Buttercup Rose: the Breaking

Chapters

Prologue: the Break
Chapter 1: The Usual
Chapter 2: The Unease
Chapter 3: The Princess
Chapter 4: The Doubt
Intermission: Stars
Chapter 5: The Unusual
Chapter 6: The Dread
Chapter 7: The Last Day
Chapter 8: The Final Hour

Prologue: the Break

It was a beautiful spring morning in Ponyville. Ponies all around town were smiling, enjoying the sunshine and cool breeze, including a young unicorn filly named Buttercup Rose. said unicorn sat at a river a few miles outside of Ponyville, listening to the birds and babbling brook, and preparing for school. She smiled. She liked this spot. It was a good place to escape the bullies who teased her every day. Buttercup sighed contently. She started down into the river she was sitting at.

“Hey, Losercup!” Buttercup grit her teeth when she heard that familiar oh-so-snide voice.

“Yes, Diamond Necklace?” Buttercup’s voice was full of disdain.

“Guess what?” Buttercup stood up and turned around to face Diamond Necklace and her cohort, Golden Ruby.

“What?” Buttercup asked boredly.

“Look at this!” Diamond held a copy of the Foal Free Press up for Buttercup to see. It had a picture of her putting fake votes into the voting box for this year’s presidential election and grinning. The headline was “Buttercup: Freedom Fighter or Fraud?”

“Whu--what? I didn’t--I mean--you--...” Buttercup went silent.

“You didn’t what? Mean to get caught? Now, everypony will know you deserve to be called Losercup!” Diamond grinned.

“No! I didn’t do that! I-i don’t remember that at all!” Buttercup backed up.

“You don’t? Perhaps we’ll both have to jog your memory!” Diamond knocked Buttercup over. The two bullies then jumped around Buttercup in a circle, singsonging the word Losercup over and over again. Buttercup grunted.

Control it, control it,control it,control it,control it,control it,control it,control it,control it… She tried to keep the anger from taking over, but was failing. She growled. She shouted. The fillies’ jumping and shouting was interrupted.

“THAT’S IT! I HAVE HAD IT WITH YOU TWO! YOU TEASE ME, YOU BLACKMAIL ME, YOU PUNCH ME… WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME!?” Buttercup grabbed the fillies by the necks in her magic. She punched them.

“How do you like it, huh!? How do you like the other side!?” Buttercup proceeded to punch the fillies until they were lumps on the ground. Buttercup just stood there, breathing heavily. She looked down at what used to be two fillies.

“Wh… what have I done…?” Buttercup backed up in fear. She ran home as fast as her little legs could carry her. She threw the door open, ran into her older sister’s room, and locked herself in the closet. Once there, she cried.

“What have I done?” she cried for what seemed like an eternity. She waited there, sobbing, in the darkness.

“I can’t tell anypony. I have to keep it a secret. I have to bury them.” Buttercup couldn’t help but cry more. She didn’t even notice her sister’s voice. She was crying too hard. Buttercup didn’t even look up when she heard the closet door open.

“Buttercup?” Sunset asked.

“S-sis…” Buttercup cried more.

“What’s wrong? Did those two bullies tease you again?” Buttercup only sobbed into her sister’s chest.

“Shh, shh shh shh, it’s going to be okay… it’ll be alright…” Sunset hugged Buttercup as the little filly sobbed into her older sister’s fur. Several minutes passed. Buttercup had just started to calm.

“Now, can you tell me what’s wrong?” Sunset smiled.

“W-well--” and then there was a knock on the door.

“Oh! Somepony’s at the door! Do you want to help me get it?” Buttercup nodded.

“Mm-hmm…” Buttercup climbed up on Sunset’s back and clung to her neck. Sunset went to get the door. She opened it. Ms. Heartstrings was on the other side. Buttercup ducked behind her sister’s neck.

“Oh, ms. Heartstrings! To what do I owe the pleasure?” Sunset asked.

“I’m afraid, Ms. Flower, that I have found two fillies dead.” ms. Heartstrings said.

“Oh no! What happened? Who were the fillies?” Sunset put her hoof up to her mouth. Buttercup barely managed not to cry.

“They were Diamond Necklace and Golden Ruby. I know they were picking on a few foals, but they didn’t deserve this…” Sunset nodded.

“You’re right. This was too much even for them. Maybe Buttercup knows what happened. I found in my closet a few minutes ago, crying.” Sunset led Ms. Heartstrings into the living room and set Buttercup down on the couch.

“Buttercup? Would you like to tell us what happened? Do you know?” Sunset smiled.

“...” Buttercup was about to tell them what happened. Just as she opened her mouth, she saw herself being sent to an asylum or prison. She shook her head, blinked, and started to talk.

“It was a Timberwolf. The two fillies were apologizing to me for the teasing when it attacked. I got away and tried to save them, but it got the fillies before I could. I ran into the closet when I was away from it.” the lie tasted vile in Buttercup’s mouth. But I can’t tell the truth.

“Oh no…” Sunset and Ms. Heartstrings looked at each other.

“Timberwolves?” Ms. Heartstrings was very concerned now.

“Do you think there were others?” Sunset asked.

“No. well… not that I could see.” Buttercup’s stomach churned now. They’ll send me away.

There was a heavy sigh from both adults.

“Good.” Sunset picked Buttercup up.

“Are you okay?” Sunset checked Buttercup for injuries. There were none, save for a small scratch that Buttercup had gotten on way to school that morning. I’m a murderer.

“I’m fine, big sis! But… it was my fault.” Buttercup looked down.

“What was your fault?” Buttercup started to cry again. The guilt had come back.

“I-i…” Buttercup was scooped up into Sunset’s hooves. She cried into Buttercup’s fur once again.

“Shh, Shh… it wasn’t your fault. You couldn’t have known that the Timberwolf would come and attack you. It’ll be okay…” Sunset comforted Buttercup the best she could after Ms. Heartstrings left. Buttercup sobbed until she couldn’t sob anymore.

“Feeling better?” Sunset smiled. Buttercup nodded, though truthfully, she didn’t feel anything. Later, Buttercup sat in her room, at her vanity. She looked down at the tearstained journal. It had a letter to the fillies who died written in it. Buttercup was about to stand up and close the journal, when…

“Heya, Buttercup!” Buttercup’s head snapped up. She looked around, and finally spotted the source of the voice. Her reflection was talking to her.

“H-hello? who are you?” Buttercup asked.

“My name’s Scarlet Knife! I was created when you killed those two fillies as a way to keep you sane.” the pony in the mirror smiled. Buttercup didn’t say anything.

“Alright then. I have a deal for you, Buttercup. If you let me out at night, then I’ll keep you safe and guiltless. How 'bout it?” Scarlet asked.

“You would take the fillies away?” Buttercup asked.

“Yep! I can take all the nasty guilt away for you! You just need to clap my hoof and let me out every night!” Scarlet grinned and put her hoof out for Buttercup to clap.

“...really?” Scarlet only nodded this time. Buttercup lifted her hoof and moved it towards Scarlet’s.

“Just clap my hoof, and everything will be fixed.” Buttercup clapped her hoof down on Scarlet’s.

“Yes! Good job, Buttercup! You won’t miss the guilt!” Scarlet grinned and disappeared. Buttercup passed out, not knowing that that decision was the worst one of her life.

Chapter 1: The Usual

22 years later

Buttercup groaned awake. She sat up, sighing and rubbing her forehead with her hooves. It would another one of those days. Buttercup stood up and went to her vanity. She brushed her mane and tail, and then just sat there, staring into her mirror drowsily.

“Hey, partner!” Buttercup didn’t even move when the voice she was so used to hearing every morning came out of the mirror.

“What do you want, Scarlet?” Buttercup’s voice wasn’t a happy voice.

“Oh, nothing! Just wanted you to know that I made a present for you last night!” Scarlet grinned.

“What is it?” Buttercup was concerned.

“This!” Buttercup pulled out a little doll that looked like Lyra Heartstrings.

“Is that Lyra?” Buttercup tilted her head to the side.

“Not this time! I made this out of Deluxe Doll Fabric from Canterlot! Now, granted, I did steal it, but, hey, at least it’s not from Lyra herself. I don’t have Lyra scheduled until August.” Scarlet smiled and held the doll out to Buttercup.

“Oh. well, thank you, I guess? This is the first time you’ve done something for me and not to me.” Buttercup took the doll.

“Now, what am I forgetting? Hmm… oh, I’ll tell you later, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Scarlet grinned.

“Seeya later, partner!” Scarlet disappeared.

“Why did I have to make that horrible decision so many years ago?”

Buttercup trotted down the dirt road in Ponyville, heading to Ponyville General, the place where she worked. She smiled a relaxed smile and hummed a cheerful tune. Buttercup turned a corner onto the street that led her straight to the hospital. It was a beautiful day outside. The pegasi had certainly done a good job with the weather.

“Heya, Buttercup!” Buttercup looked to see her best friend, Lavender Blossom trotting briskly up to her.

“Hey, Lavender! How’re ya doin’?” Buttercup grinned.

“It’s been great so far! How’s Sunset?” Lavender smiled.

“She’s doing fine, so far. Her Psychiatry business is doing really well. She’s been planning to go see Peony Stem about her PTSD one of these days when she’s free.” Buttercup said. Lavender’s smile faded.

“What’s wrong, Lav’?” Buttercup asked.

“It’s… Peony Stem went missing last night, Buttercup. Didn’t you hear?” Lavender asked.

“Oh no… do you think she’ll be okay?” Buttercup asked.

“I hope so. The Ponyville guards are looking for her, but they doubt they’ll find her. There’s no trace of her anywhere. Her sister has been devastated ever since.” Lavender looked at Peony’s crying younger sister, Daisy Pearl. Her mother was comforting her the best she could.

“I hope she’s found. Daisy doesn’t deserve to lose a sister.” Buttercup shook her head.

“Yeah.”

“So, how’s your mother?” Buttercup diverted attention to a much less saddening topic. Lavender smiled.

“Oh, she’s great! She received the Celestial Award for Creativity. My dad sent a letter from his reserve camp congratulating her.” Lavender grinned.

“Well, that’s great! I hope she’ll go farther!” Buttercup and Lavender stopped when they reached Ponyville General.

“Here’s my stop! See you at lunch, Lav’!” Buttercup waved goodbye and went inside the hospital.

“Bye, Buttercup!” Lavender headed back to her herb shop. Buttercup went over to Nurse Redheart. Redheart smiled wearily when she saw Buttercup.

“What’s the situation? You look exhausted.” Buttercup said. Redheart nodded.

“I’ve been here all night with a patient with broken ribs and front legs. Doctor Stables says she’ll be okay, but she’ll be here for at least a month. She’s been demanding to see Stables all morning long, he’s busy with another patient who has Pneumonia.” Redheart sighed.

“Can I help?” Buttercup asked.

“Yes, you can. Go to the storage closet and get me ice packs, a towel, and some Ibuprofen, then go get Dr. Bandage. She’ll be able to calm the patient for at least a few minutes." And so, Buttercup’s day started.

After work, Buttercup wearily trotted home. It had been a long day. Lunch with her best friend Lavender had been good, though. It had been hayburgers and fries slathered with ketchup and mustard. They’d both ended up with mouths covered in the condiments. Buttercup smiled at the memory and opened the door to the small house she and Sunset Flower shared. She went over to the dining room table and slumped down into a chair with a sigh. She just waited there.

Buttercup knew Sunset wouldn’t home till later. She stood up and went into the kitchen. She made herself a daisy sandwich. She then went back to sitting at the dining room table. Sunset came home almost an hour later.

“Hey, Sunset.” Buttercup said exhaustedly.

“Oh, hey, Buttercup! How was work?” Sunset asked. Buttercup groaned.

“That bad, huh? Well, how about I make some Rotini Alfredo Pesto style for dinner tonight? That usually cheers both of us up.” Buttercup nodded. Sunset smiled and took her bag off, then went into the kitchen to make Rotini Alfredo. Buttercup went into her room after a few more minutes passed. She sat down at her vanity and tapped on the mirror. Scarlet appeared.

“Hey, Partner! How was work?” Scarlet asked.

“Eh. same. Did you hear about Peony Stem?” Buttercup asked.

“What about her?” Scarlet asked.

“She went missing last night, and I thought you’d know something about it, but now that I’ve asked, you won’t tell me anyway. You just get mysterious when I ask you. Nevermind.” Buttercup sighed.

“Oh… h--”

“Buttercup, dinner’s ready!” Scarlet was cut off by Sunset’s call.

“Coming!” Buttercup went to the dining table. Scarlet grinned and disappeared.

The next morning, Buttercup was trotting to work when she saw two guards and a stretcher. Ponies were looking towards the stretcher, horror on their faces. Buttercup wondered what was wrong. She craned her neck to see what was happening. Buttercup’s face turned to horror too when she saw. On the stretcher, accompanied by large amounts of blood, were the bits and pieces of what used to be Peony Stem. Buttercup recognized the place where the cuts were. She froze in place when heard an all-too-familiar voice.

Happy Birthday… Partner.

Author's Note

YEE, FIRST TWO CHAPTERS! I'M NOT A LAZY COUCH POTATO TODAY! hope you enjoy, and I'll update next week, at the same time! constructive criticism is encouraged.

Chapter 2: The Unease

Buttercup’s mind went into overdrive. She backed up. Turned around. She bolted out of the crowd. Ponies stared at her as she galloped back home, panic overtaking her mind. She had to get away from ponies as fast as possible. Once home, buttercup bolted into her room, locked her bedroom door, and hid in her closet. From outside, Sunset’s muffled voice could be heard.

“Buttercup? Are you alright?” Buttercup didn’t answer. She held her hooves to her head and groaned.

“Buttercup?” Sunset was getting more worried, Buttercup could tell. She only buried her face in her hooves.

“Oh…” Buttercup moaned.

“I’m coming in there!” Sunset called. Buttercup jolted up.

“N-no, no, don’t--” But Sunset was already in the room. She opened the closet.

“What happened?” Sunset sat down. Buttercup sighed a shaky sigh.

“I-it… it was Peony Stem…” Buttercup looked down.

“What about her?” Sunset asked.

“She went missing two nights ago… and they… f-found her… this morning… in pieces.” Buttercup shuddered. Not because of the horrible sight, but because of the fact that Scarlet Knife had mercilessly tortured and killed a pony the night before last. That was what Scarlet did for a living; kill.

“Oh no… are you okay? I know Daisy Pearl will be devastated when she hears…” Sunset said. Buttercup sighed.

“I-I’ll be fine…” Buttercup smiled shakily.

“Buttercup, please… you know I can tell when you’re lying.” Sunset said.

“A-alright… I guess I’m not in the best shape.” Buttercup’s smile faded.

“You need a hug?” Buttercup nodded. Sunset embraced Buttercup. Buttercup sighed. Several minutes passed. Sunset broke the hug. Buttercup smiled.

“Feeling better?” Sunset asked. Buttercup nodded.

“That’s good. You want to be alone for a few minutes now?” Sunset smiled. Buttercup nodded. Sunset smiled and left. Buttercup closed the closet door. She groaned and buried her face in her hooves. She quietly began to cry.

“I… why? Why does she do this to me? Why does she kill to hurt me?” Buttercup asked to herself.

Because i’m just like that, Partner. Buttercup shot up.

“I never asked you!”

Oh, but you did. You asked yourself, and therefore I must answer. And besides, it’s far too much fun watching you squirm. Buttercup sighed at Scarlet’s words.

“Well, can’t you just leave me alone for a minute?”

Oh, no, my dear Partner! To leave you alone would be to let you calm down! And we both know why that can’t happen… Buttercup shuddered.

“Just… please. I want to be alone, truly alone, for a minute. …Please.” Buttercup sighed.

If i must. Buttercup felt Scarlet retreating back to whatever part of her mind she’d come from. Buttercup buried her face in her hooves once again. She hoped this awful event would blow over soon.

Later, Buttercup came out of her room to see Sunset sitting in the kitchen, waiting. She smiled at Sunset.

“Hey.” Buttercup sat at the kitchen table.

“How are you doing?” Sunset asked. Buttercup smiled again.

“I’m fine. Might want to call in sick for the day, though.” Buttercup sighed.

“Alright, I’ll call Ponyville General and get you a day off.” Sunset went to the phone on the wall. She called Ponyville General. Buttercup didn’t listen to Sunset. She just slumped onto the table. She wondered how Peony had died.

She died well, Partner. She didn’t even scream. She grunted, but no screams. Buttercup grunted and squinted her eyes shut. I didn’t ask you!

Sunset came back to the table. She noticed Buttercup.

“You okay, Buttercup?” Sunset sat down. Buttercup shook her head.

“Huh? Y-yeah… I’m fine.” Buttercup smiled.

“Alright, but if you need anything I’ll be here, okay?” Sunset smiled. Buttercup nodded.

“Thanks.” Buttercup smiled. Sunset smiled back and then went into the living room.

You’re not getting anywhere by resisting me, y’know.

I’m keeping myself sane for another day.

Suit yourself.

Buttercup sighed.

What am i going to do with myself?

Lavender trotted down the road that led to Buttercup’s house. She sighed.

“I hope Buttercup’s alright…” Lavender went up to Buttercup’s front door. She knocked. Sunset opened the door.

“Hey, Lavender! How are you?” Sunset smiled.

“I’m doing fine, thanks! Is Buttercup here?” Lavender smiled. Sunset nodded

“Yup! She’s in her room. I’ll get her for you. Come in!” Sunset motioned for Lavender to come in. she went to Buttercup’s room and got her. Lavender went into the living room and sat down on the plush couch. Buttercup came out a few minutes later.

“Hey, Lav’!” Buttercup smiled. Lavender sighed. Buttercup sat down.

“Hey, Buttercup! Glad to see you’re not dead.” Lavender smiled.

“Yeah, i just got a bit sick today is all. I’ll be fine with a day or two to rest. So, how’s life?” Buttercup smiled.

“It’s good. Mom’s sending lil bro to Canterlot U to study for his doctorate in science.” Lavender smiled. As the conversation continued, Lavender noticed Buttercup’s smile was different than her usual smile. It was… less happy than normal. Almost like a mask. Her eyes showed the same. They both showed a mask over panic and fear. Lavender sighed inside.

“Hey, Buttercup?” Lavender asked.

“Yeah?” Buttercup smiled.

“I’m gonna go get a drink of water. Kay?” Lavender stood up. Buttercup nodded and smiled. Lavender went into the kitchen to get Sunset. Sunset was sitting in the kitchen, reading the latest edition of the Ponyville Chronicle. Sunset looked up when Lavender came in.

“Hey, Sunset?” Lavender asked.

“Yeah?” Sunset looked at Lavender.

“Have you noticed Buttercup’s smile today?” Lavender asked.

“What about it?” Sunset asked.

“It seems… almost fake. Like a mask over something, but I can’t tell what the thing is that’s bothering her.” Lavender sat down at the kitchen table.

“I noticed that this morning, but I don’t want to make her feel uncomfortable. The mask smile comes out whenever she has days like this one, when she sees something outside and panics. I don’t know what to do…” Sunset sighed.

“I can take her to Princess Twilight tomorrow if you want. I think that’d do her some good.” Lavender smiled. Sunset nodded.

“Yes. let’s take Buttercup to the princess tomorrow morning. Maybe she’ll know what to do.” Sunset smiled.

“Kay. we’ll go just before work, so we both can get some help. I have some problems with my dad to fix.” Lavender said.

“Good. thanks for helping, Lavender. This’ll help her, I just know it. And I hope things will be alright with your dad.” Sunset said.

“Thanks. And you’re welcome.” Lavender smiled.

“Well, i’ve got to get back to Buttercup. She’ll be waiting for me. Bye, Sunset!” Lavender went back into the living room.

The next day, Buttercup trotted to Lavender’s herb shop. She’d explained yesterday, that she wanted to go see Princess Twilight and see if Buttercup had any problems regarding friendship. Buttercup smiled at Lavender’s want to help her.

You why she wants to see the princess, Partner. Scarlet’s voice came to forefront of Buttercup’s mind.

I know. And I think it’s nice that she wants to help me.

She wants to see us both in jail, Partner.

Hush. you and I both know that she only wants to help. It’s not her fault that she doesn’t know what she’s dealing with.

Alright then, but remember if you tell on us, it’s on YOU. you’re going to be to blame, because YOU told.

Hush.

Fine…

Buttercup trotted up to Lavender. She waiting in front of her shop.

“Hey! You ready?” Lavender asked.

“Yup! Let’s go see the princess!”

Author's Note

welp. I got a new chapter uploaded! hope you enjoy(ed)! also, I changed chapter 1's name.
oh, and sorry if anyone thinks adding Twilight was a bad idea. she's only in chapter 3, though.

Chapter 3: The Princess

Buttercup waited anxiously for Lavender to come out of Princess Twilight’s office. They had arrived 10 minutes earlier. Lavender was in Twilight’s office, talking to her about seeing buttercup today. Buttercup sighed. 10 minutes of Lavender talking to the Princess. 10 minutes of nervous waiting with only Scarlet and the swinging fan to keep her company.

So, how long do you think she’ll be in there? Buttercup was startled out of her nervousness by Scarlet.

Go away.

Aw, I was just asking!

Go away.

hmph.

Buttercup sighed. She looked up when the door opened. Lavender and Twilight came out.

“Come on, Buttercup. Princess Twilight is going to take us to her lounge now so she can see what’s wrong.” Buttercup smiled and nodded.

“Kay.” she followed Lavender and the Princess to the lounge. Princess Twilight sat down on a plush chair across from a plush couch. Lavender and Buttercup sat on the couch.

“So, how are you two doing today?” Twilight smiled warmly at Buttercup and Lavender.

“I’m doing well so far. Lav’?” Buttercup looked at Lavender.

“Well… my dad and I aren’t on the best of terms right now. But that can be fixed after Buttercup tells you what’s wrong.” Lavender smiled.

“So, what’s wrong that I can help with? Is there something that’s driving you and somepony else apart? Is there something going on that’s bothering you?” Twilight smiled comfortingly. Buttercup didn’t react. She didn’t say anything.

“I can tell you’re hiding something. Not to pry, but your smile looks like a mask, and it’s obvious. And I can tell you don’t want anypony to know. Is it something I can help with?” Twilight asked. Buttercup sighed. She looked down.

“Princess, the things you want to know about me are not things that I can tell just anypony. I’d likely end up in a dungeon cell for telling you or anypony else.” Buttercup sighed.

“Do… you want to talk about it? I won’t judge you or have you arrested, I promise.” Twilight’s smile was still comforting, but now held an air of caution. Buttercup looked at the princess.

“Can you really promise to uphold justice?” Buttercup asked.

“I can try. If it helps you, I’ll try the best I can.” Twilight smiled.

“Alright. But… I want Lavender to wait outside. She doesn’t need to know this. It would only hurt her.” Buttercup looked down again. Lavender just nodded and left. Twilight waited.

“Well…” Buttercup bit her cheek. Getting awfully close to telling, aren’t we, Partner?

“No. I can’t. She’d just get angry.” Twilight tilted her head to the side.

“Who’s ‘she’?” Twilight asked. Buttercup refused to speak. Twilight bit her cheek.

“Buttercup… are you being… abused by somepony?” Twilight asked. Buttercup was shocked out of her stupor.

“N-no! Well, not in the way you think.” don’t you dare…

“Well, what’s happening to you? I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me.” Twilight sighed. Heh. The idiot. She doesn’t even know what’s happening to you, Partner.

Go away.

“I know you can’t help if I don’t tell you, but you must understand… I can’t tell you. If I told you… if I told anyone… well. Let’s just say things would bode ill for the ponies I told. She would take care of them by any means necessary. I’m sorry. But I just can’t tell you.” Buttercup sighed.

“If this is that bad, then maybe we get the guards, or something?”

“No, that would only make it worse.” Wow, partner, she’s really trying to get you to tell her, isn’t she? Not that you would, of course, You don’t want a certain something to happen, do you?

“Then how about we try and talk it out?” Shut up, Scarlet!

“She’s not that kind of pony, Princess.”

“W-well maybe we could get Princess Celestia or Luna, or I could come help!” Buttercup shook her head. She sighed.

“Princess, dragging them into this wouldn’t help either.”

“If you’d just tell me, then I could help you.” Buttercup sighed. Partner…

“…” Buttercup looked down. If you tell her, I swear…
“I… I want to tell you, but…” Buttercup, darling, remember the murderer in your head? Well, that will get you locked up, IF I don’t get to you first. “But she won’t let me.” Buttercup stood up. Leave, now.

“I should be getting home. She’s getting restless.” Buttercup moved towards the door. Twilight stood up.

“W-wait! If it’s really that bad a friendship problem, then you can’t just--”

“IT’S NOT A FRIENDSHIP PROBLEM, TWILIGHT!” Buttercup spun around. Twilight staggered back.

“W-w… it’s… not?” Twilight only managed that.

“No. it’s not. It’s nothing like that.” Buttercup walked out, leaving Princess Twilight unable to speak.

Lavender waited outside for Buttercup to come out. She looked up when Buttercup came out.

“How’d it go?” Buttercup sighed.

“Not well. I’m going home now. You can stay if you want, to get some help with your dad.” Buttercup didn’t say another word. She walked out of the castle. Twilight came out a few minutes later, slightly shocked. Lavender went up to her.

“That bad, huh?” Lavender asked.

“Yeah. she told me something about some mare who’s been hurting her, but then she backed out. When I suggested getting the guards, she snapped at me and left.”

“Oh no…” Lavender put a hoof up to her mouth.

“From what she told me, it sounds like it’s only getting worse. I would normally suggest asking her about it, but when I asked, she snapped. For now, just keep a close watch on her, and tell her family the same. I have a feeling things will be getting worse for her soon, and you may find out what she’s dealing with in the worst way.” Twilight said.

“Thank you. I suppose I’ll have to take a raincheck about my dad. I’d better follow her home to make sure nothing bad happens.” Lavender smiled.

“You’re welcome.” Twilight smiled back. Lavender nodded and left.

Buttercup trotted briskly home, making sure to avoid other ponies on her way. She wondered why Lavender had thought this was a good idea.

Maybe because she wanted us to get sent to jail, Partner.

You’re chatty today.

Oh, I just feel like it, Partner! After all, it can get so lonely in here alone!

Says the pony who doesn’t feel love.

Touche.

Buttercup opened the front door to her home. She had to face Sunset now. Sunset was sitting in a chair in the living room, waiting for her.

“Hey, Sunset.” Buttercup tried to sound as okay as possible.

“Hey, Buttercup! How’d it go?” Sunset smiled.

“It went… okay.” Buttercup smiled.

“Okay? Just okay?” Sunset tilted her head in confusion.

“Well…” Buttercup rubbed the back of her head and grimaced.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” Sunset smiled.

“Thanks.” Buttercup smiled. She went into her bedroom and closed the door. Sunset sighed and waited for Lavender to return.

Lavender trotted up to the door of Buttercup’s home, hoping to find Sunset. She opened the door and went into the living room where Sunset was sitting.

“Hey, Sunset.” Lavender smiled.

“Hey, Lavender. So, how did it go with Buttercup?” Sunset asked.

“She didn’t tell you?” Lavender asked.

“No, she didn’t. She went into her bedroom without telling me more than ‘it went okay’.” Sunset sighed.

“Well, she lied. It didn’t go well at all. Twilight told me that when she asked, Buttercup kept avoiding the questions and then finally snapped. She also told me she had a very bad feeling about what’s to come. She told me to keep an eye on Buttercup and to tell you the same.” Lavender sat down on the couch.

“She… snapped at the princess?” Sunset asked.

“Yeah. I heard her snap a bit. It sounded bad.” Lavender looked down. Sunset sighed.

“Oh, Buttercup, what have you gotten yourself into?” Sunset muttered. She rubbed her temples.

“Thanks for telling me. I’ll make sure to keep a closer watch on Buttercup. Celestia knows she needs some help with whatever she’s dealing with.” Sunset looked down. She sighed. There was silence. Tense, cautious silence. After a while, Sunset spoke again.

“Hey… Lavender?”

“Yeah?”

“Can… would you promise me something… please?”

“What is it?”

“Please… whatever it is Buttercup’s dealing with… it’s not something she wants to tell us. If… if she tells you… and it turns out to be bad… please help her. I don’t want to lose my little sister. I just… I can’t…” Sunset couldn’t look up.

“I promise.” Lavender smiled and hugged Sunset.

“Lavender…” Sunset smiled.

“Thank you.”

Author's Note

uwuu, what's gonna happen next? I have no idea! LOL, I have a perfect idea, I'm the author. see ya next time!
uwu

Chapter 4: The Doubt

Buttercup sat at the vanity in her room. It had been hours since she’d come home, and even now it was all she could do not to sob. She looked up at the mirror in front of her. It lay dormant, not showing anything but her reflection. She looked out the window. It was a clear, crisp summer night. The stars shone brightly, contrasting beautifully with the midnight blue of the sky.

To Buttercup, they were not just stars. They represented her hope, her dreams. So far away, yet so close she could nearly touch them. And when she got close to them, they just shrunk away. And long before this point, they had broken into millions of tiny little pieces. With a shaky sigh, Buttercup finally broke down and sobbed.

“Oh, what’s the matter, Partner? I thought you wanted to keep this a secret! After all, you didn’t want dear Princess Twilight to die, now did you?” Scarlet’s voice cascaded through the room. She grinned a wicked grin and planted her cheek on her hoof. Buttercup didn’t look at Scarlet. Buttercup started to speak.

“Y-you…” that was all Buttercup could manage before breaking down again.

“Gee, I really did a number on you, didn’t I? You can’t even respond to me! That’s quite funny, Partner!” Scarlet giggled. Buttercup didn’t say anything.

“Well, if you’re going to be boring and not say anything, it’s time for me to take over for the night, as per our Fillyhood Agreement?” Scarlet asked. Buttercup sighed.

“Alright, Scarlet. Time for me to go to bed anyways…” Buttercup got into bed. Scarlet waited for Buttercup to fall asleep. Several minutes later, Scarlet, now in control of Buttercup’s body, sat up.

“Ah, finally! I’ve been waiting all day for this!” Scarlet stood up and stretched, smiling happily.

“Now, time for some fun.” Scarlet grinned wickedly.She quietly opened the door and walked out into the hallway. She looked into Sunset’s room when she passed by. Sunset was fast asleep. That was good. Scarlet carefully trotted out the back door of the house and down the street. Scarlet, being naturally light on her hooves, only barely heard the dirt crunching beneath them. being light on her hooves was a benefit for Scarlet, specifically because of her preferred occupation.

Scarlet turned a corner and continued walking. She smiled when she finally reached her destination: Daisy Pearl’s house. Scarlet walked around to the back door of the house. She lucky to live in a town where nopony locked their doors at night. Scarlet quietly opened the door and went inside.

She looked around. From what she could see, she was in the kitchen. She carefully walked around the furniture in the kitchen and up the stairs to the bedrooms. Scarlet peeked into each room, carefully illuminating the rooms with her horn while making sure not wake up the sleeping ponies.

Scarlet smiled when she found Daisy Pearl’s room. Said earth filly was asleep in her bed, dreaming. Scarlet quietly walked up to Daisy’s bed. She snuffed out her magical light and carefully lifted the filly up onto her back. Before leaving, she cast a spell on Daisy that would make sure she would only wake up when Scarlet needed her to.

Scarlet then opened the window and lifted herself and Daisy Pearl out through it. She then lowered herself to the ground. She looked around once to make sure nopony was watching her, then trotted home with Daisy Pearl on her back.

Daisy Pearl groaned as she woke up, attempting to sit up, but being hindered by what she thought were the covers of her bed. She opened her eyes to see not her room with her toys and her bed, but an entirely different room with red walls. The walls had splotches of even darker red on them, which dripped onto the floor.

Daisy noticed there was a table with a large assortment of knives of all shapes and sizes on it. On the wall, close to the ceiling, were different ripped cutie marks that Daisy hoped were just drawings.

Daisy looked at herself. She was cuffed down with metal hoofcuffs to a vertically tilted table. Overall, the entire sight was very unsettling. Daisy hoped that this was just the basement of her house and her mother was playing a prank on her.

“Well, looks like somepony’s finally awake!” Daisy froze. That voice was distinctively not her mother.

A light pink unicorn mare trotted out from behind Daisy. She had magenta hair and blood red eyes. Her cutie mark was a broken heart and a knife.

“Welcome to my torture room, Daisy Pearl! I hope you like the decor! I made it just for my guests!” the mare grinned.

“Wh-- where am i? Who are you? What happened to me?” Daisy pearl asked.

“Excuse me, where are my manners? I’m Scarlet Knife, you’re in my torture room, and i brought you here from your room. But that’s not important. What important is--”

“YOU TOOK ME FROM MY ROOM!? YOU KIDNAPPED ME! WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO ME!?” Scarlet waited for Daisy to calm down a bit. Her smile never faltered.

“Oh, darling, darling, I’m going to kill you! What did you think I was going to do to you? Play a game of chess? Also, calm down. You’re far too jumpy.” Scarlet smiled a cruel smile.

“W-what do you--” Scarlet trotted up to Daisy and put a hoof over her mouth.

“Shh, darling, we wouldn’t want to wake up the Timberwolves, would we? They need their beauty rest~” Daisy nodded. She had been told many stories of ponies disappearing because of Timberwolves.

“Now, I believe it is time to start, don’t you agree?”

Hours and several blood-curdling screams later, Scarlet trotted up out of the basement, covered in blood. She made sure not get blood on the carpet floor as she walked silently into the bathroom to wash herself off. She turned the light on and closed the door behind her. She sighed and smiled contently.

“Oh, that was an absolutely WONDERFUL session tonight! Her screams were so… mmm… how do I put this? Refreshing…” Scarlet sighed. She turned the water on to hot and got in the shower.

“Oh, I wish the little darling would’ve lasted longer! She was so fun to play with! Ah haha! Maybe next time, I’ll just be more careful with my cuts.” Scarlet washed the blood off and then got out of the shower and dried herself off. When she looked herself over, there was no trace of the blood from a few minutes ago.

“Hmm… a shame. What fun it would’ve been to see Buttercup’s reaction to the stains. But, alas, she would’ve told sunset and I would’ve been destroyed. Ah well. Maybe another day.” Scarlet sighed and went into the bedroom. She took a look at the mirror to see Buttercup still asleep. Scarlet then got back into bed and covered herself up. She smiled. She was looking forward to seeing Buttercup’s reaction.

“Ah… see you in the morning, Partner~”

Author's Note

YAY, I'M ON TIME! but only barely... oh well! (SIGH) hoo, this chapter took a while to write. :ajsleepy: i almost had to upload tomorrow because hoe awful i am at not procrastinating! ah... at least i'm on time.
hope you enjoyed reading and see you next week!

Intermission: Stars

Whitetail Woods, Equestria

8 years ago

The stars were beautiful tonight. As Buttercup wandered slowly through the Whitetail Woods, she couldn’t help looking up at the brilliant night sky. The stars formed beautiful patterns in the sky and the moon lit up the dim night forest in silver shades of blue. Buttercup sighed and smiled in contentment. She sat down in a clearing where she could see the stars and sighed.

“Beautiful, huh?” Buttercup spun her head around. Sunset was standing there, smiling.

“Oh, Sunset! Yeah. Beautiful.” Buttercup looked back up at the sky. Sunset sat down next to her. For a long while, the two mares sat in silence, both captivated by the brilliance of the night sky. Sunset was the one to break the silence.

“So. I don’t see you much anymore.” Sunset smiled.

“Yeah. Medical school has me tied up in a knot.” Buttercup looked down.

“I can understand that. It’s rare, these days, that we get a moment of time to talk like this. It’s nice.” Sunset smiled.

“Yeah.” Buttercup looked at the night sky again. There was more silence. Buttercup drifted off into her own thoughts.

Oh, Sunset… if you knew why i’m not spending time with you…

Whatcha thinking about, Partner?

Go away, scarlet! Now’s not the time to harass me!

Oh, why not? I mean, it’s the perfect night tonight! The stars are gleaming, Sunset’s here…

Just go away!

With that, Scarlet was silenced for now. Buttercup internally sighed. She wished she’d never done that to those poor fillies all those years ago.

“Buttercup? Are you okay?” Buttercup looked at Sunset. She smiled.

“Yeah, i’m fine.” Buttercup looked back up at the sky.

“Alright…” Sunset’s smile faded. Buttercup looked up at the stars. She smiled. This night was one of the few times she could escape from Scarlet. She wanted it to last forever.

You know this moment can’t last forever, Partner. You’re going to need to sleep soon.

Buttercup didn’t respond. She didn’t want to. She wouldn’t ruin this for herself. Not tonight. She wouldn’t let herself.

“Hey… Buttercup?” Sunset looked at her sister with concern in her eyes.

“Yeah?” Buttercup looked at Sunset.

“Is… is something bothering you? I can tell that recently, you’ve been purposefully distancing yourself from me. Do you want to tell me?” Sunset asked.

If you tell her, Partner… Buttercup didn’t reply to Scarlet, but knew what that tone meant.

“No, i’m fine! Just stressed from medical school.” Buttercup smiled and went back to looking at the stars.

I can’t tell her… I have to keep it secret. She can’t know. It’ll only hurt her… hurt both of them.

Buttercup smiled.

At least i have this time with her.

“Hey, Buttercup?”

“Yeah?” Buttercup looked at Sunset.

“I’m gonna head home now. See you later.” Sunset stood up.

“See you, Sunset.” Buttercup waved as Sunset walked away. Once Sunset was gone, Buttercup sighed a heavy sigh. She looked up at the stars once more.

Ha… hopes and dreams… hey… Scarlet?

Yeah?

You know what I see those stars as?

What?

Hopes. Dreams. All of them, my hopes and dreams. My dream is to be able to look at the stars like this every night. What’s yours?

Mine?

Yeah.

Well… my dream… is to be free to do whatever I want whenever I want.

Ah… I didn’t expect any less. We should probably be going home now.

Yeah.

Buttercup stood up, smiled, turned around, and took one last look at the stars before leaving. She hoped it all ended soon.

Chapter 5: The Unusual

Buttercup turned over in half-sleep. She groaned and tried to block the intruding morning sunlight out of her eyes. She failed. She groaned and rubbed her eyes as she sat up. She slowly, groggily stumbled her way over to the window and closed the curtains.

“Ugh…” Buttercup had had an awful night last night. She’d dreamed of watching Sunset be killed by herself. The dream still haunted her even now, in the veil of half-sleep. Buttercup stumbled over to her mirror and nearly fell asleep again.

“Good morning, partner!” Buttercup felt a chill go down her spine when she heard Scarlet’s voice. The chill forced her awake in a second and wouldn’t let her go back to sleep.

“Ugh… go away, Scarlet.” Buttercup groaned.

“Why? Don’t you like our little talks?” Scarlet grinned. “I mean, there’s SO many things I can talk about with you! My schemes, all the killings I do… I mean, there’s so much variety!” Scarlet grinned once more and looked tauntingly at Buttercup.

“Haha… you think I won’t tell the police?” Buttercup smiled a psychotic smile.

“Oh, Darling, don’t even pretend to be brave enough to do that. After all, you know what I can do to those who tattle on me~!” Scarlet grinned.

“And what would that be?” Buttercup cocked her head to the side.

“Ehehe, Buttercup, Buttercup, Buttercup… when will you learn not to ask questions? But I suppose I must tell you now that you’ve asked. Why, I could kill Sunset! I could make you watch her die! Every cut, every scream, you’d experience her death, and it would slow and painful and SO delicious to watch! You don’t want that, now do you?” Scarlet grinned and cocked her head to the side. Buttercup bit her lip.

“F… fine. Be that way. I won’t tell. Just… please don’t do that to Sunset.” Buttercup looked down.

“Good.” Scarlet was about to say something else when Sunset came into the room. Scarlet disappeared.

“Good morning, Buttercup! You are you today?” Sunset smiled. Buttercup smiled back.

“I’m doing well today, thank you. How are you?” Buttercup stood up.

“I’m doing great! I made breakfast for us! It’s pancakes, hay bacon, and eggs with syrup and fresh milk.” Sunset grinned.

“That sounds great! Let’s go!” Buttercup grinned and followed Sunset into the kitchen. They both had ample helpings of breakfast. When they were done, Buttercup stood up, put her plate in the sink, and went into the living room and sat down. She sighed.

So, how’s our sis, Partner?

Nmmph.

Not talking, huh? I can understand. After all, I did threaten Sunset’s life. But that’s just part and parcel of being me!

Go away.

Aww, why?

Just… Buttercup sighed inside herself.

As a parting note, I got Peony Stem’s sister last night.

WHAT!? Buttercup was startled off the couch and face first onto the floor. Sunset rushed in when she heard.

“Buttercup! Are you okay?” Sunset helped Buttercup stand up.

“Ugh… yeah. I'm fine, Sunset.” Buttercup sat down on the couch. Sunset turned to face her.

“Are you sure? I could call the hospital for you and tell them that you need a day off…” Sunset said.

“No, I've already missed several days. It would be better if I went anyway.” Buttercup stood up. She sighed and rubbed her temples with a hoof.

“Alright, if you say so… But if you need anything, you can call me.” Sunset smiled. Buttercup smiled back.

“Thanks. I should be getting to work now. Bye, Sunset.” Buttercup waved goodbye and left for work. All throughout her walk there, Scarlet's last remark echoed through her mind. She knew it was pointless to wonder why Scarlet would such a thing, but still, she wondered all the same. She just couldn't help wondering what went on in Scarlet's half of their mind. Scarlet guarded her thoughts heavily, and so they weren't visible to her.

Buttercup trotted through the hospital doors and into the nurse's station. Once there, she let her thoughts drift around in an endless loop of questions with no answers. Why did she have to deal with this? What did Scarlet want? Who would be next? All of these and more were bouncing around in her head, sending Buttercup into downward spiral of confusion and fear and despair.

“Buttercup? Are you okay?” Nurse Redheart’s voice shook Buttercup out of the disk and into the real world.

“Wh-- yes, I'm fine. Just… thinking.” Buttercup smiled and watched nurse Redheart nod and walk away. She sighed.

“It's getting worse…”

After work, Buttercup, instead of trotting home, walked to her favorite door in Whitetail Woods. It was a little clearing hidden by an abundance of Birch trees and covered by thick, soft grass. Once there, Buttercup sat down and sighed.

“Oh… what do I do to get rid of her?” Buttercup moaned and covered her head in her hooves.

Thinking about me, Partner?

Would you go away!?

Hahaha, no. I'm just too interested in what you're thinking about to leave you alone.

Scarlet, go away! I'm not in the mood for you right now!

Darling, if I just left you alone, I wouldn't have any fun! That wouldn't be good, trust me.

Buttercup didn't respond. She just sighed and folded her ears back.

Almost an hour later, Buttercup was still sitting in the little clearing that she liked so much. She smiled as she looked up at the orange sunset sky.

“Ah…” Buttercup smiled a content smile and sighed. She looked up when she heard the sounds of leaves crunching and hooves clopping. Sunset came out of the trees.

“There you are! I've been looking all over for you! Why did you want to come all the way out here anyway?” Sunset sat down.

“i like this clearing.” Buttercup laid down.

“Ah. So, you ready to come back home now?” Sunset asked.

“Yeah. I just needed to calm down, so I came here to do so.” Buttercup stood up and helped Sunset stand up.

“Let's go, Buttercup. I made Pasta Alfredo for dinner tonight.” the sisters left the clearing to go home for the night. As they were leaving, Buttercup still couldn’t help wondering what to do to get rid of Scarlet.

Author's Note

YEE! I'm almost early today! I'm productive! :pinkiehappy:
*pats self on the back*
hope you enjoyed reading!

Chapter 6: The Dread

Buttercup sat in her room, on her bed, reading a book. She flipped the page of the book she was reading and read the next one. Normally, at this time of night, she would be watching Ponyville’s weekend play with Sunset, but tonight was different. Tonight, Scarlet had chosen to try to make her kill someone. Buttercup had, in an attempt to ignore Scarlet, picked this book up and started to read it. The plan was working well so far.

“How long are you going to ignore me?” Scarlet’s voice cascaded out of the mirror once again.

“As long as I have to.” Buttercup flipped the page again.

“So you’re going to just sit read and read that book until I go away?”

“Yup.” Buttercup flipped the page once again.

“You know… you could just go to the library to find a cure for this.” that made Buttercup look up from her book.

“That’s… not actually a bad idea. Thanks.”

“Eh. Just trying to get you to pay attention to me.” Scarlet shrugged and disappeared. Buttercup put the book down and went into the living room, where Sunset was reviewing her patients’ files. She looked up and smiled when Buttercup came into the room.

“Oh, hey, Buttercup! You done reading?” Sunset sat up.

“Yeah, I am. I was just coming out to tell you that I’m going to Princess Twilight’s public library tomorrow to do some research for a patient of Dr. Stables’ that I’m taking care of.”

“Oh, okay. If you want me to come with you tomorrow, I can.” Sunset smiled.

“Thanks, but I think I’m fine. If I need you, I’ll come get you.” Buttercup smiled and sat down on the couch. She and Sunset began to talk about various things before they went to bed for the night.

The next day, Buttercup trotted into Princess Twilight’s public library. The princess herself was sitting in the library, reading. She looked up.

“Oh, hello, Buttercup! Coming to get a book to read?”

“Yes, I am. Do you have books about mental disorders?” Buttercup smiled.

“Yes, I do. Follow me!” Twilight stood up and led Buttercup to the shelf that the books Buttercup needed to read were on.

“Thanks.” Buttercup smiled.

“You’re welcome. Hope you find what you’re looking for.” Twilight smiled and left. Buttercup took a book from the shelf titled “rare and unique mental disorders volume 1”. She opened it and began to read. She flipped through page after page, disorder after disorder, searching for the one that described her. After several minutes, she found it.

“Dissociative Identity Disorder…”

Sunset Flower trotted along the streets of Ponyville, heading to Lavender Blossom’s house. She was heading to Lavender’s house because just shortly after Buttercup had left, she’d had this awful feeling, and had gotten worried about Buttercup. So she was heading to Lavender’s house to get her before she went to check on Buttercup.

Sunset trotted up to Lavender’s house and knocked on the door. Lavender answered.

“Hi, Sunset! What brings you here?” Lavender grinned.

“I was worried about Buttercup and wanted you to come with me to check on her. Would you mind?” Sunset smiled.

“If it’s Buttercup you’re worried about, of course, I’ll come! What do you think is wrong?”

“That’s just it, I don’t know. I just… I have a bad feeling…”

“also known as Multiple Personality Disorder, DID is the presence of 2 or more different personalities inside a pony’s mind. Often caused by trauma, this disorder can cause memory loss, change of self-image, altered motor function, and clinically significant distress…” Buttercup flipped the page.

“Well, no matter what’s wrong you can count on me to be there for you and Buttercup.”

“Thanks. Let’s go!” Sunset and Lavender began to walk to the library.

Buttercup read the next page. “Cures… therapy is often used to treat this disorder…”

Buttercup shook her head. “No, that’s not an option.” she muttered.

“Medical cures… there is currently…” Buttercup began to panic when she finished the sentence.

“No known medical cure!?”

“So, what do you think is wrong?” Lavender couldn’t help her curiosity.

“I bet it has to do with the meeting with Princess Twilight.” Sunset couldn’t help being worried.

Buttercup panicked. She dropped the book and began rapidly pacing around in a circle, hyperventilating while she did so.

“Oh, nononononono…” Buttercup’s voice was panicked. “But… if there’s no medical cure… then…”

Sunset and Lavender both felt a chill go down their spine when they heard a panicked scream come from the library.

“That sounded like Buttercup!” Lavender looked at Sunset.

“Come on!” Sunset and Lavender began galloping towards the library,

Buttercup now sat curled up in a corner of the library, petting her tail and hyperventilating in panic and fear.

“But… but there has to be a cure…” Buttercup squinted her eyes shut. “There has to be…” Buttercup was so panicked she didn’t even notice when Princess Twilight galloped into the library.

“Buttercup, are you okay!?” Twilight trotted over to Buttercup.

Sunset and Lavender arrived at the library after having run all the way there to see Twilight trying to comfort Buttercup. Buttercup herself was muttering incoherent sentences.

“I keep hearing her voice in my head…”

“Buttercup!” Sunset ran over to Buttercup. She picked Buttercup up and hugged her.

“Oh no… she’s panicked…” Sunset said.

“What do you mean?” Twilight couldn’t help wondering what that meant.

“This isn’t the first time this had happened. When she’s like this, it takes an entire day to calm her down. She sees something and panics.”

“What happened, Princess?” Lavender asked.

“I don’t know! I heard her scream and found her like this when I came to see if she was alright.” Lavender nodded.

“Okay. Thanks for trying to help.” Twilight nodded. Lavender smiled back and helped Sunset comfort Buttercup.

“What happened, Buttercup?” Buttercup only shook her head.

“You don’t want to talk about it?” a nod.

“Okay. let’s get you home.” Sunset put Buttercup down and helped her stand up. Sunset then put a hoof around Buttercup’s neck to comfort her.

“Thanks for helping, Princess.” Sunset smiled at Twilight. Twilight smiled back.

“You’re welcome. Whatever I can do to help, I will.”

“Thank you, but at this point, I think it would be better to just get Buttercup home.” Sunset turned to leave. Twilight sighed. Lavender followed Sunset.

Twilight didn’t know what had happened, but it gave a bad feeling. A feeling like something much worse than this was going to happen. It unnerved her to no end and sent a chill down her spine. It worried her. she hoped everything would be okay.

Author's Note

YAY, chapter 6! there's only two more chapters to post now before it's finished! hope you enjoyed!

Chapter 7: The Last Day

“Gee, you really freaked out, Partner! I mean, you even screamed! I haven’t gotten you to scream at all until now!” Buttercup was currently hiding in her closet from the horrible voice of Scarlet that taunted and tortured her.

“G… go away…” Buttercup buried her head in her hooves. She didn’t want to hear any of it right now. Scarlet didn’t seem to care.

“Oh, poor baby… am I scaring you?” Scarlet giggled. Buttercup moaned in despair. Scarlet only laughed at Buttercup’s sorrow and fear.

“Darling, you should really learn to grow a spine. You starting to bore me with your fear. Nonetheless, it is still… mmm… delicious~” Buttercup shivered. She didn’t reply to Scarlet’s taunting. That would only make things worse.

The emotions in her head were spiraling around in a tornado of fear and despair and anger and panic. Multiple parts of her brain were screaming for her to start sobbing. Buttercup desperately resisted, knowing that sobbing would only make Scarlet jeer at her more. But the emotions still tossed her around and tore her up inside. The spiraled and swirled and jumbled up inside, making impossible to think. After several minutes, Buttercup couldn’t take it anymore.

She stood up and went to her vanity after making a decision.

“Finally grew a spine, my dear Partner?” Buttercup pulled the drawer out of the vanity.

“What are you doing?” She lifted a knife out of the drawer. She placed a letter on her vanity desk.

“Oh. oh, you’re… oh, you’re not. You’re not…?”

“I am.” Buttercup turned to leave.

“But you can’t! What about Sunset?” Scarlet tried to reach Buttercup. She failed.

“I’m doing this for her.” Buttercup smiled. She laughed a broken laugh.

“Hah… Scarlet, when you finally die, just remember… you pushed me to this.” Buttercup’s grin when she said that was almost as psychotic as Scarlet’s. Scarlet couldn’t help but shiver an involuntary shiver. Buttercup left. Scarlet disappeared, not knowing what to do to stop Buttercup.

Sunset looked up to see Buttercup walking out of her bedroom.

“Oh, hey, Buttercup! Feeling better?” Buttercup didn’t reply.

“Buttercup?” there was no answer. Buttercup just walked out the front door and closed it behind her. Sunset stared after her for a few minutes after she left.

“Huh? That’s not like her…” Sunset shrugged it off and sat back down. Lavender came in the kitchen a few minutes later.

“Did you see Buttercup?” Lavender asked.

“Yeah. she ignored you too, huh?” Sunset nodded and stood up.

“Yeah. it’s not like her…” Lavender looked down.

“No, it isn’t. Maybe we should check her room.”

Buttercup walked down the streets of Ponyville, heading to the Everfree Forest. She ignored the beautiful day outside. She ignored the various ponies saying hello to her. She ignored the sun shining down on her. Nothing mattered to her anymore except doing what had to be done. She had to do this. She had to finish it. Otherwise, nothing would be fixed. And that wasn’t an option, for anyone.

Sunset and Lavender searched Buttercup’s room for any clue as to Buttercup’s strange behavior. They had searched the bed, the bookshelf, the closet, and the dresser so far. They had found nothing. Sunset was looking around the nightstand and on the floor and Lavender was searching around the desk.

“Sunset! I found something! Come here!”

Buttercup wondered what would happen hen Sunset and Lavender found out. Would they cry and sob for her? Or would they laugh and cheer? Or would they not say anything at all? Oh well. She thought. At least Scarlet will be gone.

“What is it?” Sunset went over to the vanity. She looked at Lavender. Lavender’s voice was hurried and full of worry.

“Look at this!”

Scarlet… Buttercup’s thought’s were tainted with anger when she thought of the cruel mare who tortured her every day and night. She almost growled, but managed to restrain herself from doing so. If only this had never happened.

Lavender pointed at a letter that lay on the table. The wrapping read: for Sunset and Lavender, hope you never have to read this. Sunset took a nervous breath. Lavender did the same. Sunset’s face became determined.

“Open it!”

Ha… you can’t change the past. Buttercup smiled a broken smile and continued walking. It was too late for anything else. Buttercup knew that. She knew that most of all.

Lavender hesitated.

“Should we really…?” Sunset nodded.

“Do it.”

Buttercup’s smile faded. She took the knife out of her saddlebags now that she was at the edge of town. It was now or never. After several seconds of hesitation, Buttercup took a breath, grit her teeth, and walked out of town.

Lavender opened the letter. She carefully, slowly, took it out of the wrapping. She unfolded it carefully, making sure it didn’t rip. Sunset held her breath. After several minutes, she finally gained the courage to speak.

“...what does it say?”

There was no going back now. Buttercup knew that.

Sunset watched as Lavender gave her the letter. Her voice was shaky.

“Y-you should read this…” Sunset nodded. She let her breath go.

This was it. Buttercup looked at the Everfree Forest entrance. Once in there, there really was no going back. Buttercup sighed.

But it’s all worth it in the end…

Sunset carefully took the letter and began to read. With each sentence she read, her mind grew more and more panicked. With each word, her eyes grew wider.

…For Sunset and Lavender.

Sunset finally put the letter down when she was done. She sighed a shaky sigh. Lavender put a hoof on her shoulder in comfort.

“It’ll be okay…”

“...”

…Sorry.

After several seconds of silence, Sunset spoke.

“We have to find her.” Sunset’s voice was a whisper. Lavender strained to hear.

“Huh?”

“WE HAVE TO FIND HER, LAVENDER!” Sunset ran out of the bedroom. Lavender followed her out of the house and down the street towards the Everfree Forest. As Sunset ran down the streets of Ponyville, she couldn’t help but hope Buttercup was okay.

Author's Note

second to last chapter! heehee, i hope you enjoyed!

Chapter 8: The Final Hour

Buttercup Rose walked along a narrow path in the Everfree Forest, heading for the edge of the cliff that led to the Tree of Harmony. She didn’t smile this time. She was carrying a knife in her magic alongside her.

Buttercup sighed. It was the only way. She would only come back. It was too much to bear. Those were the thoughts floating around in her head right now. Why? Because Buttercup was going to kill herself. Truthfully, Buttercup knew it was extreme and ponies would miss her, but if she didn’t, SHE would come back. She’d be angry. She’d take Buttercup’s hope away. It was the only way.

Buttercup stopped when she reached the cliff. She sighed again and pulled the knife in front of her. She lifted the knife, pointed it towards her chest, and--

“WAIT!” Buttercup stopped. Turned around. Looked to see Sunset Flower and Lily Blossom standing there.

“Ha… ha… what are you doing here…?” Buttercup asked.

“We came to stop you. You don’t have to do this, you know. We could help you with whatever it is making you do this. You could be happy again.” Sunset didn’t smile. Buttercup grinned.

“Ha. ‘I could be happy again’. If I had a nickel for all the times I heard that line… ha. No, Sister. I'm not suffering from depression. I'm not doing this because I'm sad. I'm doing this because it’s the only way to stop her. She’d come back any other way. She’d be angry. She’d take my hope away. It’s the only way to know for sure she won’t come back.” Buttercup didn’t smile anymore.

“Whu… ‘she’? Who’s she? Who are you talking about? Is it somepony who’s abusing you, or…?” Sunset asked.

“Alright. Let me tell you a story. The once was a little unicorn filly. Every day, she would go out to the river by her school. And every day, she would listen to the birds and babbling brook to calm herself down before school, to prepare herself for two fillies, who were, at the time, bullying her. The fillies’ names were Diamond Necklace and Golden Ruby. every day, they would tease her, blackmail her, and even beat her up when she got to school.” Buttercup took a breath in.

“So, the unicorn would sit at the river until school started each morning to avoid the bullies until after school when she would have more preparation. But one day, the bullies found her at the river in the morning. They had been wondering where the unicorn went every day, and had decided to follow her. The bullies, when they found her, teased her again. The little unicorn gasped, tried to back away. She didn’t know why the fillies teased her every day. She didn’t know why they wouldn’t stop.” Buttercup sighed.

“So finally, after nearly a year of teasing, being punched, and blackmailing, the filly lashed out in a combination of pain, rage, and the awful feeling of being trapped. She punched the fillies to death that morning. When she realized what she’d done, she ran home as fast as she could, hid herself in a closet where nopony would check for hours. Later, when her older sister got home, the unicorn was found in said closet, crying. The older sister scooped the little unicorn up, comforting her and trying her best to help.” Sunset listened to Buttercup’s story with growing dread and horror.

“The teacher of the school came a few minutes later, and told the older sister the two fillies had been found at the river, dead. The unicorn, who had previously finally stopped crying, almost burst into tears again. The older sister held the unicorn tightly, telling her it wasn’t her fault, that it would be okay. The unicorn eventually calmed and told a lie about what happened. It was a timberwolf, she said. The adults believed her, having had experience with timberwolves themselves. The filly never told anyone what really happened.”

“Later that day, the filly created another pony inside her head because she couldn’t deal with the guilt and pain and sadness. Her name was Scarlet Knife. And she was the embodiment of the filly’s anger, rage, and pain. 22 years have passed since that day. That filly from the story, that was me. I killed the two fillies that day 22 years ago. And ever since, Scarlet Knife has killed innocent ponies, and I was unable to stop it.”

“Every night, she would torture and kill somepony, and then blackmail me into silence, telling that me if I told, I would be thrown in prison, or sentenced to death, or worse. And I believed her.” Buttercup sighed. She didn’t want to have to tell that story.

“Buttercup… what… EXACTLY… did Scarlet do to you?” Sunset reeled.

“She killed another pony every night. Sometimes she would hold off on killing for weeks or months at a time, only to kill multiple ponies and crush any hope I'd gained during the period without killing. And she broke me. Several times over, in fact. She broke me until I couldn’t muster up any will whatsoever to stop her, so I was left hopeless, helpless, unable to defend myself.”

“But today, I finally gained enough will to take this knife from it’s drawer, and come here to kill myself. Don’t try to talk me out of it, sister. I thought about going to the police or a psychologist, believe me, I did. But she’d only come back. She’d be angry. She’d kill you both and take my only hope of freedom away from me in one fatal swipe. I'm sorry. I wish had done this earlier. I wish I hadn’t killed those two in the first place. Ha. Can’t change the past, so I may as well put an end to it now.” Sunset couldn’t move. Couldn’t speak. Buttercup only smiled a broken smile.

“I’m going to do it now, Sunset. I'm going to get rid of you forever, Scarlet. Goodbye.” buttercup smiled and pierced the knife towards her chest. It had almost touched it, when a shield of red magic stopped it.

“Wha… what…?” Buttercup pulled the knife back tried again. The red shield stayed.

“Why… why won’t she let me?” Buttercup tried again.

“Buckit, why won’t she let me die?” Buttercup tried again.

“WHY WON’T SCARLET LET ME DIE!?” Buttercup frantically attempted to stab herself over and over again, getting more and more panicked and angry and full of despair with each stab. After several minutes, the knife dropped out of her magic and Buttercup broke down into heartbroken, despairing sobs.

“I-i j-just wa-ant t-t-to get rid of-f-f her…” Buttercup’s words were broken by her sobs. “T-this is-is-is t-the on-l-ly… way…” Buttercup couldn’t say anymore. She fell to the ground, sobbing. Sunset walked over to Buttercup and picked the knife up. She put it in her saddlebags. She then sat down in front of Buttercup. She pulled her younger sister into a hug. Buttercup didn’t even try to resist. She just sobbed. When she finally stopped, she just sat there. Her voice was raspy and quiet when she spoke again.

“Why… why did you take the knife from me?” Buttercup asked.

“Why won’t you let me die?” Buttercup asked.

“Because nopony wants you to die.” Sunset gently rubbed Buttercup’s back and neck.

“But… Scarlet will only come back…” Buttercup was shushed by Sunset’s hoof.

“Everything will be okay, Buttercup. You don’t have to die to get rid of her. I’m a psychiatrist, remember? I can help you.” Sunset smiled at Buttercup. Buttercup only buried her face in Sunset’s chest.

“Lavender?” Sunset looked at Lavender.

“Yeah, Sunset?”

“Could you help me get Buttercup home?” Sunset asked.

“Yeah.” Lavender helped Sunset carry Buttercup home. On the way there, Buttercup fell asleep. Sunset put her in her bed when they got home.

“Oh, Buttercup… why didn’t you tell me?” Sunset asked as she sat by Buttercup’s bed.

Buttercup woke up in her bed, with her sister, Sunset sitting beside her bed.

“Ugh… sunset?” Buttercup groaned. Sunset smiled when she heard Buttercup’s voice.

“Ah, you’re awake!” Sunset smiled.

“What…” Buttercup then remembered all that had happened several hours ago. She sighed.

“Ugh… why… did you stop me? Scarlet… she’ll only come back now…” Buttercup groaned.

“I should’ve just jumped off the cliff… then Scarlet would be gone.” Buttercup muttered.

“I stopped you because I’m your sister. I love you. And… I don’t want to lose you.” Sunset looked down. There was a long silence. Sunset spoke again.

“You know… for the longest time, I thought everything was fine. You had gotten your job as an RN, I had my Psychology practice… I guess it turns out I was wrong.” Sunset sighed. “Oh, if only I’d seen you needed help sooner…” Buttercup laughed a mirthless laugh at Sunset’s statement.

“Sunset, I was trying to make it so you WOULDN’T see that I needed help. I don’t think you would’ve noticed even if you were stuck to me like a magnet.” Buttercup sighed.

“So… what do you want to do now? And no, you may not hide again.” Sunset said.

“Oh, i don’t even know right now. Probably later…” Buttercup put a hoof up to her forehead and shut her eyes.

“You know, you could just go to therapy.” a startled scream came from both Buttercup and Sunset.

“W-who are you?” Sunset looked at the mirror which now showed Scarlet Knife, leaning on the edge of the mirror with her cheek on her hoof.

“Sorry, Darling, I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m Scarlet Knife. I’m sure Buttercup’s told you ALL about me.” Scarlet smiled. Sunset took in a nervous breath.

“You’re the thing that’s been torturing Buttercup for the past 22 years!” Sunset almost growled.

“That I am, although I don’t prefer being called a thing. But anyways, yes, I’m the pony who drove Buttercup to suicide. I didn’t necessarily mean to do that, but it happened all the same, which is why I stopped you, Buttercup. I know you may think I couldn’t care less if you died, but even I, a psychopathic murderer with a lust for screams, have my limits. You dying is past them.” Scarlet sighed.

“Although I do admit it was for sinister reasons.” Scarlet shrugged. Sunset face-hoofed.

“Well, at least she’s alive.” Sunset sighed.

“Now, as to my suggestion from before… you could just go get therapy. I mean, nopony knows except me, you, and Sunset. Therapy isn’t that far-fetched.” Buttercup sighed. She shook her head.

“Ugh… Scarlet, you know why we can’t do that. Even with our split personality, I was the one who killed those fillies all those years ago. Even if it was accidental and in the heat of pain and rage, I would still be killed or locked up for the crime. It would likely be for life as well. Not to mention murdering over 500 ponies in the last 22 years...” Buttercup looked down. “Oh, I don’t want to do that to you, Sunset…” Sunset sighed and smiled at Buttercup. Scarlet looked down.

“You won’t, Buttercup. No matter what happens, I won’t let them do that to you or to me.” Sunset hugged Buttercup.

“Thanks, Sunset.” Buttercup smiled. “So… about the therapy option…”

One week later

Buttercup sat in the lobby of the Manehatten Professional Mental Therapy building, waiting for her first appointment with Dr. Stable Mind. Sunset sat next to her, reading a magazine she’d brought with her.

Buttercup looked at the time and at Sunset. Sunset looked up at Buttercup and smiled.

“It’ll be okay, Buttercup.” Buttercup smiled. Sunset went back to her magazine. Buttercup looked up when a mare came out from behind the desk.

“Buttercup Rose!” Sunset and Buttercup both stood up.

“Dr. Mind will see you now.” Buttercup looked at Sunset, who nodded.

“Come on, Buttercup. Let’s go see her.” Sunset and Buttercup followed the nurse down the hallway, not only to therapy, but to a new start for the both of them. Buttercup, for the first time in 22 years, was able to genuinely smile at the fact that she would be able to get help with her problem. She walked into the room with Sunset, happy at the fact that she would finally be free of Scarlet for good. She sighed. This would be a good day.

Author's Note

woo! FINALLY got the last chapter out! I am SO sorry for being this late! I was REALLY busy with other things. ya know, real-life 'n stuff. welp, hope you enjoyed!