Happily Loopy After
by warewolves
First published
Sweetie Belle is stuck in a time loop. Or so she thought...
Once upon a time, there was a filly who got stuck in a time loop.
This is not that story.
This is the story of what would happen if the loops did not truly loop.
Recommended you read A Little Loopy first.
L1&2After
Author's Notes:
As Sweetie Belle began to drift into consciousness, her emerald eyes opened, and a curious sight was the first to greet her. Sitting up, she rubbed a white hoof over her eye, glancing to the window. There sat Opalescent, staring out it with a strangely intelligent expression. There was no anger, nor annoyance, which were what Sweetie normally saw.
Curiosity drove her to rise, and slowly approach the cat, looking outside and seeing nothing of interest. Ponies were already up and about, preparing for a fun-filled weekend with their friends. Or, at least, that’s what Sweetie knew she would be doing. A knock at her door startled her, and she jolted.
“Sweetie Belle? Are you awake? Your friends are downstairs waiting for you.” It was her sister, violet-draped Rarity, and Sweetie struggled to answer, distracted by her beating heart.
“C-Coming!” Voice cracking, she winced to herself. Dancing up and down, her eyes were drawn to Opal, who was staring at her intently. The look sent her mind into a flurry, and she spun around, and then dived for her mirror. Brushing her mane, she quickly put her bow on and headed for the door. Mind quickly brushing aside all doubts her week was repeating as she looked forward to her first Saturday.
A shudder passed through Discord, and he opened his eyes, floating in his realm. Something had changed in the spell affecting Ponyville. Before he could focus on the spell in better detail, it vanished, almost as if it had never existed. Frowning, he stroked his beard, and glanced toward the Wart-er-falls.
“What was I THINKING. Wart-er-falls? That was pitiful, even for me. No, no, what we need is...” Thinking for a moment, Discord waves a hand around in the air, looking up toward the ground.
“Oh! I got it. Football Falls!” He snaps his fingers, and nods as the small rain of warts transformed into footballs. After a moment, they began to hit into each other, and get sent flying into the depths of the realm. Discord nodded, everything was perfectly unperfected.
“What was I thinking about again?” Giving a shrug, he decided it probably wasn’t important.
“Did the spell not work? No, no; it’s still there, but fading fast.” Frowning, Star Swirl jumped off the ledge, and walked out of the room. The spell was still active, but he was no longer a part of it. Pausing in the hallway, he considered the options. Coming to a conclusion, he stalked downstairs, grabbing a bite to eat.
“I considered it an unlikely possibility, but there can be no doubt. The spell I cast is creating new alternative futures with each iteration.” Finished eating, he walked outside, curling up into a ball under the sun, closing his eyes.
“I lost the roll, stuck to live my life as animals for the rest of eternity. At least I can take solace in the fact one iteration of me lives, having succeeded in our goal.” Satisfied with himself, Star Swirl began to clean himself using his cat tongue. He pauses when a voice rings out.
“Opal! It’s time for your bath. Opal?” The rapidly approaching torture machine was enough to send Star Swirl under the Boutique.
“...Perhaps death would be preferable.”
“So let me get this straight. You have NO memory of what we did last weekend?” Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow, red tail swishing slightly in the breeze. Beside her, Scootaloo was also sharing her disbelief in the form of distraction. Her eyes followed a speeding form in the sky, orange wings flapping eagerly.
“Yeah, and this past week I kept having headaches. They’re gone now, thankfully. Twilight said she couldn’t figure out why I was getting them, either.” Tapping a hoof to her chin, Sweetie went over the week in her head. School, she went home early, Rarity went to Manehattan. Tests to find out why she was having headaches, getting grounded...
“Well, it was honestly a little strange, we hung out all day on Saturday, but when Sunday rolled around, you were nowhere to be found. Rarity seemed a little worried...” A soft sigh came from Apple Bloom. It seemed to have all worked out fine in the end, but it seems she would never know why Sweetie had been missing all Sunday.
“Oh dear, I hope she wasn’t mad...” Ears falling downward, Sweetie felt a slice of guilt at whatever had caused Rarity strife. A shake of Apple Bloom’s head confirmed there was nothing to worry about.
“I’m sure if ya had of caused some sort of strife, she woulda grounded ya. You know, before we got grounded.” Nodding to herself, Apple Bloom considered it sound logic.
“Yeah, you’re right. Come on, let’s go get out Cutie Marks.” All thee rose, and began to trot toward their destination.
“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS, NATURE PRESERVERS!”
L3A
Author's Notes:
Lowering the moon, Luna smiled softly to herself. It had been a lovely night with lovely fillies and colts, who had been excited to see her night, to see her. The questions, the attention, it was more than she could have ever dreamed. As the sun rose, she nodded to herself. Perhaps trying to convince adults to enjoy her night had never been the right way to do things. No, she had a new idea.
Walking purposely into breakfast, Luna ignored her seat, and stopped beside Celestia. Pausing in her peeling of a banana, she looked up, swallowing the bite she had taken of it already.
“My sister, I wish for your permission to travel around Equestria, educating young in the stars I paint for them.” Her hope rested on her sister’s answer. A dark part of her mind flashed back to a thousand years ago, but she shook it off. Times had changed, ponies had changed. Celestia had changed. Hopefully for the better.
“Are you certain, dear sister? It would mean taking on additional duties beside what you have already.” Putting her breakfast down, Celestia rose, facing her sister. There was only concern in her eyes, fear that the pressure of too much would break her sister once more. A part of her knew Luna would go through with it, but a part of her wanted to keep her sister safe.
“I am certain sister. Times may have changed, but change happens with the next generation. If I am to be known once more as Luna, and not Nightmare Moon, it needs be done through a generation with open minds, and pure hearts. I fear adults may be less accepting of my words, of my story.” Luna put a hoof to her chest, and waited on baited breath for her sister’s answer.
A soft smile graced Celestia’s lips, “Then you do it, sister. You never needed my permission, you know that.” Bringing Luna into a hug, she felt the tension her sister had been hiding. No, Luna had not changed, always worried about what others would think. And yet, Luna had learned from her mistakes, of this she had no doubt.
“I-I know sister, I just...wanted to hear it from you...” Both shared a quiet laugh, the morning sun peeking through the stained glass windows, shining rainbow colors upon them.
L4A
Author's Notes:
‘Finally the weekend.’ Her relief was leaking down her face. Sweetie wouldn’t need those books, she would get the chance to get Scootaloo a new scooter. Finally, the weekend. The sun never looked so welcoming as it rose, and she was almost tempted to lower back down into her blankets, but the fear that doing so would restart the week remained.
Sweetie’s ear flickered. There was movement downstairs. Smiling, Sweetie decided to surprise her sister, and snuck down the stairs. Peeking into the kitchen, her sister was hard at work preparing breakfast. Sweetie stepped back a few steps, and then announced her presence with heavy clip-clops as she stepped into the room, and gave a yawn.
“Sweetie Belle, you’re up early. I was just making breakfast.” Rarity smiled warmly at her sister as Sweetie slipped into the kitchen table’s chair and beamed at her sister.
“What chu making?” Sweetie felt proud, and free. No more waiting for a weekend that might not come. A plate of toast landed in front of her as Rarity stifled a yawn.
“Sorry it’s not very extravagant, I was up late last night working on an order. If you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go get some more sleep.” Eyes already closed, Rarity begins to walk away.
“So it is the weekend, but why was I repeating the same week over and over again?” Rubbing her chin, Sweetie sighed to herself, and took a bite of her toast.
“I mean, it’s possible I just dreamed it,” she commented, frowning. A bird singing outside snapped her out of her muse, and she blinked.
“Right! The scooter! I gotta earn some money!” Cantering out of the house, she made a beeline for the one pony she knew who made money. Sure enough, there Applejack was, at her stall selling apples.
“Applejack! Applejack! I need your help!” Bouncing in place, Sweetie didn’t realise she had interrupted a sale, even as Applejack sent the mare on her way.
“What’s up sugarcube, something wrong?” Taking a look over her, Applejack saw no signs of tree sap, which led her to believe this wasn’t related to Cutie Marks, as unlikely as that sounded.
“I broke Scootaloo’s scooter, and I want to buy her a new one. But...I don’t know how to make money.” Rocking back and forth on her feet, Sweetie waited expectantly for Applejack’s response.
“That’s really responsible of you. I reckon I can help you out. How does 5 bits for helping me till lunch sound?” Holding out an apple to a customer, Applejack smiled, waving them off.
“Sure! Maybe I’ll get my Cutie Mark from it!” Beaming happily, she levitated the apron that Applejack offered, tying it around her.
“Ye’re getting’ pretty good with that magic there Sweetie Belle. Now, all you have to do is stand behind this stall here. Let me get ya a stool.” Glancing around, Applejack opted to grab a wooden crate for Sweetie to stand on.
“Here comes a customer. The apples are 1 bit each.” Giving a reassuring smile, Applejack stepped back to watch.
“Hey, could I get 4 apples to go?” The mare gave a patient smile, and Sweetie levitated out four apples, placing them on the counter. Ear twitching, she turned as Applejack held out a brown paper bag for them to go in. Once inside, Applejack showed Sweetie how to fold the bag, and then placed it on the counter. The mare reached for them, placing down 3 bits.
“Er miss? They’re 1 bit each.” Looking away, Sweetie shrunk slightly as the mare stared at her, and then checked the sign.
“Oh, you’re right. My mistake.” Reaching in, she pulls out one more bit, and then trots away. Applejack ruffles Sweetie’s hair, chuckling.
“That’s how it’s done sweet pea. Let’s get to work.”
Entering Sugarcube corner, Applejack approached the counter, a cheerful form following behind her, 6 bits firmly held in her magic
“Hiya Applejack! Sweetie, here to get some cupcakes?” Leaning against the bar, the bright pink form of Pinkie Pie greeted the two.
“Actually Pinkie Pie, Sweetie Belle here is trying to earn 20 bits to buy Scootaloo a new scooter.” Gently pushing the filly forward, Applejack smiled.
“Oooh! That sounds exciting? Are you excited? I know I’m excited! Oh! I know! How about you work for me today. 5 bits, and one cupcake for a hard days work.” Bouncing up and down slightly on two hooves, Pinkie Pie didn’t mention the bits would be coming out of her salary. How could she NOT help out such an important quest?
“Sure!” Sweetie could barely contain her excitement. If she worked just as hard tomorrow, she would have the bits she needed.
“Let’s get to work then~”
Monday rolled around, Scootaloo walking to school as normal. It was depressing, not only had she not seen Sweetie Belle all weekend, her scooter would never fly again. Raising her head, she sighed, half-expecting only Apple Bloom to be waiting at the gate for her.
And there it was. Bright red, wheels designed to go on road, and off road, handlebars made for gripping as a pony, a rear slot to attach a wagon to. Right beside it stood her two friends, expectant faces. Tears brimming to her eyes, Scootaloo dashed forward, bringing them both into an overjoyed hug. She had a scooter again!
“I love you guys!” Her wings flap excitedly, and they all share a laugh. Stepping on it, Scootaloo rode it around briefly, and then pulled back to a stop.
“Ah had nothing to do with this, actually. This was all Sweetie Belle’s work.” Apple Bloom motioned to the filly, who kicked at the dirt sheepishly.
“I’m sorry for causing your scooter to get broken cause of my bad idea...” Before Sweetie could look up, she was brought into a strong hug by two orange arms.
“I love it! But that wasn’t your fault, you didn’t know.” Scootaloo nuzzled Sweetie, and looked to Apple Bloom.
“Yeah Sweetie Belle, that was a bit of a group fail in my opinion.” All thee turned as the bell rang for school, and the moment was cut short. Not wanting to be late, the three hurried inside, Scooter being placed in the bike rack.
L5A
Author's Notes:
11:59...teddybear
12:00...teddybear
1:00...teddybear
2:00...teddybear
4:00...teddybear
7:00...teddybear,
....zzzz
“Oh? What’s this doing out here?” Sweetie jolted out of her sleep, startled as she looks to the teddybear. Sure enough, Rarity was holding it up in her magic, head turning to look into her room quizzically.
“What are you doing up at this hour on a Saturday, and why is your toy in the hallway?” Tilting her head, Rarity slowly stepped inside as Opalescent skulked past.
“Uh well...” Going cross eyed, Sweetie tried to think of how to explain it. Because she was so busy trying to explain it, it was a long time before an important detail finally slipped into her mind. Eyes widening, her voice broke into a higher octave.
“Wait, SATURDAY?!” As Rarity nodded, Sweetie pivoted, looking out the window. Sure enough, there were signs of ponies she didn’t recognise walking past, and shops weren’t open so ponies could take their weekends off. Mouth falling open, she stood there as a feeling built inside her, before finally bursting.
“IT’S SATURDAY!” Jumping around the room, she brought Rarity into a tear filled hug, laughing. She was free! She didn’t know how, and she didn’t know why, but she was free! Now she’d be able to do that homework! She could get her friends their Cutie Marks! She could-
“Sweetie... Fine I won’t ask, but if you’re going to be up this early, you’re making your own toast. I’m going back to bed. I was up all night working on an order.” Giving a yawn, Rarity put the teddybear back in the hallway, and turned right, heading for her room.
Excited, Sweetie danced around the room. What should she do first? Cutie Marks? Cutie Marks. Yes, and then...oh her homework! And then she should try getting her Cutie Mark. Yes, this sounded like the perfect plan. What could go wrong?
“My name is Sweetie Belle. I have a big sister called Rarity, she’s an Element of Harmony, Generosity. How neat is that? Oh, right right. My parents are Hondo Flanks, and Cookie Crumbles. But I don’t see them that often...” Ears flopping down, Sweetie thought about that. Why was it that they rarely came home?
Shaking her head, she discarded such thoughts, “I don’t know who our ancestors are or anything like Apple Bloom, but I have my sister, and my parents. I love them very much. I would not be who I am today without them. Which is why, I composed a song for everyone today.” Putting a hoof to her chest, Sweetie smiled at her friends, and began to sing.
The song was soft, and quiet, and yet easily heard. As her voice swept around the room, her horn sparked, and lit up. Voices soon joined in her chorus, the very room beginning to sing. Even Diamond Tiara was unable to resist joining in the crescendo of ponies. Each one a celebration of their histories, of their pasts, of their family.
Opening her eyes, Sweetie’s song faded from their ears, but still stirred within their hearts. A bright flash turned her head, and she saw the mark on her flank. Staring at it, it all made sense to her now. This was who she was. She wasn’t a singer, no that wasn’t what the mark meant, though it was through song she had discovered it.
“You got your Cutie Mark!” Looking to Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, Sweetie smiled joyfully, and walked over, the three embracing in a hug.
“I did,” she spoke, in tears.
‘And you will too.’ The very thought brought her to an all-time high, so overcome with emotion she found herself unable to speak. They would all get their Marks on the same day, sealing their friendship.
“Today is your day Sweetie. Whatever you want to do after class, we’ll do it!” Scootaloo’s wings buzzed excitedly.
It truly was.
Starswirl stared at the bed she slept on, before leaping onto it and sitting down. Tail swishing, his paw touched the air, it seeming to shimmer briefly.
“There you are,” he spoke, pawing through the shimmering. With a small burst of his meager magic, the room darkened, flashing briefly to a greyed out room, Sweetie on the bed, staring at the teddybear. Fading, he turned his head, to where the teddybear still sat in the hallway.
“She is experimenting.” Swishing his tail, he leapt off the bed, and left the room.
L6A
Author's Notes:
“Sweetie belle, wake up it’s time for school...”Mumbling in her sleep, Sweetie turned over in her bed, rolling out of it. Falling to the floor with flailing limbs, she blinked her eyes open, and then rubbed them groaning.
“I’m coming, I’m coming...” Almost in a half-daze, she went through the daily routine, making herself some breakfast, not realising that Rarity wasn’t making pancakes. It was only, after washing her plate clean, that her mind finally clicked, and she blinked, tilting her head, confused.
“Oh no...Has the looping time gotten shorter?” Putting a hoof to her chest as a throb of fear laces through it, Sweetie dashed around the house in circles, indecision causing her to panic. Finally, she dashed into Rarity’s room, seeing her sister asleep, and quickly woke her up.
“Rarity! What day is it!?” Her voice was high pitched, trying to keep the blind panic from her voice.
“The weekend, now let me sleep,” grumbled Rarity, puffing her sister away as she turned her back to Sweetie. A relieved breath passed Sweetie’s lips. Whew, the loop hadn’t gotten shorter. Wait....
“WEEKEND!?”
“Ooooh what a glorious moooorning~” Sweetie sung cheerfully as she bounced down the street, unable to hide her blatant joy over it being the weekend. Somehow she had gotten out, she was free! There were no tears coming from her eyes, nope. She’d just been...chopping onions! Yeah!
Her bouncing came to a stop mid-air, eyes opening to notice Apple Bloom and Scootaloo walking down the street, heads hung low. For the second time that day, Sweetie felt her heart clutched in a vice, and she landed roughly, rolling and scraping her knee. Wincing, she sat up, and looked to it, it was bleeding too, she couldn’t avoid chopping more onions because of it.
“Hey...Sweetie...are you ok?” The two approached hesitatingly, as if the very act of them speaking would cause them to suddenly poof into ash. Turning, Sweetie looked to them, guilty, and then looked away.
“Uh...y-Yeah I’m fine...Thanks for asking...” Wiping away her onion tracks, she widens her eyes as Apple Bloom reached into her saddlebags, and pulls out a band-aid. It takes some fiddling, but she manages to place it over the scrape. Glancing to them, Sweetie’s eyes widened, suppressed. They were being nice, after what she said?
“There you go...” The two share a glance, and then begin to leave. Sweetie raises a hoof, standing up and trying to stop them.
“Wait!” They stop, and Sweetie lowers her hoof, looking away, ears flopping down.
“I...I know it’s not anything to make up for it but...I’m sorry for what I said...” A part of her mind knew there was no way mentioning she’d thought they’d not remember it was not a wise idea. Them believing her about time loops? Unlikely. Heck; impossible. They look to her sadly, and a single word leaves their lips.
“Why?”
Looking down, Sweetie answers in a whisper. “At first, it was to get dirt on Diamond...but I found out she’s a good pony underneath in the process...I know I should have told you, but I acted without thinking, and...I’m sorry.” She closes her eyes, head hung, knowing words would not earn her friends forgiveness. Despite the odds, she feels herself embraced in a strong hug.
“We forgive you.” “What are friends for?” They both smile sadly, obviously far from taking this incident, and forgetting it. But such wounds would heal with time. Heart melting, Sweetie closed her eyes, once more peeling some onions as she holds them tight. This had almost cost her her friends, and yet, there was one thing she had to do.
“Come on. It’s time to end this silly feud with Diamond Tiara.” Leaning back, she smiles at their doubtful gazes.
“You’ll just have to trust me here.”
The doorbell rang, and as Diamond answered it, expecting Silver Spoon, her eyes widened in shock, seeing the CMC. Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, she fully expected Sweetie to pull out the diary, and betray her. Already, she began to steel her heart. And yet, she was wrong.
“Diamond, it’s time to tell Apple Bloom what you really want to say to her.” Stepping inside, Sweetie put a hoof on Diamond’s shoulder encouragingly, and stepped to her side, looking to her friends.
“If you can make me care about you, you can do it with them. This is your chance, just take it.”
Looking to the two crusaders, Diamond couldn’t help but sneer. Chance with them? Why should she? They’d never cared about her before! Her mouth opened, already preparing a sharp retort, ready to discard the two, and demand Sweetie pick a side. However, her mind went back to the sleepover, and she paused.
That night had been...fun. It’d been so long, she’d almost forgotten what it felt like. Was it really something she could just earn with a few words, as Sweetie stated? Her gaze went to the filly, seeing the encouraging, accepting smile. What if this was just a trick, so they could bully her once more? Her eyes narrowed once more. There was no way this was anything but a trick.
Breathing out a sigh, Diamond closed her eyes, ears flopping downward.
And yet...
“Apple Bloom. I’m sorry for teasing you. It wasn’t right, I know that. I still did it anyway. I wanted to make myself feel better, at any cost. Besides, after the Cute-ceañera, it was all I had left to keep me from leaving this school forever, you really made everyone hate me. It hurt, knowing my money was the only way they’d hang with me now.” Eyes opening, she looked to the two shocked faces, and sighed.
“Now go on, tease me for having feelings. I deserve it.” She braced herself, standing tall and ready. They would not see her cry. They would not see her shake. She was a Diamond. Unbreakable, unflawed, unremarkable...No! Focus! Blinking back to reality, Diamond watches as the two began to speak.
“While I don’t condone what you did, I do believe in second chances. And if Sweetie is willing to give you one, so am I.” Stepping forward, Apple Bloom offered a hoof.
“I...don’t know. I’m going to need time to think on this.” Scootaloo looked away, glancing to her wings. Diamond winced.
“That’s...more than I deserve,” she admitted. Hesitating for a moment, she reached out for Apple Bloom’s hoof, taking it, and giving it a small shake.
Smiling, Sweetie watched this, and let out a relieved breath.
Sometimes, time could heal all wounds.
L7A.1
Author's Notes:
Sweetie turned toward her friends, and watches as one second they were there, and the next they were gone. Frowning, Sweetie’s ears flopped down, and she sighed, disappointed. Pulling on her blankets, she closed her eyes. It had failed. Her friends hadn’t come with her. But why? It made no sense, it went against everything she’d thought she knew about the loops.
The next time she opened her eyes, it was already morning. Rising, she stretches, and trotted downstairs, making herself some toast while Rarity looked at her quizzically. Noticing the look, Sweetie blinked, eyes widening. This was new. Where were her pancakes?
“Did your four friends go home early?” Tilting her head, Rarity grew concerned at the look of alarm on Sweetie’s face. Standing up, she forgot about her breakfast for now.
“You mean you REMEMBER!?” Sweetie began to backpedal, and she dashed up to her room, slamming it open. It was then she noticed it. All her notes, all her paper planes, all were gone. Everything that had been in the room that normally looped, was gone. Her bed, her vanity unit, and some of her toys remained, but as she scanned her room, it felt...empty.
“Sweetie Belle? What’s going on? Where’s your friends?” Rarity was quickly growing concerned, noticing how clean Sweetie’s room was. Where were the signs of a sleepover? Sweetie gulped, turning to look to Rarity. Tears slowly sprung to her eyes, slowly drawing half-baked conclusions Sweetie didn’t understand.
“They’re g-gone.” Tears slowly stung Sweetie’s eyes as she had to draw the only conclusion one could make. Somehow her friends had been taken into the loop, but not her. Inadvertently, she had forced her friends into the loops, something she wouldn’t wish on anyone. Biting her lip, she felt Rarity place a hoof on her shoulder, demanding answers.
Should she give them? Give Rarity the answers? Would she even be believed? ‘I was stuck in a time look that affected my bedroom, and now my friends are all stuck in that time loop without me.’ That was hardly believable in the slightest. But she couldn’t lie, Applejack would know. If only she had proof!
“I-I was stuck in –this magic thing and I-and I was trying to get them in it too but then they got into it but I didn’t and now they’re gone and I don’t know how to get them back and I-“ crying, Sweetie began to sob uncontrollably. Rarity’s confusion only grew, and she bit her lip, looking to the room. No matter how it happened, four fillies had vanished on her watch.
Moral support would be needed for what was coming next. Rarity gently stood up, and breathed in.
“Don’t worry Sweetie, I’ll protect you. But we’ve got to go get everyone.” Putting on a mask, Rarity stood tall, knowing she was about to become the focal point for a lot of hate. And if Sweetie was ever to recover, she would have to be strong. Nodding, Sweetie rubbed her eyes, and tried to copy the behavior. Despite the situation, Rarity felt a flicker of pride at her sister.
“Let’s go.”
It had taken time, and effort, to get everypony together without answering questions. The Rich and Spoon family especially. But now, with everyone standing in her boutique, Rarity knew it was time to explain. Twilight, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie didn’t understand why they were here too, but they trusted Rarity’s judgement. Breathing in, Rarity broke the news.
“Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom are gone.” There was a dumbstruck silence around the room, all taking time to absorb the words coming out of Rarity’s mouth. Breathing in, she continued before they could recover.
“An accident with magic happened late last night, and they got pulled into something, I don’t know what. And now we have no idea where they are. I am sorry.” Rarity got to her knees, bowing her head. It was important she chose her words carefully, lest they start blaming Sweetie for something that was out of her control.
Outrage sprang out, “Just hold on a minute, what!? Where’s my sister!” Applejack was the first to rise, beginning to shake Rarity. Looking to her, Rarity ignored the tears falling down her face, keeping a strong shield up around her own emotions. She had to be strong, for Sweetie’s sake.
“Gone, I’m so so sorry Applejack. I should have kept a better eye on them.” The room rocked with thunder as cries of distress and anger spoke out. Rarity remained where she was, staring into the horrified eyes of her best friend, watching as her head turned, eyes clenching shut as she tried to bundle up her emotions deep inside.
Once the anger had subsided, panic set in, and her house was searched thoroughly, before unanimous cries of pain and heartache rang out. Covering Sweetie’s ears, Rarity closed her eyes, listening to it. This was all she could do to protect her sister. This was her burden to bear. A sharp pain on her cheek, and she flew across the room, landing in a heap.
“Give us back our daughter!” It was Filthy Rich, tears streaming down his face with blind desperation in his eyes. Rarity looked to him sadly, and just shook her head.
“I can’t. I’m sorry.” The hoof came for her once again, before he was dragged off by the mother, and out of the house. Soon enough, parties began leaving, intent on searching for their lost ones. Only Twilight and Sweetie remained behind. Taking her friends hoof, Rarity tried to smile, but could only manage a grimace.
“What happened Rarity?” Her friend was just as distraught, and yet there was just a want to understand. Rising, Rarity shook her head, looking to the already grief-stricken Sweetie Belle.
“I’ll tell you later Twilight. Sweetie needs me.” With that said, Rarity walked over to her sister, and brought her into a hug.
“It’s going to be alright, you hear me Sweetie?” Stroking a hoof through her sister’s hair, Rarity let her tears finally fall, holding her sister, which she may have almost lost, for dear life.
L7A.2
Author's Notes:
One might notice, if they are reading this as I'm posting. That I'm not posting daily like I did with ALL. The reason for this is I'd rather do this at a more relaxed pace than burn myself into the ground. I know I'm keeping you waiting, but some of these chapters require a bit more thought, or a bit less real life.
Ba bump. Ba Bump.
Her heartbeat thudded in her ears as she listened, following a thin trail of magic as she threaded her way through the Everfree. How long had passed to reach this moment? Too long, she decided. Beneath her hooves, the leaves crunched. Above her head, the birds sung. Around her, creatures scurried.
Bu bump. Crunch. Bu Bump. Chirp. Bu Bump. Scurry.
Coming to a stop, her emerald eyes opened, looking toward the Castle of the Pony Sisters. Looking down, she spotted the small trail leading to the Element Tree, to where the thin green trail was leading her. Hoof-steps echoing, she looked around the cave, and stepped over to a snow-white cat, dozing beside the tree.
“There you are, Opal.” Reaching out, Sweetie’s hoof gently nuzzles the cat, who looked to her, annoyed.
“Do you HAVE to do that?” Opal spoke in a masculine voice, eyes narrowing, slurring some words as she forced her mouth to move in ways a cat’s mouth wasn’t designed for.
Sweetie shrugged, “Not really no. Would you prefer I call you what you are now, or what you once were? What I say is an insult to you either way.” Lifting Opal up in her magic, Sweetie pinned the cat against a wall, staring coldly into her eyes.
“Let’s just get this over with, the reason for your visit. Your ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders,’ yes?” Opal’s tail twitched in Sweetie’s magic, claws extending. Pinning Opal with more force, Sweetie narrowed her eyes.
“Where. ARE. THEY!?”
“Dead most likely, gone forever if not. Like us, they were not chosen to continue the loops. Simply put, we’re the rejects, the dead ends. Believe me, I’m just as annoyed as you are. Especially that a two-bit unicorn thinks she can hold me down.” With a swipe of her claws, Opal sheared clean through the magic, landing and licking her paw, cleaning her fur, tail fluffed.
“You’re lying!” Sweetie stomped her hooves, sending another blast of magic toward Opal. Once more, claws shimmering with a yellow magic sheared through her spell like it was butter. An impatient sigh was all Sweetie received in response at first.
“What reason do I have to lie? We’re the leftovers, tossed aside to be used as cement for the cracks in the spell.” Opal resumes cleaning herself.
“Cracks?” Sweetie blinks, and pauses.
“Mmmn, yes, even with the centuries I had to complete this spell, I could not erase all the...cracks, so to speak. It is why my presence in the spell Matrix is imperative, to ensure no...cracks make it into the loop. Alas, this means some of the redundancy could not be removed.” Opal sighs, clearly annoyed by this.
Looking around, Sweetie sat down, bewildered. “I-I don’t understand, how is this a ‘crack’? I’m out of the loop, you’re out of the loop. The spell should be over.” A dark pit in her stomach didn’t want to see the truth, so see the reality.
“True enough, ‘we’ are, but not ‘they’. Your friends, and the true version of you, and me for that matter, are still very much in those loops. We are...the leftovers. Our existence neither provable, nor conceivable to them.
“Your ‘quest’ to find your ‘Crusaders’ was doomed from the beginning. As is your life. Upon the loops eventual end two weeks from now, our world will cease to have meaning. The spell will reach a singularity, and we will be no more, the divergence ended to preserve the prime timeline.” Opal stretches, and then curls back up into a ball.
“But...no.” Sweetie just shakes her head. This couldn’t be what her research had meant. The years she’d spent searching for her friends...for naught?
“Why?” Her head tilted forward, and she slumped, beginning to cry.
“Do not think too deeply on it,” came Opal’s soft response, looking sympathetic for a moment.
“We knew this was a possibility, but we decided the benefits outweighed any bad that would come from this. You need to understand, the chance of this happening was a meagre 5%. We needed some way to power the spell. I suggest you take the time you have left, and spend it with those you care for.”
“...Yeah.” Sweetie rises, and leaves.
“I love you Rarity.” Hugging her sister, the two ignored the tears streaming from each other’s faces.
“I love you too, Sweetie Belle.”
L8A
Author's Notes:
“You know what?” Rarity wiped her face, smearing her makeup. Sweetie raised her head, and looked at her sister as she continued.
“Let’s go on a trip, just you and me, to Canterlot on Saturday. We’ll go shopping for fabric, go see the latest film, maybe even get you a meeting with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna if we’re lucky. What do you say?” Rarity brought her sister into a bearhug, and Sweetie felt another sad smile dawn upon her face.
“I’d like that. I’d like that very much.”
“Hrmf...” muttered the cat, tail swishing, watching from the opposite roof. This was not ideal. Not ideal at all. Regardless of certain triangles and magic runes; controlling the three fillies would take a great deal of magic from him each loop. Perhaps in the future he would only manipulate them to feel a draining sensation, unless otherwise needed.
“The goal to keep them away from her might be a fallacy. Unbeknownst to me it may be that the future will see certain events play out wherein they do override my anti-friendship matrix.” Oh, such a genius he was, if only he still had his beard to stroke. Or a mouse to eat. He rose, stretching with a yawn.
“That mouse should be catch-able soon, it is close to midnight.” Moving into the house through the cat-flap, he moved toward his position, ready to catch the mouse. It was almost poetic, he mused. The mouse in his maze, trying to find the cheese. Only, the cheese could only be received at the end of the maze.
A shiver passed over his fur, and he paused, seeing no mouse appear. That was highly paradoxical. Slowly, he peeked his head into Rarity’s room, noting the changed sleeping position. There was no denying it, the loop had ended. The 5% probably had turned out to be true.
“Disappointing...” He turned, tail flicking as he ended all spells he’d been currently maintaining. They were pointless now, all now maintained by his duplicate, the lucky one who remained in the loop. Yes, the magic still throbbed through the air. Meandering outside, a soft purr passed his lips in annoyance.
“Sweetie, it’s time to wake up.” A hoof gently rocked the small frame, who gave a yawn, stirring, confused.
“Nnnn? I know...pancakes. Later...” She turns over, curling up. Giving a soft chuckle, Rarity bit her sister’s ear, gently tugging it. Sweetie’s whines grew louder and louder, until finally she sat up to swipe her away.
“What is it Rarity? I was trying to sleep...” She grumbled, rubbing her eyes.
“We’re going to Canterlot, remember?” That wasn’t...right. Blinking at Rarity’s words, her eyes widened in shock.
“I-What day is it?”
Apple Bloom stirred, waking. The past week was a strange fog, but a serious weight forced her to rise. Vague memories of her friend, of all her friends. Sweetie Belle.
“SWEETIE BELLE!” Voice raising to a shout, Apple Bloom slammed the door open, rushing straight out of the house. In front of her on a scooter, Scootaloo had seemingly gotten the same idea. Both shared a guilt ridden look. Why had they said those words? What was wrong with them?
“Sweetie Belle!” They arrived just in time, the two sisters freezing in front of the house. Sweetie’s expression was one of deep hurt, and pain. Both came to a stop, stumbling over each others words.
“Sweetie I-we are so sorry-not sure what-weird feeling-felt like a different-was like something was controlling-everything is blurry-“ Both fell silent, sharing a glance, and then looking down. What sort of friends were they? Bitter tears glinted in their eyes.
“Apple Bloom. Scootaloo...”
Running toward them, she brought them both into a strong hug, her heart souring, glowing as her magic surrounded them with warmth, triggered by the strong feelings coursing through her. Her friends were trying to apologize! She was out of the loop! They were -alive.-
“I love you guys!” She laughed and laughed and laughed, unable to believe this was reality. Everything was too good, almost like a dream. It -had- to be a dream. All three laughed, all three cried. The heavens themselves parted, the sun shining down on them.
“We’re sorry!” They finally said, not wanting to let go of their friend. They’d been forgiven, things could be repaired. There was a chance to go crusading once more!
“I’m sorry too, for everything,” she spoke softly, giving a sad smile. “You don’t remember it, but...I should have been more careful.” She laughed humorlessly.
“I should have been more careful. But...but...” She sniffed, blinking as a hoof gently wiped away her tears. One yellow, one orange.
“We shouldn’t have said such things. I don’t even understand -how- my mouth even spoke such words. The very thought of it makes me feel sick to my stomach. WE are the ones who should be sorry,” reasoned Apple Bloom. Scootaloo nodded.
“No, it’s me who should be sorry. I should have trusted you. I should have known that you would never say those things.” She sniffed, not noticing her sister smile, nor her head inside to bake some cookies. Looks like the trip could wait.
“No it’s our fault! We should be sorry,” rebuffed Scootaloo.
“It’s my fault, you wouldn’t have said that if it wasn’t for me.” Sweetie argued right back.
“Ya’ll need to stop, we’re all sorry.” Apple Bloom lifted a hoof, and they all paused, giving a heartfelt laugh.
"Together?" Asked Sweetie.
"Together," nodded the two.
“Cutie Mark Crusaders, Apologetic Fillies!” They lifted their hooves into the air, connecting.
Starswirl chuckled softly. “Kids.” He ended his spell on the clouds, letting them return to their natural configuration. He nibbled on his mouse contentedly. While not the end he had foreseen for himself, he was satisfied in the knowledge the spell continued, ticking in the background as the weeks rolled by.
“And then, immortality will be mine.” He smiled at the thought, beginning to purr. Yes, then immortality would be the world’s. After all, it wasn’t like that magic could just vanish. It would have to go -somewhere-.