Sonic: Battle for Equestria - Chapter: 16 (draft)

Chapter: 16



Light My fire







As the warmth of the morning sun basks the land in its golden rays. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo (after having recovered from being almost trampled by the frantic ponies.) Make their ways towards the Carousel Boutique; to pick the last member of the CMC and then head off to school.

“I wonder what that was all about.” A certain orange filly inquires as she trots alongside her earth pony friend. “I mean what’s so special about the market this time of day? Is there some ‘super awesome sale’ going on?”

“Ya got me,” Apple Bloom adds as she matches the young pegasu’s pace. “Sis didn’t mention anythin’ to me this morning about somethin’ going on in town today.

“Hey, maybe there giving out free cider or something!” Scootaloo jests with an amused chuckle.

The yellow filly lets out an amused snort. “Yeah right, like that will ever happin’. We barely make it in time for cider season as it is.” Applebloom then stops and begins pondering something as she taps her chin with a hoof. “Then again, thanks to Sonic. We might make enough for the whole town this time around.”

“That’d be awesome! I didn’t get any last year.” Scootaloo pouts, but then perks up as she realizes something. “Speaking of which, how is that whole ‘paring Sonic with your sister going’?”

“Not good ah’m afraid.” The young filly pouts. “AJ keeps insisting that there just friends and that she doesn’t see him that way.”

“Or maybe she knows that someone way more awesome, totally cooler, and just all out a superior pony than her that…”

“Yer talkin’ about Rainbow Dash aren’t ya?” Apple Bloom deadpans.

“No…well yeah, I guess I am.”

“Figures,”

“Hey, don’t be mad that your sister doesn’t stand a chance against someone as awesome as Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo says smugly. “Besides, who was it that we saw take off with who this morning on our way here?”

“That proves nothing, Scoots!” The yellow earth pony retorts. “That could be anything.” Apple Bloom then smirks. “Ya do know that they do race each other every morning right?”

“Of course I do,” Scootaloo says nervously as she looks around. “I’m Dash’s biggest fan. How could I not know that?”


~***~


In the outskirts of the now bustling little down all is peaceful and calm. The bird are chirp merrily, while a gentle breeze sweeps across the tall grass; causing it to sway to and fro. Woodland critters congregate with one another as others go about their daily routines. While other wildlife is out and about, foraging or just enjoying the peaceful day or the warmth of the sun. Several ponies seem to be milling about as well, taking a short rest from their travels with their various wares, delivering various parcels, or just sitting back and relaxing on this tranquil day.

All that comes to an abrupt and sudden end as an ear shattering boom echoes in the distance as the sound barrier is broken, following by blue blur, and a massive gust of wind that sends everyone and everything in the general vicinity flying backwards. The unfortunate ones caught off guard shriek as there send flying in to the air. While others hit the dirt and wait out the gust of wind to subside as they have so many times before.

As everything quiets down, the various creatures and ponies attempt to collect themselves and return to a somewhat (shaky) standing / sitting stable position. While ‘trying’ to return to whatever it was that they were doing before the abrupt interruption. However, this however proves to be futile as another blast of wind cuts through the landscape, led by a lilac flash of color, and sends whoever had managed to stand tumbling backwards.

“Are ya DONE?!” A gruff looking male unicorn shouts as he starts to emerge from under his over turned cart. “Because I'm coming out, and I swear to Faust, IF SOMEPONY DOES THAT AGAIN, I will be so freaking nettled!”

A third explosion echoes in the distance as a burst off colors flashes by for a split second, followed by another blast of wind; sending  everything into further disarray.

“AW, DAMN IT!”


~***~

Continuing there debate on ‘who’s sister (or sister figure) is better suited’ for the blue speedster. The two fillies are so in trawled in their conversation that they fail to notice there distance to the Boutique. Till the front doors bursts open and yelling can be heard inside as the last member of the CMC emerges.

“Sweetie Belle, you come back here this instant!” Rarity shrieks as she trots to the now opened door. “I’m not done talking to you!”

“Yeah sure whatever,” The young filly replies with a dismissive wave. “You just want to keep going on about on about ‘how a lady treats an important guest’.” She adds in a mocking tone. “I’ve got school. I’ll see you later…maybe.”

“Come back here this instant or Faust help me, I’ll…”

“YOU’LL DO WHAT!” Sweetie Belle fires back. “Yell at me some more, while you try to convince yourself that you did the right thing. Pfft! Yeah, no thanks.”

Rarity stands at the edge of the doorway in shock as she attempts to form a response. When that methods fails, the mare lets out a huff, and slams the door.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo watch in silence as there friend trots towards them muttering something intangible under her breath. Both fillies book at each other, while each motioning the one another to approach the ‘obviously’ touchy subject. After a few ‘you owe me’ gestures from the young earth pony. The orange pegasus lets out a silent sigh and mouths ‘fine’ as she turns to her fast approaching friend.

“So what was that all about?” Scootaloo inquires with an uneasy tone. “You two seemed to going on about something and…”

“Can you believe her?” Sweetie Belle Snaps, as she cuts the pegasus off and lets out a irritated groan. “I mean seriously. How can somepony be that stupid?”

“Well, if ya kindly explain why ya felt the need to get in a shouting match with yer sis. Then we’d be able to deter if, as ya put it so bluntly; ‘be so stupid’.”

The young unicorn give the farm filly a long stare as if trying to incinerate the mare with her mind. Apple Bloom takes a few attentive steps back in response.

“Just spit it out Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo interrupts as she attempts to defuse the situation. “What did your sister do, that was so bad? That you two got in a shouting match about it? Because you seriously have to calm the buck down!”

Sweetie Belle takes a deep breath in an attempt to collect herself. “Ok, it all started when…”


~***~

“Did anyone just hear that?” A certain hedgehog inquires as he slows his pace, so that the others are able to catch up.

“Can’t say I did,” Blaze replies as she matches Sonic’s pace. “What did it sound like?”

“Yelling, a whole lot of yelling,”

“That’s strange, I didn’t hear a thing.”

Sonic shrugs and begins to speed up. “Hh, maybe I just imagined it or…”

A new voice cuts the hedgehog off as a certain cyan mare appears in the distance.

“This is ridiculous!” Dash shouts to no one particular. “How are they both so fast?”

“Simple Skittles,” The blue hedgehog begins with a half grin as he starts pulling away. “You’re too slow!”

“You need to work on your taunts, Sonic.” Blaze comments with a snug look. “I didn’t know better I’d say you’re running out of cleaver quips. Doomed to repeat the same handful of comments that you think of edgy and deep.”

“I think I just threw up a little in my mouth, after you said that.” Sonic deadpans as he continues to pull ahead.

“Eww, gross!” Rainbow Dash shouts in the distance. “That is so messed up, Blaze.”

“Hey, I didn’t say it!” The feline retorts as she looks back at the cyan mare.

“Yeah, but you’re the cause of it!” Sonic shouts as he continues to distance himself from Sol Ruler.

Blaze lets out a low growl as she slows down; which allows Rainbow Dash to pass by her. The lilac cat blinks at the passing mare and then begins to speed up to match her pace.

“Miss Dash, a word please.”

“Yeah sure, what’s up?” The cyan pegasus asks as she continues her futile attempt of catching up with Sonic. “If you’re going to ask me to slow down, you have another thing coming sister.”

“Not quite, but if you’ll come closer.”

Dash complies and tilts her head towards the bermise cat.  As she whispers something into her ear.

“Oh, I like that. What did you have in mine?” The pegasus asks with a new found excitement.

“Simple, please give me your hand…paw..hoof…whatever.” Rainbow Dash silently nods and holds out her front right hoof towards the feline; who instantly grabs on to it. “Good, now hang on.”

“Hang on to wha-aaah!!!”

The rest of the mare’s sentence is cut off as she’s yanked forward by the determined cat.

~***~

“So let me get this straight,” Apple Bloom begins in a hesitant tone. “Yer mad because Sonic stayed at yer sis house and nothing happened? No offence Sweetie Belle, but that’s just…now what’s the word I’m looking fer?”

“Stupid!” Scootaloo chimes is as she trots alongside the two. “Because that’s what I was thinking.”

“Ah was going ta say ‘ridiculous’, but ah suppose that a good answer too.”

“HEY!” The alabaster filly shouts. “I’m not stupid.”

“Ah never said ya were, just what yer mad about is rather ‘stupid’ that’s all.”

“Yeah, you can just put two ponies is a room and expect them to just fall for each other.” Scootaloo states as she nervously scratches one of her forelegs with another one. “We tried that before, remember?”

“Yeah, but if any if you heard how much she talks about him!” Sweetie Belle shouts with an angry stomp. “You’d understand why I’m so upset about this and…”

“Excuse me, I don’t mean to eves drop on your uh, conversation, but…” A soothing female voice begins; prompting the three crusaders to turn towards a cream colored unicorn with a white mane and tail. “Your friends are right. That’s not how a mare’s heart works.”

“And how would you know!” Sweetie Belle spits as she narrows her eyes.

“Simple child, you cannot force a two individuals to be together. There has to be a connection, merely putting them in the same dwelling will not instantly make them a couple.”

The young union opens her mouth to make comment, but is cut off by the mare’s hoof. “Let me finish, I’m sure your sister holds this individual you speak of, rather highly. So, maybe that’s why she didn’t just as you so elegantly put it; ‘try something.’ Maybe she would rather seek them out on her own terms and not just the first convenient opportunity that presents itself. An act that can be perceived is a very negative way.”

“That’s…That’s actually a really good point.” Sweetie Belle comments as she taps her chin with a hoof. “Maybe I’m just not seeing the whole picture here.”

“Maybe none of us do,” Apple Bloom adds with a small nod.

“You’re still young,” The mare replies with an amused chuckle. “What I’ve told you will make a lot more sense when you’re older.” And then raises an eyebrow before continuing. “However, if you don’t mind me asking. Who is this individual that you seem so eager to set your sister up with?”

“Oh, that would be Sonic.” The young filly chirps in an enthusiastic tone.

“We uh are all kind of trying to set him with one of our sisters.” Apple Bloom admits with a shy tone.

“Or sister like figure,” Scootaloo adds as she flares her small wings.”

The mare’s eyes widen for a moment as a small smile forms on her face. “Interesting, he is quite the charmer. You three will have your work cut for you on playing match maker, but my point still stands. You can’t force something that may not be there.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Sweetie Belle admits with a sad tone. “By the way, we never got your name.”

“It’s Caramel Cream, and I think it’s time for you three to head off to school. Or else you’re going to be late.”

The three fillies instantly look over at the clock tower looming in the distance.

“Cripes, she right!” Scootaloo shouts as she starts galloping ahead. “We have to leave, now!”

“Right behind you!” Apple Bloom adds as she takes off to join her friend.

Sweetie Belle follows suit, but then suddenly stops and waves at the mare. “Thanks for the advice, I’ll see you later.”

Caramel Cream lets out an amused chuckle and waves back. “I’m sure you will, now run along now.”

“Bye!”

The mare continues to smile and wave at the three fillies until they disappear from sight.  Which instantly shifts to a smirk as they disappear over the horizon.

“That was rather unexpected of you.” A new voice says as a large brown male pegasus appears alongside the mare. “I never took you for the nurturing type.”

The mare smiles, “It pays to familiarize yourself with your surroundings.” Her eyes then flash green for a second as her smile darkens. “Begin phase two.”

~***~

As he continues to tear up the landscape, a certain blue hedgehog suddenly notices that he’s the only one on the winding trail towards the forest.  Slowing his pace a bit, Sonic starts to look around; hopping to spot one of the other individuals he was racing.

“I wonder where they went,” The hedgehog mutters to himself as he continues search the surrounding area. “Did something happen that…”

Whatever was said next, drowned out by the sound of something charging towards him at breakneck speed.


“Hey, Sonic!” A voice shouts in the distance; prompting said hedgehog to turn around just as something fills his vision. “TASTE THE RAINBOW!”


A mass of blue fur fills the hedgehog’s vision as he’s send tumbling backwards. While a multi colored tail slides across his face.  As he loses his footing, Sonic is sent unceremoniously to the ground with a thud. As a blur of purple zips by.

“Wahoo! Piece of cake!” Rainbow Dash shouts as she attempts to fist bump the lilac feline running next to her.

“I believe we went a bit too far,” Blaze laments as she bits her lower lip. “My plan was only meant to scare Sonic. Not knock him out of the race.” The Sol Guardian risks a glance backwards and notices that there is no one behind them; inciting a gasp as a result.

“Hey what’s wrong?” The cyan mare inquires as she takes a quick glance backwards. “The big guys still not out is…”

“You know that was a pretty rotten trick,” A third voice chimes in, prompting the two to slowing turn forwards to a frowning Sonic; who is now in front of then, running backwards. “I can understand wanting to win, but that was a bit much.”

“S-sonic, I never meant to…” Blaze begins, but is cut off.

“Also, I believe this is the second time I’ve ‘tasted the rainbow.’” Sonic grimaces as he spits out a few hairs. “It still tastes like soap, so why do you keep asking me to try it? Or did you want me to find to ‘pot of gold at the end of it?’” The hedgehog says with a grin.

“I-I…” Rainbow Dash attempts to stutter out, but instead fall silent and blushes several shades of crimson.

“What about you, Blaze?” Sonic ask as he turns to an equally blushing cat. “What’s your take on Dash demanding that I ‘taste her rainbow’, hm?”

The feline remains silent as she slowly opens and closes her mouth like a fish out of water.

“Yeah, my thoughts exactly. See ya?” The blue hedgehog adds as he turns around and takes off; leaving the still baffled ladies in his dust.

“Blaze…” the cyan mare begins.

“We went too far, Dash. We went too far!” The feline exasperates. “He knows our weakness!”


~***~

As the CMC make the way to Ponyville’s local (and only) school house. The sounds of laughter and children at play drowns out most of everything else. As fillies and colts try to get a few last ‘precious moments’ of fun in before the long school day ahead of them

A small crowd at gathered around something in the middle of the playground, but the CMC seem to be too enthralled into their conversation to give it any thought.

“Ah, just can’t get what CC said ta us earlier outa my head. Are we going about this all wrong?” Apple Bloom inquires as she turns to her friends for an answer.

“Wait, who’s CC?” Scootaloo asks with a raised eyebrow. “I thought we talked to a mare named Caramel Cream.”

“That’s what CC is, you dolt!” Sweetie Belle chirps with an annoyed sigh. “How did you miss that?”

“Hey! I’m, not a dolt! Why not just call her by her real name instead of this ‘CC’ nonsense?” Scootaloo demands as she inches towards the young filly.

“Because we already know a Carmel, This way is less confusing. You stupid Do-do!”

The young pegasus smashes her muzzle into in the small unicorns face. “You take that back!”

“I will, when you acknowledge that Rainbow Dash isn’t the best match for…”

“Oh for bucks sake, this again! I we weren’t already on thin ice with Cheerilee on what happened last week. I’d bust you upside the head for that comment!”

“Girls,” Apple Bloom shouts as she steps between the two fillies and separates them, before the situation can escalate. “We need to stay focused here. Caramel Cream was wright, we need to not try to force this. We need to…”

“Show then how awesome Sonic is and how he’s be perfect for…”

“No Scoots, we’re not doing that.” Apple Bloom deadpans.

“Then what then?”

Both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom face hoof at the question.

“Something else,” The young apple bucking mare adds. “We’ll explain after class.”

Sweetie Belle opens her mouth to add something to the conversation, but instead snaps it shut as some excited shouting can be heard nearby.

“What’s going on over there?”

“Ah, don’t rightly know. Let’s go find out.”

“Cutie mark explores!” The three shout for no particular reason.


~***~



In a heavily wooded forest, a lone birch grows before the edge of the tree line and the well-traveled path. That cuts through the wavering grass that leads into the nearby town. A gust of wind and dust blows through the landscape as an explosion of sound sends a few nearby birds fleeing.  As the dust clears a lone figure can be seen, resting a gloved hand on said birch tree. A cocky grin appears on their face as they turn toward another rapidly approaching individual.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in.”

Blaze rolls her eyes as she slows jog and then stops in front of the large birch tree. “Oh, Ha.Ha. I haven’t heard that one before.”

“How about this one? Here kitty, kitty?”

The feline growls through clenched teeth as an orb of fire starts to emerge from her right hand.

“Whoa, no need for that!” Sonic shouts as he holds both hands in front of him. “Maybe I went a bit too far with that one.”

“Just a bit,” Blaze ceases her flames and lowers her arm. “One of these says, you’ll over step your bounds with me, Sonic.”

“I hope not,” The hedgehog grimaces. “Because you’re scary when you’re angry…and also really hot at the same time…uh no pun intended.”

Blaze flushes at Sonic’s comment as she turns away and mutters something under her breath.

Sensing an uneasiness in the air, the blue hedgehog shifts the discussion to something else.

“By the way, have you seen Dash?”

The sol ruler blinks, “Dash?”

“Yeah, she was right next to you last I checked. So I figured you’d finish at the same time.”

“Oh, uh she…”

Whatever was going to be said next, is abruptly cut off by the sound of muttering and shouting.

“What the buck guys? Why’d you two ditch me?” A certain cyan mare shouts as she struggles to make the last few legs of the race. “That is so weak, that you two left me like that. So, not cool.”

“We get it, Dash. Sorry.” Sonic snaps in an annoyed tone. “I got a bit excited and unintentionally bailed on you. My bad.”

The cyan mare’s ears fold back as she looks towards the ground and begins pawing at it. “It kind of bummed me out alright. We always go running whenever the weather is nice. So, it kind of felt like you didn’t want to run with me anymore. Now that Blaze is here.”

A gloved hand is placed on top of the mare’s multicolored mane and begins slowly rubbing it. Prompting the pegasus to look up at a set of sad emerald eyes. “Do you honestly think, I’d pull something crap like that? That I’d just stop hanging around with you because Blaze decided to take me up on an offer; that I’d been making for what? The last two weeks now?” The hedgehog adds as he gives the feline a mock glare and angry tone.

“Three weeks actually,” Blaze corrects.

“Thank you, Blaze.” The blue hedgehog snaps.

“You’re welcome,” The feline replies with a cheeky tone.

Sonic lets out a heavy sigh and turns his attention back towards the uncertain mare.  “Look, my point is that I’d never do something like that.”

Blaze walks towards the cyan mare. “Does my presence displease you, Miss Dash?”

“No, that’s not it. I just…” Rainbow Dash lets out an angry groan throws her head back. “I just don’t want to be left behind again.” The mare then pouts. “I’m not good with this mushy stuff. So can we just move on please?”

“Sure thing and Dash,” Sonic begins with his trademark grin.

“Yeah, “

“Boop~!” Sonic taps the tip of the mare’s nose.

“Hey!” The mare snaps as she scrunches her muzzle and looks away. “I’m serious here.”

“Way to ruin the moment, Sonic.” Blaze chastises and she crosses her arms across her chest. “Miss Dash, seemed genially worried about what happened.”

The blue hedgehog lets out an amused chuckle as he scratches the tip of his nose. “I know, but I’m not really good with this sort of thing either. So…”

“So let’s talk about something else.” Rainbow Dash interrupts. “What were you two going to do at the old quarry, outside of town? I saw you guys checking it out the other day.”

Sonic places both hands on the mare’s shoulders. “Something awesome Dash, but that will come later.” He removes his hands. “I was going to show Blaze the gym in town. Wanna come along?”

“Na, I have something planned after this.” Rainbow Dash states as she looks away. “I’ll see you guys later.”

With a beat of her wings, the cyan pegasus takes off and fly’s back towards town.

“Was it something I said?” Blaze asks as she watches the mare disappear from sight.

“No, I believe it was something I did.” Sonic reply’s in a sad tone as he begins walking towards town. “But there’s nothing we can do about it now, c’mon.”

The feline nods and says nothing as she follows the blue hedgehog back to the sleepy country town.

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Sonic: "You really want to do this?"

Blaze: "I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't sure."

???" "YYYYEEEAAAHHH!"

Rainbow Dash: "Alright everypony, place your bets."

Wind and Fire