Chapters "Nothing Brings out Jealousy like Laughter"
Light from the beautiful moon flickered into the plain, seemingly empty room. It was with a radiance that only it bears as it danced too and fro without a trace or marking on the walls. It illuminated the silver decor, which, mostly, was on the walls. The inhabitant of the room groaned, the radiant light tickling her as if forcing her to wake up from her pleasant dreams. The light shimmered again and again relentlessly as the filly on the bed tried her hardest to cover herself.
Nope, the light was persistent. Silver groaned again as her pink sheets tumbled effortlessly off without care.She fumbled off the bed, falling on the ground harshly. Silver pushed the annoyances aside as she turned towards her window. She frowned at the time.
"Night, figures." Silver muttered. "Of course, my luck." Her ears flickered as she turned her head towards an unknown sound. She trudged away from the wall and of any security that she received from her room. The bathroom was the closest one near her, her glasses typically hung from a professional rack with care, but something felt off. Silver tried peering over to the mirror, but it was difficult as it was made for a mare, not a filly as tiny as she. Resting her hind legs up onto the structure that was in front-which was quite dangerous and hazardous- to reach up onto the counter.
CRACK!
Mirror pieces scattered around the base as Silver stared at herself in the mirror's glass, or rather, a what was supposed to be herself. The mare was a hot pink, or at least that's what Silver assumed. It was really hard to tell whether her coat used to be hot pink or was always such a dull shade. Her face couldn't be seen behind a large gas mask. Grey in color, something marred the sides with a dull brown hue. Surrounding the brown was a picture that was scratched out, covered by another. Maybe a cutie mark? Whether it was, she never cared to learn. After all, a checker board mark easily covered what was crossed out originally. Her mane probably could have been pretty, it had that sort of vibe. Although her mane was a pretty shade of pink, much darker than her coat, brown gunk that she didn't yearn to figure out coated the roots.It could have been rather pretty; prettier then even Miss Rarity's if it was washed and styled. On her head was cracked horn peaked through it, though, strangely placed. Silver couldn't put her hoof on it; the placement was off. She was sure. Her eyes fell last on the jacket that covered her coat. She was sure it was synthetic pony fur, but didn't understand what it could possibly be used for. Synthetic fur was something looked frowned upon, even if its synthetic. If you had one, pony or not, it wouldn't put you in the best of lights. Highly smuggled, it was sought for by other nations however. On her jacket, there were many marks this time, many she couldn't see clearly, but knew were there. Even with the oddities the mare possessed, she still was beautiful in an off sense. The situation hadn't dawned on Silver as she simply stared at the mare in the mirror, even when the glass blocked her path down. It was the combination of her off putting saturation and the dullness of the mare that spoke words to Silver Spoon.
"Malen'kaya poni, you woke."
Silver turned her head, looking for the source after leaving the reflection. Nope, no other logical source for the voice. She turned towards the mirror again, but the mare disappeared. In fact, her room and her bathroom disappeared from beneath her hooves. Her head grew dizzy as she felt something crunch beneath her.
'Grass?' She lifted her hoof to inspect. 'Its grass!'
"Of course, Scootaloo!" Silver Spoon's breath hitched. Sweetie Belle was around!
"Here, over here, malen'kaya poni." The voice was velvety, soft and cold.The owner of the voice pulled her closer with, she swore, was a smile. It was hard to tell, but she could just sense it from behind the mask. The owner was the mare from the mirror with the strange jacket. Her words were stuck inside her. They were too awed at the sight.
"Y-Yo-your from the mirror..!" The mare merely laughed, waving her off with a black hoof. Silver's eyes followed the form intensely as she walked circles around her. She was black, in a sense despite all the pink she had. Her hooves were black; something that she only hoped was something more sanitary like paint. The tail had even more gunk on it, but limper than anything else the pony had. The marks were more noticeable, but the meaning never dawned on her. Still, she recognized the checkerboard again.
"Malen'kaya poni." She grinned from behind the mask, she could feel that. "Revnost' plagues you, no?" Silver had little experience with Russian, her vocab even smaller than her experiences, but she knew what those words meant. Somehow, she didn't know why.
"Of course not!" She bit back. A follower wasn't as able to speak back as the leader. She was always the follower, the shadows a much more comfortable place to be in than the sun.
'I wish you were here...' Diamond was a leader, if only Silver understood how she did it. Her ears perked again hearing Sweetie Belle's voice go off.
"No, not like that!" Sweetie Belle's voice echoed. Silver smiled at it. She sounded of bells, beautiful bells that rang harmonically. "Try harder than that!"
"You love 'er do you not?" The mare rubbed her mane. Silver winced at the force and the gunk. "Revnost was placed upon you because of her, is it not?"
"No!" She shouted defiantly. "I'm not jealous of that chicken!" The mare chuckled at the sight and pointed a hoof towards the scene once more.
"Its not working, Bells!" Scootaloo's voice was an annoyance. Silver didn't see much of her. Sweetie and Scootaloo were in a field, Luna's very stars looking over them in protection. Silver Spoon pined for it-why stay in the bushes while Sweetie Belle was out there, happier than ever? Their backs were turned to Silver Spoon. They wouldn't see her. She saw them, however. Scootaloo stood up on her hind legs as she scratched behind her ear sheepishly. Acting politely but failing, she bowed slightly. "Will you go with me to the dance?" Sweetie Belle smiled. Silver Spoon's eyes couldn't take the scene. They created water works before it was over.
"Of course, I would love to." Those words were to be expected. Silver didn't need to hear them before she ran. Did she know she was running? The ache was evidence enough. She heaved and she breathed in heavily.
"Revnost was placed upon you hard, malen'kaya poni." Sliver whipped around at the source. She couldn't see where she was anymore, where anything was anymore. Darkness was surrounding her until a light appeared in front with a warm welcome.
"Why are you here?" She demanded, screaming. "Why are you here?!" The mare didn't answer, simply took out her arm.
"Malen'kaya pony," She began, her words becoming cold as before. "Let me help you end the Revnost." Silver pushed her hoof away. She looked at Silver quizzically as she tried moving away.
"I don't need your help."
"That's what all of them say." She ran a hoof through her silver mane again. Silver groaned. She hated that. "I'll help you, the Revnost will plague you no longer."
"Just shut up already!" She yelled. " Just shut up! I'm tired of seeing you! Can't you see that already?" The mare didn't respond much as she stood up and pulled her close to her. The horn not giving any sort of indication of being used.S
"Let go!"
"Shush, child." She cooed. "I'll fix everything. Just you watch. Revnost won't be around much longer. Just let it out. Don't worry at all." Silver couldn't help but shiver any longer. Her eyes welled in tears, but she didn't trust the mare. Still, she felt as secured oddly. She buried her head into the mare. She smelled rusty, it was a strange, intoxicating aroma. Her mother smelled the same way before she disappeared. The tears came to a stop and her breathing slowed until she fell asleep again with a genuine smile formed on her face. The mare just sat there, moving her hoof over Silver's mane as she smiled.
Author's Note
"Malen'kaya Poni"-Little Pony
How can one night cause so much harm before it began?
Within the matter of hours everypony knew what had happened. Privacy meant nothing anymore-they knew every detail of what we had done together. From our Crusading lives to even the intimacy we shared that was only meant for us to know, were questioned. Its not a shocker: We had done the dirty! We weren't fillies anymore, its to be suspected. Was I some suspect? They felt like interrogators, I was their suspect that was key to their case. There was a point where Applejack had to rush me off the farm-the questions were that tremendous. For Celestia's sake, Twilight interrogated me, albeit, more privately! Though, I suppose it was due after what I did. Scootaloo loved the outcome of what I used it for...too bad days later she got sick from it. After what happened at Rarity's, we were scattered. I couldn't go where the elements were, where Scootaloo's scooter was. Until the it questioning stopped, Sweetie wasn't allowed to see me. From the increased questioning and the intense lack of privacy that grew by the moment, there was only one place I could stay where the ponies wouldn't get me anymore: Twilight's.
"Apple Bloom, can you help me with that?" Twilight mumbled something as she sorted her collection. She was ordering new books on an almost weekly basis, sorting them out was a constant struggle. Sweetie Belle was her victim of this; subjecting her to place books in the correct spot endlessly. This was a task Spike wasn't able to do, being small and all. I sighed as I trot over. Were they right? Had they really found her scooter? I bit my lip-they have got to be lying.
But loyalty is Scootaloo's sister. I looked towards Twilight who hurriedly wrote something down as she sorted. I wanted to protest to this thought, although the thought of protesting was wild. Rainbow Dash definitely wouldn't lie, not when its about Scootaloo. My stomach knotted like it did before.
"Apple Bloom?" Twilight's voice was soft as she placed a few books down. I jumped, startled. When was she paying attention?
"I'm sorry Twi, I really am." Twilight placed her arm around me, I couldn't face her. The pegasus was still on my mind from yesterday. Her figure and actions still fresh. "I can't concentrate, that's all." Twilight gave a small smile.
"Your still thinking of her aren't you?"
"Hmmm...." She smiled softly as she stopped the embrace and went towards the shelf looking for something.
"She'll be alright. Scootaloo's a strong pony," Twilight reminded. "She's capable of handling herself."
"Twilight, she's not Rainbow Dash!" I remarked, something bursting from me. I realized it was anger. I wasn't sure why what she said angered me-but it had. "Everypony likes to think she's different because of how she acts, but she's not! She's the same as everypony here, Twilight!" Twilight looked like a filly that was about to get in trouble.
"That's not at--"
"She's the same as everypony else here! Just because she acts one way doesn't mean she thinks that way or feels that way! She's not okay, Twilight!" I felt my heart construct. I can't believe I'm ranting. I can't believe I said that. I move closer, my anger still flaring. "She doesn't like it when ponies like to assume how she is by her appearance-and I don't like it either. Twilight, she wasn't feeling too keen last week and she wasn't 'okay' yesterday!" I huffed as Twilight sighed, a smile forming again after the rant. Her appearance changed from a filly in trouble to one that was released off scotch free.
"Are you done?" I nodded, my heart pounding still. The questions lingered in the back of my mind-all of them towards Scootaloo being...for lack of a better term...'mare for hire.' I vehemently denied any of these questions. They figured her style meant she was in a gang or worse.
"Oh yes, I love bucking random stallions on the street for cash," I remember Scootaloo's sarcastic voice say that towards the last poor stallion that tried paying her for an hour of time before she immediately kicked him away before flying off. I had to stifle my laughter that day. She was a virgin, of course, until last week that is. Was that a shock? For him, I only guessed so.
"S-Sorry again, Twi." Twilight casted me a sympathetic glance.
"No, I should say that. You've had a pretty bad time, I should have been nicer about it." I turned away, distraught at this. I screamed at Twilight! I sniffled as I stumbled and hit a desk in the progress. Why can't anything go my way anymore? "Apple Bloom-!"
"What the hay--?" I shook my head. The table was knocked over, some books hitting the floor with a thud. Book spewed paper from probably what Twilight wrote to make notes. I looked at the nearest book cover. "Why are you reading--"
"Deadly Encounters: Manehatten's Greatest Unsolved Mystery by Strict Rule." Twilight answered automatically. "Strict Rule is an older mare-you might not know a lot about her, she only writes nonfiction." She lifted the book from off the ground with her levitation spell before I could read anything from it. I shuffled through the papers. Manehatten was written throughout each document.
"MANEHATTEN MARE SEEKS FOR FILLY!" One headline struck me the oddest from an old newspaper. "Missing: Check Mate, age 8." A straight maned unicorn filly was on the front page. She was gray scaled due to newspaper print. Her mane was probably a light coat, but darker still than her coat. She had a horn piercing that was entirely black. Then I saw her cutie mark:A checker board. I grimaced at the next headline I sorted from.
"MISSING FILLY FOUND DEAD." Twilight levitated it away, frowning at me before I read more into the article. She had done so earlier.
"You shouldn't be reading things like that." Twilight's voice lowered an octave, still calm like before. She was collected but her voice filled with something that was unrecognizable. Worry? Regret? Anger? I couldn't pin point it.
"Why are you reading things like this yourself?" I murmured as I stood up, moving towards the shelf. Twilight had laid out books ranging from laws to other accounts-all focusing on Manehatten in particular. First Applejack and Rarity, now Twilight? Was this famous? "Twilight--"
"Don't fret over this." Twilight's words were dull, lacking life. "I have to take notes, I am still a student under Celestia's wing after all." Twilight's words weren't reassuring. Twilight wouldn't need to do something this drastic if it wasn't big.
"I won't ask again, it was a mistake to." It was a lie, big, bold lie.Twilight glanced back at me as she frantically put everything in order again, refusing to allow me to see them again. I chewed in the back of my mouth. They all were lying, hiding something, but what? My eyes focused on the book Twilight had earlier.
I need to read that book. If Twilight wouldn't tell me, I'll find out myself. I am sure Rarity and Applejack wouldn't tell me much.
"How was Scootaloo feeling before she disappeared?" She switched the topic as she began to push books in their spots.
"She got sick." I stared at her sorting. Twilight's sorting was strange compared to Spike's old way of sorting, too fast.
"Anything else?" Twilight's eyes darted, it made me have a headache from just watching her work.
"Very cheery, particularly yesterday." I coughed to stifle a laugh. She acted much like Sweetie Belle when she reads something called 'Annie May.' Twilight almost dropped her book. "Twi?! What is it?"
"Oh, nothing." She shook her head. What has her mane tangled? "Can I have my..-"
"Oh that?" I cocked my head as I retrieved it from my mane. It was an easy hide. Applejack didn't need to know this portion too.
"It smells lik-" She held it in magic as she placed it in her bag. "You weren't supposed to use it for that. You don't know the effects." Something tells me you do.
"Sorry Twilight-" Twilight instantly smiled as she received a message and nodded at the apology.
"Looks like Rarity wants you to talk to Sweetie. " I felt myself pushed out of the library by Twilight faster than you could say "Daring Do." "I need to seriously catch up on things here. Good luck to you!" Was I just forced out by Twilight? She accepted the apology at least. I sighed as I left the building location. They were hiding something, I just don't know what they were hiding. Did that filly have something to do with it? I felt the stares of the ponies melt my skull. By the time Carousel Boutique came into view, I was running. They didn't need to question me when there are too many questions I need to answer myself.
"Apple Bloom, darling--" I rolled my eyes at this.
"I'm doing it again aren't I?" I sighed and walked out again, wiping my hooves before I entered upstairs again.
"Apple Bloom, is that you?" I nodded, winded. Sweetie Belle smiled and closed the door behind me. I pulled the blinds down and shushed Sweetie Belle. "What is-"
"They're hiding something from us." I got to it. There wasn't anything to hide anymore. Sweetie Belle's eyes widen as she squeaked. "Shush!"
"What are you talking about?" She whispered back. "You mean what earlier?" I nodded. Sweetie Belle covered her mouth as a gasp escaped her lips.
"I stayed at Twilight's after the questioning got bad." I frowned. "She was studying about Manehatten." Sweetie wasn't buying it much.
"She's Celestia's student, what else is new?" Sweetie frowned. I shook my head.
"No, Sweetie, she studied them. Twilight had books specifically on a crime in Manehatten. I even saw a few newspaper articles. Something about some unsolved case."
"She has newspapers saved?"
"SWEETIE!" She laughed as she playfully pushed me away.
"Kidding!" Her face changed after she stopped laughing, seriousness decorating each feature. "She studied them, didn't she? She's bound to know something on it, Apple Bloom."
"That's just it. Everypony seems to!" I pace around a bit. This hadn't helped me one bit. "She won't tell me anything, she just changed the subject to Scootaloo and refused to answer anything more." My ears perked at the noise downstairs. Rarity was no longer doing her usual, from the loud door bangs eliminated her concentration. It wasn't a guess, I could tell just by how she sounded. My stomach was still knotted like before, but worse this time. Why did it have to be so prophetic?
"Huh?" Sweetie Belle quieted as I covered her mouth.
"---hasn't done anything of the sort to be a suspect!" Rarity yelled. I heard a groan. "Get off of me you ruffian!" I glanced towards Sweetie Belle before I raced down the stairway. Did I think? I was rushing to help Rarity from Celestia knows what! I fell after tackling from the pony. I gasped and pushed away after getting a glimpse.
"G-Guard!"
"We're looking for one Sweetie Belle for questioning." The Guard was monotone as ever before. "Anypony trying to interfere with the investigations, under orders, we will not hesitate to arrest and detain." My heart dropped. What did Sweetie Belle have anything to with the disappearance? I refused to linger on the thought she was the last to see her. It wasn't possible, not in the very least.
"B-But she has done nothing!" I stuttered out, my voice cracking. "R-Rarity?!" Rarity's eyes were filled with tears. Even so, I still pushed forward. She gave up, I could see it in her eyes.
She has to have a reason. I pushed that away. No need for things like that. Sweetie Belle walked towards the guard. She was crazy or becoming crazy. Either way, she was a nut. She was leaving with the guards.
"Apple Bloom, I'll be okay. I'm innocent. "Sweetie Belle's voice was innocent sounding. I cringe. "Or don't you think I am?" I shook my head immediately.
"I do-I really do!"
"Then let me go. I don't need you to worry then. I'm innocent, therefore I have nothing to worry about." She walked towards the cart with the pegasi guards.
"Please, don't go!" I cried as I reached out for her, but a white arm pushed me away. "Rarity-"
"Let her go dear." Rarity cracked a small smile as she waved her off, tears increasing along the sides of her eyes. "She's....out of our hooves now. She's innocent, there's no need to hide that from them."
"Rarity..." My voice trailed as I watched the cart fly away with my only friend that had the same problems as me. Even with Rarity hugging me tight as all the guards leave, I felt lonelier than ever before.
Where was Twilight? I slowly made my way around, peeking at the shelves once more. Where did she place them again? I thought over what happened yesterday afternoon before Sweetie Belle was taken for questioning. I choked back tears, no, I didn't need to worry about her. She's fine, she has her magic. She's just questioned, no harm in that right? No need to go all teary eyed-I need every ounce of sight I could get. I stumbled over belongings as I made myself around. Luna's night castes above Ponyville, normally with the residents asleep. Not today, not with the dance that was being held. Rarity insisted heavily that I should wear my dress to go, even when I tried backing out. Scootaloo was so excited for this dance-that was the perfect way to manipulate me into going in the first place.
"She wouldn't want you to stay behind on your first dance-go! I won't take no for an answer. Scootaloo's design will not go to waste, not on my watch! Rarity's words still were etched in my thoughts. Going to the dance is secondary objective. My ears perked trying to find any hints of life. Spike's snoring was absent-he must be with Twilight then. I pushed the door slightly with my muzzle to peer in. The blackness was surrounding almost each corner of the room.
"Twilght's bedroom," I took note. Her bed was sitting beside a window, the moonlight somehow made it appear even more desolate than it was already with the sheets neatly tucked in order. There were shelves and sort around the room with stairs leading to the bed. Twilight had her books stashed when she needed them here. I climbed up the steps to look around more. No Spike. Nothing on value to here.
"OOF!" I covered my mouth immediately. Was that a handle? How can I grab that? The handle was meant for a creature with claws or a horn-the ends curved in a way hooves can't grasp. I tried to move it with my mouth, but it was too awkward to move. It pulled up and out, like cellar doors, but lacked better grip. I climbed down the stairs after closing the door behind me easier then it was to open. The stairs winded down narrowly until I landed in a pit filled with nothing but books upon books with shelves along side. Why were they hidden? Were they different? I noticed that it was poorly stacked compared to the other shelves that weren't hidden. The books themselves spewed their contents as they were older then the others upstairs and highly over used. The light showed the truth behind the pit.
"Twilight..." Awestruck, I looked towards the only table where a giant bulletin board. So many papers were neatly pinned along side in chronological order. That filly was plastered all over the board, her past and present were evident. I took a glimpse at her making sure I didn't see another. Nope, the same filly. She had a pink coat with a darker shade of pink mane that contrasted with eachother nicely. Her small pink horn peaked through her straight mane with a small black bead. Her cutiemark was a checkerboard like I saw earlier. From her dark pink eyes to her hooves, she was the same filly I read about earlier. What was her name?
Check Mate, age 8. I shivered. She was the one that died in the other article.
Check Mate, beloved unicorn filly, found dead by the Everfree Forest October 23.
Check Mate found dead after tortured for 11 months.
No Suspect found in Check Mate's brutal death.
"Check Mate was headliner for months on end..." I was dumbfounded. She had so many articles on her, then more on other fillies the same age, but only a few were older then eight years old. Then there were others that weren't named at all without ages or anypony to account for them. Then my eyes fell to Scootaloo's picture. There were scribbles on her strange disappearance, but nothing more then that. I narrowed my eyes; there was a lone note on the board. I couldn't make out what it said other than a few lines.
"Celestia, I will find the ------if its the last thing I do. I promised --------------"
There has to be a camera somewhere in here. I rummaged through my bag. So much nothing. Wait-found a camera! I quickly clicked it to capture everything I needed from the board to examine later. Perfect. I looked down; the desk had so many papers stacked. I pushed through a few papers that were scribbled on until Scootaloo's name was on another few pieces. I took note they were pretty lengthy-too lengthy to read now. I stuffed it in the saddle bag quickly without a second glance. I wondered how much I'll be in trouble for taking anything. I tried shrugging the idea off quickly to continue forward.
"What is that?" A book caught my eye. It was a collection of books, really, but they had a different feel to them. They weren't anything like I seen with Twilight upstairs with her Strict Rule book, they were more...personal. Diaries? Journals? frowned and took them for examination. They were notebooks and in journal format. Each all mouth written by fillies. There were titles for each book. I stuffed them quickly in my bag. There must be a clue in there, some of the pages weren't filled by the children, but by Twilight. I could tell, her hoof script was easy to recognize from the normal texts. My bag was continuing to fill with more information as the time grew. I took pictures for a few and the others I just took. Twilight wouldn't notice much. I started up the stairs, killing the lights as I grabbed one last piece I needed:Deadly Encounters: Manehatten's Greatest Unsolved Mystery by Strict Rule. Whatever is, I'll earn it. If they won't tell me willingly, then I'll make them tell me. Twilight will regret lying to me, they all will. I'll figure it out for both of us. I rearranged all the books that were there back to their correct spots, making sure that it didn't appear to rummaged through. There, done.
"Nothing will stop me. I will get her here and safe. Your work's done Twilight, I guarantee it." I quickly escaped the library wondering whether I was doing what was right, but when Scootaloo's figure came to mind, there was no doubt in mind anymore. If these ponies aren't going to go any further, then so be it.
--------
"APPLE BLOOM!"
My ears fell again as I heard Applejack's voice raise into a yell. I hid the papers from view under my bed along with the saddlebag. I did go to the dance as promised, that I have done. I stole tonight, I broke into Twilight's house for Celestia's sake, but at least I'm going to be honest. Its the least I could do. I know I am right-I did the right thing clearly, but they won't see it like that. No pony will. At least I saw everypony there, some ponies more surprised then others.They never gawked at me, except Dinky. Dinky was always an exception, give her five minutes and she'll scream your name. She sustained everything I did after dance. It was nice-she was nice. Though, she's no Scootaloo. Scootaloo was something that Dinky and no other mare was. She was perfect in almost every detail. I can't let her go-she means the world to me. I can't let her know this-I'll just tell Dinky it was a one time very big thing that I did not plan on. It was true-I did not plan to cheat on my foalnapped fiancee. There's something in the punch, there had to have been. Her touch lingered still. She knew the right spots for a mare, her cutie mark was right for her after all.
"Apple Bloom, get up," Her voice was a controlled anger that was reserved for the worst of cases. I shrunk back. "We need to talk." I bit back, did they figure out what I did? I hope not.
"Applejack..?" I whimpered softly. She was angry with me. No, angry was a term a too light. She was down right pissed at me. I didn't question her, I just moved to her room obediently."What did I do?"
"This is about--" I sighed again, frowning. Scootaloo case, got it for the fifth time.
"Scootaloo, right?" She paused and nodded. She seemed to debate more over something. Her eyes dart towards the wall, looking for a way to word something. I knew the look anywhere. "Appl--"
"Twiight told me what you did." I felt like I was on a roller coaster that was on the first drop. She found out I stole from her, she found out everything. My knees are getting weak. No, this can't be happening now.
"App-" She held her hoof up to me to stop me. Nervousness was not the right term for what I felt.
"Let me finish." She pulled me on her bed. What's happening? I wasn't expecting this."She told me what you said." I cocked my head.
"Huh?"
"Why didn't you tell me you two were like that?" Applejack sounded hurt more then angered now. I bit back. I didn't realize that I held so much back, but...she was my sister nonetheless. There were private matters I wanted to keep just that:private. She didn't know, I was glad. So relieved, but confused. "That makes everything much harder."
"I..didn't know..okay? I didn't know how to tell you...I didn't want you to think I was a..."My voice drifted off. She eyed me, anger flaring.
"Nopony would have thought that!" She argued. I shrunk back almost immediately. She exhaled and smiled softly, pulling me closely. "Look, I'm sorry to have scared you like that, but you need to trust us-we're here for you. Don't you go thinkin' otherwise okay?"I nodded.
"I won't Applejack, I promise." I nuzzled her as her embrace was tighter. When she let go, it felt empty. I quickly missed the feeling. She tapped my shoulder before I tried leaving.
"Oh, and before I forget.." I faced her again, tilting my head towards her. A smile grew from ear to ear on her features, so much so it was uncomfortable.
"Huh?!" I stuttered as I shifted, sudden unease filling my body. "What is it?"
"We're going to save both of them, don't you ever think otherwise." Both?
"Is Sweetie Belle okay? Is she kidnapped too just like Scootaloo?" I hadn't realized I grabbed her until she gently pushed my hoof off of her shoulder.She looked a bit puzzled by the accusation. I was just as puzzled by her as she was me. "AJ, if there's something wrong, why aren't you telling me? Why are you hiding things?"
"You really don't know?" She sounded amazed. "What did you think I was angry about?"
"I thought-" She laughed so hard she fell. Was this hilarious?
"It wasn't shocking to hear you two were together! We all knew that you were something closer," She tapped her chin after she stopped laughing. "Didn't consider you two close enough to share a bed like that--"
"APPLEJACK!" Applejack's smile was mischievous in nature. She wasn't as mad as she sounded anymore. Still, what did she know that I hadn't? My thoughts lead me to the papers from the table with Scootaloo's name written on it. Too long to read on spot. I mentally nodded. I'l read them later.
"Well, what do ya think that would land you? Now you have the consequences to pay." I was dumbstruck. Totally dumbstruck. She can't-there was no way she would be-I was her first! There is no way that she could be---"Look, responsibility need to be taken where its due. When we find her, we'll make sure of that." Definitely reading those papers.
"You can't possibly think--" There wasn't any way to describe it. She couldn't have betrayed me, she wouldn't. "Scootaloo is not pregnant. Why are you thinking I could have-if she was..?" She wasn't, not a chance.
"I also know you tried out Twilight's...'invention.' She scrunched her face after 'invention'. "If Twilight didn't tell you, then I will. I'm guessing she was waiting until Scootaloo came home to say something." I scrunched my nose. I knew what she was talking about. Guilt pricked at me, I tried ignoring it.
"She asked me about Scootaloo and I told her. She dropped her book." I nodded. "She didn't tell me anything about it, she just rushed me out. I guessed the invention had a side effect that she didn't expect." She hummed in agreement.
"Apparently it was for a side project for two mares, I can't say since I don't know either. Its 'disclosed' information, as Twilight put it," She rolled her eyes. "Apparently neither were unicorns and learned that Twilight was available to help. They wanted a foal. I guess Twi found her tester pretty fast." My eyes widen at the answer as my heart finally began to beat again, only for realization to take it back.
"Doesn't that mean--" She'll be the mother to our foals-foals that we didn't know we were going to have. Foals we don't know will make it wherever Scootaloo was.
"We have to find them before something terrible happens. Twilight's already workin' up a storm just tryin' to send off what she learned. I'm sure she's already pretty far by now." Her voice dripped with caution. She didn't even believe what she told me. My mind went to Scootaloo like it had at Twilight's. She was going to be a mother, the mother of foals she and I weren't expecting. I trembled at the thoughts.She was expecting and she couldn't even tell me-she was somewhere. I couldn't stop myself from pacing around in AJ's room anymore.I could sense my sister's green eyes were locked on me, worried. "Now look right here, Apple Bloom. Don't get your bow tied in a knot. Celestia's finest are on the case. I know Scoots pretty darn well-she's not a pony to lose hope so darn easily. You shouldn't either. I get that your scared because of everything that's been said, but worryin' isn't going to help either of you. I'm going to forget that you stole Twilight's little 'invention' and place that aside. Rest, you hear? We'll talk about your punishment later for the...foal part. Right now you need to rest and think."
"I..really don't know what to say..." I flicked my tail as I turned to the door. There weren't many words that could be said. Scootaloo's somewhere with foal and only Celestia knows if she's okay. I mumble as I move to my room absentmindedly. I barely heard my sister's last words before her door closed for the day.
"Good night little sis, we'll find leads by morning. Don't you fret now." I went away, picking the books up to examine them. I wasn't eager to get to my bed-there was no point. The day ended like it began. My friends are gone and I'm not loyal. I know I'm not, I cheated on my pregnant fiancee after she disappears and I stole from my sister's best friend. I really hope what I did was worth it for the better.
Author's Note
I'm rewriting this chapter-I'm not sure how it turned out. I'll expand on it later.
Pink Diaries and Foal Free Reporters
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
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.
It was then when the world became so silent. Everything was heightened-it was as though we were in one of those Manehatten or Neigh York City movie theaters that Sweetie and I went to when Scootaloo went off somewhere. (She would only state that "it was for an old big sister of mine." I tried asking, but she would then respond with "I'm sorry, but, I don't want to burden you with it.")The only sound, though, was the snapping of her right wing as the butcher cuts and the resulting sound:her scream that could curdle milk, even through her muffled mouth cover, her scream was something that stuck to my ears. Her head sprung up, immediately awoken from the immense pain.
"Aw, good, my Marionette's awake." Demi said as she placed the butcher's knife down. Laughing Gas shook her head in response.
"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?" I gasp at who screamed. Pinkie Pie, her voice was recognizable. Why was she-when was it was so obvious? I can't believe I forgot to connect the dots!
"Why should our business," Demi starts, turning towards Pinkie Pie from where ever she was. "to some no good bunch of hecklers? I feel so appalled by your behavior. This work is beauty at large, You all should be grateful that we even allow you to see it. Though, you should have been used to it by now Pinkamina."
"You two know each other?" Laughing Gas mused at the thought. "They do look quite a like. Looks similar to the mare that barged in so rudely." Twilight gave a look towards
"Of course she is." She fumed. "She ruined a perfectly good session! It was so hard to get back later." Pinkie Pie sneered back at her.
"I'm glad I ruined your session!" Pinkie Pie shouted back. "She didn't deserve that!" Demi laughed as she looked towards Laughing Gas.
"What were you going to say?" Demi asked sweetly. So sweet that it made me cringe-she was obviously very angry. "I was waiting patiently before that pony- Pinkamina, interrupted and destroyed such a wonderful occasion."
"Don't leave our guests without the other side hacked either," She reminded, I guessed she even rolled her eyes based on how she sounded. "The doll looks very incomplete, dear."She tilted her head, her hoof was at her chin. She stroked the broken, hacked off with sick gentleness. Scootaloo was bleeding heavily from her hack job, her side bare as she wavered soon enough. Twilight shifted, her eyes glued to the figure as us all, her form from enraged to distressed coming to pass.
"She's bleeding too much," Twilight whispered to herself, but I heard her clearly. She had a tense expression."She won't make it-" Twilight has to be wrong, she just had to. Rainbow Dash had ended her mid floating stance she had, her wings folded tightly to her sides as she winced. I couldn't blame her once. Even Fluttershy-who immediately flung herself out the room, had her wings bound in distress. I'm guessing pegasi have it harder to see; they have wings after all.
"Pegasi wings are fragile..." Fluttershy remarked, whispering as she timidly peered from the doorway. Applejack and Rarity turned to face her, their face's contorted in confusion. "Pegasi have very fragile wings- their digits are more fragile then a unicorn's horn. With enough force, anything can sear it off. Even stronger than normal lightening can if it was aimed. Normally, pegasi can withstand the blows because of their ability with the weather. The only part of them that can't happen to be the main feature." The newly named Demi mimicked Rarity with dexterity that only Rarity had as if she heard the conversation.
"Do we have any of the-" Demi turned after sewing the gaping hole that attached the wing to the sides. Laughing Gas was examining her up and down like how she had done earlier. "What do you think she'll look best in?" Laughing Gas still stroked the wing, then pulled out a few primary feathers.
"Oh, anything you can come up with is grand, your style is divine," She coldly answered, then with the knife, she sharpened the feathers' tips to a point. Demi stared at her for a moment before questioning.
"Gas, dear, what is that?" She asked, trotting towards the feathers. "Your not writing on Marionette. She'll be my beautiful doll. I'm not going to waste my precious time that could be spent doing other sort (she made a very seductive face towards Scootaloo before turning her head back towards Laughing Gas) on deskinning and reapplying when I have a pony with a coat that's just perfect for what I want." Laughing Gas shook her head.
"Oh, believe me, I won't harm that." She leaned down and, with great force, forced her to widen her legs. Being chained, she had no other option. Though, I sense that she couldn't move anyway, the position was horrible. I doubt she didn't break her ankle trying to stay put in the position. "The viewers are lucky-the payers aren't here yet.I'm sure the redhead would have loved to see that. Seeing all the stallions paying money to have their way with her pregnant marefriend would have been such a fun sight to see."
"Those are for later then, I suppose?" Demi nodded as her question was answered. "I take bottom! You hack the wing---" Laughing Gas gave her a hoof. They took so much delight-sick sick delight. Why in Celestia's name did Celestia even agree to make us see this? I had to take my eyes away from the scene as Laughing Gas switched her position and immediately hacked away from the other wing as Demi had fixated herself between her legs. I couldn't take the tears that were shed as they as Demi was violating her with her own wing to penetrate after it was stripped from the feathers. Next thing I knew, the screen was shut off. Twilight must have immediately done so. Applejack's arm was wrapped around me by now, pulling me close as I, despite not knowing, started to shake. Pinkie Pie knew something, my fiancee is being assaulted and violated at the same time, and Twilight? I can't figure what Twilight's under. Probably guilt-she seemed very guilty from the state of her room underground, if that had any connection to what is happening.
"I-I'll tell you everything later," Pinkie said, blushing from the talk she and Demi shared. "Its not the time to be talking about it here." Rarity shook her head as she stomped near Pinkie Pie. I couldn't speak-I know she knew, perhaps, who the pony there really was. Yet, can I really say something? I was frustrated-I can't say anything about it until she brought it up. They'll realize I stole if I said something. But then....Pinkie Pie...knows something while Scootaloo's being raped by a psycho! I was conflicted, but I didn't need to linger on the thoughts long when Rarity snapped me from my thoughts.
"Who are those-those-" Rarity couldn't form words. I was sure that she was foaming from her mouth, she was that mad! She huffed before stomping a hoof. Her face scrunched up from the pent up rage she tried to elevate. "We have to stop this!"
"Rarity's right! We have to find those dirt bags before its too late!" Rainbow yelled toward Pinkie before she was nudged by Applejack. Then all eyes were on Twilight as she stared at the screen for a moment, her eyes fixated until her horn sparked and her eyes widened.
"They're going to show more later." Twilight concluded. "If I find the spell-I can master it---" Rainbow Dash flared before standing in front of her, getting away from Pinkie. Pinkie sighed as she sat on her hind legs, her head lowered as tears streamed down her face. Fluttershy rubbed her back in a consolable way. Applejack lowered her head at Fluttershy and Pinkie before looking towards Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Twilight.
"Wait a second, hold the phone! So you had a spell this.whole.time and" Rainbow Dash's anger flared towards her fast. "you just so happen to just 'misplace' the spell?! How can you forget to even tell us! We could have prevented everything Twilight!" Applejack yanked her back, flinging her out the room.
"While she should have said something-" Rainbow's glare was evident even though she was not in the room. "you can't blame Twi. I'm sure she has a perfectly logical reason, right Sugarcube?" Twilight nodded before she spoke again, her eyes darting to the floor immediately.
"It requires DNA, lots of it. Her blood was soaked through the scooter, I couldn't use the blood anymore. They were inconclusive." Twilight sighed. "There's only one other option I could attempt, but even so, its an impossibility at this stage and it takes about a year to master-even the best of unicorns can't master it within a short time span."
"I'm sure you could, darling. Remember the wing making spell you performed on me?" Rarity interjected. "I'm sure you can easily use the spell faster then that, whatever it is." Twilight sighed again before moving her head towards the screen again.
"It requires details, any mess up and I could ultimately lose her." I shook before I spoke up.
"They're raping her as we speak Twilight!" I counter. "There can't possibly anymore doubt! We could lose her if we don't do jack anyway!" My anger flared at the unicorn before she cleared her throat. She was just as nervous.
"It involves the foals," She states deadpan. "I need to get DNA from Apple Bloom and then, I could have some sort of idea where they might be. Even so, using them as a method would ultimately kill both in response, even then, I wouldn't be able to conclude the spell." It was those words that made the room so silent. I never heard any of the Elements so silent in my life, and it scared me to death.
Author's Note
Why this chapter is so short-well, the answer is in the chapter after this one.
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You can't spell Slaughter without Laughter:Meet the First [An Interlude in Parts]
You Can't spell Slaughter without Laughter: Meet the First [An Interlude in Parts.]
Its so cold, when did it get so cold?
I shivered as I walked along the road. Mother would meet me here soon like always from school. Cousin Pie would warm me up with something to get me up and out of this cold. I giggled at that as I shook my tail to free myself from snow. Snow was falling, my nose hit with it instantly. I smiled again and shivered at the bite it brought. My hooves were so warm...! Gracious, I'm glad I'm a unicorn. I magically pulled out a pink wool hat from my bag and use it. Ah, much better. I skip towards the store as other ponies pass until I enter. They grumbled and whined about the weather as they grumble about me being there. They shouldn't have their manes in a bind! Burrr. At least its warmer in the store.
"Welcome to Barista Block, how may I help you?" I jump, turning to the source. A tall, thin built mare stood above me. A pale tan decorated her coat along with a messy mop of orange and green mane that was long enough to greet me at eye level. I smiled graciously. She is sweet, very tall, much taller then any pony I seen before, but sweet. Her flank was adorned with a pencil that scribbled words on paper.
"The usual, Sonnet." I trot towards a stool and plop on it. "How are you?" She smiled as she whipped up hot cocoa faster then I ever seen. She slides the cocoa across the counter. I catch it in time. Sonnet was so lucky-she knew just about everypony down to the detail-she was like my cousin-just not as hyper. Even as the place filled with ponies in line and sitting at tables, she knew them all. I levitated 10 bits, 5 more then I needed to.
"Well, I can't say I'm bad, nothing I can't handle," Sonnet replies. "I can't say I'm worse for wear. Times get tough, you do what you got to do. Simple, right?" I nod.
"Yeah, I hear you loud and clear," I mumble quietly. "Same here, probably more worse for wear.."I leaned on the table after taking a few sips. Why was my head pulsating like a heart? She waited on a few other customers, a coffee thing in her mouth as she poured each cup with coffee.
"Oh? What's ruffling your hide?" Sonnet asked as she slides a pastry over. "Don't tell any pony 'bout this you hear? This one's on the house." I nodded as I sniffed the air. Was it a croissant? I took a bit contently.
"I'm not good enough to enter a unicorn school," I mumble. "Too weak to, I guess its okay though. My friends and I can hang out more in the schools for earth ponies." I twirl the cup and sigh. Sonnet seemed disappear for a moment to return a minute later on the other side of the counter. She had to kneel down to get on eye level.
"Don't you dare say that to yourself, you hear?" She responds as she looked me straight in the eye. "You'll prove them wrong, I know you will. Besides- your darn good with your levitation thingy."
"That's because of my cutie mark apparently," I mumble again.
"I think you need to lighten up once, or you'll give yourself trouble out of nothin'. Look, your good with magic, you just need to prove yourself. The fancy folk won't know what hit 'em." Sonnet winked as she looked towards the door. "Now run along, your mother surely isn't going to stand for waiting out there in the cold for you." I gave her a grin as I hop off. Sonnet was always good with words, always cheering me up. I wish she was my real big sister. I wave to her and levitate my hot cocoa as I run out.
"Mother?" I look around. She isn't here, that's odd. She normally waits outside the Barista Block waiting for me. Maybe its too cold for that? I smile and started trotting again. Maybe she's in that Silver Smith store again. What was the owner's name again? Silver Lining? The original owner was named Silver Lining after a mysterious disappearance. I think Silver Locket (I think she's Silver Lining's eldest daughter) runs the store now.
"Ooof!" What did I bump into this time? I whimper and look up. There stood a huge stallion, all brown save for a bright pink and blue streaked mane and tail. He was a painter-his cutiemark had a paint brush.
"Hey watch it!" The stallion screamed as he pushes me to the side before walking forward. Why did Manehatten have to be so scary? I really want Mother. I whimper again and gather everything before I set of again. So much for my Hot Cocoa. Hum? What's that? I looked around for a sound source. It looks it its coming from the building. I drop my empty cup of cocoa as I tiptoe into the store. It looked like it was broken own-was it abandoned? My leg hits one of the thingies as it topples. Table? I shriek as spiders run from the legs with ease. I stumble, my back hitting a wall until slump onto the cold, wooden ground.
"Why was this place abandoned?" It took me a moment to see why. Mice squeaked through the wood, scurrying by me. They didn't notice me had they? So dreary.... I coughed and exhaled. Its so dark-I can't even see my breath like I had when I was outside before. I shake before I try standing again only to shake something above me that knocks the air out my lungs. I kick it to the side before trying to learn what it was.
"There has to be something to light the room up..." My horn flickered before it lit up in magenta sparks like a flashlight. There, better. There were tables everywhere and books scattered on the ground, messy. A library? I shake my numb legs before I tried again. "How heavy was that book?" Urk, it was a decoration, not a real book. It was wooden and lacked pages. Looks like something's hollowed on the in- Yuck! It smells like rust! I sniffed around it and pulled something out of it. Looks like a brown hose was inside and it spewed gunk. I wonder why they stuffed a hose in a book? Its best to ignore that, which I did my promptly pushing it away. My ears try sourcing the noise I heard earlier.
"Crying?" There was a doorway without a door attached. I'm hoping it leads me somewhere. I peer in the doorway to find---
CLUNK
"Yo-----my f-----stu----" My ears didn't hear the words anymore. I slump softly before my eyes grow heavy as my head pounds. I really miss mommy...My eyes closed, wishing the pain would stop. I'm so tired.
"M-----sai-----you'll co-----" My head rests on the wood before. Maybe sleeping wasn't so bad. I'm so woozy. I yawn and drift to sleep. I wonder what called my name?
"What do you mean you can't?" I asked, my mind can't comprehend it anymore. She's magic-she can't figure anything else out? "There isn't a way anymore?" Twilight frowned, a crease between her forehead showed her frustration abruptly.
"That's the only way," Twilight concluded as she moved along in the room, taking a file that the Detective had. "Even so, they aren't old enough. I'd have to wait till she's at least 10 months along-far enough so that the foal can be born. With every pregnant mare that's been tested, its an almost guarantee that she would be forced to give birth early. With the conditions of the area, its not a smart move. She would bleed out and won't sustain herself any longer. In other words: If the abrupt force of magic that's used to detect where they are, don't kill her necessarily, it would be the toxic shock that will-she would suffer from immune problems and die immediately. Infection is a guarantee."
"Not if we get there in time!" I pointed out. Twilight gave a sad smile before she shook her head. "Then maybe--"
"Apple Bloom, even if we get there, we do not know what'll happen. They are dirty-only Luna knows what can be caught as a result. Even then, the foals would pay the price." Twilight looked more at the case files closely before she placed them down. "Even so, we need the exact location first. I have to know what part they are located. Clearly, its quite dark. Scootaloo seemed to go pretty far before getting taken again. We need a location to spring to. It also doesn't help DNA is quite hard to master in the exact order, nonetheless, remember. Take into account that the foals aren't born yet either. To match them up to the DNA to find the location can be hard unless, like stated earlier, Scootaloo is at least 10 months pregnant. Until then, I guess we have to hold out. We can only do conjecture until the reality is brought to us."
"Conjecture?" I sputtered. "There is no "conjecture". Twilight, Pinkie Pie was talking to Demi! She knows something and I know you know something. Right now my fiancee's suffering in the hooves of two- know, more than two ponies out there and your just lecturing me on how we can virtually do nothing! When Cadence was stolen and replaced by a Changeling, you stopped it from happening and you never gave up-you did so for your brother. Well, Twilight, I have a family in trouble there and I can't just stand here and look pretty. At any minute, she'll be suffering from the worst thing that any mare can suffer from, and they'll enjoy her suffering. I can't take that. Even if we have to wait-we know who's responsible. We just have to find them."
"I-I what?" Twilight's eyes turned to pin pricks. "Pinkie-----" She stammered and her eyes glazed over for a quick second before realization filled her being.
"She knows what happened, at least partially. She must know something about Demi." Twilight didn't like the idea much apparently.
"Pinkie Pie's too fragile right now---" Twilight stopped her words, a bright pink hoof stopping in front of her face. This halted everypony in the room. Everypony watched as Pinkie Pie started for the chair.
"I'm sorry Twilight, if it would make everypony happy, I'll tell." She smiles at her sadly. "Its...hard not to know anymore...the names are blurred but..I know Demi. I want everypony to know, even the Detective in the corner." I looked over to the Detective who, mainly, wore clothing to hide his appearance other then his glowing yellow eyes. With his wings, he wrote something down, then walked towards the desk.
"Shall we get started then?" He stuttered at first as he composed himself. He didn't see the video, had he? She played with her hooves, fidgeting in her seat before calmly answering. "Name and occupation?"
"Pinkamina Diane Pie, I'm Ponyville's Party Planner." She smiled a little, then frowned. "I forgot the name behind the pony, but I knew her. I knew Demi." Rainbow was the first to crack from impatience.
"Well, we know this already!" Rainbow Dash yelled from frustration. "Anythi-"
"Enough, let her speak." Detective interrupted. "May you continue please?" She glared and forced herself down, signalling she wasn't too happy with being forced to quiet.
"I was Check Mate's cousin..."She cleared her throat. "Amethyst Locket is my Aunt that I visited frequently before meeting you all. I came to Manehatten one day to visit them. Check Mate had all the polite manners of my family drilled into her, having fun was hard for her. I try to get her to see how things are when you can be happy, so I visited frequently. One day I visited one of her classes to pick her up-she has so many..its hard to remember them all." Doesn't she have some sort of picturesque memory? She remembered everypony-
"Amethyst Locket? You mean the main jewelry maker of Manehatten?" I asked. She looked towards me and smiled. "I've seen the store and heard about it-Diamond said that's where she got her tiara. Don't you have great memories? You remember everything else...."Applejack didn't like the line of questioning.
"Apple---" Pinkie Pie interrupts Applejack with a smile.
"She's right..." She answered, her smile becoming very hollow. "I do remember everything else-Its not like remembering everything from Ponyville....I didn't catch her name much. I barely heard of her. I guess I just let her name slip...I met everypony a lot and I took each name to heart. I didn't care for hers." I nod. She didn't know Demi well for the time it would take to know Demi.
"Darling, we can't expect you to remember every aspect!" Rarity reminds. "Your still a pony."
"No, Rarity, this one's really important to remember-I keep getting asked everytime. This is my only response anymore." Ouch. That hurt the heart right there.
"I need you to stay strong and continue, for the case, for her." Pinkie nodded towards the Detective.
"Yeah, her. I...All I remember was screaming. Screaming so loud and grabbing Check Mate." Her face scrunched up. "I pulled the clothing off her and took her home immediately. I told Amethyst and everything went down from there."
"Wait, your telling me you saw grooming in progress?" Rarity asked. "You never bothered to bring that to the police?"
"My family is one that works about these sort with family only. We don't like bringing things like those into family affairs."She noted. "Amethyst Locket uh...she stormed there and started a ruckus. We left and I had to go home, so I did. When I come there again just a week later, Amethyst broke down. We tried looking around with family, but even a family as large as mine...can't do things without others. Then...months later...Check Mate was found....you know what had happened..." Why did she sound like she was hiding something? I shrugged it off.
"Amethyst Locket right? So if I go find where she works and lives we can verify your statement?" He asked gently.
"Of course she will. I....just don't know how she is right now..." She admitted. "She had a freak out recently. Marble tried to get her to function again. I haven't learned much about it now." I frowned, perhaps I'll learn something about this later.
"Thank you for your time. We'll see what happens from here. We'll contact you later. " Pinkie took off from the chair and bolted away immediately as the Detective sat shocked. She wanted to leave so bad, I couldn't blame her. In her haste, Fluttershy followed to calm her friend down as Applejack rushed away to do the same. Only Twilight, Rarity and Rainbow Dash bothered to stay. "As for the rest of you, there is word about Sweetie Belle."
"Your going to release her?" I asked. "She wasn't even-" He stopped me instantly.
"No," He looked grim. "I'm sorry to state that she's prime suspect in connection. She's the only witness we have for Scatenata's disappearance. The other is the owner of a pair of glasses which can be traced anywhere." Glasses?
"Glasses?" I asked. "There aren't that many ponies in Ponyville that wear prescriptions." He frowned slightly before contemplating.
"Only a few?"
"On hoof, only 5 that really wear their glasses. That includes Twist, Silver Spoon, Book Light, Hammer Drop, and Script Scroll." I paused. Script Scroll wasn't possible, being an earth pony as small as her. "Script Scroll is very small and Hammer Drop left a week ago. It can't be either of those two."
"These sound like school mates, correct?"
"The adults weren't out at the time, so I excluded any glasses wearing adults." Mares were about trying to figure out what to wear for the dance the day before. Even Sweetie Belle was like that. "They got ready for the dance that was happening the day before." He slammed his hooves on the table before standing up.
"Book Light, Twist, and Silver Spoon." I scratched my head. Why did Silver Spoon always ring in my head? Did Diamond even know?
"Diamond Tiara might know more about her."I recall. "But she wasn't there either. Silver Spoon wasn't seen by Diamond, I asked Diamond earlier." He grabbed me by the hoof and shook tightly.
"You answered everything nicely. Thank you for your parti---" Rarity spoke to break him mid sentence. He was going to end there and force us away, wasn't he? Rarity made sure that he wouldn't dare allow it. I was sure she was anxious.
"Take me to my sister!" She yelled. He was caught off guard. "Take me, now! You promised me that she would be safe-"
"She is safe." He countered. "Look, we made no--" Rarity stomped towards him.
"Look right now, mister, you promised me insight on my sister, you never stated that you'd convict her!" Rarity yelled. "You march right on there and BRING ME TO HER. I let you take her once, I'll swear to sweet Celestia, I won't make that mistake again! Now, I'll ask again. Can you take me to my sister please?" He nodded profusely before he walked off with a fuming Rarity in tow. Rainbow looked over towards them before she made a decision.
"I'll...go with Rarity on this one. I'll make sure she doesn't kill the dude," She chuckled. "Well, catch ya later guys!" Her rainbow mane flashes by one last time before she flew with such skill away towards the other two. That left me with Twilight alone. I cringed. Twilight knew something already. She knew I stole, I could just feel that she knew.
"Your the one that stole from me hadn't you?" She asked quietly. Her voice wavered and broke. "I know it had to have been you."
"Why me?" I felt accused, but quickly knew she was right. I did steal-she was right. "Why think of me?" She chuckled hollowly. Is it so obvious?
"Its quite clear that you have the connection that's needed for this case." She looked away. "Well, tell me. Why'd you do it?"
"Why'd you lie to me in the library?" I counter, her eyes widen. She smiled a little before she opened her wings to stretch. "You lied to me twice, both to my face. Why should I trust you?"
"There were some..reasons behind it. Private accord that needed to be settled with before I told you. Whether Applejack had isn't my business. Celestia told us by orders. Applejack violated them, but she's honesty."
"You knew she would tell?" Twilight's smile widened again as she nodded.
"I wanted it to be told by her." She replied, whispering. "Why should I tell you? I have no real connection towards you. She knows more, I wouldn't help you in the situation." She started tearing up.
"B-But Twilight---" She wiped her tears away before she spoke again, her voice harsher and her gaze was strong. She was rigid, something I never saw her become. Her eyes were glaring harsher then even Fluttershy's stares- her composure reminding me of all those bad guys in those stories Sweetie Belle reads.
"I'll turn a blind eye to the breaking and entering as well as the stealing-you need to do one thing for me, however."
"What is it?" Twilight paced around for a moment. "Twilight-?"
"You need to help me find them, I made a promise to a victim and intend to keep it. I need to keep the others out of it, but they seem to like being a part of this..mission." I looked shocked for a moment until something grumbled in me.
"They're your friends! They help you surely. Besides, like I said, I can't trust you."
"This one means trouble. Celestia assigned it for solely me. I can't put them in harms place because of my goals. Either way, your marefriend can be found faster, even if we must do something later. The moment she's ten months along, we will rush in for the kill." She said, deadpanned. She ignored the last line I had said. "Well, what's it going to be?" I looked away for a moment and smiled a little, the answer being simpler then ever. The trust was gone-what was the point if I trusted her anymore? She has something against me. I have garbage against her. As long as trust ability scores go, we'll fall flat with low scores. If Scootaloo was going to be okay in the end, then it will work out either way.
"I'll do it."
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Chelsea Grin, The Cracked Marionette [Warning:GRAPHIC]
Chelsea Grin, The Cracked Marionette
WARNING:There contains rape. Lots of RAPE.
I gagged and tried kicking, but my legs wouldn't move. Where were the lights? Why can't I see? Oh, I'm wearing a blind fold again. With my side dripping liquid, my body was getting dull from standing up.
"Mmph!" I cried. My right ankle was cracking at the weight. Why can't I feel my wings anymore? ACK! My back flared- my sides inflamed. My muzzle was filled with the scent of rust-my stomach grumbled and twisted, nausea climbing. I didn't like the smell. It was overwhelming. Demi and Laughing were talking, but I couldn't hear it. I think Apple Bloom spoke some.Apple Bloom....I wish I told her everything. I didn't intend to leave her in the dark. Did she even know about the foals?
Oh, she had. Laughing had pointed it out constantly along with Demi. I think I hear bickering. Why were they yelling? I think Demi was screaming at Pinkie Pie. That was...unsettling. One of them pushed my legs apart, my right ankle cracking and constantly screaming like I didn't get the memo I was hurting. I screamed again and teared up. Then the penetration happened. They were raping me again. First, a hoof went in. It was very cold and uncaring as it made its coarse. Then came something ticklish and harder, something feathery.
SWEET CELESTIA MAKE IT STOP! It ripped me from the inside as I screamed into the gag. They argued for a moment as something clicked. Then everything got worse. Much worse. My legs were forced apart harder then before and wider as something very wet and cold slithered through. Something giant--please sweet Celestia, don't let that be one of them. She was licking me so-she was looking for something that I was forced to hand over. Hand over I did. My hips bucked, my body wasn't allowing me to act on my own. I tried squirming away, but it was firmly there.
"St-----emi. Th----ayers---re." Laughing Gas's voice filled my ears despite the fragmentation. As soon as she said whatever she had said, the head disappeared without a struggle. I struggled as they removed the wall shackles. I wanted to fly off, but the realization there were no wings to fly off on came to mind. My only escape was through flight, and I had no skill in that area anymore. Eventually, I went to kicking, but even so, I wasn't free.In fact, it was the worst decision I made so far. She didn't take too well to it, as expected. She strapped me on with magic to a board, my legs spread again and arms bound. A whisper fell through my ears, tickling with fierceness.
"You'll be sorry for that, Marionette." My gag uncovered and immediately. I cough as she gave me a kiss.
"WhY aRe YoU dOiNg ThIs?" My words wavered as my strength diminished and they started to become whispered. Demi hadn't answered me. I yelped in surprise as a knife dug into the corners of my mouth. She then bashed my face in- my face contorted into a forced smile as my muscles tensed. I heard giggling before she answered.
"Aw, now you look like your always smiling." I heard a few clopping sounds the closer they got. There were a few words exchanged before they removed the blind fold. Where was Laughing and Demi? There were three stallions instead, one had a smile crossing his face and the two other stallions made it appear to be a business trip. Was this their profession? I heard one, a grey coated stallion, mutter something to another.
"-----you take the mouth." I turn my head away. Why was this happening to me? What have I done? I shake, my body trembling before the assault that was sure to come. Then, I was sure the pain would come at any moment, but the pain hadn't started yet as the grey coated stallion argued with the others before one was victorious. The winner was a stallion that was mare like in nature with a white coat and rainbow colored mane. His eyes were a glistening light blue as he smiles. It had hidden twisted intent that I couldn't bare to see anymore. He rubs my midsection for his start, his touch very raw and uncomfortable as I squirm. Then he rubbed lower, testing any response he could get. The only response that was given were my tears.
"P-Plll--" My words fell silent as my voice wavered. He shushed me before he spoke.
"Speak out and I swear---" His words were slurred before he hopped on the table. I tried looking away like I had earlier, but he slapped me before the chance would be met. He nuzzled my neck, his muzzle tracing the sides, then nipped my skin before looking me in the face. He kissed my lightly on the cheek until he forced me to french kiss him. I was counting the minutes when it was over. It wasn't quick, he wanted passion that I refused to grant him. Still, he won with lust that I didn't dare to test again-giving in to his demand for passion. When the kiss breaks, he nuzzled my cheek softly. "Your so beautiful. . Too beautiful to not enjoy to the fullest of my bits. Its a shame really, that not a real stallion marked you yet. Their loss, I get to have the honors." He lowered his head. Like (with Demi, I'm regretting knowing specifically it was Demi) earlier, he tried to tease, then lick. He noticed that it was a failed plan from the start. Still, his hoof explored my privates before being replaced. Without warning, he started thrashing into my abused entrance. His sides shaking me to further the venture. It slithered in further and further, tearing me from the inside. He gave moans as he started his job.With his arms, he marked my midsection with cuts as grabbed, forcing me to move to grant him more pleasure. My abdomen filled before I started a scream that erupted. Something slithering down my throat (forcing me to take notice of the others) ended the screaming entirely.
Can't....breathe... His dick was jammed down my throat. I winced seeing the only grey coated stallion on me, his legs wide over me before he moans and the liquid he emitted falls down my throat. My breath was cut short.
"Suck it, whorse." I do as told. I soon stop momentarily, my breath needing to be caught, but he jams it again further. I choke before he removed it as my vision started growing hazy. As my vision fades, I saw them take turns. They were coating me-pleasuring themselves on me, trying to get the best out of their bits they spent. All of them taking turns before I black out.
"Wake up, Marionette." I groan quietly before I coughed and gagged. The taste reminded me what the stallions had done previously. My tears trickled again, everything was sore like before, but more intense. Liquid dripping from my privates as I took notice that my arms were bound behind my back instead, towering over me. My eyes weren't blinded as I thought they were until something flashes repeatedly. My head dropped down to ignore the searing pain from the light and the soreness everything had seemed to emit as my legs were wrapped and bound with a weight that forced my legs to straighten. "I fixed you up! I hope you like what I gave you instead." Was that Demi? I moaned before my head was forced up.
Why was my mane different? My mane dropped to my face, the bun revealing that was behind my ears, the roots bled a little from the force it probably took to get my mane like that. My chest wasn't tightened naturally, it was forced in a saddle type attire. I only remember the name because Rarity attempted to get me in one, only to extremely choke me in the process. The skirt was open, soft and frilly. It was almost as soft as a pony's coat. Everything was in lace, even my hips were laced and propped open. There were so many marks, some were vaguer then others. Still, there was no denying it was some sort of dancing, fancy attire.
"MMPH!" Demi giggled. She smiled as she forced me to see something like she had moments ago.
"We stopped the stallions before they could do real harm to the foals," She said, before she trotted towards something. I couldn't see what she was aiming to go towards. Then again, she had a mask on, she saw easier then me. "I prepped the outfit just for you, but outfits don't make the mare, do they?"
"Oh, I'm forgetting you can't speak right now. Such pity." She frowned before she smacked the side of me, knocking something off. "Don't fall asleep. Trust me, you won't be able to later anyway. Not with what we have in store."
"Don't coddle her, she's not meant for the sort." Demi turned towards Laughing Gas and whispered something. Seems like they were pissed.. I didn't recognize what they talked about. I strained to hear, but still. Nothing was noticeable, despite the outcome of Demi nodding furiously and rushing to assemble something.As Demi set whatever she is attempting to set up, Laughing Gas turned to me before leaving off with a whisper:
"You'll regret what you did. You'll regret everything." That's when a light clicked on and a screen flickered before my eyes. If only I could shut them, but I can't. I wasn't allowed to sleep. If I was, then maybe I would be spared from seeing every victim on the screen's plight as I was forced to watch. From the moment I saw the screen flicker was the moment my sanity would be put to the test, hoping to not crack under the pressure.
Author's Note
Chelsea Grin is a term for a torture method that involves a knife or piece of glass. They cut the edge of the mouth and then beat the person to make the muscles contract to make the smile scar.
Strappado's what she's hanging from. The victim has their arms up behind their backs and the weight of their bodies makes them dislocate their arms at times if they are twisted and sort. They have their legs bound and a weight hung to injiry the hips and legs. Its really painful.
Note:She's trying not to think about everything and block it out. That's why she's very choppy.
Case List: A Series of Events.
Case List: A Series of Events.
Entry 1#:
With Twilight by my side I gained insight. There, apparently, has been a distinct characteristic that the two have shared. Each body that has been found was dead in different ways. Check Mate's body was examined-er, what there was of it. Upon discovery, I learn she wasn't found whole. She was gutted apart, DNA confirms that the organs found were Check Mate's. Going through the entrees, I've discovered a few key ponies that know Check Mate outside of her known family: one Pinkamina Diane Pie, Marble Pie, and Amethyst Locket. We'll investigate the following ponies:
1.Steel Wing
2.Brick Stack
3.Sonnet
4.Dead Bolt.
6.Triple Strike
Solar Blitz
2.Stone Quarry
Mantua-Maker
4.Cookie Cutter
5.Sour Drop
6.Mineral Glass
7.
8.
9.
10.
Among these there were 4 unnamed and unidentified. With lack of media attention and governmental attention towards the case, there still might be more ponies that weren't mentioned. Moving along, Sweetie Belle is detained still until further notice. Still there is no evidence to prove she was at the scene of the crime. Though, on the other hoof, there lacked proof she wasn't at the scene either. Twilight warned me of this specifically, we'll head over to the scene with Sweetie and recount later today before we have to head to Neigh York by train. This will conclude this Entry, I must leave to sleep. Good night.
Entry 2#
Its been a while since I wrote in this journal. The information I got simply made it hard to write it for a while. Still, I'll announce the current information. Sonnet worked at the Barista Block before Check Mate's unsound disappearance. On her word, she claimed that she last saw Check Mate leave the store with a mug of Hot Cocoa, claiming that she was heavily saddened by the unicorn school declining her. From Sonnet herself, we found little information. However, we strengthened the connections. Sonnet and Check were as close as Rainbow and Scootaloo, if not closer. Her pattern of speaking gave me the conclusion. However, upon asking, Sonnet gave us a map of the city. Other then Sonnet, only Triple Strike and Dead Bolt answered me truthfully. Triple Strike claimed that Check Mate acted rather off for the time being that she was going to a certain class. This was already known, however, from the Journal Entrees she had written. Triple Strike refused to give more on the relationship between them, which he denies while blushing, that they weren't together. Too bad I know he's lying. When brought up why, he couldn't answer me. However, he did tell me more then the first three ponies I questioned. Dead Bolt was similar suit, but gave more information towards another interesting tidbit of the city:Silver Lining's disappearance. She insisted that Brick Stack and Steel Wing had some connection towards the case. Still, when asked and pressed further, she stopped. I have to detain them soon for interrogation on a bigger level, specifically Brick Stack and Steel Wing.I recorded all that I needed to with the other, talking ponies. I'll contact them later if need be.
Silver Lining disappeared randomly and the lack of ponies covering her astounds me. She was the mother of Silver Spoon, Silver Locket, and Silver Brooch. (See the repetitive nature of their names?) and should have wider acknowledgement based on her wealth and status. The father, Diamond Ring, refused commentary of the matter at hoof. Twilight's looking in on him for now-something's a miss with him. Among those that interviewed for Silver Lining, all claimed she was, for lack of a better term, "Mare-for-Hire." I lack the care to really elaborate on her due to lack of body found. She might have simply walked off, as stated, but still, I shall pursue this case as well. Something never added right with Silver Locket and Brooch. I have to contact them more later. Looks like there are many ponies I need to talk to. Sweetie Belle gave us great insight to everything on hoof, however: She showed the hill and demonstrated what happened between Scootaloo and herself before the disappearance. I promised myself not to get as emotional as before, but I lied. She rode off on her scooter as predicted. Sweetie Belle's added testimony contained that of what the detective said earlier:something rustled in the bushes and darted off. Scootaloo checked onto to get a smack in response. That cut their time shorter then expected. Sweetie Belle helped her quicker then needed and Scootaloo darted off afterwards. We concluded that Scootaloo must have saw something that made her dart off in the wrong direction of her house. We have yet to make the connection between what she saw and what made her dart-only glasses being the remains from the hill. Twilight's trying to pinpoint the maker of the frames and the prescription, but I doubt that'll make much difference.
Amethyst Locket wasn't very easy to work with. She was highly emotional through the interview. Twilight had to calm her down every moment or so. Still, she claimed almost all of what Pinkamina had said was true. Pinkamina never left after learning the discovery, at least, not till Check got comfortable. She stayed for a while longer to help Check Mate that December. Pinkamina was supposed to pick up Check Mate, but failed to do so. Why would Pinkie lie about something like that? I suppose its guilt-something that I'm all too familiar with. But, to her credit, Amethyst claimed that Pinkamina wasn't informed of the class dismissing earlier then expected due to snow. This would explain why Pinkamina never announced it as earlier.
DAMN! I have to cut this short-we've received word of the other victims. Some of which needs to be examined in the morning.
-Apple Bloom
Entry 3#
We've been hammered-6 weeks spent directly on one case at a time. Check Mate's been spotted entering some abandoned building. Apparently a noise had caught her attention. We've ignored her portion for some time, figuring more class based. Each victim went to the same class and each victim went coming out the same way as Check Mate. However, they disappeared differently. Solar Blitz was a brash Pegasus with a whole lot to live for if she had been able to. She got along well with Check and were friends, which probably killed her in the end, sadly. Apparently Check Mate was the one that the teacher loved the most out of all her students, and pairing them up were her typical past time. They were intimate-albeit by force, but still close. Close enough for Check to noticeably mention her sessions with Solar on a near basis. Fillies shouldn't have to know about the sort. Stone Quarry wasn't as close as they were. She was more of the bully-more like Diamond Tiara than not. While Solar was clearly the obvious choice after Check (even so, nopony knows whether the two were alive in captivity together.) Stone wasn't. The others: Mantua-Maker, Cookie Cutter, Sour Drop and Mineral Glass were just average ponies. They talked with Check and were in the same class, but they were not treated the same as the first two. However, they had been marked as well. Each were cut in a specific fashion and violated in specific ways. Twilight wouldn't disclose this information to me since some of the ways weren't..savory.
These cases show some rather shady work among the governmental force that runs each investigation, however. Some of the stallions weren't even there to help. Rainbow Shine (who is a mare-like white coated stallion with a rainbow mane. He's adorable.) was helping with the filing and the groundwork, which made me so grateful. Its hard enough to work with just Twilight when the rest are out gallivanting. He's been chipper for a while apparently. I congratulate him when I found out. I guess he just found himself a marefriend. He wouldn't give much details, but still, it was sweet to hear. Hangs out with her every chance he gets after work, kind of like how Scootaloo and I were. Oh, look, I can't believe I'm filling this with minor work that shouldn't need to be addressed. Anyway, back to the topic: Sweetie was released on probation. Er-almost. She's still suspicious in a way, at least by a few members of the force, however, they let her go since we figured it couldn't have been Sweetie. Sweetie had to have specific magic in order to have the strength it would take to lift a pegasus of Scootaloo's size, none the less, have enough energy to precisely hit her while she was going at high speeds. Sweetie wouldn't have the power to do such an act, being that she couldn't use the sort of magic. (Twilight stated something along the lines of "magic corresponding to the cutiemark.") Sweetie's still just learning her magic. She's great for a beginner apparently-but the ability to use huge sums to cause an injury is unlikely. However, the glasses were examined. It was determined that Lunar Optical was the creator of the glasses, but sold to stores across Equestria and beyond. Finding which store specifically wasn't hard, however. There was only one store located near the crime scene, a lone store in Canterlot. We haven't made it there yet due to the other outstanding feats we have to perform. The only thing we still must do was bring everypony together to interview. (Something we had to get approval for.)
On a side note, Scootaloo's been pregnant for about 4 1/2 to 5 months now. She's been contacting us (well, not her particularly. Demi and Laughing had done the honors. Demi allowed us to talk mainly alone for a while. Laughing was not so 'generous.') and she looks worse for wear. She wasn't starved save for being mentally deprived for the last month or two. She won't say what they did to her, she refused to even look me in the eye before muttering. I caught what she said: She called herself a Whorse. Scootaloo did give me information on what happened more or less with Sweetie. That helped more then not. Eventually, I managed to coax her to make her the way she was earlier, at least momentarily. We talked about the foals and names, even if it was too early to pick. She like the names Apple Cinnamon (she has an obsession with cinnamon for some reason. She loves it-I can't fathom why.), Apple Spice and Apple Crostata (THAT was my name. She gagged at my personal favorite vegetable: peas.It was adorable to see her argue on the subject) I'm worried for her size and her injuries. She was bigger then she probably should be for a pony that's only a few months in. I'm worried that she might not be able to walk. Still, only time can tell whether she can handle her stay before we get her-I can only hope she's going to heal. When we had to end the chat, I turned back to doing the DNA sequence and helping Twilight out with that aspect of finding her. Its the least we can do for her right now until she's ten months along. With that said, I have to end the Entry, Twilight wants me to catch some shut eye before heading out again to catch the Detective's once more.
-Apple Bloom
PS:Looks like Sweetie Belle's joining us! At least it won't be all work.
Author's Note
First Entree is is about a week or two after the occurrences of what last happened to Apple Bloom and co in Canterlot.
A Sweetie Debut
I can't believe I'm being dragged.
I can't believe I'm being dragged away by Sweetie Belle of all ponies. She decided that I hadn't had enough time to myself, the case preoccupying my time. Of course I'm preoccupied with the case-ponies are depending on me!
"Just lighten up!" Sweetie Belle waved my anger aside, a smile gracing her face. "If you don't bother to relax, you'll never find anything out and you'll just become what Applejack had become after she tried bucking an orchard by herself, don't you recall that?" I winced. Yeah, it was painful to endure. Still, I refuse to allow myself to slip up.
"My marefriend is 6 months along, Sweetie!" I tried reasoning. "They're hurting her, their hurting our friend !" Sweetie shook her head. Her magic enveloped me an forced me to sit down.
"I know this well, Apple Bloom. I've been detained." She said quietly before sitting on a chair. She dragged me away for a month of vacation before the work was finished. Right now we're at the spa. She insists that I need a good message and sort. I fidgeted-all I knew was that Scootaloo was somewhere again, we hadn't found where yet still. Even with all the work poured into the other victims, they never showed where they died. They only gave us backgrounds on the ponies in questioned. Even so, who were Demi and Laughing? "No pony wants to have to take you away because your too stressed out. We'll handle everything, I promise you. You just need a break, a rest from this all. Please do so, if not for me, but for Scootaloo?"
"Fine.." I sigh, defeated. She squealed and hugged me before one of the spa ponies started the treatment. Why do we need to be coated in mud? How does that relax you? Sweetie Belle started first, she slid into one of the pits and sighed. She smiled a little before I started to do the same. It was kind of nice, I guess.
"Rarity always comes here after a stressful event," Sweetie Belle sighed in delight. Rarity standards dictate that she would be here every week, or so I figure."She says this block is full of relaxing activities fit for us." I wonder what she meant by that. Sweetie didn't question it. I stretched out my limbs. Ah, it was relaxing-not that I will ever admit it!
"Where to next-to get over it I mean." I elaborated with a blush while Sweetie Belle giggled. Gah!
"We're going on a train later~" Sweetie Belle's voice rang happily. "I've booked us on a trip to Minnesota! Rarity insisted that I go there. Its THE place to shop~ Its like a shopper's heaven!" I nearly fell fully in the tub.
"M-M-Minnesota?!" I coughed before I sat up."S-Sweeti---"
"Relax~" Sweetie urged as she waved. "Besides, you can't say no anyway. I booked it already. You totally needed a vacation before you go back- So go back with a bang!" I was shocked, did hanging with Rarity make her turn suddenly? Or was it the over population of 'manga' books that over whelmed her room these days? She was definitely not the Sweetie Belle that was in the cell earlier.
"S-Sweetie--"
"No 'Sweetie' me! You need to seriously lighten up, and Minnesota will seriously calm you." Sweetie was so sinister. Its not like I have much choice, so I sigh and leaned back as they helped me. They did other weird spa stuff they do-hooficures, messages, the like. I went out feeling like some sort of pampered pig. Sweetie Belle hopped out as I lowered my head. "Come on--Ooof!"
"You okay?" I walk towards her before she stopped me and pulled me into the bushes next to her. When did bushes get planted near the spa?
"Emergency Bushes! Use in case of objects falling from the sky. We don't want anypony hurt by a teeny weeny mistake-OOOO my Pinkie Sense is tingling! Gotta go, bye~"
Of course, should have expected that one. "Sweet--"
"---if you want a bang, then head there!" A grey coated stallion remarked. He had a messy mane all purple and brown. "Swift Kick and I had a blast there!" He was jumping a little, over joyed with what occurred, a smile showed it all. I gagged at the sight of him. I heard of him before, he's a known....pervert. Even runs an erotic store in Canterlot. Ironic how he runs a store like such but he never had a buck in his life.
"She's pretending she's chained, she even screams so professionally!" Swift Kick said. "She's so tender...~" Why am I hearing two perverts speak again? He reminisced for a moment with a smile.
"She's good enough if you want a porn star actress without the bits you have to pay. Lower class but with higher class quality." Swift Kick adds. "Its quality that you can't beat."
"They allow you to do anything; I like that in a mare." The grey coated stallion smiled once more. The stallion he talked to, a yellow coated stallion with bright orange hair shook his head in disbelief.
"I'm not desperate to get a girl to bang me." The orange stallion replied. "Doesn't sound like much pretending in the least at all." He was very observant. He placed his hoof on his shoulder.
"She's definitely pretending," The grey coated stallion countered. "She's too far out there to be not fake.She even makes the sounds! There aren't much better then that." The orange coated one rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, she even does the begging legit. You can't give a mare more credit for playing then that. She even fake suffocated. " They choked Scootaloo? Sweetie Belle had to cover my mouth before I spoke up too quickly.The orange coated stallion's eyes widen in shock like mine had. He took his hoof back and shook his head. He face hoofed at them.
"Either she's a very good actress," He starts slowly with annoyance clear in his voice. Concern was starting to pile as each word came to pass. "Or she's really not liking it, Fractured Prism." Fractured laughed and blew it off. He simply glared at this stupidity. Swift watched in amusement. Sweetie Belle was flaring by my side, clicking her horn for a moment as it sparked.
"Needle Work is a reliable mare. She wouldn't put out her best if she was lying. Though, she did get a little fat." Sweetie Belle turned to me and squeaked before I shushed her to hear more, her anger overwhelming. He called my pregnant mare fat. My legs jerked.I need to attack him now. I need to attack them now.
"I like 'em that way." Swift Kick replies with a smug smile. "Orange Julius, you seriously need to get laid . This is the perfect opportunity! She's tight and tender. The lucky lad that came in first was saying that-apparently sleeping with mares makes you that way. More so, the fatter she is, the better. She works her magic better that way anyhow." Orange Julius shot him a look.
"Look, that doesn't sound advised. She's not a stallion's mare. She prefers--" I jumped out the bush, dragging Sweetie Belle with me.
"NOPONY TOUCHES MY MARE!" I screamed and jumped out, kicking Swift Kick with my back legs. My body shook-I never wanted to beat anypony as badly as I do now. He had two black eyes from my assault. Good. "Nopony.touches.my.mare. " Orange Julius stepped back as Swift Kick fell. Swift was shocked until a look of rage crossed his face. When he was about to charge, Orange had to, with aid by Fractured, hold him back.
"WHAT THE HAY?!" He yelled. "What the buck was that for? That mare was in the biz, besides, you shouldn't be snooping on anypony's private conversations!"
"Oh, so you know the mare I'm talking about then?" I challenged, he growled in retaliation.
"Well, you shouldn't go raping ponies either," Sweetie shot back. "That mare your talking about is pregnant, orange coated and purple maned. Was that the mare you hurt?" She gave a glance my way, worried by the upcoming response despite wanting the answer herself.
"Yeah, how would--" Swift Kick smacked Fractured Prism hard. "Oof, no, we haven't." I rolled my eyes at the antic.
"She's been foalnapped you bastard." I grit my teeth. Swift Kick rolled his eyes, then smirked. "What, you think I'm lying you bastard?"
"She's not foalnapped, twit! She's in plain sight, clear as day. If she was then, they failed their mission." Swift stumbled, anger filling his features and movements. "Marrionette's her name, but you know that already. She complies well, but I suppose a 'foalnapped' pony will."
"Uh, Swift, she tried kicking you." Fractured reminded, dumbstruck by the response. "She looks awfully like that mare I saw in the newpaper. Sc--Scatter Blot? Scatter Pie? Scatter Plot? Sc---"
"Scatenata." I corrected. "Wait, you knowingly hurt her?" Fractured backed away, his ears lowered as his eyes fell down-it wasn't until Sweetie Belle's magic inhibited their movements and Orange's help that the two were incapable of leaving.
"You two will pay for DISRUPTING EVERYTHING!" Sweetie Belle yelled, tears filling her green eyes. "When nothing bad happens YOU happen!" We were moving towards the Detective's before I look back at her. She held back everything. I bit. She was freaking out as expected when over hearing this. I gave her a smile.
"We can still go on vacation afterwards." I try calming her a little. "This won't take long. A few need to talk here or there, but we'll still manage. When's the trip?" Sweetie pressed her lips before answering. Orange was helping her with the two. He was uncomfortable to stand around.
"11 o'clock." She answered finally before finishing her move to the detective's. "I booked it then because it takes hours to get there. By the time we do it should be around 6 am, which is perfect, is it not? We can get registered and sort, do all the unwanted measures before we head out! We can sleep on the train for the meantime." I nod as she gave a smile of glee through her tears. She's doing better at least.
"Plenty of time!" We laughed. It was a genuine laugh that we haven't had in months. Orange Julius looked out of the loop. He coughed a little. Oops, he was still here. He shifted as he moved in, an uncomfortable silence emerged as a result.
"Uh, 'cues me uh--"
"Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom." I glared daggers at him for a moment. He nods before looking at the other two as he blushes a tiny bit.
"Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, I suppose apologizing for their behavior is out of line?" He asked kindly, looking them up and down as we enter. "Suppose, I can help ya'll on this? They aren't ones to crack very easy." Sweetie was about to answer when I cut off.
"You know them, how can we trust you?" I look towards Sweetie uncertain. "You know them-how can we trust your not going to do the same things they did?" Orange choked for a moment.
"M-Ma'am, I'm positive that I'll do nothing to you two." Orange answered fast. I raise an eyebrow. "I don't even know what they were talking about honestly. They've been headin' off for a while. It wasn't till now they gave me some insight. I swear I know little."
"TRAITOR!" Swift yelled, his voice cracked. Orange rolled his eyes. "Why're you doing this? After all I've done for you? Everything we have done?" His voice was pleading by now. Orange faltered for a moment before answering.
"Ya'll should have known better. Your Mother told me to watch you, and I'm doing so. You got yourselves caught in something I won't bail ya'll out of. You'll learn you'll lesson pretty soon." I started to grin as we entered. "We've done terrible things in the past, but that was then. We're no longer teenagers, we have responsibilities now. Nothing will change that."
"Back so soon Apple Bloom? Don't you have a vacation to go on?" The Detective trotted towards us, looking to me with curiosity before his eyes drifted towards the magic and Orange Julius. He nods and guides us away towards the cells. It wasn't anything different from the last visit. The mirror still was there and the jail still was eerily organized. I frowned as I was trotting, the idea of this being a refuge was even odd to me. When did it get so homely? "I see you brought your friends."
"Partially, we were going to do something the rest of the day but got interrupted by a conversation. Guess what its about?" He gave us an incredulous look.
"Really?" He said. "Perhaps they seemed to be two of the many regular costumers they had received. "
"Of course they are, they bragged about mounting her while she's bound like that!" I half yelled before I cast a glare over them like before. They were placed in the cells by magic as the door closed.
"So what if we mounted her!" Swift Kick argued. Fractured gave a pleading look towards me. "She totally wanted it and we paid every bit." I growl, he was getting under my skin for the last time. Sweetie Belle held me back and covered my mouth before I acted on my anger like last time. Fractured spoke up.
"I'm not involved in what he says. I'm tried separately right?" Fractured Prism asked. Swift's features showed his anger clear as Celestia's day. The Detective backed off a bit heading to my side.
"OH, SO YOUR NOT ON MY SIDE EITHER! YOU WERE THE ONE THAT BUCKED HER BEFORE ME!" Fractured flinched before he shakily answered with a shrug. I lowered my ears. I didn't want to hear the rants. They were wasting precious time.
"-and your the one that said why you liked her in the first place!" He whined before turning his attention towards us, pleading. "HE TOOK ME THERE!"
"You were a wussy of a virgin! You needed to get laid!" He countered, his brother gasped before he answered.
"I'm not a wussy and I was not a virgin either! I even run an erotic store!" He argued before Swift Kick laughed, mocking him.
"Oh, right. You were totally not a virgin. Yep, even when no mare would allow you to mount them. Sounds legit." Their bickering was starting to get infuriating to bare. I scrunch my nose and grit my teeth.
"SHUT THE HAY UP!" They all need to shut it. "You answer when your told to. No bickering or I will make sure that you won't ever have a chance to experience any mare again!" I smiled to myself. I never want them with a mare anyway.They don't deserve any love. Sweetie smiled as the two quieted. I smiled back at her quietly. The Detective held his hoof out, stepping in front of Orange Julius and me. He had rage that I never saw in him before that was funneled when he talked.
"You know where they are." The Detective began, his hoof hitting the jail cell's bars."Now your going to tell us where they are-Scatenata's in critical condition. If you don't answer, she might not come back right at all." I pressed my lips. Nope, not going to comment. Not yet.
"Why should I answer?" Swift inquired. "There ain't much reason for me to.In fact, it would make everything worse on my side."
"Swift, doesn't it look bad enough for you already?" Fractured whispered to him. Swift simply growled, not answering a damn thing. I answered Fractured instead.
"He's right you know. It doesn't look like a good situation for you." I noted and casually walk forward. "You better talk or else you'll sentencing might be more severe."
"I want my lawyer." He finally demands. That phrase turned everything from easy to hard in a matter of seconds. Hopefully Scootaloo can hold out longer-she's going to need it. I'll make sure he'll answer and answer good. For my family's sake, let it be soon.
Author's Note
Fractured Prism:Grey coated purple and brown maned. He's an earth pony. He's a sidekick to Swift Kick. Though, much dumber. Fractured is related to both. He's the eldest but dumbest sadly. (More innocent then the others, but still bad.)
Yep, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom had a quick Spa time and now this. Will they ever have their vacation? Will they make it to the train? Find out later!
Hoof-Made Ponies have Feelings Too!
Hoof-Made Ponies have Feelings Too!
Hoof-Made Ponies have Feelings Too!
"Your getting big enough to know you won't leave your cell." Demi remarked as she touched my pregnant belly. I flinched, my legs wouldn't move from their spot though. I growled towards her a little before realizing. "With your body like that, your incapacitated. Looks like our training is giving you a burnout."
"Don't touch me." I whisper, looking away. Demi smiles before moving away, walking towards something. The ability to see quickly diminished. Everything was always black now, even the music they forced me to hear had a grim undertone.
"Just because our 'burnout' won't end until your mistakes are here, doesn't mean you can take it out on your coach." Demi growled before she hit my side after she returned. "I wonder how many bits they would be worth on the streets?" I whimper. Please, Celestia, they don't deserve that. Anything but that. I shifted and laid on my side while trying to see her. Everything looked so blurry. Why is it blurry? Unconsciously, my hoof touches the bump and is greeted with a pound.
Mommy's fine, I won't let them do that. I won't let them harm you. I frowned before answering her, looking at her 'face'. Her mask covered everything. "Please don't-I told you, they didn't do anything-they deserve more then what I have. I...won't let you hurt them...please...just don't hurt them...I made you a deal...." I look away, tears dripping down my face. "You can harm me-kill me, do whatever you want to me. Don't bring anypony into this but me. The others, my family, keep them out. I don't care what happens to me. You can't harm them-I won't let you." My heart raced as my flanks flashed. Ugh, the light ached. When was the last time I seen true light? Months ago? As it faded, I ignored it for now. Demi gave me a smirk.
"Hum, how noble. Might even take you up on the offer. Laughing won't approve of harming the white unicorn. Sweetie Belle was it?" My eyes widen at the name before I jolted up.
"Sweetie Belle? What's Sweetie Belle got to do with anything?" I asked, Demi pauses and shrugs.
"Something, can't tell you," Demi answered, turning away. "Though, the one with the bow is pretty cute, she might make a pretty servant if need be."
"No, don't you dare bring Apple Bloom into this!" I shouted at her. "I told you, do ANYTHING you want to me, but you will not-I can't just sit here and let you harm either one!" I stood my ground, standing despite the pain my legs growing. Demi laughed.
"Your such an easy target." She mumbled before walking out. "Easy to rile up-I like that in a mare. Your something special. I really can't wait until the Burnout is over." Demi giggled before trotting away and blinking off. My limbs aren't steady. Maybe there was a light near here? Or somewhere better to rest? The smell of urine was evident. Being stuck here for days and being pregnant doesn't necessarily make a good combination, especially when said pregnancy is making you pee yourself. I slowly walk away, feeling dirtier then probably any other time. Tree sap was a welcome right now. The thick scent of blood and sex was in the air as I stumbled to a newer spot. The passing thoughts trying to catch up. I shiver-no, I'm not going to remember those ponies. Not at all. They aren't here, they aren't talking to me. They aren't there warning me for what's to come-I already know what'll happen.
Where am I right now? Where the buck is my hoof anyway? The floor felt harsher then when I last remembered it to be, before when I wasn't as big. My hooves aren't aligned right. It wasn't the floor. I cursed to myself. Great, my hooves are growing outside the horseshoe.
"Oof!" Hit a wall. Something's sticky...ICK! I moved away quickly before looking closer somewhere else. Were those what they used to videotape me with? I feel dirty with just thinking that. I sniffed the runes carefully before taking them in my mouth. Ick, they tasted like fish! I continue somewhere else, anywhere else.
"W-Who are you?" I immediately shriek, dropping the runes as I stumble back trying to move away.Instead of running, I gave out and fell on my rear. "Are you my Mommy?" What pony would ask me that? Its not like I'm a mo--I'm not one yet . I shook my head. I felt a tug on my arm, waiting for an answer.
"I-I'm sorry." I answer. "I-I'm not your mom. W-Why--" All I saw was her glowing orbs. They were bright pink in the dark. They blinked profusely. I was confusing the pony.
"But Demi said---" I look around. Everything was pitch black. save for a few minor 'lights'. They sparked when Demi and Laughing were there, but not much else. "She said that you were my mama. Scatty right?" Scatty?
"Please tell me who you are. Did they bring you here?" I calmly question. I felt a tiny pony try hugging my arm. I re-position myself to make sure they can have a grip. Tiny hooves shook as I felt another body hug me. "Please tell me, I want to help you." I rub my hooves against the pony's coat.
"I..don't know...I woke up here," The voice whimpered softly. "I'm Pretty Penny...I don't think they brought me here..." She murmured before her horn sparks, lighting the surrounding area up. It took a moment to realize there really was light. Ack, the light burns. Everything is a massive blurs until they become as clear as they'll ever be. (Which isn't very clear, but clearer then before.) There is a dog bed and a plate full of food in a dish for her. My eyes land on her instantly after seeing her 'home'. Pink eyes accompany a pale brown fur coat that meshed well with a cream colored mane and tail that twisted with a raspberry pink streak. She looks like a gingerbread cookie.
"Penny, is this how they treat you? I promise, I'll get you out of here. I won't let them harm you," I rubbed her mane and coo. She climbed into my arms when I let her. Its a weird feeling that trickles me-I don't understand what. I think back to the Cakes and their children. Maternal instincts? Did I already have them? "I won't let anypony lay a hoof on you." I scan her. She's tiny, very tiny. I took notice as she flinches that her flanks hurt her. Must have been bruises that I can't see due to her coat. Why did I miss that?
"Can you stay with me today, Mommy?" I blink. I'm not her mommy, but I nod anyway. "Can you be here?"
"Of course. I'll stay by you as long as you'd like. Would you like that?" She nods softly into my fur. She yawns a little before her hooves touch my bump with curiosity as she looks for a comfortable spot.
"There's a foal in there?" She yawns as her head sits on me. I yawn a little in response. Everything hurting seemed to flare again. Being sleepy sucks.She woke up a little feeling a bump before laying down again. "The foal likes me." Wait, that wasn't the right spot. Where did that bump come from? She touches another side, closer to where I felt the last bump myself. The foal bumps her instantly. That couldn't be right. The spots were too far apart. She laid her head down gently.
"They like me." She corrects as she yawns. "They like me, I don't know why..."
"Hum..?" I smirk and hold her in one arm. "Of course, why wouldn't they?" She didn't seem to respond for a moment as I hold her.
"Why would they like a hoof made pony?" She finally answered. Hoof what? "I...didn't want you to think I was lying or a freak....." I prop her to get her comfortable. She came clean awfully fast.
"Hoof made?" I question. "You did nothing wrong. Even if your 'hoof made'. They already like you lots. They must love your voice." I gave a smile to her. Definitely her voice-her voice was the reason why they liked her. She gave a small smile, but not anywhere near as happy as she was previously.
"I was built from the other ponies...those other fillies...that's why they treat me differently.." She mumbled before confession. "I was made by Laughing and Demi...they stitched me and put me here. I'm a bad pony." I shook my head and shush her. I try not shivering-those poor souls. They keep appearing in my head after a while-I try my best daily to ignore them.
"Your not a bad pony, don't you dare say that." I whisper and bring her close. "You were just a victim put in the crossfire.Now, lets try sleeping, okay? Come on." I move towards the edge where the wall is and the dog bed is. I wrap her in my arms and lean back, my head lowering.
"Why are you...?" She looked at me with genuine shock. I smile at her and give her a kiss on the head.
"Shush, sleep." I coo. My eyes grow heavy as I yawn. "Shush...mommy's here for you. Mommy's always going to be here for you." Her eyes widen as she snuggled closer. Soon I heard her breathing slow. She was asleep. I smile as my eyes grow heavy. Maybe sleep would be nicer this time with her. I yawn. I hope I'm making the right choice...I hope Apple Bloom likes her. I fell asleep better with her then I had in a long time and I fell with a genuine smile, something that has been gone since I became a prisoner.
Author's Note
Rushed, I know, but I really wanted a Scootaloo Interlude because I wanted a warning for the next chapter. I know, terrible reason.
Pretty Penny: Hoof made pony (technically, she's made of magic) created specifically BY Demi, but 'technically' Demi AND Laughing. Demi shows much more magic. Anyway, she's a cream maned filly with a raspberry pink streaked mane. Her coat is pale brown and her eyes are pink. She's a unicorn filly-blank flank. While the name is rather strange, bear with me. Pretty Penny derives from the phrase:Costs a Pretty Penny. While she's not of monetary value, she did get made by the price of others dying. That's why she's dubbed Pretty Penny.
Wait till next chapter to see what Scootaloo's cutiemark is!
He wanted to already call his lawyer. We found he was guilty already-why even bring a lawyer if you weren't? Still, Pick Pocket was his pick. Celestia help me if I don't kill him. Orange Julius went to the front to catch his thoughts, something I must do sometime. He had the right idea.
"Why hello, dearest Apple Bloom." Pick Pocket smiled like a devil. "Long time no see, I see that you've grown bigger." I glared at her. She hadn't seen me since I was a filly.
"Course I have." I huffed. "What brought you here? I'm sure you don't naturally grace me with your presence. " She rolled her eyes.
"Uh, who are you?" Sweetie Belle questioned. Pick Pocket looked incredulously. "What?"
"Scatty surely didn't tell you, had she?" She gasped and composed herself instantly. "Of course she hadn't, she's Scatty of course! Still holds a huge grudge. Pity, she shouldn't hold it. I forgave her already. The name's Pick Pocket, I work on the defense for a Swift Kick. " I roll my eyes. Like mother like witch. Wait, she called her Scatty! My thoughts turn back to Check Mate's book. Scatty is what Check calls her as a nickname.
"Of course she holds the grudge towards a pony that only cares about herself." I counter. "Besides, you know more then you say." Pick Pocket's eyes widen from the accusation.
"I just came here for a routine trial. Nothing big or horrible in that, or do you know more than I, Apple Bloom?" She paced around me, her eyes narrowing before she lowered her head. It was natural to do so as a unicorn. "Enlighten me, why don't--"
"Swift Kick's little clan is holding back information on where Scootaloo is, your sister . Then again, loyalty isn't in her family's blood, is it?" I get in her face before she can do anything. "She could be in serious trouble, but nope, Swift refuses to answer anything.Then again, I feel like your doing the same. That's why Swift chose you, correct?"
"He told me nothing of the sort!" She claims before smiling. "All the more fun, I suppose. I never-"
"But she's your sister!" Sweetie Belle's voice broke. "You don't care at all?" Pick looked towards her with a condescending air.
"Its my job, darlings. I care, I just need to do my job. He hired me and I don't back down," She smirks. "We're taught that way. Scatty surely knows this. Pirouette liked her the most. I can't see why."
"Neither of you call her mom?" The Detective suddenly asked. "From what Sweetie Belle told me, neither you or Scatenata ever call her mom. Has she ever done something to make you not call her that?"
"She dares not call her mother? Figures so, not after a few things, I suppose. Pirouette never was a great mother." She stuck her tongue out. "But I'm not an interviewer, your not going to question me as well. Think again." Detective shook his head.
"Legally, I can," He answered. "You don't care much, but if you interfere with an investigation or your too attached, its illegal to continue forward with being a lawyer. Your too biased." Ah HA! Pick narrowed her eyes.
"That's for certain things, dear. I think your surly mistaken." She flicked her red tail at me, but I dodged. "That's my past, I refuse to give you any-" Orange Julius had rushed in from leaving earlier to the office. Pick gave him a cold glare before allowing him to speak.
"There's a pony on in the mirror. I think that's the mare that they're talking about." I nod and gesture Pick over. When we reached the destination, I saw her again. This time, she was worse. Her back was against a wall, head head barely propped. She was bruised up more and looked like she was even having trouble sitting. Her tail wraps around her, but it never covered what I took notice of. She had her cutie mark. Her face was so peaceful even in this time. Pick gave a disgusted scream.
"I'll see you all later, I have to do something anyway." Orange looks towards the Detective who follows suit after him. Must be some sort of interview. Scootaloo was first to break from the conversation.
"I wanted to contact you Apple Bloom!" She turned her head to me. Even with her peaceful face, she was struggling. "I wanted to because Laughing and Demi aren't here right now and-" She was holding a tiny pony. Did she--?
"You had your fo--" Scootaloo made a face at Sweetie Belle before she shook her head.
"No, wait why'd you assume I did?" She was perplexed, her nose scrunched at the thought. "No, no! She can already talk, I just found her." The tiny filly yawned before her eyes opened. She had bright pink eyes. I narrowed my eyes to get a better look at her. Cream with a pink streak mane and a light brown coat to match.
"Excuse me, but did you forget my presence, Scatty?" I glare at her. Why can't she just shut her trap? "You've...uh...changed." She made a face at her.
"I don't think that's-" Sweetie whispered to Pick Pocket before she was interrupted. Sweetie wasn't comfortable and neither was I.
"Why is she here?" She was colder then I ever heard her. "Is this a part of the torture?"Pick shakes her head.
"Your plumper then ever. I can't believe you wasted your life to be like..this." Scootaloo growls at her, holding the filly tight. "I always knew you'd be like this. Shame, I thought you'd prove me wrong."
"Shut your tramp trap!" She barked. "Why don't you go suck on Pirouette some more, while your at it! Both of you can buck off for all I care!"
"That's no way to talk to your big sister!" She yelled, Scootaloo's eye watered for a moment before she spoke.
"You never were a big sister. Big sisters don't do what you did." She wavered before she came to her conclusion finally. "Now go, just go already! Tell them what you did, what you let happen. If you don't, then just leave and don't come back for me." Pick Pocket looked torn before she lowered her ears and head.
"I'm not going to say," She replied honestly. "I can't, at all. You know why." She refused to have any of that, judging by it all.
"No, I don't know why! You left before you even had a chance to tell me!" Scootaloo snapped. "Please..wait outside at least.." She wavered slightly, looking away. Pick left the room, waiting outside with Orange Julius. The room went silent before the filly in her arms, the one that had just previously, buried her head in Scootaloo, spoke up.
"Mommy, who was that? Who are they?" Did she just call her mother? I glanced at Scootaloo for an answer. She shushed her worries and smiled. She whispered something to her before she answered me.
"Ever since I met her she's been calling me that. I can't change her mind, tried that." She chuckled, looking towards her for a moment. "Besides, I guess I've gotten close to her. She's been abandoned by Laughing and Demi in here, her parents . Her name's Pretty Penny, she knows all about them."
"Didn't you say she's a foal? Is she another victim?"I hold my breath for a moment. There can't be. There just can't. She shook her head at that. How can we send her here for information if needed? I tried figuring a solution, but none came to mind.
"No, well, I guess in a way," She frowned, holding Pretty Penny closer to her. "She was built-its hard to explain."
"I was hoof made!" Pretty states bodily, but then her ears fall flat. "I was made by...well..." Scootaloo looks at her for a moment, rubbing her back gently to allow her to finish.
"She was hoof made by Laughing and Demi," Scootaloo answers as she rubs, seeing her unable to answer. "She's made from the other students." Students? Crafted? My eyes widen as the thoughts swirling in my mind. She was holding a thing that could be just as similar to them. She's putting herself at risk. My legs tremble. She's being stupid .
"She already has maternal instincts, "Sweetie Belle noted as she whispered to me. She laughed like it was a joke. How could Scootaloo just make such a rash decision? She's making a mistake I have to correct. I can't let her be in thralled with her. She's not a pony, she's not even supposed to be alive.
"What were you thinking?!" I grit. "You don't know if she's with them! You know what they'll do--" Scootaloo's eyes were filled with an anger that I never seen in her. I only saw such once, and Fluttershy had to enter the scene. A mother bear and her cubs were in the proximity and Fluttershy had to help us. Was she that close to her already? Or perhaps--
"I know the risks, but I don't care. I won't let them hurt her. She's a just a filly," She countered, her anger controlled before she held the filly tighter. "I won't let anypony harm her or anypony else. I don't care whether you approve of how far I go to do that. I trust her-I know she's not lying. I learned so." Was she trying to get herself killed? She lifted Penny's hooves. She had no horseshoes on. She can't grasp anything without them. Still, I refuse to allow her to be in that kind of danger. Some head damage must have caused he thinking to shift.
"Scootaloo, don't act like that! Your pregnant, you can't be so-"
"Reckless, Apple Bloom? I know, I heard that multiple times." She spat. I cringe at her anger. "I'm not, I'm just telling the truth. I won't let them harm anypony else. I can't let them any longer." I try looking towards her flanks.
"Is that how you acquired your cutie mark?" Her eyes lit up for a moment, her sudden anger fading. I sigh to myself. She's happier at least. That was my first taste of her mood swings. I shivered at it.
"I have my cutie mark?" She asked then looked to her sides. I raise an eyebrow.
"Wait, you didn't realize---" She shook her head.
"I chal-I told off Demi. I didn't want anypony being hurt. I meant what I said. She even tried saying that she'd get you and Sweetie. I got mad and lectured her. I guess I got it from that." She set her down before she stands up, showing me her cutie mark in full. It was a purple shield wrapped in vines. Each vine was littered with flowers of all different colors. At the base, there were flowers were noticeably different. One was a mix of two pinks, another was purple with stripes of a different shade and pink, and so forth. The closer the flowers got to the middle, the more detailed. In the center was a yellow and red flower with pink trim. Just slightly below it were three others. Two weren't open and the other was. It was a cream color with a brown undertone. It was finished off with a pink trim. They all connected onto the shield and reached down her legs to form a shield and sword like pattern.
"Scootaloo," My eyes watered at that. The flowers represented everypony in order. I was the center and the children pretty close. Her cutie mark was for everypony. I never seen a cutie mark like that. "Your cutie mark...!" She smiles a little before realizing.
"I..never noticed my cutie mark. I just got it yesterday," She paused for a moment. "That's why there was light..." She seemed to completely miss everything. Pretty tugged on Scootaloo, worry filling her senses.
"Mommy, they're home with a pony. I know they are," She was distressed, panic filling her voice. I heard a few clopping sounds before everything became eerily silent. Scootaloo brought Pretty closer to her, making sure she wouldn't get hurt.
"With you, she won't be in the way any longer. You should be glad," Laughing's voice fell on me hard. "She's Demi's prize. Though, she's well trained if you consider everything the whorse has done."
"G-Get off of me!" My ears flickered at that. The voice sounded eerily familiar to a pony. I couldn't understand why I hated the voice so much. "Dad won't let me get hurt-if you lay another hoof on me I swear--"
"You liked her before, your just with her closer now." Laughing replied to her. Scootaloo caught sight of her before anyone else. Her eyes widen at the sight. "Besides, if the whorse can't do so, and she had more bite than you, then you won't be successful.You'll have your whorse now, though. Just back off when Demi's near. She won't take to well to you being near her property with the way you act. When we started seeing her, my jaw dropped.
"They took Diamond Tiara..!" Scootaloo answered my worst nightmare. She'll tell her everything.
Diamond in the Corner and Silver Culprits
Diamond in the Corner and Silver Culprits
'Stay here," Scootaloo instructed. Pretty Penny frowns, worry evident in her features. "I'll go out, if they catch me with you, they'll hurt you too. Stay on the line with them, I'll be right back."
"S-Scootaloo please---"I tried reasoning. "They won't...they'll hurt you!" I begged her to reconsider. Scootaloo handed the device over to Pretty Penny before kissing the top of her forehead.
"Mama, please don't--"Scootaloo gave her a soft smile an rubbed her head. "Mommy?"
"Your starting to sound like Apple Bloom." She turned away, chuckling for a moment. "I can't stay here, they'll notice her again. Besides, they won't let me unshackled again. Besides, I can't let them break a Pinkie Promise now can I? I promise, Mommy'll be back. Don't you worry." I heard a few clopping sounds from her as she left and only Pretty stayed there. She fumbled for a moment-her hooves being bare made everything much harder.
"I hope Mama's okay..." She looked genuinely worried.
"So, your Pretty Penny, right?" Sweetie Belle asked, I glance at her. What was she getting at? "Can you tell us anything? Anything you'd like."
'You made a deal, didn't you Laughing?' It growled towards whatever it was directed at. 'You brought her here, she has no reason to be here!' Pretty made a face hearing her 'mother's' words. She fidgets again before Sweetie directs her attention to her.
'Deals can break if your not specific,' A growl was heard after that. 'Besides, we don't take orders from you. Remember our little discussion from earlier?'
'No, enlighten me, Miss Gas.' A growl followed a kicking sound filled from where they were.
"Come, tell us everything you want to. Anything would do," Sweetie's voice was soft and calm as she kept a smile on. "We heard a few things from Scootaloo, but we never heard from you yet. Mind if you tell?" Pretty Penny tilted her head and sat on the dog bed before she started.
"But I don't know much," She said, looking down. "I only know what Mama tells me. Is it true?" Her eyes glisten brightly. She almost looked adorable-almost.
'Get the buck off me!' Laughing smirked as she grabbed something-the chains. She tried choking her but Scootaloo refused it. Diamond backed away from the scene, her eyes widening in shock.
"What did she tell you?" My ears flicker as I heard a clunking sound. Pretty was about to jump up but Sweetie Belle caught her."She won't like it if you intervene, ignore everything. Just talk to me. Tell me what she told you." Pretty was debating for a moment before she used her horn and created something parallell. She was wanting us to see. but still have the one she had able to let us see her too, just in case she had to close the other. Smart Cookie.
"She told me about night. She says its beautiful," She smiles a little. "I never seen night and day before, she says its amazing." I look to the other side.
'You won't hurt anypony, I said I won't allow it.' Scootaloo stood her ground, standing in front of Diamond Tiara. There was Laughing Gas leaning to the side where she kicked.
"Sc..Scootaloo..?" Diamond's voice wavers from shock. The pregnant mare stood boldly in front, defying everything. I couldn't sense why Diamond didn't save herself-she was strong for a pony of her nature.
"Did she tell you what ponies do during that?" Sweetie Belle asked to keep Pretty from seeing the sight. I wasn't caring about the two for the moment as I laid eyes on Scootaloo. Laughing laughed before she stood up, slamming her hooves into her muzzle, slamming her down. She grabbed Laughing and tossed her aside before Demi was plinked in
'She told me lots of ponies plant gardens-even though I don't know what a garden is.She even told me about a town with so many adventures. I wouldn't mind seeing it.'
"Let me at THAT WHORSE OF A MARE!" Demi held Laughing back before Scootaloo felt the brunt. "Why are you stopping me?"
"Your getting out of hand, we make deals, we keep them." Demi replied. "Besides, she shows no satisfactory criteria. I don't find her useful.Not even for mindless arousal."
'Is that all she told you?' Sweetie Belle asked Pretty. She paused and smiled.
'Nope, not at all!' She replied. 'She told me about the princesses. Mommy sang me a lullaby too about them. '
"Did you not just see what she had done?" She yelled out. "She bucked me in the face!" Demi chuckled at that.
"When the burnout is done, the results are yours." Demi responds. "For right now, clean the mistake. Its not like you can take her back now. Her dad's richer than I, I can't block his authority." Laughing Gas pushed herself out her grasp.
"No, you've defended her long enough. I don't care whether he'll do so. I shall teach that whorse that WE are the MASTERS, that she is the victim!" Laughing charged at her in fury, her head ducked as she tackled. Scootaloo braced for it, waiting for impact until she slammed into her, landing a few feet away on top. Laughing shoved, trying to stop her barge. From her side, she pulled out a scalpel. She jabbed her in the arm, prying it in. Scootaloo shrieked and pushed the scalpel away, taking it in her mouth before it hit her throat by mistake. She repeatedly hits the mask, cracking it.
"LAUGHING!" Demi quickly screamed, pulling Scootaloo off. With one last attempt, she kicked the mask. The mask shattered under the kick. The force was enough t show the identity. Diamond walked towards the pony in question. Her blue eyes widen and go blank as tears trickled down her pink cheeks.
"Silver Spoon, why are you doing this? What have you become?"
Author's Note
I wanted THIS out the way before I get into anything with Apple Bloom's little secret.
Once upon a Dreary:Secrets Unbound p.1
Demi immediately jolted, her magic immediately tossing Scootaloo to the side, crashing her into the wall where she was tied to the first time I seen her. She was slumped over, unmoving even as Pretty rushed over and the screen was static for a moment. The recorder was gone-Demi must have noticed that it was taken all along. I adverted my gaze from them as my ears flickered towards the sounds of Diamond. With the way the two are-no, I can't see the sort. Scootaloo's fine. She was reckless, but she's okay. Diamond needs to be focused on, she's the one doing the talking. I don't trust her at all-my focus should be only on her, but I can't seem to do so.
Silver Spoon stirred as she started to move. Diamond tackled her to the ground from shock, her strength was directly placed in her arms. Her weight pressing down on Silver immediately. The screen flickered and went away-Pretty must not be focusing on the situation at hand. She was the only one showing everything after all. Still, it went back clear as day again later. They were battling together-Diamond's features meshed as Silver Spoon tried pushing back. What had we missed due to the latest static? Diamond wouldn't attack so randomly. With a direct hit coming from Silver, Diamond tensed as she was slammed. A one knock slam against the wall proved that Silver had the upper hoof.
"You think you can defeat me?" Silver Spoon laughed as she watched what she created smolder against the wall from the impact. "If that little whorse can't with her might, then you surely can't. Though, I must say, she's personally much stronger. For a pregnant mare she can deal damage." Diamond huffed at the compliment towards Scootaloo.
"Your my friend, Silver, I know I'll end you," Diamond's eyes narrowed. "I'm saving you from yourself. Your willing to take lives for no reason." She laughed at Diamond's words. Silver Spoon's eyes shifted. She looked right behind Diamond. She hadn't paid atten--No, she was. Demi was behind her clear as day.
"You know the reason very well, that's why your here." Something was glowing from Demi-her horn! She was planning something with it, I just need to warn her before its too late.
"DIAMOND LOOK OUT! BEHIND YOU!" I screamed out. Diamond's eyes turned to the size of plates as she turned.
"Where did you--" She didn't notice her at all. By the time Diamond could react, Demi levitated something up with her magic-I couldn't see clearly. Maybe a chain? I perked up over the sound of whispers and Diamond's choking as a chain slithered around Diamond's neck like a snake and began suffocating her.
Hush now, quite now,
lay your head and do not fret.
Hush now, quite now,
I know your quite upset.
Fear you have will take hold-
for what you did was very bold.
Just lay down your sleepy head,
hope dreams show, instead, at bed.
Drifting into the black,
just hope you don't come back.
Drifting between the light-
Its time to say good night!
Demi was smiling behind the mask as Diamond's form began to slump down-her body began to loosen as she became weightless. Her body fell silently to the floor before a figure grabbed her leg with ease. She turned away from us, her back was on us-Pretty must be now behind her.
"She knocked my mask," Devastation had been written in Silver's features. She lacked any care for Diamond's antics. "It took a while to create it. Do you think she can create it again?" She head turned towards Demi for a moment before Demi started Diamond's treatment.
"I'm sure she would, dear." Demi replied lightly. "Your plan, whats it now?" The sound of metal closing something was evident. With a pause, Silver answered.
"I can't tell you, the answer isn't needed yet."Silver answered, a pause following suit. "You do what you need to do-finish the job. I'll handle Dazzle here. We can't let the mistake grow any bigger, shall we?" A pause took place once more, then a replacement.
"The mistake has grown large, indeed." Demi agreed. "It won't take long. These things never do dear." Just then, the sounds ended entirely. I pause as I look around.
"What was that?" Sweetie Belle exclaims, finally speaking up from what happened earlier. Pick Pocket trotted in immediately after the screen turned off, acting somber yet still showed an air of high confidence. She trots towards me, facing away from me.
"Talk to me quickly. I assure you that Demi surely isn't going to allow you much time left." How could she have possibly---?
"Excuse me, but did you forget my presence, Scatty?" I glare at her. Why can't she just shut her trap? "You've...uh...changed." She made a face at her.
"I don't think that's-" Sweetie whispered to Pick Pocket before she was interrupted. Sweetie wasn't comfortable and neither was I.
"Why is she here?" She was colder then I ever heard her. "Is this a part of the torture?"Pick shakes her head.
"Your plumper then ever. I can't believe you wasted your life to be like..this." Scootaloo growls at her, holding the filly tight. "I always knew you'd be like this. Shame, I thought you'd prove me wrong."
"Shut your tramp trap!" She barked. "Why don't you go suck on Pirouette some more, while your at it! Both of you can buck off for all I care!"
"That's no way to talk to your big sister!" She yelled, Scootaloo's eye watered for a moment before she spoke.
"You never were a big sister. Big sisters don't do what you did." She wavered before she came to her conclusion finally. "Now go, just go already! Tell them what you did, what you let happen. If you don't, then just leave and don't come back for me." Pick Pocket looked torn before she lowered her ears and head.
"I'm not going to say," She replied honestly. "I can't, at all. You know why." She refused to have any of that, judging by it all.
"No, I don't know why! You left before you even had a chance to tell me!" Scootaloo snapped. "Please..wait outside at least.." She wavered slightly, looking away.
The memory struck me immediately. I narrowed my eyes immediately as I figured out my answer for Demi.
"Why didn't I think of that earlier?!" My anger fumed. I should have realized. "You know her personally, don't you?!" Pick Pocket lowered her head before immediately lifting up soon after. She was going to speak her way out of this.
"How could you possibly come to such conclusions? How would I possibly know her personally?" Pick mused at the idea. "Being a lawyer surely makes you highly knowledgeable in this sort. Could have possibly heard from all the racket you've been causing, no?" She lifted her head, her bangs hiding her eyes. A smirk creeping along her features.
"That's correct, you could possibly have heard that way," I counter. "However, that wouldn't be possible in the least!" Pick Pocket moved backwards at the realization.
"Apple Bloom, how could that not be true?" Sweetie Belle whispered towards me. I shot her a look.
"Its true because Demi's never been pictured on screen-in fact, their methods never were mentioned anywhere! Even in the Manehatten Police Department Files lack that information! Unless your admitting your holding back evidence that we haven't heard of, in that case, its a felony." Sweetie Belle gasped at my revolution.
"She's not legally able to hold back the case like that!" Sweetie Belle finally peeked up.I nodded at that answer.
"Even so, Demi's not dumb enough to allow you to wonder about with knowledge of that multitude!" I said. "Now, lets try again:Are you close to Demi?!" Pick Pocket was stunned until she shook herself off.
"I'm not authorized to state--"
"What about your sister?!" Sweetie Belle snapped-her voice wasn't carefully hiding her anger. "Your Niece or Nephew? What about them? Do you not care for any of them?"I shot her a look of surprise. Sweetie Belle's anger didn't flinch as Pick stepped back once more.
"I care for them, its just not wise to state my situation," She cleared her throat. "I prefer staying above land, not buried six feet under."
"Your interfering with an investigation. You'll head to jail for the offense." I warned. "Besides, if your a big sister, then you wouldn't care about the like." I look away.
"But your just like your mother. None of you ponies have loyalty to your own." I turn to walk away. "Come on, Sweetie, we don't have time to waste." Pick Pocket glared down towards the floor before she ended my walking.
"I know her personally, yes," She quickly responded. "You've wasted precious time, you fools." She looked away, coughing slightly at something.
"Just answer the damn question." I turn to face her. I took notice of her face as she refused to look anypony directly anymore.
She paused for a moment. "I know her perfectly. She's the reason I've become a lawyer in the first place, why I don't get along with Scatenata. The poor soul-I wouldn't talk to me either." She trotted towards the mirror before placing her hoof down harshly against the glass.
"I know Demi because she committed these acts years before the first victim," She glares at the wall. "I know her because she's my mother."
Author's Note
Whelp, I done Demi's too fast. I had only that idea for right now before what happens next chapter. Then again, its just a hypothesis on their part.
Dazzle is Cannon Diamond's middle name.
Might have lied about Demi, but that was the problem. I went with the flow of the chapter, and that's where it lead me. Its only a part since its too huge to be 1 chapter.
"Now that I did say what I have, we have to go, we aren't going to last here any longer if we just stand here-" Sweetie Belle hushed her from the start.
"You can't at least, expand? Scootaloo's been secretive about her, she never stated outright anything." Sweetie Belle stepped up to her. Pick Pocket wasn't eager at all. Her eyes lighting up with fear.
"You two are complete imbeciles!" She snapped. "Can't you see that we need to go?" I shook my head. There wasn't a need to rush.
"Now, we're bucked. I warned you, you just cared not to listen!" She's very dramatic. Was that in her genes? She moved away, pushing past us as she paces frantically around. "Your going to buck everything up! You need to trust ponies other than the ponies here!"
"Your getting worked up over nothing," I sigh at her dramatics. She was very dramatic, can't even calm down in the least. She'll give herself a heart attack if she keeps that up. Though, I doubt that would make a difference in the long run."We don't even know if she kn--" The lights flickered and moved. They were flung about without much effort, putting a spotlight on us. Pick Pocket was heaving by now, her normally calculated form was out of sync. She stumbled back before the room shifted with an aroma filling the air.
"What the buck is going on!?" I screamed. Suddenly, I found myself glancing at Sweetie Belle. She wasn't responding much."Sweetie, what are you doing?!"
"What's that smell?" She ignored me completely Sweetie Belle sniffed the air-it smelled like the air when winter strikes. The lights were gone automatically and the room engulfed in black for a moment before it was lit. Trotting by the window, she found her answer"Is that snow? Snow wasn't out there before." I stomped my hoof-it was wooden but not very sturdy.
"Its abandoned," I look towards Sweetie Belle, weary. "How'd we get here?" I turned away from the window towards the library area. It was warn down, tattered like it hasn't been used for years. The wintry mix intermingled with a dull rusting smell to create something shy of eerie. Sweetie Belle scrunched her nose in disgust. It was starting to freeze-when did it get so cold?
"I'm not sure, we were back at the--" Sweetie Belle stepped back before answering, she was starting to shiver now because of the cold. "Pick Pocket's gone-disappeared!" I twirled around for a quick examination. That's not right, she was with us just a moment ago. She can't suddenly disappear. I step forward towards the shelves more. The shelves were filled with webs and the like-the books are ransacked and many were gone. Maybe they disappeared after it went out of business?
"There are rats..everywhere.." Sweetie Belle made a face. "That's probably why nopony's here anymore." I shook my head.
"They haven't seen a pony for a while," I conclude. "I've never seen rats act like this, at least, not the ones in Ponyville." They scurried away from us before they went back to work. It was as if they just think of us as obstacles in the way. Sweetie Belle led the way, peeking through a door way. I followed suit, kicking a heavy book away in the process. It wasn't worth the time.
"What's ahead?" I trot to her carefully before she answered. "Well?" Sweetie Belle pointed towards something-a cafe? I was sure it was a lounge or cafe of sort. It wasn't weird-I heard all these libraries have that now.
"Its collected so much dust! I think the spiders created a home here."Sweetie's voice trickled with curiosity. She wiped away the webs and lit the room. Yep, a lounge. Nothing out the ordinary other than the typical Manehatten lounges I've seen previously during the investigation.
"We have to leave, find shelter or something. Its getting colder by the minute," I trot closer but found nothing of worth.I sigh, still no reason why we're here. I move towards the-
"ACK!" I started to fall. To stop myself, I bit and pulled something down. Sweetie Belle ran down to me, her eyes huge as if I came upon a discovery. "What's got you?" I turn slowly to see where her eyes traced. I must have pulled what the owner originally had used. The room, after all, changed itself. It still must have magic properties. There, instead, had laid a beautiful theater and dressing room, all almost new looking. The stage was grand, fit for a performance with chairs to boot. It was something I only imagined rich Canterlot ponies had done.
"Did you just do that on purpose?" She mouthed, awed. I shook my head.
"I didn't expect that myself!" I didn't think there were things like that around anymore. My eyes drifted towards the carpet. It was a beautiful black that was untouched by dirty hooves. Well, almost untouched. There was a red turning brown pigment that made a path on the carpet in on singular area. I walk over to inspect the area. "Its rust smelling, it must be blood. Its fresh as well." Sweetie Belle started shivering, trembling as she lifted my head up from the area.
"Apple Bloom, look!" My jaw nearly dropped. There stood Pick Pocket, her red mane unnaturally flat, something the orange unicorn took pride in taking care of. Her eyes gave off a vacant look as she smiled towards us. She wasn't Pick Pocket, there was no way she could be.
"Your here, I've been waiting." She announced, her magic surging through in waves. It danced in the air as they illuminated her figure as she danced her way to us. With a few twirls and spins, she came with a stunning landing that ended the magic."To see the look of your stunned faces amazes me. Did you not think I had that in me?"
"N-No, I mean--" Sweetie hushed me.
"We didn't expect that from you." She answered. Pick twirled as her magic acted like mist, she's boasting her flexibility by now. "Are you okay?" I glanced at Sweetie, this isn't okay. She's a lawyer, not a dancer.
"Your not acting right, you were afraid the last time we spotted you," I glare accusingly. "What's this sick joke your playing?" Pick blew out as she placed a hoof on my chin and batted her eyes.
"Dear, I'm sorry, but the show is about to begin." She smiles as she turns, waving her hoof off at us. "I don't have time to answer that, pity, right?"
"What..performance?" Sweetie Belle's voice faltered. My stomach lurches. I don't like where this is leading at all. She stepped away from her advances as Pick gives her a twisted grin as a response. "Nopony's here..."
"Oh, silly filly!" Pick twisted around, her eyes suddenly dolled up, stitched together to look like she was wearing eyeliner. Her vacant eyes were still apparent as she glared. She shifted and her body morphed, changing into something more dead than alive. Her hair was flatter, like string, as she spoke and her cheeks gave off a bright pink glow that looked painted on in blood. She was much thinner, regal in appearance and had stitches decorating her body where the joints and the rest connected. Her mouth barred the most stitches though. "YOUR the performers! Classic huh?" She was on her hind legs as she gave off her magic, pulling us into the last room.
The dresses flung themselves off the rack as 'Pick' was at the center, flinging them like weapons at us to draw us in. Sweetie Belle shot at a dress before being consumed in a pile. I didn't last long either. Having neither wings or magic, it was only time. I braced myself for it. The feeling of needles drilled into me was excruciating. My eyes drop as the darkness engulfs me fully.
Sccccreeeeeeeeeeee
"GAH!" Springing up with incredible speed, I turn to my side to look towards Sweetie. The pain from before wasn't gone but it dulled down enough to ignore. "Weren't we about to be killed?" Sweetie groans before answering me. The smell of decay, shit, blood, and unmentionables filled my nose in a welcoming embrace. Eck.
"Yeah, where are we?" Sweetie asked, astonished. "I can't believe I'm not de-OUCH!" She rubbed her sides as I shrug as an answer. How would I know? I scanned once more, only seeing darkness as a result. When sound came, it was unexpected. Horseshoes clattered as a pony was coming forward. They pause before coming closer again.
"Who are you?! DEMI?!" I screamed towards the pony in question. A memory pops up as my eyes widen. Pick was warning us. We just never listened."SHOW YOURSELF! I KNOW IT WAS YOU!"
"Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, is that you?" There stood Scootaloo leaning down, her muzzle touching mine in the process. That moment I realized I never leaped on a pony that fast and hard to greet them in my life.
Author's Note
I love the idea of a dramatic arts pony. What do you think?
Once upon a Dreary:Secrets Unbound:P.2
"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.
A Cupcake laced Diamond [GRAPHIC]
A Cupcake Laced Diamond [GRAPHIC]
"Wake up." I smirk. She hadn't woken up yet. Just more fun for me.
"I won't tell you again, wake up." Immediately, I pull the scalpel from the cart my dear Pirouette pulled out for me. She was always sweet with that. Whorse lacked common sense enough to see how brilliant she was. I traced her leg before I giggled, the scalpel digging into her as I traced. "This won't hurt for long, Dee. Oh, I kid." I pried open the traced skin fast. Diamond Tiara let out a cough and scream, one as loud as Teeter Totter's was. Looks like this'll be more fun than I expected.
"I told you to wake up, didn't I?" She lets out a muffled cry and plea. I roll my eyes. "You can't see me can you?" I sniffed the air around her for a moment. She wet herself, I wouldn't have guessed it with the way she made fun Scatenata for wetting herself from the children. Guess she really is a hypocrite, now isn't she?
"Mmmph!" She tried answering me. I started again after pressing the wound down. We can't have our guest die before Pirouette comes back. That won't make either party happy. I press the wound and started again to unzip her before coming across the predicament: Her horseshoes aren't making it easy. Should I yank them off right now or have Pirouette do that? She might know more on that. With that final, I started on the other side and peeled of. Where are those pins? I frown as I searched, ignoring her cries again. For what she's done in the past, you'd think she would hold her own right now. She's wallowing like an idiot!
"Quiet!" I hushed her before she started again after I zipped up, the scalpel going higher up her leg than before. Again, I pull it apart. I felt a frown tugging at the corners of my mouth before I look over towards the cart again. I still hadn't pinned the flaps yet and I can't have her flailing just yet. I bent down, pausing over one large object. Pirouette reserved it for Scatenata when she wanted her to move a certain way or stand a certain way through insertion as punishment. Though, secretly, I notice that she gets aroused by it, so much so that she has made Scatenata do so too, through force of course. I wonder what it'll be used for now after those things come from her. It was stickier than I remember it with a little more blood staining it like it had been used earlier. When did she even manage to do that with Scatenata again to cause this? I shrug this off, yet Pirouette's annoyed words still lingered from last time I used it. She's picky over who gets it done on apparently after THAT time. She won't enjoy my use of it towards Dee, I'm going to get yelled at for the usage. Still, I thrust the object inside Diamond. Clearly, she was lying about her affair with Scatenata before her abduction. She was never marked yet, she was too tight. I pushed it further before removing it from her. Pirouette will never know I used it. I'll clean it before she returns.
"Maybe I should play with her first as punishment," Pirouette always urges me to. She won't be here long to tell, and Pirouette won't hound me for questions. I won't let her know this either, the satisfaction of showing Pirouette I had played with a soon to be puppet isn't my goal. I removed my pink cover-Check Mate was the material. She must have loved that filly.
"I told you to quiet, didn't I? Too bad, now you'll face the punishment." I forced my hoof in her, pushing forward before removing it to get a lick. She must be loving this, her cries were showing such. I lowered myself to get in to taste more before she bucked, bringing more. She was cherry flavored, I always had a thing for cherries.I licked her sides, tasting the goop before removing myself from her. I glanced at her face, she was crying harshly now as she was biting back her screams. Still, she tasted pretty good, better than expected. I licked my hoof for a moment, savoring the flavor. I wonder what Sweetie Belle would taste like. Would she be sweet as her personality? Or something like Diamond's cherry flavor? I felt my cheeks flush. I was standing up on my hind legs while dealing with the mare on the table, making my wet day dreams worse.She would be tender and sweet, something savory like the chocolate strawberry shortcakes at Sugar Cube Corner. I closed my eyes for a moment-I can only imagine Sweetie on top of me, rubbing against me almost perfectly. I can imagine her screaming as I---I cough as I shake my head.Not right now, Sweetie's going to be here anyway.
"You'll be much sweeter than any chocolate!" I blurt out, ignoring my logical side. Diamond let out a squeak, hearing it. I felt my legs dripping, wet from these day dreams. It was so pleasant, so much so. Double dipping into the cherries, I tried again, this time, I reaped more. I kept licking, pleased with my findings. I paused before the dripping became worse. Can I get on top? No, I don't need to become a Pirouette! No! I'm not doing more than I need to. Sweetie Belle's form came to mind again, regressing my progress. I debate with myself whether she would get a cutie mark in arousal. She would work well in that element. I close my legs trying to block the pleasure, forcing myself to end my charade with Diamond to end this immediately. I don't need to waste my time with fantasies, Diamond needs to be worked on. As painful as that was, I ended my trance to take the object to wash.I sniffed it once. What does it taste like? If Diamond tastes like cherries...I lick it then sucked it, tasting it in my mouth for a good few minutes before I reached the sink, having no other ways to carry it. Cherry flavored. It was heavenly when mixed with the rust that accompanied Diamond's blood. Then there was an odd flavor lumped in, intermingling with the cherry. Oranges? I gave it a taste before putting it in the water. Similar tasting to the Florentine bars with candied Orange and Cherries that Sweetie Drops carries in her shoppe. Scatenata must taste like oranges. I wash it, regret piling up in my stomach. It tasted good, it sucks to part it.
When that was over, I easily slink the object back where it belonged and pulled my hoodie back on. The hoodie's 'stitched' mane fell on mine, covering my real mane. My body became completely engulfed in the hoodie like item, covering my silver fur fully. My ears perked, pink ears coating my own. Perfect. Pulling up the cart, I carefully gripped the scalpel. She She wouldn't have most of her beautiful fur, it'll be used in the puppet making, but enough to almost fully make another mask from leftovers. I look back at the carcass that used to be a lawyer that laid alone in the corner. Her orange fur that was left was already mended into the rest of the mask and more. Double layers always protect better. I wish Pirouette didn't use her cutie mark, that would have been a pretty add on.
"Don't look at me like that!" I scolded at her, she whimpered like a kicked puppy. "Demi will do much more, I ensure you that." I pinned the flaps I didn't before I started with the other side again, pulling the scalpel upward to her midsection more for the other leg. I continued the process for her arms until I reached her midsection. The midsection is always the best. She's very bloody, rust was a constant smell illuminating from her form. Being skinned alive did that to a pony.
"I see that you've made progress." I smile tugs at me. Looks like Pirouette's back from her mission. She sniffed the air once more. DAMN! Forgot to wash up more."Oh, you also got a piece of her, hadn't you?" A smirk was plastered on Pirouette's face before she rubbed my head.
"In a way, yes." She raised her brow at the notion before glancing back at the cart. Her eyes widen from realization.
"You used my bucking--" Pirouette made a face before she soothed herself down, a small smile forming in the end. "You used it on her, hadn't you?" I gave her a small nod.
"Sweetie Belle would have been a better target for it. Though, I don't regret it. She screamed, I quieted her down by force. Her taste made up for being forced to do so." Pirouette paused before trotting over, placing her nuzzle where I placed the large object earlier. She gave a lick before she nods.
"Cherries go great with oranges, don't they not?" She asked before finishing her endeavor. "Like Florentine Bars, my absolute favorite." I chuckle at her before opening up the midsection. She was never one to hold back her filter. Oranges were her favorite out of anything-tasting Scatenata made her addicted to the flavor. I wonder if Check had that same flavor, or maybe she tasted like Strawberries, her second favorite. Either way, obsession is the word to use on her fruit habits.
"How do you suppose we should do the midsection this time?" Pirouette seemed to debate herself before she replied as she rubbed the midsection.
"They would be more useful if done carefully, of course." I hand her the scalpel intrigued. She's very precise with her cuts, it was amazing to watch. (She can be very annoying with her cuts) Pirouette takes her time, in order, removing each organ she comes across. Though, she's very particular about which organs she removes first. Diamond moved up, her eyes rolling up from discomfort as she dug around like a filly with her toy chest.
"Adrenal Glands come first," She giggles. "Course! Why did I forget them first? They are always first. We can't have her having an adrenaline rush, now can we?" She likes alphabetical order, praises it for these activities. I roll my eyes, its not like she can do much. Still, its fascinating how she works for the puppets. She takes the adrenal glands off first, Diamond shrieked at the notion before noticeable tears tickled down her cheeks harder then before.
"She's crying, look~." I cooed at her. "So cute, don't you think, Piro?" She nods as she cuts, removing each perfectly like a master. It was slow-something that made Diamond shriek more, almost throwing off her cuts. When removed,I get to hold them-they spewed a substance, but they were normal. I placed them down in the bucket as Pirouette starts again, moving around organs to get the appendix.
"We can't lose her already," Pirouette said. "Get her propped. She'll be out for a while like this." By this time, Diamond was spewing blood from her mouth as she drooled, consciousness drifting. I snicker before pulling a mask on her to filter. Laughing gas has always been a specialty of mine-the creation and use always precise. Its vital in puppet making-its even why I have my cutie mark.The appendix was removed as the bladder came next, ignoring the lungs. I forced her to pump air to get the effects before grabbing the appendix, placing it gently down. I propped her up and cleaned her before staring at Pirouette's work. It took a while before each organ was removed due to her precise cuts and very detailed work, but they were placed in the correct bins. It was vital work to have them in an accurate manner.
"Looks like the time has drawn near," I look towards Diamond before smiling softly, rubbing her head softly. She wouldn't here me anyway. I bent to her ear to whisper."Good Bye Dee, I was sure you'd be much harder to kill. Looks like I was wrong." I draw back, looking towards the buckets one last time.
"I'll call you when the magic residue has been collected," Pirouette nods before she returns to glance at what used to be a fully put together Diamond Tiara. That's when I leave to prepare designs. I can not wait until she is fully made. Oh, the possibilities. Yet, for now, the designs are all I need. Sorry, Diamond Tiara. I wish there was some other way-but you hadn't done what you were meant to, sadly. I wish I could have kept you longer. You were so useful in many ways, weren't you? You had no emotional ties, however, that I cared to have you alive after that attack.
You never were good enough to cry over even before; why reward you for being as fake as your tiara? I won't ever mourn over your old self being lost. I don't need to; I guess I'm too rough like a diamond to care about you.
Author's Note
Dee is a term they used to give eachother, like Lulu was Apple Bloom's pet name for Scootaloo.
Guess how Silver Spoon got her cutie mark!
"Spike, take a letter, we've got a big problem!" Spike grumbled after his nap was disturbed. I roll my eyes. Typical Spike, I expected he wouldn't be happy. I rushed over to the door in my room, pulling it open with my horn. "There's no time to waste!" I trotted down the stairs quickly before rushing to my den.
"Uh..Twilight?" Spike asked wearily while stepping down the stairs. My back still on him, I reply back.
"What is it? Do you have the parchment?" I started frantically searching as Spike walked over, looking down. Jeez, she's still scared of this room? I thought he would be over that by now. He gave a shriek before he composed himself, heaving from fright. "Spike, you okay?"
"Uh, yes, Twilight," Spike said nervously. "What is it this time? Find anything new-about the case I mean?" He showed me the parchment before I continued. I narrowed my eyes at the shelf. Ah ha!
"There it is!" Pulling the book down, I placed it down and open the book to where I left off. Scootaloo indirectly gave us valuable information-everything that happened while I was gone had given us all backgrounds but her testimony had by far. "What's wrong?" Spike mumbled something incoherent before speaking up.
"I don't think Scootaloo will like it if you do that.." Spike said, his eyes glued down when I face him. "I mean-what's this all for anyway? Apple Bloom's not in trouble or anything."
"She will so like it, even if she doesn't like to use her ability, its going to do plenty of help for our case!" I answer his question quickly before pulling off more books."We've gotten word that they are in trouble-I'm going to bust them out. To get the master minds isn't ideal right now-we have to remove them from the situation first. We've found valuable information, a gold mine! Even if we have to use her testimony for Pirouette- its better than nothing."Spike was unsure of that as he made a face of discomfort.
"I don't know, Twi. Scootaloo did seem very certain about not using her ability for this trial..."I rubbed his head to clear those thoughts.
"Relax Spike, sheesh, I'm helping her and others. Its not like I'm using it for evil," I reassure. "Besides, when I tell her, she'll be thankful." Spike rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, right, Twilight." He answered before a smile graced his features. "What do you want me to write?" I mulled that portion over.
"You need to inform Princess Celestia that we've discovered the backgrounds behind each of the ponies causing this mess!" Spike struggled to write my request, pausing at each for a second inspection. "We've discovered the names and the greatest deadly discovery. If we do not act fast then other ponies can end the same exact way as this duo!"
"Greatest deadly discovery? " He quoted as he looked towards me, mystified. "What's the threat again?"
"The Marionette's." I slammed my first book shut before moving on, repeating the process. No, no, no! None of these are giving me anymore details! I jot down a few notes before removing that chore. I face Spike as he blows his breathe- huffing before it immediately backfired. When it lit, out came a different parchment immediately after.
"What's it say?" That can't be right, Princess Celestia can't respond that quickly. "Well?" Spike scanned the letter before quickly handing it.
"Its not written on!" I look around the paper. Nothing. I backed away until files of mine flew, cluttering and forming a tornado. Tossing Spike on my back, I rush out of the door as fast as I could. Even then the library door slammed shut with a great force. My jaw drops. I can't open the door!
"Spike, hold on!" I yell before making a magical blast at the door. The door refused to open. That's when I tried the window, but the window wouldn't open either. The library's light flickers between on and off before it stayed off for minutes on end.
"T-Twilight..?" Spike was getting very scared by now, his arms wrapped around my neck tight as he buried his head. "Are th..there g-g-ghosts here?" I rolled my eyes.
"I doubt it, "I answer back. "It could be a power outage." I...wasn't so sure of that. Spike gripped harder, scared as sounds illuminate the tree home. Without warning, I felt my body lurch forward, slamming against the wall before the lights turned on. I shook my head immediately.
"Where are we?" Spike turns, looking around as much as I was before I come to see where we are. It was decorated in fancy shades of purple as beautiful music played, I can't feel my hooves, my legs wide apart as I felt my back sprawled on a bed. The music's too hollow. I don't care for it.
"I can't feel my hooves," I reported to Spike. "Spike? Spike?"
"I'm right here Twilight!" Spike's words were a reassurance. I sigh in relief before a force pushes my body downward, suffocating me with an embrace before something hard, sleek push through my crevice with ease. A hoof forced my midsection from convulsing, pulling forward the pony realized I would do that.
"Stop crying," The mare's voice was sweet as snake's venom. "You told me you want to be like your sister, hadn't you? Your going to be. Now." It was forcing itself in harder and harder before something punctured. The rippling pain made me constrict. My ears perk-I am not the one screaming loudly. Another pony was, her voice overshadowing my own but I didn't see anypony else near me. Spike didn't dare move from his spot as he covered his eyes. Its not like he can do anything-he's possibly the same as me.
"Remember your Auntie's line of work?" The mare asked as she pushed in. "What was her name? Octavia?" My eyes widen at the name. Octavia Philiharmonica? Wasn't she the pony from the gala? Spike gave me a look before turning away again, covering his eyes with his claws. Tears streaming down his face were hard to watch.
"P-Please, Mama-Please stop!" I hear the voice come from my throat-a voice not my own, plead. The voice was raspy from screaming but very high pitched in nature. "I-I didn't tell her anything-I swear!"
"That's not what she's been telling me," The mare in question answered before she continued, scarring my midsection. "You told us what happened with Pick Pocket. I can't tell you how angry I am to hear you tell her lies." My stomach was growing numb from the injuries by the time the voice answered again.
"I-I didn't--" She cried out again, screaming. "S-She was worried and and...-"
"Don't drag your Aunt into this, don't you agree its wrong?" She asked before she touched me again, pulling away.
"M-Mama--"
"Aw, look, you care now. I told you to say good bye the day you last saw her, I was right, wasn't I? She didn't come back for you. I wonder where she went." Blood dripped between as the instrument she used came out clean. I close my eyes, my head blanking out. Everything whirled and twirled around as I felt myself freed, my hooves worked fine. I was free, I was free! I slowly open my eyes, my head reeling from information that's been given. Three figures surrounded me, their eyes glowing down at me. What's happening? That's when you realize that maybe waking up isn't the brightest idea, especially when three fillies are glaring down at you for Celestia knows what.
Author's Note
I'm going to touch on the past more and more in the interludes than the future. THIS isn't very descriptive on what she's facing a huge problem, but the past will be shown more later.
This is where, I suppose, the talent comes in.
"W-What have you done to Diamond Tiara?!" Scootaloo backed off when whatever Diamond was now tried pouncing. She was growling as she squats down, her eyes focused on her like she was a dog treat.
"Y-You made her some kind---" Sweetie Belle was soon cut off. Her body standing still in shock, her eyes never once leaving Diamond's form.
"Nothing at all, dear. I just made my other beautiful creation a partner," Pirouette's voice was smooth with cold undertones. She smirked at Scootaloo's difficulty at standing before proceeding. "You should know her, sweetie." Diamond 'barked' at the notion of knowing her. Scootaloo flinched but never backed down.
"Wasn't she that filly you saw?" Pirouette mocked, cupping Diamond's face as she rubbed her with mock affection in a dog style.
"I knew you'd do something like that," Scootaloo huffed at her, glaring with such hatred that made even us back off, she ignored the question completely. The mare in question hadn't cared-she showed amusement at the idea. So much so, she erupted in laughter, knowing more than she let on."You never were the one to stay there quietly, your more of the jealous type, now aren't you?" Pirouette seemed to give this thought, she tapped her chin then answered back as her laughter ended.
"No, why would I be jealous?" Pirouette's voice was fast paced. I don't believe her. Scootaloo narrowed her eyes. "Oh, phooy on what you believe! I am a proper mare-surely anypony can see that." Proper?
" "Proper's" not the right word for you," I coughed out. She gave me a quick glare in retaliation. "Fillyphile sounds much more appropriate, rapist too. Much better than the term 'proper'. Don't you think so Scootaloo?" Scootaloo giggled at my antics before Pirouette made her straighten up. Diamond barked at her, her teeth curved in a snarl before Pirouette made her point. She backed off quickly, her eyes never leaving Diamond's fearsome ones. I rushed to her side-Scootaloo didn't appear to see me or didn't care, her eyes were fixated straight at her.
"That was only a taste, sweetie." Pirouette's voice turned to a colder, rougher one. "Such a foalish thing for you to think. Besides, don't think that I know what you can do. You shown your force much earlier on, remember?" From behind her mask, I felt a smirk coming off her.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sweetie Belle's stupor was gone when my eyes landed on her.
"What are you implying there?" Scootaloo's words were carefully woven into a sentence, her eyes narrowing once more at Pirouette. Pirouette giggled at her.
"Ah, such innocence. You forget quite a bit, don't you?" She teased. "You have terrible memory, never had that before. I wonder what made you that way."
"Quit it already." Pirouette gave a coy smile.
"Oh, I should quit it?" She challenged Sweetie Belle this time, I can sense a smirk. "Well then, why don't you tell me why then, Scootsie?" Her eyes widen at whatever thought crossed her mind.
"Don't you DARE bring that up!" Her daughter's voice strained as she screamed. She shook as I held her back. "You promised-YOU MADE A PROMISE THAT YOU'D NEVER BRING THAT UP AGAIN-SOMETHING THAT EVEN YOU WOULDN'T SINK SO LOW TO CONFESS!" Pirouette waved her off coldly. My body shook-Pirouette's sick.
"Aw, did I promise that?" Pirouette said playing 'innocent'. "Promises are like apple pie crusts (hardy har har, Pirouette) that are made to be broken. So deliciously evil ones particularly, don't you think?"
"What's this method to your madness, on with it."
"My my, dear Apple Blossom, aren't you very quick to get onto things?" She mocked. "Did you forget our fun, Scatenata? Remember all those days before you had that...ugly mane? Those were the days, were they not?" She reached out, grabbing her with her magic, the magic brushing from between her legs to the top of her chin, almost reminiscent to Nightmare Moon's ability when she had done the same with Twilight. Diamond made sure she can't get close to Pirouette.
"Rot in Tarturus." Scootaloo replied bitterly. Pirouette giggled again at her.
"She didn't always have that mane, but you knew that, of course~" Pirouette tried again, touching there again before halting. "Who was that annoying pony again-Pinkamina? She didn't have that mane, last time I checked."
"Bullshit!" I called out. "Didn't know her until that party!" Pirouette snickered at this attempt.
"Oh, is that what you think? I pity you, really, I do," She insisted, her smirk growing by the minute. "Didn't you see how easy to buck her brains out? Or, did you and that...what was that client..?" Pirouette mused on.
"Your calling it easy now?" Scootaloo mouthed at her mother before backing off and much farther than me, tears springing forth from her being.
"She was never easy." I answer simply, my voice dropping. "If your implying that, your sadly mistaken."
"Of course it was easy!" She ignored our answers before she gave her own. "I made her my submissive little girl~ Ah, her first mounting wasn't pleasant at all-Sleek was all together too rough, she didn't like it, not to say she ever liked it. Too dumb to realize what his love was like, foolish isn't it?" Scootaloo froze, tense as her eyes widen, her ears dropped down. Why didn't I ever hear of this 'Sleek?'
"I didn't trust him-you thought I did.." Scootaloo's voice shook, terrible come back. She flinched at herself. "I for one, didn't. I was just..scared..that was all!" Her defense needs to be worked on.
"Who the buck is Sleek?" Why did I sound so harsh? She never cheated on me, there's no betrayal, but I sounded like there was. I turned to Scootaloo, scanning her for an answer. "Who is Sleek?"
"A pony that she loved dearly~" Pirouette antagonized. "He was so rough, she cried for the duration. Pleased him in every way she could, she loved him after all. Though, he wasn't me, therefore after she was able to produce, I didn't (and don't) allow him in on certain days. Looks like you mounted her on her heat cycle though, don't celebrate. Those burnouts are surely not worth the trouble you'll get yourself into." The magic touched the baby bump Scootaloo sported before retreating. She hadn't answered me-she had that stare from earlier. Sweetie Belle, however, was quick to defend Scootaloo as she couldn't answer.
"Apple Bloom, don't believe her lies!" Sweetie Belle defended. "You know she's nothing but a liar! You know that better than anypony here."
"Who.is.Sleek?" I didn't allow anypony to sway me. "Who the buck is Sleek? I-I could have done somethi-"
"His name's Sleek Finish..." Scootaloo finally answered. "Don't bring that up..please..." She wavered, her hair slowly falling flatter and flatter, deflating from the spikes. Pirouette laughed at our disagreement before turning away, waving off.
"I'll let you two bicker on. Dazzle here will surely do to you as she sees fit." Pirouette mocked before she tossed something into Diamond's mouth, causing her to freak and go into a crazy mode that only animals could do. She stayed tight where she was, laying down and staring at us. I ignore this-Diamond would just stare anyway.
I shouldn't press her again, she'll never trust me again after I promised not. I frown to myself mentally. She started it, she was with this Sleek guy and wouldn't even tell me who he is! No-I can't start another argument like that. It wasn't like we met during the time, so it didn't count..right.? My voice pressed forward, my head on overdrive like I had no control.
"Well, you can trust me, can't you?" My voice dripped with anger and betrayal. "Why didn't you-I can't believe-"
"I never would cheat on you, I promised you that much, didn't you hear me when we first went at it?" Scootaloo instantly perked and snapped back, growling. "Or were you too busy bucking Dinky to really know what loyalty is? Are you already doubting me by what SHE says?" I don't flinch at the words. Why the buck does my voice screw things up? I can't even begin-
"I didn't buck Dinky through everything!" She rolled her eyes at my excuse. "That was a ONE night thing-you should know that, your great with one night acts, aren't you?" She flinches at me, I hit a soft spot in her armor. Instantly, she teared up, forcing herself away from me and made me regret my words.Why did I even say them? I didn't even want to say that! Why can't I just shut my own trap?
"I never loved him like that.." Her words trailed off before she flopped herself onto the ground, breaking down. Within minutes, she spoke again, like before with such an innocent child like voice I wouldn't picture on her. I would picture it more on Fluttershy of all ponies. "Isn't that how ponies showed they cared for one another? Mama always taught me that, we always had done that-I loved Sleek because he was my cousin and that's how you showed a pony that you loved them. I didn't love him, but Mama would always try to get me to show my love for him.." Her mane fell flat, the bun absent after the mane fell. It draped over her eye in dull curls, something similar suit to Pirouette's.
"She always told me that's how you showed ponies that you loved them, bu-but that's not how others did it!" She backed away, crawling away from me. "..but I really loved Mama...and believed her...because she was my m-m-m-mommy.." I tried to inch closer to her, but she refused to let me do so.
"Don't touch me."
"S-Scootaloo?" I try breaking her from what she had done previously, she was very dull in color by now. "Scootaloo, please-I over reacted, I'm so sorry. I didn't k-"
"LIAR!" She barked, screaming as Pretty trotted her to her. Pretty and Sweetie were the only ponies allowed near her, seeing that Pretty got very close to her, and the only thing she did was bring her closer. "That's what you ponies always say. 'I'm sorry I over' Bull. Come up with a better excuse. Also, the name's not Scootaloo, its Scatenata. Who gave you the idea my name's Scootaloo?" She curled up, lowering her guard with Pretty but still tense. Her eyes never left me.
"What kind of ponies are you referring to?" I question, moving closer before she kicked me. "You have good aim for a-"
"For a what? A whorse?"
"Sc-Scatenata, I made a promise to you, don't you see?" She didn't answer me, so I continued. "I made that promise, and its still open-"
"Ponies break promises, you seen what you've done. You broke a promise easily." She ignored me again before quite repeating. Her resolve was instant. "All you ponies are the same anyway. Trust is easily tossed around and just as easily shattered ain't it?" She circled around, getting up before instantly tackling me down.She wagged her tail dog like, ignoring all she had created, contradicting herself.
"But...but...." She frowned deeply. "I really..don't want to be alone...even when you break a promise.." She was conflicted between the two. What the buck..? What's gotten into her?
I sigh, helping her off. She didn't move much-her form still heavily depressed with such a strange...habit. She carried Penny in her mouth, backing off with such fear that I only saw a few times when Applejack happens to kill the cows when they lack milk. They had such a look of fear...so much so, I was never allowed to see that again. Her ears lowered as she stared at me.
"I'm..I'm sorry! I..didn't mean any of what I said!" She shook, her body hitting the bars until they snapped her back to the reality that Diamond was right there. She screamed before she backed off again. I whipped around to Sweetie Belle.
"We have to deal with Diamond mutt there, Scootenata and, above all, getting out of here. Any suggestions?" Sweetie rolled her eyes at my remark.
"To be specific, I think I know what's happening." Sweetie Belle cleared her throat before she clarified. "I read somewhere when I was studying under Nurse Redheart that under extreme circumstances, sometimes ponies block out certain memories and revert. Sometimes they retain memories mostly but have certain tidbits removed-like they weren't there. Think of Multiple Personalities but..on crack."
"Huh?"
"Scatenata is her old self that she repressed deeply and her memories were locked," Sweetie Belle sighs. "Scootaloo is the opposite. Imagine if you try to combine the two and both operate at the same time. It won't work, it just WON'T." I nod, understanding.
"How can we get either to cooperate?" Sweetie Belle shrugged. Great, no solution.
"We have to get her out of the state delicately," Sweetie concludes. "Pushing would break her and cause her to shutdown mentally." Why can't things ever go right? Scootenata looks so anxious in her corner.... she won't even glance my way...unless she's afraid. Why was water hitting me? Something streamed down my face.
"I-I'm crying.." I realized. "I..just..." I don't know what to do anymore. If it were anypony else, they would suddenly realize how to. Twilight would do something fast-she wouldn't have accidentally done what I have. Applejack wouldn't allow this, Rainbow Dash would be dead before she ended her chase...what can I do? I just made problems even worse! I wonder why I even bother.
"There, don't cry..." Sweetie cooed as I felt her wipe my cheek. "That'll do no good, will it?"
"What will do good?" I snap. "I just make things more complicated. I just..I RUINED SCOOTALOO. SHE'S BUCKING INSANE!" I heard her whimper in the corner before I hush myself quietly, apologizing to her immediately after.
"Now Apple-"
"No, 'Now Apple Bloom' , I'm tired of that." I frown deeply. "What can we do? Scootenata won't listen, we're stuck with Diamond Mutt--"
Diamond hops to standing position, snarling at a blast that came through. She charged, landing a hit on something. Just then, it ended mysteriously. She was whipped across the room and bolted down by her own arms in purple light before the cell opened quickly with light bursting in. Scatenata flinched at the light source. I forgot that she's been crammed without light. What just happened?
"Apple Bloom, round up Scootaloo. Hurry before they come back. We have to do this fast."
Author's Note
Dazzle:Middle name of Diamond.
Scatenata tapped her hooves against the table impatiently before biting the edge of her mouth. Sweet Celestia, where is her Mama? Her violet eyes scanned again to confirm that she wasn't there. She swung her legs from the chair she was in before deciding to trot around.
"Sleek Finish isn't here, surprisingly!" Scatenata nearly exclaimed with a fair amount of glee she didn't know she had. Where had that come from? Wherever it had, it just made her giggle as she skipped on by. When she had, she stopped in front of the studio one last time. Her smile turned into a frown before she knew it as she convulsed. Oh, Celestia, why'd she go near there? Wasn't it bad enough..? She shook her head before covering her tail.
"Diamond...why can't I stay with you..?" She stared at the studio, studying it slightly. She had no choice to study it, really she had none. The studio was the hallmark of all bad things to come. If the villain in the Mare in the Moon were real, then this must be the lair she had created before being sent away. Typically, a studio like this would be probably be a higher edge studio. It would have been one of the best studios Scatenata were to see if it weren't for the stories behind the studio. On days where she had accidentally forgotten to chose a different route that passes by the studio, she would look back on the day that changed her life. That day when Diamond Tiara chose to help her learn what love really was like in that small 'home'. To this day, she couldn't stop blushing from that filly.She would wonder so many different things. This question was a common question she asks to herself. Then, the more dangerous and disloyal question would enter her subconscious:What if she never taught me what love was? Everytime she'd ask, she would refuse to think about it further, but she couldn't forget the thought. Maybe she would be with Sleek right now, pregnant with his child, with the look he gives that might happen, or something a little more probable:being a slave like she is to Mama. Maybe she would be dead instead. Scatenata couldn't think of anything quite worse than being forced to be with Sleek like that or death, but death was the better of the two for sure. Then again, she was already the former. "I'm sure its better than there, that's for sure."
The notion of using that studio once more rattled her. Her performance made her sore the last time. She didn't want to put on such a performance again....unless..
"No!" She cried in her thoughts. Not even for her! Her legs felt like lead weights by the time she left, pushing herself forward from the studio that smelled, now, of apples instead of the performance she was forced to give in front of the ponies. She dragged herself to her room. Better there than..."Not going to think of that." She decided to pull out a book instead to get herself thinking outside of where her mother was. It was a tiny book with a purple cover. It was adorned with a pink heart and a diamond tiara (she clarified it was the accessory, not the 'supposed' pony) sticker that took up the center along with her name crudely written in pen along the top. She smiled a little before turning several pages into the book to write.
"Scatenata, darling!" Her Mama called out. "Get here right now! Surely, you couldn't have been...impatient ...right?" The venom dripped at the tips of her sugar coated, velvety voice. Scatenata knew what that meant, but hopefully she wouldn't..right? She hid the book quickly. Mama must never know. Then, turning, she darts away towards her Mama once more, panting. There Mama was with a smile adorning her face. Scatenata smiled sheepishly.
"Well, hello Mama?" Scatenata asked quietly. She shuffled a bit, looking down trying to disguise the fear of her Mama's wrath. Her Mama will be furious. She'll-
"Don't look so withdrawn, Sweetie," She added dully. Annoyance riddled in her voice. "It doesn't look good on you, frankly." Scatenata straightened out instantly at her mother's tone, glancing up at her. Mama's eyes focused on something bigger though, Scatenata could see pent up rage just frothing from her mouth. Mama, however, didn't point it towrads her, so she was a bit relieved.
"Mama?" She asked again, her ears falling back. "Why are you so mad?" Why'd her mouth open before she wanted it to? Nope, she won't live long to fix her mistake. She flinched as her mother slammed her right forearm down in front of her before pulling it away. Instead of being stricken, she was pulled aside.
"We're going somewhere, Sweetie." She answered, her anger seemingly gone from her sweet voice.It was a lie-she knew that much. If the anger had been towards her, this wouldn't be happening. That was a fact. "Come now." Instead of walking, like expected, instead, her body was lifted and they were somewhere else in a blink. It was...a weird sensation to say the least. A sensation she didn't want. Even with the teleportation, they still had to walk. Scatenata peered around the enclosed area before curiosity ate at her.
"Mama, why are you bringing me here?" The filly kindly asked, her purple eyes showed much curiosity. The mother took note of it, pausing slightly to catch her thoughts. "Mama?" The mother craned her neck to glance at her child.
"Hush now, Mama's just thinking. Don't cause a fuss over something minor," Mama replied. "Ah, here we are. My precious collection, darling. You'll be the first to see the newest collection. Your sister saw the first. She wasn't too pleased, the poor dear." The filly in question turned to see the mother's big fuss over such a collection. It was a collection she heard of before-something that she wasn't exactly sure of meant value until now. It was shelves upon shelves with dolls so lifelike in quality, something so divine.
"Its so beautiful Mama!" She marveled, still, the stench was overpowering. No beauty should smell like a carcass. "Its the most beautiful sight I ever seen! Its just the smell that's so off putting, don't you agree, Mama?" She flinched. How could she forget that she shouldn't say certain things? Though, thankfully, the mother didn't seem to mind.
"Aw, yes, my little 'lieve, the stench is quite..off putting, as you put it." The mother noted as she nodded. "I believe I've gotten used to it-you'll to, Sweetie."
"What do you mean, Mama?" She couldn't stop herself from asking, enthusiasm escaping before she quietly piped down. No way, no how, could she make such beautiful works of art. She barely could draw, making such a beautiful creation was beyond her grasp. Besides, when is Mama this nice? Why is she even trusting her?
'Especially when I know she's...she's a bad pony..she's a bad pony, like Summer Stone said...' She tried ignoring the pit of horror in her stomach as she thought. She tried, honestly, to ignore everything and return back to her normal habits, but, even after a few days of trying, she still plagued her. She hid her response.
"Your going to help me make them, isn't that obvious?" The filly was taken aback. She couldn't use scissors correctly...or paint better than a slob, so why would mother subject herself to a pony that lacked such artistic skills?
"Nonsense! You'll surely be a help. After all, you surely must be taught how to master these elements. Your sister decided otherwise, however, I intend to make you learn." The mother shrugged some minor fears, but a bigger fear loomed her. "Besides, one pony needs to have such great tastes, and it isn't your sister."She flipped her curls to show effect. She couldn't help but giggle at the effect. Mama was ALWAYS so funny.
"How can I help?" She squeaked out finally, smiling. Yet..Her stomach dropped in prospect. Pick Pocket...No, she can't tell something like that.
"I'll show you first, dear," Mama responds softly. "You can't learn instantaneously, 'lieve." She tilted her head. But Needle Work, the local earth pony that ran the nearest fabric shop, didn't seem to think the same way. When Scatenata asked, she happily tutored her in creating some pieces of work. It didn't take long, Needle Work even said she had some talent in the field. Too bad she didn't get her talent then and there. She stopped and sat on the floor of the building to wait. Mama left her again, it was getting annoying. Letting out a sigh, she laid back. Really, if Mama was going to-
"Icky, something icky!" She squeaked again before moving her hoof back. She laid her hoof on something wet a sticky. It smelled like copper.She instinctively took a glance before looking out in horror. It was brown with some hint of red, watery as sin as well as clumpy.
"Ah, I see you got yourself acquainted with the grease," Mama's cold voice answered for the strange colored, sticky water.
"I never seen grease like this before.." She edged away softly. Freeze Drip constantly had grease and none of the grease she possessed was this strange, odd color. Looking back, the same could be said about Wheelie.
"Did my ears deceive me or did I hear my daughter muttering under her breath so....improperly?" Mama questioned. Scatenata yelped before shaking her head.
"N-No, Mama, really!" She squeaked. "Really, Mama!" Urk....she wasn't feeling so good...
"Really now?" She frowned at her. "Lying? Is that what I taught you all these years? Good little fillies don't mutter, doll." She beckoned Sleek Finish to come over with a smile.
"I made...arrangements darling." Scatenata felt like her air escaped her very being. She already had been punished, being a bigger pony than she was for a nearing 10 months, having the appearance of an adult with a whole different body type than her old self had. She was also alienated for those 10 months. She wished for her short stature that her age had blessed her with, but with age changing spells and color 'alterations', her punishment went underway. She was going to be 'blessed' soon. Though, she doubted it was a blessing. Wasn't THIS punishment enough? Now Sleek was here to make it even worse! First, the punishment her Mama made her go through after running away, then it was being forced to aid in something that she will probably screw up on and now Sleek was here? It was excruciating, kind of like the pain she was feeling just earlier on except the pain was dull with rapid pain that started flaring with a vengeance the longer she was there. "I wished that the process involved the father."
"Proc..process?" She stuttered. "Bu..But I.." Mama stopped her in her tracks.
"Your having contractions, dear. You might not realize that, as of late and being a first timer. Your taking it surprisingly well." Mama commented before her words trailed off. Signalling for her to follow, she led her through the area where the process of her creations take place.
"M-Mama, I-I WON'T LET YOU HURT THEM...!"She cried out. She stared at the filly that was silver coated with a black mane that also held a silver streak that draped over an eye. She was pleading for mercy, her gray eyes staring out at her crying. The other filly there was Summer Stone-the local bully of the neighborhood. "W-Why are you even doing this to them? What did they-"
"Hush, dear," Mama chided before pushing her along. "Your delivering soon, you'll deal with them soon afterward." Scatenata wanted to turn, but pain shot through her system. She weakly nodded, having no other option. Then the arrival, the only blessing that she had within the 'punishment' (save for the hours of pain) , occurred. She sighed weakly before she was able to see the bundle. When she had, she quickly fell in love. The foal was a tiny silver clad filly with radiant purple eyes, only a few shades darker than the mother. She was perfect.
Then again, all good things come to an end, even if the good was very brief. This is where Scatenata came to be, and how she split and better yet, how a silver spoon was born.
Author's Note
I wonder how a 7 year old managed to come up with such dark thoughts.
Scatenata liked hiding-whether she admitted so herself. I didn't need to see her admit it, she could just tell. Who was she lying to when she claimed she was a pony named Scootaloo, at least by nickname? Mom would scold me if she were here and heard what I thought; being judgmental isn't cute on a mare as wonderful as I, but its part of who I am. I wonder why Pirouette just lets her. She certainly does appear to be what she claims..I let out a lighthearted chuckle. She really is a virgin-I wonder how Pirouette fixes her. Wait-ignore the fact I'm looking right there! Where the hay is Diamond? She won't bucking leave me here, will she? My ears twitch to hear a melodic voice that was so welcoming.
"You'll meet up with me later, right?" Sweetie Belle asked, her curls bouncing happily as she bounced her. A smile graced her pretty fur. I blush a little even though it wasn't aimed to me-she was so precious. She fluttered her light green eyes with another smile to convince the orange mare. Scootaloo flattened her ears, a blush crossing her cheeks before sheepishly smiling back.
"Ah, yeah. I will. I never leave my friends hanging. Besides, we're doing it later anyway!" Scootaloo coughed, probably to mask the unease. "I can't believe..." Sweetie Belle giggled at her, patting her head.
"Stop being such a silly filly!" She laughed. "You have a week before you have the chance!" A week? I tilted my head-wait, was she referring to the Ponyville Prom that was coming up? It was a vague memory that I try to set aside. It was horrible! I have my dress and everything-I just don't have the date. Diamond Tiara seemed pretty confident about her date-though the date's name was absent on me. Did she even say? I wish Sweetie Belle would ask me instead of I asking her-rejection from her would kill me. Though-it looks like that won't be happening soon.
"I..know..."She answered, again, pausing after the response. Her blush evident. "I need help with..that.." Her blush doubled in size. Sweetie Belle giggled as she pulled out something from her saddlebag. I can't see clearly what it is. Was it a magazine or something? "S-Sweetie?! I-I can't afford all that...!"
"Tisk, tisk, tisk, silly filly!" Scootaloo sent a small glare. "Rarity said that part was on her. Something about being fabulous being first prize over trivial bits.Besides, it wasn't too much anyway. I..kind of..."
"Wait-don't tell me.."
"Relax! She won't tell!" Sweetie Belle's grin widens as Scootaloo stared at her. "Besides-it doesn't matter now. You have a delivery you have to make after school, right?"
"Of course-to Citrisburg, its not too far of a flight, thankfully."She said, thoughtfully. "Takes 20 minutes at most, why?" Sweetie Belle apparently turned the page of whatever she had over to show her, making her jump back.
"How do you manage to get a hold of these ponies?" Sweetie didn't bother to speak. She shrugged as she pointed.
"You saved a ton-I'm sure, right? I sent over our plans and they tweeked it only a bit. I had to get Rarity to check if its stylish enough." She stuck her tongue out. "You should pick it up soon, then."
"How can I right now? After my trip to Citrisburg--" Quickly, their plans were shifted once Diamond came into the picture. They hid the evidence quickly enough and were just talking mindless Cutie Mark garbage. What the hay were they talking about?
"Silvy, you, like, zoned out of it." Diamond Tiara snapped, her eyes glaring with concern and slight annoyance. I sigh.
"Nothing much, you left me with the Blank Flanks." Diamond rolled her eyes at my annoyance. "Where were you?"
"Preparing for the next week, of course!" Diamond flaunted. "Everything is counting on that day-I plan on making it special. Besides-being this hot takes time and devotion." Typical Diamond. She fluttered her blue eyes at me as she posed.
"You really outdone yourself." She has. Her mane was styled and she had eyeshadow on. "Who's the lucky pony?" Diamond paused, her gaze lingering at something.
"You'll find out soon enough." What the hay is with all the secretive mombo-jumbo today? What is Scootaloo even doing with Sweetie Belle? What the hay are they planning? I sat down for the start of class, but I could care less for Ms.Coffee Cake's baking lessons or Mr.Haywire's science. It doesn't have much of an effect on my life anyway. Still no idea. Probably concerns the prom. Is Scootaloo's Sweetie's date? I scrunch my nose. They aren't that close, but I doubt that.
"What is your bright idea?" I ask, turning my head towards Diamond as the school bell rang for the last time today. Time to leave.
"Your a much better detective," Diamond admitted. "You'll be following to see whatever those blank flanks are doing. We can't let them outshine us, we'll be the highlight of the prom!" Diamond's idea popped into my head. She wasn't thinking like I was-but she gave me the perfect opportunity to see the deal behind Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.
"Are you...sure?" I try acting worried-but showing her my motivations wasn't an option. Sorry Diamond-I can't trust you like that, even if your my friend. Sweetie Belle's safety triumphs over all.
"Positive, now, Scootaloo's easy to track after her deliveries." Wait-how did she..? I gave her a small look. "Nevermind my sources. Anyway, track her down. She already left." Diamond's eagerness slightly startled me, but I didn't care. My undercover work is underway.I nod and walk off to get the needed materials.
Day 1 (Technically today)
I saw her flying from Citrisburg fast without a doubt. She had saddlebags full of junk. On later inspection (I won't tell the means, nopony needs to know the means) I took note of a variations of magazines, notes and other junk. Some looked similar to the fashion illustration Rarity hangs around. Dress swabs and samples were surrounding the design notes, then other designs. They remind me of Silver Lining's designs of rings-but why would Scootaloo be into any of that?
Ignoring the items was one thing, what Scootaloo did was another. She entered her home with Apple Bloom later the same afternoon. I keep missing out on tidbits-all I got from this was banging, screams and other minor manure that probably is rather common to the blank flanks. However-Apple Bloom initiating it all was more shocking and her seemingly guiding it was even more surprising.
At 6 pm, they left the premises and I couldn't find either of them again. I have to report this back.
Day 2
After reporting to Diamond Tiara, she was less than happy. She seemed worse than I expected from this outcome, but whatever. Apple Bloom is acting flustered and Scootaloo couldn't stop blushing. Its strange-they aren't acting right near eachother, but when do they? However-despite my annoyance, Diamond insisted on knowing why. Rarity must rub off her or something ever since becoming a helper of sorts. Anyway-Sweetie Belle was acting hyper about whatever they were doing and seemed very pleased while Apple Bloom tried passing it off as her phase. Something about Annie May. Though, I never heard of a pony named Annie May. Then, Apple Bloom proudly showed something off similar to a flower design to the two. She whispered something but it was hard to hear. However, Scootaloo seemed very flustered and...I couldn't tell the other mixed emotion. Sweetie Belle then insisted on her putting it back which ended the talk entirely when class began.
What's with every delivery? Damn, this chicken goes everywhere! She was pacing everywhere and anywhere, gathering supplies with Sweetie Belle and then heading off with Apple Bloom, leaving Sweetie Belle in the dust. Again-I never understand what they were doing. Apple Bloom was insisting something-I swear if this was a relationship she would be the stallion. Wait-that was odd. Ignore that. After this, they returned back to whatever they were doing previously. However...
Why was Scootaloo at Rarity's without Sweetie being there?
Day 3-13
Everything's been fast paced and I couldn't tell anything. Apple Bloom would disappear with Scootaloo behind her and Diamond would grow bitter of the interaction. She really doesn't like Apple Bloom. Diamond's been confronting Scootaloo lately due to fake mutuality. However-this only impedes the investigation.
Scootaloo spent a day in Manehatten after her deliveries with Apple Bloom while scrambling for something started coming along. Sweetie's been handling Apple Bloom with prom intentions.
After day 7, things got even more intriguing. Scootaloo started acting off. I mean-hyper and everything. I won't admit to being a little afraid that my plans would fall because of her sudden vomiting illness that only lasted until day 12 where she seemingly fought it off. However, I know its not true since the events that transpired later weren't happening for the most part. Seems like Apple Bloom's in a bind trying to help her. Sweetie Belle seems to know the answer. She skipped school and work for days until today. Though, through investigations...I have figured some answer that I was wishing I didn't know:
Sweetie Belle must be dating Scootaloo or something. At least, I figure that. Diamond doesn't think that, however. She won't tell me what her thoughts are. Recently-I discovered the whereabouts after Apple Bloom and Scootaloo rendezvous. She is meeting her tonight and...I plan on making my own move.
Author's Note
This is a week prior to Scootaloo's sudden disappearance. Despite Silver Spoon being the way she is-she's quite blind it seems.
Diamond Tiara:Works with Rarity for her own store. Apparently knows more than Silver Spoon.
The "Flower thing" is whatever device that Apple Bloom stuck in her mane from before.
((I'm redoing this story))
After consideration, I'm going to edit this story and use a different name that fits. The story will be listed as: Hero Perception and Pirouette is a bit more in the spotlight. Don't worry, though, it will be created soon enough.
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“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in.”
“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in.”
Celestia's sun greeted me in a warm embrace the first moment I woke up. I rubbed my eyes, bothered by the light at first, then yawned as I realized that it was morning. I pushed back my apple decorated blanket and jumped off my bed. I nearly stuck the landing too, that is, until I landed on all fours and hurt my hooves in the moment and fell. I guess I can't get a cutie mark in gymnastics either.
"Apple Bloom, come down here!" Uh oh, she heard me.
"Sorry Applejack!" I called. It took me awhile to fully adjust to waking up. When I had, it was the usual: breakfast, chores, and Cutie Mark Crusaders. I pushed the chair to the wardrobe's mirror and examined myself. My red mane was a mess, Rarity would scream if she saw me like that. Definitely need to comb. I took a brush through my hair a few times before tying my prized ribbon in my hair. Good, all set. I hopped off the chair and trotted towards the kitchen thinking about what'll happen today. Sweetie Belle promised she'd help for it.
"Come 'ere Apple Bloom," Applejack called again. My ears fall flat. Chores already? I didn't need to go far to see what Applejack needed. She stood at the doorway and waved me over. She looked awfully sad and worried. I went to her and gasped.
"Have you seen her?" I shook my head. Why would Scootaloo's mom ask me that?
"Nope, sorry Miss Pirouette." Why are all of them sad? "Why? What is it?" She shook her curled pink mane frantically.
"My poor Scatenata!" Pirouette cried out. I peer over at Applejack confused. She sighed and shook her head. "I can't find the dear anywhere!" I stop, realizing my teeth were grinding together. Applejack placed a hoof on my shoulder.
"I'm sorry to hear that, we'll help ya look for her. Don't ya worry 'bout a thing." Pirouette smiled as she wiped fake tears away. For a pony who's so worried, she had the time to dress up in her namby pamby way. From her orange coat to her fluffed up pink curls, the unicorn was always dressed to impress. Always. She sniffled and 'composed' herself, though she was always composed.
"Thank you, I appreciate it," She smiled as her voice wavered. "She just....she just never came home last night. I was sure she came here." She glared at me a little, but it ended abruptly.
"Well, get along now. Don't worry about a thing." Pirouette didn't need a pony to tell her twice.
"Just...thanks." She waved off as she trotted away immediately. Applejack turned towards me, frowning at my behavior.
"What the hay was that?" She scanned me from top to bottom. My ears fell again.
"I don't believe her," I said, frowning myself. I walked towards a basket. Applejack must have bucked the trees earlier when I wasn't awake. I twisted around; Applejack wasn't there. I plopped on the ground and sighed.
Is she okay? I thought, then rolled my eyes. Of course, she probably went away earlier to do tricks again. Or watch Rainbow Dash practice. Its probably the latter.
"Pirouette is a busy mare, I reckon you talk to Sweetie Belle." A bag was tossed and hit me directly. I grumble and strap it together.
"I still don't believe her." She trotted towards me and pushed me forward.
"I don't know the whole story on their relationship," She started carefully. "She still cares for her. Give her a chance. If you could give Luna a chance, I bet you can do the same for her." Luna and Pirouette are two different ponies completely. One is a misunderstood princess and the other a vain drama queen. We've learned that ever since she came to Ponyville that Nightmare Night. Its been years since then, we've learned so much. We still hadn't found our marks, but we've grown closer and found new editions. Sweetie Belle is much better at magic, Scootaloo started to fly not too long ago, and me? I just started bucking the trees. Its easier now that I'm almost Applejack's size.
"I'm pretty sure she's with Rainbow Dash again, but I'll check with Sweetie." I hugged her tight and then galloped away toward's Rarity's. Sweetie Belle was probably at Rarity's for her dress. Rarity designed them for us just for tonight, Sweetie Belle took liberty to persuade Rarity for them.Sweetie Belle was frantic just to find a date. I can't blame her. Diamond Tiara was sure to be there and mock us. I smile as I see Ponyville in the distance. Everything is calm as ever when I do enter. Merchants had their stores open and venders are lined up prepared to sell product. The towns ponies seemed cheerful as they wondered about. I laughed as fillies and colts played around me. It was calm and serene.
"What I'd tell you?" Oh, its Rainbow Dash! I waved to her as she finished her shift.
"Rainbow Dash, how are you? Is Scootaloo with you? Did you see her?" Ever since they became sisters, they hung out together. I waited for the inevitable-
"I haven't seen Squirt today." Rainbow Dash answered as she kicked the cloud she perched on. "Apple Bloom? You okay there? Is everything alright?" I shook my head.
"She wasn't with you at all?" Rainbow shrugged.
"Now that you mention it..." Rainbow thought for a while. "Naw, didn't see her. I even waited for her but she didn't show up! She stiffed me!" My jaw dropped. Scootaloo would never forget something like that. She practically begged] for Rainbow Dash to train her. The shock was hard to adjust to, but when I did, I ran for Rarity's. Sweetie was there. She had to be there. There's no doubt in my mind she was. There is not a doubt in my mind...not a doubt.. I think I ran to fast for my own good, I rammed into ponies or they jumped away. Either way, I couldn't just trot my way there. I heaved as I found my way to the boutique, then entered immediately, looking around at everything in sight. Mannequins with dresses decorated the main room of it fancy like. It was like nothing changed throughout the years.
"My word, Apple Bloom!" Rarity scolded. "Didn't anypony tell you to knock first?"
"Have you seen Sweetie Belle? I have to ask her something." Rarity paced around, picking up a mannequin that was knocked over. Oops, I must have done. She smiled as if it hadn't been knocked over.
"Ah yes, she's upstairs darling. Just...clean up first before you enter. Your dirtying my precious floor with dirt." I looked to the doorway and back. Dirt trails lead to my spot. I sighed and nodded, defeated. I turned towards the mat and wiped the dirt clean away fast to see her.
"Thanks Rares!" I ran up the stairs with a smile on my face. Sweetie Belle was probably with Scootaloo; she wasn't with Rainbow Dash after all. Pirouette might not have caught her leaving to see Sweetie Belle. It wouldn't be the first time.
"Sweetie Belle, Scoota---" I rammed into the bed immediately upon arrival. Sweetie Belle gasped, her magic instantly picking me up to help.
"Apple Bloom? You okay?" I cocked my head towards her. Is this some sick joke?
"Have you seen Scootaloo? I was just-then Ponyville-uggghhh!" I fell back against the bed, my head leaning down. Sweetie Belle rubbed her hoof in my mane.
"Not today, why? I saw her last night. She was very excited." Sweetie Belle's eyes widen. "Why, what it it? Did she tell you?" She clapped her hooves excitedly and held mine tight as she shook them.
"Te--"
"She told me she'd wait for me! It would have been so cute to see! I knew you wouldn't say no! All those romance books have been right all along!"
"What-"
"We practiced for a while. She was bad at it at first, but she got the hang of it. I just can't believe she didn't tell you all the work that was in---"
"SWEETIE BELLE!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. I couldn't compose myself. What the hay was she talking about? I pushed her hoof away and stepped in front of her. "What the hay are you talking about? Pirouette came over. Scootaloo didn't tell me anything. What's going on?!" Sweetie Belle gasped and fell back.
"So she didn't-"
"Didn't tell me what?" Sweetie Belle paced around until she found what she needed.
"What's the box for?" She put her hoof in my face as her magic opened it.
"She wouldn't possibly tell you without this! She saved her bits for it. Though, she didn't bother to hold it herself. Said something about 'losing it if she had it.' I'm not sure. She was so excited when she showed me though." A ring sat in the box. It was a beautiful silver, engraved with words that Sweetie Belle refused to let me see. Was that... for me? It couldn't be.
"Sweetie Belle.."
"Scootaloo was the pony to ask Rarity for your dress personally." Sweetie Belle smiled a little. "She wanted it to match. I tried helping her last night with everything. She wouldn't say she was, but she was nervous. She's too Rainbow Dash to admit she was nervous." Sweetie Belle continued to pace around. I looked away. I did that to her,she's scared because of me. She's scared for Scootaloo. Where was she?
"She did all that for the first school dance?" For me? Sweetie Belle turned her head to face me again.
"Of course, she wanted it to be where she proposed. Why wouldn't she?" My legs wouldn't hold me anymore. They made me fall. I covered my face to block out Sweetie as tears dripped down my cheeks.
"Apple Bloom..."
"I-I thought she was with you...."
"Wait-she wasn't with you?" I shook my head.
"Pirouette came over and asked. I just thought...." Pirouette is not a reliable source of anything. Too high and mighty for her own good. You would have thought she was a Princess. I felt something pull me.
"Its okay, don't worry, I'm sure she' fine. She's strong-she could handle herself. She might be preparing as we speak. She didn't tell me everything."
"Swee---" Sweetie shushed me again. She rubbed my mane again as I quieted down. Why is she-I heard muffled sounds from downstairs. I tried listening in, only to hear parts.
"----and then she just disappeared!" Oh, that's why.
"I know Rares, I know." Was that Applejack? I could tell she was pacing, I could hear her.
"---There's no possible way! I thought it was a lie!" Rarity's voice wavered as she yelled. Applejack didn't answer as she paced.
"Rainbow Dash didn't see her either."
"Its like the case....from Manehatten..." Rarity's voice fades, wavering as she spoke as if she was whispering. She didn't believe her own words.
'What case?' I whisper towards Sweetie. She shook her eyes and thought for a moment.
'I don't recall much. Something from Manehatten.'
"It can't be anything like that case." Applejack snapped. "She's just...."
"Its exactly like it darling..." Rarity's voice trailed. "We need to notify them, Applejack. We need to for her sake. If we don't---"
"Hold your horses! We can't go 'round making assumptions." Applejack, what are you holding back?
"We can't just stand here!" Rarity argued. I grew impatient. They knew something-whatever they knew, it was big. I was rid of Sweetie's embrace as she moved forward to the top of the stairs. She gestured me to come forward as a loud burst was heard from the door.
"Guys, come quick! Twilight just wrote to the Guards after what we found!" Rainbow Dash's voice was recognizable. Something made me shiver; it won't end well.
"What is it darling?"
"Well, on with it!"
"Fluttershy...she found track marks. Squirt must have skidded."
"What's that got to do with anything?" My stomach falls. Uh oh. Sweetie looked towards me. Was she scared as me?
"That's just it, Squirt skidded. She skidded and we found her scooter and helmet. It was covered in blood, but without a Scootaloo."
Author's Note
Scatenata is the Italian word for Wild, rambunctious.
Silver Linings [The Silver Arc prologue]
Ever since I seen you, I fell so hard. I know that and I have a feeling you do too.
The problem? How can't figure out how to tell you in words. Then she came into the picture when my cutie mark was found. Was it something I did? What was the appeal about her? It was somewhere then, I figure, I sunk to my lowest. Or maybe it wasn't then. Maybe my lowest was hit further back-I can't trace where I've gone anymore. Through my insanity (or, maybe, I'm quite sane and just try being something I'm not, they state I'm wonderful in that regard.) dictates that it was the latter. Then, the strange warm liquid coats my being and all I think of is her. My hips buckle and I pleasure myself. Then, I wonder if this was the bliss of insanity or true love.
It was the former. I can see her-my lovely. I can imagine her there, the same way as me. Drenched in another pony's warm liquid that stains.
Wasn't insanity wonderful? It must be the latter, I can sense something that linked me to a past with this liquid. I didn't suspect a thing earlier, and I regret it I suppose. I would have gladly accepted such captivity earlier on and end the struggle to choose. I would show her and she would happily accept. Then again, doing that would show life to be something easy. It most certainly never ends as such. I look back, wondering where it all took place, where this started to form. Then, all I have to do...is look at her
Scatenata. It's always Scatenata starting everything. Its always her that forgets to end it. Then again, I expected the whorse to go that route.
Just be warned, when she starts something, it always comes out ugly, and that doesn't exclude me. The creation of me-this..ugliness she created was, in turn, a result. A glass house built on sand will eventually fall from the unstable base. Eventually everything will come crashing at the seams, and it'll all be her fault.