The Puppet Maker

Why did nights pass by so slow in dreams? I yawned as I woke up to the smell of cooked apples. I stretched out my arms and pull myself up and out of bed. Celestia's sun was rising up slow and steadily, happy even through the situations.

"Apple loom, you up?" Applejack called. I trotted to the mirror and hurriedly brushed my mane before turning. The books were under the bed stacked neatly. I smile a little; I'll read them in the Club House. Nopony would be there to interrupt. Still, the journal boggles me. How many were there again? The first journal was fresh as the pretty pink pen marks that marked the pages before Twilight's more sophisticated black marks continued forward.

"I'm up!" I called. "I'll be there in a sec!" With a few knocks of various materials, I heard a small huff from her. I pulled out the papers neatly, all about Scootaloo and the invention. Should I? I shook my head. I'll figure that out later, first things first.Applejack comes by the rooms often; better leave the journals someplace where she couldn't see. I cover the journals up along with the papers before I quickly race to Applejack before her patience runs low.

"Look, I told you that I will tell you your punishment 'bout...foal...sort." She stumbled on her wording. I sat down on the chair nearest me. "I'm saving your hide, be glad. If Big Mac and Granny Smith took news of this they'll have your hide." My ears drop. I broke the tradition even if by mistake.

"I know...." I murmured. "...but isn't it punishment enough that I don't know if they're safe?" They were out there somewhere-anywhere. I don't know where. Nopony does, but I'll figure it. They couldn't be far. I figure that anyway. If Scootaloo skidded---

"Of course, they might take that into account," She nodded as she answered. "You still know better than that. You have to do the right thing when she's found. No if's, and's. or but's."

"Marry her?" The words escaped before they were detained. Why was I so shocked? "I was planning to already." She didn't buy that.

"Oh really? No telling family before you were going to?" I frowned. Scootaloo didn't even tell me.

"I found her plans...." I whispered as tears trickled down. I can't lie to her. I can't lie to my own sister more than I already was. I lied to her too much already, everything slipping down a fast slope before I knew it. She knew so much already, who's to say that it will change if I told her this? "She was planning to before this happened, even going to pop the question during the dance. I found out...it wasn't so special anymore when I had..." Applejack didn't face me until she placed food on the table. Apple oriented with hay bacon, something special for sure.

"Oh, well, shucks, you should'a just said that," She stumbled again as she rubbed my back. "This will be over faster then expected." The back rub ended abruptly as she pulled a chair over and sat down beside me. I faced away briefly, feeling some tears edge at the corners of my eyes..

"The 'foal' part's coming right?" I bit my lip. I dreaded this moment. She frowns before taking an apple fry. "How can we even talk about this? Its not like we know for a definite fact that-"

"That's stinkin' thinkin'. I didn't realize we raised you to be so gosh darn negative!" She crunched on the fry as she spoke. No anger backed her words. "You can't be thinking like that, that'll get your head in a bind. There ain't a doubt in mind that they are okay." She hasn't got a single doubt now while before there was?

"Was there new word on the foalnapping? You seem chipper." I stick a fry in my mouth and chewed while she waves me off.

"Oh, so you noticed?" She coughed and took a drink. "They have a clue. I'm not sure how much, but they'll be telling us later today before the sun hits highest." They found something? Twilight must have made them hurry with the new found information of being with foal.

"I'm allowed to hear, right?" Applejack coughs a little again until she puts the drink down again. "I should be allowed to hear about my fiancee without anypony to tell me otherwise."

"Never said you couldn't. I wouldn't hold it to ya to try," Applejack passes something over to me. I grab it contently. "I won't stop you. Its not in my hooves anymore." I munched a few more minutes before she started again.

"Are you responsible enough to take care of a foal now?" Applejack didn't look me in the eyes this time. "Its a big responsibility. We aren't afraid to help you, ya know." I nod.

"I think so too, I know so." I placed my food down. "Its strange knowing that one day....you'll be an Aunt.I just don't know how... I can't fathom what I can do anymore..." I feel orange arms wrap me around in an embrace.

"Don't go thinking too far, you'll figure something." She winked. "Besides, there are lots more to think about than things like that, right?"

"Really?" Applejack laughed at me. She laughed!

"Yes, 'course! You'll figure out everything in given time. Sometimes, storms brew and wreck havoc, but ponies come together and face it in the end coming out with stronger bonds then before. You just need to embrace it before something good can come out."

"You really think so?" How can she say that? How can I embrace something like this? She scanned me up and down.

"'Course, how'd you think we managed all these years?" She took the plate away and places it in the sink. "Now, as for your punishment..." I watch as she gathers the plates away. Was she thinking of it still?

"C-Can I still come with you?" I stuttered. She stood on her hind legs over the sink as she looked my way. "I mean, I want to come hear about her just as much as you do."

"Oh, I don't doubt that one bit," She replied. "I have a few chores for you to do and from there you stay in your room until I tell you they're here."

"I'm detained to my room?" My eyes widen as I ask.

"Your too old for a paddlin' I can't get you hauling, your too small still." She replied. "Now go on before I change my mind." I grab an empty saddle bag and move towards her as she works.

"What's needing to be done?" Damn, the list was huge. I shift to read everything clearly. Still can't. "All this?"

"It ain't very much. I loaded the cart with the orders, just take them to the right spots and collect the bits. From there you handle the rest," She smiles and ruffles my mane once more. "Also, I collected a few plants I found in the Everfree for Fluttershy. Make sure she gets them in one piece. You got that?" I peered into the saddle bag once more. It wasn't as light as I thought it was.

"Don't worry, I got this Applejack!" I waved her worries off as I trot over toward the cart. It was firm with apple cartoons and the like. Apples of so many varieties. I gulp as I saddle the cart up and trot off towards Ponyville. It didn't take long at all before I saw the town's most iconic feature:Sugarcube Corner. It looked like a giant pastry. I wonder if anyone ever tried eating it. I can't picture anypony actually trying to taste it. I leaned over from the cart and knocked on the door.

"Mr. and Mrs.Cake?" I call. "Pinki---"

"Hey Apple Bloom! Its been a while since I seen ya here! Hey, come on in!" Pinkie Pie still acted like Pinkie Pie. I turned me head to see her popping out the cart. How did she--

"Pinkie Pie!"

"I've been doing a search party all day! You'd think that it would be fun too with a name like 'Search Party!' OOOOOooooooo! I just came up with the---"

"PINKIE PIE!" Will she still ramble on?

"What? What is it?" She blinked a few times before relaxing and coming out the cart. "What is it?"

"Applejack told me about your order that you made." I retrieved the order. Dozens of Honey Crisp Apples. They were honey smelling and honey colored. Perfect for certain dishes. "What are you using them for?"

"Oh, I have my reasons," She winked. "Catch you later! I'll tell ya later!" She waved and bounced inside the establishment. I sigh. She's very chipper about everything. I trot again towards another few confectioneries and stores until I was forcibly stopped by her. Didn't Diamond Tiara have other ponies to annoy?

"Don't you two have somepony else to bother?" I question. Diamond Tiara shrugged with a coy smile. She still looked the same save for being taller and older. My eyes wonder over as she paces around me.

"My, my, my," Diamond started. Her laughter rang through me ears. "Looks like the whorse has a backbone. I couldn't tell when you were under Dinky." My face flushed immediately.

"I wasn't under Dinky!" I said through grit teeth. "You and I both know that!" Diamond smirked as she paced.

"Oh, weren't you? I do recall you were, screaming Dinky's name pretty loudly after the party." Why does she have such a smug look? "She's even claiming your her side mare. Interesting." My eyes turn to pinpricks.

"She-I'm nopony's side mare!" I growled. "That was one big mistake. It will never happen again. Now leave, I have chores to do!" She laughed, mocking me.

"I wonder how Scootaloo would take it...After all, she's carrying your child. I wonder how smoothly she'll take such a betrayal?" My ears perk up suddenly. How did she know? "I wonder, do you like Dinky more? I wasn't sure. Your love is so easily thrown isn't it?" I stomped my hoof to stop her.

"I love Scootaloo more then the world!" I snap as I start trotting forward, but she stands in the way. "I care for Scootaloo so much, she's carrying my foals right now! How can you even suggest that I don't love her? How do you even know?" Diamond smirks again, sticking her nose into the air as she spoke.

"Don't give me that manure, the way you acted with Dinky proves otherwise, doesn't it? Would she be on the rebound? Oh, so many possibilities." She stepped forward dramatically. "Oh, me? How do I know? Oh, I have sources. Why should I bother to tell a whorse my sources? Particularly, one that I don't even like?"

"How much do you know?" I glare again as she laughed more.

"I know that she thinks of you so much. Such a shame, her own marefriend can't even keep her legs closed when she's foalnapped." I have no reason why I shouldn't tackle her. Why am I not? "Its so great, I'm the only one who knows. Isn't that reassuring?"

"Why are you doing this Diamond Tiara?" I got right out to it. I flick her in her chest. "Why do you even care? You got your leverage, why are you still here?" She pretended to think by putting her hoof to her chin.

"Oh, me? I'm just waiting to pick the pieces," Diamond responds, she took pose, her tail flicking away like on the runway. "I'll look like the perfect saint." The realization dawned right as I narrowed my eyes.

"Oh, I see. Your still not over that are you?" I laugh myself, I can't believe it. I can't stop laughing. "She chose me, I'm loyal to her. End of story. I don't know your motive for wanting her, but I don't like it. Now leave me alone, mule. She's my world and I won't let anypony hurt her." I try moving again, only to be blocked by her again.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about them hurting her, not in the least. I'm sure you'll realize, because I sure do, that your little 'world' will crumble, and I'll be there patiently waiting to fix her pieces that were shattered." She stepped away. "Because I am not the one hurting her, its you.

"Wait!" I call out before she left. "Where's your little slut? I was sure she was sucking you pretty hard the last time I saw her. Wouldn't stop mimicking you." She scoffs at the remark.

"I'm not sure, her parents wouldn't say. I couldn't get a straight answer from Silver Locket. Why do you ask? Oh, let me guess, you want to buck her too?" She laughs before she left me there, gawking. Was that why she did everything? She wanted to spite me! I trot faster and faster, anger flaring inside my very soul. I can't let Scootaloo go, she's not safer in Diamond's arms then where she's at. I can't believe I even finished at those tasks in such a blind rage. Where'd I go? I trot home and the cart is immediately removed.

"Dinky? Is that you?" Why was she here? She couldn't just take a hint anymore? "I can't talk to you-No, I don't want to talk to you!" Dinky's yellow eyes widen deeply and her mouth was open.

"I thought you cared for me.." Dinky's voice trailed. "You seemed to really love me...I was just..." She stumbled over her words. Her eyes filled with tears.

"Dinky..." I looked her in the eyes. "I love you..as a friend! Don't get me wrong, your good. Very good, but--" Dinky teared up more as she turned her face away.

"You screamed my name..." Dinky bit back. "I..thought...you went to me and...I just thought.." She shifted uncomfortably. I shook my head immediately. I lead her on, I lead Dinky on!

"Your great! But...I'm Scootaloo's mare. I-I was just...." I gulped so nervous. I shouldn't be so nervous. "I was just so stressed and...you were there...pretty so pretty in the dress....you acted just like her.....I didn't mean to lead you on. Or previously lead you on..." Dinky gave a smile that was dripping in sadness. I wish she wasn't so sad.

"Its fine, really. I guess I hurt you too," She choked back. I couldn't help but notice the strain in her voice. "I should get going. I'm sorry I put the position on you." I nodded, shooting a look of doubt her way.

"Are you sure your okay?" She nodded back.

"Yeah. I'm..okay.." She wavered. "Look, I've got to go. I'll see you later. I hope Scootaloo's okay."

"We're still friends?" She turned and faced me, her eyes looking away as she sniffed and nodded. I lowered my head as I walk inside. Applejack didn't know, I hope she didn't know that is. I think she's inside...

"Oh, Apple Bloom, your home that fast?" I nodded and handed the bags to her and nodded briskly. "Now head upstairs, I'll be getting you in an hour. They should be here by then." I trot to upstairs to my room, faking cheeriness along the way. No need for her to know. I flop onto my bed as I contemplate everything. Diamond wants to make me suffer, not even caring for her in the long run, Dinky is crying because of me-Celestia knows what Twist will say. I was pretty sure only a few ponies know of what I did-the rest were gone already. How did Diamond know everything so fast? How did she even know about the foals? I covered my head in my pillow before seeing the books again. I groaned.

"Might as well get it over with." I look over the book. It was made just for a filly-everything written in pink cursive. It was almost neat in nature, but so child like due to its sloppy nature. It started off in August but ended immediately after December 18th where Twilight started writing the texts herself. I turned to the first page at first.

Dear Secret Keeper (Haha-I'm not to imaginative)

Date:August 25

Mother made me get you after she signed me up for the classes, she even insisted on giving you a name. She insists its educational. I can't judge, Mom states it is morally wrong. But there's you, Secret Keeper. I can only confide in you now. These classes are tearing me apart-I am not sure they are having the right effect. My teacher tells me I'm no good at it-I try so hard to please! But Mom told me not to let myself get caught up in sort like this. I can't decide! Is it wrong to be like this? She tries to be gentle but it hurts so much. I can't walk right anymore. Is that the effects of this class? Mom's so happy for me...I can't tell her....

Oh darn it! I hurt Mrs. Whinny! She is such a pain-I have to go!

Bye,

Check Mate

Ps:

What's a Whorse? I don't recall being taught such a word. Maybe I will ask Sonnet tomorrow.

I started skipping pages, every headliner was the same. Each talking about school, classes and extra. I didn't need to skim those pages any longer, getting my perfect answer. That is, until December 18th.

Dear Secret Keeper
Date:December 18

Pinkamina came over for her visit-she's the best Cousin ever! She's the best at making me happy. Though, she says she's worried for me. I'm not sure why. She says something bad is happening-I shouldn't take those classes. Mom kept on crying, I wish I knew why. Pinkamina never let me out of sight as she talked to the teacher. Even so, it was so fun! Pinkamina let me play with Scatty! Now she's okay, right? Scatty won't remember much though-she's too tiny.

We had so much fun at the school! Sure, there were lots of screaming from Mother, but even so, playing with Scatty was the most fun I have had since I was declined from unicorn school. (Admittedly, it was only a week ago, but who cares?) She was so fun- I think she first started flying today. I never saw a pegasus foal fly before. Admittedly, she wasn't so good at it-she crashed a lot. Even so, Pinkamina pulled her close and she told stories until she fell asleep. I wish I was there-Ponyville sounds interesting. I never heard of a place so crazy in my life! She promised I could come by there sometime. I wonder if Mother would let me. Then we left after that. I didn't feel right for abandoning her...I hope she's okay.

OH! Before I go, Pinkamina even gave me something! I think its some kind of stone. It looks just like Mother's Amethyst locket cutie mark! Its so pretty in the light. I can't wait until I show mom.

Bye,

Check Mate~

"Apple Bloom, he's here!" I stuff the book away before she came up again. I want to read more- I want to go deeper then ever into it. Skimming was time consuming. I took a hour just to read minor bits and pieces of the whole picture. She wouldn't even go into specifics. Still, it was enough information to get a grasp on her life. Pinkie Pie's her cousin, if I could just ask--"We don't have all day!"

"Coming!" I hop off the bed and ran down the stairs. There stood a stallion guard that stood tall and strong. I frowned. Is that him? "A Guard's taking us?"

"There is a high threat that was released, Celestia herself ordered for protection," The Guard replied. "Your...?"

"Apple Bloom, Sco-Scatenata's Fiancee," I automatically answered. Pirouette wouldn't tell them her nickname. They wouldn't know her as Scootaloo. "I...wanted to hear..it." He looked at me with a hard expression before lightening up.

"You're the Element of Honesty, right?" Applejack nodded hastily. "Stay together, I told you I warned you. Don't dare say anything else." She climbed aboard the chariot with ease and helped me up. I remembered Sweetie Belle standing here. Heh, it was much different when your on it. I watched as the pegasi guards took off fast from the ground, pulling us along with it to Canterlot. It was strange-only immediate ponies with high connections got this treatment...or those being questioned. Everything looked so strange from above. Maybe this is why Rainbow Dash likes flying so much. It didn't take long until we reached Canterlot-or at least it didn't feel like it. Applejack nudged me.

"We're here, Apple Bloom," She told. "We have to hurry, Celestia's calling for us immediately. I'm not sure why for a few clues-but whatever it is, its not good." She gracefully takes off from the chariot as she gestured for me to do so to. I wasn't so graceful. We trot towards the building and as we do so, the more I feel disorientated. Rust filled my snout, but I wasn't bleeding. I shook my head to get the smell out. It still clung onto me. Applejack only briefly gave me a look, worried, but still stayed a head.

What's with all the red gunk? Paint? I lifted a hoof up curiously. It was covered in the gunk. I faced the other ponies around; they didn't seem to notice. They weren't in the paint, only having minor touches here or there, but didn't drag it. I thought the rich would freak. Was this Canterlot for you? I shrug it off as Applejack started to fade, moving closer and closer to the establishment. What was it called? I simply followed her.

"But Mother said----" A voice cried out. I turn around, pausing. I didn't pick up what was making the sound, but the sound was coming from a filly. She didn't sound like she was from Canterlot particularly, sounding more Manhatten like, but still had a trait of those that stayed in Canterlot. Where did that--"P-Please stop! M-Mother said that's not for grownups!" I panic and bump into Applejack in the haste of escape. She gave me a stern look before turning back to worried.

"Are you okay there Apple Bloom? Looks like somethin' got you good." I shook my head. It must have been from the journal entries I skipped over. But they didn't contain anything like this....

"I've just done some thinking, that's all," I lied partially.

"W-Where am I?" Another voice cried. She was a filly like the first, but she was deeper sounding. The next thing I heard was shackles as the dragged. Nope, heard nothing all right. Applejack gave me a nudge forward as I shook.

"You failed the class, it wasn't a shock, really." Another voice stated in a "matter of fact" voice. A mare compared to the others. "You didn't appreciate the beauty of what I do. I guess you'll be more useful now." I cringe at the voice. Applejack didn't catch it-why was I the only one seeing this?

"I-Is anypony there?" I walk over where the others are staring at before my mouth hangs. Was that-? "Can anypony hear me?" I was pushed aside by the guard before I was able to do anything.

"S-Scootaloo is that you?" I cried out, my tears running down my cheeks freely. She wasn't actually there, I knew that much. She was strangely in the mirror, her hooves fidgeting with it like she had to talk holding it up. Her arms were already bruised and cut before long. Her head had a gash that draped from the top of her eye brows to the bottom of her cheek. All accompanied by bruises. Her front teeth weren't in tact as good either-chipped probably from the skidding. "S-Sc--"

"S-Shush!" She sounded desperate as she placed the mirror in the right place to see her right. "I-I ticked her off. I-I don't know how long I have before she comes anymore! I-I broke through a shackle and fought for awhile--!I can't see---its too dark." Her eyes darted towards the opening before she moaned, she couldn't soothe herself or her restless stomach from flipping like mine had. It was a fact.

"Scootaloo, do you have some clue as to where you are?" She inched back from the screen a little and from the opening before she sighed. "What are you talking with?"

"I.,woke up here..." She didn't stutter this time, her voice still wavered and low. "I took a mag----" I blood curdling thump made the mirror become static until it suddenly evened up. It fell to reveal what made my heart race, anger flooding faster then anything I had to encounter before:A mare sat on her firmly, her legs wrapped around her like she was hog tying her. Something seep--she's getting off on Scootaloo after she was jumped from behind! Scootaloo was slumped down from the crash landing the other gave her. She laid on her side, her right wing bent in the wrong angle from the landing. She caressed her cheek before placing a cloth on her mouth tightly. She spat before she was forced up, her eyes glassy, out of it before her eyes, too, were covered. She leaned down face to face to her.

"Aren't you feisty, my Marionette?"She nuzzled Scootaloo's cheek. "Its a shame that you can't move, isn't it? I guess not even you can fight this, Marionette." I growled, I couldn't speak before Rainbow Dash flew up to face her at the mirror.

"Let go of her you creep!" She growled. The mare turned her head to reveal her face couldn't be seen. Something covered her muzzle and eyes. A mask? I wasn't sure. It was light pink, filled with swirls on the sides. Her mane was in a bun, covered in a black, see-through mane cap that covered an almost white mane streaked with some gunk. Her coat wasn't clean, it was hard to decipher between orange and brown. All covered with pink clothing-a dress maybe. She chuckled at Rainbow Dash before she stood over Scootaloo and heaved her up, dragging her along. She apparently did tie her forelegs-they were bound to the side. If I saw her eyes, then I would have sworn she winked at me before she started pulling her by her wing and toying with it.

"Aw, look. The wing's broken. Looks like I got to fix Marionette," She said calmly before she faced us. "Aw, and what? You'll hurt me?" She teleports away and the room changes immediately. The screen becomes static until there were two mares hoovering over Scootaloo, who was awake, standing in a very unusual way. Her knees pointed in the opposite position as she was directly chained to the wall. Her arms weren't leather bound anymore-they were in chains that kept them to their sides, but still allowing her to touch her stomach.Her head was forced up, being that her neck was chained too. Still, even at the angle, her head dropped slightly. She wasn't awake yet.

"Oh, you found her," The second mare was pink, looking very reminiscent to somepony I heard of. But that wasn't possible, right? She had straight pink hair and the coat was only a few shades lighter. Both were really dull, like they needed to be washed, which wasn't strange. There was brown gunk matted in both. She had a mask on just like the other, but different with markings. There was something off about the unicorn, I just wasn't sure. Her voice was velvety and cold. Her hooves were covered in something-I don't care to know what. She leaned down, touching her stomach and going lower. She rubbed in a circle before she immediately backed off, staring only for a while at her.

"What's the matter?" The other asked, not really paying attention as she set something up. "What, you can't-"

"She's with foal. You told me nothing of the sort," Her calmness still was cold. I shivered. I wonder if she's smiling? It felt so. "Why'd you leave the detail out?" The other choked back as she moved away from what she was setting.

"I had no idea myself," She chuckled. "This could certainly work to our advantage, isn't that right, Laughing Gas?" Laughing Gas took a moment to examine her.

"You sound like you struggle with such yourself," She mused. "Always wanted a unicorn, we'll see what we receive from this bounty." The mare glared at Laughing Gas through the mask before she composed herself.

"She's quite pretty, beautiful-I wonder how much a bang will sell?" She deliberated.

"YOUR NOT GOING TO LAY A HOOF ON SCOOTALOO!" Twilight's fury was daunting, her horn flared as she spoke. "We'll find you out-we won't let you get away with this!" Pinkie Pie stood silent, head down at the scene, tears trickling down her cheeks. This must have been in connection to Check Mate-she still must have been so sad to get the news.Her mane deflates automatically. Fluttershy shook, quivering as Twilight spoke. She backed away from the mirror, kneeling down with her arms over her head, refusing to see anymore. Rarity and Applejack-I couldn't tell you their response to anything. They weren't in the sane mindset anymore just as Twilight and Rainbow Dash weren't. It seems like even the elements were stunned into submission for a moment. Laughing Gas turned to them, laughing in response.

"They're still here, Laughing Gas," The mare walked away from Scootaloo before moving a cart over full of instruments. "Looks like they mean business.I suppose we can let them see ours." Laughing Gas stopped before she beckoned the other over.

"Looks like it Demi, we already showed them the Turnout." Laughing Gas took the cart immediately, grabbing a butcher's knife. Demi prepped Scootaloo, pulling and tugging at her. "So, let the meeting begin. Lets wake our meeting head, shall we?" If only I covered my face like Fluttershy, maybe then I would have been spared from seeing what they were doing to Scoots, but I wasn't. I saw everything; especially when they started hacking Scootaloo's right wing off.