"Scootaloo,your alright!" I couldn't contain my smile as joy filled my being.She was very fidgety as I was on top of her. I "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to." She was raped-that was the stupidest stunt I pulled, still, I blushed as I didn't move from my position. Its been a while since I managed to hold her in some way.

"I-Its fine, really," She replied with a smile that wavered. "Its starting to hurt-get off me please." I nod as I stumbled off, still blushing. Her orange cheeks were graced with the same shade of pink as she hugged me once I got off. Sweetie Belle stood there, smiling at the scene.

"Scoots, you okay?" She smiled at my worry before nodding.

"Not really, but could be worse. They don't starve me at least." She shrugged before her head lowered in response as she shifted. Her eyes immediately looked to her sides before they dropped. "I still feel like my wings are on me-its bugging me. Its like I'm missing a part of me, and its getting worse each month." She sat down, her tail draping over her.

"That bad huh-ACK!" I rubbed my side. Sweetie Belle smacked me. "Sweetie Belle?!"

"Its normal, Scootaloo. I can't imagine how devastated I would feel to lose my horn. I suppose its the same for wings, right?" Sweetie Belle answered for me. "Besides, I'm sure you'll learn to handle it. Your doing fine handling yourself here." I jabbed Sweetie Belle this time.

"What she tried to say is, that your handling everything better then expected. We're sure you can handle being without your wings." Scootaloo stared between us, not understanding us completely up until I said what I had. Maybe we aren't as good as we try to be at this.

"Uh, anyway.." Scootaloo stumbled with her words. She tried shifting the subject before she was about to undergo anything rough. She never was the one to show her pain. (Save for the beginning-that was very unexpected for either party) Sweetie held her words back, knowing that. I won't press either-it'll help nopony. "How did you two wind up here? You shouldn't be celebrating! They'll catch you-you need to escape and fast!" We?

"You have to leave too!" Sweetie Belle countered. "You can't stay here either, you'll get hurt even worse than you already are!" She shook her head with a sorrowful smile.

"Who cares if I do?" She looked down. "Even if I do make it-they're here. I can't leave. After that fiasco, they chained me again. I can't leave. Even if I could..I can't get very far. Besides-I'd rather have you two safe. Silver's not in the sane of minds right now. You two will worry your sisters further than before."

"Your the one in deep shit right now." I pointed out. "Your in no condition to be saying that. We have to find a way to bring you back-I don't care what your saying. You still need to leave before your condition worsens." Scootaloo seemed caught off guard by me.

"Can't you see?" Scootaloo frowned. "Silver Spoon's dealt with this sort before. That's what you need to watch. One wrong move and one of you is gone." She looked at me with worry clear in her features before she pulled me in, kissing my cheek and granting me a hug.

"I'm afraid to lose you, I don't want to see you die." She whispered, her eyes watering. "When they see you, Silver won't hold back....and your..end is the end result.."My eyes widen-she wouldn't know that unless...

"Did they tell you anything?" My words were demanding in a way-so much so she slightly flinches away. I blush-didn't mean to do that. "Uh, sorry, I'm just-"

"Yeah, don't sweat it." She nodded. "Got it. Silver Spoon has serious possessive issues.I thought you'd see that by now. She's been with us for how long?" She made a face at me. She didn't seem to realize I didn't know at all.

"What?"

"Your telling me you never realized yet?" Scootaloo frowned. "Uh, that's right. Its not normal to be as observant towards ponies. I forget that sometimes. They didn't need to tell me much. That's why I can fight more. Silver Spoon's disadvantages are well known or noticeable. Then again..I was taught to realize weaknesses of others. I thought that was normal."

"How can that be normal?" Sweetie asked. She shrugged at that. "Well? Tell."

"Well, I done so millions of times. How'd you think I managed to deal with Diamond Tiara when we were fillies?" She waved her off. "Its easy-she had inferiority problems and jealousy. Nothing more than that ever since she met you. Her siblings aren't anything like Apple Jack and Big Mac.She feels like they don't care, but they do-more than anypony seemed to realize. On top, her father and mother seem to focus on the Apple Business and towards you particularly. Its easy to see that, though. She's been feeling that way. As long as she's first in something, she has the upper hoof over you and that means everything. At least, that's what I read from her actions." She grumbled the last part.

"Why were you hiding your ability? It could be used-"

"No, get off that high horse. My abilities are nothing more than evil. They should be shunned instead of praised," She spat. "I can't believe your actually praising my abilities. Its done nothing for me before but bring out bad shit. I prefer to keep my findings to myself. Its better there than outside." She frowned at me, but I can't allow her to waste something important.

"Then tell me everything you know so far." I heard her sigh. "You know something, first, tell us what she's been using."

"She used magic against you: illusions. She's been using that frequently, I can tell." She answered second hand. "I know, she used the same thing on me to bring me here. She likes to play off the moment. She never did as a child get to play as much as she does right now. She's the only reason behind my abduction of course. Silver couldn't haul me for obvious reasons."

"Obvious?" I asked. "Are you talking about--"

"Even with her lack of magic and abilities of that multitude, Silver Spoon never worked like that to begin with, so it didn't matter whether she could haul me off. She was always a pony that was calculated behind everything she acted like. Never was the pony to get dirty if not necessary. That's why Diamond is the perfect pony." She whispered, her eyes closing like she was remembering something. "She's the head-she got that from Silver Lining. With Diamond, she didn't need to do much. They always assumed that Diamond was at fault for everything. She didn't need to do anything. When Diamond brings something into the picture-bullying us-they never credit Silver. This gives off sympathy points. Other than being the head, she likes the idea that ponies actually care for her. Something her mother never showed her-at least, that's what she assumed. Silver Lining always acted weird around her. Can't blame her. " She acted like she knew more than she let on-there had to be something that's bugging her more than that to get her to lie most of her life.

"I know your not telling us everything Scootaloo." I was deadpan by this time, standing up. I had to get to the bottom of this, for everypony. "You've been hiding your ability for a while, that means that you must know more than your telling everypony. Seems like your so deep, you've lied to Pick. Well, spill." She glanced at Sweetie Belle for a moment.

"What's she rambling 'bout? I told you everything I can tell you." She was perplexed. I slam my hooves against the ground in front of her to get her to answer. She wouldn't get around this time. She needs to answer me, this is necessary. Annoyance bubbled up-this wasn't supposed to happen at all.

"Look, I only know that Silver Spoon has her share of murders for reasons. Demi and Pick know more. I only read ponies, but I can't tell everything. Besides... I just..I can't," She broke off before I did a tirade.

"What about those ponies, Lulu?" I yelled at this point, I don't understand why. I wasn't angered at all-annoyed was the best I was. I had to continue acting the way I was, like in those stereotypical movies. Its about the only thing I can do-I have to get her to admit somehow. even if being a little mean made me do so. Anger can get you to say things."Those fillies-all of them, they could have been helped if you dealt with this all earlier!" Scootaloo didn't respond at all, her eyes overwhelmed with tears as she forced herself to close them. I faked anger, even so, I felt guilt that piled on as tears flowed down her cheeks.Still-those fillies need me. Everypony needs this answer. I just need to crack her-even if its being a jerk. I'll regret this later-I can already sense it.

"I..I really...." She seemed to think it over. "I didn't...mean to do that..."

"Well, what was your purpose then?" I trotted around her. "If you answer, you'll answer for all those fillies. Everypony that's been wronged. We can end this cycle for the good of all! Can't you see what your doing is wrong in any way?" I tried coaxing her despite my voice sounding acidic, even to me. I cringe mentally as she looks rather hurt.

"Is that what you think, I'm doing this on purpose?" She asked, her voice cracked. "If I speak, nothing good will happen."

"What are you doing?" Sweetie whispered towards me harshly. "Your not helping at all! Your accusing her- I put a hoof to her mouth.

"She's not reading me right now, I can tell that." I whispered back. "If I can get her to answer me before she reads me, then I can finally figure this mystery out. She reads ponies automatically, but she's not noticing now through my actions. If I can get her to spill, even if I have to crack her, she'll put a dent in their plans."

"Apple Bloom, don't you think your getting a wee bit obsessive now?" She was worried for me now. "Your going to upset her greatly when she learns that your using her abilities and manipulating her feelings just for a case."

"Relax, she'll be fine. It'll help her in the end!" I whispered before I turn to Scootaloo again, my eyes closing in mock disgust.

"No, Sweetie, because THIS WAS HER WHOLE FAULT! SHE DID THIS AND SHE WAS GLAD SHE DID, THAT'S WHY SHE'S BEEN HIDING THIS ALL. SHE'S JUST LIKE HER MOTHER AND WHEN THEY'RE BORN, SHE'LL JUST DO WHAT SHE DID. " I screamed at her-my frown increased as I seemed to ignore her. I regret saying those words. I went berserk, overboard with my mock anger. Still, the act wasn't done. With a mumble, I stomp to show I wasn't lying. It wasn't until I heard a small voice call out that my disguise faltered.

"Is Mommy alright?" A small voice asked in the darkness before her horn lit up to reveal herself. Pretty Penny was backing off, worry and distress plastered on her face. She didn't trust us. "Your that pony that called me an it." I made a face at that as guilt ate my very being. I shouldn't have probably blown up for an anger filled reaction-she remembered and heard my commentary from earlier after all. Ouch. That suddenly hurt me.

"No no no,"I shook my head. Damn it, she's already guilt tripping me from my last encounter with her. "I was just worried and angry, I didn't mean what I said-I just should have not said that. That was my bad." I tried soothing her. She scanned me once, a frown forming immediately.

"Your lying, aren't you?" Pretty Penny asked before she trotted over to Scootaloo slowly, trying to ignore us as she passes. She was biting her lip anxiously before she buried her head into her 'mother'. Scootaloo, in turn, held her closely. Her eyes vacant, more than ever before as she stared off towards the floor. Her hair was instantly straight-everything knocked out of it. I never seen a pony that way before excluding Pinkie Pie.

"Apple Bloom, that went too far. You need to apologize-end what you said. Please." Sweetie's eyes were pleading with me as I staggered back. I take a look at Pretty and Scootaloo once more before nodding. I went past what I needed to. I didn't think that she would cause that reaction. Maybe I shouldn't pay attention to stereotypes anymore. I was caught off guard-Scootaloo's going to talk.

"Your knowingly trying to provoke me. I can tell when your talking. Your hardly a good liar." She frowned at my antics. "You were trying to use my ability, I can see that." She was reading me this whole time?! Her gaze didn't turn my way as her eyes became as wide as dinner plates.

"Scootaloo, I didn't mean for you to take it that way!" I tried soothing the situation. Pretty seemed lost during this problem. Her eyes turning from both parties. "I needed you to tel--"

"What, so you can tell Twilight?" She spat. "No, I can't tell you at all. You'll die like the rest. I can't let you die like the rest-!" Her voice was panicky by now.

"How will I die? Twilight's with me, I don't need to worry."

"She'll do what she did to everypony else!" She started to rush, her eyes darting towards the darkness by now. "I--I..."

"Lulu?" I tried holding her to comfort her, but she knocked me away. "What's wrong with you? Are you okay?"

"G-GET AWAY FROM ME!" She was hyperventilating by now. "Don't you dare touch me! DON'T YOU TOUCH ME YOU LIAR!"She backed off soon, her body pushing back against the wall as she twitched.

"Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle rushes over to her before she calls me over. Scootaloo's shivering, what was she seeing? "Scoots-"

"Sweetie Belle, check if Diamond's in the room. She must be sleeping from whatever she was doing with Pirouette. She must be done by now." I said. Sweetie Belle didn't care for that idea. "I've got to deal with this myself. Its something I have to do, okay? Please let me deal with it."Sweetie Belle debated before she trots off reluctantly, leaving us alone together. Scootaloo didn't seem to care either way. I was hoping my composure was going to last.

"You lied to me, Apple Bloom. I must be that bad, huh?" Her voice was dull and flat. "That's why you slept with Dinky the day I wanted to propose to you on." She was becoming unpredictable by now.

"I'm sorry Scootaloo, I didn't mean for you to be hurt!" I cried softly, tears flowing down my cheeks. I couldn't compose myself. It died the first moment she spoke."Don't blame yourself-that was my bad. I didn't mean..I had some cider-the punch was spiked and-"

"You still had done so, didn't you?" She was cold. "You didn't do it once, either.." She looked down at the bump she was barring.

"I didn't mean-" I cling to her close. "Scootaloo, I love you more than anything, you can sense that-I care for you more than anything in this world. Why can't you see that?"

"Apple Bloom.." She started drifting, I tried shaking her, but she didn't stop. "I must be bad, I can see you care...I...I'm a horrible pony...I knew everything, you were right. I should have tried harder, than maybe...maybe this wouldn't be a problem...but I tried a liar..I trusted her because she was my mommy...She was my mommy..."She buried her head into my neck as I sat down. She was still carrying Pretty like normal-I'm sure she fell asleep while hearing us. She didn't answer making it feel like minutes passed.

"Scootaloo? Can you hear me?" She hummed a response dully.

"Yes, of course...I'm just so tired. Everything hurts..." She softly whimpered. "I haven't slept in days.." She yawned before she snuggled up against me.

"You didn't? Why didn't you tell me?" She didn't answer for a while.

"I keep hearing them. They won't stop hunting my dreams. I can see them everywhere. I'm so sorry I failed the fillies.."She whined before she she stretched out. "I keep jumping everyday-they won't stop."

"Your starting to see them?" I didn't make anything up either. "I seen them too. Ever since you were gone I've started to get invested into this case. I've gotten over involved and..started seeing them myself.Your no longer alone here, we are going to help you. You just need to trust us. We'll help you. Please, just tell us-you can't just hide everything." She shook her head.

"I can't..you can't see it, but I can't tell you for your own welfare," She replied. "I don't understand..I know you love me..I know it...but..why does it hurt so much?" I nuzzled her cheek.

"I..." I can't respond. She's sighed, probably knowing so.

"I love you..I love you so much..but..." Scootaloo holds her breathe for a moment. "I'm no good for anypony. I really am a whorse aren't I?" She gave a hollow chuckle.

"I thought I could trust you-I don't know if I can ever have that level of trust again. Yet..why should you care? I'm not worth trust anyway. I'm not even worth loyalty anymore...I'm just..lost." I wrap an arm around her.

"It was my mistake, Lulu. You can't doubt yourself for me." She glared at me before she answered.

"I can't think straight, Bloom! I can't even fathom anything anymore-I'm just..." She immediately huffed. "I'm having two foals, I'm still in school, I'm stuck here to be tortured, my fiancee even cheats on me, my MOTHER IS BEHIND THIS WHOLE CRIME-I don't know anymore, Apple Bloom. I don't know if I can handle it anymore. I just want everything to end." I kiss her forehead as she smiles a little at the small gesture. I ignore the "two" foals part. I didn't need to go into a new argument at this point in time.

"We'll just brave it out, we have to. We'll figure it out eventually. This is the storm's way of trying to break us apart, but we just need to brave through it. As long as we do, everything else follows." She laughed at me this time before she yawned.

"I'm so tired, I can't get angry at you for doing what you did just yet. Just wait-after the engagement, I will get back at you. Your not getting off scotch free. Even though your words helped a little." She smiled a little. "Don't be so corny next time, will ya?"

"Now I'm worried!" I laughed back. I really hope she was joking, but she sounded serious when she said that. "I won't, just next time, promise that you won't hide anymore." She looked me in the face as she stopped nuzzling my neck.

"That's fine, I suppose." She playfully pushed my arm before she went back to snuggling against me. "Just be here when I need you-not that I need you to sleep next to me or anything..."I smirk at her before I made my head lean against hers.

"Just go to sleep, I'll wake you up later." She yawned, a protest trying to form failed.

"The foals are kicking harder now that your here.." She began to drift to slumber. "They wanted your protection too.." I started drifting to sleep myself, it was tiresome to just stay up. Though, when Sweetie Belle raced back from one side of the cell, I realized it didn't need to be so hard to keep myself awake. After seeing her horrified expression, that was all I needed to stay awake.

"Diamond Tiara's not here, Apple Bloom!" Sweetie Belle yelled causing Scootaloo to jolt up instantly.

"She's not here?" I scanned the room and tried thinking back before we went here. Diamond was here earlier before we came.

"'Course she's not-she left with Pi---" Scootaloo mumbled before her eyes became larger than sauce pans. "SHE'S WITH PIROUETTE!"

"You rang?" That's when I realized we didn't just face a murderer any more. We faced something darker. After all, its not common to see a dolled up pony/lupine/feline mixed creature that looks identical to Diamond Tiara. Oh, and did I seem to forget to mention that Silver Spoon's odd new pink leather mask toiled with new accessories? No, now I dealt with something much worse. I hope I know what I'm doing...

Author's Note

Weird, confusing chapter, but it HAD to be done to continue forward. I was annoyed a little-I couldn't figure how to do the chapter really. At least, how to execute what Apple Bloom saw when she saw the weird visuals before seeing Scootaloo the first time. (The ponies talking with eachother, the foals begging, etc.)

Scootaloo's acting strange for a reason when she's flipping out.

Ability:Read ponies and their weaknesses. She's learned that from her mother-she hides it well. The need will be explained.
Lulu:Apple Bloom's nick name for Scootaloo Typically used to show anger or used during times of distress. Only shown in dialogue, Its a petname,
Prepare for interludes~