Author's Note

What are you doing? This is a sequel. The original story was written by Dustchu.

Go to this link right here and read the prequel story. Do it. Go. Now. After that, come back and enjoy this story.

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

“Thank you for coming, Rarity,” Cheerilee said from behind her desk.

“It's not a problem at all, Cheerilee,” Rarity said, a look of concern marring her face, “You said that it was urgent.”

Cheerilee sighed, “It's about Sweetie Belle.”

Rarity closed her eyes pained. She was afraid of that. Lately it was like all Sweetie Belle did was get in trouble.

“What happened?” Rarity asked, not needing Cheerilee to go too in depth.

“It was another fight,” Cheerilee said, “Snips and Snails apparently said something to her, and she exploded on them. First it was just shouting, but after a while…”

“I don't need to hear anymore,” Rarity said with a sigh, “I just don't know what to do with her anymore.”

“How is she at home?” Cheerilee asked Rarity.

“About the same as she is here sadly,” Rarity admitted, “We've gotten into so many arguments lately. Honestly, she hasn't been right since…”

“Since Rumble disappeared, right?” Cheerilee asked, “She tends to get really upset whenever someone mentions Rumble. Rarity, I didn't want to say anything, but do you think-”

“Absolutely not,” Rarity said adamantly, “I know Sweetie Belle didn't necessarily like the boy, but she didn't have anything to do with his disappearance.”

“I'm not accusing her of anything,” Cheerilee said, “I was just wondering if you thought she knew anything.”

“She says no, so I believe her,” Rarity said, “I don't know why she's acting out like this though. She was just fine the day before, but then one night…”

“It's so bad that most of the students are getting afraid of her,” Cheerilee said, “It doesn't help that her clothes now are so…”

Rarity cleared her throat, “Yes, I realize. Besides that, she hasn't bullied anyone, right?”

“Oh no, never,” Cheerilee said, “Beyond snapping at ponies, she's very well behaved. In fact, she's been keeping to herself a lot more these days. She doesn't even speak up in class as much anymore.”

“Hrm… not sure how I feel about that,” Rarity said, “She used to be so vocal and bright.”

“Rarity, I'm seriously getting concerned about her,” Cheerilee said, “Whatever is going on with her, she needs to talk to somepony about it and soon.”

“I know…” Rarity said, “I've been trying to be that pony, but…”

It was interesting how even a sunny day could look so dark depending on one's mood. Sweetie Belle hadn't had a truly sunny day in about two weeks, not since it happened. Her “first” blood, the mare from that night said.

Most of the ponies in Ponyville thought Rumble had just disappeared, probably run away from home. I mean, he was a troublemaker and attention seeker. This was right up his alley, but Sweetie Belle knew better. Rumble was dead. Essentially killed in cold blood. Poor Scootaloo, who was his girlfriend, was besides herself, wondering where he went, and wishing there was a sign or something. Sweetie Belle wanted to give her friend some form of closure, even if it were to tell her that he was dead.

But she couldn't tell her that. She couldn't tell anyone that he was dead. If she did, she'd have to tell them another truth as well.

That she was Rumble's killer.

“Damn it…” Sweetie Belle swore, wiping her eyes carefully as they teared up. She didn't want to ruin her make-up, which along with her style had changed quite a good deal since “the incident”. She had begun wearing a short black tutu skirt, black corset top that accentuated her growing thirteen year old figure, fishnet stockings, black leather heeled boots, and a black leather jacket. On her face she wore dark purple eyeshadow now, and red lipstick, giving her a very gothic look. Her mane and tail were both still the same though, as she knew Rarity would throw a fit if she changed either of those drastically.

Most ponies didn't know this about Sweetie Belle, but she always dressed depending on her mood in the morning. So this darker look matched her pretty well lately.

As she sat down outside Cheerilee's office, she reached into her school bag and pulled out the small black dagger that she kept with her at all times now. She didn't even know why she carried it. It was a constant reminder of what she did, and the decision she made.

Welcome to the Dark Brotherhood, Murderer.

That's right. She was a murderer now. A killer. Even if it were in self defense, the truth is she still killed Rumble. That was a sin she was never going to undo. She killed an innocent-

No… he wasn't innocent, was he? He was actually terrible. Always causing trouble, flirting with all the other fillies in school EVEN WHILE DATING SCOOTALOO, pulling pranks that no one thought was funny and sometimes hurt someone… honestly, she did the world a service by-

“Stop it!” Sweetie Belle screamed, holding her head as she started full blown crying. It wasn't true. She wasn't a murderer. She wasn't.

“Stop what exactly,” a high and soft voice said. Sweetie Belle looked up and saw her best friend Apple Bloom standing over her and giving her a sweet yet concerned smile.

“It's nothing…” Sweetie Belle said, quickly putting her dagger away and looking away from Apple Bloom. As long as she didn't look her in the eyes, she wouldn't be able to tell that she was lying.

Apple Bloom sighed and sat down next to Sweetie Belle.

“So… how are ya doin?” Apple Bloom asked, “Think your in trouble or somethin?”

“I don't know,” Sweetie Belle said distantly.

“You know Snips and Snails didn't mean to upset you, right?” Apple Bloom asked, “I mean, they're idiots, and they need to learn tact, badly, but they meant well.”

“Apple Bloom, you saw how they looked at me, right?” Sweetie Belle asked, “They were asking for it.”

“Um… to be fair, you are dressed in a way that calls attention to, um…” Apple Bloom admitted.

“WELL MAYBE I DIDN'T DRESS LIKE THIS FOR THEM, OR ANYONE TO LOOK AT ME!!!” Sweetie Belle screamed turning to Apple Bloom, “MAYBE I DRESSED LIKE THIS FOR MYSELF!!! NOT SOME COLT WHO CAN'T CONTROL HIS-” she caught herself when she saw Apple Bloom lean away from her in fear, “Apple Bloom… I'm sorry… I…”

“Golly… what's goin on with ya lately? I ain't never seen ya this upset before,” Apple Bloom looked around, “Now Sweetie Belle, I need ya ta be absolutely honest with me. Did Rumble do anything to you before he vanished?”

“W-why would you think that?!” Sweetie Belle asked shying away from Apple Bloom.

“For starters, that,” Apple Bloom said, “I've been watchin you for a while now, and it seems like whenever someone mentions Rumble, you get all worked up, and it ain't no secret that he made a pass on pretty much every filly in the school. Come on Sweetie Belle, you can tell me anything.”

Oh no I can't, Apple Bloom.

“How's Scootaloo?” Sweetie Belle said, trying her best to change the subject. With how Apple Bloom sighed, she knew this tactic too well.

“Except for being worried about you and Rumble, she's fine,” Apple Bloom said. Sweetie Belle hugged herself, still not looking at Apple Bloom.

“What did she even see in him anyway? He was horrible, everyone knows it. No one else misses him, not even the teachers really. So why does she?”

“Geez, Sweetie Belle. You've really gotten dark,” Apple Bloom said, “And the way you're talkin about Rumble lets me know the truth. Somethin did happen between you two, didn't it?”

“I'm not talking about it, Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Sweetie Belle, I-” Apple Bloom was cut off as the door opened, and Rarity stepped out. In compete contrast to her younger sister, Rarity wore a really nice short one piece white dress with a purple belt, white high heeled boots, and her usual shades of make-up. When she looked at Sweetie Belle, she sighed.

“How are you feeling, darling?” Rarity asked.

“I'm sick of this place,” Sweetie Belle fussed folding her arms, “I want to go home.”

“Very well,” Rarity said, “I'm sorry Apple Bloom. Could Sweetie Belle call you later?”

“Yeah actually,” Apple Bloom said, “Like, please get in contact with me later, alright Sweetie Belle?”

Sweetie Belle didn't answer. Instead, she just stood up and started walking out of the school. Rarity gave Apple Bloom an apologetic look before running after her little sister.

“That was incredibly rude, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity scolded.

“She was bothering me,” Sweetie Belle stated, “I didn't want to talk to her in the first place.”

“But aren't you two best friends?” Rarity asked.

“Why do you care anyway?” Sweetie Belle asked harshly, “It's not like it affects you at all.”

“It does though,” Rarity said putting a hand on Sweetie Belle's shoulder, “I'm really worried about you. It's like all of a sudden you're just always so uptight and angry.”

“Yeah? Well… don't worry about me,” Sweetie Belle said, “I'm done talking about it.”

“Sweetie Bel-”

“I SAID I'M DONE TALKING ABOUT IT!!!” Sweetie Belle screamed, “Just… drop it!”

With that, Sweetie Belle walked ahead, faster and away from Rarity. She knew that her big sister was just trying to help, but this wasn't something Rarity could help her with. If she were to ever know the truth, she'd probably hate Sweetie Belle forever.

It was nighttime, and she was standing over Snips as he backed away from her cowering in fear. Off to the side was Snails, already lying on the ground a bloody mess.

“W-w-we said we were sorry!” Snips cried, “Why are you doing this?!”

“This is how it starts…” she said, raising the bloody knife, “First it's just minor sexual harassment, and then… you're following girls on bridges preparing to rape them. I hate asshole's like you, but…” she knelt down before Snails and smiled almost lustfully, “I'm going to love doing this…”

“THAT'S ENOUGH, SWEETIE BELLE!!!”

A bright light shined over Sweetie Belle, and she noticed that Snips and Snails faded away, along with the knife in her hand. She looked up and saw a familiar dark blue alicorn descending, wearing a long black gown and her usual regalia.

“P-Princess Luna…?” Sweetie Belle asked, realizing what this was. She was dreaming. Dreaming about killing Snips and Snails. Dreaming about wanting to kill Snips and Snails.

“I must say, I am greatly disturbed by this,” Luna said walking over to Sweetie Belle, “Someone as young as you having fantasies of this nature.”

“I… I'm sorry…” Sweetie Belle said, looking away from Luna. She was probably so ashamed of her now. She was ashamed of herself actually, and Luna's gaze was somewhat painful.

“You should not apologize for the dreams you have,” Luna said kneeling in front of Sweetie Belle, “Dreams are formed by things that happen around us, and our internal thoughts.”

“I am sorry though,” Sweetie Belle said, tearing up, “I'm sorry that I'm a monster…”

“What? Sweetie Belle, you are anything but a monster,” Luna said, embracing Sweetie Belle, who tensed up in her embrace.

“Please no…” Sweetie Belle begged, “Don't…”

“What happened to you, child?” Luna asked softly, “You're dreams have been quite tormented as of late.”

She couldn't tell Princess Luna! If she told her what happened, she'd be investigated immediately. Guards would be pounding on her and Rarity's doorstep, and she'd be thrown into a dungeon forever! Instead of telling Princess Luna, she tensed up even more, moaning in fear.

“Sweetie Belle…?” Luna asked.

“Please, Princess… just go away…” Sweetie Belle begged, “I want to be alone right now…”

Princess Luna pursed her lips, but nodded, “I understand. I will leave you for the night, but know that I shall be following your dreams closely. I'm concerned about you, Sweetie Belle.”

Yeah, you and everyone else, Sweetie Belle thought as Luna floated away. She woke up shortly after, noting that she had tears in her eyes. Was this from being with Princess Luna? Or were these tears shed for the dream itself?

“Still having trouble sleeping, Sweetie Belle?”

Sweetie Belle jumped and turned to her wardrobe closet. Standing next to it was a mare wearing red and black body armor, black hood and a red face mask. Her long, dark red tail and bright blue eyes gave her away instantly though.

“Y-you again…? Sweetie Belle said trembling, “You're the pony f-from that day.”

“My name is Bloody Harvest,” the mare said, “I'm pleased that you remember me so well, child.”

“Why are you here?” Sweetie Belle asked, “You're not here to force me t-to kill again, are you…?”

“Of course not,” Bloody Harvest said raising a hand, “I won't have to force you. You're going to kill again, even without my consent.”

“No! I won't!” Sweetie Belle fussed, “I'm never ever going to kill again!”

“Are you sure?” Bloody Harvest asked, walking over to Sweetie Belle and sitting on the bed next to her, “You seemed to want to kill those two boys from today. Mind you, they don't truly deserve it, but I could understand you wanting it.”

“I d-didn't… want to…” she wasn't so sure of that herself though. She did dream about killing them, didn't she? With what Luna said about dreams…

“Normally, we'd wait until you were of a certain age to begin your training, but I can see the hunger growing within you strongly already. On your desk, I left you a gift. Why don't you take a look?”

Sweetie Belle eyed Bloody Harvest closely as she walked toward her desk. There she saw what looked like a small book. It had the same hand insignia on it, which Sweetie Belle figured was the Dark Brotherhood's symbol.

“Why… are you giving me this…?” Sweetie Belle asked. She was shocked when she felt Bloody Harvest embrace her from behind, just like she did the last time.

“Because I trust you, Sweetie Belle,” Bloody Harvest said, “I see great potential within you, my child, and I wish to nurture that potential. This book has not only spells, but other skills that you'll need to learn. This isn't the only gift I have for you though.”

“What's the other gift…?” Sweetie Belle asked slowly, her heart racing for some reason.

“Something that I've never given anyone,” Bloody Harvest said tightening her embrace, “A free kill.”

Sweetie Belle's eyes went wide, and her whole body went rigid. She was giving her… a free kill?

“You see, normally we get jobs through what's called The Black Sacrament,” Bloody Harvest continued, “However, I want you to see what your true nature is. To do that, I'm giving you a chance to choose your own victim. It can be anyone at all. Grown up, child, it could even be a member of the Council of Friendship, assuming you saw fit to end their life.

“All you have to do is pick them, hunt them, and end their lives on your terms. Don't worry about cleaning the scene. As long as you follow the guidance of that book, no one will suspect that it's you.”

“How do you know I'll use it?” Sweetie Belle asked, “This… free kill?

“You'll use it,” Bloody Harvest said, “You won't be able to resist. Tomorrow, you're going to look around, seeing ponies live their lives. But then, you're going to see someone. Male, female, old, young, it doesn't matter. You're going to see them, and you're going to hate them. You'll hate them because all they do with their lives is make other ponies' lives harder. You'll wonder if the world would be better off without them, and then you'll remember my offer.”

Bloody Harvest released Sweetie Belle, and walked to her window, “The next time you see me, will be after your kill. Till then, Sweetie Belle.”

With that, she jumped out of the window. Sweetie Belle looked down at the book. She could give this to Rarity, or Princess Twilight. They'd investigate this organization, and she could even try to pin Rumble's death on them.

She could be free, right? Free from the guilt. Free from the pain. She could go back to being the old Sweetie Belle. But, would that erase what she did? Would that get rid of the feeling she had? Also, Bloody Harvest said it herself, she was trusting her, and something told her that if she betrayed that trust, things could get really bad for her.

Besides, she was a little curious about that book.

Partially out of fear, and partially out of morbid curiosity, she took the book over to her bed, and opened it. She didn't plan on killing anyone, but the spells in this book did sound interesting.

Bloody Harvest walked over to a tree, where another member of the Dark Brotherhood waited for her. This member, while wearing the same red and black body armor as her, also had a pure white coat underneath their mask and hood, purple eyes, and a neon blue tail.

“You're sure givin that kid a lot of leeway,” the mare said to Bloody Harvest.

“She could be the one we're looking for,” Bloody Harvest said. Her partner laughed a bit shaking her head.

“You actually believe in that prophesy, about a “child” who'll return glory to the Dark Brotherhood?”

“Everything else has happened,” Bloody Harvest said, “Perhaps you could stand to have more faith, sister in arms.”

“Maybe, or maybe you need to think about giving that kid so much. You do know who her older sister is, right?”

“I know,” Bloody Harvest said walking off, “That's why I know she won't tell anyone.”

Her partner shrugged and walked off after her best friend/leader. Hopefully this wouldn't bite them in the flank later. Recruiting someone so young though? She better be the one they were searching for.

They were taking a huge risk here.