More To Me Than That
Chapter 13: Marked For More
(Day 5)
Ever wonder how two friends can be the same and yet the exact opposite? Well, that was
Rainbow-Dash and Sonic today. Rainbow waited at Sugarcube Corner, dreadfully nervous
and pacing the ground in such a way that could make her easily mistaken for Applejack tilling
her crops. After some time, Rainbow looked at one of her canckles, looking at an imaginary
watch. "Look at this, I took nine million flaps today." she thought to herself in impatient
annoyance.
Not being able to take Sonic's delay anymore for their usual Sugarcube Hangouts, she
shouted "I'm Waaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiii-ting!" As if one cue, a familiar royal blue blur sped on over
next to her and casually leaned against the pillar of the candy-shop. "Hey, that's my line!"
Sonic spoke out in anger. "Oh, so it takes me saying your lines to get you here on
time?!" Rainbow joined in. "Just so you know, I actually had a good reason for being here
late!" Sonic replied, furrowing his eyes to reveal streaks of venom. "Oh yeah. Well at least
you're not Way Past Cool like I am!" Rainbow whinnied, and stared down Sonic. "Ha!" Sonic
laughed mockingly, "I'm the definition of cooler, bumped up 20%." he spiked back. The two
stared each other down for a few tense, emotional seconds until…
They both smiled and rolled around on the grass laughing so hard that it would have made for
the perfect music-soundtrack for Pinkie-Pie's Super Secretest-Bestest DJ Concert. (Don't ask
me how I know she did that.)
When they finally got back up, the two friends fist-pumped and
gave each other a friendly hug. "Hey, for real, Rainbow? You're totally 20% Cooler." Sonic
said, affirming it with a trademark grin and a wink. "Yeah, I know." Rainbow replied, "But hey,
it's only because I'm hanging with somebody Way Past Cool, am I right?" "Don't I know it."
Sonic agreed. "Oh phew. I thought you guys were breaking up your friendship." Rainbow
turned to hear a familiar, higher-pitched voice and turned to see someone else very special to
her life. "Hey Scootaloo." Rainbow greeted, clearly excited to see her little sister figure pop up.
Scootaloo (or Scoots, as Rainbow called her) was one of Rainbow-Dash's closest admirers
and biggest fans, although Rainbow didn't really notice until a big camping trip invoiving the
two of them, as well as some of their closest friends, that solidified the friendship between the
two of them.
Since then, Scootaloo was like a little sister to Rainbow, and Rainbow herself
was more than happy to play the role of friend, mentor and older sibling.
She was still reflecting
about that happy day, when she heard the sounds of happy, giggling kids voices. She saw
Scootaloo joyfully skip around Sonic with two other fillies; who she immediately recognized
as Apple-Bloom and Sweetie-Belle. They were Rarity and Applejack's biological younger
Sisters, best friends of Scootaloo and all three of them were co-founders of the Cutie Mark
Crusaders (a club that helped ponies across Ponyville discover their true calling in life, as well
as helpful contributors to their local community.) "So, what're you three all doing out
here?" Rainbow asked, as she kept her eyes on Sonic and Apple-Bloom gently tossing a
bouncy ball big enough for the latter to catch easily with her two forehooves. "Well, long story
short; Rarity was supposed to be watching them but got backed up with loads of orders, and
your favorite blue hedgehog was just in the neighborhood anyway, so…" Sonic explained,
while keeping a good focus on his little game with the tan-colored filly. "I see." Rainbow
replied. "Well, I'd love to hang with you and the kids; but I gotta get to Wonderbolts Practice."
she quickly exclaimed, matter-of-factly. "Gotta fly!" Rainbow called out before flying upwards
making a Sonic Rainboom in the process before turning for a brief moment to smile and wave
to Sonic, who was about 100 feet below. After Sonic waved back, he finally got the rest of the
Crusaders to huddle around him. "So, what are we gonna do now?" he asked, eager to find
out what exciting adventures lay ahead for them this time.
Meanwhile… at Wonderbolts Training…
"Alright everypony, listen up!" Spitfire demanded as every last pony at the training session,
from the Wonderbolts to the spectators to the custodians, kept their attention glued to her like
a repaired lamp. "We obviously have a lot to go over before the Week Of Elements
Celebration. But before we start, there's some important announcements we need to
bring up." she announced, not lacking her commanding tone, but she was more calm and
gentle in her demeanor as well. "First off, the rumors of me and Soarin dating…" Rainbow just
let the announcement fly in and out of her ears at Sonic Rainboom speed for two reasons.
One, she already witnessed Spitfire and Soarin becoming marefriend and coltfriend; so that
was repetitive for her to hear anyway. The second reason is that, in spite of Spitfire's harsher
exterior towards her in Wonderbolts Training, the two were best friends and trusted each other
enough to fill the other on important notes or announcements before said meetings. So Dash
knew what was coming in the meetings, but still decided to try her best to pay attention out of
respect for her friend. After the announcements (which were basically Spitfire approving
relationships within the group unless they became a distraction to performances and training),
training for the Week Of Elements flyover and some light galloping and flying exercises to
wind down, Spitfire finally dismissed the crew to their homes for the day. As Rainbow got
ready to fly back home, she felt a familiar scratchy hand thing gently stroke her back. "You
did awesome today, Dash." the voice commented, she turned and sighed gratefully to
meet herself with the radiant, brave, compassionate and awesome griffon standing before her.
"Oh, hey Gilda."
Meanwhile… with Sonic and the CMC's…
While Rainbow was doing her warmups and practice with the Rainbooms; Sonic and the Cutie
Mark Crusaders were having the best time that a hypersonic hedgehog and three little fillies
could possibly have. Right after picking up a little treat for the CMC's, Sonic took them to
Twilight's castle where he was staying all these months. Not that he didn't have enough bits to
find a place of his own, in fact he had a few places in Equestria to hang his hat if need be, but
he always felt the most comfortable with his friends by his side; and upon seeing this
reasoning, Twilight converted one of the empty rooms in the castle to an extra room for him in
case he wanted to stop by for a hangout or to stay awhile. Anyway, after the young fillies
finished their treats, Sonic wheeled out a smaller, lighter version of the rickshaw that he sped
Rarity and Whiteflank in the previous day. "Ta-da! Whadyouall think?! I call it… SonicShaw
2.0!" The fillies awed in the fine-tuned craftsmanship that lay before them. "Wait, what does
this thang even do?" Apple Bloom asked, with a combination of enthusiasm and curiosity.
Sonic then gently picked up all three of the CMC's, who giggled as he picked them up one at
a time. "Well remember that ride I give your sisters and my friends on occasion?" "Uh huh."
the Crusaders responded in intrigued unision to Sonic's question. "Well, after having Twilight
and Dash help me with some modifications; I figured it's about time that I made one that's just
right for my little friends." he explained, putting a teasing tone on the last part. Normally to the
CMC's, this would've been taken as mean-hearted and somewhat malicious; but since they
knew Sonic to be a bit more of their youthful, fun-loving, kind-spirited and playful uncle, they
just lightly giggled at the tease. "So can we really go as fast as Rainbow Dash?!" Scootallo
asked with her eyes growing so big that any more growth could cause them to explode with
the force of a million supernovas. Sonic smirked. "Kid, have you ever actually flown with
Rainbow-Dash?" he spoke with brisk confidence, as if to indirectly challenge his
Skittles-colored friend once again. Before Scootaloo could respond, all three of the CMC's
were whisked away on a supersonic speed-trip. "Because you'll really be flying by the time I'm
done with our trip."
Meanwhile… with Dash and Gilda…
"So, looking forward to my next big break, eh Gilda?" Rainbow inquired excitedly. The two
flew across the increasingly orange and yellow sky as their wings gently stroked the air
around them, like petting a newborn puppy. "You better believe it, Dash!" Gilda affirmed,
chillaxedly excited for her fellow Junior Speedster and best friend. "Although don't
forget that you have the Equestria Games tomorrow. You don't wanna come down with…"
"Now don't remind me of that time in Pony Island!" Dash protested indignantly. Gilda just
couldn't help but chuckle, "Oh uh, sorry about that Captain Windcrusher, but all I knew about
today was nature walking with Fluttershy…" Gilda teased, imitating her friend as best she
could from the memory of that particular event. "She had injured wings, nopony to take care of
her and you know it!" Rainbow interrupted in embarrassed protest. The chances of that
phasing Gilda however, were that of pigs becoming pegas. "And I completelyforgot that this
meeting… was today!" Gilda continued in her young Rainbow-Dash voice. She started
Giggling and laughing, both at the memory and her impersonation of her pony friend. Dash
just rolled her eyes as the two finally landed near Sugarcube Corner. "Alright Gilda, I get it. I
won't come down with the 'dreaded case of forgetfulness.'" she spoke, clearly done with her
friend's little joke. Just then, a familiar pink pony busted out of the corner. "Hey Dashie, aren't
you gonna ask Gilda about your video idea with Sonic?!" she asked. Rainbow then did what I
still occasionally do around the pink mare's antics. Gave herself a facehoof, and wonder how
she could possibly be what she is. "Came down with forgetfulness again, huh?" Pinkie asked
Gilda in dissapointment about Dashie as her griffon friend turned to sympathetically meet her
gaze. "Yeah, the best of us still get it." Gilda dejectedly sighed. Pinkie then smiled, "That's
easy! :-D :-D :-D
Allshe'dhavetodoiswashherhandsgoodandcleanforabout20secondssingingtheFIMthemesong,
Stayathomeifshegetsitagaintopreventitfromspreadingtoothers, stockupontoiletpaper
(forgetthatlastone), and then…" Pinkie was then interrupted by Gilda gently pressing one of
her front claws over Pinkie's mouth, "I really don't think she has a virus, Pinks" Gilda informed
politely, letting her claw off of Pinkie's mouth.
"But hey, I'd love to help her out with this idea with Sonic. Is he helping too? I'd really like to
meet him." Gilda asked, perking up because even though she heard a lot about Sonic from
Rainbow; she never got the chance to personally meet Sonic herself. Pinkie
brightened up, happy because Gilda was happy. Then they turned to see Rainbow-Dash
pounding her head against the wall of the sweets shop. "Uh oh. Looks like I'm gonna get a
first-hoof experience of what LoveandEdify's outburst during his house exploding's gonna be
like." Pinkie responded annoyed, "How about you go inside and order a shake, my treat of
course, then we'll talk about the video together after I get Rainbow Bash to stop breaking my
walls, while LoveandEdify tells us what Sonic and the CMC's were up to." Pinkie offered to
lighten the mood. Gilda nodded appreciateivly at the offer, while baffled at what she meant
about a certain…
Oh wait, that's me… duh… *clears throat* ahem
Meanwhile… with Sonic and the Cutie Mark Crusaders…
Although it took Sonic to figure out how good enough of a speed would be for it to be safe
enough for the Crusaders yet swift enough to give them all a good time; he eventually figured
it out, and they were now being dropped off at the Carousel Boutique. "Thank ya so much for
the fun adventure today!" Apple Bloom thanked happliy while bouncing around with the
enthusiasm of Pinkie-Pie. "Yeah, I can't believe that I never really experience that sort of
speed until now! :-D :-D :-D" she practically shouted in amazement for all of Equestria to
hear. "That's nothing, Scoots. Wait until you three get older and I'll show you my real top
speed." he confidently noted. "Wait, that wasn't even your top speed?!" a confused
Apple-Bloom asked, unsure of whether to feel confused or impressed. Especially with all the
wonders of Equestria they saw along the way. From Seaddle to Baltimare, Vanhoover,
Fillydelphia, Yakyakistan, Pony Island and even playing pirates near the abandoned cave of
Brighton's Cove. And now, the friends were back at Carousel Boutique just as Celestia's sun
was readying itself to hand the reins over to Luna's moonlight. "Nah, not really." Sonic
affirmed confidently with a wink. "That was 'get the Cutie Mark Crusaders started' mode. You
might see the other modes pretty sooner if you all keep your Pinkie Promises about staying
safe." The Crusaders respectfully saluted Sonic, then went through the motions. "Cross my
heart, hope to fly; stick a cupcake in my eye." they cheered. "Alright, get in here Crusaders!"
Sonic called out, as he opened his arms up wide. Now, his arms were wide enough to wrap all
of the kiddie crusaders up in a big hug; but instead, he let them all pig-pile him like they were
his own kids and tickle him. As a young teenager, Sonic wasn't thinking about being a dad or
a father to anyone. Not yet, anyway. But while Sonic was a star in his own right in both
Equestria and Mobius, he always made time to share time with the little ones of the world.
Figuratively and literally. When Sonic saw children, he didn't see them as an overwhelming,
burdening chore that would sap him into a zombified state; neither did he see them as pets
that solely existed to be rubbed, fed and neutered. For him, it was just another group of
friends. Albeit an awkward range of friends from picky and naughty to sugary and sweet; but
regardless, Sonic loved pouring in time for the kids when one of his friends needed help in
that whole regard. In fact; right after defeating Discord, but before officially becoming a citizen
of Equestria, one of the first jobs Sonic got offered was babysitting Diamond Tiara, the
daughter of Filthy Rich (Equestria's richest philanprothist). And, while not easy for the most
part, Sonic eventually earned Diamond's respect and even inspired Filthy to stay at home
more often to become a better father. Being familiar with the youth who looked up to him in
Mobius also helped in such matters in Equestria; especially when he first met the Cutie Mark
Crusaders the day after that when Rainbow, Applejack and Rarity were ready to take them all
on a trip to Manehattan. Sonic, deciding to use some of his bits to come along as well,
bonded instantly well with the young fillies like his own daughters on the trip, and had been an
extra set of friends from that day on. Since then, Applejack or Rarity would ask
Sonic to help on occasion when the fillies got too hard to
handles or if other priorities inserted themselves into the older sibling's schedules. Either way,
the fillies just adored their Sonic Seconds, as they dubbed them. Back in the present day, the
young fillies hopped off of Sonic as Rarity went out the front door. "Oh my goodness darlings,
it is getting a little late, isn't it." Rarity pondered out loud, clearly exhausted as a sloth while
still attempting to keep her complexion fresh as a daisy. She had been hard at work on a
top-secret project at the boutique for the past several weeks and, although her client was by
all means not rushing her, she was still wanting to ensure that everything was perfect for him.
Nonetheless, she was tired. A good tired. Especially after yesterday when she enjoyed such a
wonderful party she helped throw for one of her closest and dearest friends. "Come on in,
fillies. Applejack and Rainbow-Dash said it was alright for all of you to stay over tonight. At
that, the Crusaders stopped bouncing around Sonic for a brief second and quickly galloped
in, shouting "Cutie Mark Crusaders SLEEPOVER!" excitedly as they went in. Rarity couldn't
help but giggle a bit as she saw her little sister and her friends dash inside. "Oooh." she
realized, as she remembered her blue hedgehog friend. He sat down with his back turned
towards the entrance of her house, wearing a smile of content as he gazed at the majestic
orange, yellow and red that beckoned before him. Almost reminding him of his new friend
he made in the other dimension he explored
Rarity then decided to come and sit down next to her friend.
"It's such a beautiful way to end the day, isn't it, Darling?" she asked him, while keeping
her gaze upon the sky. "What do you mean?" Sonic asked, as he turned his head slightly to
make sure his relaxed gaze met Rarity's calm one. "I mean look at it, darling. The beautiful
sunset shimmering across the horizon, a beautiful ride across all of Equestria, and taking your
own sweet, hard-earned time to go out and be with 3 of the most rambunctious fillies I've ever
Known." Rarity sighed and stared dreamily into the phoenix-colored sky; Sonic on the other
hand, felt a nudge against his gloved hand. It was Sweetie-Belle, Rarity's little sister. "Hey
Sonic, uh, I was wondering… if you don't mind…" Sonic now wondered if this was indeed
Sweetie-Belle she was talking to, or if Fluttershy had a secret little sister even she didn't
know existed. "Well, you might have to ask him your important question tomorrow, Sweetie."
Rarity kindly responded, as she broke her trance from Celestia's final few minutes of lowering
the sun to calmly face her sister. "I got time, Rare." Sonic calmly offered as he turned towards
Sweetie-Belle. Rarity was about to interject; but discovered that not only it was better to let
Sonic talk to Sweetie, but that she didn't want to stop his big hedgehog heart in the first place.
Because that big, selfless, tenacious, preserving, gently, willing heart… is what Rarity loved
the most, about Sonic the Hedgehog.
Hey everypony, LoveandEdify here. My profuse apologies for not posting anything for so long.
I have had other writing ventures across various formats over the months. Success with
FimFiction and Quotev in particular have been truly amazing for me, as well as working on the
home stretch of this story. Now, Pinkie-Pie isn't with me this time; so I thought I'd share a few
things real quick.
One, congratulations on The Snyder Cut finally being confirmed to be released. In fact, I have
a #ReleaseThe challenge of my own. Before this story, Whadup5 and I teamed up on a story
called The Race: Winner Takes All, which was supposed to be a multiverse crossover sequel
to another amazing story of his called The Race. Unfortunately, my lack of knowledge of the
MLP universe at the time; combined with clashing creative differences, prevented this story
from being fully fleshed out. So, in the spirit of both the Snyder Cut news and Whadup5
coming back to the writing world with his Sonic one-shot "Willingly Captured?" I propose that
we also ask him, to write the true sequel to The Race. ALL by Whadup5. Aka,
#ReleaseTheWhadup5Cut . I hope that you have a fun time getting back into your groove.
Second thing, I know that there have been challenges everywhere thanks to COVID-19.
Physical, social, emotional, political; there's no denying it anymore. We've all been impacted.
Not necessarily by the virus itself, but by the upending of which it caused. I just want to
encourage you right now to Stay Safe, Stay Strong but BECOME Fearless. Because when
this is all over, you can demolish safety, you can weaken strength, but we can always fear
less when we let the situations in life mold us to become FEARLESS. Fearlessness isn't
something that you can just run to instantly and it's there. You can find safety anyplace, and in
anyone. You can win or cheat for strength. But fearlessness? It takes time. It's something
found deep within to cultivate. It's something that takes months, years, or even your whole life
to grow, to cultivate, to become. But when you do become fearless; nothing will quake you.
You will stand and face armies, mountains, natural disasters, emotional breakdowns,
relational breakups and even the world and say. "Really? That's it?"
Finally, this story's not quite over yet. The next chapter is going to show what Sweetie-Belle
was going to ask Sonic, and what's been going on inside Rarity's head about our favorite blue
Hedgehog.
Always: Keep Loving, Keep Edifying, Keep LoveandEdifying
Right Now: Stay Safe, Stay Strong, Become Fearless
See ya next time. :-D :-D :-D