Rarity’s heart pounded with fury as she confronted Thunderlane, her voice laced with righteous indignation. ‘How could you do this to Sweetiebelle?’ she demanded, her eyes blazing with anger. Thunderlane, a towering stallion of 28, met her gaze with a mixture of bewilderment and defiance. ‘What are you talking about, Rarity? I’ve done nothing wrong,’ he protested. Rarity’s nostrils flared as she seethed with rage. ‘Don’t play innocent with me! You’ve been preying on my innocent sister, taking advantage of her youth and naivety. You’re a predator, and I won’t let you get away with this!’ Thunderlane’s eyes widened in shock. ‘I love Sweetiebelle, Rarity,’ he insisted. ‘I’ve never forced myself on her. Our relationship has been entirely consensual.’ Rarity scoffed. ‘Consensual? She’s only nine years old! She doesn’t even know what she’s agreeing to.’ Thunderlane’s expression hardened. ‘I’ve treated Sweetiebelle with nothing but love and respect,’ he said. ‘I’ve never done anything to hurt her.’ Rarity turned her back on him, her body trembling with anger. ‘I don’t believe you,’ she snarled before pausing.

‘..How could you!?’ she yelled, her voice trembling with rage. Thunderlane, taken aback by Rarity’s outburst, tried to defend himself. ‘I didn’t force anything on Sweetie,’ he protested. ‘We’ve been spending time together, and I’ve shown her nothing but love.’ Rarity’s heart sank as she realized the truth in his words. Thunderlane had indeed been showering Sweetiebelle with affection and attention, but it was the kind of attention that was inappropriate for a young filly. ‘Love?’ she retorted scornfully. ‘You’re twice her age! This is wrong on so many levels.’ Thunderlane’s expression hardened. ‘I care for Sweetie,’ he insisted. ‘I want to make her happy.’ Rarity’s patience snapped. ‘She’s a child!’ she exclaimed. ‘You can’t have a relationship with her. It’s illegal, immoral, and it will ruin her life.’ Thunderlane fell silent, his eyes downcast. Rarity’s words had finally hit home. He knew deep down that what he was doing was wrong, but his feelings for Sweetiebelle had clouded his judgment. With a heavy heart, he turned his gaze left Rarities as he looked down at his hooves in shame before replying, ‘I understand where you’re coming from, Rarity. But Sweetiebelle loves me, and I will never do anything to hurt her. If you don’t believe that, then how can I convince you..?’