magenta walked right into town. Well right into chaos. A single filly in front of Sugarcube Corner with a muzzle painted with ice cream, pointed her hoof and screamed, "MAGENTA STREAK!! AHHHH!" Then all ponies just ran straight to her. As quiet as this town is, it could go from zero to one-hundred within a second. All ponies just crowding around her until she could run out and get away. They ran over the bridge and through alleys until Magenta finally made it to the shop she needed to get to.

She burst through the glass door and slammed it back. Then locked it with a click and sat down to take a breather. One drawback of this town? They didn't know how to act when somepony famous showed up. Didn't Rara tell her that she had a concert here in the past? Magenta wondered how that turned out. She didn't exactly supply an actual ending.

After Magenta got her bearings back, she stood up and took a look around the store. Apart from the gawking cashier at the front behind the counter everything was normal. A few art supplies here and there, string in a box in the middle of the floor, a few paint cans. All types of things. Magenta walked across the shiny plastic floors over to the counter with her eyes on everything and asked, "Hey where are your pony beads?"

The stallion behind the counter slowly mouthed silently like a fish and lifted a hoof to point to the right. His eyes followed Magenta's every steps. They didn't dwindle not once. Even when she came back and dropped ten bags of those on the counter. "How much?" She asked.

He just shook his head and waved a hoof towards the door. "It's... It-It's on the house. Just take 'em, we already made our goal for the day."

"Er... Okay. Hey, is there a back entrance?"

He nodded open-mouthed and answered, "That's probably blocked too, knowing Ponyville. Here, I'll give you something better. Yo', Silent!" He turned towards one of the aisles where a very familiar pony walked out of. A pony that Magenta immediately recognized. That darn headache was back on.

"Sweetie Belle?!"

Sweetie Belle gasped and hopped up and down in an adorable display of glee. Then jogged over to Magenta and wrapped her in a hug around the neck. It's been a while since they've seen each other. A few weeks probably? She tended to lose track of time in Ponyville. Sweetie Belle pulled away and made a rapid amount of sign language that Magenta interrupted with, "Sorry, Sweets, I don't have my sister with me today. You work here? Cool."

The cashier made a face of confusion and looked between the two of them. They knew each other? Sweetie Belle was actually friends with Magenta Streak?! Why didn't she tell him—oh. Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes and pointed to the bags of Pony Beads that she tilted her head to. Oh she was asking what was she doing here!

Magenta walked to the counter and answered, "Well, I wrapped up a meeting with Starfire, and Babs wanted to come here to talk to her cousin. I needed Pony Beads so I stopped by. Now... I'm trapped." Magenta gestured with her head towards the store's entrance. At the mob of colts, fillies, mares and stallions watching her through the glass taking as many photos as they could.

Sweetie Belle shivered and rolled her eyes. Ponyville really loved their celebrities. But she knew exactly how to get Magenta out of there.

She walked behind the counter and grabbed a bag to hold Magenta's purchase. Then walked back around, placed a Hoof on Magenta, and teleported with a snap to the Apple Family Farm. This was literally the only safe space Magenta could go without being mobbed. To the countryside of Ponyville. Once she got her hooves back, Magenta shook her head and groaned at the environment. Jeez, now this headache was killing her. She really needed to sit down. But she could push through this, a mere headache can't keep Magenta Streak down!

But Magenta still groaned and rubbed her forehead. This was the most intense migraine she's ever had. Her pose concerned Sweetie Belle. A lot. She tapped Magenta to get her to open her eyes. Then tilted her head to the side and raised an eyebrow. She clearly had no idea.

Magenta huffed and explained, "Every time I come to Ponyville I get a headache that progresses each time I see you and Apple Bloom. It's really intense right now."

Sweetie Belle whimpered and shrunk into herself. So Magenta was getting her memories back painfully. Well that certainly wasn't helping them.

Magenta grunted and said, "I should probably start getting out of here to avoid any... Ughhh." Magenta's eyesight wobbled and mixed with double-vision. Sweetie gasped and popped up in alarm. Magenta was moving strangely. As in bobbing left to right with drowsy eyes. She rushed forward and grabbed Magenta before she could fall over. Something was wrong, something was seriously wrong!

Sweetie placed her body underneath Magenta so she was now on her back. Then hightailed it onto the farm. She didn't know if Magenta passed out yet. All that mattered was she needed help. She ran up to the door and banged on it. "Yahhh!" She yelled.

Apple Bloom knew what that was: An urgent Sweetie Belle. She stopped speaking with Babs and rose from her seat to open the door quickly. Sweetie rushed in with Magenta on her back and yelled, "Yah yah!"

"What are... Magenta!!" Babs sprouted up and helped get Maganta off Sweetie's back. "What's wrong, what happened?!"

Once Apple Bloom had her in her hold, Sweetie made a bunch of hoof motions she interpreted. "She and Magenta were talking when she started complaining about a growing migraine. Then she wobbled around and passed out. We need to call somepony now. This could be serious. Big Mac! Applejack!"

A round of tumbling ran around upstairs before they came down to witness what all the yelling was about. Babs cradled Magenta in her hooves and shouted, "Something's wrong!"

Applejack jumped into action and rushed Magenta onto her back. "We're goin' to the hospital! What happened?!"

"She passed out in the street!"

Applejack nodded and bolted out the door with them all stampeding behind her. Magenta bounced around with her gallops across dirt road and saliva leaking down her mouth. There could actually be something seriously wrong with her that actually had nothing to do with her memory. Then again, it just might be her memories.

They rushed into town and angled their bodies for the hospital. The ponies in their way had to jump to the side to avoid a collision and possible injury themselves. Their tired hooves carried them into the hospital's entrance then Applejack yelled, "We need some help over here!"

Her voice echoed off the white walls and through the air that smelled of alcohol and disinfectant. A few of the ponies around had minor injuries.

One of them, a young filly with her mother had a simple cold reading a book glanced up and pointed to Applejack's back.

"MAGENTA STREAK—ACHOO!" She yelled.

The nurse at the counter trained her bored eyes on them then pressed a button behind the desk for the intercom. "We have a code yellow in the front," she said. Immediately, three nurses came out of an intersecting hallway with a gurney and rolled up to Applejack. Nurse Redheart and two others that could actually be twins.

Apple Bloom guessed Redheart was a fan. She gasped and asked, "Magenta Streak, what happened?!"

Sweetie ran into sight and started making motions with her hooves for Apple Bloom to interpret. "Magenta was complaining about having a headache each time she came here and it was really bad today."

Nurse Redheart nodded and ordered the nurses, "Room 406, IV, and mind scan for anything odd." They nodded and rolled Magenta off down the hall. Leaving only small pairs of eyes to follow.

Babs turned her head to face Apple Bloom and reassured, "No matter what happens... Remember?"

Apple Bloom knew what she was talking about. She nodded and grabbed Sweetie's hoof to pull her to the side. It was going to be a while until someone received an update.



Ten minutes in and the news had spread faster than wild fire. "Magenta Streak Hospitalized."

"Multiple Sources Witnessed Magenta Streak Rushed To Ponyville General Hospital."

"Singer Producer DJ Magenta Streak Rushed To Hospital."

Thankfully there were no reasons published yet. That didn't make the situation any better. Sweetie, Apple Bloom, and Babs were waiting patiently in the lobby with nervous hooves. With nervous thoughts and feelings. It wasn't too long until the last pony they needed showed up that made those feelings worse.

Rainbow Dash zipped into existence and asked, "What happened, what's going on?" Well at least she looked better. Her wings were back, her coat was normal and her determination and confidence was skyrocketing.

Applejack shook her head from the other side of the Crusaders and answered, "Sweetie Belle said Magenta had a major migraine and passed out in the street outside of Sweet Apple Acres. We rushed her here and that's it so far."

"Alright, alright, talk to me now!" The best pony to be here switched Sweetie's vision onto her intense gaze when she rushed in. Bright Snow had on a lot of jewelry. As in sparkling colors with some expensive designer clothes hiding her snow white coat and shades. Babs read about this tactic. In important situations, members of the Elite Classes of Equestria would wear expensive items to assert their dominance. Just one of the main things that ponies do. If you show your riches, you show your power. And Bright was seriously putting her hoof down right now.

Babs sighed and repeated, "Magenta and Sweetie Belle were talking outside of Sweet Apple Acres when Magenta started complaining about a headache. Then she passed out and we brought her here."

Passed out? Her sister passed out?! Bright trotted right up to the counter and demanded, "Give me an update on my sister now!"

A Pegasus stallion with a lab coat on immediately rushed over with a clipboard and answered, "You're here for Magenta Streak?" Bright's deadpan glare gave him his answer. She guessed he didn't know who she was or was playing a really stupid joke at a time like this.

"Okay, so Magenta is overall fine. Just a lot of brain activity. It overwhelmed her, gave her a headache to the point where the brain couldn't take it and shut down for a bit. We can't do much about the increased brain activity so we have to wait for her to wake up. Afterwards we can do a few more scans and see what we're working with."

"How long?"

"Uhhh... I'd say over two hours."

Bright nodded and whipped out her phone to dial a number. Her hooves ran on automatic. This was business Bright. The side nopony ever sees in public except during the most desperate of times. She held the phone up to her ear and waited for the dial tone to end. Her eyes behind the shades were trained on the door across from her. On the ponies walking by but definitely taking looks in. This wasn't the type of town Magenta needed to be in if she was passed out. As fun as Ponyville is, it's also dangerous.

"Yo, Bright,"

"Hey. Look, we're having a time over here, Carolid. We need a distraction."

"Yeah, I can see that. It's on the blogs, it's on the vlogs, it's in my feed. Tell me something, Bright."

"As long as you don't leak."

"I'll probably forget you told me."

Bright glanced to the doors and walked down a hall out of sight so those nosey ponies outside couldn't possibly hear her. No ears in sight she whispered, "Magenta might be getting her memories back. She passed out from a brain overload."

"Ohhh, had to hurt."

Bright poked her head back out and watched the crowd grow in front of the hospital. "Yeah . . . Had to," she whispered. "I have to get mom and dad on the line, they'll want to hear all of this."

"Alright. Hey, let me know if you need anything. I'll provide some small distraction vlogs to keep the press off, but it can only last so long. I recommend staying silent until Magenta is back up, running around and smiling on camera again."

Smiling on camera huh? That gave Bright a great idea. She smiled and nodded slowly with a picture painted in her head. "Yeah, I'll let you know. See ya.'"

"See ya' girl!"



Magenta's mind was on fire. Everything was hurting and the darkness up there filled with business tips, information, numbers, records, and Babs was overflowing with new information. Information she doesn't remember seeing. Things she doesn't recall ever happening to her. She fell underneath water and nearly drowned. She remembered getting hit in the face with a log and being pushed through something that caused great pain to her sides. SHe remembered blacking out and gaining consciousness once again in a tube carrying water. Staring up into the face of a stallion before blacking out again. Then waking up to see...

Kind Goldhoof, her nurse. Then Bright, her sister as a filly who lived next door to her hospital room. But way before any of that she remembered it. She remembered everything. The brick wall that was causing pain to her head each time she looked at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had collapsed.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Those names made Magenta's heart shatter and be replaced with something red.

Magenta's eyes cracked open and her ears registered the sound of a constant beeping noise. She was in a white room underneath the covers in a hospital bed. It was really similar to the one from her foalhood days in Manehattan. Bathroom directly across with a screen above her bed connected to the wall. On her immediate left was a window with closed blinds. And on her right was a lot of open space.

But she wasn't really focused on that right now. The hospital wasn't new. Magenta was focused on her memories. She remembered it. She remembered everything. But it was so long ago and irrelevant. Until Magenta looked down to her sides. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle launched her into the air that ended becoming even more catastrophic than anything she's ever been through in her life. That includes that one time she messed up on stage. She grew from that. But she couldn't grow when her wings were gone.

Before Magenta could growl in anger, somepony knocked on the door and pushed it open. Bright Snow poked her head in and smiled at her bed. "Ahh, there she is!"

Magenta's anger cooled down when Bright strode in with a phone and pretty much her entire closet.

"Really?" Magenta teased. Albeit with a concerning groan. "A shirt wasn't enough?"

Bright jumped over Magenta's bed playfully and landed on the other side with a knowing grin Magenta never liked. "Of course! I had to let them know The Gold Sisters were here. Time to save the day! How are you feeling? Sweetie said you passed out directly in front of her."

At the mention of the name Magenta dropped her smile and replied sadly to the ceiling above them, "It was them. They . . . They caused me to almost die in the stream. I was in so much pain that I can still feel it."

Bright sighed but didn't let her smile waver. "I know, Magenta," she muttered. "Remember, they told me. So you got your memories back I assume."

Magenta nodded and rubbed her head. "Yeah . . . Yeah, I did. I think. I keep seeing these images in my head. Of my past. I used to be friends with them. I got my cutie mark with them on the same day. I first met Sweetie Belle, then Apple Bloom, we ran around town and . . . Pretty much caused destruction searching for our cutie marks. We were close, then... They launched me into the air, the whole town laughed, I fell into the stream and lost my wings, died twice I think... And it all sprouted from them."

Bright sighed and placed her head on Magenta's lap. "So what—"

"Are they here?"

"Uhh... Yeah?"

"Tell them to leave. I don't want to see them anymore."
> Chapter 47 - Scootaloo's Anger(Scoots' Secret)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Babs wouldn't stop pacing in front of Magenta's old friends. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were calmly ignoring it and decided to look past her to the wall that held pictures, inspirational quotes, and history facts. But the nervous atmosphere was still there. Applejack could feel it, Twilight felt it rush across her fur when she stepped in, and Rainbow Dash definitely. Magenta's parents weren't in yet, but they would definitely be here soon.

The silence and tension reached its peak when Bright Snow slowly walked out of the hallway she disappeared into with a forced smile on her face. Sweetie gasped and bounced out of her seat. Then immediately started slinging those hoof signs around. Well Apple Bloom was more vocal. She rushed up to Bright and asked in a rushed desperate fashion, "What happened? Is she okay? How's she doing?"

Bright pressed a firm hoof against Bloom's running mouth and deadpanned, "Sis is fine. She just woke up. The reason why... She had a brain overload."

Babs walked over with Rainbow Dash and repeated, "Brain Overload?"

"It's a lot of Brain Activity. Too much was happening in her mind at once, so her conscience shut down to prevent any damage. Basically, she passed out from a major headache. But she's fine now, everything's cool, Babby." Babs scowled at the pet name Bright just used. Only Magenta gets to use that. But that smirk on Bright's face let her know that wasn't even the least of her worries.

Bright's smirk dropped before she rubbed the back of her neck and added, "So uhhh... Here's the deal. Magenta's brain overloaded because..." She waved a hoof in a small circle to the ground to try and get her point across. But it didn't reach their minds.

Sweetie Belle made a sign for her to clarify quickly. So Bright sighed and took the plunge in a hushed tone. "Everything rushed back to her. She remembers everything."

Apple Bloom bit her lip while Sweetie Belle's heart raced. Bright could only imagine what was going on in their heads right now. And she was sure it wasn't good. Rainbow was the first to ask the question with flopped down ears. "So... How is she taking it?"

Bright sighed and answered sadly, "She... Doesn't want you guys here. She... Doesn't want to see you anymore." Twilight and Applejack visibly twitched as if it hurt them from afar and shifted their eyes to Rainbow Dash. Sweetie Belle whimpered—possibly, it was more like a weird silent squeal—and Apple Bloom... She just pushed her sad gaze to the floor. Rainbow Dash's expression was just... Unreadable. It was like she was trying to make a decision in the back of her mind.

"Can I at least say something to her before I go?" She asked.

Bright wasn't so sure that would have a pleasant result. When Magenta recalled her memories, she looked more mad than when somepony actually lays a hoof on Bright herself. Downright murderous. Bright shook her head and pleaded, "I guarantee you won't like what she has to say. All of you already said what you had to say years ago. That was the last time she saw all of you before she flushed away into my life. Guys... Magenta doesn't look back to the past too often. We had good recollections of us together in the orphanage but life still got to us. Magenta doesn't really... Do well with the bad of the past, if you catch my drift."

Once again their faces were stoic and begging for clarification. Bright huffed and admitted, "You'll be lucky if you walk out of there with shattered hearts. So I'm going to suggest that you guys just... Walk away. Magenta isn't the type of pony to be tested with. Maybe send a letter. But if she sees your faces... There's no telling what she'll throw at it."

While the three of them pondered their decision, Babs asked, "Am I still allowed to be there?"

"Oh definitely, Magenta freakin' loves you," Bright immediately answered. And she wasn't joking. Bright could just say Babby around Magenta and her expression would immediately switch from focused to goofy girlfriend. Babs was definitely still around. And that brightened Babs' day.

But the three mares of the hour seemed to have come to a decision. They nodded in an unspoken agreement. Then Sweetie Belle signed, "We want to speak to her one last time."

Bright shrugged and replied, "Suit yourself. Follow me. Babs I'm gonna need you for this one." Then turned around and pranced down the hall with them hot on her tail. Babs could easily tell that Bright was the one calling the shots around here right now. Were the Manehattan Elite so powerful that all attention was focused on one pony when a member was hospitalized? It made a bit of sense, but not too much to their small minds. They would never understand.

Their hooves clopped anxiously along the white floors with Bright leading the charge ahead of Babs, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Rainbow Dash taking up the rear. They were all nervous. They could admit, they were nervous. The pony they've been searching for years was discovered as an Equestria-wide millionaire with lost memories of her traumatic past. Since then they've been hoping for a fresh new start. Before now she definitely knew that they knew something about her past that involved Equestria's government to search. She knew that they knew every detail.

But what she didn't know was that they were the root cause for the loss of her wings, floating down a river in her own blood to the port of Manehattan where she went through years of untold struggles they didn't know about. But she revealed a glimpse of it to the nation during her Ponyville concert. They had yet to understand exactly how those events played out up to this moment.

Bright slowed down to a single closed wooden door on their left directly across from a wide spaced Nurse's Station and said over her shoulder, "Wait here." Then trotted over to them instead for a moment.

While they did, Apple Bloom looked to the sign on center-top of this wooden door that read Magenta Streak. These nurses acted quickly. Really quickly. Sweetie Belle had only been in this hospital a few times for a doctor's visit and she always had to make an appointment 

Babs turned to face her cousin and stated, "Just be sincere, okay? I talk to Magenta a lot more than you guys think I do and she practically feeds off of emotions. If you get angry, she'll bite your heads off."

So don't get mad to keep her from getting even more mad than she already was. Rainbow deadpanned, "Gee, thanks."

Bright trotted back over with a stoic expression and said, "This area's been cleared for a few minutes. There's not many patients during this season for some reason." Cleared? They swiveled their heads to the Nurse's Station which was now abandoned. Did they just take a sudden break or something? The area was just swarming with ponies. Definitely Manehattan Elite's doing. Bright cleared her throat to get their attention back and stated, "So I'll get Babs to calm her down for a bit. Then she might let you in. Not sure. Just be ready. And stay out from in front of the door."

Then without delay, Bright grabbed the handle and pushed the said door open.



When Bright left the room a few minutes ago, Magenta immediately pulled out her phone and started watching her pages from the comfort of her bed. At all the notifications pouring in from fans and industry pros she has contacted in the past. The doctor apparently wanted her to stay in observation until they deemed her stable enough to go. They wanted her to be calm and relaxed. Kind of hard to be either of those when the flashbacks were at the front of her mind like next week's video. Where would this go? What was the point of it? Things like that.

Magenta sighed when her notifications started ruining her poor hoof. So she put her phone on silent for awhile. She'll know when mom starts calling. She flopped down on her bed and faced the ceiling with anger in her eyes. Anger at Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Fluttershy, Rarity, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, everypony here in this town that laughed at her misery. There was no way in tartarus she was doing a show here ever again. Maybe the artists she would sign to her forming label could if their fanbase was here. But she wouldn't be.

Magenta's brooding was interrupted from the door opening. "Uh ohhh, you're brooding. Coming up with psychedelic plots again. What did I tell you about that?"

Bright. Magenta rolled over to face her and... Babs! Magenta sat straight up with that goofy grin on her face that Babs mirrored. "Hey, Babby," she whispered.

"Heyyy, Maggy," she cooed. Babs and Bright trotted into the room and over to the bed on clearly worried hooves. They were fast to the point of running. Babs was the first pony Magenta talked to though when they were close enough to each other. She and Babs bumped muzzles and shared a quick smooch. "I was so worried when you passed out. In the street of all places. It didn't look too good."

"It didn't look good at all," Magenta corrected. She used her hooves to pull Babs onto the bed next to her. Then nuzzled into the crook of her neck. Quite a bold move that Babs melted into. "My socials are blowing up right now though."

"Yeah, I bet." She pecked Magenta's cheek and hugged her head to her chest tight. "I'm so happy you're okay," she whispered in here ear.

"...thanks. I uh... I remember." They pulled back slightly and stared into each others eyes. "I remember everything. You weren't there. But... It was painful, Babs."

"Speaking of which..." Their sight turned to Bright Snow at the foot of the bed. She held a respectful distance even though it wasn't necessary. She rubbed her neck nervously and seethed through her teeth. "So I told them about you telling them to get the buck out, but... They want to talk—"

"The answer's no," Magenta spat out. She let Babs go and faced Bright with her entire body. Her face contorted into a clear rage. "There's no way in bucking Tartarus that I'm just going to let them try to 'sort things out!' Why would they even need to talk to me, what could possibly have to say?"

"Magenta, they just want to apologize—"

"They can send a bucking letter. It'll go where the rest of those letters go that come in after we break the news: Into my fireplace."

Babs calmed her down by nuzzling her cheek. "Please, Magenta," she whispered. "Just hear them out. They've been through a lot. The entire town has been through a lot after you disappeared. Just... Give them this one shot. Please?"

Magenta huffed smoke through her nose. There was no way... There was no way she was just going to let them... Buck it. Magenta grunted and growled, "Fine. They can say what they want to say. But I also get to say what I want to say with no filter."

Bright looked up to Babs with tightened lips before she left for the door. Her message was clear: That was the best they were getting. So Babs nodded and acquiesced, "Deal. Remember to stay calm, you're in the hospital okay?"

"I know that," Magenta grumbled. It was so cute how Angry Magenta looked. She had puffed out cheeks with her body curled up underneath the covers. Her eyes were trained on the closed window. She was obviously refusing to acknowledge the clopping of the hooves entering into the room.

Then the door shut and bathed it in a thick vat of eternal silence. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Rainbow Dash remained in front of the door while Bright chose to abandon it. "I cleared the Nurse's station for you, by the way. Yell all you want, I'm used to it."

Magenta shook her head and muttered, "I doubt that, Bright." Then turned around and glared at the two... Three ponies in the room. "And what's she doing here?" She upward nodded her head to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow gulped and greeted, "H-Hey, Scoots. Ol' buddy, ol' pal—"

"Yeeeah, we are not friends. You can keep that here in your little inner circle I don't want to be a part of. Say what you have to say and get out."

Apple Bloom's eye twitched once more before she took the bold step forward. "Scootaloo... We're sorry. We didn't mean to cause you pain and suffering, okay? It was all just a terrible accident. We were foals, we didn't know any better."

Terrible accident? Terrible accident?! Magenta took a calm breath to calm her racing heart. "Apple Bloom... That doesn't even scratch the surface of what you guys did to me." She pointed a hoof up to the ceiling and slowly angled it down to the floor. "I crashed into a wheelbarrow, rolled into town and was thrown around like a rag doll while all of you watched... Then laughed at me. The entire bucking town laughed at me. I was trying to help, and you guys did the worst thing imaginable to me for helping. It... It hurt. A lot. Physically and emotionally."

Rainbow Dash sniffed and said, "Scootaloo, we've been beating ourselves up over it ever since. I mean... The Crusaders ran away all the way to Manehattan just to look for you. Sweetie and I... We almost committed suicide. We felt really really bad, Scootaloo. Words can't explain it. But we're sorry."

"Sorry? Look at me." Magenta threw the covers off her body and jumped off the bed to stand directly in front of them. Showing every last single scar she had to give. Almost all of them. "LOOK AT ME!!!" She yelled. They jumped and stared at her body. "I fell in a rushing wave of water that carried me downstream. I was hit, I was hurt, then I was chopped up by blades! They bucking hurt, Rainbow Dash! And you weren't fast enough to save me! Your super speed couldn't even save the pony you let down the most because you were too busy laughing at them. Sorry isn't going to change a bucking thing!

"I was carried through a dark drain pipe before I hit a service line. And during that time... I felt nothing but pain. Pain, agony, and frustration. And I kept asking myself... Why? Why would they do this to me? Why would they fling me into the air as a joke? Why did the whole city laugh at me? That hurt. It hurt so bad.

"I bled out in that drainage pipe. Oh and guess what? My wings were ripped clean out of my body before it happened. And I felt every single nerve light up in flames. Every single thing hurt. It hurt so much I just stopped moving in that drain and let the pain overtake me."

Apple Bloom couldn't hear anymore. She shook her head to rid of the tears and yelled, "Scootaloo, we're sorry—!"

"I'm not finished!" Magenta interrupted. She pointed behind her to the window and yelled. "I floated in my own blood! I died! Twice! Because you guys thought it would be funny to launch me into the air!"

"We were foals, Scootaloo!" All eyes turned to the hoarse and definitely painful yell from Sweetie Bell. She coughed into her hoof and made a sign to get her message across that Apple Bloom sadly translated. "We grew up since then. We realized our mistakes, nothing was the same. We missed you Scootaloo."

"Well I forgot about all of you," Magenta growled. "I couldn't walk. I was alone. I had no background, no legal name... Nothing. It was like I appeared from another dimension. And to this day, I still don't know my real parents. But I wouldn't trade the family I have now for them at any cost. They were there for me ever since I washed up. Bright lost both her parents in an accident and I had absolutely no family." Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked to Bright who just stared at them nonchalantly in response. Guess they didn't know about that last bit. "I forgot how to read, how to write, how to walk. I had wings, I wish I could fly. I didn't know I couldn't fly in the first place. But that didn't stop me from making sure my sister got her wings back. Guys... You killed me that day. Then again, you gave me a new beginning. I mean look at this."

She walked over to Bright and pointed to the shiny necklace she had around her neck. It was a golden heart with diamonds colored orange in the center. The chain itself was wet with glistening luxury. "I had this custom made for five hundred thousand bits each! I have one that matches, and Mom and Dad got one too! I live in a mansion that's more than what I really need. I'm about to start a record label and am going to start receiving partnerships really really soon once we release this video. So much stuff is going on... And it's all thanks to you. You know... I couldn't sing before I arrived in Manehattan."

Well that was news. Even Bright glanced her way. She tilted her head back and reached up to move aside some fur. Right there maybe an inch away from the point of no return was a large scar that Bright gawked at. "If I got cut an inch to the left, I would be done for. Then there would be no Magenta Streak, no Scootaloo. One of those blades cut a spot in my throat that causes distortion if I yell. Now I don't have distortion in my voice. I can go as high as I want to with as much Vibrato as possible without worry about discomfort or pain. Because the part of my body that would cause it was cut in half. And with that, I caught the attention of listeners, viewers, and industry professionals everywhere. And not one of you were there. It was just me, Bright, and our old friends. They may not be around anymore, but I can absolutely admit they did nothing to hurt me or Bright. They were there and supported us to the very end."

"But we support you too!" Rainbow Dash pleaded. She trotted forward and stopped directly in front of Magenta. "We know we messed up, but we all realized our mistakes. We punished our own selves for it. These mares have been looking for you non stop for years. They've been holding onto hope for so long and to finally see you alive brought relief. Let alone the richest teenage pony."

Magenta growled through her teeth, "Do you seriously think that because of my success I can simply move on from this? That I can move on because you guys pushed me to my death? You're forgetting about what I had to go through since then."

"But there were good things too," Apple Bloom argued. "You got a family, you got friends, you found love. We know we screwed up, but we're still happy you found happiness."

As true as that was, Magenta just wasn't going to allow this. She shook her head madly and ordered, "Out! All three of you out! Now!"

"Magenta—"

"Out! I don't want to see you anymore! Get OUT!!" Magenta started using her head to push Rainbow Dash out. An impressive feat since Magenta was much smaller than she was. "Get out!! I hate all of you!" She did the same to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. They were practically thrown out of the room before Magenta grabbed the door and slammed it straight in their faces.

The resonating boom traveled down the hall and around the hospital. On both sides, both parties stared at their sides of the barrier keeping them from the other. Keeping Bright, Scootaloo, and Babs away from Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Rainbow Dash. After a few seconds, they cried.

Magenta bumped her head against the door and took deep breaths while the tears of emotion escaped from her eyes. The source of her pain was on the other side. She didn't need that right now. She needed the ponies nuzzling under her chin and wrapping her in a hug.

But even while Magenta, Bright and Babs embraced, a single extremely annoying thought settled into the back of Magenta's mind: Apple Bloom was right. Thanks to their mistake, Magenta restarted her life with a family, friends, and riches. She became an entirely new pony. A better pony.
> Chapter 48 - Moving On . . . TOO Fast
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bright and Babs stayed together in that hospital room with hooves wrapped around Magenta while she cried into her coats. She never knew she could get this emotional, let alone in a hospital. It was alien to her. Even after she got her first radio demos revoked, she was sad. But not upset. Yet upon remembering her past... It was slightly traumatic.

Bright kissed Magenta's left cheek and whispered, "I know what'll cheer you up. Let's make this vlog. Right here, right now. Let's let the nation know that you're okay, because my phone is blowing up and I'm a little tired of it."

Magenta finally registered reality and made out the faint buzzing back by the window. In that chair Bright was sitting in before. She halfheartedly laughed her tears away and whispered, "Yeah, okay."

Babs copied Bright and kissed Magenta's right cheek. Then whispered, "Are you okay?"

Magenta wiped her eyes and trained her purple orbs into Babs' green eyes. She found a warmth in them. A warmth she wrapped her body in. Magenta nodded and answered, "Yeah . . . Yeah, I'll be fine."

Babs grabbed Magenta's hoof and said, "I'll always be here for you."

Magenta smiled and nuzzled Babs' head. "I know, Babby." Then focused on Bright setting up her phone for recording. "So how are we going to do this vlog, Ms. Director?"

"Well first?" Bright lowered her phone and pointed to the hospital bed. "I need you to be in the bed and be dead for a quick second. Babs, you wanna help out?"

Babs eagerly nodded. This was actually a little exciting. She's seen Magenta's vlogs so many times, but never how they were made. They don't have a behind the scenes, so it was impossible to see it. "What do I need to do?"

"I need you to cry hysterically."

"Too easy."



Apple Bloom didn't even bother going home. She and Sweetie Belle went to Sugarcube Corner and met up with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. They both were still living with their parents, and Sweetie Belle was sure they wouldn't be living on their own for a while. Ice Cream was a given for then and their treat.

When they got there, Diamond and Silver knew immediately that something was wrong. For one, Sweetie was crying. It actually took a lot to make her cry. Then Apple Bloom was too. Diamond Tiara immediately raised her hoof to the pink party pony behind the counter and called, "Pinkie! Two strawberry chocolate sundaes, stat!"

After Pinkie saluted and zipped to work, Silver Spoon focused on the two ponies crying in front of them. "What. Happened?" She whispered.

Apple Bloom looked up with red eyes and replied in a despondent tone, "...she remembers."

Ohhh. Diamond and Silver shared a look before Sweetie attempted at her signs. But just gave up and dropped her head on the table. Apple Bloom whispered for her, "She rebuked us, I guess. L-Like... She said she never wants to see us again. And I'm sure when she gets out she'll never come back here."

Diamond Tiara sighed and continued stirring her cup of fizzy beverage she and Silver Spoon decided to order instead of ice cream. Her sodden reflection popped and fizzled back up to her. "Well... At least she's okay, right?"

Sweetie nodded and made a sign they deciphered as "Definitely."

Apple Bloom huffed and decided to lighten the mood by asking, "Just because we're not friends doesn't mean we're not fans right? She still makes great music." Apple Bloom pulled out her phone and tapped around a bit with a clearly forced smile on her face. Diamond Tiara could clearly see she was just trying to cheer up Sweetie Belle. And based off of Silver Spoon's glance, she knew it too.

"Oh, looks like she just posted a vlog." She opened up the video and after a few seconds immediately summarized it wasn't good. First off they heard a whole bunch of screaming in the background around Bright, who seemed to be the center of attention. They were still in the hospital room. She was holding a phone clearly.

Bright smiled to the camera and yelled over it, "Hey, everypony! So quick update. Based off of our social media everyone already knows about Magenta's sudden hospitalization. But don't worry..." Bright turned herself so Magenta was in the background in bed. She was in a hilarious position that actually made Sweetie smile.

She was lying on top of the covers with crossed eyes trained on a random object, and had her tongue sticking partly out of her mouth. Babs was shaking her trying to get Magenta to "wake up". But it was really helping. Those tears leaking from her eyes and the screaming was seriously selling the story though. Bright pointed to Magenta and declared, "We're fine!! See? Say hi, Maggy!"

She zoomed the camera in on Magenta for a response. But all she got in response was Babs poking her face in yelling, "What are you doing, we have to help her!! Maggy, wake up!!"

Bright laughed and replied, "Oh you silly Babs Seed. She's fine. Hey, Maggy. Remember that thing you have under—"

Magenta sat straight up and spread her hooves out. "I'm awake! I'm good, see? See, you don't have to say that! Hey, everypony!" Magenta waved to the camera with a smile while Babs jumped on the bed. "We have some great and exciting news for you that we were supposed to share this afternoon in my studio, but..."

Babs butted in and stroked Magenta's mane. "She just had to pass out in the street... Again."

Magenta stifled down her laughter and sarcastically admitted, "Yep, I just love sleeping on dirt, guys. One of these days you're going to see me relaxing in the Dragon Lands because... I love hard, hot rocks. But we do have some exciting news for you and we'll tell you soon after I recover. Just some brain issues guys, don't worry. But we also have some bad news. There won't be any shows for around two months. We'll still be pushing content, but no shows yet. We'll tell you why next week."

"Until then..." Babs grabbed a pillow and slammed it into Magenta's chest. "Don't do that to me again! Ever!" Magenta laughed and pulled Babs on top of her to mash their lips together. And that was the end of that show when Bright made a gagging expression to the camera and cut the feed to their brand logo.

Sweetie seemed to cheer up at their display of affection and clear happiness. But dropped her head again and made signs reading, "Is this the only way we'll get to see her again?"

Apple Bloom honestly didn't have an answer. So she just pulled in her lips and indulged in the ice cream Pinkie dropped in front of them. They would cover that road when they got to it.



When Magenta's parents showed up, it went from fifty to one hundred really fast. As in they stormed into the hospital and practically burst through Magenta's door. Well Kind Goldhoof did. Max was more reserved. When it banged open, Magenta nearly jumped out of bed and into the air. Kind trotted right up to Magenta's bedside and ranted, "What happened? Are you okay? Are you hurting anywhere, where in bucking Tartarus is the doctor?!!"

Bright hopped up from her chair across from Magenta's bed and ordered, "Calm down, mom. Magenta just had a brain overload because she got her memories back."

"Mem—" Kind zoomed in on Magenta's eyes and whispered, "You remember?"

Magenta slowly nodded and used her hoof to kindly push her back. "Yeah, I uh . . . Really wanna get out of here. At first I liked it here, you know? It's silent, peaceful, not at all in a rush. But . . . This place holds bad memories for me. Specifically me falling into a river that pushed me through razor sharp blades."

Kind knew that Magenta would get her memories back sometime soon. She knew it when Bright was telling her Magenta was getting bad headaches whenever she came over to this town. Ever since that darned show here.

Kind sat down and gently pulled Magenta into a loving hug. "You know I will always be here for you and Bright right?"

". . . Where were you when I passed out?"

"Your father and I were in a sudden crisis at the children's hospital. I'm not allowed to say, but everything is stabilized."

Magenta nodded into her mother's coat and acquiesced. Working at a hospital had to be tough. Not running-a-brand tough but still hard work.

Max Goldhoof trotted into Magenta's line of sight wearing a doctor's coat and asked, "So what are you going to do now?"

Magenta unwrapped herself from her mother's tight hold and sat back into her bed. She had a bunch of ideas on mind. But right now . . . "I'm going to work," she answered. She took a deep breath and crossed her hooves before releasing it in a single huff. "Bright and I have to come up with more content and start talking to these ponies we think have major potential. I already have a few record shops at my beck and call, and a few ponies who owe me favors. Not to mention a potential partnership with YouHoof. So tomorrow, I'm going to be busy."

Bright nodded and started typing up on her phone. "So Summer Wind—the mare I told you about from school—she's preparing a demo for us. And a few other ponies are too. I checked our email and our little group asked if we needed anything."

Magenta nodded to her and said, "We need some content to promote. Nothing is set in stone yet, but a few image manipulations for a teaser, audio snippets, and high social media presence of events. We'll start it off when we tell YouHoof we're leaving Starfire. Until then, we just need a few images and top content."
> Chapter 49 - Interlude 03
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Magenta was sure she should move on. She was sure she could move on. But her memories wouldn't let her. It's been three days since Magenta had her memories return and Magenta has barely done anything. After they left the hospital, Babs cradled her head and told her that everything was going to be okay, and that it was a bad idea to take her there followed by her apology.

But Magenta decided that it was a good idea. Because it showed her her past. She didn't want to know it before. But now that she does know, Magenta didn't want anything to do with Ponyville. Her label's music would still go to the town and their stores, but she wanted nothing to do with them personally. She'll do shows there, host events, maybe some videos if she feels like it. But that's it.

Just business, no fun. Because Ponyville never deserved her fun.

Now all she could do at six in the morning was lie back on her bed and stare at the black space that was her overhanging office. Today was an important day. A very important day. She was meeting with the Canterlot Elite's Superior today. And since the Gold Sisters were the second richest ponies here in the Manehattan Elite, she had to be smart and strategic.

She and Bright were going to be joined by Floyd Hoofenstein himself. He didn't actually live too far away, his mansion was next to the Golf Course behind them. The meeting was at twelve, and since their schedule was clear, that meant a gold ol' vlog to break the news to everyone: They left Starfire Records.

A moan and a hoof sliding up her chest replaced Magenta's business attitude with a calm one. She grabbed Babs' hoof and brought it up to her mouth to plant a kiss on. "Good morning, Babby," she whispered.

"Mmmm good morning, Maggy." Babs shifted her head over to plant a kiss on Magenta's cheek. Then pierce her light green eyes into Magenta's faded Magenta ones. "How are you feeling?"

Magenta's grin let her know she was fine. And when she swung Babs to lie on top of her body with a surprised squeak let her know that she was a lot more so.

Magenta shared a nuzzle with her and said, "I had a good dream with a beautiful mare next to me. I'm great." Babs giggled and bumped her chest with a hoof. "Hey, we're going to be sort of busy today, alright?"

Babs pulled back and playfully scolded, "So you want me to scram? How dare you."

"No, I want you to scram and have a good time. Don't spend all my money, alright?"

"Awww, you're leaving me alone today?" Babs jumped off Magenta's bed and stretched her body. When she stuck her butt in the air, Magenta had to bite her lip and shake her head. Goodness gracious, that there plot was just begging for her hooves. But she had enough respect for Babs not to touch it. Don't touch, Magenta. You haven't reached that stage yet.

Babs flicked her tail and whipped Magenta in the face like a feather. Oh Celestia, that scent was so heavenly. But Babs teased her by winking and moving towards the bathroom. "Fine, I'll get out of your mane for the day. But I'll be back this afternoon, okay? I want to cook dinner."

Magenta bounced out of bed and pranced towards the door. She needed a cold shower. "Alright. Don't spend all my bits!"

"Is that even possible?"

Probably not. Magenta pranced out into the hall and closed the door behind her to allow Babs her privacy. Then with a skip down the hall, she was moving towards the kitchen. She had a plan in her head. And not just to eat, but a promo plan. A great plan that would allow her to launch her label successfully. She still had to get a logo created, but that would be really easy.

Magenta slowed her role when she passed her studio and peeked in to see if Bright was in there. Nope. Just her studio. She didn't hear her in her room, which meant she was either up around here somewhere or out and about. But based off the splashing going on outside, she was going for a morning swim. Ah, there she was, doing her laps. She was swimming from the left to the right. But would definitely be coming in after a little while. The sun was coming up and that meant "her feathers would get funny."

Magenta smiled at her sister through the window and kept on moving for the cupboards near the fridge. They were plastic and conservative. Something she was proud to be in this estate way before she even moved in and did some remodeling.

She opened one up and pulled out a mug that had a label on it that she found inside an old Tea Shop in West Manehattan. When she bought it, she never actually thought she'd get this far for the label to even apply to her: World's Best Producer. Each time she drunk out of it, it made her smile softly and look around her. Being at the top of the music chain was hard, but it was well worth it.

By the time both Bright and Babs walked in, she had set them up with a breakfast. Mom and dad usually made their own, but Bright and Magenta would try and surprise each other with a meal. And this morning, she made Hayseed Grits with a pinch of salt, Butterscotch pancakes, and some juice with exotic fruit.

Babs walked around the table humming with her eyes on the food. "Whoa, Maggy," she said. "Did you go all out?"

Magenta hopped in a chair on the side in front of the windows and answered, "Well I had plenty of time. You stole my shower time, so I've been productive."

Babs hopped into the chair next to her while Bright sat down directly across an said, "Well it wasn't wasted. You made southern food with city food. Interesting mix."

Bright smugly pointed across to her sister and said, "Well, we've always been rather creative. And original. Right, Maggy?"

"Abso', Bright!" She and Bright reached across the table and bumped hooves. "No other like the Gold Sisters."

Babs could clearly see that Bright was a little jealous of their relationship. She tried not to let it known, but Babs has been around the block a lot. And that smile was definitely fake. Magenta probably didn't see it. But Babs definitely did. So she just went ahead and ate her breakfast.



Magenta decided to fit Babs with security for her day out. A total of ten thousand bits she wasn't afraid to spend. And after a fixed spending budget card to Babs, Magenta watched her ride out of the neighborhood from the steps of her mansion. Then her smile dropped once she was out of sight. Time for business. Mom and Dad were still asleep. Their practices weren't opened today. Which meant they would be relaxing somewhere around here.

She quietly shut the doors to her mansion and made quick strides for her bedroom where she and Bright would be conducting the business today. It was going to be tense. It was going to be hot. And it was going to work.

When she reached her room, Bright was already on the office balcony with the system loaded up. Sending emails and all of that. Magenta's little office partner.

Upon entering, she quickly said, "I know you're jealous of Babs, Bright."

Bright looked from the screen to Magenta when she sat down next to her flabbergasted. "What?! Maggy, you're crazy."

"We're still teenagers, Bright, it's okay to be jealous. And I know why." Bright sighed and went back to surfing Net. "You think Babs is going to take me away. Don't worry, that's not going to happen. You're my little sister and I love you. No one is ever going to break us apart."

Bright pursed her lips and kept working. But did reply, "I know, but... I guess I'm jealous of you, you know?" Magenta wished she could wrap a wing around Bright. Unfortunately, Ponyville stole them. It made her a bit angry. "I already told you that you get the best things. Everyone looks at Magenta Streak, you know? Never Bright Snow. I dance a lot at your concerts, but you get a lot more attention. Like, they just did a segment on you yesterday and I bet you didn't even notice. You barely have to do anything, and yet you still get noticed while I have to try a bit harder. And... It's just a little unfair and I'm taking it out on your girlfriend."

Magenta sighed and watched Bright type up the email she just sent out. They needed a new logo. Something catchy instead of just 'The Gold Sisters.' They both have the same thing and have had the same thing for years. Yet Bright was barely noticed except for how she looked on stage and the dances she does.

"Yeah," Magenta sighed. "Yeah, I think it's time we showcase your talent for real, yeah?"

Bright shrugged and answered, "Well that would be nice." Then went right back to typing. Jeez, Bright was so hard to read sometimes.

Magenta nudged Bright and decided, "Then we'll make a plan for it. What are we doing right now?"

Time for the big steps to be announced. Bright pointed to the Z27 Mega and answered, "I'm sending out emails to our contacts involving graphic design, marketing, and advertisements. You're handling YouHoof and the talent, and I'm handing connections for growth."

Good. They were splitting the duties required to make this label grow. Magenta nodded to the Display and said, "Alright. I'm going to get ready. They're supposed to be here at my gate at twelve for a lunch, and at eleven there's supposed to be a caterer here with the food." Magenta turned around and walked down the steps for the floor of her bedroom. Today was going to be a tense day. Two rivals were going to discuss peace between their territories. And right now, that meant a lot of professionalism. Hopefully, nothing would go wrong.
> Chapter 50 - Manehattan Vs. Canterlot; Zesty Gourmand
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Things weren't the same, at least for Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were more disbanded now than the years prior. As if time had ceased motion, they were back at the beginning.

Rainbow Dash was no better. Twilight feared she had dropped back down into her depression on a more major scale. She wished she could assist, but as a Princess of Equestria, she had bigger problems dropping onto her desk than what went on beyond the Castle Walls. She wished she could help out Rainbow Dash. But she had stopped talking by this point. All the way gone, she had fell once again.

On the opposite side of Ponyville, Apple Bloom ceased operations and decided to mope around with Sweetie Belle underneath the tree on Scootaloo's Hill.

But Magenta? Scootaloo herself? She was getting ready for a very important business meeting. Their problems weren't of her concern, she had more eggs to fry. One of the top designers gifted her with a great Magenta colored suit that went well with her mane and tail. This meeting would do well for her to wear it.

Save for Bright who would be joining her shortly, it was just her and Magenta. Babs went out to "play the racks," as shopping were called in Manehattan while she and Bright set things up for their label here in Manehattan. It was going to be a tense meeting. Magenta and Bright knew the name well. Zesty Gourmand.

Before Magenta was even on the scene and—based on her age—before she was even born, she first started out as a restaurant critic here in Manehattan, and was a huge influencer in either the success or failure of a business. After some drama, she moved to Canterlot and started again where ponies actually paid her. But more troubled occurred that involved the Mane Six, and her being looked down upon by any small business up there.

But some businesses still invested their time, as well as their bits. People paid her to "change their looks" in Canterlot by rebranding into something more profitable. And soon after a few years, if you were "Endorsed by Zesty," you were a big name. A simple word of mouth and you became an industrial lead. And finally her word became law. Three simple words assured your success. And a few negative ones could end it.

This was important. This was why Magenta slapped a tie on her suit. This was why before the sun even rose she was cleaning the source of her family's riches. She hopped in the shower, ate some breakfast, brushed her teeth, then grabbed her favorite suit.

Her mirror had never seen this much usage before. Maybe it would get even more when she is nominated for a reward. Maybe.

The sun's rays blared through her curtains, bathing the room and her body in a light magenta. Her clothes were greeted with its embrace. As for herself, she paid it no mind. Too infatuated was she with her thoughts too even notice. Her reflection was barely even acknowledged, despite looking at it directly. Her mind was brooding over a realization that was so looked over, yet so obvious:

This Mare's name on anything meant your dream's life or death. It could even be a lie. 

Magenta stopped straightening her tie and muttered, "I just realized how gullible ponies are."

She stuffed her hooves into some expensive violet hoofshoes and made her way out the bedroom door. The halls were quiet and serene. The sounds  were different than yesterday. Today were one of those tense days when an important outcome revolved one outcome. The world grew still and quiet. As silent as Manehattan Unique was, the Mansion was even quieter. Magenta's hooves sounded like bombs going off in her mind. She could only imagine what would reverberate when she was still.

The five senses were enhanced. The floor felt softer than usual the entire trip to the second floor's living room and sighed with the weight of a parent dealing with a foal when she walked out into sight of Bright. Sitting on the family couch with a wine glass in her hoof. No wine in it, but it matched her choice of wear.

A completely white suit. White trousers, white coat, white shirt, and white tie. It always confused Magenta how she was able to tie it. She had no magic and ones hooves would not be able to tie one without it. Either way, she looked amazing. And she as worried about having a spouse. Keep dressing like that and someone would grab her attention.

They've been standing in the center of their estate's grand foyer watching the front doors for almost twenty minutes now. Despite their strict scheduling Starfire did teach them a few things such as always be early to prepare. The carpet would need to be replaced thanks to Magenta's pacing. Over time there would just be a horizontal groove right there in the center of the floor. But she couldn't help it. Magenta was naturally a worrier. Bright Snow on the other hoof was standing in front of the stairs leading up to the second floor was standing by watching her with a drink in her hoof. Waiting for a change. This was always the ritual. Bright was the physical muscle while Magenta was the brain. That's how tings worked when they were foals, that's how they worked now.

Magenta stopped her pacing and turned to her sister. "Are we on schedule?"

"Always." Bright took a lazy sip of her cranberry juice and added, "They should be here really soon." Right on cue, the door bell's ringing resonated around the Estate. In the library, the studio, and all the floors. "They're here."

Perfect. Magenta brushed a piece of lint off her suit and smoothed back her mane. "Good. Let's go greet them properly."

They both walked from the living room to the doors of the estate in sync. This could either help make or break their future Record Label. Thus the reason Magenta's hooves were stuffed with imaginary lead. This would either be the cause of great embarrassment or great success. To either be a laughing stock to Starfire or put them in her shadow. The true journey would begin at this meeting.

After a deep breath, Magenta pushed open the front door of the mansion to see not Zesty Gourmand, but Sea Creature waiting for them on the left. She's been here for awhile, both she and Songbird Serenade stargazing the sun rising over the top of a Chariot at their gates. The one holding their needed clientele. Zesty Gourmand. Their guest had finally arrived and no late than they would be.

Magenta shut the front door behind her and used the switches behind the columns to open the front gates. Then stood by and waited for them to approach. Their chariot was slow and graceful. Slow enough for a quick word. Sea Creature looked down to her right towards the sisters and informed, "Tensions are rising inside of Starfire."

"Tensions?" The news of tensions inside her former label had her intrigued. She knew things weren't going to go well when she and Bright left Starfire. As a matter of fact, it was too early for any kind of conflict over her. But the fact that there seemed to be a change already was interesting. She glanced up when the chariot stopped at the steps and asked, "How tense?"

"Gold Spoon's been silent. She's never silent. That means she's planning something, according to some of the other executives."

"She's waiting for the signs, the press, all of that. Let's work on step one. Greetings, Ms. Gourmand. A pleasure."

Zesty Gourmand. A unicorn with a light magenta-ish gray coat, thin eyes, and a seriously off gray short mane style. She was wearing a completely black suit and holding a folder in between her wings. Her dark magenta eyes scanned the grounds of the Mansion with her two bodyguards. Two buff gray stallions who could be twins with standard dress wear. Not really undercover, but still. Zesty made her way up the steps and replied, "Magenta Streak and Bright Gold. An honor to meet you both in the flesh."

She shook hooves with them both before Magenta waved to her two associates. "This is Songbird Serenade and Sea Creature. They're going to be attending the meeting today. I hope that is okay."

Zesty waved along her timidity and replied, "Of course, let's just get to the meeting first."

"Right. Follow me." Bright walked to the doors and pulled them back open for their guests. And once they were in, she turned around and slowly shut the doors with a quiet click. Keeping out nosy eyes and ears from watching their interaction.

Zesty couldn't believe she was inside Magenta Streak's famed mansion. The biggest estate in Equestria. All the velvet, the flash, the glamour, the chandeliers! Oh everything was just beautiful. Zesty stopped in the middle of the foyer and let out a pleasured hum. "You have a wonderful home," she commented.

Magenta made her way towards the Mansion's west wing with Bright and replied, "Yes, this is what non-stop hard work looks like. We're going into my library today."

After a quick trek, they were sitting at a table in the middle of Magenta's grand bibliotheca. The walls were colored in all the different shades her book collection could manage. Princess Twilight, eat your heart out. Bright and Magenta were flanked by Sea Creature and Songbird Serenade, and Zesty was flanked by her two bodyguards across. She's clearly been through partnerships enough to vouch for herself. Magenta and Bright didn't need much muscle to tackle the Canterlot Elite, but there was still some smart cookies in the rest of the basket who could cheat them that they need to watch out for. You may think they're chocolate. Turns out their raisins.

Magenta started off the meeting like the business mare she knew she was with, "As you know, Bright and myself are the Gold Sisters. Highly sought out YouHoovers, highly valuable, one show from us brings a lot of credit to businesses. Labels are kicking other artists out just so they can have some room for us on their team."

Zesty nodded and replied, "So I've heard. News of your reign spreads through Canterlot fervently."

"Right. Well Bright and I have a plan, non disclosure. We need stores. Music stores. We want them all from everywhere we can get to, including in Canterlot. But we know we have to go through you in order to get them in there. What do we have to do to get the music in your stores?"

Zesty sat back and rubbed her chin. Magenta and Bright Snow have a lot of money. So much actually, it's insane. She could ask for anything. But she was also dealing with a very powerful pony. Young, yes. But very powerful in the music industry regardless. And apart from their food, Equestria loved to party. Without music there were no parties.

Zesty pointed at her and replied, "Since you're a big name and I don't have to do much, I'll allow you to sell in those stores for a portion of your profit. I'll test it out at five percent at first, then we'll see where it goes. It's rare to see Magenta Streak and Bright Snow on the shelves in Canterlot. But then again, a lot of Manehattan originals aren't on Canterlot shelves. You would be the first if this goes well."

Bright shared a look with Magenta. Then focused back on Zesty and confirmed their deal. "Deal... But I have a feeling that you're not going easy on us because of our name."

Zesty smiled and admitted, "You're right. You do a lot of good things, you two. Mostly to the ponies in Canterlot. Most of my own clientele make great pay simply because the products that you endorse in Manehattan spread to Canterlot too. So simply taking a picture of you two in latest Canterlot garb? That gets them bits. Which in turn gets me bits. So if you sell in stores, no matter what happens, I get paid from your presence. We'll start small right now for two seasons and experiment with this. After which, I'll up the rate depending on your progress. Does that sound pleasant?"

"Absolutely." Magenta and Bright reached into the pockets of their coats and pulled out their pens. Then asked, "Where do we sign?"



Today, it was Rarity's turn to start talking to Rainbow Dash. She just didn't even try. Rainbow Dash wasn't going to listen. Three days since she heard about what happened, and it was just like many years ago. A full decade has passed and Rainbow Dash didn't seem to get better. But this time she brought backup.

Business at the Carousel Boutique was slow, and Sweetie Bell was out and about doing something. Hopefully she was with Apple Bloom or the rest of her friends. Sweetie may have gotten better, but all of this Scootaloo drama left her unpredictable. But either way, she was out. And since the shop was slow today, it was entirely okay to bring her in.

At the current moment, the sewing machine at the bottom of the Carousel was going on and on. The sounds of an engine were flowed up the stairs into the empty second floor. Into the bathroom, the kitchen, and soon out a cracked window letting in warm air from Ponyville. Rarity was facing the front entrance of the store but she was far from focused on that instead of her project. Right now the client she was making this for needed this tomorrow for a party. Rarity didn't need a lot of stress like watching over Rainbow Dash. But then again, it wasn't as stressful like it used to be.

Although, she could go for that break. And it seems that Break just arrived. Rarity glanced up through the darkness of her boutique to the front door when somepony knocked. She glanced over to Rainbow Dash's pale form for a second on her living room couch feigning sleep directly across on the other side of the building, then used her magic to unlock and open the front door. The chime went off for a moment, then in walked Lightning Dust. And not the one she befriended as a filly.

But the one Magenta Streak actually had as a friend. The really strong one that puts Bulk Muscles to shame. She must've gotten out of another workout. She had a light blue towel around her neck that was a hue lighter than her light blue coat. Her Light Gray Mane was matted to her face with sweat. Actually, her entire body was matted with sweat!

Before she could say a word, Rarity bounced up from behind her with a gasp and shouted, "Oh no! Take this outside now!"

Lightning Dust trained her eyes on Rarity for a second before she was obnoxiously picked up by her magic. Rainbow Dash—still moping—was next in line. Then the door was opened and they were both floating out of it. Rarity walked out behind them with her head held high and a prance in her step. "I do not need sweat and tears in my shop at the same time! It is just too much! Not too mention, grotesque!"

She dropped lightning Dust on her hooves facing away from the door, then placed Rainbow Dash on her back. Lightning Dust had huge eyes aimed ahead before Rarity slammed the door to her shop shut. Then it was quiet once more Lightning sighed and glanced up to the pony on her back. Rainbow Dash. Pale as the sky when it's about to rain. She sighed and flew off into the air with her. She knew the story. It's because of Rainbow Dash and Ponyville that Magenta lost her wings, Rarity told her. And Rainbow Dash and Sweetie Belle took it the hardest.

But while Sweetie Belle was dealing well with this, Rainbow Dash was pretty much dead by this point. She's been taking it the hardest out of everypony in Ponyville. She's barely been eating, moving, exercising like Lightning was used to seeing her do. The sky wasn't even the limit anymore. It was lower. She tended to stay on the ground and sleep in trees, according to Applejack. Those trees just happened to be on her farm of apples. Twilight said she even stopped reading after a while.

Well Lightning Dust had a fix for all of this.

She flew up to the highest cloud over Cloudsdale and landed on it. The one hanging directly over Twilight's castle. From here they could see all of Ponyville, let alone a good half of Equestria. The air was thin, it became difficult to breathe. Good. She shifted her body so Rainbow Dash would fall over onto the cloud's puffy white surface on her back. "Alright, Rainbow!" She shouted. Then turned and looked down to her confused expression. "Let's do this."

Rainbow glanced around awkwardly. "Uhh... Do what?" She whispered.

Jeez, she sounds like Fluttershy, Lightning Dust thought. Once, she was on her hooves, Lightning walked closer to Rainbow Dash and placed a wing gently on her back. "We're going to do a little test, alright?" She walked Dash over to the edge of the cloud and pointed to the ground below of Ponyville. "What do you see down there?"

When Rainbow Dash had her eyes focused on the entirety of Cloudsdale, Lightning Dust pulled her wing back and slowly backed away. "Well I see the Cloud Factory, ponies moving, the Rainbows, lights, birds, clouds obviously... Uhhh... A few other wonderbolts. I think I see my parents... Wait, why—" She never finished her question.

All she saw was a giant mass of light blue coming for her first. Then a whirl of hooves before she was bucked over the ledge. Hard. All she heard was ringing and a pain in her chest. Everything hurt. The wind was flailing her mane left and right. All into her face, all into her eyes. It hurt. A lot.

Rainbow Dash slowly rotated her body and eyed the incoming ground of Scootaloo's hill. The same hill where they buried Scootaloo. She widened her eyes and desperately flapped her wings hard enough to soar back up into Ponyville's sunny skies with a destination for Lightning Dust, and that mouth of hers she was going to put her hoof into.

While Rainbow Dash was falling to the ground, Lightning Dust leaned over the edge nad watched her. She watched her flip, she watched her soar back up, then she watched her land next to her and punch her in the shoulder with the pain of a bee. "What the buck was that?!!" She yelled. "I could have died!!!"

Lightning Dust nodded and replied with little to no care, "Uh huh, yeah, right. Now answer this question—"

"You tried to kill me, I'm not answering your question! I'm getting out of here!" She turned around and proceeded to walk away with a destination for the ground. There was no way she was going to hang out with a pony that tried to kill her. Uncool!!

"What was the difference between what just happened to you and Magenta?"

Rainbow Dash stopped walking away and slowly glared over her shoulder to Lightning Dust. Her eyes smoldered. "What did you say?" She growled.

Lightning Dust walked closer and got down into Rainbow Dash's face since she couldn't hear her. She asked in the exact same tone, "I asked 'what was the difference between what just happened and Magenta?'"

"Magenta lost her bucking wings and almost died. I still have mine—"

"She doesn't care about her wings." Lightning Dust turned around and walked towards the ledge of the cloud to flop down. Her eyes stared down to the ground far below them. "Magenta couldn't care less about them," she sadly explained. "She knew she used to have wings years ago. When she first floated into the Manehattan, she was told that by the nurses in the hospital. That was ten years ago, and you seriously think that's still bugging her? Buck no, Rainbow Dash, she's fine. Have you been in her mansion? Have you seen where she goes, what she buys, what she can afford, what she can even do without wings? She's flying higher than any of us. When we grew up in the orphanage together, we weren't really all that concerned about it. As a matter of fact, she kept her entire body covered up to increase her brand, not her scars. Yeah, she had scars she liked to hide, along with her face. But she didn't really care about the wings or any of that. It helps her grow. Wings don't matter. It's her music and what she puts on Net that does."

Rainbow Dash sighed and looked away. But Lightning continued. "She's not mad at you girls, she's mad at the last real memory she had of all of you: She pretty much died after you all laughed at her. But even she knows and acknowledges that if you didn't, she wouldn't be Magenta Streak. Bright wouldn't have a sister and would be about as lonely as a skunk. And who knows what else."

Since Rainbow Dash seems to have calmed down, Lightning stood back up and made her way back over to Rainbow Dash. She was listening. Her blue coat was slowly returning. Lightning didn't know it could fade in the first place, but it did. She stopped next to Rainbow Dash and pointed to the left where the Everfree Forest was and pointed out, "Scootaloo was humiliated, she was embarrassed, she ran away, then died in there."

Next, Lightning pointed to the right towards Canterlot. "But she resurfaced after flying through blades of steel and metal, losing her wings, her memories, how to read, how to walk, and lost comfort from her wounds beyond Canterlot in the city of Manehattan. And became practically the biggest star Equestria has ever seen, a millionaire at the age of eighteen, has ponies playing her music every single bucking day, and doesn't even have to really do anything to get paid anymore. As a matter of fact, I remember her telling me that she goes to sleep at night and wakes up the next day with more money coming into her account. I know it doesn't work out that way, since it takes about two months for Royalties to actually come, but she gets paid by literally doing nothing on other platforms. Thousands upon thousands of bits, Rainbow! She's rolling in dough faster than anypony ever!"

Lightning Dust sighed and used her hoof to turn Rainbow's head by her chin to face up to her. The wind calmed down the atmosphere with serenity. "Rainbow Dash," Lightning whispered. "Magenta moved on years ago. Because even she knows nothing can be done but to. Don't you think it's time for you to do the same? The rest of Ponyville has. Yes, it hurt. Yes, it was painful to see and watch. But nothing can be done. The only thing you can do is move on and stop trying to correct the past. Because you just can't."

Rainbow Dash sighed and looked towards Canterlot. Behind it was the city of dreams. A city you needed to have big bits and be willing to risk it all just to succeed. And Scootaloo managed to succeed. Why did Rainbow continue forgetting that? She was fine. She was doing great up there in Manehattan. Making millions of bits while she herself was still struggling to get back into the air after crying over her.

Lightning Dust could see she was reaching her. So she patted her on the back and asked, "I'll see you tomorrow, alright? I have a few drills I need to run."

Still exercising? Lightning was big enough to carry around Bulk Muscles. She didn't need to get any bigger. But Rainbow looked over her shoulder and nodded. "Alright. I'll see you tomorrow. And Lightning?" Before she could fly off on the opposite side of Rainbow, Lightning looked back to Rainbow's smile. "Thanks. I think I really needed to hear that."

"I know. That's why I did it." Then with a subtle wink, she jumped over the edge of the cloud and soared back home. Rainbow idly wondered what she did for a living apart from being in the Wonderbolts. She had a nice house. A really nice one. A house that the Wonderbolts alone can't provide her. Eh, who cares? She looked back to Canterlot and focused on her future. And not her own, but Scootaloo's.

She was like a daughter to her. Maybe she was crying because she felt like she lost her own filly. Maybe one day she'll actually have one. But Magenta's success is going to allow that regardless. She has way more than enough funds to start a family. And this is what family does. Cry for the other until they couldn't cry anymore. Then move on with the thought that they would have a better life. Just like Scootaloo. She was fine. She was okay.
> Chapter 51 - A Day To Plan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The favorite place in Magenta Streak's mansion is in fact the studio. Not only is it the best location to make music in all of Manehattan. But it was also the quietest. Oh, and it was also the best place to shoot videos. But right now... Everything seemed mediocre for what they wanted. After all, this was the biggest news they have ever released so far. Bigger for this was better.

The only sounds in the studio were the squeaking of rotating chairs, and low breathing. Magenta and Bright Snow were facing each other on opposite ends of the Mixer Console deep in thought. The lights were low and the air was off. The display monitor above the mixer had a black screen with no graphic design symbol on it. Thus their planning process. The Gold Sisters' technique for effective marketing and a content strategy.

Bright turned to Magenta from her own studio chair and suddenly asked, "Is it really though?"

Magenta focused on her instead of her brooding and muttered, "...what?" What was she talking about? They were literally just sitting here not talking at all. Bright was a serious mystery sometimes.

"What if we didn't go all crazy and be simple with this?" Bright leaned her chair back and faced the ceiling. "I mean, how creative can you get with saying, 'We've left Starfire?'"

Magenta hummed and tapped her hooves together with an intense gaze on her Mixer Console. That was true. YouHoof viewers liked news to be brief, concise, and straight to the point. And as hard as they were thinking, it was going to be much longer than needed. Maybe something small and short was the answer, but with a big message.

She swiveled her chair to face Bright and quickly decided, "I have the perfect idea. How about we just make it a brief slideshow of text with maybe a few seconds of us? Complete with a small drum track? Hype it up a lot more than needed?"

That would be really simple. So simple it wouldn't be like them and probably not even taken seriously. As a matter of fact, that was the answer for it.

Bright nodded her head but replied, "Yeah, that could work. Although, we probably shouldn't discredit Starfire with a risk of getting sued."

Discredit? Magenta made a face of confusion and asked, "What are you talking about?"

Bright jumped out of her seat onto the carpet. "Well my idea was sort of like that but it involved..." She nervously tapped her hooves and whispered, "Burning their shirts."

Burning their shirts? As in fire, flames, and catastrophe? Magenta seethed through her teeth and leaned back. "Ehhh, we'll save that for a later. In case we run into some drama. Now how about something more peaceful? An attention grabber?"

"More grabby than us on screen?" Bright meant that to be a sarcastic jab, but she and Magenta widened their eyes at each other. Both had the same idea. The same bright idea that would put this block to rest. Bright grinned and bragged playfully, "I'm so talented."

"Buck yeah, you are." She and Magenta shared their hoof slap and hip bump before Magenta trotted out. "I'll get the huge roll of paper we have," she instructed. "You set up the camera and maybe work on a track. Simple, not extra."

Bright bounced around and replied, "Sure. Should we tease it?"

Magenta poked her head back in and glanced up to the ceiling to think. "Uhh... Yeah," she decided. Then looked back down to Bright. "Big News next Friday. We need to build up rumors and whatever before then." Then she ducked back out again.

Magenta shifted her playful attitude over from something less serious to something more critical when she traveled the halls. Making a video wasn't as hard to do as it was back when she and Bright were just starting out. Nowadays, it was as simple as making a new song. The hard part now was selling and marketing. Of course after the recording they had to get the rumor started. She had ponies to contact right now before they began shooting.

She reached into the pocket inside of her suit and pulled out her Z4 Smartphone. Oh, she had one missed call from Deep Light of Windbreez Records in Canterlot. Thankfully, she left a voicemail. "Hello, Ms. Streak. It's Deep Light. I just wanted to let you know we have two unreleased demos in case you need any. Send the word, and I'll be happy to send them right over. You have my contact info. Thank you for your time."

Demos, huh? That could actually help out. Magenta made a note to email her back after she got the roll of paper from the library she just walked into. Silent books stacked the shelves. Books covered in dust. She hasn't read in quite a while. Maybe she should take the time out to read. Or turn this library full of books into a secure archive. She stopped to consider it. Nah, this was a much more peaceful place to relax.

Magenta turned to the right of the library and started to dig around out of sight from the door. Then came back into sight with a white poster board balancing on her back. Most ponies could balance things on their backs. But since a Poster Board was one of the most lightest things out there, it was more of a challenge.

Magenta liked challenges.

Bright had everything setup when she walked back in. They would clearly be doing it in the recording booth The dim atmosphere provided the perfect light. Softer light, semi-dark, semi-bright. Perfect. She walked over to the couch next to her instrument room and rolled it over. "Alright, what's the plan, Bright?"

Bright peeked out of the booth and answered, "Write down 'Starfire.' Then we rip the poster... Or at least try to. That one's pretty thick."

Magenta smirked knowingly and quickly grabbed a marker with her teeth. "Exactly. Let's make it humorous. Okay, I'll write down Starfire. How's the track?"

Bright ducked back into the booth but left the door open with a crack. "A basic bassline with a small rim shot, added to with a low-pass filtered drum kick that lasts zero point zero five seconds. Perfect."

Sounded good. But that was a small bit to what it'll really be like. After Magenta wrote on the board in big bold letters 'Starfire', she dropped the marker she was using recklessly and walked into the booth with it on her back. There were two stools with one occupied by Bright, and another that Magenta popped up into.

"Okay," she breathed. "Let's... Get awkward."

"—ly funny, you mean." Magenta and Bright glanced at each other for a few seconds in a tense silence. Then grinned and burst out laughing at Bright's joke. Whenever she was around, things were always fun.

Magenta sighed and calmed down her cackles. "Alright, let's do this. It's just one scene."

"You know it." A shared hoof bump later and they started acting.



It was really considerate how Magenta trusted Babs enough to go to the mall and buy things with her bits. Not many ponies she's dated in the past allowed that. Money was always tight. When she was younger and in high school with Magenta, colts would always try to date her by taking her out to cheesy places like the nearest fast food places. Now that Babs' mind went back to the past, she should've went past all of her insecurities and talked to Magenta. It definitely wouldn't have been easy. But it would've been worth it. For two reasons. One? Because she was bucking cute and had a thing for her too.

And second? She was the missing filly that everypony was looking for in Ponyville. Things would've been so much more easy.

But Babs wasn't here to think about the past. She was here to shop. One more store. The mall today was crowded. So getting through all these ponies was going to be a hassle. And it still is, despite the fact that everypony saw her by this point in time. The security that Magenta got for her was doing an excellent job with carrying her bags while enroute to their final destination. Having escorts was great. Maggy said she didn't enjoy having them. Strange. Babs was loving it herself.

The mall had two floors with the bottom below actual ground level, and the second on ground level. The one below held all the snacks, food, and fun stuff sprawled all over the place on clean squeaky flooring while the second had been covered in bright carpeting. Designer shops littered the entire mall. Including the electronics store. And cameras were flashing on her.

Once again, security doing an excellent job with keeping ponies back on her way to Golden Diamond Crown. The second top luxurious designer store in Manehattan. Ponies from all over the nation come here just to shop. And those are a lot of ponies. The shop here was quick and eventful, clearing the day's activities at the mall. Where to next?

The sun scorched her coat by the time she and her security stepped out of the mall onto the concrete sidewalks of East Manehattan. The air full of tweeting birds, talking pegasi, and singing ponies. And a ringing cell phone.

On her way to the chariot, she reached into her purse and pulled out her Z4. Apple Bloom? Once inside the chariot and comfortable Babs answered the phone with, "Hey, Bloom. What's up?"

"Hey." She sounded sad. Of course she did. Especially after everything that was recently said in the hospital. It must be kicking them in the flank hard. "Think you can stop by whenever? Or are you too busy?"

"Actually, Magenta has plans today with Bright. They were having a meeting this morning with some high profile ponies, so I'm and about today. I just got some shopping done. I'll head back to Magenta's to drop them off then I'll float on over. Sound good?"

"Yeah, sure. Sweetie's here too, just so you know."



It never occurred to Babs how faster it was to get to Ponyville by chariot than it was by Friendship Express. Celestia, if she had wings she could get anywhere she wanted to go at a much faster rate of time and speed. Even now she was landing in front of Sweet Apple Acres at the same time the train departing for Ponyville should be leaving the station. Heck she might even make it back to Manehattan before it even arrives.

Babs sighed and leaned her head back to face the sky. The vibration from the rocky ground under the wheels of the chariot rolled over her coat then slowed to a stop. "We're here, miss," one of the drivers up ahead said.

Oh how Babs would hate to get out of this awesome seat. Magenta lives the most lavish life. This is where hard work will get you. Or if you're dating a super celebrity. But the hard work never stops. To maintain this life you had to continue pushing forward.

After a sigh and opening of the door, Babs jumped out the chariot to the hot ground of Sweet Apple Acres. Home to her cousins. It's been years since they've actually spoken to each other's parents. The Apples because they're parents were... Gone. And Babs Seed's because they broke contact with most of Equestria. As a matter of fact, they definitely didn't know of Magenta Streak, Manehattan, anything really. It was one of the many reasons Babs moved to Manehattan. So she could actually get involved with something.

She didn't think she'd be dating an actual celebrity.

The trek up to the Apples' farmhouse was short and sweet. Tweeting birds, soundless atmosphere. It was the only peaceful part of Ponyville. Not to mention the literal sweetest.

Her hooves left the narrow path to the farmhouse onto its actual property. A small wooden home with two stories on flat dirt for land secured by a small picket fence. On the far right was a farmhouse holding hay, tools, and other items. The doors were left open so she could clearly see that somepony else was in there. Apple Bloom. She had her bow off again with that long maned emo look. Oh boy, here we go again.

Babs sighed and brushed off her black and white Mahlooho jumpsuit before making her way over across the dirt landscape. She could make her out sitting on a small bale of hay. She couldn't make out Sweetie. But she knew she was in here somewhere.

When a shadow crept into Apple Bloom's sight, she already knew who it was. She didn't have to turn around or anything. Only sigh to the dirt on the ground and greet, "Hey, Babs."

Babs placed a hoof on her back and applied soothing emotions. She couldn't see Sweetie anywhere, but she knew she was somewhere nearby. "Hey," she greeted. "How you holdin' up?"

Apple Bloom stood up to face Babs and the nice outfit she was wearing. "Magenta's spoiling you already?"

Babs shrugged sheepishly. What else could she possibly say other than, "Yep, she is. Now talk to me. What's up?"

Apple Bloom looked back up to her eyes and answered, "Everything's going back to how they used to. You know, when she first left us. Rainbow's fallen back into depression, Sweetie's getting to that point, and I'm just..." Apple Bloom just nudged some stray hay on the ground with a free hoof. "I don't know, I can't explain it."

Babs easily could. "You're all damaged by Magenta's words," she stated. Then walked around Apple Bloom deeper into the farmhouse. "You were all really close to Scootaloo before she left. The loss of your friend traumatized the entire town, but it definitely traumatized both of you. And I can see why." She turned around to face Apple Bloom and concluded, "You guys wanted to start where you left off. You wanted everything to go back to normal. To you being friends, to her being in the middle of the both of you making up The Cutie Mark Crusaders. But guys..."

Babs turned back around and continued walking over to a bale she kicked to the side, revealing Sweetie Belle with her back turned to them. She saw her tail flop out earlier before it was yanked back in. "Magenta ... Scootaloo doesn't want to be a part of that anymore. She's a business owner now. She has her own plans, her own money, and her own deals, and it's not here with you guys. And no matter how much you cry, shed tears, text, or even send 'we're sorry' letters to Manehattan, there is literally nothing you can do that will make her return. She found her place in Manehattan with the rest of the riches, fame, and glory."

Sweetie looked back to Babs and made a few signs to Apple Bloom with a glare. "You're just saying that because you're dating Magenta."

Of course they'd make denials. She was her girlfriend after all, but the reason she was saying that was just that. "Well you're not wrong about that, but you're also not right. I am her girlfriend, but I'm not biased. Way before this moment for years, I was like everyone else. A follower. And just like any follower, I was watching her. I was just another admirer like Sweetie. And we both know that Magenta isn't all about going back to her past or anything else. As a matter of fact, she focuses more on her future than on what happened yesterday. She's barely mentioned talking to you guys ever since that fight in the hospital. She's been reluctant to speak to you and instead focused on getting her label started. Both her and Bright."

Babs took a deep breath and solemnly said what they really needed to hear. "Guys ... She's moved on. She's gone and the only way she's coming back here to Ponyville is if business brings her here, her exact words. Other than that, she doesn't want to be in Ponyville. She doesn't even want to be in the same city as you guys. And whining, crying, and sobbing salty tears won't make her return."

Apple Bloom closed her eyes and let one more sad tear roll down her face. As harsh as the reality, she was right. Magenta wasn't worried about them. They were now just fans. Once again. They were no longer friends or even partners. At least she didn't blackball their families.

She nodded to Babs when she made her way past the door. But she had a feeling something else was coming. "And guys?" Yep.

They both turned their heads to stare at Babs' steeled expression at the entrance. "I'm saying this because I love the both of you like my little sisters. Don't forget about her, okay? Magenta may be very wealthy and her word may be law to some ponies, but ... She's still a pony. She's still flesh, bones, and beauty. And just like all ponies she has her ups and down. And just like all ponies the oldest of friends are the ones we truly need. I have a feeling she'll need you again someday. So don't give up so easily, 'kay?"

Then Babs trotted away from the door and left their sights and ears. The sound of her clopping hooves soon left their ears and once washed their environment in silence. Leaving them alone once more.
> Chapter 52 - I Quit
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Getting information on certain ponies wasn't easy. Especially when that pony was the most secretive out there. One would always need an inside source. And Gold Spoon didn't have that. So here she was, sitting behind the desk of her office space on the second floor of Starfire Records' Office Suite. Brooding over The Gold Sisters and their activities. It was no longer a secret here that Magenta had left Starfire Records. And it was obvious the reason was unknown.

That gives Magenta the advantage to put out a post that could put Starfire in a very big spotlight. A spotlight bigger than the one they were already in after Magenta Streak joined them. Gold Spoon could already hear the questions being shot her way. Why did Magenta Streak leave Starfire? Where did that leave the label? Where did that leave Magenta Streak and Bright Snow? Gold Spoon didn't have an answer for that last one at all. They were now unpredictable. They could go back to being Indy. Or they could even join one of their competitors.

Gold Spoon sighed and buried her yellow hooves in her frazzled silver and violent mane. The color seemed to be eaten alive lately by stress. She was already puzzled and the drama hadn't had yet to commence. She knew Magenta Streak was planning something. But what exactly was the plan?

Gold Spoon lowered her hooves and glared across the room to the pair of doors giving access to her space. She groaned and mumbled with contempt, "What are you planning, Magenta Streak? What ... Are you planning?"



Today was the day. Before the sun was even in the sky, Magenta and Bright were up and in the studio getting some work in. It's been two days since they first teased they had big news for all of their fans and followers. And the reaction was huge so far. So many comments. "What could it be," "Uh oh, The Gold Sisters strike again," things of that nature. But right now, they had to get some more music ready. It's not as easy as it sounds.

The Genre today would be Drum 'N Bass. Magenta hadn't exactly produced a good Drum 'N Bass track in months. So she hopped on one of her Hardware Synths and recorded a melody for inspiration, Bright set in some vocals, then mixing finally brought them to where they were now. In the kitchen taking a break and eating breakfast.

Mom and Dad weren't up yet. And neither was Babs. That gave Bright the chance to have a serious talk with her sister. A talk she's wanted to have for a while now.

The two were sitting across from each other in the dimly lit kitchen downstairs. Around the corner from the studio on the first floor. The sun was just rising and bathing Magenta's back in warmth and comfort while she ate one of her own creations. A few eggs mixed with a side of Apples.

But that wasn't important. Bright sighed and set down her food from the cold side across to ask, "Magenta?" Magenta stopped chewing and looked up to Bright with acknowledgement in her eyes. "It's about Babs. Don't you two think you're ... Going a little fast?"

Magenta sat back and asked, "What do you mean?"

"I mean ... We can't include Babs in everything. You know? I suggest we keep the music stuff between the professionals." Magenta stopped chewing and stared blankly at Bright. "That's you and I, in case you didn't ... You know."

Oh stars above. Magenta rolled her eyes and deadpanned, "I know, Bright. Is everything okay? You're acting strange."

Magenta's suspicion was proven when Bright dropped her fork on the plate, leaned back, and repeated in shock and exaggeration, "Strange? What are you talking about, I'm not acting strange. See, I'm eating breakfast and planning with you. That's not strange at all."

Bright talking fast? Yeah, something was up. Magenta wiped her mouth and clarified, "No, no, what's strange is that you're bringing this up. You like Babs. I even recall you asking for her input for one of our ideas."

Bright stammered, "I-I mean yeah, but she has good ideas."

"So what's the problem? You like Babs, she definitely likes you..." Magenta stopped talking and shot her sister that look reading she knew exactly why she was bringing this up. Eyes like a foal that pooped their diaper. "Bright... Are you jealous?"

Bright quickly grew defensive. If it were possible, Magenta was positive that Bright's mane would've changed into a thousand snakes and hissed at her.

"What?!" She shouted. Then snorted and chuckled in embarrassing humor. "Maggy, I'm not jealous."

"Then why can't Babs pitch her ideas?"

"I didn't say she couldn't pitch her ideas."

"Then what can't she do, because that's literally all she does right now. Pitch us ideas. So what's really bugging you?" Question delivered, Magenta went back to eating her breakfast. She couldn't record in an empty stomach. Bright groaned and looked down to her food. That's when Magenta could tell that this was serious. Bright only ignores things when she wasn't sure she should talk about something. So she dropped the teasing big sister act and actually focused on being her little sister's friend. "Bright... You know you can tell me anything."

Bright glanced up then back down to her food with those wet ice blue eyes. "...we don't hang out like we used to," she murmured.

Magenta was used to hearing Bright mumble under her breath. And all the music wasn't too loud that she couldn't hear her. She sweetly replied, "Bright we always hang out."

"But not like we used to." She focused back on Magenta's confused face and clarified further, "Even when we joined Starfire Records things were just that: You and I. We would go out and actually have fun together. There was no music, there was no vlogging, there were no headaches, there were no girlfriends, there were no spouses, and there was no business. It was just you and I acting like teenagers. Having fun and hanging out with our friends. Going to the mall and having a blast.

"But now... Everything became so serious. We make music so much, we vlog so much, we do interviews so much that eventually our relationship isn't even sisterly anymore. It's not how it was when we first met. Remember when we first met, Maggy?"

"Of course, Bright." Magenta bounced out of her seat and trotted around the table to meet her sister on the other side, and placed a tender hoof on her wing. "How could I ever forget that. You just lost your parents and your wings were shattered, and I washed up in Manehattan dead with twenty eights cuts, gashes, and lashes all over my body with no memory. You walked into my room and watched me while I was sleeping. Then asked if we could be friends."

Bright happily nodded and added, "We were inseparable. We did everything together. What happened to that?" Before Magenta could answer, Bright did it for her by waving her hoof to their fancy surroundings. "This happened! Business took over and we didn't even have enough time to ourselves anymore. And that made me sad. Then the idea of leaving Starfire—the source to all of our business—came up and I was a little happy. Then the idea of starting our own label was slid across the table and... Now I'm sad again. Depressed."

Magenta stood up on her rear hooves so she could place her front hooves on the table. Just to get to Bright's level. She reminded her, "But I thought you wanted to start the label with me... Don't you?"

The scared quiver in Magenta's eyes made Bright feel bad. But she still answered, "I did. But now I can clearly see that it's going to change our relationship. Magenta..." Bright bounced out of her seat and faced Magenta when she quickly dropped down onto her hooves to listen. "You're forgetting who I was when we first started all of this. I love singing, and I like mixing and producing with you. But I really, really, really love dancing." Magenta sighed and sadly looked away. She could see where this was going. "My whole life has been dancing, Maggy. It will always be dancing. And if we continue down this path... I don't think I can be what I want to be. I'll still be one of your dancers in the front getting everyone to dance. But I won't be doing it for myself, I'll be doing it for us. I sort of..."

Bright lowered her tone down to a whisper and answered, "I want to dance for me. If we launch this record label, everywhere you go, I'll have to go because we're the Gold Sisters. Magenta Streak the Artist, Songwriter, Vlogger, Producer and DJ, and Bright Snow... Magenta's back up dancer who also knows how to DJ and Vlogger."

Magenta grabbed Bright's hoof and brought it up between them. Her violet eyes bore into her blues. "What are you saying, Bright?" She quietly queried.

"I'm saying... I don't think I want to be in the label. I'm saying I want to follow my own path. I want to go to school, and I want to open a dancing school. I want to follow my dreams, Maggy. Not yours."

It was as if Magenta's mind broke down into a million little itty bitty pieces. Her eyes stayed locked on to Bright's nearly thirty seconds after she said that. Bright thought she may have to knock Magenta on the muzzle until she whispered in a tone that shattered Bright's heart, "You're... Leaving me?"

"No, Magenta, no," she quickly answered. She pulled her hoof out of her sister's to ease the tension. "I'm just leaving The Gold Sisters. I'm not leaving Magenta Streak, I'm not leaving my sister, I'm not leaving my family. I'm just leaving the idea of a business duo."

Magenta pointed out the window behind her and nervously stammered, "B-But what about our fans? They love you, Bright! It's not the Gold Sisters unless Bright Snow's there too."

"I don't want to be a part of the Gold Sisters, Magenta!" Bright sternly replied. She lowered her tone when Magenta's ears flopped down and she looked away. "I just want to follow my own dreams now. When Babs and the rest of your old friends showed up, that's when I realized that things were starting to change again. And when Zesty Gourmand flew in that's when I knew that Starfire was actually doing a lot of work for us. And that if I didn't do or say something soon... I'd never get this chance to go on my own path."

As much as Magenta didn't want to admit it, she was right. Things were going to get a lot more serious now. Bright definitely wouldn't have time for high school, Magenta would barely be out on the stages now because she'd be forced to sit behind a desk all the time handling the business. And Bright probably would have been in charge of the promotion or something to get their new artists some proper exposure. This honestly would've been the best time for Bright to back out. Now or never. Unfortunately.

She looked up to Bright and asked, "What am I going to tell our fans?"

The fans. The source of their income. Bright smiled softly and answered, "They'll understand. You're a great sister and they know that. And they'll get that being an artist isn't what I want to do with my life."

Magenta sighed and mentally prepared a plan. She wasn't going to enjoy it, but... "Well ... I'll always support you, Bright. I mean, yeah it hurts that you're not going to be with me anymore, but... If this is what you want then I'll support it. I'm going to miss you though. And I'm sure everyone else is too. I'm definitely going to cry later. 'Cuz I'm not going to have my best friend by my side anymore."

"Awww, Maggie~!" Bright pulled Magenta into a hug and said, "I'll always be your best friend and I'll always be by your side. Just not on stages or anything else music. Or vlogs."

Magenta took a deep breath and nodded her head. Her mind ordered her tears to cease their descent from her eyes. It was as if the worst news she could have ever imagined was dropped on her in real life. And she didn't particularly enjoy it. With a shaky breath, she whispered, "I'll go and make an update vlog about this. I'm proud of you, Bright. I am. You're chasing your dream. And as your sister, it's my duty to make sure you stay safe and do it the right way.

"But I can't help but feel upset that you're leaving." Before Bright could say anything, Magenta raised her hoof and quickly added, "I'll get over it. It's just going to take some time. I love you, Bright." Magenta leaned in and pressed a kiss to Bright's forehead. A loving kiss for a loving sister.

Her smile was a contagious infection that Bright couldn't help but return. "I love you too, Magenta," she muttered.

Message delivered, Magenta took a step back and casually made her way to the doors leading out of the kitchen. "Now if you'll excuse me... I have to re-record the message to the fans. Can't exactly have you saying we have good news when I have bad news too."

Bright didn't say anything in return. She remained in the silence of the kitchen after Magenta left. Breakfast suddenly didn't seem that important anymore. She sighed and threw her napkin on top of the plate and brooded on the future. She had a feeling it wasn't going to be a particularly pleasant one.
> Chapter 53 - Magenta's Take
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sweetie was a huge fan of Magenta. Like "schoolgirl filly" fan. Even though she graduated High School in the beauty of Canterlot City, her room was still decorated with posters, pictures, Vinyl, all types of fan girl Magenta stuff. They say represent the artists from your city.

Not many ponies knew Magenta Streak was actually born in Ponyville.

Manipulated images were plastered on her walls of Magenta at shows. Magazine clippings, books, everything! Sweetie was a die hard. Maybe because Scootaloo achieved something she wished she could do again: Sing. Have fun. Make everyone dance.

That's why she waited until nine by herself tonight instead of with Apple Bloom to watch The Gold Sisters' surprise vlog. Something good was supposed to happen and they were announcing what it was tonight. Another highly anticipated video with little effort.

The moon was high in the sky overlooking Ponyville. The cool air wafted in through the cracks of windows and the silence reigned supreme over the crickets chirping beyond the glass. Sweetie's highly decorated room blended into this atmosphere save for her breathing. The lights were out and Luna's moon bathed a cool glow through her window onto her covers and wooden bedroom floor. Sweetie herself was tucked underneath her sheets, save for her head and hooves holding her Z-Phone like a lifeline waiting for the video to load. Titled "Big News!... And Not So Big News." Strange title.

After it finally loaded up, Magenta was plastered on the screen from inside her studio, shooting them a sad smile wearing a standard Orange shirt. There was no music and there was no Bright. Magenta started off by dropping her face into her hooves and sighing. Then raising back up and smoothing her mane.

"Hello, all my Streakers," she greeted. Her voice was void of any excitement and wonder, unlike usual. "This video was supposed to have good news, and only good news. Bright and I had recorded a special video for you guys, but due to unforeseen circumstances I had to record it over. Like the title implies, I have good news for you guys and I have bad news.

"But first off I want to thank everyone for their support involving my sudden visit to Ponyville's General Hospital. I just had a brain lapse, I've been having them since I was little. Much better now, thank you all. We really appreciate it."

Sweetie knew that was a lie. She rolled her eyes and shook her head. But she'd be stupid to cut the video for it.

"So the good news is actually concerning the rumor circulating all over Equestria and Net about our position with Starfire Records. Many are saying that Bright and I are leaving Starfire and moving to a different label. Well Bright and I are happy to say that the rumors are true. We left Starfire Records around two weeks ago and are now moving forward without them." Sweetie would've been surprised... If she didn't already know that. Come on, where's the new stuff?

"What makes this really exciting is now we have more freedom to expand. We were planning our own label and distribution aggregator to deliver new artists, new shows, and more content through an effort YouHoof and I are trying to put together. We have a few artists tucked under the belt right now that show real promise. And we can't wait to see what happens next.

"Now for the bad news." Magenta fanned her face and chuckled nervously. "Yeah, this is... This is messing me up a lot guys, it's so hard to talk about. In a shocking turn of events, this new beginning... Will unfortunately have to be done... Without... Bright."

Without Bright? Sweetie had to sit up for this one. And unknowingly—surprisingly—so did Apple Bloom. "Bright has decided that she no longer wants to be a part of The Gold Sisters and that she wants to go her own path."

Bright's going solo?! The news was so shocking that even Apple Bloom gasped. Princess Twilight had to throw a pillow over her head to block out Spike's shouting. And a good half of Ponyville could no longer sleep.

"I know, I know, I was as surprised as you all are. But Bright has expressed the fact that she doesn't want to be a Vlogger, or a DJ, or anything else you know her as on YouHoof. She just wants to be a dancer. She wants to go to school and continue doing performances, and open her own dancing academy. It's been her dream forever and she's really excited to go follow her dream. And what better time than now when we're no longer being held down by Starfire Records?  It would mean a lot to her if you showed her your support.

"I know all of you are wondering what exactly we're going to do without Bright. There is a lot we can do without Bright, but it won't feel or even be the same without her here. All of her music, videos, and content will remain on the channel. But nothing else will be updated with her in it unless she decides to make a featuring presence, or whatever she wants.

"So I guess that's all I really have to say. Keep an eye out on my Socials, they'll be updated regularly. Bright may even appear in some videos here and there, who knows! Until next time, Streakers! Send Bright some support on her channels too! She'll be looking forward to them. Until next time!"

It was a quick vlog, but still a stressful one. Finished, Magenta cut off her phone, shut down her studios' systems and marched up to bed to pass out peacefully. She needed this. She needed a deep sleep and rest.



The next morning was filled with the chirping of birds outside the windows of Magenta's Estate. Fluttering through the air over the biggest home in the city of Manehattan.

A city already a chatter with the vlog Magenta Streak bombed on them last night. She could hardly fathom the nightmare that would bombard her the second she walked out that door today. Guess she was going incognito again. At least whenever she went out and handled business.

But for now, the safest place were within her bed sheets and pillows. Where the most security she needed was the protection from the world above. A world hounding her down.

"Maggy!!" A bundle of weight was suddenly dropped onto her bed sheets, forcing her eyes to snap back open. "Wake up, wake up!!"

"Ugh! Bright! Jeez!" Magenta struggled to pull the sheets back over her body but, eventually, they were torn away from her face and the sun was blinding her. She seethed and covered her eyes. "Ahhh, the sun! No!"

Bright rolled her eyes and shook her head, tittering at her sister's maturity. "Oh yeah, you're going to burn now," she sarcastically taunted. "But enough of that! Gimme a hoof here!"

After Bright's weight jumped down from Magenta's bed and floated over to the closet, Magenta rose from the bed and rubbed her eyes. Ugh, what time was it? She weakly reached over to her bedside table and grabbed her Z-Phone. "Bright, it's nine-fourteen," she tiredly complained. "What do you want?"

Bright started flinging Magenta's colorful expensive things out of the closet and over to Magenta's bed. A past seed sewn from the ground of experience in both of the sisters created an instinct for Magenta to lift her comforter so she wasn't hit by that flying shoe heading her way.

Bright stopped flinging when she threw what she was looking for. "Put those on!"

Magenta lowered the sheets and locked her eyes on the clothes. Oh. That's what she wanted. When they were growing up in high school, and Magenta and Bright Snow were just starting out making content, Bright had the magnificent idea of creating a "floating head" concept. Thanks to the software of a major video editing company based, of course, out of Manehattan, they were able to use a green screen on different parts of their bodies to show a video on the actual person.

Extremely complex, but the fruits of their labor were extremely rewarding with a growing amount of views on that single asset, even to this date. Every twenty-four hours a new stack of hard earned revenue pours into their accounts from that video alone, grossing up to a total amount of fourteen million bits in ad revenue. Apparently they created a new kind of effect that allowed an item artificially mirrored on a pony. Done correctly and it could be used through so many different situations and themes.

Apparently Bright wanted to get that in early for some reason. Magenta yawned and held up the green suit. "Wait, I thought you were quitting the scene."

Bright jumped on the bed and grinned down to Magenta with bright blue eyes. "I lied! April Fools!"



Magenta shot up in her bed and took a deep breath in. So deep she almost passed out again. She placed a hoof on her chest and slowed the speeding engine that was her heart. It was only a nightmare. A really strange nightmare. Magenta should've known something was amiss the second Bright started going through her closet. She never went through her things because she was scared of what she would find. The entire household knew that Magenta's room was dirtier than anyone else's on the property. Even mom's garden shed was a lot cleaner than her bedroom.

What time was it really? Magenta grabbed her phone and checked the time. Great. Six in the morning. The sun hadn't even risen yet. Her room was still basked in the perfect glow of the full moon.

Magenta sighed and rubbed her face, an attempt to rid of the stress that she was under. With the Potential YouHoof deal, the leaving of Starfire, the building of her label, and now the leaving of her sister... Things were getting a little messy now. A little out of hoof where she couldn't grab hold anymore. Well no time like the present to get it all in order while the phone wasn't ringing.

Magenta threw the covers off and jumped out of bed. The air was chilly to her cold upper half. So she donned on a pajama shirt. The comforter was so good she would usually get stuffy under it. Which in turn required her to take her shirt off. An unending cycle. She flipped on her lamp and stretched out her body. Joints popped and twisted with the way she moved. She was used to being an early riser; it came with the job. But today, she didn't have anything going on except preparing for the future. Other than that her schedule was pretty dry. Just do some work and relax.

But she couldn't work on a dry stomach. Magenta left her bedroom and stepped out into the dark hallway of her estate. So quiet she could hear her own heartbeat. There was just something about coming home to silence after being up on the stages of chaos. Something appealing about being on the stages at all.

Magenta made a mental note to make that a video sometime. A point-of-view of her doing shows so her fans could see what she sees. This time it was going to be just her though. Jeez, Bright was leaving. It was still so hard to believe. Even for her. And she told her to her face.

Magenta increased her speed out of the Eastern Wing of the estate. The stairs were abandoned, she could see the faint violet glow of the horizon overshadowing Manehattan through the windows next to the front doors. If she wanted to get some work without being disturbed, she needed to hurry up. She jogged down the stairs and into the hallway of the west wing. She would've grabbed something from upstairs, but that fridge didn't have what she needed right now.

Magenta slowed her speed and cocked an eyebrow when she walked past her studio. Did she leave the light on last night in the kitchen? Magenta turned into the doorway and froze in surprise. "Bright?"

Bright Snow was sitting at the island looking at a magazine with a notebook in front of her.  She had a glass of orange juice next to her wearing a pair of light blue pajamas with accentuated trimming. Her eyes were laser-focused on the pages before her sister stepped into the room.

Bright let the pen drop from her mouth and smiled warmly. "Good morning, Maggy. What are you doing up?"

Well she seemed to have been awake for awhile. Magenta groaned and dragged her body to the fridge. "I had a bad dream with you in it." She pulled open the fridge and grabbed a can of alcohol-free beer. She rarely drinks things like this because of the taste, but right now it was definitely going to both hydrate and wake her up. An energy drink that supplied it in the most unfortunate of ways.

Bright giggled and asked, "Is it only bad when I'm involved?"

Magenta closed the fridge and hopped onto the stool next to her sister smirking. "Naturally," she joked. Her eyes darted down to the magazine when she popped the can open. "What are you doing up?"

Bright slowly pushed the magazine her way. "I've been looking for new places to live."

Magenta quickly swallowed her beer and cringed at the taste. She would've thrown the can away by this point but she actually craved the affect it was having on her. Once she had it down she turned to Bright and clarified, "You're moving out? Why?"

Bright shook her head and immediately clarified details. "Oh no, no, not right now. It's for the future. I really enjoyed the visit to the Crystal Empire so I'm checking out the different neighborhoods. I got this magazine when we went up there during the tour and I haven't had a chance to read it. So I'm flipping through to see what the Crystal Empire is really all about. Not bad, a lot of art shops, a few studios, but they're really big on graphical developers."

Phew, good. Magenta calmly took another sip and once more cringed at the taste. "So... Blech, you're doing marketing research?"

"Sort of... Actually, yes. It's not much but I'm looking for schools too." Bright glanced over when she said that for a reaction. But Magenta covered it up by taking another swig of her beer. "Hey. I wanted to talk to you about what you thought about all of this. You know, with the Gold Sisters being deprecated."

"Deprecated?" Magenta slid the can of beer far away from her then focused her entire attention on Bright. "What do you mean, we're still sisters."

"You know what I mean. The brand, The Gold Sisters. The Gold Sisters of two isn't actually a thing without one." Magenta couldn't deny that. But she also didn't want to admit it. Bright placed her hoof on her own and said, "I can see you're affected by this a lot more than you're letting on."

"What are you talking about?"

Bright sighed and figured she may tell her what she needed to hear. She rose up from her seat and over to the can Magenta scooted down the table. "Magenta, you can say you support me all you want to. But at the end of the day..." Bright grabbed the can of beer that was two thirds full and threw it into the trash can next to her. "I'm no longer going to be in the studios, the meetings or the stages with you and that's going to be a change. A big change."

Bright replaced that can of beer with a glass bottle of classic soda. "And I know you're not going to like it."

Magenta scoffed and popped the cap of the bottle. She strongly replied, "Well it is going to take some getting used to. But I'll get over it in time."

"I know you will. But I just don't want any ill-will between us because of it. I know how a little sour you can get over these types of things. When you have plans and they're all of a sudden knocked to the side."

"I'm not mad," Magenta snapped. She sighed and cooled down when Bright flinched away. She lowered her voice and tone. "Bright... It's not your fault. I know you want to go out and do your own thing and I definitely want you to follow your dream. It's just..." Magenta glanced away and admitted, "I was hoping we were in this together. We would always stick together forever. But... Now we're flowing apart.

"When we were younger, you were always latched onto my hoof. And I was always latched on to your wing. We were inseparable. But now we're going our own ways. It's part of growing up, I get it. But I..."

Bright placed a hoof on Magenta's side. "You wanted to stick together. Forever."

"Bright when I lost my memories, you became my entire family. It was you. Mom and dad, they were just our nurses at first. But you were my family. You were there for me in the hospital, you were there for me in the orphanage, and you were there for me in school. You were there for me when I first started singing, you were there when I first started songwriting, I was never alone. We always had each other. I was there for you just as much. I convinced you to dance in public. I convinced you to make your first video. I convinced you to do so many things that put us where we are today."

Magenta took a breather and whispered, "It's hard to believe all of that is going to come to an end now."

Bright wrapped Magenta in a wing and brushed her mane to the side. It was getting a little long. "I know. Honestly, I'm going to miss it too. Especially talking to you as my sister and not your co-producer."

"Well we'll still be sisters." Magenta nuzzled Bright's cheek lovingly and kissed her forehead. "And nothing will change that. Maybe sometime you'll even do a crashing."

Bright laughed and hugged back. "Maybe. But I'm not exactly out of the game just yet." She pulled back and poked a hoof into Magenta's chest. Her face contorted into a wry grin. "I'm going to help you get this label together first. There's no way I'm letting you do this alone. But after that I'm out. Deal?"

"Deal!" Magenta and Bright shared a hoof bump before Magenta jumped off of the stool and eagerly moved for the door. She still had some work to do. "Any plans today?"

"Yeah, I'm going out to check on one of the artists you want to sign. I told her that I was going to meet up with her at YouHoof's lounge downtown for some breakfast. Then we'll move on from there."

Magenta chortled and stopped halfway out the door to shoot her sister that sneaky grin. "Is Bright Snow turning into a mentor now? Promise me you won't pressure her into anything."

"Only if you promise not to drink anymore of that disgusting beer anymore." Bright deadpanned a stare. "I know how much you hate the stuff yet you keep buying and drinking it. If you want to wake up, just grab an energy drink or some coffee. We have sooo much because mom goes jogging all the time."

Yeah maybe it was time for a change. The look of the can alone made Magenta want to gag. The taste was a whole other level of disgusting. Maybe something with a lot of sodium was better. Magenta saluted herself into a promise. "You got it."
> Chapter 54 - Sunrise Miku
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today was the day. This was it. Music and image was always important in this industry but now it was time to do business. And this wasn't the business where you go to the library, have a seat and quietly discuss all the things that made up one's brand. No, this meeting was about Magenta Streak. Magenta freaking Streak, the greatest DJ in Equestria. The name alone was insanely expensive, working with her on projects was an honor among anypony.

The meeting was going to be deep in East Manehattan. She's only been able to go so far as the school because it was so expensive in there. A month's worth of allowance would disappear if she did. No, instead, she chose to go straight home to her ma and pa. Their home was nothing like East Manehattan's. Heck, it was nowhere near as private as any home in Equestria.

If you were to guess that their home was a townhouse lying in the great city of Manehattan, center of Equestria's source of Entertainment, you would be correct. Far away from all the fanfare, it was a flight to school that would take fifteen minutes for even a pegasi like her. The townhouse wasn't even all that, despite it having two floors, it may as well just have one. At least there would be a lot more breathing room.

At least three blocks away were where Magenta Streak and Bright Snow lived. She could practically see it from her second floor window. The only one window in her room that wasn't even facing the city of Manehattan. She could gaze out of it all day. But scattered around her room were reminders of why she had to go out there into the storm slowly approaching Manehattan.

Posters of The Gold Sister lined her four walls. CDs of The Gold Sisters' greatest tracks, Magenta's Mixes, and even Bright Snow's dance photos. Stickers lined her keyboard where her computer lied. An old Z27 that had seen so much usage in the past. Two monitors sat on the corners of her desk, lined and decorated with the logos of The Gold Sisters and other artists she admired. She had it all. All she needed now was the bed set. Even her hair was done up in the official Gold Sister colors. Gold, magenta and white. Tied in pigtails, her mane was dyed to support Magenta Streak and Bright Snow. The Gold Sisters. The greatest producers of all time in her eyes.

Before they even moved to Manehattan almost a decade ago, Sunrise hadn't even heard of EDM. The sound was so new to her. When asked about it, The Gold Sisters were the first artists she was directed to. And their impact practically changed her life. They inspired her to make music, they inspired her to be free; to step out of her comfort zone. Magenta's story in itself was inspirational alone. To get the chance to actually work with them? To make a song with them? No words could express the sheer amount of elation corrupting her static heart.

"Sweetheart?" Sunrise pulled her red eyes away from the window and back towards the doorway her mother stood. She seemed worried. Her eyes were upturned, wider than usual as if she had just realized something critical.

Sunrise walked away from the window and stepped over everything that littered the floor. She almost tripped over a pillow and nearly crashed into her computer. But her wings flared and she managed to get upright again. As expected, her mother sighed and instructed, "You should take a moment to clean your room."

Sunrise stopped in front of her mother and kicked off a shirt that had gotten stuck on one of her rear hooves. "Maybe later. What is it?"

"Are you sure today is a good day?" Shimmering Light bounded around her daughter and jumped over the evidence of a lazy filly for the window. "It sure looks like it's going to pour down in a few minutes."

"I'll take a jacket." Sunrise walked over to her closet overflowing with clothes and grabbed a small dark green fliers coat. Would it cover her body was the question. It certainly was small. She's had that thing forever, a gift from her father. Almost outgrown but she refuses to get rid of or even donate it. It was as if her father lived on in it.

Shimmering could practically see her father in those eyes filled with determination. She just hoped that light would never fade out. "Well then... You better get going if you want to catch Bright Snow. Where did she say to meet you?"

"At the YouHoof Space in Downtown East Manehattan."

Whoo, those words alone were making her mother nervous. So much weight! Made clear by the way her wings all of a sudden fluttered. Sunrise chortled briefly and assured, "I'll be alright mom. I'm just meeting someone down there."

"Yeah, someone famous!" And she's officially freaking out. Here she goes ranting again. "What if they want to represent you? O-Or get you started through a mentorship? Magenta Streak is not an easy mare to get a hold of these days, I hear."

"Mom, relax. Here, sit." Sunrise nudged her mother towards her bed and sat down when she climbed on. She knew what she was afraid of: Being alone. Ever since dad passed away, she's been hovering around her daughter like a bee to honey. Once she was comfortable, Sunrise sighed and told her what she needed to hear.

"Mom, I get that you're lonely and sad since Dad died. Maybe you should get out some. Meet other ponies." She reinforced her suggestion by stroking her mother's wings and shooting her a smile. "Please? I can't stay around here forever. What if they do want to mentor me right after school? That means you'll be here by yourself until later. It's just life, mom."

Shimmering knew her daughter was speaking the truth. That when she was given the green light for life that she would take it. And her mother couldn't keep her from doing that. This was her only chance at going off for success here in Manehattan.

So in the end her mother sighed and replied, "Alright. I understand ... That my little filly's growing up so fast."

And here come the tears. Sunrise rolled her eyes before Shimmering grabbed her daughter and yanked her into a tight breathtaking hug. Ugh, it was always like this. If she were being perfectly honest with herself, being out in the rain was better than being home right now.

After a moment of hugging, Shimmering backed off and jumped off her daughter's bed. She sniffled away and wiped her eyes of those dastardly tears. The time has come to see her filly walk out those doors and become a changed mare. "Okay. I'm fine, I'm fine. Let's just get you going. You have your jacket, you have your umbrella, do you need money for some lunch? There's no telling how long you'll be out there. Do you have your wallet, do you have any money..."

Sunrise rolled her eyes while her mother droned on. This was going to take a while.



When the forecast called for rain, they weren't joking. When Sunrise stepped out the door, she instantly flipped up her hood the second the first drop of rain fell on her head of pigtails. Great, she thought it wouldn't get here until at least twelve. It was almost ten.

Once the door was closed, she spread her wings and took to the sky out of West Manehattan's suburban area. The region filled with nothing but townhouses, a few corner stores, and the one market one goes to get foot and maybe a toy. Everything else would be in East Manehattan. Even from above, you would be able to see the difference. West Manehattan was dark and gloomy, and East Manehattan was as colorful and bright as a rainbow. Usually on weekends she wouldn't head in that direction and instead stick to her neck of the woods. Where the hoofball courts and the stands were packed to watch Saturday's game. Where she would sit on the sidelines wearing a hoodie slurping from a homemade shake before a fight would break out.

Not today. Today she was flying through a torrent of rain that soaked her coat in two minutes and forced her to land in East Manehattan's streets. She ran past her school to get out from underneath the gallons upon gallons of water falling from the sky for some form of shelter. She found it when she ran under East Manehattan's golden entry arch, passing through the firm line of loyalty and change. Where the ponies go to lose themselves and forget where they come from. Except Magenta. She was the only one who constantly represents her side of Manehattan. The West.

Most of the business ponies who use this city as a playground were inside keeping their expensive clothes dry from the rain. But not her, she chose to walk through the pain with an umbrella on her head. Her destination? The tall building reaching for the sky. YouHoof headquarters. She was instructed to meet Magenta's contact over there in front of the building. Hopefully they would have a spare towel. Or would that make her seem rather ... Needy?

The streets of East Manehattan may as well be abandoned, perfect for a quick tour during her path. She spotted a lot of designer shops, high end businesses, fancy chariots—the taxi business must be bustling in this side of town because rich ponies were just too important to walk— and a lot of cameras to watch the streets for any Western Manehattanites. They just couldn't catch a break.

She passed by another record shop and nearly slid to a stop. There was another Magenta Streak collectible in the window! How man of those do they have here in Manehattan? She could barely find them outside of the city but there were so many in the city. Were The Gold Sisters going to expand or...

Right. They were disbanding. Saddened, Sunrise continued her trek through the wet streets of Manehattan for YouHoof. The plaza was right around the corner. She passed by the spot where Magenta was spotted with a possible girlfriend. Nothing's been confirmed, but she's been following those rumors closely. Then finally ... There it was. The giant plaza of YouHoof.

Sunrise had to stop in the rain and tilt her head back to take a full sip of the building's magnificence. From the deep red and white color scheme to the dark freshly cleaned windows. From the top one would have the honor of seeing all of Manehattan. Maybe even all of Equestria. One day, Sunrise. One day.

Now that she was here, where was her contact? YouHoof's plaza had a deep red clock with white hands in the middle reading twelve o' one. She got here right on time. So where was her contact?

"Hey, kid." Sunrise turned around and faced the entrance of YouHoof and saw an orange coated Earth Pony staring at her. She had a Light and brilliant amaranth mane cut short and a pair of scissors for a cutie mark.

She waved to her and said in a thick country accent, "Maybe get out of the rain before you catch pneumonia?"

Yeah, that would be the smart thing to do. But to step hoof inside YouHoof's headquarters? Wouldn't that be looked down on? Well whatever they could do was much better than standing out here ruining her mane. She ran across the wet streets and over to this very considerate mare.

When Sunrise was close, she waved her in and closed the door back. YouHoof's headquarters was slow today. The Space wasn't even being used and the lounge was almost dead save for the one pony sitting over there reading that Sunrise recognized. That was Rip Ya' Cord Out, one of the gamer vloggers! Holy buck, she was a legend!

Focus, Sunny, focus!

Sunrise turned around to directly address her hero. "Thank you very much." Why did she look familiar, like she's seen her before. She was a little older than her, but Sunrise has definitely seen her around. Maybe at school? Was she a YouHoof star?!

She nodded and replied, "No problem, kid. Let me guess. You're here to see Bright?"

Okay, she knows her from somewhere definitely. That voice was sooo familiar. But how? Sunrise cautiously answered, "Yes?"

"The sisters sent me over to get you. Magenta's been looking forward to this meeting for awhile. Ever since she heard a few of your tracks."

Holy buck. Magenta Streak's been listening to her music?! Sunrise's mouth almost dropped open. "You're joking," she said.

But she shook her head, "Nope. She's been listening so I'll take you to meet her. You thirsty? Hungry? It couldn't have been easy coming all the way from West Manehattan to the East."

Well she couldn't deny that. Bashfully, Sunrise stroke her hoof and glanced away. "Maybe a little thirsty."

"Follow me." She directed Sunrise over to a cafe setup on the side, void of any customers and only one employee. "I'm Babs Seed, by the way."

Sunrise silently gasped. That's where she's seen her! This is Magenta's girlfriend! Or so the rumors say. Sunrise needed to validate those reports. "Nice to meet you. Is it true that you and Magenta are ... You know?"

"Yes," Babs answered without a second to spare. "We've been dating for a few weeks now. And we're not slowing down. Hey Vandor!"

The pony referred to as Vandor was a unicorn stallion lazily surfing his phone from behind the counter of YouCafe. Must be YouHoof's refreshment center. As in restaurant chain. Vandor had a light blue coat as pristine as his light blue eyes. He had a short white mane and possibly a long tail. He may be the only employee on duty today. He seemed quite bored at this prospect.

When his name was called, he glanced up and smirked. "Hey, Babs. Long time no see."

Babs stopped when they reached the counter and scoffed. "Oh stop you see me everyday on average. Magenta likes her coffee black and straight from here. Care to hook my friend up with something? Put it on me."

Vandor finally moved his eyes from Babs to the mare accompanying her. His jaw almost broke. Who was this neon colored angel? The one stroking her chin trying to decide what she wanted from the menu. Why she wasn't even paying attention to him! Was it normal to have a heightened heart rate just serving coffee?

"Hi," he greeted. The second her eyes trained on his he knew he'd screw up. And screw up he did. "I'm Vamp Dor, I mean Vancor—Vandor! I'm Vandor!"

Well out of everything she was expecting from meeting a barista, she wasn't expecting an outburst. When she recoiled and didn't reply, Babs rolled her eyes and ordered, "Get her a Vanilla Strawberry frappucino, ya' mess."

"R-Right away!" Vandor whipped around and quickly went to work. Back turned, Babs glanced to Sunrise and winked knowingly.

"Someone's getting crushed~" she sang.

"So not," Sunrise denied. But that blush on her cheeks said otherwise. She's never been crushed on so directly. Or were they blowing this out of proportion? Maybe he's just nervous meeting customers and screws up his name everyday.

Drink completed, Vandor turned around with the cup in his hand and set it on the counter. "On the house! "He proposed. "We'll make up for it tomorrow."

"Are you sure?" She reached into her jacket and pulled out a small purse full of bits. "I can still pay."

"No need, this is for you, a gift from me." He nudged it forward with his muzzle accented with a smile the size of a banana. Well the drink did look really good. And it would be really rude to deny it after all of that.

Sunrise reached out and scooped it off the counter into her hoof. "Well ... Thank you, Vandor. I appreciate it."

Since she had her drink, they could finally escape. Babs walked around Sunrise and quickly pushed her along. "Yeah, thanks, see ya' later," she urgently said.

"Okay! See ya! Come back sometime! Seriously!" When Babs disappeared through the doors leading to YouHoof's studios, Vandor relaxed and slapped himself in the face. "Stupid, stupid, stupid!" Another screw up . Why ask her to come back, she's not gonna come back. She was just a friend. Ugggh!!



Well that was weird. But not uncommon for ponies like him. Safe behind closed doors, Babs relinquished her pushing and said, "He was totes crushing on you."

"No he wasn't." Sunrise quickly popped her beverage's straw into her mouth. Wow, this was really good. What was it again, strawberry something?

The hallway they were walking down was decorated with red carpet like YouHoof's color scheme. Along the walls were pictures of creators next to doors with their names on them. These must be different studios. They had their own private studios here, holy buck!

"Yes he was. You don't know him like I know him. He likes you. A lot."

No way. Sunrise rolled her eyes but a warmth buttered her cheeks. He wasn't that bad. Just nervous. It was kind of cute.

They soon stopped at an entrance reading The Gold Sisters on a plaque next to the door. Holy crap, they were here. This was it. She was about to meet her idols!!  Babs knocked on the door and whispered, "Relax, I can see you shaking."

He pigtails may as well come undone thanks to all this vibrating she had going on. Sunrise closed her eyes and took deep breaths to calm her racing heart. "Sorry," she apologized. "It's just that I've been waiting to meet them for so long. And I not only get that chance but also the possibility of working with them. I'm a little excited."

Looks like she snagged up the opportunity to skip the long line of Streakers waiting for a simple autograph and obtained a VIP to their lives. Many would pay at least forty bits just to meet her and snag a picture. And this girl was getting it for free. She'd better make the best of it.

The door handle was jiggled and pulled open by Bright Snow wearing a light blue robe. She locked sights on Sunrise and greeted, "Hey, glad you could make it. Come in."

Oh my stars, she just invited me in!! Bright stepped to the side so Sunrise could graciously enter as if she wasn't freaking out less than a second ago. Play it cool. Play it awesome. "Hey, Bright," she replied. "Thanks for giving me this chance."

"No problem, kid. Magenta's in the back working on something so come with me for now and we can talk a little bit."

Their studio was more like a small office slash lounge. Like her school's it had hardwood floors, multiple rooms, and sofas on the side. The walls were decorated with achievements and  A wide hallway lead to the back where the lights dimmed noticeably, conducting to another door. Magenta was back there. She could hear bass drums kicking.

"Over here." Instead of leading to the back, Bright lead her over to one of the other rooms on the side. It was a meeting room. A place where their business was conducted. "Magenta will be joining us shortly. Thanks, Babs."

Looks like Babs wasn't going to be joining them. She nodded and headed to the back where Magenta was currently, leaving Bright with Sunrise alone. If Sunrise could get anymore nervous then she was sure she would faint. There was a wooden table with six comfortable chairs that Bright motioned to.

"Have a seat," she requested. "Let me give you the lowdown of what's going on today." Bright walked over to the chair directly across from her and took a seat in it. Her face changed into one of focus. She was no longer looking at fun loving classmate Bright Snow. Now it was Bright Snow the business mare.

"I'm sure you of all ponies know about my decision to leave The Gold Sisters," she started off. "But I promised Magenta that I would help her get a new label started. And the first pony I thought of was you."

Her? She thought of her first? Out of all of these ponies in Manehattan following in Magenta's example? To be sure she had the right mare, Sunrise pointed to herself confusedly. "Me?" She queried.

Bright laughed and nodded her head eagerly. "Yes, you. I know it's hard to believe but there's a reason. Magenta and I became so popular so quickly was because we had an interesting sound that set us apart. And you do too. Your music has a lot of potential. You just need to put it out there which is the hard part. And since no one really knows you exist in the field, Magenta's plan is to represent you and show you off. But she wants to make sure that it matches the overall aesthetic of the label she's hoping to form. Do you have your music with you or is it on Net?"

As fast as a bolt of lightning, Sunrise reached into her jacket and slid a flash drive across the table. "It's all in there," she answered. "From two years ago when I first started to this year. I also have them all backed up."

"Okay." Bright grabbed the Flash Drive and stood up. "So just to be clear, we're here to make sure your sound aesthetically fits with the theme of the label. And if so and Magenta wants to move forward with plans, she'll have to meet with your parents and or guardian to sign paperwork since you are underage. Follow me."

Here we go, here we go, here we go! don't screw this up! Sunrise bounced up from her seat and trotted with Bright Snow out of the office. They were going to the back this time. Her steps were mild and relaxed. Chill yet excited. She was finally going to see Magenta Streak away from the stages! Oh wait until mom hears about this!

Bright stopped and knocked on the door. "Wait, wait!"Magenta shouted. Wow she sounded so different when a mic wasn't in front of her face. Sunrise heard a clamor of giggling and something rather inappropriate that made Bright roll her eyes. She shook her head in Sunrise's direction, giving her a slight indication of what was going on in there. Jeez, give those two some privacy for at at least five minutes and clothes are thrown over heads.

"Okay, come in." Here we go. This was it. Bright pulled down the handle for one of the doors and pulled it open. Letting Sunrise into a future with noise, drama, and possible disappointment. But those risks she was willing to take just to get this one chance.