Chapter 16

Sugarcube Corner, Ponyville

Sweetie Belle, Frostmere and Applebloom stood in front of Sugarcube Corner nibbling on their cupcakes, contemplating what to do next. Scootaloo had already rocketed her way off to Rainbow Dash’s house in Cloudsdale to spread the news of Pinkie’s “condition” leaving the CMC short one member. The contemplative silence was broken by Sweetie Belle.

“Umm sorry guys but I really don’t feel like doing any crusading right now. I should probably go see Rarity, she’ll freak out if I don’t.”

“Yeah ah reckon that’s a good idea. Ah got chores ta do back home and ah gotta stop by Zecora’s house to pick up some herbs. She’s been teachin’ me how ta make healin’ potions and what plants make the best medicines and whatnot.”

Sweetie Belle pointed her hoof at Frostmere. “What about Emerald? I don’t think he would want to come with me, ya know considering he’s a colt. Colts and dresses don’t exactly go together.”

“Alright ah guess he could come with me…unless he finds pickin’ plants boring. How bout it Emerald ya wanna come with me?”

Frostmere flashed his trademark smirk. “I’d love to come along. Why foraging for plants sounds downright tame compared to spelunking and insane mares. I think I’ve had enough excitement for one day anyway.”

“Well then we’re off to Zecora’s hut! See ya later Sweetie.”

“Bye, try not to get lost on the way!”

“Don’t worry none ah know the path to her hut like that back of mah hoof.”

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Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

Sweetie Belle approached her house with a slight bit of trepidation. She wasn’t sure if her sister had heard the news of Pinkie’s recent episode or the CMC’s misguided attempt to explore caves. Most likely Rarity was too busy designing dresses or she was just used to Sweetie Belle’s constant antics. Sweetie Belle swallowed a lump in her throat and knocked on the door.

“Rarity are you home?”

A singsong voice answered. “Coming darling~”

Rarity opened the door to find her sister standing there completely filthy and smelling a bit like wet dog. She scrunched her nose and grit her teeth, unsurprised at her sister’s dreadful appearance.

“Sweetie Belle you know we’ve had this conversation many times. Why must you always get so dirty while crusading? A lady must always keep herself clean and presentable. You march your hooves straight up to the bathroom and get yourself clean this instant young filly!”

“But Rarity I…”

“NO BUTS, BATH NOW!!!”

Sweetie’s ears splayed against her head as she shuffled her way into the boutique. “Yes ma’am.”

Rarity used her magic to turn the knobs of the bathtub faucet, adjusting it so as to make it the perfect temperature. She then levitated Sweetie into the tub and began to rub some strawberry scented shampoo into her mane.

Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but feel relaxed, as embarrassing as it was to have her sister bathe her. She secretly enjoyed it but would never admit it to her sister; instead she merely let out a contented sigh as she sank further into the warm bath water.

Rarity giggled. “Oh Sweetie this reminds me when you were just a foal. Mother and I would wash you and the smile you had on your face could have lit up all of Equestria. *Sniff* I’m sorry I was so abrasive earlier darling…it’s just I was worried about you that’s all. I don’t want to see you hurt and dirty, surely you understand? You’re the only sister I have and no matter how many jewels I find or dresses I make, you’ll always be my most precious possession.”

Sweetie’s voice cracked slightly. “I-I…I’m sorry for making you worry Rarity.”

“Shh it’s alright Sweetie I know you don’t do it on purpose. Now why don’t you tell me what kind of dress you want for the gala hmm?”

“The gala what gal…? Oh that gala. Sorry I haven’t really given it much thought to be honest.”

“That’s perfectly fine darling, there will be plenty of time to make you a beautiful gown. After all we want you to look ravishing for your date!”

Sweetie dipped her face deeper into the water blowing some bubbles. “Do you really think Scootaloo will like me more if I dressed up? She just…well she doesn’t seem to be into girly stuff.”

“I think you’ll find that Scootaloo is more feminine than you give her credit for. Why she wouldn’t have chosen to be with you if that were not the case darling. Who knows perhaps she might be eager to show her own feminine side to you.”

“You really think so?”

“I know so Sweetie. Scootaloo takes after her idol after all. You can’t imagine how difficult it is to get Rainbow Dash to take care of herself. She would be absolutely gorgeous if she styled her mane and dressed up a bit from time to time. Such is the life of a tomcolt.”

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. “I hear ya on that one. It took her forever to just to warm up to the idea of even holding hooves. She thought kissing was worse than having her primaries ripped out, one by one. She’s getting better at it now though.”

“Hmm yes sometimes it takes ponies a while to truly understand what they want out of life myself included! While you are a bit young, romance is still a wonderful thing. Try your best not to hurt Scootaloo ok?”

“I would never do that Rarity! She’s one of my best friends, I could never hurt her.”

Rarity patted Sweetie Belle’s head. “Oh I know you wouldn’t do it on purpose, it’s just that sometimes we hurt those we love without knowing it. All I’m saying is that you should always put your relationship before your pride.”

Sweetie Belle nuzzled her sister. “Ok…thanks Rarity. Umm I don’t have to Pinkie promise do I?”

“Hah! No that’s hardly necessary, besides this is more of a promise to yourself rather than to somepony else. Now why don’t we get you out of the bath before you turn into Sweetie Prune?”

Rarity and Sweetie Belle trotted their way up to the dress workshop. Inside the mannequins were lined up ready to showcase the newest fashions, bolts of cloth lay neatly arranged on top of a table. Rarity levitated her red working glasses onto her snout and nudged Sweetie onto an elevated wooden platform.

Sweetie’s voice cracked in surprise. “What are you doing?”

“Isn’t it obvious dear sister of mine?”

“Umm…would you be mad if I said no?”

Rarity clicked her tongue. “Why I’m fitting you for a new dress of course!”

“Oh yeah I guess that makes sense. It’s for the gala right?”

“Yes of course darling why do you think I mentioned earlier? We can’t have you attending a gala in the nude after all.”

“But Rarity we don’t normally wear…”

Rarity stuffed her hoof in Sweetie’s mouth. “No, No NO!!! I shall not have another pony tell me that. Yes darling I know we do not normally wear clothes. This is a special occasion, therefore it is prudent to look one’s best. No sister of mine is going to attend a gala prancing about in her birthday suit, how utterly uncouth!”

“Now let’s see what colors suit you best. Hmm perhaps I should use a bit of pink. Purple is more Twilight’s color. Maybe…OH! IDEEEEEEEAAA~”

“Rarity what exactly do you have in mind?”

“This may seem a bit bold at first darling, but please hear me out. Rather than go with colors that match your coat and mane, why not use the colors of your special somepony?”

“Use the colors of my special somepony?”

“Yes, isn’t it just brilliant?”

It took Sweetie Belle a moment to process what Rarity was implying. A few seconds later it dawned on her and she adopted a bashful expression.

“Oh my gosh…that would mean I’d be wearing orange but then that would mean Scootaloo would be wearing pink and purple. E-everypony would know we…we were a c-couple.”

Rarity let out a squee, grabbing Sweetie by the cheeks. “Precisely darling!”

Screwing up her courage Sweetie stomped a hoof on the floor. “Ok I’ll do it for Scootaloo!”

“Oh these dresses will be the most A-d-o-r-a-b-l-e I’ve made yet. You two shall be the crème de le crème of the gala.”

Rarity began to levitate her scissors and sewing needle, cutting the orange fabric for Sweetie’s dress with ease. While she started her word she began to hum, getting into the zone.

♫ Stich by stich sewing Sweetie’s dress together!

Thread by thread, it will only be first rate,

It shall surely impress her date!

I’m sewing Sweetie’s dress.

♫ Orange hues for the base, it matches a lover’s feather!

Purple for the trim the color to show my sister’s beauty,

A pink and white ensemble for her dearest Scooty!

Such heartfelt emotions, tears coming to my eyes…oh no I bet I look…like a mess.

Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but giggle at her sister. She had the strangest tendency to sing while she worked. While it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, it was still a bit embarrassing because the subjects of her songs tended to reflect what she was feeling at the moment. Rarity wasn’t as prone to belting out Broadway numbers as Pinkie Pie, but it was still a bit much for Sweetie’s taste. Despite all that she loved Rarity not only for her personality quirks but also for the generosity she always shared with both her sister and others.

After about ten minutes Rarity finished creating the dress. Sweetie Belle hopped off the platform and looked at herself in front of a large mirror. The dress she wore was stunning to say the least. The style was late Victorian period, complete with frills on the collar and hooves. The frills were a sort of translucent magenta, which matched Scootaloo’s mane. The dress itself was orange, not dissimilar to Celestia’s setting sun on a summer evening. It was too much for the filly to handle, she immediately began to tear up. Rarity noticed this immediately and grew concerned.

“Sweetie is there something wrong? Do you not like the dress?”

Sweetie sniffed quietly. “No, nothing is wrong. The dress is perfect, I love it. I…I’m just really happy that’s all.”

“Oh I see, well I’m glad you like it so much darling.”

Sweetie cantered over to her sister and wrapped her in a tight embrace. “Thank you Rarity. You’ll never know how much this means to me.”

Rarity smiled. “Don’t mention it; I’m only doing what’s best for my sister. It’s what siblings do.”

“No…Rarity this isn’t nothing. I don’t know how to repay you…”

Rarity ran her hoof through Sweetie’s mane. “Now stop this talk of repayment. Sweetie seeing you smile is the best payment I could ever receive. Of course it wouldn’t hurt if the dress knocks your fillyfriend off her hooves to boot.”

“Don’t worry I’ve got that covered sis.”

“Ha! Good to see you’ve inherited the old Belle charm.”

The two sisters laughed heartily for a few moments, then went downstairs to enjoy a cup of tea. They sat at the dining room table, sipping their tea, neither saying a word.

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Zecora’s hut, near the edge of the Everfree Forest

Applebloom and Frostmere trotted along the narrow cleared path to Zecora’s hut on the edge of the Everfree Forest. Strange sounds could be heard from inside the hut, such as chanting and what sounded like drum beats. Applebloom had been to Zecora’s hut many times before but was always wary of interrupting any important incantations or spells the zebra may be preforming. Swallowing the lump in her throat she knocked on the door.

“Zecora! It’s me Applebloom are ya busy right now?”

The drumbeats immediately ceased and a few moments later the door creaked open. “Who is this that visits my hut at noon? Why if it isn’t my dearest Applebloom!”

“Hi Zecora ah was just visitn’ with mah friend Emerald. We’d like to go out and help ya with yer foragin’ if ya don’t mind.”

“It is good that you two just came by, for my ingredients are in short supply.”

“Alright that’s good. Is it alright if ah take Emerald with me?”

“Take your friend if you will, for he shall be useful with his arcane skill.”

“So where do ya need us ta go for yer plants?”

“Upon a difficult path you shall forge, for the plants lie in Ghastly Gorge.”

Applebloom’s eyes widened in shock. “What!? Ya can’t be serious? All kinds of nasty critters are livin’ there.”

“Yes the beasts are violent, how tragic but your friend has great prowess in magic.”

“Look Zecora ah understand he’s a unicorn but he ain’t no Twilight Sparkle. He’s just a colt for Celestia’s sake. Uhmm no offence Emerald.”

“None taken. Your zebrine friend has a point though; you stand a much better chance at getting the ingredients with me along.”

Applebloom shuffled her hooves. “But…I’d just hate mahself if ya got hurt. Applejack would tan mah hide if anything happened to ya. Heck I’d tan mah own hide if anything happened to ya. Ah can’t put a pony ah just met in that kind of danger. Ah know the CMC gets in to all kinds of danger with our adventures, but ah think it’s time we put a stop to that…at least doin’ the more dangerous stuff.”

A smug grin crept across Zecora’s face. “Your concern for the unicorn, my heart it does rend. It seems however you care for him as more than a friend.”

Applebloom plopped down on the floor, blushing furiously. “ZECORA!! Ah-ah…I’m just concerned about his safety that’s all. Ah mean the first time we found him, he was hurt and ah just don’t wanna see anythin’ bad happen to him.”

“Your lack of honesty is quite humorous if I must say, however time is wasting so be on your way.”

“Yeah yeah…alright ah guess ya have a point. C’mon Emerald let’s get Zecora’s herbs.”

The journey to Ghastly Gorge was about a two hour hike on hoof. Getting to the gorge wasn’t particularly dangerous because the trail to it was the least wooded area of the entire Everfree Forest. The tricky part was traversing the inner walls of the canyon itself, which was where the plants Zecora needed. Some of the dangers included giant rock eels, sudden rock collapses and a rumored and consequently rare burrowing hydra. Despite all the danger the pair continued to trek through the gorge knowing that the plants they were about to collect could potentially save lives and maybe grant a certain apple filly her cutie mark.

Applebloom looked over at Emerald; he had his brow scrunched in deep thought. “Hey Emerald are ya alright? If yer tired we can rest a bit.”

“No I’m quite fine thank you. I’m just wondering where we might find a moon lily down here.”

“A moon lily? Ah don’t think I’ve ever heard of that flower.”

Frostmere rubbed his chin. “I’m not surprised; it’s an exceedingly rare flower. It only grows in certain types of soil, mainly soil that has rich mineral compositions such as here at the bottom of the gorge. That is why the flower takes on a silvery hue because it absorbs the minerals, not because it has a nocturnal growing cycle.”

“Wow that’s mighty interestin’. How’d ya learn so much about plants?”

“You could say that it’s a passion of mine. I hope to become a botanist someday, helping cure aliments and whatnot. I’m surprised you are so interested in plants, most ponies find them boring.”

“Ah don’t understand either, but then again ah was raised on a farm so we take pride in what we grow. It still amazes me how Granny Smith knows how to make Zap-apple jam.”

“Ah ha I see, that certainly explains a lot. Earth ponies would naturally have more of an appreciation for the bounties that nature provides us. Many pegasai and unicorns simply don’t appreciate what you do. Magic makes unicorns arrogant, thinking they can do anything. Flight makes the pegasai obsessed with speed and in their haste they forget that others cannot do the same. They both must understand that Equestria would be a barren wasteland without earth ponies.”

“Ah never thought about it that way but yer right. How’d ya get so smart Emerald? Ah ain’t never heard anypony say somethin’ so smart other than Twilight or maybe the Princess.”

Frostmere chuckled. “You could say that I’ve had a rather unique perspective.”

“Ah don’t get it…did ya study at Princess Celestia’s School fer gifted unicorns?”

“No, I’m afraid my schooling had little to do with her highness’s public education system. Let’s just say that some mysteries are best left unsolved ok?”

“Alright if ya don’t wanna talk about it, I'll let it go.”

Applebloom suddenly noticed a small cave a half kilometer in the distance, as the duo approached she noted that there was a dull glow emanating from deep within the cavern.

“Emerald do ya see that?”

“Yes, it appears as though we’ve found our moon lilies. Unfortunately they are located deep within this cave.”

“Ya mean we gotta go in there?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Sorry I’m just a bit hesitant ta go in there. Ya know cause of what happened before.”

“It’s alright Applebloom; I’ll use my magic to light the way.”

The ponies made their way deeper into the cave, Frostmere’s pale blue aura lighting the way. Before them was a large antechamber glowing in silver light, the ceiling coated in hundreds of moon lilies. Applebloom merely gaped at the sight, forgetting she was in a dark cavern. Applebloom immediately began climbing up a ledge in order to grab one of lilies growing closer to the ground.

“Applebloom what are you doing? If you fall you could seriously get hurt!”

“Don’t worry I’m fine. Just gimme a minute and I’ll have a few lilies in two shakes of a mare’s tail.”

Just then Frostmere heard a low pitched rumbling noise as Applebloom was attempting to wrench her botanic prize from the clutches of the rocky outcropping. It seemed that the rumbling became more pronounced the harder Applebloom struggled. It was unlikely that the gorge was experiencing any seismic activity as of late so what possibly could be responsible for the tremors?

“Hold on Applebloom I think I hear something.”

“What is it ya hear?”

“I…I think the ground is either unstable or we might be some very unwelcome visitors in somepony’s lair.”

“Now that ya mention it, ah think ah felt a bit of rumblin’ earlier.”

With a quick tug Applebloom yanked out three moon lilies from the ledge. A few rocks loosened from her harvest crashed onto the floor of the cave with a resounding crack. It was then that the rumbling became louder until the very floor of the cave collapsed inward, revealing a large worm like creature standing taller than a three story building. It was in fact not so much a worm as it was a worm-like reptile. The creature’s eyes were gray and milky, suggesting it was blind due to its sub-terrain living conditions. Its body was covered in glossy brown scales, segmented like armor so that it could burrow into solid rock. The most fearsome aspect of the creature was its maw. The mouth of the creature was segmented into two halves that separated, revealing dozens of rows of razor sharp teeth and a long snake-like tongue. This fearsome beast was none other than a burrowing hydra.

Frostmere gazed at the beast in alarm. “By the seven rings of Tartarus why did it have to be a burrowing hydra?”

Applebloom shouted in a shaky voice. “W-what in the hay is that thing?”

“It’s a burrowing hydra, first one I’ve ever seen. They are the rarest of reptiles and can live to be thousands of years old. They live underground and feed off minerals, but even though they don’t eat meat they are fiercely territorial. Judging by the size of this one, it must be at least four thousand years old and we’ve just disturbed its den.”

Applebloom let out a blood curdling scream as the hydra slammed its head next to the ledge she was standing on. Undaunted, the hydra was about to strike the ledge when Frostmere levitated Applebloom safely to the floor next to him. The hydra’s fierce attacks had loosened part of the ceiling and a large boulder the size of a house came crashing down.

“Applebloom you have to get out of here. Hurry put the lilies in your bag and run.”

“B-b-but…ah can’t just leave ya here by yerself.”

“No arguing, I have magic you don’t. NOW GO!”

With tears in her eyes Applebloom ran as fast as her hooves could carry her towards the entrance of the cave. She could hear the hydra letting out a guttural roar as it attempted to punish the unicorn intruder. Applebloom finally made it out of the cave and immediately collapsed onto the sandy ground, convulsive sobs wracking her tiny body.

Frostmere’s eyes glowed a deep blue. “Alright worm, now that the filly is gone I can unleash my full power.”

The hydra lunged at Frostmere, as he deftly dodged and flung a fireball at the creature’s face. It howled in annoyance but didn’t seem to be hurt very badly from the blow, the hard plating absorbing much of the damage. Realizing that fires wasn’t going to be enough Frostmere ripped a stalactite from the ceiling and began channeling his magic into it. As magic flowed through the spear of rock it began to glow a brilliant shade of blue, to the point of almost becoming molten. With a haggard yell Frostmere hurled the glowing projectile right through the beast’s neck and into its brain. The hydra let out an ear piercing roar as it entered its death throes. Satisfied that the creature would no longer be bothering him nor his charge, Frostmere teleported outside the cave as it began to collapse.

Frostmere appeared before Applebloom with a bright flash of blue and a resounding pop noise. When he came upon her, she was splayed on the ground sobbing hysterically. He went over to her and gently placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“Applebloom, everything is going to be alright I made it out. The hydra won’t be bothering anypony ever again.”

Applebloom’s sobbing quieted for a moment as she tried to register that Emerald was still alive. She opened her reddened eyes staring at him for a few seconds, and then tackled him to the ground in a fierce hug.

“Thank Celestia!! Ah thought you were dead. Don’t ever do somethin’ stupid like that ever again!”

Frostmere patted her on the back. “Don’t worry I won’t. We have the lilies and everypony is safe. I’d call that a good day.”

“Ah suppose yer right. Sorry ah got mad at ya…ah guess what ah mean ta say is that I’m thankful for ya savin’ me back there.”

“You’re very welcome Applebloom. Now just hold on to me while a whip up a teleportation spell to get us back to Zecora’s place ok?”

As Frostmere’s horn glowed preparing for the teleportation, Applebloom let out a hiccup and sighed. Before he could react she gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and proceeded to grab onto his neck.