It all started as just another day in the lives of six Canadian teenagers. Pippi arrived at the usual table in the food court, extra large coffee clutched firmly in her grip, to find Tommy, Annika and Applebloom already seated. Tommy had already begun ranting over his incredible new job.
"I can't believe it, Applebloom!" Tommy shouted. "You're looking at the new salesclerk at Not Quite Naked, the lingerie store!"
"Wow!" Exclaimed Applebloom, genuinely astonished at his friend's good fortune. "I thought they never hired guys. How did you manage that?"
"Eh," Tommy shrugged, "I told them I was gay."
"Wait a minute," Annika interrupted between bites of his taco. "Didn't you already have a job at the lingerie store?"
"What? No I didn't, Annika!"
"Yeah, you did, bro. I remember you got the job so you could spy on girls while they were changing," Annika said as bits of taco meat sprayed from his lips. "Don't you remember? Pippi had that huge zit on her forehead, and then that horde of zombies- Oh!"
Annika paused, his eyes bulging in shock and understanding, only to relax seconds later.
"Never mind, dudes," Annika said before returning to his lunch.
Tommy and Applebloom looked at each other in bewilderment before turning back to their friend.
"Ummm, Annika," Applebloom spoke, "You okay there, buddy?"
Annika finished the last bites of his meal before letting out a huge belch.
"Never better, bro."
Jonesey and Applebloom looked back at one another in confusion.
"Annika, maybe you should stop eating at Wonder Taco," said Applebloom. "I think Sliver Spoon might be putting things in your food, again."
"No way, bro. Me and Sliver Spoon are on pretty good terms right now." Annika smiled. "We have ourselves a little arrangement."
"Arrangement? What arrangement?" Tommy asked.
"Sorry, dude. Can't tell you."
The two boys both opened their mouths to speak before deciding to just . . . forget about it.
"Riiiight . . . So anyway, you have to keep this whole lingerie thing a secret from the girls. None of them know about this, and I don't want them to blow this for me," Tommy exclaimed. "I don't just mean Sweetie Belle. You can't tell anyone. Not Scootaloo, and certainly not- Pippi!"
Tommy froze as Pippi collapsed into her usual seat at the table.
"Hey there, sis," Tommy stammered. "We were just talking about . . . uh . . . sports . . . sports and . . . ummm . . . video games . . . sports video games!" Tommy paused, looking towards his friends for help as they tried desperately to avoid his gaze.
"How long have you been listening?"
"Long enough, Tommy. I heard everything," Pippi said before taking a gulp from her coffee cup, "and honestly, I don't care."
"Whoa, are you feeling alright, Pippi?" asked Applebloom. "You look exhausted."
"Uhhhh," Pippi groaned as she slumped down in her seat, "I spent all night cramming for a big chemistry exam, but my stupid teacher had to go and get food poisoning at that new Italian place in the mall, so she pushed it back to next week! I feel absolutely exhausted!" Pippi exclaimed before resting her head on the table.
"Tommy," Applebloom whispered, "didn't you just get fired from that Italian place yesterday?"
"Shhhhhh," Tommy replied, "She's mad enough already."
"Look, Tommy," Pippi yawned, "I'm too tired to deal with you right now, alright. I promise I won't blab to Sweetie Belle about your little bra and panty job, but if she asks me straight up, I'm not going to lie to her, got it?"
"Good enough." Tommy smiled, "Thanks sis."
Pippi could only manage a thumbs up before collapsing back in her chair just as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo joined them.
"Hey guys." Scootaloo smiled as she donned her lemon hat and opened up the Big Squeeze. "How was your day?"
"Uhhhhh" Pippi bellowed from her seat.
"Whoa," cried Sweetie Belle, "what's wrong with her?"
"She spent all night cramming for a test, but her teacher was a no-show." Applebloom explained.
"Rough," replied Sweetie Belle. "You gunna be okay there, Pippi?"
"Huh?" Pippi looked around in a daze before focusing her eyes on Sweetie Belle. "Oh yeah, sure, let me just finish my coffee."
With that, Pippi pulled the plastic lid off of her coffee cup and began chugging the whole thing in one go.
"Uhhhh, Pippi-" Sweetie Belle started as Pippi held up her index finger, as if asking her friend to pause as she finished the last ounces of coffee. Finally, with one final gulp, the cup was empty, and Pippi tossed it gently into the nearby trash can.
"Okay!" Pippi exclaimed with a new found vigor. "What were we talking about, again?"
"We were talking about Tommy's new job at the-" Annika began before being silenced by Applebloom, who clasped his hand firmly over the skater boy's big mouth.
"Dude!" Applebloom exclaimed.
"Shut up!" Tommy followed.
"A new job? Oh, this oughta be good" Sweetie Belle smiled. "Okay, out with it Tommy. What idiot was dumb enough to hire you today."
"Oh, well . . . ummm . . . You see, Sweetie Belle . . . Promise you won't be mad."
Before Tommy could spill the beans, however, the gang was interrupted by a loud bang. At the table next to them, a young girl shot up with an astonished look on her face. She pointed at them, and with a gasp, exclaimed . . .
"IT'S YOU!"
The gang paused in confusion as they sized up this unwelcomed intruder. She was dark skinned, with long, braided hair, dyed purple. She wore a yellow tube top with sea foam green capri pants. On the table beside her was a laptop with a long string of numbers flashing on screen, repeating over and over.
"Uhhh . . . It's . . . who?" Annika replied, as confused as everyone else seemed to be.
"It's you! You're them! From the story!" The stranger rambled on incoherently.
The gang just stood there not knowing what to make of this seemingly unhinged individual. Finally, Sweetie Belle spoke.
"Look . . . ummm-"
"Twilight," the weird girl replied.
"Look, Twilight," Sweetie Belle continued, "we don't want any trouble, so why don't you just pack up your laptop and go find somewhere else to be . . . crazy."
"I'm not crazy," the strange girl replied. "My doctor said so!"
"Well, I think he needs to check again." Sweetie Belle countered.
"Uhhhh! Just look!" Twilight grabbed Sweetie Belle by the wrist and dragged her over to the open laptop. After fumbling with the windows, she opened up a tab to a site called FictionPress. A few clicks later, she had loaded up one of the stories as the rest the gang began to crowd around them.
"FictionPress? What's that?" Scootaloo asked.
"It's a website where writers can post original stories," Sweetie Belle replied. "Poems, short stories, even entire novels; I posted a few of my works there when I was younger."
"Exactly!" Twilight exclaimed. "Now, check this out!"
The gang began to read the story on the screen. It had a strange title: 6Teenth Century. As they read, the gang noticed something . . . very strange; the story seemed oddly familiar.
. . . . .
Rainbow Dash arrived, dressed in strange regalia. He smiled and greeted his friends.
"Ladies, gentlemen, one and all, Lord Rainbow Dash has arrived!"
Lady Pinkie Pie laughed at the foolish nobleman.
"Nice outfit," she said mockingly.
"You like?"
The lady scoffed. "Hardly. You look like a fool!"
Rainbow Dash laughed. "Insult me all you wish. I know you desire me."
The young lord turned to the rest of his friends. "Why these sullen faces?" He asked.
His friends replied in unison. "Our duties are appalling!"
Rainbow Dash cried out, "Oh, I feel your pain, my friends, but fear not, for I have come to the rescue. My father has chosen me to organize the festivities for tonight's carnival."
Fluttershy rose to his feet in excitement as William sulked. "Wonderful, and meanwhile we must spend the afternoon toiling at our duties."
Rainbow Dash laughed. "Do you, though? Why not simply feign injury and take the day off. I can sneak you into the festivities. Consider it a day of rest for all of your anguish."
Lady Applejack gasped. "Is that really possible?"
"Oh, yes, milady. There's a side entrance. I could easily sneak you in."
Pinkie Pie laughed. "It would be better than toiling away at our duties."
"I agree." William nodded.
Applejack smiled. "And anything would be preferable to toiling away with these wretched lemons."
"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MINDS!" Rarity exclaimed. "There's no way I would feign injury just to frolic at some ridiculous carnival."
Pinkie Pie stared at her friend in bewilderment "Rarity, why ever won't you come?"
Rarity scoffed. "Do you forget that, just yesterday, I was reprimanded by Lord Halder!"
Rainbow Dash laughed. "So what? I am reprimanded all the time for my behavior."
"Oh please, Rarity," Lady Applejack begged, "It will be ever so much fun!"
Rarity paused "Well..." The young maiden considered the offer for only a moment before snapping back to reality. "What am I thinking? NO! Don't you dare tempt me!"
Now it was Fluttershy's turn to speak up "Lady Rarity," he cried, "I believe it is your duty to take this day off. No, I dare say it is your destiny."
"Destiny?" asked William.
"Shhh! Let him speak," Pinkie Pie interrupted.
"Where would the human race be without a day of rest?" asked Fluttershy. "Why, we would still be godless savages, living in huts, eating bananas . . . and fish . . . and various other things, I suppose.
We are humans because thousands of years ago, our ancestors took a day off and invented tools. They decided, 'I'm not going to toil away at these pointless duties. I will instead build a small carriage out of rocks or maybe teach a cow to give me some milk.' Next thing you know, we are exploring the Orient . . . Which further illustrates my point because, even as the great explorers were leaving their footnotes in history, they recognized the opportunity for recreation. They said 'Behold the beauty of the Orient. Now, let us eat noodles and detonate fireworks.'"
Fluttershy turned to his friends. "I believe taking a day off isn't just a fun thing to do, it's a fundamental right of every man, woman, and child!"
. . . . .
"Weird." Scootaloo spoke as she finished reading.
"Yeah, right!" Applebloom responded. "This is exactly like that time we all skipped work to go to the amusement park."
"So it is true!" Twilight exclaimed. "You guys are my favorite online story. I've read all 93 chapters in your series!"
"93 chapters? Someone wrote 93 chapters of . . . this?" Applebloom asked.
"Wait a minute! Are you telling me the characters in this story are supposed to be based on us?" asked Tommy. "Does that mean this Lord Rainbow Dash guy is meant to be me?"
"Yeah, and I guess Lady Applejack is meant to be me." Scootaloo replied.
"Come on guys," Sweetie Belle interrupted, "It's probably just a coincidence."
"You think so, Lady Pinkie Pie?" Tommy teased.
"Definitely. I'm mean, seriously guys, we're just a bunch of teenagers who spend most of their time at the mall," Sweetie Belle said with a chuckle.
"Who in their right mind would ever write a story about us?"
The gang paused as they thought it over. Who would write a story about them?
"Wait," said Annika, "If they're supposed to be us, then why are they talking all funny?"
"Because, the story is set during the Elizabethan Era," answered Applebloom.
"Oh . . . So this Elizabeth chick is the one who's been spying on us?"
"No, Annika," said Sweetie Belle. "It means the story is set during the 1600s, and no one is spying on us!"
"I agree with Sweetie Belle," said Pippi. "If someone had been spying on us, we would have known it by now. It must just be a coincidence."
"I don't know. It seems kind of suspicious." Tommy replied. "I mean, what if someone's watching us right now, using us as some form of . . . entertainment."
"Yeah, freaky," Annika whispered.
"You got that right, Annika. No one spies on the Jonesmiester and gets away with it . . . without paying me royalties, that is."
"No one is spying on you!" Sweetie Belle shouted.
"I think it's kinda cool." Scootaloo replied. "Having someone write a story about your life; it's almost like we're famous or something!"
"Yeah, and even so, who cares?" asked Applebloom. "It's not like it's affecting our lives."
The others began nodding in agreement, all except Tommy, that is.
"You guys can do what you want, but I'm going to get to the bottom of this right after- Oh shoot!" Tommy exclaimed as he checked his watch.
"Is that the time? I've got to get to my new job at the- I gotta go!"
With that, Tommy dashed out of the food court as fast as his legs could carry.
"He's right," said Pippi as she turned to leave. "It's almost three. If I don't get to the Penalty Box soon, 'Lord Halder' will put me back on probation."
"I better get down to the Khaki Barn," Sweetie Belle sighed. "The clones get uppity if I'm not there to torture them."
"I better get going, too" said Applebloom. "See ya!"
"See ya later, bro!" replied Annika.
One by one, they all left, until only Scootaloo remained . . . with Twilight . . . and no one else.
"Hmmm . . . uhhhh . . . Twilight, was it?"
"Yes, Lady Applejack?"
"Just call me Scootaloo, please?"
"Of course. I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions about your character."
"Oh . . . I would love to," Scootaloo replied, laughing uncomfortably and slowly backing away, "but I think a line is forming at the Big Squeeze and I have to-"
"Oh, that's okay," Twilight replied. "I have a big mission I have to get to anyway, and I have to get started."
"Mission?"
"I'll come by later and we can have a little chat." Twilight smiled. "After all, I know where to find you."
Twilight stood and stared, smiling awkwardly at Scootaloo.
"Okay, bye." Twilight finally said before darting out of the food court. Scootaloo just stood there, making absolutely sure Twilight was gone.
"Yikes! What a weirdo!"
Thanks to the unwelcomed interruption, Pippi was now running late for work.
"Crap! It's already three!" Pippi panicked as she rushed to her job. "Sunset Shimmer is going to flip if I'm late!"
Breaking into a jog, the athletic redhead managed to make it to the Penalty Box . . . just as the clock ticked over to 3:01.
"Masterson!" Sunset Shimmer yelled as he lumbered through the aisles of the sporting goods store. "What kind of runner shows up late to the starting line?"
"I'm sorry, sir. I got held up at the food court. There was this crazy girl who thought-"
"I don't want to hear any excuses, Masterson!" Sunset Shimmer bellowed. "A good employee shows up on time no matter what!"
"But I'm only a minute late!"
"Tell that to the customers."
Pippi examined the empty store. "Uh . . . What customers, Coach?"
"Zip it, Masterson!" Sunset Shimmer grunted. "Now, get behind that counter and sell! You're still behind on your monthly quota."
"Yes, sir," Pippi sighed as she shuffled over to the register and prepared for another mind-numbing afternoon of work.
"God! Why do I put up with that overbearing blowhard!" Pippi exclaimed as she buried her head in her hands. "It's like no matter what I do, Coach finds some reason to criticize me! Isn't it bad enough I had to deal with one wack job today?" She said, thinking back on her encounter with Twilight.
"What was with that girl, anyway; getting us all riled up over some stupid story? As if anyone would write anything based on our lives!" Pippi thought as the minutes ticked away without a single customer.
"I mean, it's probably just a coincidence. I'm sure plenty of people have skipped work to go to an amusement park . . . and have friends who give ridiculous, long-winded speeches about playing hookie . . .
. . . and have a boss named Halder . . .
" . . . Oh boy!" The antsy teen whispered as reality dawn on her. "Maybe there is something to that story after all."
Pippi peered around the store; not a customer in sight, and Sunset Shimmer was in the back, taking inventory. Carefully, the nervous young woman pulled her cellphone out of her pocket and went to FictionPress. Once there, the paranoid girl did a search for the story in question; 6Teenth Century.
Despite her best efforts, curiosity got the better of her. She picked a chapter at random, and began to read.
. . . . .
The crowd grew in numbers as Lady Applejack continued to read from poor Rarity's stolen diary.
"Last night I had the dream again, Rainbow Dash and I, sitting atop the Pleasure Wheel, our bodies pressed together in a lover's embrace. Oh Heavens! When will my torment cease?"
William scoffed, "My goodness, she was truly smitten with the young lord, wasn't she?"
"Indeed she was," said Applejack. "Pinkie Pie, did Rarity ever tell you about this?"
"No, never!" Pinkie Pie replied.
"How strange."
"Honestly, I wish I still did not know."
"You don't think she she still has these feelings, do you?" William asked.
Young Applejack began flipping madly through the previous pages. "If she did, it would be written here. One may lie to their friends, but never to one's diary."
As the foolish maidens once again violated fair Rarity's privacy, Lord Rainbow Dash approached, carrying himself with all the swagger of his noble birth.
"My friends, it is official!" The young lord boasted, "I am a genius! Oh, just listen to the wondrous scheme I have concocted . . . Hold on," he paused, spying the book, which had made its way into Pinkie Pie's hands.
"My goodness, Pinkie Pie, is that Lady Rarity's diary you're holding?"
Pinkie Pie's eyes narrowed. "If you dare tell her any of this, I swear I will kill you in your sleep."
"You will hear no word from me," Rainbow Dash laughed, taking the seat beside them.
"What page are we on?"
"Sixty-three, right William?"
"Oh, uh, yeah. Sixty-three." William replied.
Rainbow Dash laughed, "Rarity actually numbers the pages of her diary? And she wonders why we call her obsessive?
"Remember," Pinkie Pie spoke, "no one is to ever tell Rarity about this, ever!"
An audible gasp filled the square as Lady Rarity approached, eyes wide, mouth agape, staring in disbelief at her friends' betrayal.
Brokenly, the lady spoke. "I- I don't believe it."
"Rarity-"
"To think that my friends would betray me in such a manner," Rarity cried. "Now, thanks to you, every soul in this marketplace knows the embarrassing details I have kept hidden from the world. How could you?"
Only now did the four look behind them and notice the large crowd that has formed.
Pinkie Pie, overcome with guilt, rushed to her friend's side.
"Rarity, I-"
Before Pinkie Pie could continue, however, young Sir Edward approached, with whom fair Rarity was enamored.
"Greetings, Rarity. I was just wondering. Did that rash ever clear up?"
Poor Rarity appeared to go catatonic for a moment before bursting into tears and dashing out of the square.
"Oh no," cried Pinkie Pie, "what have we done?"
. . . . .
"Oh. My. God!" Pippi thought as she digested the words on the screen. "Wasn't it bad enough when everyone in the mall read my diary? Now, there are excerpts available online!
"WAIT! This could all still be a coincidence!" The jittery girl said, arguing with herself. "What else is in here?"
Pippi quickly fumbled with the touchscreen of her phone as she chose a different chapter to read, hoping for a bit of salvation from her teenage anxiety.
What she found . . . was less encouraging.
. . . . .
Lady Pinkie Pie and Lady Applejack hid in the bushes as Lord Rainbow Dash and Lord Smith carried on with their conversation in front of the local millinery.
"I do not believe it," said Pinkie Pie, "It is as if he is looking in a mirror!"
"It seems obvious to everyone," replied Applejack, "everyone, that is, except poor sick Rarity!"
"What else can we do to convince her that she has become smitten with an exact duplicate of her own step sibling?" Pinkie Pie asked as Fluttershy came riding by on a horse driven carriage while William serenaded two young lovers on board.
"Greetings, my friend!" Fluttershy exclaimed as he sighted Rainbow Dash in the crowd.
"Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash replied back as the carriage approached.
Suddenly, Fluttershy's face became panic-stricken as he spotted Rainbow Dash's doppelgänger, Lord Smith. The young man looked back and forth between the two men in complete shock.
"Good Heavens! What witchcraft is this? There are two Rainbow Dashs!"
"Fluttershy, watch out!" William yelled as the carriage veered on to the walkway. Thinking quickly, William and the two lovers leaped to safety as Fluttershy pulled the horse's reins to the left, narrowly avoiding a group of pedestrians.
"AAAAHH! AAAAHHH!" Fluttershy screamed as the carriage slammed into the milliner's wig display, sending its contents flying. A brown wig flied onto Lord Rainbow Dash's head as a blonde wig landed on William, and a red one attached itself to Fluttershy.
"Forgive me." Fluttershy pleaded after regaining control of the carriage. "I was seeing doub-GGAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
Fluttershy screamed at the sight of the two men, now completely indistinguishable thanks to Lord Rainbow Dash's new wig.
"Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash cried.
" . . . Rainbow Dash?"
"There you are!" Rarity smiled as she approached the two men. "You will never believe what Pinkie Pie just said to me." She reached out and grabbed the young lord, pulling him into a tender kiss as the others stood aghast.
"What on Earth did you do that for?" The lord asked as he pushed away from the fair maiden.
"Is something wrong, my darling?"
"Yes, there is," he said, ripping off the wig. "Rarity, It is I, Rainbow Dash."
Rarity's blood ran cold as she realized her mistake. As the shock took hold, the maiden let out a deafening screamed while the others gathered around.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"Well," said Applejack, "at least we finally convinced her."
"Yes, and all she had to do was kiss my lover," Pinkie Pie said as Rarity began to cry. "Huzzah."
. . . . .
"Oh no! Now everyone will know I kissed Tommy!" Pippi panicked as she began to hyperventilate. "I mean, it wasn't exactly a big secret, but still!
"Calm down, Pippinifer. It's not really you. Even if it is based on you, that's all it is; a character BASED on you," she said, trying to center herself.
"LOOSLY BASED on you," the young woman insisted.
"That's right, just a character based on you . . .
. . . written by some perverted author . . .
. . . who's been watching your every movement for who knows how long . . .
. . . without you or your friends ever knowing it."
Pippi's body tensed as she looked back at her phone. Against her better judgement, she decided to look at one more chapter.
"It can't get any worse than this!" She thought as she began reading.
She was wrong.
. . . .
The ladies gathered by the lemon stand as Rarity began to feverishly pace back and forth.
"Come now, Rarity," said Pinkie Pie, "just tell us what happened."
"Just let it out," Applejack pleaded, "We're here for you."
Rarity sighed, "Alright, but you cannot tell a soul!"
"We won't. We promise," said Applejack as Pinkie Pie nodded in agreement.
Rarity sighed. "Well, Rainbow Dash and I were having our usual family squabbling this morning, only this time . . . he saw me . . . naked!"
Rarity paused for dramatic effect, waiting for the shock to set in.
"Oh," Pinkie Pie said, obviously unimpressed, "Is that it?"
"Wh-What? What do you mean, is that it?"
"Well, with all of due respect, Rarity, isn't this the third time in which you have accidentally exposed yourself to Rainbow Dash? At this point, what is the problem?"
"She's has a point, Rarity," Applejack spoke, "We have all seen your bosoms."
"Ugh!" Rarity grunted. "The problem is that this time, he saw everything!" Rarity waved her arms about for emphasis.
"Oh!" said Applejack, "That is bad."
"Yes! Exactly!"
"But . . . he's your stepbrother!"
"Oh dear! Oh Heavens!" Rarity began to panic as her breathing became rushed and heavy.
"You're hyperventilating, Rarity," said Pinkie Pie, "Just breathe, deeply and slowly."
The two ladies stood at their friend's side. "That's it. Take it easy. Now, who else knows about this?"
"No one," said Rarity. "Rainbow Dash promised me he wouldn't tell the others."
"Well that's good."
"Yes, but I promised I wouldn't tell you two and I did!"
. . . .
Pippi's vision began to blur, her hands trembled, the phone slipped from her grip and fell to the floor. "This is a nightmare," Pippi thought. "This is a nightmare and I can't wake up. Who wrote this story? How do they know all of this? How long has this weirdo been spying on us?
Weeks? Months? Years?"
Struggling to regain her composure, Pippi bent down to pick up her phone. "Are they watching me right now? Writing down my every word, my every movement, my every thought, just so they could put it in some online story and post it for anyone to-"
"MASTERSON!" Sunset Shimmer yelled, causing poor Pippi to practically jump out of her skin in fright.
"Coach, I-"
"What are you doing with your cellphone out? You know better than that! Drop and give me twenty!"
"But, Coach-"
"I don't want to hear it! Now get to pushing, or would you rather it be fifty?"
Pippi sighed. "No, sir," she groaned as she began her push-ups.
"One . . . Two . . . Three . . . "
"That's better." Sunset Shimmer said as he headed back to the stockroom. "You better get your head in the game, Masterson, or else it's back on probation!"
"Six . . . Seven . . . Eight . . . Oh, I swear to God!" The irate teen thought between reps.
"I'm going to figure out who's responsible for this, and when I do, I'm going to make them pay!"
It was this time of the day that Scootaloo found to be the most relaxing. The after school crowd had finally cleared, and there was a relative calm throughout the food court. She could finally take a deep breath and relax without the sound of a blender buzzing in her ear.
"Now, if only I didn't have to wear a stupid lemon hat, this job would be almost bearable," Scootaloo thought as she opened up the newest copy of Teen Glam Magazine.
Still, it was nice to have moments like this; no annoying customers, no bratty kids shooting Nerf balls at her head, and best of all, no snobby rich girls like-
"Well, what do we have here?"
"Diamond Tiara," said Scootaloo, "What do you want?"
"Now, Scootaloo," Diamond Tiara smirked, "Is that how you treat your best friend?"
"We were hardly friends, Diamond Tiara," Scootaloo fumed. "Do you want a drink? If not, please move aside," she said, trying her hardest to keep her cool.
Diamond Tiara gave a crooked smile. "Well, since you asked, one lemon whip, please."
Begrudgingly, Scootaloo went to work on her tormentor's drink. She was half-tempted to spit in it, but cooler heads prevailed. Scootaloo didn't know exactly why, but Tricia always managed to get under her skin. Ever since they were young, Tricia found some way to manipulate poor Scootaloo's emotions, and get a rise out of her. It's like she took some sick pleasure in watching Scootaloo lose her cool, but that wasn't going to happen today. No matter what she says, no matter what she does, Scootaloo would not allow Diamond Tiara to-
"So what's this I hear about you being in a book?"
"Wh-What?" Scootaloo froze. "Where did you hear that?"
"From some psycho running around the mall with a laptop and a bad dye job. She kept calling you Lady Applejack."
"Yeah, about that . . . "
"She also said that I was the 'Evil Countess Trichelle'."
"Really?" Scootaloo laughed. "I-I had no idea."
"What? You think that's funny?" Diamond Tiara sneered.
"No, not at all," Scootaloo recovered. "It's just some silly story someone posted on FictionPress. That Twilight girl thinks the characters are based on us. It's no big deal."
"You think so?" Diamond Tiara leered. "It's funny you say that, because I had a chance to look at that 'silly story,' and I must say I found it quite . . . interesting."
"What do you mean?" Scootaloo asked nervously.
"Oh," the spoiled teen gleamed. "You mean you haven't read chapter 72, yet?"
"Chapter 72?"
"It was quite the page turner, Diamond Tiara laughed, "or whatever you call it when you read something online. Maybe you should take a look."
"Uh . . . Sure," Scootaloo said shakily, "why not?"
Diamond Tiara pulled out her cellphone with almost childlike glee and opened the web browser. She pulled up the story on FictionPress before handing it over to her unknowing victim.
"Take a look, Lady Applejack."
With a tinge of anxiety, Scootaloo took the phone from Diamond Tiara's hand and began to read.
. . . . .
Applejack sat alone, toiling away with her duties at the lemon stand, despondent over her most recent bout of bad luck as Fluttershy approached.
"Still troubled over that blemish on your lip?" asked Fluttershy.
Applejack replied with a simple nod of the head.
"As someone once said, 'don't let a simple blemish get you down,' milady."
"Who said that?" Applejack asked.
"Well . . . . I did. Just now."
Applejack sighed. "Maybe some shopping will cheer me up," she said as she closed down her stand.
"Come with me, Lady Applejack," said Fluttershy. "I promise, I am going to cheer you up!"
With that, Fluttershy led the young lady away . . .
. . . . .
"Oh, I remember this!" Scootaloo laughed. "This is that time Annika cheered me up after I swore off boys. He was so sweet!"
"So this Fluttershy boy really is Annika," Diamond Tiara purred. "I thought so."
"So what's the big deal? Scootaloo asked. "All we did that day was buy some stuff at the dollar store, ride the vomit comet and pet a bunny."
"That's not all you guys did." Diamond Tiara teased as she scrolled down to the end of the story.
"Here, read this."
. . . . .
"Thank you for today, Fluttershy," Lady Applejack smiled. "I am having the best time!"
"As am I, milady, but come now! There is plenty more where that came from. Onward!
It was then, just as Fluttershy took Lady Applejack's hand in his own, that a strange and peculiar feeling took hold in the young maiden. Guided by a new found boldness, Applejack pulled the young man closer . . .
. . . into a deep and sensuous kiss!
. . . . .
Scootaloo had to read the passage twice just so she could comprehend what was written. Her and Annika? It couldn't be!
"Wh-What? N-No, that's not what happened, I swear!"
"Who would have thought that the pretty little rich girl would have a thing for skater boy!" Diamond Tiara laughed. "Although, I have to admit, you two do make a cute couple."
"NO WE DON'T!" Scootaloo yelled, her face red from a mix of anger and embarrassment. "I mean, I like Annika, but not like that!"
"Whatever you say, Lady Applejack."
"I NEVER MADE OUT WITH Annika! ALL WE DID AFTER THE BUNNY WAS EAT A BUNCH OF ICE CREAM AND FART ON EACH OTHER-OH GOD!" Scootaloo gasped as that last part slipped out.
"HAHAHA! What? Gross!" Diamond Tiara laughed. "Is that what you two are into? Sick!"
Diamond Tiara grinned as she grabbed her lemon whip off the counter.
"Look Scootaloo, I'd love to stay and chat, but I have to go tell everyone in the mall about you and your little . . . fart party. Toodles!"
Scootaloo's eyes began to twitch as Diamond Tiara scurried away laughing.
"Every time," Scootaloo growled. "She gets me every time- ugh!"
The young blonde paced in her lemon. "It's all because of that stupid story! I swear I'm going to find the one responsible for this, and when I do . . .
. . . they are going to regret it!
Applebloom was having a pretty great day at Burger McFlipster's. Of course, most days there were pretty good. He didn't like to admit it, but he really did love working at the fast food joint. Sure, the songs he had to sing while grilling were a bit cheesy, but it was one of the few jobs in the mall that gave him the opportunity to sing while earning a paycheck, not to mention a chance to flirt with all the pretty girls who loved his voice, even if he always managed to strike out with them. In a weird way, it was kind of the perfect job, and today was going exceptionally well.
He wasn't really sure why, but it seemed as if all the ladies were suddenly really interested in him, way more than usual. Girls had been coming up all day to say 'hi' and strike up conversations with him; to tell him how much they loved his voice, how good a listener he was, and how they really supported him. For some reason, Applebloom had become a chick magnet, and it was pretty awesome . . . as long as his girlfriend didn't find out.
"Applebloom," Marlowe shouted as she ran into the restaurant. "We need to talk!"
"Marlowe!" Applebloom exclaimed. "I wasn't doing anything! They all came up to me, I swear!"
"What?" His girlfriend paused. "What are you talking about?"
"Uh . . . Nothing," Applebloom smiled. "What do you want to talk about?"
"Applebloom, what do you know about this?" She asked as she pulled out her cellphone and loaded up a familiar story.
"Oh, that? It's just some story someone wrote about me and the gang. It's no big deal."
"No big deal?" Marlowe stared in disbelief. "Are you kidding me?"
"What's the matter?" Applebloom asked as he noticed the look of shock on his girlfriend's face. "You're acting strange."
"Applebloom, have you actually looked at this thing?"
"Well . . . No, not really."
"Well, maybe you should," Marlowe said as she scrolled through the chapters, "specifically this part."
She held the phone up to Applebloom's face as he began to read.
. . . . .
William was torn.
While his friends laughed and prattled about, the young man sulked, trying desperately to sort out his emotions. Even this was a lie however, for he knew how he felt, but he would never dare admit it.
Those dazzling eyes.
That charming face.
That impressive and alluring body.
All he wanted to do was confess his love, even though he knew it was forbidden.
How would his friends react?
What would they do?
Would they shun him?
How would he ever be able to deal with the stigma, the turmoil of being in love . . .
. . . with Rainbow Dash!
. . . . .
"What!?" Applebloom exclaimed. "How many people have read this?"
"Practically everyone in the mall. All the girls are talking about it." Marlowe said. "I've had three people come up to me today to tell me that I should be happy for you and 'support your decision'."
"Oh God!" Applebloom screamed, remembering his earlier conversations with his female customers. "Is that what they meant when they said they supported me?"
The more Applebloom thought things over, the more panicked he became.
"Are you saying that every girl in the mall thinks that I am gay?"
"I know! It's crazy, right?" Marlowe laughed. "I mean . . . you're not gay . . . right?"
"What, no!" Applebloom exclaimed. "Why would you think that?"
"I don't! I just . . . wanted to be sure."
Applebloom's jaw dropped. "What do you mean you wanted to be sure? Why would you ever be . . . unsure!?"
"I wouldn't! It's just . . . you know . . . " Marlowe paused, "Everyone was talking, and . . . you have to admit, sometimes you do act a little . . . "
"'A little' what!?"
"It's nothing! Just forget it. Forget I even brought it up." Marlowe stuttered as she looked down at her wrist. "Wow, look at the time! I've got to get going. Talk to you later, sweetie! Bye!"
With that, Marlowe frantically backed away as she exited the store, leaving her poor, panic-stricken boyfriend to deal with this disaster on his own.
"Okay, calm down. It's not as bad as it looks!" Applebloom shook. "So, a couple of girls read a silly story, and now they think I'm gay. It's no big deal. I'll just explain what happened, and everyone will see that I am clearly not gay."
Just then, a group of extremely attractive young women came walking past the restaurant.
"Hi Applebloom!"
"We support you, Applebloom!"
"Stay strong!"
Poor Applebloom could only stand there in shock.
"Oh God!" He gasped. "This is so embarrassing!"
"Pippi, would you please relax! No one is watching you," said Sweetie Belle, trying desperately to calm her friend after receiving her frantic phone call.
"No! Whatever you do, do not start interrogating the customers. Do you remember what happened last time you thought someone was spying on you?"
Suddenly, the young woman's phone begin to beep. "Look, I have another call. I'll talk to you later."
Before Pippi could respond, Sweetie Belle hung up, answering the call on the other line.
"Hello, this is Sweetie Belle- What? Scootaloo, what are you talking- You and Annika?"
Sweetie Belle sighed. "Scootaloo, sweetie, it's just a story. It isn't real," she reassured her anxious pal. "No, no one is talking behind your back- Would you just- Ugh! Hang on, I've got another call."
What was going on today? Has everyone lost their minds?
"Hello, this is- Applebloom? Wait, slow down. People think you're- What!?"
This was getting ridiculous. "Applebloom, you're not gay, and even if you were, it wouldn't change- I didn't mean anything by that. I'm just saying- No, I don't agree with them!"
Sweetie Belle was fed up with all this nonsense. "Look Applebloom, we'll sort all this out after work, okay? Don't worry, alright? I'll talk to you later- What was- Yes Applebloom, I know you're not gay. Okay, bye."
Sweetie Belle hung up the phone and rested head on the counter. Her friends were insane! It was bad enough when Tommy started freaking out about this ridiculous story, but now Pippi, Scootaloo, even Applebloom are all convinced that they're being spied on by some crazed lunatic whose goal is to ruin their social lives and, apparently, out them as fake homosexuals.
"What is wrong with them?" Sweetie Belle shouted. "I mean, even if the story WAS based on us, it seems pretty obvious that it isn't anymore! Just because someone used us for inspiration doesn't make these fictional characters any less . . . fictional!"
The teenage girl took a deep breath and tried to relax. "Besides, it's not like anyone we know is actually reading that stupid story."
"Oh, are you talking about that story someone wrote about you?" Kirsten asked as she and Kristen approached. "The one on FictionPress?"
"Wh-what?" Sweetie Belle blinked, "Wait, how do you know about that story?"
"We heard about it from that creepy girl with the laptop and bad split ends," replied Kristen.
"Yeah, well just forget about it, will ya!" Sweetie Belle shrugged. "It's all a bunch of nonsense. The characters in the story have nothing to do with us, so it's best to just ignore it, okay?"
"Wow Sweetie Belle, I have to admit you're taking this quite well," said Chrissy, bringing up the rear. "Very mature!"
"Yep, that's me!" Sweetie Belle laughed. "Miss maturity."
"I'm serious!" Chrissy continued. "If I was in your position, I would be pissed, especially with all that stuff about Pippi and Tommy."
"Yeah, I just think- Wait!" Sweetie Belle stopped. "What was that about Pippi and Tommy?
"You mean you didn't read that part?" Chrissy frowned. "Oh . . . it's no big deal, really."
"It's just, there's this part in the story where . . . " Kirsten started.
"Pippi and Tommy are fooling around behind your back!" Kristen blurted out.
"Kristen!"
"Sorry, I just wanted to be the one to tell her!"
"What the hell are you idiots talking about?" Sweetie Belle shouted.
The clones backed away, except for Chrissy, who sighed and rolled her eyes. "It's right here in this chapter, Sweetie Belle," she said, pulling out her phone. "Take a look."
Sweetie Belle snatched the phone out of her hand and begin to read.
. . . . .
"Oh, Lord Rainbow Dash!" Rarity swooned. "We can not do this! Think of the scandal!"
"I do not care, Rarity!" The young lord took the maiden by the hand. "I burn for you with an intensity I can no longer control!"
Rarity sighed, "What if our family found out! We are step-siblings, Rainbow Dash! For us to be together . . . it is so . . . taboo!"
"The taboo only makes me want you more!" Rainbow Dash smiled as he pulled Rarity in close, their bodies pressed together; the young maiden's heart beating loudly in her chest.
"What about Pinkie Pie?" Rarity asked. "Surely your heart still belongs to her."
"Oh, to hell with that spiteful wench! She does not understand me, not like you do. You're the only woman for me, Rarity!"
Rarity struggled with her own burning desires. "She is your betrothed, and my best friend. I cannot betray her in such a manner."
The young maiden tried to push away, a last ditch effort, as Lord Rainbow Dash only tightened his grip.
"You can deny it all you wish, but I know how you truly feel." Rainbow Dash whispered. "All I am asking . . . is that you simply . . . giving in to your desires."
Rarity's body began to melt in Rainbow Dash's grip. Her breathing slowed, her lips parted. The young maiden's eyes closed as Rainbow Dash inched closer, his breath warm on her soft, supple skin. Rarity threw caution to the wind as she allowed Rainbow Dash to tear down her final defenses, and ravish her with a deep and sensuous kiss!
"Take me," the maiden whispered.
"Take me, now!"
. . . . .
"That slimy, two-timing, son of a bitch!" Sweetie Belle screamed. "I swear to God, I am going to murder Tommy!"
"But, Sweetie Belle, it's like you said." Kristen started. "It isn't real. Those characters have nothing to do with you, right?"
"Wh-what?" Sweetie Belle paused, remembering what she said earlier.
"Right! Of course! This is all just a bunch of nonsense," she laughed. "I mean, I'd be a total hypocrite if I took any of this seriously, right?"
"Right!"
"Yes!"
"Exactly!" The clones responded.
"Besides, Pippi is my best friend. She would never betray me like that!"
"Right." The trio nodded.
"I mean, yeah, she did have a crush on Tommy way back in the seventh grade, but she's definitely over that by now,"
"Ri-right."
"and, they're step-siblings now! They're probably sick of each other, always at each other's throats!" Sweetie Belle laughed awkwardly. "I mean, they hang out all the time, and I mean all the time, you know . . . even when I'm not around."
She began to pace the store. "I mean, who knows what they're doing when I'm not there- not that they would do anything. It's just . . . " Sweetie Belle turned back to the clones. "You girls don't think that- and you're gone."
Sure enough, all three Khaki Barn employees had given Sweetie Belle the slip, leaving the poor teen alone with her paranoia.
"It's fine." Sweetie Belle resolved. "You know what, I'll talk to Pippi after work, I'll ask her if anything is going on between her and Tommy, she'll laugh in my face and say I'm being ridiculous and that will be the end of it!"
Sweetie Belle leaned against the counter, trying to collect herself. "I mean, it's probably nothing . . .
. . . It's probably nothing."
Sweetie Belle was nervous as she approached the food court. She knew she had to confront Pippi about the story in order to ease her mind, but she felt really foolish in doing so.
"Pippi is my best friend, and Tommy loves me . . . I think. They would never do anything to the betray my trust," Sweetie Belle thought as she walked through the mall.
"Besides, they're step-siblings. The two of them getting together would be so . . . so . . .
. . . Taboo!
Sweetie Belle winced as her thoughts went back to that rage-inducing passage from the story. She quickly shook herself back to reality.
"It's nothing!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed. "It's nothing. I'll talk to Pippi, she'll say I'm being ridiculous, we'll both have a big laugh about it, and that will be it."
Sweetie Belle approached the food court to find Pippi already seated at their usual table, nervously scanning the mall, looking for potential spies and eavesdroppers. Behind her, Scootaloo was busy closing up The Big Squeeze, practically shaking with rage. Clearly, this stupid story has gotten everyone on edge.
"Hey Pippi," Sweetie Belle smiled as she sat down at the table. "Can I talk to you for a second?"
"I've been wanting to talk to you all day, Sweetie Belle!" Pippi exclaimed. "Look, I've put together a list of potential suspects. If we each take one and follow them, we might be able to get to the bottom of this!"
"What? Oh, right!" Sweetie Belle spoke. "You're trying to figure out who wrote the story. Good idea!"
"Yeah. Wait! What did you want to talk about?"
"Me?" Sweetie Belle paused. "It's nothing . . . but I was just wondering . . . is there anything you want to tell me?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, is there anything that you might be . . . keeping secret from me?"
"A secret?" Pippi asked. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"You know, a secret," Sweetie Belle specified, "maybe one involving you . . . and Tommy."
"Oh! She must have found out about Tommy's job at the lingerie store!" Pippi thought as she sat beside her friend. "Well, sorry Tommy, but I told you that if Sweetie Belle found out, I would come clean!"
"Yeah," Pippi sighed. "I guess the cat's out of the bag."
"Wait!" Sweetie Belle froze as her jaw dropped.
"You mean . . . it's true!?"
"Yeah, it's true," Pippi said. "I'm sorry for keeping it from you."
"Sorry!?" Sweetie Belle exclaimed. "That's all you can say? You're sorry!"
Sweetie Belle rose to her feet in anger.
"Whoa! Sweetie Belle, what's the big deal?" Pippi panicked. "I mean, I know Tommy can be a bit of an ass, but still-"
"I'll deal with Tommy when I see him," Sweetie Belle spat. "What about you? How could you betray me like this?"
"Betray you?" Pippi cocked her head in confusion. "I didn't realize this would be such a big deal. In my defense, I wanted to tell you this morning, but Tommy begged for me to keep it a secret, and I was so exhausted from the night before that I-"
That's about all Pippi could get out before she was silenced by the cold grip of Sweetie Belle's hands wrapping around her throat.
"I'll kill you! . . . You . . . You . . ."
"Sweetie Belle! What are you doing!?" Scootaloo shouted as she rushed to separate the two girls.
"Whoa! Dude!" Annika exclaimed as he approached the food court.
"What is going on!?" Applebloom jumped as he witnessed Sweetie Belle choking the life out of Pippi.
Quickly the two boys pulled Sweetie Belle off of poor Pippi, Who gasped for air as Sweetie Belle tried to break free.
"Let me go! Let me go!" Sweetie Belle flailed about, trying to break free from Applebloom and Annika's grip.
"Oh my God!" Scootaloo said as she rushed to Pippi's side. Are you okay?
"I think so," Pippi croaked. "What was that about, Sweetie Belle!?"
"Like you don't know!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "I swear to God, the moment I get loose I'm going to-"
"Welp! I got fired from the lingerie store!" Tommy shouted as he clomped into the food court.
"And you! Just wait till I- lingerie store?" Sweetie Belle froze. "You were working at a lingerie store?"
"Yes!" Pippi struggled to speak. "Tommy was working at Not Quite Naked, and made me promise not to tell you."
Sweetie Belle was overcome with embarrassment. "That's the big secret you've been keeping?"
"Of course!" Pippi exclaimed. "What did you think I meant?"
"That sucks dude!" Annika said, turning his attention to Tommy. "How did you get fired?"
"Well, they found out I wasn't gay because of that's stupid story someone wrote about us!" Tommy explained. "By the way, Applebloom, if you want to interview for the job, they said it was okay."
"Oh God!" Applebloom sighed.
"That's not the worst of it!" Tommy shouted. "Apparently, the sicko who wrote that story included a BS scene where I cheat on Sweetie Belle with Pippi!"
"What!?" Pippi exclaimed. "That's disgusting!"
"I know, right!" Tommy shouted."
"Gross!" Scootaloo agreed.
"Creepy!" Applebloom shook his head in disbelief.
"Sick!" Annika exclaimed.
"Right!? Crazy! Absolutely!" Sweetie Belle laughed awkwardly. "I mean, who would believe something as crazy as that!?"
The gang stood in silence as Sweetie Belle continued to laugh.
"Wait a minute!" Scootaloo spoke. "Sweetie Belle, did you think that Pippi and Tommy were-"
"Yeah, what is going on?" Tommy asked.
"We'll talk about it later!" Sweetie Belle shouted in a rushed panic. "Right now, we need to figure out who is writing this ridiculous story, and get them to stop!"
"Oh, so now you care?" Tommy quipped.
"Quiet, Tommy!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed as she walked over to Pippi and Scootaloo.
"Pippi, I am so sorry! I am so, so sorry! Please, forgive me. I am such an idiot!" Sweetie Belle whispered as she practically got on her knees, begging for forgiveness.
" . . . It's okay, Sweetie Belle. I think we're all a little on edge today." Pippi sighed, "but seriously, did you really think I would risk our friendship . . . over Tommy!?
"Yeah, I know. It was stupid!" Sweetie Belle laughed.
"Honestly, I'm just shocked to see you get so worked up over it."
"Yeah, I know." Sweetie Belle whispered. "Please don't tell him! I'll never hear the end of it!"
"Your secret's safe with me." Pippi smiled.
Slowly, Sweetie Belle rose to her feet.
"All right guys, it's time we figured out who's been writing this ridiculous story about us, and the way I see it, we only have one lead!
Now, where is that crazy chick with the laptop!?"
"I just need five minutes!" Twilight yelled as Ron the Rent-A-Cop pushed her out the door.
"No dice, maggot." Ron replied with a cold, deadpan expression. "Now get lost, and if I ever see you skulking around the security office again, you'll be banned from this mall for the rest your life."
"But, my mission-"
"My mission is to keep punks like you in line. Now march!" Ron yelled, shooing Twilight away.
"Crap! Now, what am I going to do?" Twilight sulked as she wandered the mall.
"If only there was some way . . . "
"There she is!"
"Quick, stop her!"
"Grab her!"
"Wha-" was all Twilight could get out before she was tackled to the ground by Tommy, Applebloom and Annika.
"What are you idiots doing!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed as she rushed over with Pippi and Scootaloo in tow.
"You said you wanted to catch her, right?" Annika asked.
"I wanted to talk to her," said Sweetie Belle, "not tackle her to the floor!"
"Whoops! Sorry, our bad," said Tommy.
"What the hell is going on!" Twilight yelled as she wiggled free.
"We're really sorry about this, Twilight," said Scootaloo.
"We just wanted to know more about the person who wrote that story," said Pippi.
"Well, what the hell do you think I'm trying to do here!?" Twilight shouted.
"What?" Sweetie Belle asked. "What do you mean?"
"Do you think we met by coincidence?" Twilight asked. "I've been trying to track down the author of that story for weeks!"
"But . . . why?" asked Scootaloo.
"I have my reasons." Twilight responded. "I was able to track their IP address to this mall, and when I saw you guys, I knew I was on the right track. Whoever the author is, they're posting their stories using the mall's Wi-Fi network, but this mall uses a public Wi-Fi system, so I don't know where in the mall the author is."
"Wait a minute! You've been tracking this person for weeks?" asked Applebloom. "Doesn't that make you some kind of stalker?"
"I am not a stalker!" Twilight shouted. "I'm just a devoted fan who wants to meet her idol."
"Uh, That doesn't make it any less creepy," said Tommy.
"I don't expect you to appreciate the depths of my fandom." Twilight said, her head held up high. The rest of the gang paused nervously, unsure how to respond.
"So, you have no idea who the author is?" said Sweetie Belle, breaking the silence.
"No, but if I could connect directly through an ethernet port, I could search the user history and find out which Wi-Fi router was used to access the FictionPress website. It won't tell me who the author is, but we can narrow our search down to a specific spot in the mall."
"Where's this ethernet port thing located?" Pippi asked.
"In the security office." Tommy responded. "I remember from when I worked as a security guard. You could directly access systems for the entire mall."
"Is it really that easy to hack into the mall's Wi-Fi network?" asked Scootaloo.
"Oh yeah! The mall's network is ridiculously unprotected." Tommy responded. "Seriously, don't do any mobile banking while connected to our servers!"
"I tried to sneak in to the security office, but that Dirty Harry wannabe stopped me," Twilight explained. "If I could just get five minutes alone in there, we'd be one step closer to figuring out who this author is."
"Okay," said Sweetie Belle, taking charge. "Here's the plan. Tommy and Annika, you two need to create a distraction to get Ron's attention. Make it big. Make it loud."
"No problem, bra!" Annika laughed.
"Applebloom and Scootaloo, you two are on lookout duty. Let us know the moment Ron starts heading back to his office."
"Okay." said Applebloom.
"You can count on us!" Scootaloo smiled.
"Pippi and I will go with Twilight. The moment Ron is out of the security office, we sneak in and search the Wi-Fi system. Got it?"
"Got it!" The rest of the gang responded in unison.
"Good! Now, let's get to work!"
. . . . .
Three cherry bombs and one utterly destroyed ladies room later, and Ron was sufficiently distracted. Meanwhile, Pippi, Sweetie Belle and Twilight slipped into the security office and went to work. Twilight plugged her laptop into one of the servers while Pippi and Sweetie Belle looked on nervously as the minutes tick away.
"Hurry up!" Sweetie Belle yelled. "You said it would only take a couple of minutes!"
"I'm trying!" Twilight whined, "but the website's been accessed at Wi-Fi spots all over the mall. It doesn't make any sense!"
"Well, of course it has!" Pippi yelled. "You've been telling everyone in the mall about that stupid story. Of course everyone is looking it up!"
"Guys, hurry up," Applebloom shouted through Pippi's cell phone. "Ron's on the move!"
"We're out of time!" Pippi panicked.
"Twilight, scroll back to before today," suggested Sweetie Belle, "See where that website was accessed the last day the author updated a story."
"Oh, good idea!" Twilight quickly went to work on her laptop. Within a minute she found her the information she needed.
"Okay, I got it, let's go!"
Quickly, the three girls bolted from the security office mere seconds before Ron returned.
. . . . .
The gang met back up at the fountain; tired, but successful.
"That was close," said Scootaloo.
"You're telling me!" Pippi said exhaustively.
"At least you guys didn't have to crawl through the vents so you wouldn't be seen on the security cameras," Applebloom argued. "I'm pretty sure a rat was gnawing on my shoelaces in there."
"None of that matters!" Sweetie Belle interrupted. "The point is we got the information we needed."
"Yeah!" said Twilight. "Whoever the author is, they're using the Wi-Fi at the food court."
"The food court? Of course!" said Scootaloo. "You guys are always hanging out at the table by my lemon. Whoever the author is, they must be eavesdropping on our conversations in the food court!"
"Yeah, but we still don't know who the author is!" said Applebloom.
" . . . I do," said Sweetie Belle.
"You do!?" Everyone looked in astonishment.
"Yeah, I do."
"Are you sure about this?" Applebloom asked inquisitively.
"Totally," replied Sweetie Belle, "it all fits. Don't you see?"
"No," said Pippi.
"Nope," Tommy scoffed.
"Not really," replied Applebloom.
"Sorry, no," Scootaloo apologized.
"Nah, bra!" Annika exclaimed.
"I don't even know anyone in this town," Twilight shrugged.
"Ugh!" Sweetie Belle sighed. "Look, whoever this author is, they seem to spend most of their time at the food court, right?"
"Right," replied Pippi.
"We would have noticed some random stranger hanging around all the time," Sweetie Belle continued, "so obviously the author must work in the food court."
"Okay . . . " Scootaloo started.
"So who do we know who works in the food court, and who also happens to be a nerdy, sexually-immature fan-girl."
"Uhhhh . . . " Annika groaned. "Uhhhh . . . Wait, I know this! It's . . . uhhhh . . . hmmmm . . . Wait . . . Wait . . . It's . . . Uhhhh . . ."
"Oh, for God's sake, just follow me!"
Dragging her friends, and Twilight, along, Sweetie Belle lead the group through the food court, past the Big Squeeze and straight to the home of everyone's favorite fast food based superhero.
"Wonder Taco?" Tommy asked.
"Ohhhh!" Annika exclaimed. " . . . Wait, what?"
"Sweetie Belle!" Scootaloo cried, "you don't really think the author is Sliver Spoon, do you?"
"It's the only possible explanation," replied Sweetie Belle.
"But since when has Sliver Spoon written anything?" Tommy asked. "Seriously, when she isn't at work, she's busy either sucking face or having mock-lightsaber battles with Darth."
"Sliver Spoon is the author, okay!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "Do you think it's a coincidence that one of the characters is actually named Rarity? Just watch. I'll show you!"
With that, Sweetie Belle marched over to have a little chat with the taco girl.
"Welcome to Wonder Taco," Sliver Spoon mumbled through her headgear. "How can I help you?"
"Yeah, I'll take two wonder tacos, a wonder shake, jalapeño poppers and an explanation."
"Okay I- an explanation?" Sliver Spoon asked with a confused look on her face. "For what?"
"You know what!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "Where do you get off invading our privacy like that?"
"What are you talking about?" Sliver Spoon asked.
"I'm talking about 6Teenth Century!"
"Sixteenth . . . What?"
"Sweetie Belle, sweetie," cried Scootaloo, "maybe you should tone it down a little."
"Don't pretend you don't know!" Sweetie Belle continued. "You've been spying on me and my friends for months, using our lives as fodder for your trashy little online novel. NOW CONFESS!"
"Whoa! Sweetie Belle, hold up." Pippi interrupted.
"Maybe you should calm down." Scootaloo said as the two girls pulled Sweetie Belle back.
"Look, I have no idea what your talking about." Sliver Spoon shouted. "I've never written anything, online or otherwise. Besides, you guys hang out at that giant lemon on the other end of the food court. I couldn't spy on you from here even if I tried. Now, back-off, you psychopath."
"Don't call me a psychopath, you little bi-"
"Okay, that's enough!" Tommy shouted. "Sweetie Belle, I think you have the wrong girl."
"Yeah, bra, Sliver Spoon's awesome!" Annika laughed. "She gives me free tacos, and she listens when I talk to her about my day!"
"Besides, we shouldn't accuse her of anything without real evidence," said Applebloom.
Sweetie Belle sighed. "Well, maybe I was wrong about- WAIT! What did you just say, Annika?"
"Oh, oops! I wasn't supposed to tell anyone." Annika laughed. "Our little secret, right Sliver Spoon."
Sweetie Belle grabbed Annika by the collar. "Spill it!"
"Well, Sliver Spoon felt so bad for spitting and putting dirt in my tacos, she offered me one free taco every day. So, every day before work, I go to Wonder Taco and we talk about our day; what we've been up to, what we have planned, that sort of thing."
"So, you're saying that Sliver Spoon's been bribing you with free food so you'd spy on us for her?"
"What? No, I just tell her about what we've . . . Hey, wait a minute!"
"Well Sliver Spoon," Sweetie Belle smirked, "how do you explain this?"
Sliver Spoon sighed and rolled her eyes. "Look, before you jump to conclusions, just let me explain. See, the thing is- KIAI!"
Without warning, the nerdy taco girl tossed a handful of cumin right into Sweetie Belle's face before dashing away as quickly as her legs could carry.
"Catch me if you can, suckers!"
"Holy cow!"
"I don't believe it!"
"She really was the author!"
"Don't just stand there!" Sweetie Belle gagged. "Get her!"
The gang quickly followed after Sliver Spoon, but she was way out in front. Luckily, a certain obsessed stalker-type would not be deterred.
"Go away! I don't even know you!" Sliver Spoon cried.
"But I know you! I've been your biggest fan forever." Twilight shouted as she pursued her obsession. "I've read all your work. You are my idol!"
"You are insane!" Sliver Spoon gasped.
"I. Am. Not. Insane." Twilight replied. "MY DOCTOR SAID SO!"
Suddenly, Twilight leaped into the air, tackling Sliver Spoon and sending them both careening into the mall fountain.
"Finally!" Twilight exclaimed. "After all this time, I finally found you!"
"What is going on here!?" Ron the Rent-A-Cop shouted from atop his golf cart. "I want answers . . . NOW!"
. . . . .
"I never intended things to go this far," Sliver Spoon explained, "but the stories got so popular, and I . . . I . . . I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me start at the beginning."
A day had passed since the "fountain incident," as it would eventually be called. Twilight was officially banned from the mall for hacking into the wi-fi network, which would now undergo a serious overhaul. The gang had gathered in Ron's office to hear Sliver Spoon out and give her a chance to explain herself.
"I really did feel bad about spitting in Annika's tacos, so I offered him a couple of free ones on the house as an apology," Sliver Spoon explained. "Next thing I know, he starts talking my ear off about the time you guys skipped work to go to the amusement park. I didn't think anything of it until a few weeks later, when I had to write a paper for my creative writing class."
Sliver Spoon sighed. "I took Annika's story, changed everyone's name, and set it in the 16th century. It got an A+, and I was really proud of it. So, I posted it online. It got a lot of hits and good reviews, and fans demanded a sequel. So, I offered Annika a few extra tacos in exchange for . . . inspiration."
"Inspiration? Is that what you call it?" Pippi asked.
"I'm sorry." Sliver Spoon cried. "I never meant for it to go this far, but my fan base just kept growing and growing and they wanted more stories and the whole thing just snowballed out of control!"
Tears began to stream down the poor girl's face. "Can you ever forgive me?"
The gang looked at one another, unsure of what to do next. They were still mad, that was for sure, but what exactly were they mad about?
"Look, Sliver Spoon," said Applebloom, "it's not like we're that mad about the stories themselves."
"Y-You're not?"
"No, what were really mad about is . . ." Scootaloo started. "Well, it's . . . "
"It's all that extra stuff you made up!" Pippi shouted.
Sliver Spoon looked confused. "What do you mean?"
"We mean things like that love affair between Pippi and Tommy," yelled Sweetie Belle.
"Love affair? I don't know what you're . . . Wait, do you mean the dream sequence?"
"Yeah, I- dream sequence?"
"Yeah. Pinkie Pie daydreams about Lord Rainbow Dash and Rarity together. Then, she goes and talks to Rarity after work. She asks Rarity if anything is going on between her and Rainbow Dash, Rarity laughs in Pinkie Pie's face and says she's being ridiculous, and . . . that's the end of it . . .
. . . It wasn't my best work."
"Oh . . . I see." Sweetie Belle stared blankly. "Nevermind then."
The rest of the gang was silent.
"Are you okay, Sweetie Belle?" asked Applebloom.
"Me? Oh, I'm fine." Sweetie Belle nodded. "I am going to murder the clones, though."
The gang began to laugh before Sweetie Belle interrupted.
"I'm serious! There bodies will be distributed in several tacky little boxes and buried throughout three different provinces!"
Needless to say, the gang was silenced, again.
"Oh! Does that mean me being paired up with Annika was also a dream scene?" asked Scootaloo.
"No," replied Sliver Spoon, "that was real. I just thought you two would make a cute couple."
Scootaloo's eye twitched as she tried to comprehend that statement.
"Look, Sliver Spoon, we're willing to forgive you," said Pippi, "just as long as you promise not to write any more stories about us."
"Oh, I haven't written a story about you guys in a long time." Sliver Spoon declared. "That's why that purple hair girl came after me."
"You mean Twilight?" asked Tommy.
"Yeah, apparently she was obsessed with the series and wanted me to make more." Sliver Spoon scoffed. "Do you believe it? She tracked me down just to try and get me to work on a series I abandoned long ago. After all this time, and all the other things I've created, all people seem to care about is this one series from like forever ago. I mean, I've moved on already. Why can't they?"
"Yeah, what a weirdo!" Annika laughed.
"She was a bit . . . odd," said Pippi.
"Tell me about it." Tommy scoffed.
"I'm just glad this is all over and we can all move on with our lives." Scootaloo smiled.
"Yeah, still you have to admit, this whole thing was pretty ridiculous!" Applebloom smiled.
"Hey, it's like I've been trying to tell you from the beginning." Sweetie Belle smirked.
"Who in their right mind would ever read a story about us?"
Suddenly, the whole gang burst into laughter; another happy ending to a wild adventure!
. . . . .
"Hey, Sliver Spoon, why did you make my character gay?"
"Wait . . . You mean you aren't gay?"
"Oh god!"
The End