Author's Note: We can't believe that this is officially the last chapter before the epilogue and then it'll be done! A Derpy King Boo and I have been working on this since March and it's fun because I love creating new characters and working on stories such as AAT. It is one of the best stories that we've written because I loved the characters that Daniel and I have created. I wish that I can explain more, but I'll finish off this story with a final in the epilogue along with the sequel.
Disclaimer: Slight mentions of a robbery attempt will be available since it is a bit darker after all but don't worry. A happy ending will surely be there for our favorite couple and how they managed to overcome their obstacles just to be together and some scenes were inspired by Lady and the Tramp movie, one of the best ones ever made by Disney!
Ascending Across Time
Chapter Fifteen
A few days had passed since Sweetie Belle had arrived in Chicacolt, and the young mare felt out of place in a new town that she knew nothing about. It was night already, and rain poured heavily from the sky. She didn't expect that the weather here would be different from Ponyville, but she did hear that it was very windy.
Her once bouncy curls were now soaked, and her makeup smeared everywhere on her face due to the rain. She sighed, wondering where Hugo could be. He did say that he was going to meet her, but Sweetie Belle didn't know where he lived.
"Oh, my stars! You must be freezing out here! Quickly come inside," a voice said, prompting Sweetie Belle to glance up and notice a silver-colored mare with a periwinkle mane, styled into waves with a loose bang over her face, "you shouldn't be out here in this cold weather." She watched as the young mare hesitantly walked up underneath the hood of the building and moved away from the entrance, staring at her, "wait...are you, Sweetie Belle?"
Sweetie Belle nodded shyly, not sure as to why this mare was getting at, "Why?" she raised an eyebrow suspiciously at her, wondering how she knew her name.
"Oh! Excuse me for my manners, but a young colt under the name of Valerian had asked me to meet up with you here since he's still preparing his new place," the mare said with a smile, until it morphed into a frown, "though, I don't know how long will this rain last. I'll be back with some towels to help you dry off. By the way, my name is Pris Steen." She had a cutie mark consisted of a gleaming diamond with a few bits scattered around it, "come with me. I'll take you to the back."
She nodded, following the slightly older mare to the back of the store. Sweetie Belle watched as Pris Steen opened the door, which led to her apartment connected to the store. "You live here?" Sweetie Belle innocently asked, walking up the stairs with her.
"Yes, I do. I just closed up shop not too long ago and that coltfriend of yours asked me to help you with living arrangements since he did hear about a storm coming from the towns ponies," she mused as she continued, "not to mention that I did find his accent quite...odd."
"That's because he's not from Equestria. He's not from here," Sweetie Belle said truthfully, not wanting to lie to her, "I know it sounds crazy, but he's from a different world filled with violence and war."
Pris Steen didn't say another word, though she was curious, can see why Valerian acted so strangely with his words and seemed to jump around whenever one of her customers mentioned Prance.
She cautiously moved into the new area and opened up a door for Sweetie Belle, leading her inside. Sweetie Belle gazed around the room and noticed that, while there wasn't much to offer in terms of space, it was plenty more than she could ask for.
"I know it's not the best of living spaces, dear," Pris said politely, "but coziness is still an important aspect in living, and I feel that this place does just enough to make things cozy."
"Y-Yeah," stammered Sweetie Belle, "I guess it does." She set her things down on the bed that was provided and glanced out the window.
Pris noticed this and smiled, "Beautiful sight, isn't it?"
Sweetie Belle nodded, "It's breathtaking. I only saw Manehattan's skyline during the evening, and this is just as amazing…it makes me feel smaller than I am."
"Manehattan would probably be the cause of it," giggled Pris, "that city is something else. Chicacolt isn't nearly as big, but it can provide similar experiences." She approached the window and pointed to a tall skyscraper, "That there is the tallest building in the area. You can see far beyond the horizon up there."
Sweetie Belle felt mesmerized by that statement, quickly imagining herself up at the top with Hugo, looking out with him as they pictured a future finally together. She even imagined a little filly gazing over the beautiful city since she dreamed of having a family with him and not having to deal with Daniel Berkshire tracking her every move.
Pris smiled once more, then returned to the door, "I promise that things will be better in the morning."
Sweetie Belle nodded, still looking out the window, "I do hope so." She had thought that Pris was referring to the poor weather.
Slowly closing the door behind her, Pris wished Sweetie Belle a good night's sleep. Sweetie Belle politely returned the favor before pulling herself from the window and changing out of her dress, hanging it up carefully. She yawned a bit, then paid attention towards the window once more, leaning on the window sill a bit and gazing out of it, wondering where in the city Hugo was.
I just can't wait to see you again, Sweetie Belle thought, hoping Hugo could somehow hear it.
She enjoyed the view for a little while longer before turning in for the evening. The next morning, rays of sunlight entered the room, prompting Sweetie Belle to open her eyes and squint a little. She yawned, rubbing her eyes to force herself awake. Slowly getting out of bed, Sweetie Belle decided to make Pris's bed, grateful that the mare allowed her to sleep in her bed for the night since her travel had been long and tiring.
She wondered if Pris had a personal bathroom for her to use since she did want to smell nice for whenever she meets Hugo again. Opening the bedroom door with her magic, Sweetie Belle stepped outside and smelled something delicious. She assumed the smell could be pancakes and when she followed the smell, it leads her to a tiny kitchen, where she found Pris already preparing the table.
Looking up, Pris beamed at the sight of the young mare, who'd poked her head inside of the tiny space. "Good morning, Sweetie Belle! Did you sleep well?" she asked, going to the stove and checking on the pancakes, until she realized that Sweetie Belle needed to wash up and get ready, "if you're wondering where the bathroom is, it's right next to the living room."
"Y-Yes. I slept well. Thank you for asking," Sweetie Belle said shyly with a blush, "thank you for that." When Sweetie Belle disappeared from the kitchen, millions of thoughts raced in her mind. She couldn't help but wonder how Rarity and Daniel would react to her eloping with a man she'd known before he was drafted to war. She wanted to get to know him better, but him getting drafted shattered her hopes and dreams of what could've been.
Her mind still haunted her to the question of what would happen if Hugo had died out on the battlefield. She'd probably still live a miserable life with Daniel and her sanity most likely driven over the edge. Shuddering at the thought, Sweetie Belle entered the bathroom and closed the door behind her. After she had finished washing up, Sweetie Belle walked back to the kitchen and smiled at the sight of her breakfast laid on the table, reminding her that she did miss the croissants that she had at Mimi's Cafe.
"Thank you for the breakfast, Pris. It looks so yummy," using her magic, she lifted the fork and knife to cut her pancakes and once she was finished, she levitated the maple syrup holder and poured it all over her pancakes and once she was finished, she finally took a bite out of the pancakes, savoring its taste deeply. Swallowing, she turned to Pris, grinning, "this is so good! A friend of mine has her bakery and I wish that I had your talents."
Pris chuckled, "It was nothing. I did take the culinary school in my younger years until opening up a jewelry store with my sister became my calling."
"You have a sister? Where is she now?" Sweetie Belle curiously asked, resuming back to eating her breakfast while waiting for a response from Pris.
"She's in Manehattan right now, merging businesses with our cousin, who owns a bridal store...speaking of which, I did ask him to send a wedding dress along with a veil," Pris said, eyeing her with a smirk, "it was all Valerian's idea. Not to mention that my cousin did help him out with a tuxedo through letters."
Sweetie Belle's cheeks turned crimson as she dropped the fork she had been levitating down on the plate. "W-What?" she spluttered out in disbelief, making sure she had heard her correctly.
"I don't know if you want me to use his actual...erm...human name or not, but Valerian did tell my cousin to send me a wedding dress for you to wear," she winked, "though. I'll tell you where he lives after breakfast."
Once breakfast had been over and the plates cleared off, Sweetie Belle and Pris were in the bedroom, Pris looked through the closet, finally finding the perfect wedding dress that her cousin had sent her. She soon handed it to Sweetie Belle, who looked a bit unsure about this.
"Oh, do come on and try it, Sweetie Belle! You're going to elope with your special somepony and spend the rest of your life with him without an abusive fiancè controlling you!" Pris exclaimed, pushing her to the bathroom.
As soon as Sweetie Belle tried on the wedding dress, it seemed to her that all of her worries and doubts had completely washed away, with a ray of hope in her heart. She beamed, giggling like a little filly who'd just got a new puppy.
I do wonder how Hugo would react once he sees me in this, Sweetie Belle thought, imagining that Hugo would propose to her, all this time I was scared of rejecting his proposal because I suffered a few beatings from Daniel...though, I'm not sure how he'll react and possibly demand answers. Will he leave me for it? No! I don't think he will. He's such a caring soul.
"Sweetie Belle? Are you alright in there?" Pris asked, knocking on the door, "you've been in there for the past twenty minutes."
"Huh? Oh...sorry, Pris. I was only thinking that's all," Sweetie Belle answered sheepishly, opening the door with her magic and coming out of the bathroom, her cheeks turning pink, "how do I look?"
Pris gasped, "Oh my stars! You do look like a blushing bride, dear! Come on. I'll do your hair and makeup."
Sweetie Belle nodded and followed her to the bedroom, and once they were inside, Pris spotted her makeup bag and done the young mare's makeup.
"I can just imagine his reaction right now! Him turning around, you standing in the center, allowing your beauty to shine through!" she exclaimed, finishing up her makeup. Once she was finished, Pris pulled away, smiling happily, "there! You look absolutely beautiful!" Before she could forget, she then added the veil that came along with the dress.
"Oh my," Sweetie Belle gasped, walking towards the mirror, Sweetie Belle's cheeks turned red, feeling flustered that she is getting married to the love of her life, and may have his foal, "do you know where he'd went?"
Pris nodded, "Yes. He went to the toughest parts of the town which aren't too far from here to wait on you, though, I must warn you to stay safe out there."
Sweetie Belle nodded, hugging her new friend as she grabbed her things and walked out of the room and down to the shop, where Pris opened the front door for her.
"You may have to take a taxi to your destination. I have to open up shop in thirty minutes anyway," Pris said, smiling at her warmly, "good luck with everything, Sweetie Belle. I hope that we can see each other again soon."
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Hugo walked along the sidewalk, sighing to himself a bit. Everywhere he looked, he saw couples happily enjoying each other's company, making him feel his heart weigh down a bit. He yearned to know what Sweetie Belle was doing and despised the thought of what Daniel could have done to her.
I sure hope that he is not with her, he thought to himself, walking further along the sidewalk.
The morning was young and the sun was only minutes past its rise. The weather was unseasonably warmer but not as warm as the summer heat. All around town, pegasi flew about, placing clouds in various positions, performing their daily tasks as weather ponies. Hugo always wondered how it would be like to fly, but also worried about falling from great heights if he was ever given the chance.
Turning the corner, he began to walk down another sidewalk, this one into a rougher looking part of the neighborhood. He lived close by and knew that, if Sweetie Belle were to arrive here, he would have to move out. It was safe enough for him, but not safe enough for her, and he knew this well.
Soliciting on a corner, he watched more ponies walk by him and proceed with their mornings, listening in to the usual drawl and conversation the morning folk had.
"Did you see Hay Leno last night?" one pony asked another.
"Ooh, girl," another said, "that was funny stuff!"
"The plan gotta go down tonight," a colt said quietly into a device of his, "that'll be huge for the company if we can pull it off."
"Two blocks north of here, then turn left," a different stallion told a mare, "you shouldn't miss it."
"Thank you," replied the mare, following the directions given to her.
Hugo sighed once more, then pulled out a croissant with his hoof, It no taste like ze ones at home, but is a good replacement.
Taking a bit out of the pastry, Hugo smiled softly to himself, feeling the upbeat sensation of the immediate gratification that the croissant provided. It was true that it didn't taste quite like the ones he used to have back in France, but to him, it was a valiant substitute. He took another bite and savored the taste as best as he could before going back to pony watching.
Life in the big city was a unique chance for the young man-turned-pony. Sure, he had learned to live in the bustling and rising city of Paris in his native land, but Chicacolt and Paris differed greatly. For one, there were far more ponies around in Chicacolt than there ever were people in Paris. The overpopulation issue was something that Hugo did have to learn how to adjust living to on the fly, but a challenge he had come to accept. It was hard enough finding a place to himself here, but he was very grateful that he did. He took another bite of his morning pastry, glancing around yet again.
Hugo wondered how he and Sweetie Belle would be able to start a family here in Chicacolt, with crime running about and he was often on edge about it. He'd probably visit Ponyville again sometime in the future and ask Rarity if she could lend him a hoof, but she hates him for being part of the lower class.
He thinks that she's only doing this to keep her and Sweetie Belle's reputation intact and avoid any scandals. He rolled his eyes at the thought of it since Rarity had been too focused on allowing Sweetie Belle to marry Daniel Berkshire.
"If that's the case, shouldn't she marry him instead?" Hugo asked himself, finishing off his pastry, "she doesn't know that I'm a goodhearted fellow, with a few secrets here and there that Louis is the only one who knows about."
Out of nowhere, a scream could be heard from a mile away, prompting Hugo's ears to perk up to find the owner of the voice, to which he now thinks it's oddly familiar towards him.
"Help me! Please! AH!" Without hesitation, Hugo raced towards the scream, a quiet determination appearing on his face when he spotted a mare along with her two companions surrounding and cornering a helpless pony, "p-please...I don't have anything to offer you. Let me go!"
"Not unless you give us what you have then we'll be on our way," the mare smirked, pointing her knife at the young mare until she was soon greeted by a different stallion who appeared out of nowhere, "what the-?"
Hugo stood in front of the familiar and defenseless mare, his nostrils flaring out of anger and disgust, "Just who you think you are? Attacking random ponies for money?"
"Watch who you are talking to, kid. She's our target and I know that she got something special on her which worth a lot of bits," the first stallion spat, narrowing his eyes at the unicorn, who in turn cowered behind her savior, "she needs to be taught a lesson if that's the case."
Hugo smirked at the stallion, glancing at Sweetie Belle for a moment before looking back at the three criminals. "Not unless if you get through me first," Hugo threatened as he whispered to her, "hide until I finish."
The first mare growled, "You little punk! Tycoon and Shark Bait, get him!" she watched as her two guards began to fight the earth pony, little did she know that she'll be defeated right here. From behind the barrels, Sweetie Belle watched in shock with a mixture of horror as the two older ponies both attacked Hugo first, kicks and punches were thrown at one another as Hugo managed to fight them off.
Tycoon and Shark Bait both gasped in fear and disbelief when this random stallion attacked them with as much strength as possible. Despite being an earth pony, Hugo knew that they were only taking advantage of him because of it, though he decided to not use that as an excuse to protect the mare he loves.
"Retreat! Retreat!" the first mare called out to Tycoon and Shark Bait, who in turn quickly nodded and dashed off with their boss. Once the fight ended, Hugo snorted as he walked back to Sweetie Belle, who was still cowering behind the barrels.
"You okay, no?" Hugo asked, watching as Sweetie Belle walked out from behind her hiding spot, shaking in fear, "they hurt you, did they?"
Sweetie Belle took a few breaths to calm herself down and placed a hoof over her chest to stop her beating heart. She looked down at her wedding dress and bit her lip nervously, glancing at her lover with a shaky breath.
"I-I'm fine, Hugo. Just shaken up t-that's all," she honestly admitted, turning away from him briefly, "n-not what I imagined meeting you again."
Hugo chuckled as he stared at her, lost for words as he felt his heart race at the sight of her. His breath hitched when she turned around, closing her eyes and opening them, a small smile appearing on her face.
"You...look stunning," Hugo said, walking towards her as he walked beside her, "let us go home. I have surprises waiting for you."
Walking beside him, Sweetie Belle kissed his cheek affectionately as Hugo took her to his apartment. When they arrived, Hugo opened the door, allowing Sweetie Belle to enter in first with a smirk. He stepped inside after her, closing the door behind him.
"What's the surprise?" she asked innocently, walking a bit further inside of the apartment and gasped when she saw the decor, "it looks like the one back in Paris."
Hugo nodded, following her. "Yes. It does," Hugo responded, looking unsure, "it was free. Though, how you feel about raising foal here?"
Sweetie Belle's ears drooped down, nervously chuckling at him while thinking of an honest answer to say. Taking a deep breath, Sweetie Belle swallowed thickly as she looked at him. "I do want to raise a foal with you, Hugo, but here...isn't the best option."
"I see what you mean. It is violent here after all...how would we support ourselves and child?" Hugo asked, looking at her.
"I'm a singer, haven't you forgotten? I haven't gone on tour or anything in ages and I'm still deciding on whether or not if I should take Sapphire Shore's offer but there's this theatre looking for an opera singer," Sweetie Belle explained.
"I told you before: lead your life. Choose whatever you want," Hugo advised, planting a kiss on her cheek, "now. Are you ready for the surprise?"
Sweetie Belle squealed in delight, watching as her coltfriend disappear to his room. Once he came out, she gasped at the box he was holding in his hoof, along with him wearing a tuxedo. It was a white color, and her green eyes sparkled at the sight of it. She could feel her heart racing at the thought of being his fiancè and soon his wife.
Hugo took a deep breath since it was his actual first time proposing to a woman, more specifically a mare. He too could feel his heart race with excitement, swallowing a bit. Once he was calm, Hugo took a breath to ease his nerves. He didn't care about the consequences that may happen in the future. All he wanted was to start a new life with his beloved Sweetie Belle.
"Mademoiselle Belle, from the first day I met you in Paris, I have dreamed of marrying you since that day we met, I wanted to fulfill my parent's wishes to find a wife, and I did. After getting know you, I felt like God sent you to me. You are an angel, Mademoiselle Belle. I promise I never hurt you like Daniel. I treat you with respect and kindness. Will you marry me?" he asked, opening the box which contained a beautiful ruby red engagement ring.
Sweetie Belle gasped, feeling her eyes swell up with tears at the speech he made. She was willing to take the chance and didn't care about what'll happen later on if Rarity found out about her elopement. "Yes. I will marry you," she said, watching as Hugo slipped the ring onto her horn.
Hugo cried tears of happiness as he embraced Sweetie Belle tightly, not willing to let go, but eventually, they did and they both gazed lovingly into their eyes.
On the day of the wedding, Sweetie Belle stood in front of the mirror, using her magic to adjust some flowerheads in her mane. She tried to position them perfectly, but the head kept falling over itself, much to Sweetie Belle's dismay. Stomping her hoof out of light frustration, she tried once more to set the flowerhead nicely in her mane, but, once again, it fell over.
"Please just stay up," Sweetie Belle pleaded with the flower, "this is too important to happen today."
"Allow me to help," called a voice.
Sweetie Belle looked down in the mirror and noticed that Rarity had come to see her before the ceremony. Rarity used her magic on the flowerhead and began adjusting it herself, offering some words for Sweetie Belle.
"Sweetie Belle," she began, "I know the last few months have been...well, rough, for lack of a better phrase, but I just want you to know that everything I did was for you. I know it's been tense and all that, what with Daniel and his antics, but I always thought that he was best for you...and that's when Twilight reminded me of something rather generous."
"What was that?" Sweetie Belle asked, eyeing the flower as it was being placed delicately.
"That I was looking at something the way I wanted to view it," answered Rarity, finishing the adjustments, "not the way you wanted them." She smiled at the flower, then positioned herself next to Sweetie Belle, "I always pictured having a Prince Charming of my own come swooping in and sweeping me off my hooves with his charm, good looks, and status title in society, that I've just had this sort of clouded judgment across everything. I guess, when I'd learned that Daniel was the same age as you, I lost the better part of my judgment and pushed him onto you for a better life for the two of us, I'd mostly forgotten that you were being shunned out of a choice. I guess, had you not listened to me, things would be different for us."
"It wasn't fun defending myself from him," protested Sweetie Belle, "he's a monster, Rarity...but I guess you just never saw that about him."
"And I should have, Sweetie Belle," agreed Rarity, "but I guess the thought of the influx of money his family would bring to us just made me believe that he would be different for the better, not Discord different."
"It's okay, Rarity," Sweetie Belle smiled, turning to face her older sister, "because I'm still here and I still have my spirits."
"That you do, Sweetie Belle," nodded Rarity, "and don't forget the fabulous pride that you have. Nopony can ever take that away from you, no matter how much they try to break you." She reached in and hugged her younger sister, careful not to alter or ruin the dress she was wearing, "We're sisters, and we'll always be there for each other, no matter what."
"I love you, Rarity," Sweetie Belle stated, feeling tears begin to form in her eyes.
"I love you too, Sweetie Belle," Rarity replied, wiping her own eyes dry, "now come along. I believe a certain somepony is waiting for his bride."
And with that, the two sisters left to go meet Hugo at the altar, leaving behind a set of intertwined violets on the dresser behind them.