The Very Weird Life of Dahlia Evelyn Vol. 1 (The Justice Anthology)

Chapters

First Blood!: Taste of Justice
Silenced
Freeze!
Arachnophobia

First Blood!: Taste of Justice

Author's Note

This entire chapter is complete revenge fanfiction. I wrote this when I was extremely pissed off. And only to blow some steam off and channel my anger into.

I also went through this chapter SEVERAL times in order to publish it. So marks the beginning of Dahlia's time.

Edit: Had to edit some of the dialogue so.. yep. BUT, hope you guys enjoy. My writing is more... playful? I guess? Whatever. xD

Summary:
Dahlia “Eve” Evelyn lives a nice quiet life. From being Pinkie Pie's only accomplice in baking to being a gardener/botanist. A perfect little life.

Well... everything was perfect until... two of her old enemies, Silver Star (Diamond Star) and Firefly Song (Chatter Box) recently appeared in Ponyville. And just seeing them both gives Dahlia immense pain. So, what's a mare like her to do?

Take out the trash, seek out her own justice and call it quits. That is what she'd do. Right?

Right....?

First Blood!: Taste of Justice

Dahlia “Eve” Evelyn (known as Dahlia Eve) never thought she'd find a nice little place outside of Ponyville. A one story fitting cottage that had everything she ever needed: A small bathroom, medium sized kitchen, one large bedroom, medium sized living room and a secret cellar built underneath it. Dahlia thought this was one of the best choices that she's ever made. Often quaint, but that's what Dahlia ever wanted in her life. Peace and quiet. Away from the nuisances in the busy town of Ponyville. Dahlia wasn't really a social butterfly. Rather she's the opposite of one. Like those... other ponies out there. In which she called them “Polights”, the combination of the words 'Pony' and 'Light' mashed together. What Dahlia referred to the Ponies out there and their brighter hide colors. She knew it wasn't really a word, but it's one to Dahlia. At least, it held weight in some way to her.

Other than that, it's been over two weeks since she's moved into Ponyville and she hadn't been in town yet. Not once that Dahlia thought to go and see what Ponyville has to really offer. She wanted to, but couldn't due to her situation. Which was a money issue. Maybe she'd browse the shops a little bit. Keep her own mind idle for a few minutes.

But still-, a question begs- How exactly is she surviving, you ask? It was pretty simple. She's been sneaking out in the night to search for some food. Scouting deep into the Everfree Forest, despite it being the scariest place in all of Equestria. Of course she became alert of Timberwolves all day and learned to avoid them all when she's near. But, she finally found berries that thankfully were edible and not poisonous. These gave her a full week's worth of food at least. These berries grew pretty fast than any other berry bush out there. And she thinks that these are a rare breed. Who knew she'd find a edible kind of berry in this forest? So each Friday, Dahlia went out to scout out all berries she could find. It's been like this for awhile and it's been driving her insane. Day after day, eating these things for survival constantly.

That's it. She needed to get herself real food. Dahlia can't be doing this forever. If she did it forever, then she'd run out of food on her proportions that she's prepared. And that would be bad. If Dahlia did, she'd end up running all the way back to that damn forest... again. Doing this would be too feral for her tastes to be living off these berries...

Dahlia Eve closed her eyes for a bit, before a sigh let out. If she needed some real food... then she requires to get a job. Maybe-, she'd do that and then save up some bits. Speaking of money... Dahlia had a few bits on her, not enough for things that she wanted. But enough for a little bit of food to eat tonight. Just enough for a few meals. She told herself she needed to be frugal on her budget of fifteen bits. Every time Dahlia stared down at her fifteen bits, depression washed over her entire being. But it lasted only for a few seconds. Snapping herself straight back to reality. Not letting it discourage her from getting something to eat. Right now, self-care is her own goal right now and she needed a meal to sustain her hunger fit. Now counting her bits to make sure again. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten-. Yep. Fifteen. This was it. The bottom of the money barrel, at least for now. She needed a job so bad.

With a small sigh, Dahlia laid in her twin bed and stared up at the ceiling. Another sigh escaped her as she sat up in her bed. Then she stumbled out of bed and collided with the floor face flat. Groaning loudly before fixing herself to stand. What a nice way to wake up.

Dahlia rubbed her face with her own hooves and looked out to the window next to her. Biting her bottom lip gently, seeing all of those other brighter ponies out there... hustling and bustling. Being themselves on the normal. Dahlia wasn't apart of that crowd. She didn't want to be. Dahlia always knew that she didn't fit in with the rest of the crowd. A frown played on her face.

But without any hesitation, she made her way over to a large mirror. A tired reflection staring deadpan. Taking in all of her own appearance before going out. She looked very exhausted and it showed underneath her eyelids. Dark shadows underneath her bottom eyelids proved that fact. The more she stared... the more she saw her darker hide. Feeling rather unfortunate to be born with a darker hide color than the rest of them. Believing that she's not worthy to be around the brighter ponies out there. At least, she thinks that. The color of dark charcoal under a fire and a set of silver gray eyes staring back at her. Glaring straight back at herself in disgust. Dahlia just felt like she could never fit in with the others. Every morning it had been like this.

...

She didn't even notice her own hoof idly playing with her short ocean blue hair. Her bangs seemed off today, it must've been because of her tossing and turning in bed again. Figures. Having no problem with fixing her bangs. Using a hoof to lazily fix them to be more swept to the side again. It took a few seconds for her, but they came out decent. There we go... much better.

At least, she looked decent for the public and not like before. All messy and had a nappy look. Now walking herself over to a dark oak vanity, eyeing her brush. A soft glow encased itself around the object before levitating it over to her own tail, now brushing it a few times. Now looking exactly just like that Element of Magic's tail...but without the stripes. Nicely cut like how Dahlia wanted it. Another sigh escaped. Brushing out her bangs and hair once more, causing them to be more fluffy. Trying to keep her bangs in tact again.

She couldn't believe that she's going out in search for a job. But- Dahlia needed the money to survive. And by Luna! She's going to be on the hunt for one. No matter what it takes!

Dahlia trotted over to her kitchen, spotting a bag of leftover berries in a bag from last night. Using her magic to lift up in it's aura and straight over to her. Taking a few berries before stuffing them into her own mouth and chewing. Berry juices smeared all over her snout and mouth. Giggling a little to herself. Man, they were so delicious! Too bad that she's going to miss them. Dahlia stuffed herself with more berries for about a few minutes until she was satisfied. Now setting the plastic bag down on the kitchen table. Tying the top into a bag. Saving those for later... she will. Figuring that's her last serving of them for now.

Galloping out of the kitchen, Dahlia trotted straight to her bedroom. She couldn't leave just yet, nope. Needing to grab some things for her little adventure. It wasn't going to be long to gather all of the items that are required for this trip. Making her way swiftly over to the closet and pulling out a medium sized box. Magic aura lifted up the lid, finding a dark blue cloak and a dark brown leather bag inside. Dahlia wasn't going anywhere without them. She just couldn't. It's one of the required items needed in order to go out. That or an umbrella. She refused to carry an umbrella for it's too much. A cloak worked fine to shield her entire body from the sun's rays. Luna, she hated the outside the most. It never felt too good on her own skin. So that's why she uses her trusty cloak to go out. It's helped a lot in the long run.

She didn't know it before, but she's aware of it now. She figured that she was super sensitive to the sunlight. Every time that she went out in the light as a kid, it scorched her. Every time she did this, it left actual 1st degree marks. It really did hurt... So, Dahlia avoided the light mostly. So instead Dahlia goes outside at night and does her hobbies there. Making her a ultimate night owl. Dahlia embraced this for a long time ever since she's a filly. Probably it's a condition. So, she settled it on a serious skin problem. Afterwards, Dahlia never really gave it much thought.

Feeling a little energized, Dahlia levitated her cloak and bag. Putting it over herself. Strapping on her bag first, Dahlia might need it. Finally, her cloak covered over her own body. Shielding it from the dreadful sun rays. Then using a hoof to pull the hood over her head. Now being suited properly, she trotted right over to the mirror. Catching her own self again. Looking very suited and ready. In her mind, she told herself that she can do this.

Sigh.

Here we go.

~~~

Sugarcube Corner is the well-known local bakery in Ponyville that's awfully busy during the morning and daytime. And right now, it's buzzing with customers ordering at the counter wanting confections and sweets delights. Pinkie Pie's making sure that each of the customers got their order. The zany pink pony with the curly mane zoomed her way around the room. Giving smiles each time that a customer got their order. It's such a breeze for the party mare. It was her job after all!

After a few dozen of orders, Pinkie Pie used a hoof to wipe her forehead. “That was close! I wasn't expecting a dozen of orders. But, I got them all done in a jiffy! The morning rush is definitely something!” Then she gave a giggle. Bouncing herself into the kitchen to see if her cakes were done. As she did, the oven dinged, indicating that they're done. Using mitt gloves to take out the fresh batch of mini cakes, putting them on the counter to cool.

The sound of the front door bell jingle. A customer! A party pony's job is never done! A happy sigh as she trotted out to see... a pony approaching the counter. Not minding the shady cloak that they had on. She gave a wide smile, “Oh hello! Welcome to Sugarcube Corner!” Pinkie's smile read as warm. Dahlia looked up to her and smiled, but only a little. Pinkie blinked before giving a loud gasp. Realizing that she's never seen this pony before! Dahlia got startled a little bit at her sudden reaction. “I've never seen you around here before!! What's your name?” Pinkie asked, amused. But Dahlia's eyes looked away from her.

“...D-Dahlia Eve...” Dahlia softly said.

“Hi Dahlia! I'm Pinkamena Diane Pie! Or known as Pinkie Pie!” Another soft giggle came from Pinkie Pie. Dahlia looked up to her before giving a warm smile. Something about the pink pony gave Dahlia a little bit of comfort. “What can I get you? Apple fritters? Cupcakes? Chocolate cake? Angel cake? Ooooh!~ So many choices!” Pinkie looked rather ecstatic.

“O-Oh... u-uhm... n-no thank you...” The other shook her head in response. Making Pinkie cock her head to the side, rather confused. “So, what have you come for?” Pinkie hopped around the counter. “Uhm ...I-I actually... came for a job... if you're hiring.” Dahlia rubbed her arm a little, continuing, “I'm trying to make some money actually. You know, planning to save up some bits. I-...I looked everywhere in town... and I couldn't really find anything.” Dahlia bit her lip a little. “And I've heard so much about your splendid cupcakes and pies! I also overhead some ponies in town that you might need some help.” A nervous laugh escaped Dahlia Eve, her hooves fiddled idly.

“Ooooh! A job I see!” Tapping a hoof on her own chin. Blue eyes looking down at the other. Thinking about it for a few seconds. Pinkie was in need of some extra help since things in the bakery have been a little hectic lately. The orders. The baking. The party planning. Basically everything in her schedule. “Oh, what the hay! I always needed the help anyway! You seem really nice and trusting. Plus, I feel like I need some company anyways!” A smile erupted on her face again, bouncing up and down excitedly. “I need someone to help me on the baking or working at the counter. Handling orders. Can you handle that?” Pinkie asked, making Dahlia hesitate for a few moments.

“I...I can help with the baking.” Dahlia announced. “I'm... not so sure about the counter orders.” She seemed a little on edge. “M-Maybe someday when I'm really good.”

“Alright! I suppose the baking is your job for now! When I have the time, I'll come to your aid for baking, 'kay?” Pinkie grinned.

“Okay. Thank you, Pinkie.” Dahlia felt trust in Pinkie Pie already. A breath of sigh relieved from her. Her kindness was a very warm welcome in her book. “Ooh! I promise I'll work hard!” Dahlia said to her, practically beaming. Magic aura pulling down her cloak's hood, revealing her face entirely.

Pinkie Pie gasped, “You're so pretty! And you have... BLUE HAIR!! Ooooooh!~” Dahlia watched her smile, giving a little blush. A small giggle and a snort erupted from her happily. A grin stretching wide across her face. “I'll think of you as my baking apprentice! Or accomplice!” Pinkie joked. But Dahlia only guffawed in response. Hooves slapping over her own mouth and cheeks glowing a light pink. This made Pinkie Pie giggle manically. Motioning Dahlia to come to the kitchen in the back. Dahlia followed Pinkie behind.

“Good thing that you're a unicorn! I need some magical ability to assist for my work!” Her happy demeanor didn't change. Dahlia loved her presence, it gave her extreme comfort for some reason. But still, Dahlia has a very odd feeling about her. She didn't know why. So, the pony kept her guard up.

“U-Uh...yeah. I'm a unicorn. Of course.” The mare gave a halfhearted chuckle. Pinkie bounced high to grab something that looked like a cake pan in the cupboards. Dahlia stared at her for a second, “...Don't you need some help instead of bouncing high for a baking pan thingy?” Questioning her.

“Nope! I'm pretty good with jumping high to grab these!” Pinkie insisted. “Don't worry about me!” Another cute giggle.

“So...h-how long do I work? You know... for the day. Before I head home...” Dahlia was rubbing her front arm.

The party pony turned around to face her, “Oh! You work from 10 in the morning until 6 in the afternoon. You get weekends off for your own time. If I need you, I'll just come and get you. Is that okay with you?” Pinkies asked her. Dahlia nodded at Pinkie's answer.

“I can do those hours. Whatever it takes.” Dahlia assured.

“Great! You can start tomorrow or even today!” The pink pony beamed with happiness.

“I can start today.” Dahlia blurted out.

“Sweet!” Pinkie bounced up and down once again.

“C-Can I call you Miss Pinkie? If you don't mind?” Dahlia questioned shyly.

“Of course you can! As long as it has my shortened name in it. I'm fine with it! Plus it makes me feel like a bakery owner! Tee hee!” Another chuckle, but this time sounding playful. “As long as I can call you Ms. Dahlia!” Pinkie trotted over to snatch a recipe book from one of her lower cupboards. Placing it on the counter to open it. Flipping through the pages to find confection recipe. A hoof finally settling onto a apple fritter one. “Aha! Apple fritters! Come over 'ere, Ms. Dahlia! We can start off with apple fritters as a starter. Come! I'll be your baking mom!” Dahlia chuckled and trotted herself over to the counter where Pinkie was.

~A few hours later and a few failed fritters later...~

The party pony and the botanist had been giggling for over a few seconds. Making fun of their own failed fritters on the counter. A few of them tasted a little off. But, the both didn't mind at all.

Dahlia's practically mushing them with her own front hooves. The ones that where made perfectly ended up on a plate. Dahlia's magic lifted the plate of perfectly baked fritters onto the other side of the counter. Practically next to the sink. “I can't believe fritters take so long for me to even make!” Dahlia exclaimed before smiling wide over at Pinkie.

“Oh yeah! Fritters take some time. Hee hee! But don't worry! I'll help you out on the baking! Just trust me and you'll become a professional in no time!” She spoke.

“You think so?” Dahlia asked.

“I know so!” Pinkie nods.

“This is the best job that I've ever had so far. I get to learn AND bake at the same time!” Dahlia looked rather excited, it played on her face. Now taking a fritter from the plate with her magic. Nibbling on it before her eyes went wide. They are so yummy! Especially when she and Pinkie made them.

“I'll be stocking those fritters soon, so don't eat too many silly filly!“ Pinkie said, standing there looking at Dahlia.

“'Kay, Miss Pinkie, I gotcha.” Dahlia responded to her. She wasn't going to eat too many anyways. She didn't want to be slowed down by too much sugar. In fact, if she did, Dahlia would suffer from a sugar high. Once she finished her fritter, Pinkie Pie gave her a book of beginner's recipes. Dahlia flipped through the book to see many information on several recipes. “Thank you, Miss Pinkie.” Dahlia gave a nod at this.

She just couldn't help to smile again. “I love seeing you smile! It's the best gift you can give me!” Pinkie said happily, swishing her tail from side to side. Now doing a mcfreakin' cartwheel across the kitchen! Amazing Dahlia in the process.

“Wow, Miss Pinkie! You do cartwheels too?” Blinking at her with amusement. “That's so cool! And random! I wish I could done one but- I can't.” Laughing very nervously. “Blood rushes faster than a cheetah.” Rubbing her head with a single hoof, obviously joking.

“Not for me!” Pinkie cartwheeled once again across the room. “Could do this aaaall day!” Pinkie mused. Miss Pinkie had kept on cartwheeling her way throughout the bakery a few times for fun. Right upstairs and back into the kitchen again. Dahlia watched the entire entertainment from one spot, not moving at all. Humming to herself a bit.

Pinkie Pie now stopped dead in her tracks just to see the sunset approaching. In which, she almost crashed into something. Just almost. Pinkie's lucky to have caught herself in the nick of time. Vibrant hues of orange, reds and purples stretching across the skies. Making a sunset that Pinkie and Dahlia could NEVER forget. It was beautiful, but Pinkie knew it's time. “Oh dear. It's sunset. Time flies so fast! Time to close up the shop! Ms. Dahlia, you can help me clean up and then you can go home. Okay?” Handing her a broom and a pan. Dahlia took it, beginning sweeping around the kitchen. Sweep sweep. Lot's of dust and flour around the floors...they really did make a huge mess. Sweep sweep.

After minutes of constant sweeping, Dahlia double checked the entire kitchen for anymore dust. Dahlia swept it very clean for ponies to walk on. Humming to herself softly. She's sure that she's got it all into the trash. Pinkie Pie's voice was heard calling Dahlia. So, Dahlia trotted back to the front of the bakery. “Yes, Miss Pinkie?” Being very curious to what Pinkie wanted. A smile was clear on her face. Pinkie Pie was seen checking the whole bakery.

“You can clock out now, it's now time to go home!” She said, giving a small smile. “I just gotta close up. I'll see you tomorrow?” And Dahlia nodded at that. “Yes, ma'am! Of course!” She exclaimed. Pinkie trotted over to the other, only to give her a firm hug.

Dahlia was surprised by this action, as she NEVER got any type of affection. Not by her own parents or siblings. If she even called them parents OR siblings... She began to cry a bit and Pinkie pulled away, noticing the other's reaction. “Oh no! Did I..-” Practically frowning at Dahlia's expressions. Dahlia widened her eyes at Pinkie's assumption, tears in her eyes. “N-No! It's just that... I've never got a hug before...” When the charcoal pony explained this, Pinkie sulked sadly. “You're the first pony to give me any affection...” Dahlia was seen rubbing her arm again. Her mentor looked confused by this.

“...Have you gotten ANY contact or affection before?” Pinkie cocked her head at this, curious. Dahlia shook her head in response. “A little bit. It's rare. And I really don't know what it's like to socialize and do normal pony things..” She laughed very sheepishly. But that confused Pinkie, making her frown. “So- I'm kinda not used to hugs and stuff...” Dahlia wiped the tear from her own eyes. “...Are you okay with it now?” Pinkie questioned. “Well... I guess I am. I don't mind affection since I never received some... Not from a friend.” Dahlia stared at Pinkie. “I-I mean... I don't mind getting affection from a friend.” She nodded reassuringly. “You're my friend after all. R-Right?” Dahlia bit her own lip at the question.

“Of course! I'm happy to be called your friend! Oh Tartarus! You can be my sister! OOOOOH! How about my daughter since I'm your baking mother?” Pinkie's hopping up and down very excitedly.

“Anything you want, Miss Pinkie. You gave me a job.” Another sheepish laugh from Dahlia.

This statement had Pinkie even more excited. “Okie-dokie-lokie! You're my daughter now!” Pinkie giggled sweetly, making Dahlia blush. “Well-, you can go home whenever you like. Alright?” Pinkie Pie was seen restocking some pastries on it's shelves for tomorrow. “I think I'll go home now while it's still safe. Thank you.” Dahlia announced to her.

Pinkie nodded, “Alrighty then! I'll see you tomorrow!” Pinkie waved her off. After that, the mare finally left the shop. The door bell rang, signaling that she did. Dahlia figured that she could use this time to look around Ponyville. Especially what the marketplace had offered in town.

Stopping, Dahlia realized that she might not have any bits. Well- maybe. Dahlia checked her bag to see if she carried leftovers from the last town she spent money in. What a surprise! Exactly fifteen bits in hoof. Just like from earlier, she remembered. She kinda felt like a foal for not remembering. Perhaps she could buy two baskets of apples or something. Who knows? Dahlia made her way to a few stands. Just browsing and looking at the market prices for today. Eventually, Dahlia bought herself two basket of fresh, crisp and delicious granny smith apples for eight bits each. Leaving her with one bit in total. It'd be enough for a few weeks in food supply. Plus, she had those rare berries from the forest to feed on. Using her magic to aid with the baskets, she walked right back to her house. By the time she got back, it was around almost night time.

Dahlia opened her door to let herself inside, the door slammed shut behind her. Heading over to the kitchen. Placing down the two baskets on the dining table. She'll put those away after her bath time.

A soft sigh emitted from her, before letting the peace and quiet sink in. Dahlia absolutely loved the sound of quiet in her own home. It gave her a piece of mind and some security. Now that she's got a job, she doesn't need to worry about anything except arriving on time. As well as doing her job in baking and keeping the kitchen tip top! And last to mention, her mentor Pinkie Pie. She's SUCH a joy to be around.

Dahlia was happy about everything right now. She hoped nothing could go wrong...

Dahlia trotted her way into her bathroom. Magic aura immediately turning bathknobs to a nice warm water temperature, slowly filling the bathtub up. Watching the water almost rise to the top. Now using one leg at a time to get in, slowly emerging herself into the water. Once the tub was almost filled, Dahlia's magic stopped the water from running. Finally. Some silence again. Mmmm... Her first bath from a long day's hard work. Just what she needed! Dahlia slowly sunk even more into the clear water. Humming to herself a little. Her eyes could be seen only at the surface, peeking out for a few minutes. Then dunked her head into the water. Bubbles rising the surface and popping at the same time.

Well, she goes back tomorrow.

~~~

Three weeks later passed by like nothing. Since those three weeks had flown by, Pinkie Pie insisted that she'd throw a party for her apprentice. But- Dahlia told Pinkie that she couldn't do parties due to some anxieties. Pinkie understood well, but was also a little disappointed she couldn't really express her gratitude for the botanist. So, Pinkie eventually let it go and decided to work with her. The zany pony found it odd a pony didn't want a party. But, that was okay! Not everyone wants a party! If Dahlia didn't want to have one, Pinkie was fine! She wasn't really making much of a big deal of it.

At this time, Dahlia didn't notice that it was a Friday. The day that leads to the weekends. Oh how time flies! She'd been working for Pinkie Pie for nearly a month now. How amazing is that? Dahlia gave it her all this present week, wanting to impress Pinkie with her eagerness to learn. Pinkie was, of course, VERY astounded with Dahlia learning so quickly in the kitchen and around Sugarcube Corner. So much that, Pinkie Pie fully trusted Dahlia being alone fully when she's away on errands. And to close up shop when the pink party pony's full on exhausted. Dahlia Eve was mostly a night bird, so she didn't mind taking the job of closing late. It's the perfect combination schedule. The charcoal colored pony had all kinds of energy during the night. It was incredible.

Since it's Friday and almost close to the weekend... Dahlia Eve was going to get a little early off. Since Pinkie told her yesterday as a reward for working so hard.

Dahlia stood in front of the closed bakery, taking a small glance of the outside. It looked vaguely similar of a gingerbread house that she used to build when she was a small filly. A small yawn escaped her, as she tiredly trotted inside. The bell rang and Pinkie Pie smiled. Greeting her favorite pony at the counter. “Hello and good morning, Ms. Dahlia! Did you get a nice sleep?” Dahlia's favorite pony of the morning.

“Good morning, Miss Pinkie. Yes, I did. Just waking up so... a little tired.” Eve stated with another yawn.

“Tee hee! That's okay! I get a little tired too when I wake up! Don't worry. Wake yourself up because the morning rush hour is today... again!” She gave a long gasp to breathe, then continued, “Because today! I want you to be keeping of the orders in the front this time. I think you're ready now. Is that alright?” Pinkie trotted over to her.

“O-Orders? F-From the counter?” Dahlia hesitated for a few seconds. Then spoke, “I-I suppose I could... it can't be THAT bad... can it?” Dahlia fiddled with her own hooves anxiously.

“It really isn't, if you think about it! You just think of doing one at a time. And press some number buttons. It's not really much of a rush. Well.. sometimes. But I know for a fact that you can get a rhythm going.” Pinkie states. “But don't worry! I'll show you the cashier machine and how I run it. 'Kay?” Pinkie glanced over at her, waving a hoof of dismissal. Making Dahlia nod.

“Yes, Miss Pinkie. Is there a reason why you're asking me to be at the cashier?” Dahlia cocked her head at this, curious to why Pinkie Pie would put her at the machine after a few weeks of working here.

“Because I need some pony else to help me with the cashier just in case I'm not here or sick. I have other things to be going about. I don't just do orders and baking, ya know!” Pinkie Pie was zooming around the room. Like she always does. Now Dahlia understood why Pinkie wanted her at the cashier. Some pony to help her out. Get the lead off her shoulders and she understood.

“Oh. Okay, seems pretty reasonable!” Dahlia chirped. “I was... just curious about that.” Another sheepish laugh from her.

Maybe Dahlia's too tired... But... Dahlia noticed a strange substance on Pinkie Pie's chest and legs. It looked like strawberry jam... was it jam?... She wasn't sure. It probably was jam.. Eve ignored it for now, for she's way too tired... A soft happy sigh escaped her. Beginning to rub her eyes a few times with her hooves.

...

Hm... was it really jam? Or was her mind playing tricks on her?

~~~

Pinkie Pie had trained Dahlia for over an hour. The charcoal pony seemed to have gotten the hang of the cashier pretty quickly. Pinkie even let Dahlia handle her first few customers afterwards. It seemed like Dahlia had no issue with working the machine, despite her fears and anxieties. Neither with the customers. She's able to handle the orders very well. As Pinkie Pie disappeared into the kitchen for some reason. Dahlia wondered where she went at this hour... Oh well, she'll figure it out later. For now, she had a lot work to do. After a few hours of work being done, Pinkie Pie hopped herself happily over to Dahlia. There she was! Tapping her shoulder with a hoof.

“Ms. Dahlia?” And Dahlia turned to her mentor, “Yes, Miss Pinkie?” She replied.

“Would you be a dear and get me things that I've written on my list?” Pinkie handed Dahlia a piece of paper. A list full of fruit and vegetables needed. Then she took a nice look at the list. “Sure, Miss Pinkie. I can do that!” Dahlia smiled.

Pinkie gave a warm grin at her comment, taking a bag of bits out of her mane. “Good, I knew you'd say yes.” Pinkie grinned, “You can use some of my saved bits to buy all of those items on the list. Don't worry, I have plenty of bits. Lots and lots of money.” Pinkie flashed a smile at her apprentice. Magic aura brought the bag closer to herself.

“Thanks, Miss Pinkie. Celestia knows that I don't have the bits to buy the items on here. Heh.” Dahlia chuckled, then Pinkie grinned wider. “Take your time! There's no rush!” Pinkie inquired. The charcoal pony gave a nod. Dahlia dropping the bag of money into her own bag. Now closing it before putting on her cloak.

“Alright. I'll see ya, Miss Pinkie!” Dahlia waved off Pinkie before trotting outside. Making her way down to the market again. She figured that she could maybe buy something on the side to snack on. As long as Ms. Pinkie understood. She hadn't had anything to eat since this morning. Dahlia gave a light hum, as she began to trot to the market. Checking what's fresh in each booth. She really didn't want to let Pinkie Pie down in getting the stuff that she needed. Luckily for her, she found a few of the things on the list for cheap at a few stands. Unfortunately, Dahlia had to buy a extra basket for her fruits and vegetables. She didn't want to hold the individual items with her magic for so long. Feeling like it'd waste time and energy. So the two baskets relieved her of that issue. Piling all of the fruits collected into the woven creation. Humming to herself as she did so.

After scouting numerous minutes the items on the list, Dahlia sat down a few feet away from the market. Preferably by a tree that provided shade. Thank Luna. She seemed to have filled her baskets quite a bit. Now looking at a list with several of the item names crossed out. Indicating that she was keeping track. Dahlia's proud of herself of gathering most of the items needed. “That should do it. Miss Pinkie would be very proud of me.” Smiling in her favor before a small giggle escaped her. “Just a little more to go on this list. And I think I'll be good to go here.”

...

When all was done, Dahlia stood up from her spot before trotting herself back to the market with her partially full basket. Gathering very last of the items on her list. As Dahlia grabbed the last item, eyes darted around the marketplace curiously. Perhaps she could make some friends with the other crowd. All of the sudden, she froze in her place. Dropping the basket of items, almost spilling all of it's contents on the dirt. From the corner of her eye, she could spot two familiar ponies. Ones that she'd never would meet ever again. But here we are. In the flesh of it all. Silver gray eyes focused dead onto a lavender coated pony. This pony had bubblegum pink hair tied into a ponytail. Wearing that stupid little simple black choker necklace. Her cutie mark revealed a hoof-held bronze mirror with two hearts separated on each side of the handle. What a useless cutie mark to have. Dahlia's eyes looked over to the other mare loitering right next to her.

This other thing stood next to this mare. Dahlia noticed that “this other thing” had baby pink colored fur. As well as it's dyed purplish blue hair that's tied into two buns. Eyes of the color of the blue skies. Their cutie mark contained a chat bubble with the symbols @#! in it and two fireflies surrounding it. Interesting cutie mark. But still bucking useless... None of them had purpose in this life. At least her own cutie mark had one. It was a fact.

In reaction, Dahlia had felt her knees become like jello. Her entire body stayed in it's place, rather paralyzed. “D-D..” Was all Dahlia could muster at the moment. What was there to say? She'sthere. The main source of all of her problems. Dahlia wasn't expecting the she-devil to be here of all places... Not now! Have they come in search for her? Oh no. She can't. Not again. She needed to flee immediately. Dahlia quickly gathered all of the items that spilled onto the floor very quickly. Magic cleaning up each item individually. She had to go.. she just had to.

Her eyes shot back down at the list that Pinkie had given her. Dahlia seems to have all items on list. All except one...

...Cherries? Alright, seems simple... right?

Dahlia saw the cherries stand and then her enemy, Diamond Ocean. Who was standing right in front of a confectionery stand next to her friend, Firefly Song. The cherries had to be right next to that sweets stand.. How wonderful. Dahlia felt her forelegs refusing to move any further but in her mind, she's telling herself to move the fuck forward. She had no choice if she wanted to impress her own mentor. With a deep breath, she trotted very slowly over to the cherry stand. Trying her best not to get noticed. Lucky for her, Dahlia had her cloak on. If she didn't, she'd be so screwed. And she would be spotted by that thing that's right besides her. Probably the other one, Firefly would tattle on her immediately. Ugh.

The clerk asked her on what could he help her with. Dahlia frantically asked for a bag of cherries. Being near those two seemed like a nervous disaster every time. As the clerk turned his back, Dahlia's ears perked upwards in hearing a conversation from them.

“Y'all think she'd be in this dump?” Diamond asked in a southern belle accent. A little smoother than Applejack's.

“Well, that's what one of them ponies in Cantorlot said. I mean she's friends with them. Something like that.” Firefly casually said.

“Dumb bitch. Runnin' around like the mule she is. She really thinks that she can hide from us?” Diamond snarled at this. “Honestly, here? Out of all places to hide in?” The pink hair mare asked, continuing. Then giving a scoff.

“When I find her, I'mma gonna give her a piece of my mind!” Firefly said. Dahlia frowned at this little statement. Oh no you won't, slut. I'LL KILL YOU! I'll make sure of it. Then you'd know about pain! Dahlia thought to herself.

“Damn bitch... I really flockin' hate her. It's funny how people still talk about her back at home.” Firefly snorted. “She can't hide from her truth.” adding on. “All of it will follow her. Especially after what she did.” Firefly states, huffing.

“She DISGUSTS me.” Diamond added.

“She disgusts all of us, Diam- Silver Star.” Firefly corrected herself. But Diamond just gave a small chuckle at Firefly's mistake.

“Soon enough, we'll all bask in the glory of her disappearance.” Diamond said with no problem at all, patting the other's back. But Dahlia scrunched up her nose in utter disgust.

You disgust me, bucking Polights. Dahlia thought to herself.

Then the clerk finally hoofed over her the bag, immediately capturing the dark mare's attention. Before Dahlia paid her share of a few bits. After paying for a few bags of cherries, Dahlia moved as fast as she could. Stuffing the bag of cherries into her basket, before taking off back to Sugarcube Corner. Galloping head first to that place. For it's her safehaven. She didn't even look back. Never could look back. Dahlia busted through the empty shop, multiple bells ringing again. Dahlia halted before huffing in short breaths. Trying to capture every bit of air to calm down. Oh Luna... thank goodness that she wasn't seen by that thing.

A sigh heard before she quickly ran her way into the kitchen. Finally setting the basket of items down on the counter. Shivering repeatedly before taking a deep breath. Calming herself, realizing she's back at the bakery. Dahlia sat herself right down in her spot. Now giving a angry huff. Thinking about the situation at hoof. She just saw Diamond Ocean aka Silver Star at the market. Talk about an original name change. There's probably several ponies out there with the name “Silver” and “Star” within their names. Dahlia's huff was heard and it sounded irritated. Shutting her own eyes closed tight. Luna, this was all so frustrating to even think about.

Sigh. She had to breathe for a bit. Now closing her own eyes.

Then the memories began to pile on again. Oh the HORRID memories that she had with both ponies. The assumptions and lies that almost ruined her own reputation. Diamond gaslighting her actions (denying it), taking out all of those insecurities on Dahlia and accusing her of stealing items, etc. These things almost ruined her in her little made group. Making the mare run away from her own hometown, Filly Delphia. Straight to Ponyville to hide. Another sad fact was- Dahlia had to change her name from Obsidian Dream straight to Dahlia Evelyn. Everything was so dark back then, but now, she knows the light. She's better off without those a-holes. She was doing so much better before she-devil came here.

Dahlia and her friends knew that Diamond's fake and she fuckin' knew it. She was very UGLY in personality. After cutting ties with her, somepony else helped opened her eyes to the disgusting behavior. The stupid cult, her following that she has standing behind her. Hurting other previous ponies and throwing them out like trash. One by one. Almost like a pack of wolves self-cannibalizing each other, slowly tearing each other apart. Diamond Ocean wasn't a true friend... no. She wasn't. She's a fake Jezebel. In Dahlia's eyes, she saw Diamond Ocean as a puppet master. A master manipulator. And it disgusted her. The thought of it made Dahlia angry. Very very angry.

And as for Chatter Box (Firefly Song)? Dahlia went blank on that one. She wanted to strangle her neck for even existing.

...

Why does the both of them deserve the roam free while she wilts away to suffer? She wanted to almost cry. Dahlia shook her own head, getting those thoughts out. No. Not today. She had a job to do. A new life. “...Miss Pinkie?” Dahlia called out to her mentor. No answer.

So, she decided to look around the kitchen. Scouting out of the cupboards, only to see pots and pans for each certain cooking variety. Dahlia didn't touch anything, of course. She didn't want to mess up Pinkie's order of things. A sigh heard, as she trotted around the kitchen for a few more seconds before slowing down. Growing with boredom. After minutes of silence, Dahlia decided to look up at the ceiling and then at the plank flooring. Trying to hyper focus onto the little things on the floor.

Up until something had caught her attention.

A small little mark was located in the middle of the plank flooring. What is that?... Is that a marker indent on the floor? Did Pinkie mark the floor with a pen or something? How did she not see this before? Trotting over to it, before squinting her eyes to see the indent. Squinting her eyes to see... not a marker or drawn line. Instead, it looked rather more shadowy, like there was a small carve in the floor. Like somepony had taken a knife and carved straight into it. Carefully, the tip of her hoof tried to play with it. Realizing that it's a... dent opening? Before fiddling with it a few times, trying to really open it... Her hoof's making it rather difficult, so she trotted over to one of the drawers. Grabbing a butter knife with her magic. Using magic made her realize that she could've used her own magic to open it. Oh well. Making her way back over to only use the knife to open the dent in the floor.

...

It opened slightly. Startling her a little bit, making Dahlia blink. Realizing that it's a trapdoor! Cautiously, Dahlia lifted it till the door was up at a 90 degree angle. Revealing a flight of stairs leading downwards into a cold cellar. A faint fruity odor released itself just a little into the sterile room. Sending a chill down Eve's spine, “Ooooh-... this looks like a bad idea...” She sounded very soft, like she's talking to herself. With a deep breath, Dahlia looked around to see if anyone was going to catch her. Luckily, she still was by herself. That was very good. She didn't want Miss Pinkie catching her now. Fully opened all the way, she started debating on this. Dahlia stumbled upon something that was of Pinkie's, a secret that shouldn't be seen. A gut feeling rose within her. Screaming at her, telling her to not go down those cellar stairs. But- damn it... her curiosity...

Ignoring this feeling, she's going down there. Regardless of the feeling being present or not. So, she remained brave despite trembling. Another deep exhale before she began to descend down the stairs. Each step was another creak. Which gave Dahlia more of the chills and her adrenaline flowing. Halfway down, more of that rotten fruity scent finally crept up into her nose. Smelling like a moldy fruit pie left in the fridge for several weeks. Disgusting. Making Dahlia almost gag. Ignoring the smell, Dahlia lit her horn for a light support, illuminating a magical light for support. Now proceeding to emerge herself into the darkness. Oh sweet Celestia... she had no idea what lies ahead.

After taking five steps downwards, Dahlia hit a cold platform. Concrete. It almost startled her in a sense. But she adjusted. Her eyes scanned the entire secret room. Noticing that there's a steel table... with what looked like a unconscious mare on it. A lightbulb was presently hanging above the victim, it's light barely enough to light up the entire room. So, she canceled her light source. Dahlia squinted her eyes, making sure that her eyes didn't betray her. Trotting quickly over to the table to get a closer look. Oh no... She wasn't crazy. There was a pony on the table strapped down alright. Dahlia just stood there and stared down blankly at the pony. The first thing that came to mind was, of course, sheer panic. What... What is this?! She thought frantically to herself. Is this a prank? A game? What?!

A lemon yellow pony was tightly strapped down to the table before her... but... why? Dahlia didn't do anything but stare, unable to move or do anything for that matter. Dahlia didn't know what to do! Or how to even react! Feeling that she came across something that Miss Pinkie Pie didn't want her to see. But, now she knows. Was this... Pinkie's discretion from the world? What is this? The more she thought about it... her eyes took a long and mental note around the room. It seemed to be a customized cellar torture room. And was a lot cleaner than she'd expected. She always caught Pinkie Pie as a messy person. But-... this room seemed to be full on sanitized like it was done recently.

For one last time, Dahlia took a good hard look at the pony on the table. Mentally grasping all of the pony's details. Her hide was of a lemon yellow. Hair being straight as Twilight Sparkle's. Vibrant green locks and a very short tail to match. The equine's tail looked like it's been poorly sheared off by scissors. Like it was almost rushed. Dahlia looked over to her flank. A cutie mark showed of two limes and a lemon all resting in a glass cup. How interesting, Dahlia thought to herself. Resting her hoof on the mare's flank. Pushing up against it. The hide stretching out just by a little bit. Then she noticed that the Pegasus' wings where sawed crudely off. The poor thing...

This is nuts, Dahlia thought to herself.

...

Suddenly, Dahlia's back hairs had stood up. Having the gut feeling that she wasn't alone in this room anymore. “...I see that you've found my secret cellar.” said a familiar voice, it sounded a little slow. Ms. Eve tensed up, knowing who's voice was behind her. Freezing in her place before turning her head very slowly to see who's behind her. Oh no.

Miss Pinkie Pie! She caught me... Oh Luna. Wait... How did she get down here so fast? What the buck?

Dahlia seemed surprised at her appearance. Her mane being completely different. It's no longer curly and was now completely straight. Her hide color looked much duller from her usual bright palette. As well as her hair color was a muted pink too. And those sky blue eyes no longer a bright color but a less brighter blue. It was only to match her scheme of muted colors. Seeing her made Dahlia's heart stop, yet frown. “...M-Miss Pinkie?” Her voice softer than before. “Y-You're scaring me...” She cried a little, tears present down her cheeks. Backing herself up into the corner a little. Gasping when the party pony slowly drew a large kitchen knife from her mane. Dahlia froze in her place again.

...No answer.

“M-Miss Pinkie?” Hesitantly calling out again. But again, no answer. Only to see Pinkie Pie giving a slow but silent grin on her face. Her eyes quickly shrunk to pinpricks. Nothing but a giggle was heard.

“...I was hiding this from you.” Pinkie's voice being calm and soft, almost warm and sultry. But also slow. “...I was hoping that you'd never find this... ever.” Continuing. Then a sigh was heard from her, sounding a little irritated. Pinkie's expression changed to nothing but an annoyed look. “But-... it can't be helped. Now that you know about my little secret... Are you going to tell on me? Because if you do... You'll die, ya know. And it won't be a pretty death. You know that right?” The pink mare asked her, gripping the knife in her hoof tight. “I can't let any pony know about this! This is MY secret.” She said, almost crying in the last sentence. Her voice seemed to be a lower tone than before. Not the happy voice she had and was known for. “And now that you know... I have to kill you. So you won't tell on me!” Pinkie cried out. There was tears in her own eyes.

Dahlia stared down the knife in her hoof. Silver gray eyes darted up to those dull blue eyes. The word 'kill' caught her attention and it made her a little tense. “T-Tell on you? About what?” Dahlia timidly asked, very confused. “About my secret ingredient, silly filly! What makes my pastries and cupcakes so special!” Despite being so dull, she switched back to cheery mode. Sending more of that cold feeling down Dahlia's spine. How could Pinkie be so cheery at this time? Especially when there's a pony strapped on the table before them?

But Dahlia remained confused, paranoid and maybe scared all at the same time. Only giving a stare over at the unconscious pony again. This was the secret ingredient? This is what makes the candies and pastries taste so good? She didn't feel anything. What's she supposed to feel? Fear? Tension? Anger? Anxiety? Rage? Happiness? Dahlia wasn't sure about anything at the moment. Her eyes slowly tracked themselves back up at Pinkie's face again. A look of a calm rage shown on her face. Dahlia knew that she ate her own kind... and she didn't care. Did she? I don't think so.

But Dahlia had to be careful with her words, for they could land her into deep trouble with Pinkie. Taking the other's word to kill her if she told. The mare gave a long sigh before staring right into Pinkie's eyes. “No, Pinkie. I won't. You're my friend. I can't tell on you. It'd be silly to throw away this life already..” Dahlia meant it with all of her heart. Pinkie Pie leaned herself inwards to check Dahlia's expressions, practically reading her actions. Dahlia didn't twitch or react at all. There was all but genuine trust. Suddenly, Pinkie's hair poofs right back up with no problem, making Dahlia blink in surprise.

“You mean that with your little heart?” As Pinkie said it, Dahlia blinked at her.

“Of course, Miss Pinkie. You know I do. You trust me, right?”

That made Pinkie nod at her. “Of course I trust you, Ms. Dahlia!” Pinkie came to her and patted Dahlia's back.

...

...

A few minutes of awkward silence roll in and Dahlia just had to ask due to her curiosity. “...Miss Pinkie... why do I smell rotten fruit? Because... when I was walking down here, all I could smell was rotten fruit... and possibly expired cake?” Dahlia trotted herself over to the party pony with a confused look. Pinkie gave a small laugh and a snort. Then a wave of dismissal.

“Oh!~ That's the smell of dead pony.” When Pinkie said that, Dahlia's heart dropped once again. What? Dead pony? Was Miss Pinkie just playing a silly prank on her? Sounds of giggles erupted the quiet cellar. Dahlia looked to see Pinkie giggling a little. “Yes. A dead pony. You heard me right.” She said with a eerie grin.

“P-Pony...?” Was all Dahlia could muster, still in shock. And Pinkie nodded in response. “Earlier in my baking career, I found out that ponies don't have ordinary type of blood, but rather a different kind. It's a fruity type! And there's a scent to match with it. Sometimes it's rare to find a confectionery type of pony... Interesting, huh? I wonder why we never really notice before... Must be some spell placed on us. Maybe some of us do notice or all of us have! Maybe we just don't say a word about it. Who knows!” Hearing that made Dahlia's ears twitch a little. Intrigued by this new set of information. As for the spell part, she wasn't sure about it. Since she's never heard of such spell. “Here, I'll show you.” Pinkie mused and hopped over to the tool bench. Grabbing the scalpel from it's drawers. Making Dahlia a little nervous. Miss Pinkie came back right back on over to Dahlia. Then quickly made a swift, but small slice at Dahlia's rump. Just above Dahlia's cutie mark. Ms. Dahlia let out a sharp cry of pain. Not expecting that type of contact from a tool. Leaving a not so deep cut. Eve expected actual red blood from it, but instead it leaked a weird, but a very bright cerulean blue. She may never noticed the scent before, but now she did. And she smells... blueberry? No... Blue raspberry.

Dahlia looked much closer to examine her small cut, seeing a little bit of exposing muscle. Which seemed to be a dark color compared to her 'blue' blood. Which was a lighter color, brighter even. Dahlia's eyes widened at this, gasping. She couldn't believe it... she smells of raspberries...!

“Cool, huh? Each pony's a different flavor. Or confectionery, like strawberry cake or a marshmallow! Tee hee!” Pinkie smiled, giggling again. “It seems like you smell of blue raspberry. I'm pretty surprised that you never even knew about your own blood. Or your blood color for that matter! But that's okay!” Pinkie chuckled softly.

Pinkie didn't hesitate using a hoof to smear some of her blood off that cut. Making Dahlia shiver. Watching Pinkie Pie use her tongue to lick the blood off, now closing her eyes. “Mmh.. Tasty.~” Pinkie said, chuckling afterwards. A sick smile appeared on her face. “Sooo sweet~. So, you're a good girl, huh? I guess the nicer you are, the more of the sweet taste you produce. I guess that goes for the opposite end. But tart and bitter for nasty attitudes.” Nothing but giggles erupted from the party pony. Dahlia wasn't sure anymore, so she sheepishly just nodded. “It'd be hard to kill you since I've been looking for a blue raspberry pony for one of my recipes. But, I can make ONE exception.” Pinkie states blankly. “Since you're my apprentice, I won't kill you. IF you don't tell on me. Sounds like a deal? I Pinkie Promise you that.” Stating this, before Pinkie pulled out a first aid kit from her own mane. Beginning to clean up the cut, humming to herself. “Plus, I'll protect you and take care of you as well. No hospitals though.”

And Dahlia frowned at this. “I can't contact hospitals? Or go to them when I'm badly injured?” Dahlia asked her mentor. The pink mare shook her head in response.

“Would be too much work.” She stated before leaning in to kiss her band-aid. “Probably too much attention too.” Before standing up straight. “They'd start asking questions. You know, like the whole 'what happened, blah blah' or 'how did you end up with cuts or bruises, la la'.” Pinkie said, mocking a few voices. Dahlia thought about it for a long minute. Yeah, sure, her mentor was secretly killing ponies. Dahlia knew it went against all of the laws. She knew it was wrong. But her stupid curiosity got in the way of her morals. She hated going against them but- Dahlia needed to know about this. Her look softened a little at these thoughts. It was wrong, still. But--... something just compelled her to dump all of her morals in a mental dumpster. Right in the back of her mind.

“Deal.” Dahlia didn't hesitate to say yes. This was it, she's too far in for her to back out. The party pony gasped in utter shock. Before she spoke up, “Oh yeah, to really seal it, we gotta do the Pinkie Promise! You gotta repeat after me, okay?” Pinkie stated. And Dahlia's brow furrowed at that, she's heard of these before... So, Dahlia gave a nod, “Okay...” And Pinkie Pie began, “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” As the swear was said, Pinkie crossed her heart, flapped her fake wings eccentrically and pretended to stick a cupcake in her own eye. Dahlia followed suit, trying to get it right. “No pony breaks a Pinkie Promise and that's the rules! And you promised to not tell my secret. As I, Pinkie Pie-, Pinkie Promise not to kill you.” Pinkie sternly said, showing how serious she is. Dahlia exhaled finally in relief, before sitting in her own spot. Taking a deep breath. And a another one for safekeeping.

Coming face to face with her mentor again. Showing a very stern demeanor of her own. A question hatching open in her basket of a mind. “But-... I must know, Miss Pinkie...” Dahlia didn't move. “What's your reason for all of this?” Eyes following the figure of pink, now trotting to the other side of the room. She was near the sink and a single tool bench. Standing over the sink before washing the scalpel in scolding hot water.

“No reason at all. It's just that it's fun and more of a stress reliever. Nothing else.” Pinkie mused, before turning off the sink, leaving the scalpel in it. Now bouncing her way over to the roller table. Scanning her eyes across the tools laid out on the table. Pinkie's blue orbs stared over at Dahlia. “I do save Equestria from time to time. So, I get very exhausted or stressed, ya know.”

Ah. Dahlia sees.

A idea hit Dahlia Eve and she thought it was spectacular. “Miss Pinkie?” She spoke up again.

“Yes, Ms. Dahlia? What is it?” Pinkie glanced over at her, practically picking up another sterile tool.

“If you do this... does this mean that I can do stuff like this on other ponies?” Asking, twiddling with her hooves again. “Like-, for instance-... I ask you to capture another pony?... Two in fact?” Dahlia could feel the hurt boiling inside of her. Seething within. Ready to be let loose from it's mental cage. But she really wanted to be polite and not explode at an inappropriate time. Trying her damned best not to fight it with her every being. She just couldn't again.

Pinkie noticed something was wrong with her. “If you want to. Can't make you.” Pinkie said casually, placing a hoof onto Dahlia's back. This made the charcoal coated pony loosen her tension up a little. “Buuuut, I would need to put you on my schedule.” Dahlia cocked her head at this.

“...Schedule?” Questioning Pinkie.

“Yeah, a schedule! You take certain days of the week and I take the other other days! Kinda like a system.” The party pony bounced up and down a few times.

“Sounds like a great plan!” Dahlia gave a small warm smile.

“Okie-dokie-lokie!” Pinkie cheered, making Dahlia chuckle in return. “Let's work out a schedule for us!” Pinkie said, hopping up back into the kitchen. Then minutes later she came down with a few pieces of paper and two pencils. “Let's start! Shall we?” Pinkie happily announced. And the two started on their numerous amounts of schedule planning. Which probably took a few hours to accomplish.

~~~

Pinkie Pie stood by the table waiting patiently for her new victim to wake up. She'd also rolled over her portal table full of sanitized tools (ready for using) next to her. Now bouncing with eager excitement for her next playdate. It's going to be so much fun! Pinkie Pie thought to herself. Dahlia stood by Pinkie's side the entire time. Miss Pinkie looked over at her partner. “Would you like to observe for a bit?” Pinkie Pie offered.

“A little. After I do, I'm gonna go upstairs to chill out. And think about some things...” Dahlia said with no emotion. And Pinkie nodded in response.

“Okie! Sounds good!” Another smile.

Pinkie trotted over to the other side of the table. After waiting a minutes for the dose of tea to wear off...The earth mare on it became now conscious, wide awake and alert. Looking around the room to see her surroundings. Taking in the foul scent before throwing up on herself immediately. Before she then started to thrash around like mad. But she couldn't move due to her tight binds. Sounds of whimpering were heard. Pinkie stood on a stool to hover over. The mysterious mare looked up to her captor with fear in her eyes.

“G'Morning, Lemon Rain!~ It took you FOREVER to wake up!” Pinkie mused, a twisted smile shown. Rain tried to scream for help, but Pinkie shoved a wad of cloth down into her mouth. “Now, time to work!” A mad chuckle let loose and Dahlia watched Pinkie Pie go at her messy work. Seeing that Pinkie dived into her own insanity and a manic state. Staring over at her mentor, practically glaring at her cutting up the victim in a precise matter. Two open flaps like two doors of a house, releasing a whiff of that known potent scent into the air. Stench of almost rotten lime or lemon. And it's way snaked into her nose. Instead of wanting to gag like the last time (when she came down here), she stood up and sniffed. Trotting herself over to the table cautiously and as slowly as she could... Spotting the Polight, staring cold and dead down at the soon to be corpse. Then gave a small scoff.

She'd never really liked the Polights anyways. Did she? No. She knew that this wasn't true. She's practically friends with one. Dahlia just stared at the insides of Lemon Rain. Bright yellow colored intestines to match the color scheme.

...

Eve silently made her way over to Pinkie's portable table with the tools on it. Observing each tool that Pinkie had. Hacksaws to scalpels to cleavers. “You know, Ms. Dahlia...” She paused for a bit. “A really random thing that I always wonder about your cutie mark...” Dahlia looked over to her own flank to see once. It was a green sprout growing from a single dirt patch. Two tiny diamond sparks on each side of it.

Her apprentice stared right down at her flank again. “Oh... this? Uh...” Dahlia thought about it for a bit. Stepping away from the table. “W-Well... I really like to study plants. And I can also identify them. I'm a certified botanist on weekends. I guess I have a knack for growing stuff too as well. I also grow my own food and such. If that really counts... I guess I have a super green thumb.” Dahlia looked away, blushing a bright pink. This wasn't bragging... was it?

“Oh really? That's pretty cool!” Pinkie grinned at her. Dahlia's cheeks blushed even darker. “A botanist! Never thought I'd meet a pony with a plant interest!” Pinkie said to herself. Grinning from ear to ear. Dahlia's blush darkened before scoffing playfully. “What? I'm serious!” Pinkie replied at her expression.

~~~

After Pinkie Pie finished up her own playdate, she cleaned up her workstation. She's surprised that it took only an hour to play. Dismembering the dead corpse before throwing it's parts into a black garbage bag. Pinkie wasn't going to let all of this go to waste, nope! She had something special planned for this little batch. Dahlia stopped her, “Miss Pinkie-- You mind if I take a part or two?” Pinkie blinked at this, surprised at this sudden behavior.

“A part? You? What for?” Dahlia stared at her for a bit. “I'm... curious...” Dahlia said, continuing, “I wanna to try a piece or two of that pony you just killed. Y-You know... for flavor research.” Dahlia looked a little bit timid. Pointing at the bag her mentor was holding in hoof. “Ooooh, so you're curious?” Pinkie asked with a evil grin. Dahlia nodded slowly.

“I suppose I could give you one or two parts. If I do this, would you like to be my official partner? Like- help me out with gathering my secret ingredient. You'd still be my apprentice, of course.”

Dahlia pondered for a little bit. This is going to be fun, right? Then gave a nod. “I will, definitely! I need the money anyways... And I'm too far in deep anyways...” Dahlia's mouth just stretched from ear to ear, now grinning. “This is wonderful! I have a helper in my baking! Just letting you know that this job is pretty messy! And risky. Are you aware?” Pinkie cocked her head.

Dahlia gulped nervously, giving a sheepish chuckle, “I can obviously see the messiness of this place when you work, Miss Pinkie. And I know that this job is already risky, because it does go against all laws of Equestria.” Dahlia stated. “..The moment that I stepped my hooves in this place, I knew it's wrong. And plus, me going against my own morals. Not to mention...” Dahlia gave a frown, looking a bit disappointed. But it disappeared once Dahlia said, “Money is money. You gotta make it somehow in this world.” Dahlia was right about one thing.

Pinkie Pie dug her hooves into the bag to grab Dahlia a dismembered arm. Tossing it straight on over to Dahlia, who caught it. Instantly smelling it with curiosity. It smells delicious... she began to nibble on the arm lightly. The flavor definitely tasted like a rotten lemon. Dahlia didn't give a damn about the rotten taste. Maybe it wasn't fresh... but it tastes rather sour despite the equine being a sweetheart. It's flavor assaulting her taste-buds with two different kinds of lime and lemon flavor. Chewing on the flesh and hide felt rather... crunchy? Whatever. She caught the piece of the other victim's leg with her magic, carrying the other fair share.

Pinkie gave a cold laugh. “Oh~, I was just like you before. Thinking about my morals. Deciding if this wrong or right, eventually one day I told myself-, cluck it! It's what makes me happy and oh so alive! I could honestly care less about the pony being killed. Plus, it's a system. It's a fate that nopony could escape. If I'm going to Tartarus, then I'm heading to Tartarus.” Dahlia was... dumbfounded by the choice of words used by Pinkie. The party pony out of all mares! The Element of LAUGHTER! Eve stopped in her tracks, thinking, before her jaw dropped. Looking over at Miss Pinkie.

“...Y-You really don't care if somepony dies?” Now cocking her head.

“Nope! Not really. The only ponies I care about are my friends. Which are the rest of the Elements. And of course, Spike and you. I just pretend to like every pony else.” Pinkie said, heading up the stairs. She stopped right on the third step at the top.

“I...” Was all Dahlia could muster.

“Plus, you're about to head to Tartarus since you just became a cannibal. You're eating the remains of a dead pony! In which that I murdered! Ms. Dahlia has sinned already! Hee hee!” Pinkie let out a low giggle. Then Dahlia realized it, making her almost go a lighter shade. If that's even possible. But- she thought about it for a few minutes and it didn't seem terrifying as much anymore. Ignoring all her logic for once. To really think about it, she's already sinned for accepting to gather the 'secret' ingredient that Pinkie needs for pastries. She didn't care right now, she really didn't. Seconds right after, Dahlia started to nibble onto her eaten piece. She was right. Oh Celestia... but it's so GOOD! Pinkie cackled coldly at her reaction, knowing that she's right. Watching her apprentice pork down a full leg for her meal. Juices remained on her snout and lips. A taste for more fresh pony had finally developed.

“How come?” The pink mare asked, before looking back at Dahlia. Who stared into her mentor's eyes blankly.

“Just really curious, that's all. This is just so new to me. Especially, cause I've stumbled upon this cellar recently. Well, I guess now I know...your secret.” Her eyes trailed away from her mentor.

“Well, of course you do.” Pinkie smiled at her. “Come now. It's time to pack the ingredient for a refrigeration.” Motioning her, Dahlia followed Pinkie behind up back into the kitchen.

“Refrigeration? ...Pack?” Dahlia sounded stupefied. Pinkie rolled her eyes, giving a laugh.

“That's right, you're new to this. Well, it's for the 'meat', silly. We need to skin the hide away first, before we put this into a container and shelve it in the refrigerator. This takes a week to literally get the rotten smell away. After that, it becomes lemon or lime material. Strange, I know.” Pinkie looked at her with a single nod.

“...Material?” Dahlia raised her brow.

“Yep! Material. Well, ingredients, if you would.” A warm smile shined on her face. Dahlia followed her mentor behind suit. Taking a huge bite out of the second leg, more juices flowed down her chin.

“What about the left over hide?” Dahlia raised a brow at that, concerned.

“Oh! Wash it out and send it over to Rarity. She'll never know about the hide being from another pony! I think she almost never uses my hides that I send her.” She frowned at that thought. “She has them probably in a box somewhere!” Pinkie made a straight face at that. “Maybe, she does use them. Maybe rarely.” Pinks shrugged at this before she trotted on over to the refrigerator. Figuring that she needed to fix herself a small snack.

Then a malicious smile grew slowly across Dahlia's face. It being a little relaxed for comfort. Now she found a place to relieve of her problems... the torture cellar below them. And she loved every bit of the idea.

And she knew what to do.

~~~

In Pinkie's bedroom...

“Who'd you like to capture, Ms. Dahlia?” Pinks laid on her bed, asking Dahlia. Who's laying upside down besides her. A book floating above her head. Dahlia paused for a moment before thinking about it for a little while, humming to herself. Magic placing the book besides her on the bed. She just remembered something... her little encounter in the market! Diamond Ocean. Chatter Box. The memory hitting like a pile of bricks. Her eyes went wide before she turned on her side. Facing her mentor with a deadpan look.

“...There's two ponies that I actually want to murder. Wipe them both out.” Dahlia continued, “...Their names are Silver Star and Firefly Song. Or formally known as Diamond Ocean and Chatter Box.” She stared right at her for a mere moment.

“...” Pinkie didn't say a single word. Neither did Dahlia. They both stayed silent for a few seconds. Just staring each other down for a few solid minutes. Before Pinkie spoke up with one question. “...Is there a reason why?” The pink mare quizzed slowly.

“Yeah. Actually.” Dahlia closed her eyes shut for a second, giving a sigh. “The both of them used to be my friends. But suddenly, one weird day, they dropped me from their stupid clubhouse. And they cause a lot of drama in their path. They even spread lies and assumptions around their town. Convinced their little cult that I'm worse than Nightmare Moon. Even to the Candy Mare for Luna's sake!!” Dahlia clutched her hooves to herself, she wanted to cry. But, she held herself back from doing so.

“So... meanies?” Pinkie questions, making Dahlia nod in response. “I see. Well, where can I find the two?” Pinkie seemed rather curious. “They're here in Ponyville. I saw the both of them while I went to get items down at the marketplace. All I know is that they're here.” Dahlia stretched a little and yawned. Seeming rather unbothered at the moment.

“..Well then.” Pinkie said before continuing, “Don't worry, Miss Dahlia. I'll definitely track the both of them down. One by one. Just for you, my friend! Of course, you'd need to draw me a photo of what they both look like. Plus, the cutie mark. Sounds good?” Pinkie sat up in her spot. Looking down at her. Silver eyes glare back up, “Yeah, sounds good.”

A few minutes of silence pass by.

“I'm really curious but- what are you planning to do with them once I capture the both of them?” Pinkie questioned. And Dahlia paused. That's a good question to ask Dahlia. What was she really planning to do with them? Dahlia wanted to say something, but her words wouldn't come out. She truly had no clue. There was so much she COULD do, so much potential.

“...I don't know, Miss Pinkie. I haven't thought about that yet. But, there's a lot of creative ideas to be done on these two sluts.”

Suddenly a chuckle was heard, before Pinkie wrapped her arms around Dahlia, pulling close. “Don't worry, silly filly! Right now, sleepover!” Giggling. Dahlia chuckled very nervously at the contact made by Pinkie. The pink mare pulled back, “Something the matter?” Looking at her directly.

“..N-No! I'm fine. Wasn't expecting any contact from a friend.” Dahlia gave a bit of a fake smile.

The party pony gave a frown then a grin. “Well, get used to it! I'm your mother now!” Pinkie nuzzled at Dahlia's hair a little. And another chuckle let out from her, before Dahlia smiled.

“I guess a sleepover sounds nice right now. I really don't wanna walk home tonight.” Dahlia whined a little. Pinkie Pie beamed at this, finding this to be a great opportunity to get to know the botanist better. “Great! Sounds like a plan!” The party pony pulled the charcoal pony close to her, humming quietly to herself.

Pinkie Pie yawned a little. As Dahlia just closed her eyes, drifting off to a peaceful slumber.

~~~

Both Dahlia and Pinkie Pie both woke up from the bed and yawned. Dahlia sat up in her seat. Staring at the ground with no ideas of killing her enemies. Miss Pinkie slid off the bed with ease. “Well, I'm gonna go capture one of your enemies today. Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll bring them both. So, you have the whole bakery to yourself. However, it won't be open while I'm around. Oh! Mr. and Mrs. Cake will be in and out with their own business. So, you might meet them finally.” A chuckle heard before shaking off her entire body and mane.

“Alright. I'm probably going to be back home then. Since the bakery is going to be closed today.” Dahlia rubbed the back of her neck a little.

“Okie-dokie-lokie!” The party pony responded.

“I'll come and get you when the party is ready.” Dahlia gave her own grin at this. “Might be a little difficult to haul in two ponies. Not to mention, I have a small playdate that I have in mind. But- I can work it!” Pinkie mused at this.

“It's cool, Pinkie. Do it on your own time... when you can. I'm not rushing anything.” Dahlia suggested.

“Okay!” Pinkie replied almost immediately.

This 'playdate' was going to be fun. Dahlia smirked at her thought.

~~~

Pinkie Pie spread a bunch of papers with various amounts of information out on the kitchen counter/table. Mostly valuable information of her next two captives, Silver Star (Diamond Ocean) and Chatter Box. Including a bonus captive by the name of Ruby Snow. Pinkie kept track of where they went, where they live, what they liked as activities/food and even their own fears. Basically, their entire lives. If anypony knew Pinkie personally about that stuff, it was Dahlia Eve. Speaking of Dahlia, she went straight home due to the generous day off given by the party pony. Thank goodness that she did! Because Pinkie's several complicated plans would've confused the daylights out of Eve. With a sigh, Pinkie reorganized the papers. Now putting them all away in her file folder for now. She knew exactly what she's going to do.

Tea.

“Maybe-, the good ol' tea trick can work just fine.” Pinkie whispered to herself. “But-, it can't work forever...” She doubted a little. A soft sigh echoed through the bakery. It begins again, she thought. Trotting herself way over the cupboards to grab a few mugs. Of course, she had to jump high enough to grab them. Giggling in the process. Setting four mugs in their places on the kitchen table. Thinking about grabbing the sleepy tea and her special 'sugar powder'. Now suddenly remembering Dahlia's request for Chatter Box's tea.

“Miss Pinkie, can you drug Chatter Box with a bit of a larger dose? Of course, not enough to kill her so quickly.” Dahlia stood at the counter. “The reason being is because I want Ms. Firefly to wake up later. She's the second worst pony that I've ever encountered in my entire life. Not as bad as Diamond Ocean though.”

“No problem!” Pinkie agreed with a smile.

The words echoed into Pinkie's brain while she's scouting the lower cupboards for the tea. Eventually, Pinkie found the tea. And her powder that she hid as a 'Pinkie's special sugar' deep in the cupboards. Taking out exactly four bags to place them into the mugs. As well as using a spoonful each of the powder into each mugs. Next, she's prepared the kettle with cold water. Setting the kettle down onto the stove, not turning it on just yet. After she did so, Pinkie trotted to the kitchen table with the mugs (two mugs was the limit to carry). Placing them down in front of four available seats. Now Pinkie made sure that she's fully prepared the scene, before heading out.

Pinkie was ready.

Taking a deep breath, she walked outside and trotted straight to the marketplace. There, she kept a look out for all three ponies. After minutes of scouting the market's area, Pinkie finally found only two of them. This time they were loitering by that same cherries stand, only inches away from it. Pinkie stared down at the picture that Dahlia crudely drew of Silver Star and Firefly Song. These two needed to be lured into her bakery for a “cup of tea”. They needed to be taught a lesson for hurting a friend!

The party mare proceeded to bounce herself over to Silver and Firefly. Both Silver and Firefly Song noticed a very familiar party pony. Then they both exchanged looks at each other. Pinkie offered a smile to them. “Hiya! I'm Pinkie Pie. What's your names?” She asked them both.

Silver spoke up first, “I'm Silver Star and this is my friend, Firefly Song. It's very nice to meet you, Pinkie. We hear so much about your parties!” Silver casually greeted while Firefly gave a fake giggle.

Pinkie Pie just chuckled, “I'm really glad that you enjoy my parties! It's my specialty after all!” Pinkie gave a warm grin at them.

Firefly glanced over to her friend. Then back at Pinkie. “Is... there something you needed from us?” Firefly asked, head cocking to the side.

“Why, of course! I'm advertising free samples back at my bakery, Sugarcube Corner. And you two seem like the perfect ponies to try some of my samples of the new special cakes! Would you two like to sample some free cake? We can also have some tea as well!” A grin.

“...What kind of cake?” Silver Star cautiously spoke.

“Double marble chocolate layered cake, Strawberry upside down cake, red velvet cake, blueberry cheesecake! Those are the only few samples. Hee hee!” Pinkie Pie smirked just a little.

Firefly blinked, staring over at Silver with unease. But Silver noticed and just swatted at Firefly's face. “Wipe that look off your face. We're going to eat free cake.” Stating this, Firefly just frowned.

“B-But..S-Silver...” Firefly retorted worriedly. Silver didn't hesitate to stare her down again.

“We're going, Firefly. A cup of tea and some cake won't hurt us! Jeez...”

Pinkie grinned at that, “Sweet! Come with me!” She mused, now leading them both to the bakery. Both Firefly and Silver both followed behind. Pinkie thought to herself... this was way to buckin' easy.

When they got to Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie lead them inside and into the kitchen. “Sorry about any messes, but I've already prepared our little scene for tea time, girls. So, I didn't have any time to clean up!” Pinkie watched as both Silver and Firefly sat next to each other.

“That's alright, Miss Pinkie Pie. We understand that you're a very busy pony.” Firefly said comforting. Pinkie smiled at that.

“I haven't prepared the tea yet. But! I need to gather one more guest for tea time. Is that okay?” asking, eyes full of excitement.

“Whatever, I guess. We can wait a little.” Silver Star slightly snorted.

“Okie-dokie-lokie!” cheered Pinkie. “Be right back!” Before she zipped her way to the door and outside. That mare was painfully fast, faster than most pegasi combined.

...

Meanwhile, Pinkie arrived straight at Ruby's door. Knocking at the door before her. Knock. Knock. Knock. Hoofsteps could be heard becoming louder and louder. Finally, the door opened to reveal it's owner, Ruby Snow. Ruby had a pure snow white coat and straight dark scarlet hair. Her eyes were a lime green, like a lime. Her hooves painted a jet black with glitter sprinkled on top. She's the prettiest mare that she's ever seen, since Rarity in a dress at the Grand Galloping Gala!

Pinkie only gave a encouraging smile at her. “Hello! I'm Pinkie Pie! Congrats! You've won some tea time with me! The pink party planner!” She happily blew a party whistle. Ruby became a little confused but a small smile emerged. Realizing it's Pinkie! Ruby's shocked that it's the famous Pinkie Pie! The Element of Laughter! At her house!

“T-Tea? You're inviting me to tea?” Ruby placed a hoof on her chest. “And free cake samples!” Pinkie added. “It would be great if you went! I have a few friends there already.” Ruby paused for a second, pondering. It sounded nice but- there's a feeling of unnerve from Pinkie's happy demeanor. Something about her... didn't seem right. Something tugged at her not to go. A knot forming inside of her gut. But her stomach argued, growling at the sight of sweets. A sigh of defeat from her.

“Alright... I suppose some cake would be nice. As well as some tea to wash it all down... Does sound pretty good right now.” Ruby closed the door behind her. Watching the pink mare bounce up and down back to her bakery while Ruby followed suit. They found themselves at the door, Pinkie opening it to trot straight inside. Heading right into the kitchen. Stopping and looking back at the other. Ruby could see two other mares waiting in the kitchen.

“Come this way!” Pinkie motioned. Ruby hurried herself inside and into the kitchen. Seeing Pinkie preparing the water for the tea. Ruby sat herself at the kitchen table with the other two circus clowns. Eyeing Ruby with a scowl. Ruby face scrunched up in disgust as a response. “Silver Star, Firefly Song. This is Ruby Snow!” Pinks announced to them. Both of them just waved awkwardly, as Ruby waved back. “Alright, time to make some tea!” Pinkie bounced happily to the stove.

Diamond Ocean began to realize something about Ruby Snow. She looked oddly familiar.. “Hey Ruby...” Ruby looked over at her.
“Hm?” replying.

“Aren't you that pony that hung around Dahlia Eve a few times?” Diamond asked But Snow just looked at her with confusion.

“Excuse me? Dahlia Who?” Her lime green eyes blinked again, staring Diamond down with disapproval.

“You know. Dahlia Eve with the ocean blue hair? Slate gray eyes?” This made Ruby's brow furrow upwards in confusions. Ruby couldn't understand what the hell this mare was saying. Who she was even talking about?? Her face scrunched again,

“No, I really don't know who you're blabbing on about.” Ruby sounded a little rude and on guard. Diamond scoffed at her behavior, turning her head the opposite way.

Ruby's eyes narrowed at her. “Snob.” Ruby quietly said to herself.

A few minutes of waiting, Ruby Snow spotted Pinkie taking off the kettle of the stove. Now carrying it's handle by her mouth. Standing, Pinkie Pie began to pour the hot water equally each into their mugs. The bag of herbs seeping into the water, beginning to work it's charm. When the tea is ready, both Silver and Firefly both took a small whiff and relaxed at it's steam. They really did like their tea. Now using spoons to mix their teas. Ruby, on the other hoof, carefully took a small sniff at her concoction. Carefully stirring the tea with her spoon. It didn't smell funny... so she took a small sip. Then another. It tasted really good.

Snow caught a quick glance at both Silver and Firefly both sipping at theirs already. Pinkie Pie had put plates of different cake slices in front of her guests. Double chocolate layered cake for Firefly, Strawberry upside down cake for Silver and vanilla cheesecake for Ruby. “Bon Appetit!” Pinkie mused before she went to sit in her spot at the end of the kitchen table. She made sure that the powder's an enough amount for each pony. One spoonful each. Except for Firefly, who's tea is heavily dosed by request. Two spoonfuls exact. Ruby took her own sweet time in drinking hers. Eyeing the pony's pink figure across from her. Watching Pinkie calmly sipping her own tea. Hers didn't have the secret sleeping powder in it. Nothing but a smile remained as she sipped. Ruby watched, something about Pinkie Pie really set her in a weird way. Like from the start... Something in her gut told her to leave. But.. the tea was delicious. Another sip.

...

After minutes in, the snow white pony began to feel tired. Her muscles began to feel some sort of odd relaxation take over her. Melting any stress away. “S-Silver? Do you... feel tired?” Firefly asked Silver in a drowsy tone. Silver Star's trying to fight her drowsiness by staying awake herself, but- she's already nodding off. Ruby made a face at her actions before turning slowly to Pinkie Pie. She felt like everything was in slow motion.

“Y-Yeah... what's in this tea..?” Firefly Song asked to their host, Pinkie Pie. Ruby became more and more drowsy, she tried to fight it by staying awake. It was smart of her to take slow sips. Firefly finally gave in to the tea. Suddenly, Firefly and Silver both dropped to the floor in slumber. Leaving Ruby in a state of shock.

“Sleepy time.” As Pinkie said this, Ruby gasped. She knew it!

Pinkie Pie slowly gave a smile at Ruby. “Don't forget to drink aaaall of your tea..” Pinkie mused as she sipped tea quietly. “...And have a good night's sleep. For you'll need it for the screams later...” Adding very smugly, Ruby looked terrified at this. Everything was... slow... She attempted to get up from her seat but the powder had hit her. Ruby swayed a few times. Trying to stand her own ground but she failed. The party mare watched Ruby finally go down in a state of sleep. Cackling to herself a little.

Perfect. She had them right where she wanted them...

~~~

Pinkamena Diane Pie successfully dragged all three of the victims down to the cellar without any complications. One by one was the plan. And she did so with no problem.

The very first thing Pinkie does immediately is she starts to bind her own victim, Ruby Snow, down to the table located in the middle of the cellar room. Sprawled out wide like the usual. Double checking to see if every foreleg and hindleg is bound down. Next, she drags Silver over to the wall, only to chain her up against it. It was a little difficult to get her up against the wall at first, but she managed. Diamond was located across from Ruby and hung with her legs free, it's weight pulling and dangling down. And finally, Firefly Song was chained to the ground with all four legs cuffed. Granting immobility when she wakes, there was no way Firefly could move. And plus, she's located right by the main work bench in the direction of the left corner of the room. Just only inches away from the other corner if she looked to the right side of her.

All of the victims were knocked out for a few hours, especially Firefly, so Pinkie had some spare time. And she's going to use that time to see if Dahlia can come back tomorrow. She'd done her favor in getting these two miserable ponies.

Now!~ Miss Pinkie needed to pay a visit to her friend, Ms. Dahlia. Off she went hopping right on over to Dahlia's place. Humming a familiar tune of a theme song we all know.

~~~

Midnight blues shifted on over to a bright tinted blue sky. The night shifted slowly into the dawn of a new morning, new day. Dahlia was sprawled out on her own bed, snoring loudly. The night before, Pinkie Pie convinced Dahlia Eve to come to the bakery around nine thirty. Saying she's got them. The equine felt the warm embrace of the light from outside shine from her window. Waking her up directly. One eye at a time. A long groan, as Dahlia knew it was another busy day down at the bakery... hopefully not. She slid herself out of bed and trotted over to her mirror. Taking one glance at herself again. Like usual, she magically levitated a brush to start brushing out her own bed knots. Humming to herself happily. Prepping herself with her cloak, then went outside. Trotting herself straight down to Sugarcube Corner.

She can be heard whistling a friendly tune when she opened the door. There was no customers at the cashier today. In fact, it's very empty Thank Luna! Dahlia thought to herself. It looked like Miss Pinkie closed up shop once again. Maybe she had a playdate today, probably it was that. Trotting her way into the kitchen. When she entered, there was a plate of iced rainbow chocolate like cupcakes with a pink note attached at the top. Dahlia made her way over and took the note. Levitating it over to her, so she could read it.

Dear Miss Dahlia!,

Once you read this letter, it means that you came! Yay! Enjoy these frosted rainbow flavored cupcakes. I slaved over them for a few hours. Don't worry, I didn't poison them. I couldn't poison such a great apprentice/friend! After you have your own share, come down to the cellar! I have a surprise waiting for you. I know you'd like it.~

XOXO

-Your lovely mother, Pinkie Pie! <3

The charcoal coated pony looked up at the neatly stacked cupcakes on the plate. Thinking about it for a few seconds before snatching one to shove it into her mouth. It didn't taste funny or anything. Good. Just like Pinkie Pie said they'd be. But she tasted vanilla with a bit of chocolate. She licked her face, shoving two more into her mouth before chewing satisfyingly. Then turning around to open the trapdoor with her magic and finding herself going downwards. Shutting the trapdoor after her. “Miss Pinkie, I'm here. And I got your little note with the cupcakes.” Dahlia called out, almost chuckling. “They were very lovely. Very chocolate-y and delicious.” A giggle let out.

Her eyes shot over to see her mentor when she entered. Pinkie Pie was sitting in the middle of the basement cellar. It looked like she's waiting for something. Or somepony. “I... I hope I wasn't taking long..” Slowly stating, her voice sounded shaky.

Pinkie looked over and she jumped up in excitement. “Ms. Dahlia! You're here! You're here! Now we can really start our double playdate!” Pinkie chuckled, bouncing her way over. “I got those two meanies you wanted, Ms. Dahlia!” Before Pinkie revealed the two ponies, one chained to the ground and the other to the wall. Dahlia slowly walked over to Silver, who was hanging by chained binds on the wall. A small smirk appeared on her face.

“Did I do good?” Pinks asked, it's like a little child asking for praise.

“Yes, Miss Pinkie. You did very good. Thank you for this, mother.” Pinkie looked very pleased at this. Hopping in her own place.

“Hee hee, now we can have a double playdate!” Giggling.

Dahlia nodded, “Yes, Miss Pinkie. We can definitely have a double whatever.” Trotting herself over to the portable roller table. Choosing a single tool, preferably the scalpel. Lifting it up over to her with her magic. A pleased sigh was heard from Dahlia. Pinkie looked over and lifted a brow.

“Ms. Dahlia... something on your mind?” As Pinkie asked, Dahlia blinked before looking over.

“Huh? Oh... no~. Just... happy.” Pinkie looked a little confused.

“Whatcha mean?” Pinkie's ears perked up a little.

But Dahlia slowly gave her a smile. “...I mean that I'm happy now, because I get my justice. Pure unadulterated justice. Something I've been wanting to do for a very long time.” Dahlia didn't move in her spot. She stared blankly down at her chosen tool for some time. Pausing a bit.

Calmly, Dahlia finally spoke up, “Miss Pinkie.” Another pause. “I have so much anger in me.. that I..” There was no anger reading off her. Making Pinkie shutter a little. Maybe it's boiling, seething. Growing right now within her. Or has it been boiling for many years all this time? Whatever the case, Pinkie's about to see for the first time. With working with her, Pinkie could never get any reading from the ocean blue haired botanist. It was such a mystery to the pink pony. And it irked at Pinkie to see more! Who was Dahlia Eve? Well, she's going to see, when Eve lets go of herself entirely. Watching with bright beady blue eyes, watching, judging every moment. Eve inhaled and exhaled to calm herself. It took her a long second, “...I have to contain myself. For now...” Dahlia said, sighing. “But- don't expect me to hold back when these two wake up.” Dahlia pointed to the two chained up, deadpanning. “I'm going to make sure that I rain hell on these two..” She stated firmly. “Especially her...” She growled, trotting over to Silver Star. Pinkie just nodded at her.

Dahlia took a hard look at her features again. Lavender coated mane, bubblegum pink hair- yep. This was her- Diamond Ocean. Coming closer to her and using a hoof to lift up her face. “Poor little thing. Doesn't even know what's gonna happen to her.” Cooing to herself. Then gave a scoff, “How stupid do you have to be to fall for Pinkie's tricks? I guess you really are dumb as I expected.” Another laugh. Dahlia examined her face once again before walking over to Firefly Song. “Can't believe you two used fake names to come into this town as angelic ponies. Like you two didn't do shit. You disgust me.” her remark only made herself laugh.

Her ear twitched as she heard Silver Star begin to wake up. “Mmmh..” When Silver finally came to be, she noticed a light hanging back and forth in the middle of the room. Blinking as confusion washed over, beginning to squirm her legs. It was the only thing she could do. Panic took over as she couldn't move her arms. Realizing that her arms are chained as she hung there with her legs free. Her blurred vision could barely make out the figure in front of her. Despite not fully seeing it, she felt that it was someone rather familiar.

Who...?

“Welcome home, Diamond Ocean.” Her name was said with hate in her voice. Dahlia stared right into those bright orange orbs with fire in her own. Diamond Ocean froze. She recognized that familiar voice. Like some of it echoed throughout her head before she had awoken. Soft and warm. Like that useless pegasus pony she always sees in town sometimes. Fluttershy. “Do you recognize me... I bet you won't.” Dahlia held back, trying not to laugh.

Diamond's vision after a few seconds became a little bit clear. She blinked a few times, vision still blurry. “No...I won't because my vision is BUCKED UP!” Diamond shouted angrily. Dahlia faced away from her.

“Tsk, tsk. Language, Diamond Ocean. Language. You better settle down or else.” But Diamond didn't calm down or obey, she just thrashed her free legs around.

“Why are you calling me Diamond?! My name is not Diamond Ocean! It's Silver Star damn you!” Diamond argued.

“LIES!!” Dahlia screamed at her. Startling Diamond. “It IS Diamond Ocean! You've been living a disgusting lie since you've been to Ponyville. You're not Silver Star, neither is your little friend over there, Firefly Song!”

...

“I know it's Diamond Ocean and Chatter Box. Don't try to even fool me.” Diamond gasped, looking a little bit horrified. Still putting up a fake front.

“H-How did you know that name?! Nopony is supposed to know that name!” Silver Star struggled with her binds. Her vision getting a little bit better than before. Trying to make out the figure... then gasped. Not believing who's she is seeing...! Was this a dream? A nightmare? Was this really real? “D-Dahlia...?” Orange eyes widening at this, before squinting to look at her more closely. “Dahlia Evelyn?” She couldn't believe who's she seeing. Was it really... Dahlia? Her eyes didn't betray her as Dahlia moved into the light. It illuminated her entire figure. Leaving shadows underneath her eyes, increasing the dramatics.

“Yes. It's me, Dahlia Evelyn. Or better known as Obsidian Dream. The one name you chased me out of town with. Causing me to change my name entirely.” Dahlia scoffed. “Now you remember? Takes you forever to recognize an old ex-friend. Disgusting pig.” Diamond remembered clearly, then it had hit her in the face. That ocean blue hair, those gray eyes and that... awful horn!

“Y-You! You're the one who is disgusting! You got back with your freak of a mare friend! You knew she was horrible! Even Chatter Box and Velvet Cake told you several times before I came along! You just never listened!” Diamond angrily shouted at her.

Dahlia stood in her way, an angered look flashed on her face. She wasn't having it at all. “Shut the buck up! You know nothing of the situation! You didn't go through the emotional manipulation and lies that she put me through! SHE pulled me in several times for her traps and I fell for it, okay?!? You never ONCE considered how or what I went through! You only care about what you think about me! You and your damn little childish assumptions! You didn't even ask the real me at all!!” Dahlia breathed harshly. Trying to catch her breath.

Dahlia didn't stop, she kept on going. “I cried because of your dumb actions!” Almost screeching. Her breaths sounded rather short and angry. But she kept on going. “AND I WASN'T IN CAHOOTS WITH HER WHEN SHE CAME TO OUR CLUB THAT WE MADE! I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THAT SHE EVEN CAME TO THE CLUBHOUSE! I WAS ASLEEP!! I DIDN'T TRASH THE HOUSE, SHE DID! SHE DID IT BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY!” A laugh let loose. “I didn't even KNOW! So STOP victim blaming me, Diamond! AND STOP LYING!!” Tears trickled down her face. Her position was like a cat defending for itself. Dahlia needed to catch her breath again, so she did just that. Taking a few breaths to relax herself. Then stood silent for a bit. Not saying a single word.

...

“I'm going to kill you. For all of the times you spread lies and assumptions. Bringing in innocent ponies to gang up on another? Framing them too? Disgusting. That's what you are. You're a gaslighter, manipulator, a liar and a disgusting piece of shit. You even flip the script onto me and my friends. You're nothing but a dumb bully. You're not angel, you're TIREK! And I WON'T LET YOU HAVE POWER OVER ME! NOT ANYMORE!” Then gave a small chuckle, it sounded broken. She had one more in her. Just. One. More. “I HAD TO MOVE BECAUSE OF YOU! I HAD TO RELOCATE! I HAD TO CHANGE NAMES!! DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND, YOU DUMB, INCONSIDERATE, MEDDLING, AND TARTARUS PEICE OF GARBAGE?! I HATE YOU!” Practically screaming at her. Before she gave another pause, a long one. Diamond felt the tension fill the air, making her a bit nervous.

Another broken laugh, her demeanor slowly looking up at her. “...Tell me and be honest... Diamond.” She took a long pause again before speaking, “...Did you really come here to try and find me again? Or are you here because you really wanna be here?” Dahlia looked like the life was sucked outta her. Diamond's legs trembled at the question. She'd need to make a lie up to cover herself. “ANSWER ME!” Dahlia barked, eyes filled with fire again. She was not in the mood to be played with.

“I-I..” Diamond sputtered out. She couldn't say it... no...

“Diamond... I'll personally rip you open and put your head on a plate for Ponyville to see. You don't want that, now do you?” Dahlia threatened, her shy voice disappeared. Out came this... low raspy growl. Diamond couldn't fight this anymore. And hung her head low in shame.

“A-Alright! Fine! M-Me and my friends wanted to track you down and scare you off of Equestria..” Admitting to that, made Dahlia upset even more. Up to the point of her hooves shook with rage. She thought she was done but no...

“SO YOU STALK ME!?!? YOU'RE BUCKING DISGUSTING!” She roared. Yanking on Diamond's hair, almost threatening to rip a chunk off. Diamond squealed in response. “I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU AND I USED TO BE FRIENDS! YOU FAKE BITCH! I'LL BUCKING PERSONALLY DECAPITATE YOUR HEAD OFF RIGHT HERE AND NOW!” Dahlia roared once more, before Dahlia suddenly let go of her.

This time her voice sounded very calm, “...But I won't, bitch.”

...

The charcoal coated pony spoke up, “...You know what I find hypocritical? You saying that you DON'T care, yet you're still here. Trying to stalk me and get even more dirt on me. You're such a drama whore, Diamond. The worst kind. You AND your little cult.” Scoffing and laughing a little. “You sulk yourself in drama so much, it's the only bucking thing you want to take back to your little following! It's your little cash cow! Your check in to fame!” Dahlia wanted to to sick when she said that. “I heard that you also feel the need to bring others down with you. That's sick.” Dahlia deadpanned. “..Your little stupid following? I buckin' hate it. You use them to just justify your lies that you've spread about me! Oh! Did I also mention that you also gaslight the ones you hate? And you act like a wittle angel afterwards. Yeah! That's you, Diamond!” The darker coat spat.

A sneer played on her face. “You even ACT like you know me. But, bitch... You don't know me AT ALL.” Dahlia spat out to her. “I never did anything wrong but get back together with somepony that I loved. You don't understand how love works. None of you. NONE OF YOU!!” Dahlia's voice almost cracked, it was filled with so much hate. “Now you label me with bad names and go off your little stupid assumptions. You came to me, but you didn't let me talk as much! You had me attacked! You straight up harassed me!! You are GARBAGE!” Dahlia didn't hesitate to hoofslap her across the face. “Now-... it's my turn.” Hissing.

“I'll kill you first. Then your little stupid friend, Chatter Box.”

Diamond's adrenaline finally kicked in. “N-No! Leave Chatter Box out of this! P-Please!!” A hard hoofslap echoed throughout the room. Diamond was hoofslapped by some pony else... Dahlia, out of all ponies.

“I'm not going to listen to you anymore. I said that I'm going to kill you. Slow and painfully, that's a fact.” Dahlia mused, “Maybe I'll let Firefly Song off with a less painful death. The word is maybe.” The mare laughed in her face. But Diamond growled at that response.

Diamond Ocean had watched her captor trot over to the roller table and picked up the tool selected from earlier. Walking back over to Diamond. “I'm gonna make sure that you suffer for some time. Right before Chatter Box wakes up. She's drugged enough for a while, though. Thanks for me asking Miss Pinkie about dosing her tea with more sleepy powder. I wanted to do something really special for lil' Miss Firefly.” Cooing, practically teasing her victim. Diamond's lip quivered at this. A tear ran down her eye.

“Y-You wouldn't..!” Diamond tried to yank herself out to her captor, but was held down by heavy chains. Silver gray eyes stared up at her enemy.

“Oh yes. I definitely would. Don't think I wouldn't?” A sly smile was shown on her face. “After I kill you two, I'm going to eat your remains. And there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.” Dahlia's smile only widened more. Watching her enemy's look pummel into a look of horror. That satisfied the hell out of Dahlia Eve.

“You have no idea how long I've been wanting to do this...” Mumbling to herself. Before a certain some pony popped into her head. “Oh!” Dahlia stepped backwards a little. “I forgot! Velvet Cake. She's your other friend, right? The one you corrupted with your lies? You know, my best friend before you tainted her mindset? Yeah. I'm killing her too.” Dahlia looked a little happy.

“You sick bitch! I always knew something was off with you!” Diamond yelled. “...” A stare at her enemy.

Then her captor threw her head back, before giving a loud cackle. Then Dahlia gave a small grin. “I think you have it all wrong, missy.” A knife in hoof, beginning to fiddle with it. “The day I met you... I knew something was off with you. Never acted on my intuition about it though. Even my best friend, Caramel Dream thought you were off! I'm not the enemy, YOU ARE!” Dahlia pointed at her. But, Diamond scowled at her out of denial. “I knew Caramel was such a lowlife. I never liked her anyways.” Diamond mused, but Dahlia narrowed her eyes. Gripping her knife in hoof. “Of course you never did. You never liked anyone but yourself. You narcissist. Caramel came to me crying about her spat with you! Why do you think I came to you? I came to talk. I communicated with you as a FRIEND. Why can't you do the same with me? Why hide for months and keep in me in the dark??! WHY DO ANYTHING OF WHAT YOU DID?!” The dark coated pony clenched her teeth, growling. “You think you never do anything wrong! BUT YOU DO!! TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ONCE! I DID! OH! BUT CHA CAN'T SEE THAT? RIGHT?!” She yelled at her captive, pointing a scalpel at her shakily. More tears run down her face. Ocean blue hair slowly shifting into a white that is pure as snow. Eyes a blood red.

“That's because I never did anything!” Diamond retorted.

But, Dahlia snapped, “LIES!! You did! You think you didn't, BUT YOU DID!!” Dahlia held back her urge to strike at her. “WHAT DID I DO?!?” Diamond screeched with all of her emotion. That filled Ms. Eve with boiling rage. Dahlia finally fucking snapped. She struck at Diamond's chest with the scalpel, making Diamond scream out in agony. Her chest showed a large wound gash where the blade had struck deep in. Straight in the middle of her chest, where the heart's almost close to. The fresh wounds now oozing a violet hue. The knife was stuck. Oh crap. Dahlia thought to herself, before a wicked grin placed across her face. Since the blade was lodged in deep, Ms. Dahlia might take the blade and hammer (or jam) it in deeper, past the wound with her hoof. Crying was heard, “IT HURTS! PLEASE! STOP! PAIN!! IT HURTS!” Then began lashing out with her legs. Stopping, before thinking about something.

Her legs... Why didn't she think of it before?!

Diamond gave one powerful kick at Dahlia, who was caught off guard. Stumbling backwards. Then gave a small growl at this. “...Miss Pinkie?” Dahlia Eve looked over at her mentor. Who's watching from the other side of the room.

“Yes, Ms. Dahlia?” Pinkie hopped up and bounced.

“Would you be a dear and chain her legs to the floor?” Dahlia asked politely.

“Why sure, Ms. Dahlia. I will!” The party pony bounced over. Then held one of Diamond's legs. Cuffing a shackle to it. With the remaining leg that Diamond had free, she kicked Pinkie in the face. Hard. And Pinkie began to cry out in pain, before starting to sob.

Dahlia reacted by pimpslapping Diamond across the face. “Buck you! Don't you EVER touch my mother, you monster! I'll END YOU!” Dahlia hissed, turning to check Pinkie Pie and her face. Patting her back softly for comfort. Pinkie hugged her tightly.

Then the party pony pulled away, before putting her hooves onto Dahlia's shoulders. Looking firm into her apprentice's eyes. “Make. Her. Pay.” Her voice low and filled with venom. She was now breathing heavily. Dead blue eyes glaring, piercing right into Dahlia's soul. And her apprentice knew what she meant. Pinkie finished putting on Diamond's chain shackles. Walking over to the stairs and back into the kitchen. The door shut behind her finally. She really didn't want to see Diamond's face after doing that. So that means, Pinkie will come down later for her playdate later..

Right now, this was Dahlia Eve's playdate.

Dahlia's hair was now a white. Indicating she's really pissed off now. Wait...when was she able to do that? Dahlia didn't hesitate to rock the blade back and forth. Attempting to make this wound wider. Making Diamond squirm in her shackles. “NOOOO! PLEASE!” She yelled, voice cracking. Her captor yanked her tool out, blood spluttering out a few times.

“Oops. I've made a wittle mess!” Now talking babyish like. Giving a cold laugh at Diamond's misery. And Miss Diamond began to cry at the burning pain she's been receiving.

“You deserve this. You DESERVE to be deleted. You don't deserve ANY second chance. YOU DON'T BELONG HERE, POLIGHT!” Dahlia yelled in her face, inches away from each other. Dahlia's bloodlust flared, now starting to angrily stab in a new place each time. Each stab was fueled with rage. Every time that she stabbed the other, evil laughter seemed to escape her. She was like a crazed maniac. “HA HA HA!” Several wounds formed all over Diamond's body. It looked like a messy job but she didn't give a damn. Diamond's violet blood was leaking out everywhere, crying immensely as her body was mutated by a sicko.

“HA HA HEE HA HA HEE HEE!” Dahlia let out, now unstable. The last deep wound, Dahlia left the knife in it. Stuck and now stiff. Noticing that the front of her coat is splattered with grape flavored blood. Huffing a bit, before trotting back upstairs. Diamond hung tight by her own binds, enduring the recent pain that's given. Trying to breath steadily. She'd never thought that she'd get stabbed by someone that she truly hated. Nor did she even think that she'd get drugged by the party mare, Pinkie Pie. Diamond really thought that she was going to flip the script on Eve. Thinking Dahlia was weaker than her... guess she's wrong about that. Feeling so stupid for everything, for being wrong. Tears prickled at the corner of her eyes, making her sight very blurry. For once in her life, she cried over how bucking stupid she was. Realizing the truth.

Honestly? She wanted to bucking vomit.

Her legs trembled with pure fear to the point of her bladder releasing itself. And felt something dripping down her legs, forming a small puddle beneath her. All she could do was let out little stifled sobs. Teardrops finally falling down, making multiple streams upon her face. Just hanging her head low, finally accepting her awaited fate. This is what happens when you pick on the ponies who you think are weaker than you. Not so tough now, huh Diamond?

...

Several minutes later, Dahlia had come back downstairs with something that looked like a makeup kit. Diamond lazily looked upwards at her captor. Groaning a little in pain, even moving her head upwards again slightly hurts. Dahlia noticed her... 'little mess' on the floor. Then she shook her head a little. “Tch tch tch, poor little Diamond. Pissing yourself in Pinkie's clean basement? Wow. As I expected from a mule like you.” Dahlia sounded condescending. Diamond knitted her brows into an angered look. But Dahlia smiled smugly. “Does that piss you off, Diamond? Good. I'm glad that it does.” She said.

Then Diamond eyed her focus on the makeup kit. “W-What... is that...?” Diamond grunts out, keeping her head up, trying her best to get a look at the item. Everything was a little blurry still.

“A makeup kit. I'm going to do some makeup on you. And unleash my vision on you, because this is what I think of you.” Chuckling before magic levitated a brush, dipped itself into the white color pan. “Since you wanna...” Beginning to apply a solid white onto all over Diamond's face. It took a few seconds to get a few coats on for a nice white. “...Be a clown.” Most of the white applied very smoothly and looked very clean. After she was done, the red came to her lips. Painting big clown like lips onto her face. Chuckling as she did so. Next, she drew on the tip of her nose with a red dot. Clown nose! Humming as she added on the final touches, the two diamonds (Obviously using a blue color). She applied half a diamond's top on both opposite eyelids, then she did the bottom halves on her lower eyelids. Now she looked like nothing but a stupid little clown. “Stupid girl. Look where lying gets you. You get a face full of clown face!” Dahlia cooed to her, almost laughing at her. Hooves softly petting at Diamond's hair.

Now the mare sat in front of her creation. A wild smile on her own face appeared. How wonderful is this? Humiliating the one bully that caused her great pain. It may be childish, but-, Dahlia loved it anyways. Stupid smiling mare that she was. A slow giggle was heard, before it grew louder with other giggles and chuckles. Then a cackling laugh, sounding like a mad mare. “HA HA HA! You got a face full of clown!” Eyes widened like the size of dinner plates. She was still laughing out loud. Before she suddenly silenced herself quickly, it was suddenly out of the blue. Now staring at the ground for a few minutes. Before she looked up again like nothing ever happened moments ago. Slate gray eyes staring right into Diamond's orange orbs. She kept staring and staring. On and on and on. It irked Diamond to the point of her just looking away. Something to Diamond that she noticed though... is that Dahlia had no trace of life in her eyes. Not towards her. Not towards anything. Diamond shivered at these things in her mind.

...

Another idea came to her mind. It's brilliant! The captor looked up very slowly. “...You know... to up the game a little bit. To make it more... -fun... I should shave some of your hair off.” Dahlia slowly stood herself up and trotted over to the work bench. Searching it's two cupboards for a razor.

“W-What??! N-No! Please!” Diamond cried.

Eve whipped herself around to face her captive. “Who asked for your opinion, Diamond? After all... your fate has already been sealed for today.” Before going to back to searching. Unfortunately, Dahlia found nothing in those drawers. She just cursed to herself. “Oh, Fiddlesticks.” Dahlia paused then looked back up at Diamond again. “Be right back, I'm going to grab a small razor or blade. Something.” Musing before quickly trotting up back into the kitchen.

After she left, Diamond started wiggle in her captive binds violently. She didn't want to die, but-, she's stuck. Chained up and to be put into a delicious pie. Or some other pastry. Worst of all, being humiliated by her own worst enemy. The more she moved, the more small waves of pain escalated. It was because of her stab wounds that she recently received by Eve. Whimpering needlessly, her thought process finally shot. She felt the taste of pathetic defeat as she hung her head low.

~~~

Diamond lifted her head to the sound of the cellar door creaking open again. The sound of hoofsteps heard coming downstairs. Eyeing two ponies that she's certainly familiar with. Pinkie Pie and Dahlia Eve. Both mares had some items in hoof, a razor and an orange extension cord.

“Heeeello.~” Dahlia purred, trotting herself over to her victim. “I've found my razor. And also Miss Pinkie. She's gonna watch us have some fun!” She chirped happily, coming closer to the captive. “Now- you be nice to her. It's not easy getting back trust from Pinks easily after that smooth kick you gave her. Could've almost took her eye out!” Dahlia scowled at her. “You're so lucky that Pinks didn't loose an eye!” Dahlia heavily breathed, before using a hoof to force Diamond to face her. “You're dumb but feisty. Which leads to your downfall. Ooops!” Dahlia let go of her face. Making a fake expression of surprise, gasping, then covering her mouth with a hoof. She's being sarcastic obviously. Making the captive try to thrash around at her little comment.

“When I get out of this, you're gonna PAY! PAY, YOU HEAR ME! Better yet, You're going to DIE!” Diamond threatened. But her threat reached deaf ears. Before Dahlia laughed wholeheartedly.

“Says the dumb fool who fell for Pinkie's trick. Now tied up here in our cellar. And has accepted her own fate.” Dahlia said. “Don't try to fight it, Diamond Ocean. Resistance is futile. Pointless.” Her captor scoffed. She made Diamond's jaw drop at this. How did she know...? Was Dahlia spying on her? “You can't do horse's shit. I have the higher ground down here, I have control. You don't.”

Dahlia closed her eyes and gave a hum. Slowly opening her eyes, she spoke, “Now... let's shave that ugly doo of yours.” Dahlia proceeded to find a outlet, plugging the extension cord in. Finally, the razor's plug itself. Now turning it on, Diamond's eyes widened at the sound of a razor. Bzzzzzzt.

“NO! PLEASE! NOT MY HAIR!” Diamond cried out. Bzzzzzzt. “Too bad.” Dahlia snarled, beginning to shave at the side of her head a few times. Diamond was sobbing at her humiliation.

“Now you know what happens when you...” Dahlia got a little bit rough, using the razor blade to cut deep into her skin and scalp. So much it broke skin and she bled immensely. “LIE!” Dahlia finished. She didn't notice, but there's some exposed brain showing off in the light. Skin stuck now in the blades. Diamond screamed at the new waves of pain shot into her system.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” Her body jerked upwards and downwards once, convulsing a little.

Dahlia dropped the razor, watching her bleed and suffer. Chunks of hair and skin had been stuck between the steel blades. Pinkie Pie scooped up the item and took it back to the sink to wash. Picking out the hide that was stuck in them. After that, she trotted back to the roller table and placing it on top for her next usage. Ms. Dahlia whipped around, the razor levitated with a silver aura and flew to her. “Time to finish up some touches!” Turning slowly to face Diamond Ocean again. Yanking a chunk of what's left her hair, Dahlia began to shave.

“N-No...” Diamond lazily muttered out.

“Don't buckin' move!” Dahlia barked.

Bzzzzzzt. Bzzzzzzt. Bzzzzzzt.

Sounds of the razor had been heard for the next few seconds. Then Dahlia stepped back to view her proud work. A full head of mane... gone. She was completely bald. Diamond's pride and joy... GONE. Oh, but Dahlia didn't stop there. She used her razor to continue shaving her tail. Heartbroken sobs filled the air of silence. Still moaning at the humiliation that she's receiving. “P-Please...” Diamond felt miserable, tears leaving her eyes. Orange orbs stared at the ground, seeing a once beautiful head full of mane and tail now spread across as several strands on the floor. But Dahlia guffawed at her pain several times. “That's right, you whore. Your misery only feeds my joy. Keep crying like the little foal that YOU ARE!” Diamond didn't want to... but she had no choice. Hiccuped sobs threatened to let loose. And she hung her head low in shame. For the next few minutes, the only thing heard from Diamond was sobbing. Her totally perfect eyeliner (for the day) began to smear.

Dahlia looked at the side of Diamond's damaged cranium. Realizing she did a vast number on her head.

Shameful.

Narrowing her eyes again, she saw a thin piece of skin poking out. Like a torn page corner in a book. Pursing her lips, but then she got a little curious. Dahlia took a hold of the skin tab and with no hesitation, she tore it downwards right away. Practically pulling it loose. Out came a long thin string of hide skin. It's like tearing long loose skin from your nail deal. Dahlia noticed there's no flesh with the epidermis and it was a rather thin sheet.. Diamond gave a silent yet painful cry. PAIN! WHY! She thought to herself, now jerking around in her shackles, still screaming with tears in her eyes. Still no sound of a cry from her. “MY SKIN! IT'S BURNS! AAAAAAH! YOU BUCKING BITCH!” Then thrashed some more, crying and sobbing about the pain. “M-My skin! IT BURNS SO MUCH!!” She called out, crying more.

...

Pinkie Pie pulled a large hammer from her mane. “Yoo hoo! Ms. Dahlia!” alerted Pinkie Pie. Dahlia looked up to her mentor. Looking over to see a large hammer in hoof. One that could probably split rocks into halves. Using magic to levitate and drag it across the pavement to her. Hearing the wooden tool scrape across the concrete floor. Now gripping it in her hooves. Getting the feel of the wooden handle and it's texture. Smooooth.

Dahlia stared crazily at Diamond Ocean, weapon in hoof. A look for more blood and flesh. “Get ready. I'm breaking ya kneecaps, girl.” Then gave an unnerving laugh. “HA HA HA HEE HEE!”

Her loud laughs woke up Ruby Snow from her black out slumber. Blurred visions and the sudden panic of locating where she was. She wasn't home. Neither the bakery that she was in. Still groggily waking up, Pinkie Pie hopped herself over to the victim on the table.

“G'Morning Ms. Snow! Just in time!” She said very giggly, adjusting the table to a vertical angle. “You get to see Dahlia's work!” And that, Ruby screamed out of horror.

“P-Pinkie? Y-You..” Ruby was surprised, shocked even.

“I-I.. what?” Pinkie mocked her. “Kill ponies and turn them into pastries? Yes. I do. I don't choose the rules!” Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes. “Why does every pony that I'm about to kill, ask me that?” She scoffed. “It's simple to me, why can't it be simple to my playdates?!” Pinkie frowned.

The white mare felt herself growling at the pink party pony. “H-How do you not get caught!?” Ruby frantically cried. And

Pinkie just laughed softly at this. “Before I lured you right into my trap, I put a nice tasteless powder into your tea! I call it 'Pinkie's Special Sugar!'. It's what got you here!” Pinkie Pie giggled and laughed. Staring over at Ruby with a twisted grin. “And I'm very sure that you've had some pastries before, yes?” She replied, a giggle was heard.

“Y-Yes... I have...” Ruby replied sheepishly.

But Pinkie just kept her smile, “Weeeell~ Think about it. The things I do down here is harvesting my secret ingredient. And I get my harvests from aaaall of my good friends individually. Ones that I pull from the jar!” Then a sneaky giggle was heard.

It took a bit for her to process what Pinkie Pie said. Then it finally clicked... Ruby realized on what she meant...

She's the harvest.

Her eyes widened, “...W-Wait... I-I... Y-You... Y-You fed our own kind to other p-ponies?!” Ruby looked pale, but her face read pissed. Mixed and confusing emotions flooded her head before vomiting onto herself, emptying the contents from her stomach. Then a few tears came afterwards. Sobs filling the room, echoing. She couldn't believe it. Ruby Snow had ate her own kind... without even knowing about it! HOW?! And nopony seemed to bat an eye or notice. This was horrifying! Why? Why was this happening? Especially her? More sobs erupted as her entire body gave up fighting.

“It doesn't feel good now doesn't it? Knowing you ate your own kind...” The party pony teased her, walking around the table in a slow manner. “You've committed a sin, Ruby Snow. An act against all of Equestria. You ate a pony!” Pinkie manically laughed, each laugh became higher and higher, mocking her. All Ruby saw was that stupid smile, but it wasn't the usual Pinkie smile, but rather a smirk. One of evil intentions.

“SHUT THE BUCK UP, YOU MONSTER!” Ruby Snow furiously spat at Pinkie, trying to worm her way out of her binds. The more she fought, the more the binds didn't budge. Her failed attempt left her anger to boil more. And she didn't give up on moving and squirming in her spot.

After a few minutes of this, she just went completely limp. Turning her head to focus onto the pink mare. “What did I ever do to you?!” The mare asked frantically.

“Nothing, you didn't do anything. I just need your ingredient from you. That's it! No harsh feelings, Ruby!” Pinkie smiled, ears perking upwards.

“I-Ingredient...” Ruby scrunched her face a little. Trying to figure the fiddle out. Then it hit her like an epiphany. “...Wait... are you telling me that... I... I have a flavor ingredient? I-Inside of me?!”

And Pinkie nodded reassuringly. “Well, more like... the whole ingredient.” Ruby's eyes widened at this. Snow began to shake violently in her prison. No. No way. This wasn't real. She was back at her place, having a nightmare in her bed. She was sure of it.

CRACK!

Ruby's and Pinkie's attention snapped to the sound of a pained sharp wail. Ruby realized that this was no dream. This was reality. Her reality. And she's going to die soon. And nopony but Pinkie Pie is there to kill her off. Using her as an ingredient for a few dumb flockin' batches of Celestia knows what- confections. Ruby began to cry at this sudden realization that she had. But then Pinkie Pie came right to her side. “Aw, don't worry Ruby Snow! I wish I could do something but the rules are the rules! We could've been great friends you and I!” Pinkie Pie could imagine that in her mind. Before she gave a soft sigh. Using a hoof to softly stroke at her mane.

Dahlia in the background, struck below at Diamond's broken knee as hard as she could manage. She'd broken one of the kneecaps, if equines had some. Her hindlegs had bent oddly at different angles. Flesh torn apart and bone peeking outwards. It was grotesque. Silver magic lifted up Dahlia's hammer in place. Now using her own hooves to begin snapping Diamond's already broken hindlegs further. Trying to crack the bones even more. Multiple sick cracking sounds of flesh could be heard. Diamond let out more sharp cries of pain. Dahlia didn't know what a mess Diamond had made below her, until she finally stepped backwards. Finally going wide eyed.

“Beautiful.” Dahlia whispered to herself.

Her captor let go before snatching her sledgehammer to strike down at her other leg again. CRACK! And Diamond let out another scream, giving Dahlia the chills. But, she continued on. Another few more strikes landed onto the other's legs. This time, Diamond didn't try to scream or yell anymore. Only a loud muffled moan was produced from her. Dahlia stared at the broken legs for a bit. Another idea on whim hit her. She let Diamond rest for a few minutes. Figuring letting her enemy rest would allow their guard down.

After a few minutes of letting the captive rest, Dahlia faced Diamond before turning around. Facing her plot towards Diamond. Without any thought (when Diamond wasn't expecting it), Dahlia used her hindlegs to buck her hard as she could at Diamond's disgusting face. But instead, bucked at her captive's stomach. Diamond groaned, before an agonizing cry was let out. Dahlia figured out that she wasn't as strong as the other Earth or Pegasi ponies. Tartarus, she thought that she wasn't as strong as her own kind. But, her amount of strength got the job done. She knew that she'd grow stronger and stronger. Dahlia also had come to terms that she didn't have a good aim for bucking stuff. But, she didn't mind. It was unpredictable and it made bucking more fun in the end. She didn't hesitate to buck again, but this time harder than before. Her hooves landed on her stomach again. Her face now scrunched up to an angered look. Growling underneath her breath. Again, she bucked once last time. This time, her hooves landed a blow on Diamond's neck. Damaging her windpipe, immediately it became hard for Diamond to breathe. Tears trickled down her face, as she began to thrash around again. She couldn't... breathe! AIR!! She needed air!!

Dahlia watched her struggle before her eyes, sadistically laughing at her captive's misery.. After seconds of this, she stopped to speak, “...Now, I'm going to heal you. You promise to behave?” She asked softly. And Diamond moaned out a 'yes'. There was no way a pony could survive this long. Dahlia's horn immediately lit up as magic started to heal her trachea. Making Diamond breathe normally. “What was that?” Dahlia teased.

And once Dahlia gave her air back, Diamond immediately cried out- “Y-Yes! I-I'll be good...” Giving a sniffle before more tears ran down her cheeks. Sobbing filled the air. Now her throat was now sore. And she felt like she was choking just earlier. Never would she EVER come across this feeling ever. But, today she did. At least, she knew a healing spell on hand for this. Breathing heavily to gather air in her lungs. Dahlia watched her captive breathe.

...

One last bucking... Dahlia thought to herself. She had a little bit of energy to do one more kick, maybe even two. Before once again, Dahlia had shut her eyes and used her hindlegs to kick hard as she could at Diamond's face. The lavender pony did not expect a hard solid kick at the face either. Neither did she expect her own teeth fall out, sounds of clattering could be heard on the floor. Just her luck, Dahlia bucked once more, the hardest she could utter. Smashing in Diamond's pretty face into a disgusting disaster. Her face almost became unrecognizable. Then turned around to only scrunch her face up in disgust. Magic levitating one of the clean scalpels up and off the portable table. Watching it float over to her as she took it in her hoof. Then without saying a single word, Dahlia looked up one final time.

She didn't know what happened next but she blacked out. And when she did this, Dahlia was idly stabbing at Diamond's chest over twenty more times. Then she just suddenly dropped the blade. Metal heard clanging on the floor.

With no words, Dahlia just trotted over to her pink party friend. She seemed done with her playdate now. For now.

Diamond watched in her faded vision as two ponies trotted away upstairs to the kitchen. Slamming the cellar door shut behind them. The lavender coat hung her head in a sad defeat. Sobbing to herself once again. Hearing the faint drops of blood dripping to the floor, forming a puddle. Face throbbing in pain as she waited more of her punishment.

~~~

When Dahlia took her break, she laid herself down in the corner of the room. Opposite from her enemy. Diamond could tell that she's meditating very quietly. What was going through Dahlia's mind? She never really knew. What kind of twisted torture was Dahlia going to put Diamond through next? All this time, behind the mask was a sick mare with disgusting desires.

Diamond still hung there, against the granite brick wall. Waiting her next torture. A word barely muttered, “C-Chatter...” before she passed out due to exhaustion.

A few minutes later passed, Diamond opened her eyes. Groaning lazily. There in front of her, she saw Pinkie Pie with a syringe in hand. “Just this once.~” Pinkie said, barely loud enough to for the victim to hear.

“W-What...?” Ms. Ocean looked around frantically, feeling something warm in her blood starting to work it's magic. Breathing very heavily. Eyes wide open to everything in the room.

Finally, Dahlia made herself over to Diamond again. Looking down at her now broken legs, staring at them before a while. Then proceeded to tear her leg off, Pinkie handed Dahlia a hacksaw. Diamond's eyes widened in surprise. “NO NO NO NO!!” Once more, she wiggled as best she could again. No success like before. Dahlia didn't listen, beginning to saw off Ocean's right leg. Diamond screeched in horror, watching this all unfold. Waves of pain sent themselves throughout her entire body, making her almost convulse. Tears pouring down her face again. Dahlia stopped halfway before letting go. Letting the piece hang like a loose hook back and forth. “M-MY LEG?!” Diamond cried angrily. “M-My leg!” Another cry let out. Wailing could be heard from the mare before reducing themselves to whimpers. She watched Dahlia began to savagely tear the flesh away from her once former leg. More pain shot throughout her body, the feeling of burning throughout. Cracking and sickening popping sounds could be heard. The dark coated mare watched the flesh and skin being ripped from it's parent. And she was really slow at her pace. Diamond howled in agony as she watched one of her legs get brutally mangled. Immense amounts of blood gushing out from it's wound like a fountain.

“AAAAAAAAAAAARH! YOU'RE SICK!” Diamond shouted, tears in her own eyes and tried to kick her. She was shit out of luck. “SICK SICK SIIIICK!” Diamond added, practically screeching out. Then Dahlia licked her lips just like a cat. She didn't care, not at all. Her mind was stuck in a state of pure ignorant bliss. Dahlia felt a little... weird. Maybe a little high from her little snack from earlier. And felt that warm feeling in her gut... and Dahlia knew what it was. Bloodlust. This... felt natural. Like she had it dormant inside of her this entire time. And not even know it. But, she accepted it right away. For it's bliss was like pure ecstasy. It made her feel good and that was the only thing she cared for. Bliss.

Dahlia turned around to face her victim slowly, before anything, she lounged herself right at Diamond's other bent leg. Sharp teeth caught flesh, sinking right down into it. Blood pouring from her made incisions. Making her captive violently squeal like a pig. “NOOOO! NOT MY OTHER LEG! NO NO NO!” Diamond cried painfully, her voice was higher than before. Proceeding onto attempting to pull and tear this leg off from it's joint and flesh. At least it's not the hacksaw this time...

Sounds of flesh crackling and bone tearing as Dahlia held on. Violently shaking her head like a dog would, growling in the process. Diamond made a sharp sound of agony again. A few minutes of this repeated process(And Diamond trying to not scream out), Dahlia finally tore off her last leg as slow she could. Watching it being split completely off from it's parent joint. Violet blood pooling out immensely from her injury. Pain. Stinging pain. It's all that she felt from her missing legs. Dahlia had to unchain the legs in order to eat her prizes. A small giggle escaped from Dahlia herself. Diamond cried dryly, staring dead over to her. Eyes puffy due to her massive crying fit. She couldn't cry anymore tears. She felt dehydrated.

The dark mare stood on two to unchain her arms. Watching her victim plop on the floor with a dull thud. Diamond had no legs. No power. No nothing at this time. Only the arms left that Diamond had left. And she couldn't make her way out by crawling. It'd tire her out. So, her own arms were useless as ever.

Dahlia towered over her. “Pathetic.” she hissed at Diamond. Kicking at her with her back left hindleg. Now grabbing the back of Diamond's head and lifted her up to only drag her over to the brick wall. Before smashing her face straight into it. Hard. Then she repeated the action a few times, before dragging her out to the middle of the cellar floor. Next to Ruby Snow, who's horrified upon seeing all of this. A bloody trail left behind Diamond's weakened body. Now Dahlia stood over Diamond Ocean, watching her become paralyzed with fear. Leaning in, she said, “Poor little girl. Smashed up face, looks like you'll need surgery to fix you up!” When she said it, Diamond spit into her face.

Dahlia slowly wiped away the disgusting saliva off her snout. Then a amused cold hearted laugh escaped. “I think I'm done playing with you. Time to die.” The last part she hissed. Before proceeding to sock Diamond's face over and over. “DIE!” Screeching as punches flew at Diamond continuously over and over. Hooves coming to contact with her previously smashed up face. “DIE!” She repeated. Her punches became harder and harder, more violent. Diamond tried fighting back with her only arms that she had left to defend with. Flailing them around in attempt to get her off. But- Dahlia's punches to the face overpowered. Diamond made an lazy attempt to raise up at her captor's hide, trying to grip at it. But her arm fell to her side. The dark coated pony didn't care if she beat Diamond into a pulp, she just wanted to finish the job. Sounds of flesh and bone squelching disgustingly as she carried on for a few more minutes. Dahlia beat Diamond's face in until she wasn't herself anymore. Up until Dahlia grew mentally and physically tired with her actions.

As the final blow to the face was set, Dahlia threw her head back to let out a loud war cry. And it was a pained one. ...Diamond Ocean is finally bucking gone. Streams of tears were present on her face. Today, she had her victory. There, she stood still in her spot for a few solid minutes, crying and staring into nothing. After staring for a bit, she looked down at the lifeless corpse. It took a second but... she became aware of Diamond being dead... She's finally gone. And Dahlia took her out. Just. As. Planned.

Nothing but one little sentence came out... “Goodbye, Diamond Ocean. You will NOT be missed.”

...

The apprentice stepped away from the corpse, before a long sigh let out. Shutting her eyes close as tears began to fall down her cheeks. She didn't cry because she's killed a life, she's crying because today's her lucky day. One dead fly right off the heavy plate.

“...Justice.” Dahlia whispered to herself. Then a sob was heard, “J-Justice...” It took a bit to process her work. To what she just did was... murder. Slowly, Dahlia looked down to her hooves. Splattered with violet purple blood and it's all over her chest. This... meant nothing to her. Dahlia did not react in sorrow or any other emotion. Not even fright or fear. Like it didn't bother her. She didn't care. (okay, maybe just one thing. She just buckin' killed some pony for the first time). Other than that, she didn't care about the life of another dying.

After all, this was her enemy. Like she'd have any remorse for these mules on her shit-list. Nothing but a numb feeling just washed over her. Did what she did, just mere moments ago-, feel any fun to her? She started to ponder on this single thought. But- shook it off before sighing again. It felt like the power wand was finally handed over to her. She was in control, not Diamond. Not anymore. And Dahlia wasn't going to let them have ANY power over her.

It took a few seconds to speak up, then looking over to Pinkie. Glossy eyes still remain. “Miss Pinkie?” Dahlia slowly spoke. “Yes?” The pink mare answered. “...Could you get a camera, please?” Dahlia asked politely, slowly. “Sure!” Pinkie bounced happily up the stairs to the kitchen. Not questioning it one bit.

A few seconds later, she came back down to the cellar. And a camera hung around her neck. Trotting herself over to Dahlia to hoof it over to her. “There ya go!” Announcing happily.

“Thank you, Miss Pinkie.” She smiled, taking the camera into her hooves. Before snapping a picture of Diamond's mangled corpse. “A work of art.” Dahlia cooed, now taking the papered image to hide it away in her mane.

Then the mare sat down next to it, finally feasting at her enemy's remains like a mantis.

~~~

After her first kill was done, Pinkie told her assistant to save the bones for a sugar/powder. When the dark coat finished up her meal, she placed the bones into a glass jar due to Pinkie's request. Leaving no flesh and meat behind on them. Dahlia gave a burp as she chuckled with satisfactory. She never thought her prize tasted sweeter. Despite being such a tart grape flavor. Feeling a bit like a greedy pig, her ears droop with guilt. Miss Pinkie could've worked with this flavor!

A sigh escaped her, but a hoof was placed onto her back. The apprentice looked up with glossy eyes. Shining like a puppy's. Pinks could tell she was about to cry. “Don't worry, Ms. Dahlia. I know you wanted revenge by killing her for a long time. It's been loooong overdue.” She snorts. “And probably eat her remains. I bet she tasted very delicious!” Pinkie added on. But the black coated mare just stood in silence, not saying a single word. Any tear before ceased to exist. “If you're thinking about how I could've used the flavor or something, don't worry. I have LOTS of grape material already.” She said reassuringly, then gave a chuckle. “I'm surprised! You let out all of your anger.” Pinkie was rubbing her shoulders. “You did good, apprentice. Very excellent for a first playdate.” Pinkie stated with a smile. Dahlia beamed with hope. Praise. It's what she craved for from her mentor all this time. And it filled her with upmost confidence. Not hesitating to nuzzle at her teacher's face a little, purring. Pinkie Pie giggled like a school mare. Her apprentice dug her snout into her poofy mane. Whispering the words, “Thank you, mama.” And Pinkie smiled from ear to ear.

...

Now Dahlia found herself trotting over to Firefly Song with nothing but an evil grin on her face. “Now, it's time for the other one to awaken.” A laugh echoed throughout the room. “Sounds good! But do you wanna take a small break upstairs first? We do need the mental energy afterall.” Pinkie asked.

“Yeah, let's.” Dahlia responded quickly, then the two headed back up to the kitchen. Finally the door slammed shut. Leaving Ruby all alone in the damp and musky cellar room. Just by herself. And she hated it.

But for Dahlia today, sweet justice was definitely served.

Silenced

Author's Note

Summary:
Firefly Song (AKA Chatter Box) is still in Pinkie Pie's basement, locked and chained away. After awakening, Firefly finds herself chained to the floor.

Eventually, Dahlia Eve comes back from her break only to find her enemy alert. Ready to torture Firefly from there, Firefly decides for herself she's gonna chat with Dahlia, including convincing Dahlia to release her. However, chatting is one of the worst decisions that Firefly could ever make. Thus changing the power of fate for Chatter Box. Due to this, Dahlia forces herself to compromise her plans in torturing Firefly Song, setting her back a few notches. And Dahlia is NOT a happy camper...

Silenced

Dahlia never thought in her life that she'd end a life. Especially her own enemy, Diamond Ocean, who's now long dead. Used as a dinner supplement for her personal and cannibalistic uses. Dahlia was happy of the thought of her death. No more pain and no longer to terrorize her or her own close friends. A small circle of family that she called them, loved them to bits and wanted the best for them. She'll do anything to protect them. This time, Ms. Dahlia wasn't going to risk any of them getting hurt ever again. Not by a long shot. Plus she couldn't afford anymore drama for anypony. It's all too much stress. Dahlia lay on her own bed, pulling a piece of paper and pen next to her. Staring down at a list. Crossing out a certain name specifically, writing the cause of death afterwards.

Capture, torture, play with the 'playdate', cross out a name, then rinse and repeat. Dahlia figured this was going to be the routine after getting each one. Perhaps that Dahlia could spice it up each time. Play something different than the torture that Miss Pinkie's known for. Variety sounds nice right? Right.

Dahlia stared down at her list once again.

ENEMY LIST

~~Diamond Ocean (Silver Star)~~ - Death: Torn Apart and Eaten
Chatter Box (Firefly Song) – Death: ??
Velvet Cake (Daisy Cupcake) – Death: ??
Ivy Moon (Azure Ivy) – Death: ??
Amber Rose – Death: ??
Starry Rainbow (Comet Haze) – Death: ??
Twinkle Charm – Death: ??
Blossom Fire – Death: ??
Straight Note (Twinkle Dawn) – Death: ??
Lavender Moon – Death: ??
Cherry Petunia – Death: ??
Emerald Breeze – Death: ??
PUMPKIN – Death: ??
Dusk Glow – Death: ??
Scarlet Harmony – Death: ??

15.

Fifteen enemies that she's made over the span of four years. She couldn't believe it. Never in her life that she'd make those enemies so quickly. But, she did. And Dahlia's afraid for her own bucking life. She had to eliminate them all. One by one. Each one of those scum... Dahlia will get them first, before they get her. She wasn't going to be shamed off the planet. She had a right to be here. To live. To breathe. To heal hopefully. Dahlia's going to make sure that she's going to do the job right. If she got rid of the next three ponies (including Chatter), Dahlia would move on.

That thought brought her a bit of joy. However-, just because she's done with the first five on the list, doesn't mean that Dahlia is gonna stop. She's going to continue down that murderous path. Eventually, she will gather all of the enemies that are listed. Up until all where gone and crossed out. Burn the damn thing right after. Then she'd finally rest at peace... right?

Of course.

Something that Dahlia noticed was bloodlust awakening itself within. Something had stumped Dahlia and the mare pondered for a bit. A begging topic came to her mind. Bloodlust. Asking a few questions that had her dreading for the longest time...

Has her bloodlust always been there though? Lying dormant and waiting? Or was it- the first time ever gaining this bloodlust? It's a lot to think about. For right now, Dahlia wasn't really sure... But, the more she thought about it, the more her head became fuzzy. Pulsating even. Just even bringing up all of this made her head hurt. Why are some things just so gosh darn complicated? Dahlia sighed somberly. Plopping her head onto the scrunched up bedsheets, acting as if it's like a pillow. Sighing once more.

Sweet Luna. After a few minutes of laying there, Dahlia sat herself upwards. Then rubbed her face with one hoof tiredly, groaning loudly.

Another day, another dollar.

Dahlia glanced at the pile of papers below her. Moving her list out of the way to open up to a new blank page. Beginning to write down "PLANS/Routine" at the top of the notebook page. Dahlia wanted to make sure that she's planning stuff right. And not going in like a stupidhead. Dahlia just idly chewed at the end of her writing pen. As a few minutes pass on, Dahlia began to think very carefully about her routine. It took a long time for one idea to even hit.

...

Finally, an idea! Yes!

And Dahlia thought about some of her killings. How about she goes in clumps? Wait a minute... no... bad idea for the population of Ponyville. Hm... she thought. Several minutes later, Dahlia just thought again. Oh! Another idea! Dahlia could take in less playdates. Not in clumps, how silly! This way, Dahlia won't be able to trigger a massive riot in Ponyville so easily. Because several clumps of ponies going missing quickly, doesn't sound too good to the public eye. So, no way.

However, her SECOND plan was to take TWO hostages every 2 months. Two in the start, and two at the end of the second month at least. She'd be taking at least four hostages every two months in total. But- would it be too much? Dahlia thought this over again. Hm... This is going to be harder than she thought. Sigh. This is meant she had to compromise some of her plans. Not the compromising idea... ew. This meant that she had to change plans into something that she can work with. So that WON'T make the ponies panic. Wonderful. This time- she closed her eyes and thought hard for another idea. C'mon, give Dahlia a lucky hit.

...

~Several moments later~

Oh! Better idea!

Maybe she'd take one in the start and one at the end of the month. But it's still every two months. Yeah! That really stuck with Ms. Dahlia. So, to be clear, every two months is two playdates. One at start and one at the end of the second month.. Perfect. It could work, right? It's slow and doesn't screw with the pony population as much.

Speaking of the pony population, it wouldn't sink so much like the plan Dahlia originally had. If Dahlia decided to kill every day or every night in clumps, she'd know that the pony population would sink dramatically, causing a panic amongst Ponyville. Landing in total anarchy. That panic would spread and it'd lead into a wild goose chase to find the killer(s). Police would be kicking through door to door just for this. And Dahlia didn't want that at all. Neither did Pinkie Pie. Her mentor would kill her for that. Literally. And she Pinkie Promised her mentor to NEVER tell. Always remembering that one Pinkie Promise that she made to Pinkie. Cherishing it full on.

Speaking of Pinkie Pie, the mare told her about how she'd thought about this too. It felt tricky to Pinkie, but she knew that she found her own flow. And decided to slow down on her kill patterns and number of playdates. Usually-, it's the first or second day of every new month that Pinkie goes "hunting" for a new playdate. Then she doesn't strike until the end of the very month again. Pinkie always complains about how it usually takes her up until the end of the week to prepare for her chosen playdates. Saying that it's really hard to compile all of her tools that she uses. Including the medication/drugs. Dahlia understood her completely. Knowing where she came from.

But in the other hand, Dahlia knew that their plans felt kinda similar to each other. But in Dahlia's world, she would be hunting for new 'playdates' every two months. And taking in two victims max, one at the start and one at the end of the second month. Like stated earlier. This is going to work, regardless. Honestly, Dahlia could've cared less, she just wanted to eat again. Figuring that she could talk to Miss Pinkie about her own scheduled routine. Would Miss Pinkie like it? She probably would.

It took Dahlia a few minutes to process, but realized that... she could use her cellar for her own personal time. You know- when Dahlia isn't with Miss Pinkie, working. Maybe she'd ask Miss Pinkie about torturing victims back at her own place instead of Sugarcube Corner. If she could recall, she told Pinkie about the place at home, but never really suggested the idea of torturing some ponies there. Hm... Now thinking about it... Maybe it would be a little too much. Too much time too. That's what Pinkie would've thought. Plus, Ms. Dahlia knew if they did that, most likely they'd get themselves caught. But still, it seemed like a fun idea. Risky but fun. Stupid, but fun. Perhaps- she could propose the offer of her own cellar to Pinkie Pie. But probably later. Maybe not. Maybe never.

For now, Dahlia hid the photo she took from earlier in her mane. Saving it for a... 'special occasion'. It's time for a small chat with Firefly Song.

~~~

Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie zipped her way out to Dahlia's isolated cottage from Ponyville. Galloping up to the door and knocking on it quickly. Though, they sounded like rapid pounding when Pinkie did it. "MS. DAHLIA!!" The dark coat jumped up from her couch spot, obviously startled at the sound. Dahlia perked her ears up before standing herself up, trotting to the door. Opening it to see Pinkie, "Ms. Dahlia! It's about Firefly Song!" Dahlia seemed surprised by this. Well, it's about damn time!

"Oh man, it felt like forever!" Eve said, happily perking herself up.

"You bet your sweet pippy that it took forever! Must've gave Firefly a little TOO much of my tea... oops!" The party mare chuckled, motioning her apprentice to come with her.

With that, the both of them ran off back to Sugarcube Corner quickly as they could. Hoofsteps heard running by some of the Ponyville citizens in town. Only the sounds of echoed laughter could be heard by Pinkie Pie and Dahlia Eve.

~~~

As Pinkie and her apprentice entered the cellar, Dahlia could spot Firefly Song wide awake from her sleep. Firefly yawned, realizing that her vision was a little bit blurry. The mare attempted to blink a few times for her vision to clear up. All the blurred shapes that she made out before became much clearer in the next few blinks. Groans escaped Firefly, as she glanced downwards at her legs. Noticing the cold metal imprisonment around her hooves. What the...? Why was there chains cuffed to her? In a panic, the mare attempted to fly into the air, but the shortened length stopped her. Thus yanking her violently back down. Looking over at the chains, she saw that she's only allowed to be a foot within the air. She thinks. Firefly stared at her allowed length with a frown. Damn it. Damn it... DAMN IT!

A sigh escaped her, before her head lowered a little. Slowly starting to descend to the ground again. The feeling of cold concrete was felt on her rump. Staring blankly at the ground for a few minutes. Clenching her teeth tight together out of tension. She felt that feeling of being watched by the other two in front of her. Seconds later, she stared right back up at the two ponies to confirm her gut feeling. Dahlia Eve and Pinkie Pie. They are staring at her... the colors of blue skies and leftover grey ashes from a dead fire. "D-Dahlia...? P-Pinkie?" She softly asked to them, shocked.

"That's riiiight!~ It's me! Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie sung very happily, alive and zany as ever.

"Don't wear it out, Chatter Box." Dahlia added along, sneering at the last word. Firefly became a bit defensive about that.

"HEY! Don't call me Chatter Box!! It's Firefly! Firefly Song, damn it!" Trying to charge herself at Dahlia, but the restraints foiled her attempt again. Landing face flat on the floor this time. Dahlia watched this all go down, stifling a laugh at her failure.

"Nice try, Miss Firefly, you're chained to the floor. There's no way of you trying anything. Like escaping or attacking anypony. The more you try, well-, the more you'll just end up hurting yourself. Plus, those cuffs will make your hooves very raw. You'll regret it later if you keep it up." Dahlia's voice sounded dry.

Firefly watched her captor sit right in front of her. While she, herself had slumped onto the floor, indicating defeat. And just decided to lay on her side. Firefly gave up at this time, huffing in response. Dahlia raised a brow. "I'm pretty surprised that you're giving up so easily. You didn't even try to fight by a little. Not like your stupid arrogant friend, Diamond Ocean. Oh man, did she yell and threaten me. Had that fire that lead to her own downfall. Oooh, I was soooo scared. Sad, how it really went down." Then the darker mare rolled her eyes, scoffing. Then Dahlia perked herself up before giving a wholehearted laugh. "But- hey! Look on the brightside! I'll give you one chance to talk with me. Okay? If you cooperate, I'll maybe let you go. But If you do anything or say anything funny to piss me off, well-, I'm killing you. Simple as sliced pie on a summer afternoon. And I don't like to get angry either. It gives me a flaming headache. So please-... don't double cross me. 'Kay?" Dahlia asked Firefly, who nodded in return. "Alright. So, let's chat then." As Dahlia said that, Firefly nodded slowly.

"A-Alright..." Firefly gulped. Meanwhile, Dahlia noticed that Miss Pinkie had left for something. Meh, Miss Pinkie's just got some other things to do right now.

"Okay, good. So-, I guess first thing's first." Dahlia said, adjusting in her seat. "...Did you and Diamond both really come here to really scare me away after our little fight?" Dahlia looked into Firefly's eyes.

And Firefly could not lie, "...Y-Yes. We originally did. But- Diamond wasn't really telling me anything. I-I swear!" Firefly cried out. But Dahlia raised her brow slowly in doubt. Before a long silence cut in. Then Dahlia leaned towards Firefly.

"Don't. Lie." Dahlia's tone was low. An irritated look rested on her face. "I don't like liars. And liars get a punishment for lying their teeth off." It's a fact. Firefly began to tremble at her attitude.

"Alright!" Firefly called out in desperation. "I admit! Diamond did tell me about her plans! She said that she's gonna keep stalking you and run you out of all places! And ruin your reputation! I just follow behind because I'm her best friend." She let out in one go.

Dahlia scoffed in utter disgust. "Disgusting." Dahlia snarled under her breath. Firefly Song sighed in relief, looking at her now. Watching her expression soften a little. "...But, I see." The dark pony glared over. In her eyes, there was nothing but a blank expression. How could this pony be so... calm? So... stoic at this time? She really didn't understand it. Firefly shuddered a little at that thought.

"Ms. Song, I have a wonderful surprise for you." Dahlia said very teasingly. Reaching into her mane to grab that same photo. The photo of her best friend, Diamond Ocean. Or Silver Star. Once a beautiful mare of life and promise, now militated. The other tossed it straight onto the ground, making Firefly staring down at it. Picking the item off the floor now. At first glance, Firefly thought that the photo that she saw was a random dead body. But instead, her brain processed it as chunks of grape jam crudely splotched all over the floor. Like a foal smearing their food all over the walls. Question is... Was it really just blotches of jam in that photo that Dahlia took?

Hold up.

Firefly this time, decided to take a better look at the photo, so she REALLY leaned in. Squinting her own eyes to see properly. Noticing far more detail than the first look. Those "blotches" turned out to be a pony head smashed in several times. Wait a minute. Is this a pony corpse?! What the Tartarus?! Firefly knew it. The pony in the photo was heavily militated, as if the killer behind it had a wrath against this mare. Things in the picture popped out more and more to her. The gauged out eyes, the smashed in and torn hide skin. The mushed up brains and even the broken bones. Finally, she noticed the full mane that was cut off very poorly. Even small strands of hair bare stuck out after it was brutally shaved. Somepony was kidnapped and made into nothing but an abomination. She couldn't recognize this pony at all. No way in Tartarus that another could ever recognize this pony. It's just as nearly impossible.

Firefly slowly looked up at Dahlia with mixture of surprise and horror. "Y-You...You... MONSTER! You did this?!" Firefly screeched out of protest. But, those corners curling themselves upwards into that malicious smile of Dahlia's.

"Mhm!" Dahlia cheerfully replied. Pointing her own hoof down at the picture. "C'mon, look closer.~ And you'll see who it really is. I think you might like it!~" Dahlia said. Ms. Song looked down again at the photo once more. For the last time, Firefly stared even closer at the pony's corpse. Noticing it's a... familiar lavender pony... Then her eyes caught a glimpse at the neck... spotting a black necklace... No. A choker? Yes... yes it was. It all started to click now.

No...

Dahlia didn't... no buckin' way...! She couldn't...! Impossible! But-, the realization hit harder than a comet crashing into Equestria. Firefly couldn't deny it any further.

It was Diamond. Her own best friend... dead.

Oh sweet Celestia... why?W-Why?! Tears streamed down her cheeks again. Before the anger built up within her, slowly boiling with hate. Festering like none other. Head looking upwards, fire in her eyes. "That's...?!? Y-You... k-killed her?!" Firefly shouted before then trying to lounge at her again. "I'll kill you!" Firefly threatened. Before Firefly could launch herself at her, Dahlia's magic froze her in prison of magic. Shocking Ms. Song, now automatically trying to wiggle out but then realizing it's useless. Stopping immediately in her own tracks and didn't fight it anymore.

But laughter escaped Dahlia, "Ah, ah, ah, dear Firefly. No threats will get you anywhere." Eve said, before rubbing her hooves together. "To answer your little question from earlier. Yes! I did kill her! Not to mention that she suffered quite nicely." Another laugh, but this time it sounded higher than the last. Releasing Firefly from her magical grip, dropping her. Firefly plopped on the floor like nothing, a grunt in irritation heard. Then her eyes stared at her captor with burning hatred.

"I HATE YOU!!" Firefly shouted out, tearing up. Her hooves covered her face, only to give out sobs in the process. This lasted for several agonizing minutes. All Dahlia could do was watch and listen to her. Firefly screamed out the words "Why? Just why?!"

"Because I can." Dahlia replied. "And I will."

This time, Ms. Song made a sour face at the other. But Dahlia raised a brow, "What?" She asked.

"..." Firefly looked away from her, wiping her own tears away. "...You just killed my best friend and you say 'what'?" Firefly narrowed her eyes over at her angrily. "Do you not feel remorse at all?!" A tear left Firefly's eye. But, Dahlia shook her head at that.

"No, not really. She never gave a shit about anypony but herself. Even you! You're just another puppet for her little show. No matter how much you try to argue with it. It's the truth, Firefly! So, why should I care?" Dahlia gave nothing but manic giggles, almost like a schoolmare. "...Why would I feel bad about somepony who never gave a buck about me in the first place?" Dahlia quizzed, standing up from her spot. Turning around before facing away from the other. Firefly looked utterly shocked and rather disgusted at the choice of words.

"But, why!?" Firefly cried out, voice quivering with sorrow. But nothing from her captor. "ANSWER ME FOR REAL! PLEASE!" Firefly bellowed at her. More tears streaming down her face with more hurt and anger. Dahlia didn't turn herself to face her, but gave a sigh. Staring at the brick wall far from herself. Dahlia had to gather her own thoughts before saying anything. It took a few minutes but she finally got it.

"...Because. Diamond is twisted, Firefly. Don't you understand you hallow shell of a living pony? You need to get that through your pretty little shallow head, darling.~ She deserved it. And I needed to let go. It's the only way to get rid of this pain of mine. That's why, Firefly. Can't you understand the context?" Now turning back around to face the other again. Dahlia cocked her head to the side, asking. Grey eyes piecing at the other into Firefly's own blue ones. Staring at Firefly with a wide eyed look. And the tone of her voice had no life in it. "She needed to be cleansed from this pure world. It's simple as that." Dahlia stated plainly. Now producing a few chuckles. Firefly's eyes widened at this. Terrified, Firefly put up a front to be brave. Hatred seen in the pink mare's eyes.

Huffing in anger, "Y-You sound absurd!! You know what you sound like? A BUCKIN' CULT LEADER!! You're the one who's twisted, Dahlia! TWISTED!!" Firefly retorted. "Why don't you get that through your head, stupid?!" Big mistake.

Slap!

"Oh man, you're just that buckin' dumb, huh? I'm not the twisted one, bitch. Really, I'm not." Another laugh emerged from her, almost sounding like a cackle. "You really can't face the true facts that your own 'friend' Diamond IS the cult leader. Most of that group that she's tracking behind her is a cult, you idiot! And you're just another motherbuckin' idiot in the Congo line, hunny." Dahlia's voice rose a little, now becoming a little bit defensive. "Unfortunately, I've lost a few good friends and a community to a bitch. Well-, I thought I had good friends. I really thought everyone there was real and honest. I thought I found a group who I thought cared about me. I even believed that I finally belonged too." Dahlia paused, only just to scoff.

"...I guess I was buckin' wrong!" The dark mare gave a small condescending laugh. "And to think I took you and Velvet serious with my heart! I had real platonic love for you all. We built a long friendship for crying out loud! And you guys turn out to be all fake. Plastic!Marbies!(word for Barbie, but for mares) And you ALL threw me away like trash! Well! I'm not trash, Firefly! I'm just like you! A mare with feelings and goals! You're the problems, not me!" Tears strung down her cheeks. "I may have lied but I had my reasons. I kept my ex-mare AWAY from you. I wasn't trying to bring any SHIT to the table! My Goddesses!" She finally breathed in and out again. Wait, she had more. "And I KNOW that I'm not a bad pony! I am nowhere NEAR like Nightmare Moon! I just make mistakes just like you and the rest of your dumbass posse that you drag around! I know who the buck I am! Not you! ME!" Dahlia pointed at herself with a hoof. Now heavily breathing in and out. Trying to control herself. But Dahlia kept on going, "Plus, you barely even know me over the course of almost four years. I don't even think you ever cared. Shows me how poor character that you have! You sicken me, Firefly. You really let me down as a 'friend', you know? Actually-, I don't think that I can really call you a friend. Cause friends don't just dump their friends out in the cold. They help each other. You and Velvet both gave up on me."

Then Dahlia lowered her head now. Then just sniffled a little. "And to prove that Friendship is a nothing but a JOKE! And the Harmony shit is a lie! None of this bullshit matters! And it will NEVER matter no matter what we do. Friendship is fake. You're all just fake, the same. Each and everyone of you. Except for Miss Pinkie. At least, she has personality. You? Well, that's a different story, love." Dahlia turned away from her in shame.

Firefly really didn't want to hear it but... deep down she felt like she needed to. "Who I was... with you... I had to restrict my ownself while I was with all of you. I had to teach myself stuff that was out of my comfort zone. I was miserable... mostly afraid. But- I really wasn't true to myself. I hated it... and myself for a long time because of this. That's on me though. I know." She gave a short sigh. "...Because, I don't tell others my problems, I just don't want them to really worry. I'm a big pony and I don't need help. But... I'll help others when I can, because it shows that I really care for that pony. It sounds kinda hypocritical or ironic, something like that. Whatever.. But, I know." Dahlia said. "I know..." Dahlia softly stated to herself. Then she idly bit down on her lower lip hard. Snapping out of it before looking up at the other again. "...But ever since I cut you she-devils out of my life... I felt so free for the first time! And by Goddesses! It felt so goddamn good!" Dahlia gasped a great one, before laughing happily. Tears already down her cheeks without her noticing. "I don't have to hide anymore!" Dahlia raised her voice a little. Placing her hands into the air like a pony pastor preaching at a church.

Dahlia's blood ran hot multiple times. Not sure if she's on that bloodlust high, but- it seemed to kick in full drive for her. She wasn't sure how long it'd last... But Dahlia felt like she's in this surreal dream state. Everything happening now was nothing to her... but this feeling wasn't new. She's dealt with the feeling of dissociation many many times of her life. Since the day it started, it never once stopped at all. Feeling nothing but a curse. Everything is just a dream to her.

"Now... I'm myself more than ever. I feel like I was holding back myself for my own friends. Afraid of their own judgements. Of me. I suffered enough, Firefly. Now, I'm bouncing back hard. So listen up.. Firefly. You Bitches Better Beware. Because I'm snatching the crown and taking souls like the Grim Pony (Grim Reaper)." Dahlia sneered at this sentence. "I'm taking control now." There was no stopping her now. Her blood ran cold at the moment and the adrenaline pumping straight into her veins. "And I'll tell you everything from my own mouth. Hopefully, these words will get your stupid ass to LISTEN. Which you never seem to do. And really, I feel bad for those who don't really listen. Especially to me." Dahlia took a long sigh, before her stupid little smile widened even bigger. "But, that's unfortunate, huh? Because I get to decide everypony's fate if they don't listen or lie to me! Isn't that amazing?!" Dahlia seemed content, but still cheery.

"N-No! It's not amazing, Dahlia! None of this is! You just sound crazy!!" Firefly retorted, shaking her head violently. Making Dahlia roll her eyes at that.

"Whatever. Well-, I hope that you like your gift. Consider it from my own heart.~ I did work super hard to get this photo taken afterall!" Dahlia childishly said, before chuckling.

"Buck you." Firefly spat at her, before picking up the photo to only tear it apart. Dahlia's ears immediately perked up to the sound. In a knee jerk reaction, a slap contacted onto Firefly's face. Leaving a look of bewilderment on her. A hoof mark left onto her pink fur.

"Ungrateful, inconsiderate lowlife of a worm! Can't even appreciate anything that I do for you! That photo is a work of art! A GIFT!" Dahlia growled. "I guess giving gifts isn't a way to go." She said, darting her eyes away with irritation. Then Dahlia gave a very long sigh. Silence.

...

"...You and Velvet Cake both hurt me. Don't play dumb, you did. And you know it too. I hope you realize that sooner." Another growl, eyes becoming the color of red and hair of pure white snow. "And don't throw that whole 'Oh, but what about you!? You lied too!' bullroar! YES. I DID LIE, BUT TO NOT GET YOU ASSHOLES INVOLVED! At least that I admit it and had reasons to do so! You don't! You lied to only hurt me. You buckin' betrayed me!" Dahlia's red in the face at the point. She could feel her blood pressure rising. Another breather for herself again.

Silence again for a few minutes.

"...Also, what I do behind closed doors shouldn't be told to others that are new to our friendship circle. Even my business should not be leaked out there. Especially to when one of the friends has PTSD from her!! You know, my EX! IDIOTS! Yeah! Ya caused your little friend Velvet to have attacks by telling them about her again!! DISGUSTING!" Dahlia snarled with rage. "WHY? YOU HAD NO BUSINESS DOING THAT! You know why?! I'll tell ya why! Because all of you care way too buckin' much! TOO MUCH!" Dahlia screeched, breathing heavily afterwards.

Not even a minute later, Firefly Song growled out, "Yeah?! So what if I lied? What're you gonna do about it?!" Firefly worded in a cruel matter. Looking at Dahlia with rage, shaking now.

"Aha! So you do know about your sins!! Liar!" Dahlia said, catching her in the lie. "Just as I suspected!" She yelled, using a hoof to hold Firefly's faces and cheeks. Then another slap delivered straight to Firefly again. It's powerful sound echoing throughout the room. "Sweet Luna, I lied to protected my friends! While you lied for your own personal gain! You're such a hypocrite... You're just like her. Just another clone in the world. You really do sicken me." More silence from Dahlia. And it felt like the most agonizing few moments of her life.

"...Y'all think that I'm a fool, huh? Do you think I'm that stupid? That I wouldn't find out about y'all talking shit behind my back? Oh, I did. And to be frank, I'm ashamed of you. Especially you and Velvet herself. I expected better from you both. Actually, I saw the good in you two. Sad that's gone to such a waste." Dahlia gave a irritated scoff. "I trusted you... I really did but... I can't now. Knowing who you are for real. I've seen your true colors. And you guys make ME out as the bad guy? HAHAHA!" She guffawed at this. "PROJECTORS! HYPOCRITES!~ FIENDS!~ LIARS!~" The dark mare sung out happily. Trotting in one place, making it out to be bouncing.

After a few minutes of this, Dahlia stopped in her hooftracks with a small sigh. "All I wanted was the damn quiet life. And I couldn't even get that now, can I?!" Dahlia started up on the tears again. Wiping them away from their eye chambers and sniffling. Now calming herself down a little by breathing in and out. Looking up at her captive again. "Well. I just hope that in the next life that you're born in, is better than what you did here to me. Do something RIGHT with your life. Have a useful cutie mark to pony society." Dahlia stated. "Here... you're just useless." But, Dahlia stopped at that. Knowing that this wasn't always the case. "...Well, that's not true... you're only useful for a pie or a few pastries!~ Hee hee!~" A giggle escaped Eve. "...Not to mention that I'm truly helping you achieve into the next life! And by next life, I mean- being reincarnated into another body for the next generation." Dahlia hopped in place a few times. "It's kinda like pony recycling. At least that's what I believe in."

"You're sick, you know that? SICK!" Firefly bellowed, but Dahlia rolled her eyes at this.

"Do I look like I give a shit?" Ms. Eve came closer to her captive, asking. "No, I don't. So, keep shouting and yelling because NOPONY would come to help you. Especially when nopony in Ponyville cares about a pony with such a tasteless mark as yours." Dahlia truly didn't care at all. "At least my mark is something. Besides... what does yours actually contribute to our society? Hm? Oh let me think... oh wait! Yours is absolutely buckin' useless!" Dahlia sneered at her. More silence.

...

"But seriously, what does it really mean?" Now cocking her head at Firefly Song in curiosity. "I've always wanted to know ever since I saw it." Dahlia almost mad dogged her, wanting an immediate answer.

Firefly Song wanted so bad to spit into her face. But she gave a second thought about the entire thing and decided to go against it. It'd be better to answer the other's question without being so rude about it. Slowly but hesitantly, she spoke, "I-It means I..." Firefly sputtered out quietly. "I-It means I talk too much... the little fireflies in the mark are from a family trait. And my whole family deals with breeding fireflies at home in Filly Delphia." Dahlia's captive seemed rather ashamed of her cutie mark. Looking down and away out of sadness. "I... I really wanted a different cutie mark..." Dahlia could see that Firefly's beginning to cry a little. Tears threatening to come down now.

"At some point, everypony wants a different mark, Ms. Song." Dahlia stated to her, softly closing her eyes. "But, you can't have everything YOUR way, now can you? Fate finds you. You can't run from destiny. It chooses us when it's ready. And we all know that from the start, it's practically inescapable. We're stuck. Bound to our destinies." It was a true fact, but a sad reality. "Unfortunately, you two came here to Ponyville... and now you've found your 'route 2' fates. How sad is that? Can't go back to the first route if you take another!" Giggling filled the room and it irritated Firefly. "If you're gonna seek trouble, you're gonna end up in trouble." Dahlia's smile was ear to ear, idly coming closer to Firefly. Firefly noticed this and began to back up against wall. Eyes widening out of pure fear. "I guess trying to seek out for more drama ended you two down here. In the cellar." She took a pause to breathe again. "How lucky was I to have found you by the cherries stand?" Dahlia wanted to burst out laughing, but she held her composure seconds later. Watching the other's expression turn from fear to absolute disgust. Finally, those tears let down Firefly's cheeks. It was an endless stream of sadness that she felt. "This is your fate. Don't you know?~" Dahlia sung happily. "I've decided to choose it, just for you! Isn't that funny? I chose how you die!" A laugh released itself. "I'm the Goddess of Fate. Master of all control!"

"You're absolutely out of your mind! You know that!? OUT OF YOUR MIND! YOU SHOULD KILL YOURSELF!" Firefly barked immediately at the other. With reaction, Dahlia quickly pushed Firefly up against the wall, placing her hooves onto Firefly's neck. Pressing down hard as she could on the windpipe. Attempting to cut off the air supply completely. Meanwhile, Firefly is trying her best to use her hooves to fight her captor off. Using them to land a few punches at her. Some at her face, some missed. Even Firefly tried several attempts to push Dahlia off, but that had failed her. Using all of that Pegasus strength that she had built within her, wasn't really worth it. None of it helped her at all.

Only the sounds of rattling chains were heard scraping and clanging against the wall and floor now. These could be heard for the next few minutes. No filter. Firefly was still fighting this, no matter what. All Dahlia could hear was Firefly's strained breaths underneath her. And Dahlia continued to choke her out consistently. Firefly tried her damned hardest to fight her off but- damn... Dahlia was pretty strong. Oh how she wished that she's stronger than her captor! Then she'd be fighting her more! Firefly gasped for air as much as she could, but this left Dahlia to strangle her even harder. Making Firefly's airways tighter. So, Firefly couldn't win. It's either get some air or fight for her bucking life. But, Firefly chose to do both.

A real big mistake.

As Firefly continued to struggle and fight with hooves to get her captor off, it became extremely difficult for her to even breathe. Firefly's breathing became shorter and extremely hard for her to gather anymore air. But Dahlia only pressed harder and harder down. Firefly tried so hard to gather more air for herself but was failing pretty immensely. Her airways are limited to air.

Eve just watched her victim struggle and fight in front of her. This happened for over a few solid minutes, Dahlia didn't know how long but- it felt like forever. And it was the best few solid minutes that Dahlia's ever experienced. And it felt simply marvelous! Exquisite! DIVINE! No words other than those could describe this moment perfectly! To Firefly's surprise, Dahlia let go immediately and allowed her to breathe again. Firefly gasped for large amounts of air, relieved her problem. Dahlia saw her face return from a purple, a blue and finally to it's original color. A silver light casted around Dahlia's horn. Using her magic to heal some of her captive's bruises very slowly. Making Firefly comfortable again to lay still and finally breathe properly. Gasping just like a fish out of water would.

...

After breathing, Firefly Song laid there for a few minutes and watched her captor trot over to the workbench. Opening a drawer with several weapons scattered within it. Looking like she gathered... more chains?? They seemed rather large in size than the ones that Pinkie Pie had for bounding a victim. Which were a little smaller compared to these ones in size. Blue eyes glared over, watching Dahlia's magic encase the large chains behind her as she walked towards her captive.

"W-What're you think you're doing??" Firefly worded out in fear. But Dahlia didn't say anything to her. She just began to walk towards Firefly. She came closer. And closer. And closer. Every time that she did, Firefly cringed at the thought. Then the mare's nose twitched to the smell of faint blue raspberry scent etching closer to her. Almost like those blue swirl lollipops that she always buys at Sugarcube Corner. Sweet, yet tart. Vanilla and creamy. A perfect combination for her little routine in her day. But now... that was even spoiled. Due to her. She just couldn't eat anymore of those... things. Not when it reminded her of Dahlia Evelyn.

"What do you think I'm doing, darling?~ I'm just playing, Firefly~" Dahlia sung with a manic smile. The chains could be heard clanging to each other in the background. "C'mon, Firefly! Let's play! Don't you like playing? It's so much fun!" That tone of hers kept nothing but a jolly feeling. Firefly tried her best to back herself up into the corner more. But forgot about her chains. Once more they tugged again, now stopping her. Forehooves against the brick wall finally, Firefly had hit her dead end. She knew it too. And she couldn't move anymore due to her prison length.

"T-This i-isn't playing, Dahlia! This is torture and NOT fun!" Firefly didn't notice her wings spread out idly due to fear. This was her useless attempt to appear bigger, but Dahlia didn't scream. By this time, Dahlia was extremely close, but didn't move by an inch.

"But, it's fun when the victim's in total fear, Firefly! Maybe you don't understand because you have such a hallow cranium, Fires!" Dahlia used a hoof to 'knock' on her forehead like a door, making Firefly flinch just a little. Then she snorted like a pig.

For next five minutes, they both just stood there. Not saying a single word. The silence that came afterwards was pure agony. It was awkward and very weird. Tense even. Firefly Song only saw Dahlia blankly stare at her. Watching every moment, standing like a statue in one place. It felt like her eyes never once blinked. Which felt rather eerie to her.

...

Finally, she spoke up again, "C'mon! Let's really play! Only this time, I'll just keep your soul!" Dahlia joked at that. Giggling a little, making Ms. Song's skin crawl.

But Firefly replied, "I-I'll kill you and I WILL escape from here!" Her voice sounded confident that she would.

Another snort and a laugh from Dahlia. "Really now? You think you can escape? You can't! Really! Look at you! You're chained up and have nowhere else to go! You don't have a leader to lead you anymore. And I told you. You're the one I said was next in the congo line, Fires." Another Dahlia snort. "And I'm the one who controls your fate today! HAHAH! I HAVE THE HIGH GROUND!" Right then and there, the thick metal chains magically wrapped themselves around Firefly's neck.

"No!" Was all Firefly could choke out, but her voice sounded very restrained. Too late, Dahlia firmly tightened the chains as much she could. Firefly's hooves tried to get a grip on the chains quickly, trying to get them off. It was no use. More strained cries choked themselves out of her. Her throat... she needed... air! AIR! "Awe, what's the matter? Can't talk anymore shit when you're getting suffocated, huh bitch?!" Dahlia harshly asked, laughing more as she choked the other out with glee. All Dahlia could see was her enemy's face becoming more and more purplish. Seeing that Firefly's hooves where still flailing around like a madmare. Trying her damn hardest to escape Dahlia's clutches.

"Speak, lil' Firefly. Sing for me! I double bucking dare you." Dahlia said, as she loosened the chains on her. Firefly was gasping, coughing and choking. Gathering all of the air into her lungs once more. This happened for a few minutes before Firefly looked up at her captor.

"Buck you! I hope you choke!" Firefly only spat out.

"Not if I do it first!~" Dahlia sung, before the chains had strangled her neck even tighter than before. The amount of pressure would've left deep purple bruises by now. But- Dahlia wasn't going to be light this time. Playtime's now over.

Finally, Dahlia let all of her anger feed into all of her strength. Firefly Song kicked, silently screamed, and flailed for the next few minutes. No way in Tartarus that a pony could survive this amount of suffocation and strength. Nothing came out but the gargling sounds made by Firefly. Still continuing to struggle out from Dahlia's grip. The more she struggled, the less air would come her way. Her vision became very fuzzy and her strength loosening. She felt so weak... so vulnerable. Everything felt so fuzzy... cold. Then Firefly felt the uninviting feeling of death slowly come in. Now feeling her vision starting to black out. Even fade. Everything was getting darker... colder... then...

Nothing.

Firefly laid limp in her spot, no longer fighting. Gone. Dahlia slowly let the corpse slide out of her hooves and onto the ground. Watching Firefly's eyes roll back upwards after. Every action and moment that Dahlia took in, felt like a fine meal. Only seconds afterwards, she stared down at the lifeless corpse. In the back of her mind, memories started to rise. Ones that she would remember. The good ones. The funny ones. The emotional ones. Her eyes swelled up with tears. And she knew what she had to say next.

"...Goodbye, old friend." Before then letting out several pained sobs of her own. Closing her eyes as she did so. If this where a movie, the scene would pan itself out in silence from a doorway, leaving Dahlia alone to silently cry. Then enter Pinkie Pie to comfort the other with a reassuring hug. Nothing but the pain remained deep within. And she hated it. Forever stuck inside of her mind, she will never forget this day.

Was it worth it? Let me work it. I put my thang down, flip it and reverse it.

~~~

When Dahlia Eve finished up her quick little playdate, she'd wiped her tears away. Just very slowly, she got up on her own. Not a word from her. Only trotting herself back upstairs and up to Pinkie's room. Leaving the corpse of her enemy alone by itself. So, Pinkie Pie decided come back down to the cellar, only to dismember the body and put separate parts into a garbage bag. But also ended up torturing Ms. Snow a bit. Just for a little while. So Dahlia was told to get some extra towels for Ruby's little mess. Ms. Snow was lucky to have not died. And Pinkie Pie needed her for some reason.

So, Dahlia found the extra set of towels lying on top of a shelf in her closet. Magic lifting the set of clean towels over to her. From the corner of her eye, Dahlia saw a medium sized box sitting itself in the right corner of the closet. In the small corner of an opening, was a piece of red fabric sticking out. Her brow furrowed upwards in confusion. With no issue, Dahlia slid the box over to her and opened it's lid. The contents inside made her shocked, but curious. Using her hooves, she took to what looked like... a patch of pony hide? She seemed rather confused but looked closer... Using a hoof to run over it's texture. Yep, it's definitely pony hide, alright... A little bumpy. And hard to stretch out.

Wait a minute. Dahlia thought that Rarity had these...? Why did Miss Pinkie say Rarity would have these when Pinkie has the box? Did Miss Pinkie lie about this? No... there's no way of her lying like that... It's not like the Pinkie Pie that she knew. Miss Pinkie was always honest about things. Never lied! Perhaps Pinkie kept them for a reason? Maybe she could ask.

...

"So, you've found my super secret stash of pony hide, huh?" Pinkie said, practically right behind her.

And Dahlia turned around quickly to face her. This time though, Dahlia didn't get scared so easily. Only staring at her wide eyed. "...S-So it IS pony hide?" Dahlia sounded like she was on the verge of panic. "...Miss Pinkie, this isn't really a secret. This was literally in the corner of the closet. Somepony could've saw it right away!" Was all the darker mare could say. But Pinkie Pie just chuckled at this. Suddenly, her hair deflated but it wasn't in an instant. It felt... slower. Which freaked out Dahlia a little, starting to mess with her mental view.

"Ms. Dahlia." Pinkie sternly spoke, making Eve tense up a little. Oh no... "You MUST know something about me." A brief pause at this. Pinkie gave a long sigh. "I am the master of disguise, Ms. Dahlia Eve. I'm a pony who breaks bounds and laws of sciences that you can't even imagine. I'm motherbuckin' Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie Pie smiled a little, only just by a little. Dahlia stepped away just a little from her. "...I can make anything look ordinary or simple to a pony who can't actually see." The party pony said. "...But you. Oh boy!" Pinkie gave a small snort. "You're really smart to have noticed it further than most of the other ponies would. I don't know how you did it, but you did! To be honest though, I'll give you massive credit." Putting her hooves together to only think again. "You saw right through the illusion, congrats!"

"..."

"Allow me to explain it for you, kay?" Pinkie asked then a smile at her apprentice. Dahlia nodded in response. "Dumb ponies only see the box from a first glance. Right? Just a plain and ordinary cardboard box." The party mare said. "It's nothing special, nothing really new. Sure." The last word made Pinkie shrug. "But on the norm, these ponies just assume the box is for storage use. You know, medium sized. Perfect for storing small things like books or small mini figures. Stuff like that." But, Pinkie Pie hummed softly to herself. Eyes darting around the room. "Buuuut, I've added in a few more things like clothes on top of the box or sometimes a few pairs of shoes stacked neatly against it. This will make it a little more believable and realistic. And nopony will ever catch on. Get it?" Miss Pinkie asked. Making Dahlia nod very slowly. "Now. Smart ponies... just like you-... actually see past the whole charade within a few minutes. Gotta give them that! I really don't know how that's possible! But, they're pretty fast for smart ponies. But-, they're not as fast as my friend Dashie!" Pinkie joked, holding a hoof up to laugh now. "I guess this time I didn't put my little 'disguises' on the box. How silly of me!" Pinkie shook her head, before looking at the unlabeled box. She had an idea come to her... a fake label! GENIUS!~ The pink pony thought to herself.

...

Miss Pinkie snapped out of it, looking over at Dahlia Eve again. "Now let's get real here. Did'ja really think Rarity would actually take in some random box of pony hide? Especially for her clothing line?" Pinkie turned her head to the side. Dahlia Eve shook her head in response. "Exactly, I don't think so. Just as I thought." Pinkie gave a smile again. It didn't feel right, giving Dahlia a chill down her spine. "C'mon, If I really gave her those, she'd definitely come and question me. Most likely squeal on me and then I'd be in jail for the rest of my time. I wouldn't want that! Nope! Plus, Rarity is a fashionista. No way in Tartarus that she'd take in some worn out, out-of-date fabric, especially pony hide!" Pinkie giggled and snorted at this. "So my reasons for that box of hide is that it stays here for the burn pile. Normally, I'd call the box the 'burn box' for my sake. But- that'd be so... on the nose. You know?" Pinkie started to circle around Ms. Dahlia.

"B-Burn pile?" Dahlia quizzed this.

"Yes, the burn pile. I don't really need these random pony hides. I already made my piece of clothing to wear. But that's down in the cellar already, hung up on a coat rack. Ready to wear." Pinkie states, before making her way over to the box. Only to fold the top back on. Sliding the box back into the corner again, now placing shoes by it as well as two pair of folded sweaters on top. "You know though, Dahlia? You really shouldn't go through other's things. It disrupts the harmony." She said uncharacteristically, shutting the closet door afterwards. Dahlia knew that Miss Pinkie was off today. But, she never could mention it to Miss Pinkie due to her own fear of being a pest.

Screw it, she needed to know.

"...Why lie to me about it, though? I don't understand." Dahlia questioned, eyes almost glossy.

"Because it's fun." Pinkie said with a blank expression, then walked herself downstairs with towels. This made Dahlia's heart drop almost to the floor. Did she just say what Dahlia thought she said?!

Oh no. She wasn't going to let this one go. "M-Miss Pinkie!" She whined out, following behind her mentor downstairs. "Pinkie!" She sharply called out to her mentor again, trying her best to grab attention. Finally, the party mare turned herself around.

"What?" The mare said.

"...Do you even care about me?" Dahlia asked with a frown. Not sure if her mentor actually cared for her or not.

Pinkie Pie turned herself around to face her. A little bit offended by that question. "Of course I do! Why on Equestria do you think that I don't?" Those eyes where no longer a dull blue. They seemed rather brighter than before. Like she had snapped out of her depressing realities. A worried look played on Pinkie's face.

"Because, you lied to me earlier about Rarity and the pony hides..." Dahlia said in a boring tone. "And you even said it was fun." The darker mare began to tear up some more. "Do you even care about me? Be honest, Miss Pinkie. Please. Because liars normally don't care." Her last words soft. And the pink mare just frowned more at that.

"Of course I do! I care about you so so so much!" Pinkie zoomed over to hug a sad Dahlia. Squeezing Dahlia closer to her. "I care a lot about you as much I care about my friends or Gummy!" She nuzzled her apprentice. "That's a fact, Ms. Dahlia. Don't you ever think that I don't love ya! You're the best daughter that I've ever had! I didn't make you my daughter for nothing, ya know!" Pinkie held Dahlia in her hooves. Leaving Ms. Dahlia to only smile once more at the party pony. "I'm really sorry for lying to you though, I really am. It wasn't right." Pinkie sighed. "Guess that I'm just having an off day today. Promise it won't happen again." Pinkie had meant it with her heart.

"Okay I forgive you, Miss Pinkie. I-... I think I'm having an off day too." A smile played upon Dahlia's face again. Making the two hug each other tightly in silence. The last thing that anypony could see was a tear shedding down Dahlia's face. So Miss Pinkie DOES care about her afterall. Dahlia hopes.

But, today's been... very eventful.

Freeze!

Author's Note

Summary:

Velvet Cake wakes up in a chamber full of water, then becomes unsure and unaware of her enviroments. But has no idea of the horror that Dahlia has in store for her in those chambers.

A/N: This is not to be confused with Mrs. Cake that actually owns the whole bakery called Sugarcube Corner. Also, I do apologize for a lack chapter. I feel like this one is one of my weakest chapters that I've ever written so far.

Freeze!

ENEMY LIST

~~Diamond Ocean (Silver Star)~~ - Death: Torn Apart and Eaten
~~Chatter Box (Firefly Song)~~ – Death: Suffocation
Velvet Cake (Daisy Cupcake) – Death: ??
Ivy Moon (Azure Ivy) – Death: ??
Amber Rose – Death: ??
Starry Rainbow (Comet Haze) – Death: ??
Twinkle Charm – Death: ??
Blossom Fire – Death: ??
Straight Note (Twinkle Dawn) – Death: ??
Lavender Moon – Death: ??
Cherry Petunia – Death: ??
Emerald Breeze – Death: ??
PUMPKIN – Death: ??
Dusk Glow – Death: ??
Scarlet Harmony – Death: ??

***

Velvet finally opened her eyes, before looking around to gather all of her surroundings. Noticing that she's submerged in water and right at the deep end (or i.e the bottom of the empty glass chamber). Her eyes stung so she closed them quickly as possible. With slowly moving herself around, she bumped her whole body into something hard. Eyes shoot back open once again, only realizing that it's actual glass. Gasping at the thought about going to run out of air pretty soon. Bubbles surfaced up to the top, which Velvet quickly swam herself upwards to. When she did, she realized that she only had a little bit of air room to breathe. She took that, plopped her head out of the water and then gasped for air. Thank Celestia that she's able to breathe some oxygen now. Still gasping for air to breathe, but kept swimming in place. Feeling like she might get tired soon if she kept on. Soon, she slowed her swimming pace just by a little. Almost floating in place. Realizing that her head could literally touch at the top of the chamber itself.

Then all of the sudden, she realized that the water began to slowly descend itself. Flushing itself down the drain little by little. Thank Celestia... Soon seconds to a minute after, she's back on her hooves. Now only standing on the glass bottom. Cake almost wanted to collapse right there, but she kept standing in her place. She shook off the leftover water from her scarlet red hide and very pale blonde hair. Resulting in fluffing up. Her wings shook themselves out to get it all completely. Before Velvet suddenly sneezed a few times. ACHOO! One. ACHOO! Two. ACHOO! Three. From there, she stood very still for a second before twitching her little nose right afterwards. Feeling the leftover water burn from it's unwanted presence in her nose. "Ugh. Stupid flockin' water." Velvet spoke, before sniffling a few more times. After the waters finally vanished, it definitely felt more humid... But Velvet passed it up as nothing. As she's felt environments worse than this.

Hazel brown eyes focused right on over to the sounds of water sloshing, swishing- now watching the last of it swirl straight down into one single hole in the middle of the chambers. Preferably the main drain hole. That's what Velvet figured it's for. But where did all of the water... oh. Then her head looked upwards to see a large showerhead above. Now rubbing her face and eyes with her left forehoof. Of course...

Velvet pressed her face onto the fiber glass, now squishing up against it to see what environment she's in. Everything in her visions widened. Now squinting her eyes to only see that she's in a room and one single lightbulb dangling around the room. It's dim light revealing some of the interior. Velvet's piercing eyes shot around the room to look everywhere. Brick walls? Dark oak plank flooring? No... concrete flooring?? Eyes scanning the room for anything else. Nope. It's the only thing she could make out for now. But other than that- Where was she at? Surely she'd be in a basement, at least that's what Velvet concluded by the looks of the interior. It looked rather empty for a basement though...

Stepping backwards, she took another look of what she truly was in, the chambers. What it looks like. It was the only thing to do while passing the time. With a closer look, Velvet saw that the chamber's built with several medium sized wires on it's left side that connected to a separate machine. Possibly the main control panel then. Interesting. But... where was the water coming from? This chamber was empty... She looked straight up at the top of the chamber itself. Only noticing a large dark grey shower head above. Then another thick tube possibly connecting to another part of the machine. Possibly a water vat. But- she couldn't see properly due to half the darkness in this here room. Whoever installed this light bulb for this cellar, their mama's a hoe. Velvet felt the cold linger on, figuring that it's from the water earlier. Shivering, Ms. Cake placed her hooves up against the glass once again. Now pressing her own snout against it. Calling out, "Heeeello?~ Is there anypony out here?" Velvet sung, curious. Her voice muffled. Eyes darting back and forth twice. But nopony came to answer her.

This felt a bit odd... Then it became quiet for the next few minutes. Nothing but the dead silence was heard.

...

A sound of a door opening frightened the little pony, making her back up to the other side of the large chamber. Then she heard hoofsteps down a staircase. The sounds of creaking floorwood fed her tension, then her muscles cramped. "...Hello?" She gently called out, but still nothing. Another creak in the dead silence. And another. Velvet felt her heart pounding through her ribcage. Almost like a drum. "H-Hello?!" This was a prank! Yeah! All a pra-

Ms. Cake gasped. Her eyes darted onto a very familiar silhouette. That ocean blue hair... A-And that dark grey coat...! Those eyes! No... it can't be. But-, she knew exactly who this was. Her. And she revealed herself out of the cellar's darkness. But- she looked oddly tired. "Dahlia?!" Velvet frantically panicked. Eyes now going wide at the sudden reveal. But continued to ask her questions. "What... how?" The look on Velvet's face read a mixture of confusion, frightened even. She was speechless.

Next comes the other million bit question. "W-Where the Tartarus am I?!" Velvet tried to throw herself at the other- but forgot she's trapped within this deathtrap that they call a "chamber" too late. Smashing her face and body right into the glass again. The glass left nothing but a warbling sound. Damn it! Again! Cake thought to herself, now becoming a little bit annoyed. Dahlia gave a soft chuckle, only to shake her head. But she didn't really say anything. Velvet gathered herself, getting mad at that. "WHAT!? You think that this is funny?!" She bellowed at the other, clearly offended by that.

"No... I don't think so. But-, I just think it's funny how you get mad so easily." Eve said. But Ms. Cake stared dead at her suspiciously, but Dahlia scrunched her snout in disgust as reaction. Pursing her own lips into a pout.

With that, they both stared each other down like two cowponies in the West. Nothing after that. Just the noise of Dahlia's horn illuminating a silver light above her. From a view, Velvet could see Ms. Dahlia's face, there- she could see the bags underneath her eyes, like as if she didn't sleep for days. Nothing but bland expressions read on her face. Still refusing to say nothing at all. Only to trot herself over in front of a machine located next to the chamber itself. Like earlier before. The air filled itself up with tension... and Velvet didn't like it. "What-" Before she's interrupted with racket of a machine beeping and several button smashings. Seemingly that Dahlia's interacting with the control panel. "What... are you planning?" Fearfully asking her captor.

"You'll see." Ms. Dahlia replied, now just standing there, watching with wide eyes. Like she's delighted. Then Velvet stood herself back and stood in the middle of the chamber. Slowly, one by one, droplets of rain could be felt onto her snout.

...

Was it... raining? No... that's impossible! It's not even spring or summer! And plus, they're inside somewhere! Right now, her attention was on the water from above. Then she panicked abit, but it ceased when she spotted the drain hole again. It seemed like it closed up. Ms. Cake freaked out. Fuck! Slowly, the water from above began to drizzle down harder. Making the waters rise, forming a pool of water around her hooves. Velvet's breath hitched a bit-, internally panicking...! Soon after, the rain drops felt harsher, faster, almost like receiving small to medium sized non-penetrative needles on her hide. Or somepony beating her hide skin with multiple mini mallets. Or BBQ sticks. She could feel the water rise even more and more. Drop by drop profusely collecting themselves in the pool below. Raising the waters more and more. Now taking her afloat in the waters halfway. In her mind, she panicked more.

Today is the day that she dies.

All of the sudden, the waters stopped. Making Ms. Cake blink a few times out of utter confusion. "What the-..." The sounds of splishing and splashing could be matched with the hoofsteps made from her. Now met with the sensation of sudden cold water. It wasn't freezing but still cold enough. "C-Cold!How?!" Velvet Cake almost cried. Wasn't this damn water just at room temperature seconds ago?!

"Mhm. Cold water, indeed. It's not at the coldest but it's still cold just to throw you off." Dahlia finally said. "How? Simple. I can adjust the temperatures of the water for your chamber to my liking. Right now, the temp's about just 59 degrees." Dahlia didn't look up once at the other. "And I'm feelin' a bit... ice cold." Dahlia said quietly, ending the sentence with a small laugh to herself. With no hesitation, she dialed down the temperature of the water on the machine. 39 degrees, Farenheight, first.

Velvet Cake began to feel the coldness within the waters. Feeling a little bit of the numbness creep onto her hindlegs and forelegs. And all over of her body. And she felt cold. "W-Why are y-you doing t-this?" She said, pressing herself again against the glass for a more clear view. Poor little Vel-, trying her best to get her body used to the cold adjusted waters. And no answer came to her from her captor. So, Velvet began to grow more and more frustrated at this silent like behavior that Dahlia's giving her. "H-Hey! You b-better answer m-m-me!" Another demand from Velvet. Still nothing.

Dahlia just lowered the temperature even more and more. It's to a point to where Ms. Cake felt more numb in her body. Then her eyes shot up to see Dahlia coming close to the chamber. Looking straight up at her captive. "To answer your question..." Dahlia replied, before taking a long sigh. She begun. "I'm doing this for simple revenge. Justice, even. That's it, nothing really big." Eve didn't smile or anything. She just... acted very neutral. And didn't give much of expressions on her face. "It's funny." Dahlia paused for a bit. Velvet Cake swallowed down a lump in her throat. "...You're one of the ponies that have a body that contains a certain type. Confectionery. Did you know that, Miss Cupcake?" Those doe eyes only glared at Velvet. "It's a lovely sight, I'll tell you that." Then a small audible giggle came from Dahlia. "You know-... Miss Pinkie wanted some cake last week-... We tried to find our average recipe for real authentic velvet cake recipe. Sadly, couldn't find jack. Buuuut, I had an idea. To save time, I've found you." A sweet smile grew on her face. "And here we are! Gathering the ingredient that we've wanted for over a week now! How funny that I forgot about you. You literally ARE velvet cake!" Dahlia's voice did raise in pitch, reaching mania levels. "It's amazing!" Then her head cocked to the side, eyes almost bulging out from her head. Maniac. "I gotta tell ya though, it was veeeery hard to find you- but I did! You sneaky little rat!" The last word had a growl to it. But she held her manic grin.

Velvet's expression quickly shifted itself from fear to absolute hate for this monster. But what in Equestria was she referring to?! "C-Confectionery... b-body? W-W-What the T-T-Tartarus are you t-t-talking about?!" Velvet's still numb and still freezing. Teeth clattering together due to the temperature of the waters. Both of her forelegs and hindlegs slowed themselves down a bit. But once again, the waters began to slowly rise up to the top. Velvet's breathing hitched and began to breathe harshly. Flailing her arms around like mad, sounds of the waters splishing and splashing around could be heard. Now frantically swimming up to the top to where there's air. "N-No! LET ME OUT! PLEASE! I'LL DO ANYTHING! DON'T LOWER IT ANYMORE! IT'S TOO COLD!" Cake begged, but she's still flailing around with her arms. She tried and tried to keep afloat, but her struggling made it worse, sinking her further down each time. "W-W-What are you g-g-going to do?!" Velvet frantically cried out at Dahlia Eve, who's standing there, watching like nothing.

"I'm going to freeze, kill and eat you with some cups of tea. Simple as that." Dahlia replied.

"K-K-Kill... m-m-me? E-Eat me?? W-W-What?" Velvet couldn't move at all. Her legs felt like heavy weights.

"Yes, kill you. And literally cut you up into small bite sized pieces. Then eat you on a plate. Like I did with the other two before you. Man, you're really slow at this." Dahlia pressed her nose up against the glass. Still watching the other swishing and splashing around like mad but it's much slower. Widening her own eyes to expand her own vision. Humming to herself as she watched her once so called 'friend' become more pale in color. Yes, wiggle around like the maggot that you are.

"L-Like t-the others? What d-d-do y-y-you mean b-by that?" Velvet shivered greatly, trying to move around to keep herself warm. But it became hard to move around, due to the numbing pain that she's receiving from the freezing waters. The tips of her hooves felt numb- nothing. And it hurt her a bit. But, she kept on moving, trying to keep herself warm. Velvet Cake was trying her best to catch on to what this- nutcase- monster- thing! means!

Silence once more.

...

...

After the long silence, Dahlia looked up. "...I killed. Silver Star and Firefly Song." The ocean haired mare slowly said. "...If it wasn't obvious, Vel. By my words..." Dahlia smiled widely. A loud gasp could be heard from the other mare. Velvet felt even more repulsed. "...And I enjoyed every moment of it." Dahlia looked like a total nutcase. Eyes almost bulging out, her ocean blue hair seemed very unkempt. Velvet's looks shifted from fear to more of an angered one. But, eventually it didn't last and seconds after, it turned into a more hesitant expression. More fearful again.

"H-H-How d-d-did they b-both d-die?" Still shivering.

"..."

It was the longest pause that Dahlia Eve took in her entire life.

Finally- for what it felt like the longest time... Dahlia spoke up, "One died of quick suffocation. And the other? A nice bashing to the head and few other smaller methods of mine. That's how they both passed. Like anyone is gonna miss them though." Ms. Dahlia dryly said, now walking herself into a few circles. "I ate them both raw. Down to the last drop. And they were VERY delicious in my opinion. Though... one of them seemed rather... tarte and sour." A giggle let loose from her. Mania still building up. "Could've been sweeter though.~ But- I don't mind!" Ms. Eve hopped up in the air once. And Velvet's eyes widened out of horror at the statement. "But- really. In all stuff aside... It's just... sad. Sad to see ponies with such useless marks and talents." A sigh escaped Dahlia's lips, looking up at the paled other. Grey eyes glared themselves over to Velvet's mark on her flank. Dead. Lifeless. Distant. Aloof. It's all that Velvet could make out in her captor's eyes. "But-, for you... You have such a great talent. A talent at baking and or probably something else cooking related." But Dahlia sighed at this, frowning. "Too bad that it's all about to go to waste." The look on Ms. Dahlia's face looked... content at the moment.

"H-How...? H-How did you f-find m-me?" Velvet asked confusingly.

And Dahlia right there, answered immediately to that question, "Well... since you asked... I've decided that I wanted to get some info on you. So, why not hire a inside bird to find that required information? And my private birdie of mine that I hired... gathered some good stuff about you. They gave me my goods... Then after that- I buckin' GOT YOU. There is nothing that I didn't miss. But, oh man! You!" Dahlia gave a small chuckle. "You where so lowkey sneaky! But I found you!~" Dahlia said like it's an achievement. More looks of horror plastered onto Velvet's face. Not believing what she's hearing right now!

"Y-You hired a s-spy?!?" Velvet cried.

A pause for a second. Then again, "Let me finish, geez! Rude!" Dahlia scoffed at this, pouting her lips into a frown. "Yes... Let me explain it. They followed your daliy routine.. studied your fears and everything else that you do. They told me about something that I never even knew about." Dahlia said, almost boasting. "...I know about your little fear of freezing to death. Even the one about dying a very premature death. AKA dying early!" A cold laugh. "A mark like yours? I would've died to have used my talents. And you've done absolutely NOTHING with yours. You're blessed with skills that you can't even use for your own advantage! Oh Luna, that's buckin' pathetic! I hope you like the freezer!" A laugh filled the tension of the room. Ms. Cake's expression went dead cold. All the horror smacked her into the face, hard.

"N-No..." Velvet said, before screeching out, "NO! I don't want to die!" But Dahlia rolled her eyes. Glaring at a wiggling and writhing victim.

"Well, anyways... Do you know why you're here in this chamber?" Dahlia asked, ignoring the last plea. She'd stretched herself out, now yawning a little bit.

Cake shook her head in response. "N-No... I-I really d-d-don't..." Velvet's reply sounded like a whine. Eve scoffed at this. "Huh, I'd thought you'd have a few guesses but-- okay." Then she took a long pause. "...Well, the reason why?" Dahlia closed her eyes shut. "...Because you're the third on my list of ponies that I will never forgive." As Dahlia said that, Velvet's eyes widened in absolute shock. Then her whole entire boy shook with rage and fear mixed together. It felt... well... she didn't know. Velvet's pissed about her two close friends being now gone. Being murdered by this... monster! This... insane madmare! "Honestly, it's better for it to be that way." Dahlia turned herself around, plot now facing the glass.

And Velvet's stomach churned at this statement. "S-Shut the b-buck up!" Ms. Cake shrieked back at her captor. "Y-You're t-totally insane! Disgusting b-buckin' t-t-trash. I c-can't b-believe you've d-done this, Dahlia! T-Trash! J-Just absolute T-TRASH! I really h-hope you g-get caught by t-the police! O-Or even Celestia herself!!" She finished.

"..." Nothing. Again.

Another chuckle. "...Oh Luna, oh sweet sweet Celestia~. Oh! How they've brainwashed you. So bad." Another laugh let loose. "...And you turned into something that you hated when you've stuck with them." Eve gave a small laugh at this "So... you're no different than them, Vel. I have no choice but to eliminate you." The voice of Dahlia STILL didn't have any emotion in it. Feeling like Dahlia's very distant from the conversation. "...It's why you're on my list. You're one of them..." Eve rocked back and forth in her place. Starting to laugh a little bit at this. "You know that justice will seek out the ones done wrong. And it's chosen you, Ms. Cake! Justice rain upon you today. And I'm... The Mare of Justice!" Her lips stretched into a wide smile, reaching from ear to ear. Then it dropped seconds after, give a great sigh, "But I realize now as Mare of Justice...- that you've been less offensive than the two before you. So... I'm just going to give you a quick death. And what other way to do it then to freeze you to death??! Not my favorite-- since I want your death to last a bit longer... but-! Hey! You can't always have everything your way!~" Dahlia snuck in few laughs at that. Then a small smile. "Ever had frozen cake?" She grinned widely on her tired face. "It's the best to have on a summer's day. Or even spring! Either way... it's still good. Ooooh! Just even thinking about having frozen cake makes me excited!" Dahlia's eyes twinkled at that thought for a few seconds. Everything Dahlia Eve said made Velvet almost want to punch her harder.

"Now perish." Ms. Eve said before watching the slightly frozen captive before her- sink deep down to the bottom of the chamber. Velvet wasn't fighting anymore, she only felt numb and cold. More than cold... Freezing... Nothing... she probably got frostbite by now. Only Celestia knows... she couldn't buckin' move. Dahlia now watched the waters entirely fill up the chamber to the top. Like a full bottle of water. There's no escape or air for Vel to breathe. Her screams and cries cut off by now muffled and gargled water cries. There was no air, no matter where she swam now. This is it. Velvet thought to herself. She's going to really die in this chamber. Just like her deepest fears. There's no air for her to breathe, no way out... nothing. All hope's lost for Velvet. If she could, she'd try her best to break out and beat the ever living shit out that P.O.S. Then escape this place... But-- there was no reality of that becoming true. So-, she just closed her eyes, awaiting her own death. Wishing herself the best in the afterlife of this world. Not even moving anymore.

"Wow, giving up now are we?" Dahlia softly chuckled, but it ceased right away. "Pity." Dahlia wanted to snicker, but she held herself back. Only clicking her tongue in disappointment. Trotting back to the machine, she dialed the temperature nob all the way down. The lowest of the low temperature that the machine could go. All the way to sub zero. Watching her captive no longer move and the waters slowly turned into thick ice around her legs and arms, cocooning all around her. The waters once now a liquid, became a full on solid piece. No longer able to move, she was immobile within the chamber. Frozen solid. Like a piece of painted art from a museum wall. Hell, more like a statue. Dahlia could put it up on a display. All Velvet could feel now was the freezing cold spreading throughout her entire body, brain, and her hindlegs/forelegs. So, Velvet barely couldn't move anymore. All of the freezing began to hurt her brain, numb it even. Everywhere felt like... a real bad brainfreeze from a slushy. Or like she's bathed in the purest white snow for hours in the Winter time without winter attire. Something like that.

Whatever, she thought. A single tear shed down her cheek for the last time. It automatically freezing as it hit contact with her cheek. Sweet, sweet death... I have finally found your release. Was the last thing that Velvet thought to herself, before now letting herself slip away into eternal darkness. And she was no more.

...

Finally, the apprentice spoke up, "Huh... A useless pony with a useful mark. Sad." Was all the darker mare could say, but sneered. Then Dahlia sighed, before rolling her eyes at this. "Can't even fight her own death. Shameful. But- Makes it easy for me..." She grumbled to herself a bit. "Though... it should've been longer... Such a cryin' shame!" A small little sigh of disappointment there. A hoof idly digging at the ground before shrugging it off. "Oh well! Life is funny! Isn't it?!" She nodded her head at her own statement. Knowing that she's right. After that, Dahlia immediately sung a small little tune about frozen cake. Bouncing in her own demeanor as she sung on a whim to a lifeless corpse.

Ice cream cake, frozen cake!

Oh how it tastes so great!

Melted cake, melted cake!

Oh how it tastes so great!

Ice cream cake, frozen cake!

Oh how it tastes so great!

I love frozen cake, cake cake!

Oh how it's so yummy, yummy!

As it resides in my tummy, tummy!

Cake, cake cake! Oh, it's so great!

It's a small bouncy tune that she could remember when getting some frozen cake. She really did love her frozen cake alright. Then she could hear the faint hopping of the familiar pink pony down the cellar stairs. Before gasping out, "Miss Pinkie!" A smile stretched across Pinkie's face.

"Hi Ms. Dahlia! Are ya almost done with harvesting? Because I really am craving that cake!" Pinkie Pie smiled widely at her apprentice.

"Oh, of course Miss Pinkie! I'm almost done with Ms. Daisy. It seemed that she didn't show any signs of struggling. Shows how weak she is. Makes my day a bit duller! Because! I had some things planned for this death. Oh well, can't always have it your way. Plus, you're waiting on me long enough for the cake anyways. I don't want to keep you waiting any longer, Miss Pinkie. It'd be very rude." Eve sternly nodded.

But Dahlia's mentor gave a warm laugh. "Don't worry, Ms. Dahlia. I can wait a little longer. If you need some help-" The party pony offered a smile.

But she was cut off by Dahlia immediately. "Oh no! I can't have you do that! I need to get this material myself. And! I promised you a tea party!" Dahlia looked very determined to do their own promise. Giving a stern salute at her mentor.

Another grin placed on Pinkie's face. "Alright, alright. I'll let you work. I'm going back upstairs to wait for ya." Then the pink mare hopped her way back up those stairs, pushing the door open to exit out. Then the sound of the cellar door shutting afterwards. Dahlia couldn't wait to have that party with Miss Pinkie. It's the biggest highlight of her own week, since Pinkie Pie herself asked if she wanted to do a small tea party as a celebration for hard work. That was about a week ago. And oh boy, Dahlia was pretty ecstatic to hear that. Of course, she said yes. That's her own mentor, she couldn't say no! So, she did just that.

Then Dahlia pondered to herself for a bit. What's next? Oh yes, hacking this body up into small pieces. Though, she had to be weary of the sugar bones in there. Since- this is confectionary type of material after all, it's delicate. If wanted-, Dahlia and Pinkie Pie could either freeze, refrigerate or just straight up eat this type of material as is. Either way, the both of them are going to eat this with some tea and cakes. From there, Dahlia went upstairs to grab a few bags and containers for the material stuff. Then came back down to place them on the workbench for now. Beginning her journey of cutting up the body into edible sized chunks. Setting up the ladder first.

Oh boy.

...

It was quite difficult to obtain the body from the chambers. But Dahlia managed to live by. Of course, she unfroze the waters first but still kept them ice cold. She figured that the ice had long killed her before Velvet even NOTICED. Okay, maybe she did know. Oh well, she's gone. Didn't matter. She needed to grab the material and get going. You don't break a Pinkie Promise or keep Pinkie waiting long. At least, that's Dahlia's way of going about it in here.

Anyways, Eve climbed the ladder to only open the top of the chamber. Steam had released itself once opened. Eyes watching a dead lifeless corpse float and dance with the water's waves. Her horn lit up and used her magic to grab at the dead thing. Dahlia could feel the dead cold corpse's temperature within her own hooves. A shiver ran down her spine at that. Finally pulling out the damned thing and tossing it to the floor like a toy. A hallow thud was heard. Now climbing down the ladder before running herself over to the dead. Dahlia looked down at the face of Velvet Cake, known previously as Daisy Cupcake. It looked like she was... very peaceful. In serenity even. Placing a hoof up against the head of the deceased, before closing her eyes gently. Now softly apologizing to her foe. For ever hurting her in anyway. And reminded that they had good memories together. "I'm sorry... but this is the way that I know..." She whispered gently with tears in her own eyes. Falling down onto the ground. Her snout softly touching and nudging at the lifeless body. "But... I'll see you in Tartarus..." Then stepped herself backwards from it.

Now making her way to the roller table with clean and sterile tools on it. She withdrew a cleaver and a saw levitated up into the air besides her. And she just stood there... staring straight at the ground blankly. Nothing came from her mouth. No sound, nothing. Then out of the blue, Dahlia collapsed right in her spot. Sobbing right then and there. All of the emotions and the memories... It all just... happened. Wails of sobs erupted the air and nothing more. This one had hurt her the most due to how close they used to be before. Pity, she thought to herself now.

Why did it need to come to this though? Why?

Dahlia felt mentally numb again- but it felt comfortable this time. Like she felt... nothing. Only serenity and or peace. And she's fine with it. So, she took this feeling as comfort. It's better than the last death that she had to cry over for. She was a trainwreck afterwards. Sad.

Then Ms. Dahlia wiped at her face, batting the tears away from her eyes. But- she didn't want to cry anymore after this one. She promised herself that. After her five minute fit, Dahlia said nothing and the air filled with but dead silence. And she begun her work on the body. Finally doing the deed of starting to hack them into small edible pieces.

"Goodbye..."

***

Pinkie Pie took a sip of her tea. Having a bite of the sliced cake that's placed in front of her. "Wow, Ms. Dahlia! You've really outdone yourself on finding an actual velvet cake! I'm soooo happy that you did because I LOVE me some velvet cake! Who doesn't!?" She snorted with a little bit of laughter. Now sipping her cup of hot earl grey tea again.

"Oh! I'm really glad that you like it. I really did work hard on... well.. you know. Finding and tracking her, this one. She was a sneaky one to find-- but I finally got her due to your ponytastic detective skills, Miss Pinkie." A satisfied sigh was heard from the ocean haired mare. "Then freezing her was pretty easy. But the death was too quick..." Dahlia trailed off. "Buuuut, hacking up the pieces... had a swell time with cutting that up. Easy as... a piece of cake!" Dahlia giggled at this. "It was all hard work... But! It was all easier than I expected than the other ones that we've had to chop up.." And Dahlia smiled at this. Cutting a small piece of the cake in front of her. Now taking a bite.

"Well, I'm really impressed. Cake bodies are usually the easiest to hack up! You've done very well! Right now, be proud! You've done the hard work and deserve some time off. So let's have some cake and tea for our hard work!" Pinkie smiled at this. Holding up a tea cup in honor of the celebration. "Gummy deserves some cake too! He's a hard worker!" Another giggle from that cheery pink mare. And Dahlia let out a short high pitched giggle as well. Holding up her own tea cup with Pinkie's. And they both cheered.

"We're all hard workers!" Dahlia added on. "To hard work!" Then a smile on that unicorn's face made Pinkie smile even more.

"Hard work!" Pinkie Pie said afterwards, still smiling. Then, suddenly, Pinkie pulled out a camera from her bouncy mane, now moving her chair to sit next to Dahlia. Hugging her apprentice close to her. "Say cheese, Ms. Eve!" Pinkie said to her.

"Cheese!" Ms. Dahlia said with her mentor in unison. Without hesitation, Pinkie snapped their self photo. The photo printed from the camera and Pinkie took it. Airing it out a little. Placing both the camera and picture into her mane afterwards. "Saving that for the scrapbook." A giggle before moving back the chair to her spot and sat back down. Dahlia gave a content grin at the pink mare and nothing else.

"I really hope the vat chambers worked to your liking." Miss Pinkie shot a blue eyes over to her. "Did they work?" Pinkie asked, making Dahlia Eve nod. Sipping her own rose tea. "Good! I had to get Miss Starlight Glimmerrrr to grab me some vat chambers for our works. Thank Luna that she didn't question what the chambers are for. She had a reason not to in her head, I could tell. I think?" But- that statement made Dahlia frown a bit. Making her a little worried. Pinkie noticed, "What's... wrong?" She said slowly. Knitting her brow into a confused look. But realized to what her apprentice is probably thinking about. "Are you worried about... oh no. Don't worry." She said reassuringly. "...I kinda told her that... these are for my good friend, Twilight Sparkle. And I told her that these are also for her research and science..." Pinkie gritted her teeth a little at this. Not out of irritation but of tension and nervousness. But Dahlia's face turned into a doubtful one. Skeptical. But Pinkie Pie's quick to intervene, "But, but, but! Starlight really bought it! I promise you... I never reveal our secret." Pinkie nodded very reassuringly. And Dahlia relaxed at that finally, all tension released from her body. Trusting Pinkie on this.

"Alright, I trust you." Dahlia replied, again sipping her tea. Watching her mentor sip her own cup.

...

Moments later, Dahlia realized something and she gasped. "Hey! Miss Pinkie?" Dahlia looked over to her mentor.

"Yes, Ms. Dahlia?" The pink mare replied with a stupid grin.

"M-May I... uhm.. sing you a song?" Eve asked very timidly. Like as if she was obviously shy. And Pinkie looked very happy at this. "OOOOOH! A song! Yes please do! I love me a song! What's it about?!" She's pratically estatic and bouncing in her seat now.

"C-Cake..." Eve looked to the side, her voice was very soft as she said that. "Alright!! Sing away!! I love me a song about cake!" Pinkie grinned like the mare she was.

"A-Alright, then!" Dahlia lit up again, blushing a tad. And Dahlia began with a wide grin on her face, as she sung her happy tune.

Ice cream cake, frozen cake!

Oh how it tastes so great!

Melted cake, melted cake!

Oh how it tastes so great!

Ice cream cake, frozen cake!

Oh how it tastes so great!

I love frozen cake, cake cake!

Oh how it's so yummy, yummy!

As it resides in my tummy, tummy!

Cake, cake cake! Oh, it's so great!

Pinkie clapped out of pure joy. And Dahlia had never felt so... happy while singing and entertaining. "Thank ya!" Dahlia bounced once out of joy. Dahlia beamed out of genuine happiness that she hadn't felt since all those years ago. She and Pinkie danced around in happy circles with one another. Not caring in the world. It was like watching two foals play in a "ring-a-round the rosy" deal. It was wholesome.

She may had a disappointing playdate today, but it didn't stop Dahlia having fun with her mentor for the rest of the night. Oh well, she could have another fun playdate some other day on her schedule. No biggie.

Arachnophobia

**THE NIGHT AFTER THE EVENTS OF "FREEZE!"**

After the tea party, Dahlia helped her mentor in cleaning up the bakery. Which took about an hour atleast. Afterwards, she headed straight home for the rest of the night. Once she did so, Dahlia trotted into her bedroom and over to a desk. Spotting a pile of papers scattered on it. A few folders piled right on top of them as well. Her magic tugged out a certain folder underneath, spotting a label. It was the number fifteen across it in crudely written blue ink. Opening it to see a written list. Glossing over at the crossed out names. Especially down at the third one recently crossed out.

Velvet Cake.

ENEMY LIST

~~Diamond Ocean (Silver Star)~~ - Death: Torn Apart and Eaten
~~Chatter Box (Firefly Song)~~ – Death: Suffocation
~~Velvet Cake (Daisy Cupcake)~~ – Death: Frozen to Death
Ivy Moon (Azure Ivy) – Death: ??
Amber Rose – Death: ??
Starry Rainbow (Comet Haze) – Death: ??
Twinkle Charm – Death: ??
Blossom Fire – Death: ??
Straight Note (Twinkle Dawn) – Death: ??
Lavender Moon – Death: ??
Cherry Petunia – Death: ??
Emerald Breeze – Death: ??
PUMPKIN – Death: ??
Dusk Glow – Death: ??
Scarlet Harmony – Death: ??

A smug grin appeared on her face. Very nice, she thought to herself. Only twelve more to go on this list. After this, she's going to burn it completely. Then keep hush-hush right after. No words, no nothing. After that, she'd feel more content afterwards. Free, safe. Not so paranoid.

Of course, Dahlia's going to still work with Pinkie Pie. Afterall, she truly adored the company of the fun party pony. Dahlia closed the folder with a hoof and placed it back down onto the desk. Trotting herself over to her bed, throwing herself onto it. Sinking herself into the soft mattress. A soft humming could be heard coming from the botanist. All she could remember is smiling widely before falling asleep into a slumber.

~~~

**Three Weeks Later After The Events of "Freeze!"**

Dahlia Eve awoke to sounds of chirping birds and a blaring bright light from the windows. A loud groan heard as Dahlia rose from her bed like zombies would in comic books. Figures, another day... Dahlia turned her head over to the window to see the bright morning. Still adjusting her eyes to the light for a few seconds.

If not mentioned, her cottage wasn't far away from Ponyville as Dahlia thought it'd be. It's about an exact fifteen to twenty-minute walk from Fluttershy's cottage and the bakery. At least, that's what Pinkie said from her experience. Dahlia sighed, before rolling herself out of the bed, shifting onto her hooves to stand. Dahlia Eve trudged herself to the door to open it. She's greeted by the harsh blasts of cool winds from outside. Today, they felt more crisp and cool throughout her mane and tail than the other days. Shivering at the lovely feeling of cold winds.

...

Dahlia cocked her head at the very faint shape of something rather pink in the distance. Squinting her own eyes at this. It's shape coming closer and closer-, forming the shape of none other than the famous party pony! Pinkie Pie! Automatically, a smile plastered Dahlia's expression. Anyday with Pinkie Pie is a joy. "Miss Pinkie! What're you doing here? I was just heading out to meet up with you at the bakery..." Dahlia looked a bit confused, worried even. "Is something wrong?" Adding on. But Pinks laughed, before shaking her head.

"Oh- no no no. Nothing is wrong. I just wanted to come tell you that the bakery is 'closed' for today. More for multiple reasons with the owners and I." Pink curly locks bounced as Pinkie spoke. Nodding before winking at her apprentice. And Dahlia knew what that meant for the both of them. Playdate hunting. Baking and stocking the inventory too. Either way, doesn't matter. "And I'm sure you know what that means, right? Behind the scenes work!" Pinkie hopped happily. Dahlia figured. "C'mon, let's get to it!" The party pony gestured her to come back to the bakery. But- Ms. Dahlia told her mentor that she needed to get a few things. Pinkie let her, so Eve zoomed back into her house and into her bedroom. Magically grabbing the usual items like the bag and cloak. Putting the items in her order in a rushed manner. Trotting out of the house and shutting the door behind her tail. A wide grin appeared on Dahlia's face, cloak messily put on as her magic fixed her little errors.

"Sorry, Pinks." Dahlia apologized at this.

But Pinkie only gave a playful chuckle. "Don't worry, Ms. Dahlia! You're good."

Then the pink pony began to bounce back her way to Ponyville. Dahlia Eve trotted to catch up to her. But Pinkie eventually slowed down her bouncing down to match her partner's pace. "Sorry! I'm just super duper excited!" Pinkie almost squealed.

"Oh? How come?" Dahlia's breathing began to slow down.

"Because! You and I are going to spend more time together baking and stocking inventory! Then! We'll definitely go on a walk to that somepony's house. Tee-hee!" Pinkie kept her pace. Dahlia looked over at her bouncy mentor. Did she?

"...Did you finally find her?" Eve asked, her walking slowed down a little more. No longer feeling rushed. Dahlia's curiosity had peaked. Pinkie Pie gave a nod at this.

"Mhm! Once again! Detective Pinkie Pie has found another pony with her fantastic finding skills!" Pinkie giggled at this.

"Thank you once again, Miss Pinkie. I don't know how to thank you for helping me out with this... silly little revenge hunt." Dahlia said, relieved.

"No problem, Ms. Dahlia! If this helps you get out aaaall that anger, then I'm willing to help you out! I'll go to any length just to see you smile, smile, smile!~" Pinkie smiled at her apprentice, who in return, grinned back. "Well, let's go get some work done for the shop. And then, we can go on that 'walk'." Dahlia winked playfully, as they both laughed at this.

~~~

**After a whopping few baking sessions and stocking inventory...**

Miss Pinkie finished up her session, as well as Dahlia did too. The party pony told her apprentice that it's time to go on that 'walk'. So, they left the bakery. Dahlia took in the fresh and clean air. Seconds later, her mentor- Miss Pinkie finally caught up with her apprentice. Eve looked over at her, "Are you okay, Miss Pinkie?" A look of worry played on the mare's face. But the party pony reassured her with a silent pat on her shoulders.

"Just had to lock up. You know, bakery stuff!" A grin rested on her pink face. Before the mare bounced again in her pace.

"Okay..." Dahlia Eve slowly said.

"Well. Uhm, you said that we'd go over to the place now?" Dahlia's referring to Pinkie's talk from earlier.

"Uh huh! I said we would, right?" Miss Pinkie nodded her head lazily. With that question, Dahlia replied with a single nod, smiling a little. "Don't worry." Pinkie said, reassuring her.

"But first!" Suddenly, Pinkie pulled out some folders from her own curly mane. Opening them to see the profile of Ivy Moon.

And she began.

"Okay, Well-- During my research and investigations... I've pretty much found out that your 'Ivy Moon' is also known as 'Azure Ivy'. And she's been hiding out in Manehattan since you all split apart. Her routine is normally consisting of staying home, watching TV and caring for her plants and one cat named Ms. Pixel." Plants? Huh. Never thought that Ivy would stay home. Dahlia thought that Ivy's the type to be out all the time. Being an extrovert and stuff. Huh- oh well. To each pony of their own. After Dahlia hunts down this one, she's taking ALL of those plants home with her. Ivy WON'T be needing those anymore. Those babies are coming home with mama Eve. As for the cat? She's not sure... She'll put that kitter up for adoption. Somepony would want the poor critter. Perhaps she could ask Miss Pinkie about it. Maybe she knows.

Miss Pinkie continued on, "Another thing I've noted is that Ivy... doesn't have any fears... Like at all." Pinkie paused. "...According to my detective works..." The party pony sighed in disappointment. Sadly flipping through her page evidence on Ivy. "It's usually fun to find out what kind of fears a pony has-, because I can use those against them in creative playdates!" Pinkie exploded into pure excitement. "But! I couldn't find anything that Ivy's scared of... which is impossible! Everypony has a fear at some point!" Pinkie whined at that. Slamming a hoof onto the table. Rattling any dinerware on the table. Then she let out a disappointed sigh. Plopping her head onto the table, huffing. Finally lifting her head up and said, "Let's just go."

And both of them began to walk towards their destination.

***

Dahlia breathed once before her eyes darted over to Pinkie's gaze. Miss Pinkie's just smiling, as she happily trotted alongside her apprentice. Possibly humming a tune that she knew from childhood. Dahlia looked down at ground with a blank stare. Not sure of what to say next. Suddenly, she got the idea of something really great. "Hey, Miss Pinkie?" She asked, lifting her head up to see her mentor.

"Yeah, Ms. Dahlia?" Blue sky eyes glaring over at the other.

Dahlia gulped before speaking, "You know about the fear thing earlier... Why don't we just find out the fear ourselves?" Dahlia suggested, hoping that Pinkie would at least agree. In fact, it's her ONLY idea in mind. "We don't have to but... I thought that it'd be cool to find it. Like a surprise treat in a cereal box kinda deal. Or a Pinata with candy." Saying, as Dahlia used magic to fix her bangs a little.

"Ooooh! I just LOVE surprises!" Pinkie almost shrieked in delight. "I wanna do that! It sounds really fun! But what do we do for the playdate?" Pinkie raised a brow at her own question.

"Hmmm..." Dahlia thought to herself for a little bit. "Just freestyle the date? You know... do whatever comes to mind. It's not clearly going to be perfect but- it'll work nonetheless." Eve suggested, giving reason for Pinkie to grin widely.

"OOOOH!" Dahlia saw Pinkie bounce happily around a few times in her path of walking. Dahlia slightly pouted a little at another thought. "Wait... we need tools... don't we?" She made an unsure face.

"Well, yes. Of course! But don't worry about that! I got you covered on that section. You know me! I'm Pinkie Pie, the nonsensical party pony!" Then a snort and giggle.

Dahlia nervously chuckled at this. "Right... well. We can freestyle the playdate to find out the secret fear. Cause everypony's gotta have a fear at some point. Can't walk into this life without one. Don't cha think so, Miss Pinkie?" Dahlia looked over to her mentor, a slight smile shown on her expression.

"Of course, Miss Dahlia. Everypony's gotta have a fear!" As Pinkie said that, they hoofbumped each other. Obviously agreeing. "Surprises ARE really fun. If I come to think about it..." Dahlia looked up to the sky to think. "Hmmmm..." Before going quiet for a little bit. Thinking about the possible options. There's so much to do!

For the next few minutes of walking, Dahlia took in the bright skies of Equestria for a few seconds. Admiring the clouds passing slowly by her and her mentor. When's the last time she's been outside for real? Probably forever ago. Remember, Dahlia's not fond of the outside. The only time Dahlia wanted to go out is the nighttime or places that provided cool shade. Either way, she needed some air flow in her bucking brain. It'd be good for her. Dahlia breathed in a good amount of air within her system. And exhale. It's always the crisp air from outside that has her weak. After a few more minutes of walking, Dahlia and Pinkie were both met with the face of a brown oak door. They're finally here at that one special pony's house. That pony being Ivy Moon. Dahlia snapped her head to see what Pinkie's expression was. Who on the other hoof-- was very excited and felt a little... bouncy in her place. Typical Pinkie manner. The party pony knocked on the door loudly. Knock. Knock. Knock. Immediately, Dahlia went to hide herself behind Pinkie. For that she didn't want to be seen... just yet. Still, she felt like a coward.

Pinkie looked back at the other with confusion on her face. But she didn't want to question it, instead, the mare looked ahead again. A few seconds later, Dahlia finally spoke out "Miss Pinkie Pie?" She said, very solemn.

"Yes, Ms. Dahlia? Is something the matter?" The pink mare looked back again at her apprentice.

"No, not really. Just... wondering what kind of plan is going to be in play here? Is this entire thing just a full freestyle type of thing?" Dahlia questioned, cocking her head to the side with concern reading her face.

"Weeeell... yeah. Like you suggested, right? A freestyle ambush with some freestyle type of death." Another chuckle at that. Dahlia just gave a slow nod at this.

"Right. Okay... wait... ambush?? What do you mean by an ambush!? It's practically daytime here! We could get caught! And I'm NOT going to a buckin' dungeon with a pile of bones in the corner!" Dahlia Eve hissed, almost crying at this thought.

But Pinkie twirled herself around and placed a hoof onto Dahlia's mouth. Now silencing her immediately. "Enough, Ms. Dahlia. Don't worry, okay? I have the high ground here. Just play along with me." Immediately after that, Pinkie faced the door again. Eve sighed at this before going quiet again. Looking straight down.

Dahlia watched her mentor patiently wait for their next playdate to show. Which, in seconds, Ivy opened the door to see the vibrant pink pony in front of her. "Uh... yes?" Ivy said, but gasped at who's she's looking at. It's Pinkie Pie! The party pony of Ponyville and all that is Equestria!

"Hello and good morning, Ms. Moon!" Pinkie cheered happily. The unicorn immediately became tense at the sight of her, becoming a little bit nervous. She's like a celebrity to her. Dahlia slowly peeked out to take a good look at Ivy Moon. Taking in every detail of Ms. Moon. Slate gray eyes caught that damn eyesore of a hide color- apple green. Ivy could blind another with that shit. Long, curly dark navy blue locks reaching down past her neck. A white bow tied alongside her head. Deep ocean blue eyes that almost match the color of Pinkie's sky blue ones. Finally, her cutie mark consisted of a dirt brown pot and a lavender plant sprouting out of it. Looking a bit grim with it tilted to the left side.

Dahlia gritted her teeth. "I-Is there something you need, Pinkie?" Ivy gave a gulp while asking this.

"Oh! Well, yes and no. Hee-hee!" Pinkie innocently rocked herself back n' forth.

"I just wanted to come over to see how you're doing! It's what I do with everypony! And since you've been new to town, this is a perfect time to do so!"

This took Ivy by a surprise, she didn't know what to say! Pinkie Pie? Wanting to come over to her place out of all ponies? Wow! "Is that all, Miss Pinkie? A-Anything else?" Ivy sheepishly asked, trembling a little.

"Weeeell, no. I wanted to actually come over here and have a cup of tea too! You know. Hang out and get to know each other over some nice tea..." Pinkie nodded at that. Grinning from ear to ear.

"T-Tea? You want to h-have tea? W-With me?" Ivy licked her lips at this. Almost wanting to neigh out of pure excitement but kept her cool.

"Well, duh!" Pinkie snorted, bouncing in her place. "Of course I do! If I didn't want to have some tea with you, I wouldn't be here now!" The mare lied, still smiling professionally in Ivy's face. Moon beamed at Pinkie's statement.

"W-Well... p-please! Come into mi casa! Make yourself at home." Ivy offered Pinkie inside by opening the door wider than before. Both Pinkie and Dahlia let themselves in. When Dahlia entered last, Ivy gave the mare a dirty look. Making her suspicious of Dahlia. Then shut the door behind them before speaking up, "Miss Pinkie Pie? What's Dahlia Eve doing here?" Ivy's face twisted into confusion. Following the two behind into the living room.

"Oh! She's my current apprentice! She works with me for the bakery nowadays. She's also considered my 'daughter', if you will. But still, a close friend." She stated, before plopping herself onto the black leather sofa. Her plot sinking in the leather cushion, leaving a butt imprint underneath. Giggling afterwards.

However, Dahlia didn't sit on anything. She just sat next to Pinkie on the ground, not even looking at Ivy. Moreso, Dahlia's staring right down at her own space. But eventually gave a few nervous glares at Ivy Moon. Who in return, shot daggers in return. But it faded after she looked over at Pinkie Pie again. Clearing her own throat to begin her ass kissing, "It's really awesome that you're here, Pinkie! Omigosh! The Element of Laughter in MY living room! Extreme party planner of the Mane Six!!" Obviously geeking out. Pinkie smiled in response before making a unsure face. But- something caught her mind. She forgot about something majorly important... the tea. Especially because Pinkie Pie could hear the steam hissing loudly from the kitchen.

"Ms. Ivy? I don't mean to be rude, but the tea?" Pinkie noted, pointing her hoof at the kitchen. Steam is seen beginning to cloud itself within the kitchen room.

Suddenly, Ivy Moon gasped. "Oh! R-Right! The tea! Excuse me." Ivy said before making way to her kitchen. Dahlia scrunched her snout up in disgust. Did she just really shift her moods right now? The mare shook her head in disappointment before sighing longingly. Pinkie turned herself to face Dahlia. Then a small and slow grin grew on her face, which made Dahlia gulp.

"Uhh, Miss Pinkie? Are you... okay?" Eve slowly asked her mentor.

"Of course! Why wouldn't I be when the both of us are in our next playdate's house?" The pink mare kept her wide smile, cocking her head to the side. Her voice low in a hushed whisper. Dahlia raised a brow at her, concerned. But Dahlia leaned in, lowering her voice to a murmur.

"So... what's really the plan?"

Pinkie then leaned herself torwards Dahlia, softly whispering back, "We use the element of surprise on her. But it has to be at the right moment. I'll tell you when we go by a hoof wave. There, I can go in the kitchen and distract her by talking for sometime. Then YOU can grab a weapon of choice and ambush her by surprise. But be very careful! This MUST be perfectly timed." Pinkie gasped for some air. Finally catching her breath. Dahlia raised a bow again, but realized Pinkie might have some more... "Our main goal is to knock her out, not kill her. If she fights back, we fight back. Then we of course tie her up and find her fear. And I think you know what happens next?" Pinkie quizzed and Dahlia nodded in reply. Pinkie smiled widely, "Good. Don't fail me now, Ms. Dahlia. You have so much potential and strength for being my first apprentice." Another smile.

"Right. I'll do my best." Dahlia nodded, smiling, but realized something. Her smile vanished soon after. "Uhm... what about taking her back to the bakery? Are we doing that?" Dahlia cocked her head in confusion. Pinks thought, now tapping her chin with a hoof.

"Hmmm... well. I know that it'd be too risky to drag a unconscious body in the daylight. Especially, when it's a large town full of ponies. Soooo... I'm thinking we could just stay here for a while and then leave after it hits sundown. Most pony folk there usually start to prepare themselves for the night." Pinkie whispered happily.

"Guess that makes sense..." Dahlia trailed off, using a hoof to scratch her head. She still looked very perplexed. But- the mare breathed in and out once. Just laying her head on the side of the couch, looking up at her mentor. Sighing.

"This better work..." She said.

"It will, trust me!" Pinkie laughed and snorted before covering her mouth quickly.

The both of them watched their host come back into the room with a few cups of tea on a tray, obviously encased in lavender magic. Both Dahlia and Pinkie both quickly turned to see their host. Returning to their 'natural selves'. "Now we have tea!" Pinkie grinned more at her own words, giggling.

~~~

Ivy, Pinkie and Dahlia Eve all sat separately on the comfy leather sofa provided. Since tea is served, it'd been awfully quiet and nopony said anything. For it's a little too awkward to even start a conversation. Dahlia Eve looked down at her own tea cup. Ivy Moon stared down the ocean haired mare, Dahlia. Watching her every move and staring daggers. The dark mare glanced up at Ivy, before making a disgusted face at her. Dahlia glared down at her tea again. Sipping it a bit nervously. "So, Dahlia Eve." Ivy spoke up, sounding a little hostile. "So, how's life back in Ponyville? Been making a bit of a living nowadays?" Now quietly sipping her cup, curious and waiting for her answer. Dahlia paused for a second, tensing up a little.

"...It's fine, I guess. It's nothing really exciting." Dahlia's voice was low, barely even audible. Eve didn't want to talk to Ivy at all. In fact, she felt uncomfortable just by being here and having tea. Dahlia's orbs stared at the ground for a few seconds.

"Ponyville sounds nice, I guess. At least there's someone lovable in that town. And that would be Pinkie Pie. The best pony out of the Mane Six." Now Ivy sounded condescending and ass kissing. It disgusted Dahlia. "And plus, I'm actually surprised that Miss Pinkie let you work as an apprentice in her cute bakery. Despite how youadminister yourself out there in public. Especially that cute little newspaper that you put out for other ponies to see. Kinda like a little diary for your little thoughts and feelings. But- that's not how a newspaper functions, ya know." Sounding sarcastic, venom dripping in every word. Moon closed her eyes victoriously, now taking a small whiff of the hot liquid. Dahlia didn't have anything to say for that newspaper comment.

Pinkie gave a uncomfortable shift in her spot. The sounds of slow, but soft squeaking is barely heard underneath. Dahlia looked over at Ivy, narrowing her own eyes at her before staring down at the cup again. Watching the small ripples take effect in her cup as she swirled it. "For your information, Ms. Moon. Miss Pinkie was kind enough to take me in as a worker for Sugarcube Corner. I had some... money troubles after I moved there. Ah, times were hard then... Maybe you should learn a little kindness from Miss Pinkie sometime. It'd help with your little... sourpuss attitude. At least my newspaper INFORMS others and doesn't double cross them." Dahlia sneered at the last words. Ivy growled a bit. "And for your information, it's NOT Miss Pinkie's bakery. It's respectfully owned by the Cake family. That is all." Dahlia kept silent after, looking away from her. Ivy blinked in shock, not sure what to say.

The air felt tense all of the sudden now. And nopony said anything.

Pinkie Pie knew, before suddenly downed her tea before holding it out to her host. Then turning it upside down and shook it. "Whoops! I'm aaaall out of tea, Ms. Moon! Whoooo! That was some high quality tea! May I have another cup of tea? I'm fefinitely a fast drinker!!" It's obvious to Dahlia that the pink mare's trying to divert the situation onto something else. Good choice, Pinks.

"Oh my, you certainly are Miss Pie! Oh! I'm so sorry, let me get you both some more tea." Moon said, before zooming right back into the kitchen.

Dahlia turned her head, now leaning in towards Pinkie and whispered, "Do... we strike now?" She asked, but the pink party pony shook her head.

"We strike when her back is turned. Like I said before. If something goes wrong, well... we change plans. Not right now- it really isn't the time... I want more tea!" The pink mare stated, hissing.

"Okay..." Her apprentice answered.

...

....

Ivy finally came back into the living room with cups filled with more tea. Once the green pony reached the coffee table, she placed the tray down on it. Softly humming to herself before sitting down on the couch. Leaning over before taking the cup and sipping it lightly. After that, Pinkie took hers and eventually Dahlia. However, Dahlia wasn't into the liquid anymore, so she set it back down on the tray. Ms. Moon gave a look of disapproval. "What's the matter, Ms. Eve? Do you not like my tea?" Ivy STILL sounded condescending, like... snooty. "If not, I can definitely make you another type of tea. I don't mind making some other tea for Ms. Nightmare. Oh! I meant Ms. Eve." Ivy covered her mouth and chuckled.

Dahlia Eve looked over at Ivy Moon with a glare. "No, I'd prefer regular ol' Earl Gray tea, thank you very much." Dahlia gritted her teeth together, trying to not lose it. "I prefer it everytime that we have a tea party." Another sip hear from the botanist.

"Oh? A tea party?" Ms. Moon immediately interjected. "Yes... a tea party with Miss Pinkie." Dahlia sounded very hesitant in her words.

"Sounds pretty fancy and... pristine for your statue." Ivy said, giving a little smirk.

Dahlia's ears perked up quickly. Which, gave Dahlia a bad taste in her mouth. Then eyed down Ivy Moon with soul burning eyes. "What is THAT supposed to mean, Ms. Ivy?" Dahlia asked, snarling. Pinkie herself, tensed up at this conversation. This is going south and she didn't want to have them fighting automatically. So... Pinkie does this.

"HEY! We should definitely have more sugar for teas! Yup, yup, yup! I need me some more sugar!" Pinkie said, quickly swirling her tea liquid with her own spoon. Poor Pinkie Pie. Eve and Moon lifted their heads up to see Pinkie Pie nervously smiling and pointing to her own cup. Ivy's expressions went from a hardened look to a softer one. Seeing the cup in her single hoof.

"Oh! Excuse me, how rude of me to forget some sugar! Allow me to grab us all some more." Ivy nodded at that before standing up and trotting straight back into the kitchen.

Finally, Pinkie Pie leaned torwards her apprentice and whispered, "Now we attack. This is the perfect chance. I'll distract her and you grab something in the living room to knock her out with. Okay?" Pinkie looked over at her apprentice.

"Alrighty, sounds pretty good." Dahlia replied lowly. Then Pinkie slid off the couch and trotted happily into the kitchen. Dahlia watched carefully for a signal.

After entering, Pinkie soon gave a hoof wave behind her tail. Indicating the signal. Dahlia immediately (and carefully) sat up from her spot. Quietly trotting around the living room in search for a weapon good enough to knock Ivy out. Scouting out anything she could find. After minutes of countless searching, the entire living room that she searched is completely clean from top to bottom. There's no trace of any weapon to use anywhere. The only things in the room is the coffee table, two sofas and a single chocolate oak chair in the left side of the room. As well as two brown pots idly hanging in the left and right corners with white cloth string. Dahlia blinked, realizing the chair might work. But- the pots could be useful too... Hm...

Only one decision. Now lighting up her horn, she trotted herself over to the chair. Magically lifting the object into the air and holding it with her magic. After, Dahlia quietly made her way to the hallway (which is also connected to the kitchen) with her weapon. This way, she would sneak behind Ivy Moon like described.

...

....

.....

......

Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie trotted herself happily into the kitchen to see her host, Ivy Moon. Noticing that she's waiting for something. Preferably the tea on the stove to boil. Right there, she appeared next to her.

"Hiya, Ms. Ivy! Whatcha up to?" Pinkie innocently asked the other with doe eyes. This scared the Tartarus out of the green unicorn, making her scream. Looking back, she blinked and sighed.

"O-Oh, Pinkie... It's you. You scared me! Please don't do that again." Another sigh.

Pinkie frowned, "Oh.. I'm sorry! I just reeeeally wanted to see whatcha up to! Are you watching the stove? Or is the stove watching you?" The party pony cocked her head to the side, genuinely curious.

Ivy raised her brow, "Uhm... No... I'm waiting for the tea." She quietly said, looking over to the kettle and finally slowing down in boil.

"Ooooh. Okay, uhm. I see!" Pinkie nodded lazily. After that, it went quiet. Just for a little while until- "Hey, so- I got a question for ya, Ms. Moon! You don't mind me asking some questions, do you?" Pinkie innocently blinked. Ivy looked at her and shook her head.

"No, I don't mind any question that you give me! I'd be honored to answer some questions from the great Pinkie Pie!" Ivy said, making a hoof motion of a rainbow. Then she giggled.

Pinkie's stomach churned just a little. "Okay, I see!" Pinkie remained in her cheery demeanor. "Well... My question is... How do you know so much about me?" Pinkie Pie asked, a pink bow raised. Now genuinely curious. That actually made Ivy chuckle sheepishly.

"Oh... well. Uhm... I know so much because... I've been to almost every party that you've done! And... maybe at some of the social events held. Haha." A blush bright as Luna's moon. She continued, "...Ever since you and your friends ended Nightmare Moon and saved Equestria from evil- you've been SUCH a big inspiration to me." Ivy caught herself blushing deeper, rubbing the back of her neck. "Kinda sounds like I'm ass kissing, but really- You and the other Elements have been the only reason why I push myself harder in magic. And of course, my other lesser talents." Ivy timidly laughed.

Miss Pie looked a bit shocked at her words. Before her face formed a very wide smile. "Wow, Ms. Moon! Well, I'm very flattered that you take great inspiration from me and my real close friends! Please don't push yourself too hard now, you hear?" Pinkie said. "We wouldn't want a unicorn with such magical potential dropping dead!"

...

All of the sudden-- Dahlia swiftly came in swinging at the back of Ivy's head with her chair. Causing the object to snap in multiple pieces, causing different bits of wood fly all over the floor. Ivy dropped right there on the floor, knocked out entirely. Feeling the sensation of her body floating away. Meanwhile- Pinkie stared down at Ivy's unconscious body and gave a few giggles. "Not literally! I didn't think it'd go down THIS way."

But Dahlia shook her head. Giving a small chuckle. "Pinkie, I didn't actually kill her. I knocked her out with this chair. Remember? Your plan? We knock her out and I got the bitch. Like you wanted me to do." Dahlia nodded.

"Of course I remember, sillyhead! But you could've just waited a little longer... Oh well!" Pinkie said, grinning like a madmare.

Dahlia shook her head again, this time scoffing. "Come on, let's get her tied up for the playdate before she wakes." The dark mare commanded. "Okay!" Pinkie replied happily, now pulling out some rope from her pink curls. The both of them began to tie her up with rope. Courtesy from... Pinkie's weird storage mane (lol).

~~~

Ivy Moon opened her eyes to nothing but an blurry enviroment. She could hear some rope swinging freely- like something was hanging from the ceiling. Her head felt like someone took a mallet and smashed it against her head multiple times. As she woke, it got intense in the sense of heavy pounding. Kinda like a hangover that she's had every Friday night. What's even worse is that she saw everything from an upside down angle. Which made the feeling even MORE worse. "Ugh..." She muttered out, blinking her eyes a few times to fix her vision. Noticing she's above a small plastic pool, almost big enough to fit one or two small foals in. Moon blinked at this before her nose crumple up out of confusion. "Huh? A foal pool? What's a foal pool doing below--... And why the hell am I...??" She shouted, before noticing her rope bonds. Ivy's eyes went a bit wide at this. Oh Celestia! She's hogtied and upside down like an buckin' animal! A growl muttered from her, squirming more in her binds. Horseapples! Why is everything around her hooves so tight? Why...? Ugh!!

Then she suddenly went limp, not even remotely trying anymore. What's the point of trying when you're just tied up like an animal? Another sigh. Whatever this is... wasn't a joke or anything remotely buckin' funny.

A memory hit her like a brick. Gasping.

Dahlia Eve...

She put her in this weird place! Ivy knew it. She KNEW that Dahlia was bad news. But what about Pinkie Pie? She thought. She was even there with her... That's nearly impossible! Not the incredible and sweet loving Miss Pinkie Pie! There's no way of her ever doing this! This has to be a prank. Yeah! Pinkie's known for notorious pranks! Ones that have surprises. Pinkie Pie always loved them. Maybe if she waited- she'd get an answer to her own questions. And there's no reason to panic or scream, just to remain calm as she could. Holding onto the little bit of hope that she held in her little equine heart.

She dangled there for a few seconds to only realize that she had her magic! She closed her eyes and tried to light up her horn. Only a weak little flicker of lavender light before it sizzled out seconds after. Again, she lit up her horn, then another weak spark fizzled itself out. Then realized one possible thing. The horror spread over her expression. If a Unicorn cannot use their magic and sparks fly... well. Ivy went limp in her spot and began to sob relentlessly. She cried for the longest time and didn't see herself stopping anytime soon. She didn't understand why's she the one getting punished? What did she ever do to anypony? ...Did she do anything bad in her life? Surely no... because she only tried to pull herself away from all of the past drama... live her life anew. Which she did successfully for a while. She STILL didn't understand- Ivy did everything right by the book. Changed her name, location and even her interests. Figuring that plan would live forever...

Alas-- that plan has failed.

And now, her past has definitely come back to haunt her. Damn, Karma has a boss way of reaching back to you on the phone line. Ivy Moon just laid limp within the air, hanging idly and eyes glistening with hot tears falling down into the foal pool. Pap. Pap. Pap. Now silently sobbing to herself to sleep.

...

....

.....

......

Minutes after waiting, the door finally squeaked open and a bright light illuminated half of the cellar room. Ivy blinked her eyes open, lucky to have not witness such brightness-, Ivy just listened to the sounds of wood stairs creaking. Getting closer and closer. And Ivy gulped, seeming nervous. The lump in her throat hurt. Now her eyes glared over to the shadows presented in the light. Two shadows of the only two ponies who possibly took her down here.

Pinkie Pie and Dahlia Eve.

Ivy refused the fact that it could possibly be Pinkie Pie too. Shaking her head in denial of that thought. But on the other hoof- she faced the fact that Dahlia put her down here- in this filthy place- tied up like an animal. But what was the reason? WHAT WAS THE REASON?! Ivy finally saw the reveal of her two captors in the room. One of ocean blue hair and slate grey orbs. And the other-- No... not those pink curly locks... those sky blues eyes... Could it really be? Pinkie Pie? N-No! It can't!

A giggle escaped the party mare, "Oh well! Would'ja look at that? We have a little piggy on the wire!" Then Pinkie's familiar bounce. But Ivy Moon blinked, not sure to really say. Only to have her mouth agape. Nothing but shock and anger riddled her entire being. She wanted to scream at Dahlia Eve. And maybe Pinkie Pie for enabling her. Either way, she still shook with rage.

"Dahlia Eve!" Ivy shouted out before anything else, wiggling again in her restrictions. Failing to escape out them once again. Crap, if only! She'd run up on Dahlia and rip her hair out of that head of hers. Another wiggle that she made with her hooves but- nothing. Like usual. Dahlia happily trotted her way up to the pool.

"Yes? You called?" There's nothing but a smug look on her face. It looked like she's frowning due to her angle. But she wasn't. And she knew... Ivy kept nothing but a straight face. Grinding her teeth a little.

"WHAT IN THE TARTARUS IS GOING ON HERE?!" Ivy shouted. "This better be a prank, Dahlia or I swear that I'll--! I'll--!!" Squirming once again, but alas- no avail.

Eve just gave a little laugh. "A lot of stuff. But- to begin with, you're in your own home, hung above a foal pool. And no, this isn't a prank set up by my great and awesome mentor, Pinkie Pie. This is actually a playdate designed just for you.~" Dahlia cooed at her, making the other growl down at her. Trying to snap her chompers at Dahlia, but due to the distance- it proved fruitless. Then the word 'playdate' hit her hard.

"Playdate? What in the Tartarus are you talking about?! Explain yourself!" Ivy Moon demanded angrily.

"Gladly." Dahlia chirped. "You see- me and Miss Pinkie had a genius moment. So we both came up with a plan to... knock you out cold. And to have what we both call a 'playdate'. This playdate is to... well- harvest the tasty material that is inside of you. The equine pony." Dahlia said, now circling the little pool provided.

"H-Harvest? W-What do you mean...?" Ivy began to shiver at that word. Not liking it one bit. Dahlia sighed in frustration, she's going to have to explain every time isn't she?

Thank Luna for Pinkie Pie.

"Ah! Great that you asked!" Pinkie smiled before jumping out from behind Dahlia. "We harvest your insides! You know! THE GUTS! Then we use them for future pastries and goodies at Sugarcube Corner!" Pinkie laughed, then a snort heard. "But first, we have a... erm... plan to find out your fear before the big harvest! Me and Dahlia wanted to see what you're truly afraid of! It's been truly a challenge." Pinkie gasped for air. Then continued again, "To be honest, I tried to find your fear in your little routine. And I cannot for the life of me- figure it out!!" After, Pinkie deadpanned. "But- I've found nothing. And it's unfortunate." The pink bouncy mare sighed. Ivy didn't say a single word, for she's in utter shock. What was she to say? Even worse... those words just came out of the party pony that she's admired half of her life. Not to mention... Pinkie Pie was following her?! She's so confused. All she could squeak out is Pinkie's name.

Dahlia stopped in her tracks, making Pinkie bump into her. Almost knocking Dahlia forwards in the process. Ivy laughed a coupled times, "Oh please... you wouldn't killme!" Ivy said, smug. Challenging them both. But Pinkie gave the longest (and giddy) laugh she's ever given.

"Oh yes! We would, Ms. Moon." A smile on that stupid pink face. Ivy went silent afterwards.

Ms. Dahlia leaned in and sniffed her captive for a bit. Before turning to face Miss Pinkie again. "Pinks, Ivy smells of macha green tea. Do we have a use for that in the kitchen?" She asked, cocking her head to the side. Pinkie thought for a good moment, humming to herself.

But to no avail, her mentor couldn't think of a damned thing. She just shook her head. "No, I don't think I have any use for that type of material. Since it's a little foreign to me." After Pinkie said that, Dahlia frowned. But Pinkie thought of an idea. "Though...! The material could be converted into a tea or icing. If you really think about it." Pinkie interjected. "Or the other option! You can eat the remains raw." Pinkie Pie offered her. Dahlia's face softened to a smile.

"Either way is good. I don't care. We can deal with it later. Right now- we both freestyle this playdate and gather the material." The darker mare felt a little rushed.

"Relax, Ms. Dahlia! One step at a time." Pinkie gave Dahlia a gentle hoof pat on her back. Still smiling.

And Dahlia gave a long sigh before looking back up at Ivy. "Right. Little steps." She paused then continued, "So. You get it, Ms. Moon?" Obviously asking her enemy, who's hanging very still. Her expression still in shock. But soon snapped out of it and stared over to Dahlia with a neutral expression.

"...Yes. I do understand... but I... I still don't understand why you both chose... this path..." Moon struggled to form her words. But the apprentice and mentor both snickered to themselves about this.

"One simple word, Ms. Moon!" Dahlia grinned wide.

"Money!" Pinkie and Dahlia both said in unison. Ivy's eyes grew wide at such an answer. But swallowed down her lump in her throat.

"So, you're both telling me that you two are harvesting and killing other ponies with a motive for money?!" Ivy didn't care anymore, she felt her filter dissolve. There's nothing but hatred for both ponies in front of her. She didn't care if she idolized the fun pink pony. What she did behind closed doors is disgusting!

Well, mama said never meet your idols...

"Think about it, Ivy. Times are getting a little rough for me and Miss Pinkie. It's about to be winter pretty soon. They say that it's gonna be one of the harshest winters that we've had in a long time. SO- The both of us need money to have for necessities and food. I'd think you'd understand. Since you're somepony of society." Dahlia said, turning herself away from Ivy a little. Ivy pondered for a mere moment. She guessed that'd make sense. But the other part about 'harvesting'? There's other better ways of doing this!

"But-! There's better ways to make the pastries and sweets! Just make them by scratch!" Ivy whined at this. But both Dahlia and Pinkie only laughed again.

"Oh silly! We do!" Pinkie hopped up and down again. "You think that we don't or something? How insane! I'd be out of a job if I served actual plain cupcakes and other pastries without the secret ingredient! Which is this!" A snort then another chuckle. Dahlia followed along with a snicker.

Ivy growled at the two. "I-- E-... But- Pinkie! This is pony meat! Our race that you're serving to others!" Ivy argued. "You can't just tell me that it's not!" Ivy tried to jerk herself forwards, but her bonds stopped her.

"Well, it is but at the same time- it isn't." Pinkie stated, nodding at that. Another hop. Pinkie's seen twitching her ears a little. Everytime that Pinkie Pie hopped, snorted or even bounced, the green mare wanted to break that nose of hers.

A few moments of silence.

...

....

Suddenly, another question popped up in her mind. One question that both couldn't miss answering. "W-Wait- w-what about the population? Wouldn't anypony notice others going missing? D-Do you even plans for that??!" Ivy asked, almost practically shouting at the both of them now. But the both of them giggled and never answered her. Going silent. But this made Ivy Moon angry even more. "HEY! Answer me, you bozos!" But her cry still didn't get an answer. Ivy growled before shaking with rage. "AAAARGH! BUCK YOU!" Ivy finalized, raging in her own binds again. Trying to kick and squirm but- again... nothing.

"Stick a buckin' sock in it, Ivy." Dahlia snarled. As she said that, Pinkie Pie pulled a sock from her mane and stuck it into the victim's mouth.

"Literally!" The party mare jumped in the air once. But Ivy's expression hardened. Muffling some curses within the sock.

"Alright. Let us start on the first... thing." Dahlia said, very unsure. "Which is shaving off your mane and tail!" Blurting out. Ivy's jaw dropped in awe at the idea. Letting the sock fall onto the ground. No... not the mane! Anything but that!! "Pinks here, wants to use it as a type of... erhm... string for something that she's been working on." Dahlia clapped once before giving a small smirk.

"It's a top secret one at that too." Pinkie chimed in. Wiggling her brows a little. Immediately after, the party mare pulled a extension cord and razor from her mane. Plugging in the razor blade into the orange cord first. Then hopping around the dim room, trying to find at least ONE outlet to plug the extension cord into. Seconds after, Pinkie eventually found a outlet near the exit. Bouncing over to her apprentice with the razor in hoof. Turning it on in the process. Hearing the buzz of the device made Ivy extremely nervous.

"Usually shaving somepony's head is a sign of utter disrespect. But in reality, I have zero respect for fake ponies like you." Dahlia said, waving the razor around with her words. A sigh, but it wasn't a frustrated one. More of a disappointed one. "Once again, like I told the others before you-" Dahlia paused for a second. "You're all fake Marbie dolls-- just like Diamond Ocean." Dahlia's tone was flat.

"BUCK OFF!" Ivy spat out.

No word. Nothing.

After that, Dahlia turned to her mentor and said, "Miss Pinkie? Would you like to do the honor of shaving the head?" Before hoofing her the razor.

"Why yes, Ms. Dahlia. Don't mind if I do!" Pinkie said, happily snatching the razor and bounced over to the captive. Hovering over the other with a wide grin across her face. Ivy idly shook in her binds.

"P-Pinkie... p-please! T-Think about what y-you're about to do! Y-You can't get rid of me! I'm y-your biggest fan!!" Ivy begged, tears pratically in her blue doe eyes.

"Yeeeeah, about that Ms. Moon... Nopony really likes a kiss ass. At least I know I don't." The mare said, before gripping at Ivy's head. Beginning to shave off her hair bit by bit. Bzzzzt. Bzzzzt. Dahlia watched from afar while their captive started to cry. Knowing that this- is Ivy's bad end. She didn't know how long that the crying or the shaving went on for, but it felt like bucking forever. Tears staining her cheeks and face. Ivy will admit, Pinkie Pie's pretty good with the razor. She didn't experience any nipping of the blade or any sharp cuts. So- that's good. Ivy at this point, didn't know what to express other than rage and wrath.

After a few minutes, Pinkie moved right on the tail. Ivy's eyes looked down at the foal pool full of fallen hair strands and cried again. She's completely buckin' bald! BALD! How humiliating! She doesn't think she'd be going outside anytime soon after this...

Pinkie looked up and smiled. "Oh... don't cry Ms. Moon! Soon you'll be recycled into some pastries for other ponies to eat! Hee hee!" Pinkie giggled at that, Dahlia joined in too. The thought of being made into pastries almost made Moon wanna vomit. Starting to heave a little. Dahlia shot a look over at Ivy, taking a few moments to take in her expression.

Then it clicked. "Miss Pinks, I think Ms. Moon here is gonna puke pretty soon... You better collect the hair before she actually does the deed." As Dahlia said that, Pinkie immediately shut the razor off and rushed herself to collect all of the hair into her hooves. Dahlia blinked at how fast this was actually getting done. "Did you get all of the tail too?" Dahlia wanted to make sure. So Pinkie wouldn't forget all that she needed. Pinkie turned Ivy around with a single hoof, checking the tail. Yeah. It's completely shaven off clean.

"Mhm! I got it all, don't worry about me Ms. Dahlia." Pinkie smiled over at her loving apprentice. This made Dahlia's expression soften a little bit.

"Alright then." Dahlia replied softly. Lucky for Ivy, she saved herself from vomiting like a stupidhead.

...

The inflatable pool is now emptied and Dahlia's free to do what she wanted. But what? Dahlia thought to herself for a few seconds.

Ding!

An idea hit her. Dahlia happily trotted herself over to Pinkie, who was bundling up the long hair strands. She looked over at Dahlia with a raised brow. Ivy saw from the distance that Dahlia whispered something into the party mare's ear. Making the pink pony look very surprised, but amused. Happily, she finally finished the hair bundle before stuffing it into her hair storage mane. After that, Pinkie dug inside of there and pulled out only two things from her mane. What looks like a medium sized clear bug box and a rolled up cylinder shaped... mat on top? It's all rolled up tightly and with a seal holding it all together. Dahlia gladly took the items with her magic and trotted right back over to the captive.

"I've got something real special for ya." Dahlia happily said, setting down the items in front of the other. Taking the rolled up mat and placed it right on the ground. Dahlia began to roll out the mat, revealing along the way- many sharp tools like scalpels, pocket knives, mini hammers and saws, etc. It looked like a backup kit for whatever's needed. Ivy shook within her clutches and prayed that Dahlia wasn't going to do what she thought... cut her up in pieces. Instead, Ivy watched as Dahlia search for one of sharpest tools in the kit, the scalpel. Dahlia happily took it and looked at Ivy Moon for a few seconds. Thinking about this for a bit. More on the fact she's deciding on where she wanted to place the incision. She needed to do this now.

So, Dahlia sawed back and forth at the rope up top. Once the rope broke free, Ivy flopped to the ground and into the foal pool. Once she did, she's met with a restriction of the neck. And Dahlia magically spread Ivy out on the floor by the arms and legs. Like how they'd do them frogs in science classes. Dahlia placed the blade tip first from the collarbone and cut vertically down to the groin area. Ivy screamed out in pain, shivering at the cold blade touching her skin. Dahlia finally opened up it's flaps, exposing all of the darker green colored organs. Once Dahlia located the large intestine, she carefully cut left to right smoothly on one little area. Ivy stared down in shock. Her entire being racked with terror. She didn't say a single word, just her with her jaw dropping as wide as it could. Wishing that this was all just a dream... It has to be!

But it wasn't.

Pinkie on the other hoof, came in with a silver roller table. The one that they use back at the cellar. Dahlia placed the scalpel on the table and turned to the insect box. Using magic to lift the flaps open, revealing... spider webs? Dahlia raised a brow before looking over to her mentor. Pinkie looked very confident and smug. "Before you ask, it's spiders. But not just any spiders. Flesh eating spiders." A giggle. But Both Dahlia and Ivy stared blankly at her. One was terrified deep down and the other shocked in awe. The party mare noted both reactions of each pony. Pinkie ignored Ivy, only focusing on Dahlia. "Don't worry though- these spiders haven't really hatched yet. They're still in the sack, nesting like nopony's business. So, we have some time to put this inside of the captive." Pinkie Pie stated, smiling a little. Dahlia looked a little relieved. Nodding at this. Pinkie loomed over the plastic box and slowly looked through the nest of webs inside. Finally finding the main sack that is hanging in a corner before dusting some of the cobwebs away to get to the sack. Finally scooping it up into her hooves. Hoofing it over to the other. Dahlia carefully took the web sack. Now making her way back over to Ivy and opening the intestine wide. Ivy squeaked as this all went down. Shifting very uncomfortably in her spot. Dahlia placed the sack gently into the open intestine. Pinkie Pie hoofed some of the hair from the bundle to Dahlia to seal it. Dahlia stitched up the wound tightly with some of Ivy's hair with a needle. After that, she stitched up the flaps made from earlier.

Ivy was now panicking frantically. "W-What the Tartarus did you just do?!" Ivy wiggled violently. "WHAT DID YOU JUST DO?!?!!" Ivy screamed on the top of her lungs. Panicking now. Pinkie and Dahlia both laughed, knowing what's about to go down.

"Alright, alright. Calm the hay down now. I just put some...erh... spiders within you. But- they ain't just regular spiders neither. They're... flesh eatin' spiders. Like stated by Pinks before." Dahlia said flat out. Ivy then and there wanted to REALLY die. She buckin' hated spiders with a burning passion. Everytime that Ivy Moon saw one in her house, she would take a broom and smash it. Anything to get that VERMIN out of her place! Spiders are the worst thing to ever exist on this planet!

She laid there with a sack of newborn spiders implanted inside her. The very thought of it gave her spine chills. And the urge to vomit violently right there. But she didn't want to give any satisfaction of being deathly afraid of spiders to them. Because in the end, she knew they'd use this against her until she's dead. Endless torture. Ivy kept silent for the most part. But her silence didn't cover the terrified facial expressions given on her face from the inside. Pinkie tried to not grin at this. She knew that she had Ivy Moon. Ivy pursed her lips tightly before darting her focus away from them. "The little ones inside of you should hatch about ten to fifteen minutes in. You'll really start to feel it when you start to squirm." Pinkie said, grinning brightly down at her host. Oh how Ivy wanted to smash that party pony's face inwards. Buck her for enabling such a gross act! Ivy rolled over on her side and gave a long pained cry.

"I buckin' hate you, Pinkie Pie... I hate you so much..." Ivy breathed to herself.

But Pinkie heard that somehow. She leaned her ear in to 'hear'. "What was that?" Pinkie sounded curious, a little smirk forming. Ivy went completely silent. Refusing to speak anymore, knowing that it just would get her into trouble. "Hmmmm?" Pinkie leaned in more. Desperate to really know what their captive said. Ivy shook her head in head, still refusing. But- Pinkie shrugged.

"Well, to let you know- me and my apprentice are going to take a ten to fifteen minute break. Then the both of us are gonna come back to watch the show! Tata!" Pinks said excitedly, then giggled before bouncing back up to the kitchen. Dahlia followed suit behind with a smile on her face.

SLAM!

~~~

It'd been over about thirteen to fourteen minutes now.

Pinkie and Dahlia finally made their way back down into the cellar once again. Ivy's ears perk up at the sounds of trotting and eyes shooting open. Her adrenaline shot up in her veins, waking her up. Now breathing heavily. Looking around frantically, realizing that she's still home. Mumbling something underneath her breath. "Wakey wakey, Ms. Sunshine!! We're baaaack!!~" Pinkie hopped around Ivy Moon in circles happily.

"L-Leave me alone... please..." Ivy tried to swat Pinkie away from her. Or push her. Whatever, but-- Pinkie didn't listen and just kept bouncing.

"Sorry, Ms. Moon! We can't leave ya alone!" Pinkie said, before stopping in her spot. "This is a one time opportunity to see this type of show! A spider show!" Then she pulled popcorn from her mane and began to eat some of it. Pulling a chair to sit next to her apprentice. Dahlia stared at her mentor, who offered her some of her snack. But- Dahlia shook her head and sat next to Pinkie Pie. Rolling her eyes. She'll never question the logic of Pinkie herself.

"Hey Pinks...?" Dahlia looked over at Pinkie Pie.

"Yeeees, Ms. Dahlia?" Pinkie grinned down at her.

"How many eggs were in that spider sack exactly? I'm really curious." Dahlia rubbed her chin with a hoof. "Mmmm... About... five hundred. Maybe even more than that. I don't know. But I'm sure that it's five hundred eggs in total. Why did you want to know?" Pinkie raised a brow at that, a little confused.

"Because that." Dahlia pointed at Ivy's face, which is white as a ghost. They finally got her flank.

"FIVE HUNDRED???!!!!" Ivy Moon screeched. So much so that it almost shattered their eardrums. Ivy began to breathe in and out frantically. Now panicking.

"I think we just found out the feeeear.~" Dahlia sung with a small smile on her face.

"And it didn't even take too long either!" Pinkie added on, giggling.

"W-What? What are you talking about? I-I'm not scared!" Ivy looked at them, a bit confused. Trying to play dumb. Did they finally catch on to her greatest fear? Oh no... they DO know!

"Oh come on, Ms. Moon! You've been terrified since the moment we put the sack inside of you! Tartarus! Even your actions has been speaking volumes all this time!" Pinkie stated, giggling more. Making Ivy's blood boil. "I can read other's like a book. It's really easy, ya'know!" Pinkie smiled at this. "Aaaand I can tell you have one of the most common phobias in ponies! Spiders! How could I NOT have seen it before?? It's so simple yet genius!" And then the pink pony jumped high in the air, laughing. "My intuition told me to bring a least one bug. Thank Celestia for my choosing of the insects today! Tee hee!" Pinkie grinned from ear to ear. Then Ivy began to tear up, unable to say anything. And she didn't even try to move anymore, despite being free from her bonds.

Unfortunately- Pinkie was singing in the background. Which made the situation even worse.

Spiders! Spiders!

Oh so frightening!

See them in your house-, being all creepy and crawly!

Yes, Yes, Spiders!

Creepy!

Spooky ooky!

See them lurk within your house, your house!

Let them stay and they build a nest!

Oh yes!

Spiders, spiders, spiders!

Ooky spooky!

Yeah!

After Pinkie Pie finished her song, she stopped bouncing. Still, she was laughing. And it drove Ivy Moon up the buckin' wall! Why's she being tormented? For being fake? In what manner made her all fake? She had so many questions to ask these two. Especially Dahlia Eve. She wanted to honestly dive into her mind and just learn about it. Ivy's always been so curious about her since their first encounter. But for now-

"Dahlia?" Ivy softly let out, sounding a bit timid.

"Yes, Ms. Moon?" Dahlia replied.

"Why am I being punished exactly?" Ivy asked, looking up at the two other ponies lazily.

"Ohhhh... well. Many things. But the biggest one is that you ran under the guise of Diamond like a cult. Being fake with her. Being blind. Yadda, yadda. A LOT of reasons." Dahlia replied.

"So you're punishing the innocent followers now? You can't do that! Diamond and Chatter were both the puppetmasters! Well... Diamond was mostly. But still! I'm innocent!! I only followed because I was being manipulated! I swear!" Ivy cried, begging.

"It doesn't matter!! You followed Diamond. And not to mention, you made fun of me when I needed you, Velvet and Chatter the most! You all abandoned me like trash! So you know what? I'm treating you like trash back! All of you are going to taste buckin' death!" Dahlia said, practically raising her voice. Getting a little angry now. "You don't DESERVE to live, Ivy. You've betrayed some people. You also turned your back on others who THOUGHT you where their friend. Their FAMILY MEMBER. You left all of them, you coward!! Traitor!" Dahlia spat.

Ivy looked at her for a few seconds before saying, "You're so bucking petty, Dahlia. So vindictive. And I hope that one day it'd come back and bites you straight in THE ASS! And that my friend- would be KARMA knocking your stupid ass back ten pegs!!" Ivy retorted angrily.

Dahlia didn't do anything. Not even a reaction- she just stared at her victim. It wasn't that Dahlia didn't know what to say... it's just-- there's nothing really TO say at the time. And she wasn't going to argue with Ivy either. So, Eve became nothing but silent. Her expression on her face contorted into stoicism like always. Internally pissed off. Rather- Dahlia trotted hesitantly over to the captive, before squatting down to her level. Ivy immediately became extremely nervous at these actions but defensive too. Unsure about what's to really happen. Frantically moving away from her everytime that Eve got closer to her. "N-No! Stay the buck away!!" Ivy panicked. Dahlia only laughed at the sight of Ivy's fear. Towering over her like skyscraper. Dahlia's eyes shrunk to the size of pinpricks and her laughter only grew louder into low cackles. She couldn't stop. So much so that Pinkie Pie joined in with the laughter. She found it fun for no reason. After all, she WAS the Element of Laughter. However, Pinkie's didn't really mix well with hers, which scared Ivy the most. The cacophony of laughters is horrifying to her. So Ivy covered her own ears. Make it stop! Abruptly, Dahlia slowed down her laughing. Pinkie eventually followed suit.

A smile appeared on Eve's face again. "Ms. Moon. Have you've noticed anything... different about your magic?" Dahlia pointed out, trying to contain her own excitement. Lighting up her horn. Now using her magic to pull Ivy close to her. Using her hoof to press down on the head of Ms. Moon. Making her yelp out of pain. She'd forgotten about her own horn. Feeling the tears piling up in her eyes. Ivy Moon pulled herself away with an angered look. Covering her own head in defense.

"Shut the buck up Dahlia! I don't want to address it!" Dahlia saw that Ivy knew about it. And was VERY ashamed. Dahlia snickered at her.

"You wanna know what I did?" Dahlia said, now leaning in.

"Shut up!" Ivy cried. "J-Just shut up! Just shut the buck up!" The green pony started to sob and curl up. Ivy couldn't face it. No-- she couldn't bare it! Make it stop!

"I smashed it with a sledgehammer while you slept." Dahlia said, still grinning from ear to ear.

And Ivy Moon screamed loud. So loud that it would've shattered multiple windows.

Both Dahlia and Pinkie both covered their ears due to the piercing sound. Celestia and Luna. That's the one thing Dahlia didn't want to hear. But it's said and done. She couldn't go back now. The green pony's breathing labored, as she laid there in her spot. Silent, turning her head to the opposite side. Not even looking at Dahlia anymore. Sniveling and just cradling herself shakily. Dahlia turned away from her, rolling her eyes before walking over to Pinkie Pie. Whispering something into the pink pony's ears for a few seconds. They twitched a little bit. Ivy turned her head over to watch Pinkie's expression go from neutral to a smug look. Giggling before covering her mouth with a hoof. Ivy squinted her eyes at the two. Something in her stomach churned, feeling warm. And she had the urge to run. To really think about it-, Ivy's free from her own bonds. She could attempt to run out of here right now. But if she did-- would they catch her? Of course. What kind of dumb question is that to ask yourself? Ivy breathed slowly and tried to relax herself.

But that didn't last for even a second because Ivy began to writhe on the floor a little. Both Dahlia and Pinkie looked at each other and grinned wide. "Showtime!" They both said in unison. Ivy had forgotten about the damn spiders. Got bucking damn it... Ivy's eyes went wide at the sharp jabbing pain felt in her lower intestine. She groaned, as she jerked herself back and forth on the floor. Holy buckin' crap! This felt like somepony's constantly stabbing her low in the lower abdomen! This pain lasted a few seconds before it's interrupted with a sudden warmth. This new sensation ceased all pains within her lower body. Ivy relaxed, laying there with tears threatening to come down. Letting the warmth run throughout her veins. This only lasted a few minutes however, because another sharp pain decided to land in the upper. And boy-- it's even worse than before. Ivy jerked her body (while on her side) outwards a little on the floor. Damn it!

Soon- The little green pony began to move herself upwards to walk. But Ivy felt weak within. Everytime that she tried to get herself up, it always failed. Stumbling backwards and felt right back down on the ground again. For some reason- it buckin' hurt to walk. The bottom of her hooves felt tingly- and prickly-... Like walking on sharp glass or needles. Hell, you could say she felt the pains of a thousand suns in every step.

Ivy blinked at a another new sensation in her area... it felt like something inside is scratching the walls of all of her intestines. It wasn't bad, because the feeling felt like small needles constantly poking at random areas. Slow and rhythmic. Earlier, it felt like something's burning within... almost like a fire. Now it's just needles poking her constant. Ivy didn't understand these awful pains. One minute- the feeling can feel calm. But the next time, it'd hurt like anything in the world of Equestria. Burning or prickly. Ms. Moon stopped dead in her tracks, feeling more of that sharp pain from earlier. Celestia and Luna... it hurt even more. Definitely NOT pinpricks or needles poking at her this time. Ivy gave out a long and loud moan in discomfort. She'd imagine that the spiders finally hatched now. Now feeling them all crawl, making their way throughout. Moon felt so dirty inside. Like someone is violating her. But- Ivy held herself together and tried not to sob out. She just felt the feeling of the micro infantile spiders explore and crawl freely throughout her intestines. Feeling ticklish everywhere because of their several tiny legs. Oh god... It's really starting! Dahlia leaned in to see the reactions of Ivy's. Taking all of it in. Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie was enjoying every minute of it. Really intriguing her.

"Hey, Miss Pinkie?" Dahlia spoke up.

"Yes, Ms. Dahlia?" Pinkie replied with a grin. Still watching Ivy Moon writhe in her spot.

"Can you lay any facts about these spiders?" Dahlia asked.

"Oh! Sure! Well, these spiders are basically known to eat flesh. Obviously!" Pinkie Pie giggled at this. "Usually when they hatch from the sack, they require flesh right off the bat. If they don't... well... they die off. It's kinda obvious. But- they do also grow bigger as they eat. And they are pretty fast in the growing department. Did I mention that they're cute little micro babies?" Pinkie states, nodding at that.

"Hm. Interesting." Dahlia said, rubbing her chin with a hoof. Those comments made by Pinkie Pie almost make Ivy want to vomit all over herself. But- she held back a few urges before turning herself the opposite way, so she wouldn't see them again. She really did hate them to the core. Just end this nightmare... please. Ivy internally prayed for her own demise at this point. The poor pony whimpered and shivered in her spot. Feeling more of the sharp pains become more and more harsh and persistent. That's the spiders feeding from the inside. There, Moon felt very nauseated and her world began to blur. Up until she couldn't handle it anymore. Ivy finally threw up, vomit drooling from the corners of her mouth.

Disgusting.

Ivy Moon felt tainted. She felt gross from inside and outside. There was no words to say anymore. What's she about to do? Nothing. She's trapped here and nopony is coming to save her. Tears came to her own eyes as she laid there in her own pool of bile.

...

....

.....

......

.......

........

Dahlia whispered something to Pinkie Pie again. Who nodded, before pulling out a box of matches from her mane. Everything good comes from that mane of Pinkie's, Dahlia swears it. The party mare hoofed over Eve the item to her apprentice. And the onyx colored mare took the objects happily. Now opening the box and taking a small match from it. "Oh! Hold on!" Pinkie said surprised, before hopping off the chair and trotted to the captive. Taking something out to what looked like a lighter fluid bottle. Opening the bottle and dousing the majority of Ivy's body.

Which made Ivy panic, "PINKIE WHAT THE TARTARUS ARE YOU DOING?!?!? NO!!!!" Ivy screeched. But Pinkie didn't answer her. Afterwards, Dahlia stepped forwards to Ivy. Now looking- studying the other drenched in lighter fluid. Humming to herself, unsure what to do. Ms. Moon recoil and wince in her pains. A small grin appeared on the botanist's face. Ivy's eyes went wide at this, gulping. Dahlia struck the box with the match in hoof, before throwing the match ontop of Ivy. Right after- a small flame formed immediately. Ivy's eyes went wide at the flame growing, following the trails of doused liquid on her. She screamed again, watching the flames began to consume her entirely. She felt the quick burns of a thousand degrees. More than an oven could possibly handle. Celestia. She felt like she'd be burnt to a crisp by now. The flames only covered half her body by now. Cacooning her.

"Why did you light her on fire right away?? I was gonna do something special!" Pinkie Pie asked over the screaming, cocking her head to the side. Curious now.

Dahlia looked over at her mentor. "...To be honest- I don't want anything to do with this material anymore. I've decided that it's useless." Dahlia sighed. "Green macha doesn't sound any good. I think we just need to discard the material. Plus-" Dahlia continued, before pulling a untouched part of Ivy's arm out from it's socket. Moon gave another scream in pain, kicking her legs everywhere. DEAR CELESTIA AND LUNA!!!!

"Plus, it's spoiled. No good for our creations. Despite it being considered fresh." Dahlia said, before tossing the single arm onto the burning fires. Now walking feet away from the growing fires, seeming uninterested. "What recipe of ours that requires macha, Miss Pinkie?" Dahlia asked. And Pinkie Pie thought for a little bit. Before realizing that none of the recipe books that she's read so far don't recall any macha in them...

"None of my recipes do..." Pinkie replied.

"Exactly." Dahlia nodded, watching the flames engulf every part of Ivy's being for a few minutes. Ivy Moon could only feel a sudden warmth, no longer feeling any of that scorching degree pain. Something in the back of her head told her something. And it was NOT something she'd wanna hear.

...It's time to let go, Ivy. It's okay.

Ivy breathed in for one last time, before closing her own eyes. A tear ran straight down her cheek. She couldn't feel any of the pains anymore- just the welcoming hug of the warmth. There- she stopped moving in her wake. Indicating that she finally let go. Dahlia only stared down at this for a few seconds. Then lifted her head to face Pinkie Pie again. "Pinkie, can you please go fetch a bucket of water to take out this fire? Please?" The unicorn asked politely and calmly. Pinkie nodded, zapping her way up those cellar stairs.

Dahlia turned to face the crackling fires again, but this time- she was now further away from it's heat. Just watching the hottest flames burn and melt away the skins, muscles and flesh of the victim. Deteriorating the very image of what was once Ivy Moon. These flames where pretty quick to burn away. That's for sure. Eventually, Pinkie came back down in a hurry with her bucket of water. Immediately throwing water onto the growing fires, abruptly killing any active flames. The sounds of sizzling could be heard before a thick fog of smoke remained. Now what's remaining is a pile of bone, wet ash and water. Dahlia and Pinkie waved hooves in the air to clear the thick smoke in the air.

Celestia... They better move fast.

~~~

After cleaning up leftovers from the fires from earlier, both mares decided to clear out the entire room. From tools, to the foal pool and the ropes. Everything in between. They even took the time to completely scrub down to entire damn place three times. This is to make sure nothing's found or left behind from this 'freestyle playdate'. Dahlia insisted that they burn all of it to the ground outside and away from the house, like the fields. Which they both successfully did without anypony noticing. After, they buried it right there in spot, eight feet deep. Thank Luna. They've never done anything like this before, especially when you knock out your target at their house all of the sudden. Something that they never planned to do. So the both of them made a small promise to one another about never doing this again. Organized playdates with well done plans work out better for both of the bakers. And It was agreed between the pair.

Once all is done, Pinkie and Dahlia return back to Ivy's place. The whole walk back was entirely awkward and silent. Both them never really brought it up either. For it's better that way. Dahlia needed some peace and quiet for a little bit.

...

....

Reaching the house again- Pinkie bounced to and opened the door wide for them both. Dahlia went inside first while Pinkie hopped in afterwards. Finally, Dahlia turned her head to her mentor. A question had come to her mind now. "Pinkie... I'm really curious to how you received so many spiders... how did you get them and stuff?" Dahlia raised both of her brows now, her face contorted into confusion.

To the unicorn's surprise, Pinkie gave a few chuckles before they died down. Leaning inwards to whisper, "To be honest, I have a fully owned greenhouse for multiple insects to nest themselves in. I use insects for... some playdates." Pinkie closed her eyes before she nodded reassuringly at this. "A lot of the bugs I get aren't from the Equestria Lands either!" Pinkie bounced a few times in her place.

"What do you mean, Miss Pinkie?" Dahlia asked, a little lost.

"It means that they're not the common bugs you see in the known Equestria Lands. You know- like dragonflies, caterpillars, butterflies or those tiny little cute pill bugs!" A hop in the air. "What I mean is that I tend to hunt for my own bugs. -In the Everfree Forest, Radlands and the Forbidden Jungle. It's a wild trip through those places, I tell ya though!" Pinkie exhaled, then a smile. "But dang! Those places have some high quality bugs! Usually scarier than the average ones that we have in Ponyville." Pinkie gave a cheeky smile.

Dahlia blinked, still a little confused about something. "H-How did you know about them hatching within their... you know? Time?" Dahlia looked so confused. Her mentor only snickered at this.

"It's a secret!" Pinkie said. Dahlia rolled her eyes and chuckled. A little disappointed in the answer given.

"Alright, if you say so." Then-, the air went silent again.

...

....

"Soooo, uhm... what about the plants? Are you gonna take them home?" Pinkie asked, a little curious. Jittering in her spot. Dahlia looked over to glare at her mentor. Blinking.

"Most likely, yes. Those plants are mine now. Nopony else's. It seemed like Ivy wasn't properly taking care of them. As I saw-- before we completely ambushed Ivy Moon." Ms. Dahlia said, nodding at this. Trudging slowly over to the plant's locations, before she lifted them free from their bonds.

Dahlia paused, realizing something before looking over at Pinkie Pie a bit worried. "Pinks... What would happen if other ponies start to question us about the plants and other items in our hooves?" As she said that- Dahlia paused. Pondering the question at hoof.

But the pink pony laughed a few seconds before her laughter died down. Dismissing her with a single hoof. "Don't worry!! You know me, Ms. Dahlia. I'll just tell them that we've been in the wilds of Equestria all morning and afternoon. Just doing our normal plant hunting! If they ask why- well, we tell them that we're building a greenhouse together! That'd take them off our backs!" Pinkie nodded reassuringly. But Dahlia didn't look too sure about it, so she looked away from Pinkie's gaze.

"D-Do you think... do you think that they'll trust us?" Dahlia asked. Dahlia's always been a bit skeptical of Pinkie's actions/plans. Always. Pinkie came closer to her, nudging her a bit.

"C'mon. They'd totally buy it!" A nudge to Dahlia. But her apprentice slowly nodded at this.

"...Alright Pinkie. I trust you... so..." Dahlia looked away from her mentor. Pinkie Pie just smiled at her before bouncing a few times in a constant circle.

Pinkie Pie perked up to the sound of a cat meowing. Indicating that the animal entered the room to greet them both. The pink mare blinked at this. "Oh! This must be Pixel. The pet cat that Ivy has." Before scooping Pixel into her hooves with a smile. Dahlia blinked, not realizing there's an animal in the house. Most importantly- where the Tartarus was this cat at when they ambushed their owner? Dahlia blinked again but looked at the cat with a single grin. Huh... somethings you'll never know.

Eve took a small breather, asking, "Miss Pinkie... could you take Pixel to somepony that'd care for her?" Dahlia Eve asked. "I just want what's the best for the cat. You know?" Then she sighed in relief. Thanking Luna for getting that off her chest.

"Of course, Miss Dahlia. I know somepony that would LOVE to take in little Miss Pixy here!" The party mare said, gently nuzzling the fluffy critter. Pixel meowed lovingly afterwards, purring.

Dahlia smiled, "Alright then. I trust you to find a special home for Miss... Pixy." She sounded a little hesitant.

BANG!

The sounds of loud pounding was present at the doors of the place. The two looked at each other with wide eyes. Not sure on what to do next. But- Pinkie was swift to improv a small plan in her head. She pushed Dahlia into the hallway silently. Leaving Dahlia confused. But Pinkie held her hoof up to Dahlia's mouth to shush her. Soon, the pink mare trotted herself towards the door. Using one eye to look through the peephole. Seeing two Ponyville police officers now waiting at the door. Two pegasi stallions that didn't look the same. The one on the left had short chocolate brown hair and a pale blue hide. A pair of forest green eyes to come with. But they're covered by a pair of shades lowered to reveal them. While the other one had shaggy dirty blonde hair and a light red hide. Sky blue eyes that could stare down the other.

Pinkie opened the door wide to greet them with a smile.

"Well, hello and evening officers!" Pinkie grinned.

"Good afternoon, Miss..." Hotfoot said, pausing for a bit.

"Pinkie Pie!" The party mare corrected.

"...Pinkie Pie. Well, I'm Officer Firebolt. And this one is my partner, Officer Hotfoot." The blonde said, then pointing to the other, the brunette. Pinkie nodded slowly at this. "Anyways- We both got a complaint coming from one of our Ponyville citizens. Stating one of them heard a scream coming from this place?" Firebolt asked.

But Pinkie blinked innocently at this. "Oh!" Then the pink mare laughed. "That's just me and my friend playing around. You know! Rough housing! She accidently fell while we did." Then she laughed again, waving a hoof in the air. Both of the stallions exchanged looks at one another for a while. A little suspect of the party mare. Officer Hotfoot took one step forward to see what was inside of the building.

"May we... look around Miss Pie?" He asked politely. That caught Pinkie off guard but she kept up.

"Uh... sure! It's really not my place actually! It's my other friend's. But she's on vacay for personal needs. So, she asked me to housesit for the weekend." Pinkie nodded. Telling the 'truth'.

Then the two officers began to search the place from top to bottom. To the living room to the kitchen. They found nothing but the typical furniture needed for each room. From chairs, tables to sofas and many more. Their suspicions where proven wrong. That's right- you can't catch Pinkie Pie, bitch. The both of them looked at each other and then back at Pinkie. "Alrighty, miss Pie. We've found nothing on the premises to confirm our suspicions. Sorry if we've wasted your time, Miss Pie." Hotfoot apologized, bowing his head. Firebolt followed suit.

"Don't worry Officers! I also apologize." A giggle came from her. A blush of embarrassment spotted on both police officers' faces.

"R-Right." Hotfoot sputtered out. "Well- next time, please make sure that you keep it down. Alright?" Firebolt asked, smiling fondly. Pinkie nodded, now watching the two officers leave out the front door. Pinkie Pie waited at least a few minutes until their figures disappeared into Ponyville.

...

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.....

......

Finally- Pinkie Pie shut the door and turned to call out Dahlia's name. "Ms. Dahlia? It's okay to come out now. They're gone." Pinkie smiled. Suddenly, a flash of light was present in the hallway. Eve finally appeared from the dark depths of the hallways. "Ah! There you are, Ms. Dahlia! We gotta get back to the bakery. We can't hold down this fort forever." Pinkie nodded.

"Right." Dahlia agreed with a nod. Eventually, the both of them grabbed their desired items in order to move out of the place. Dahlia used her magic to carry her new potted plants. While Pinks handled Pixel by scooping her up and onto her back for comfort. She snuggled a little, purring. Pinkie didn't really want much but the cute little Ms. Pixy! Soon the both of them started their venture back to Ponyville. It took a while but- it's worth the walk back home. But unfortunately for most of the way, it was quiet. Dahlia thought about something that could help with the mood. Hopefully...

"Hey Pinks?" Dahlia finally spoke up.

"Yeeees?" Her mentor sung in reply.

"Do you remember Ruby Snow?" Dahlia sounded a little hesitant.

"Oh, of course I remember Ruby! She's a total cool gal!" Pinkie lied, exaggerating on one of the words. This is for the better, Pinkie thought. Dahlia blinked, a little confused. Then just looked ahead to see they're both in Ponyville finally. Realizing what Pinkie was doing here. Ah.

Pinkie grinned. She'll tell her later.

~~~

Dahlia hummed as she placed the two pots in the corner of her living room. The mare gave a small breather and smiled down at the new plants. "You poor things... you must've suffered... don't worry... I'll take good care of you.~" Dahlia sung to herself and smiled.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Dahlia turned to the door and trotted over. Opening the door to see Pinkie with a big ol' smile on her face. Dahlia beamed, but before she could say anything... Pinkie tackled her into a hug. Catching Eve off guard. And they both almost crashed into one of her bookcases. "AAAAH!" Dahlia yelped in the process. "W-Whoa! Pinks! C-Careful! You almost crashed us!" Luckily for them, Dahlia caught Pinkie in the nick of time. Magically putting Pinkie back down on the ground.

"S-Sorry! I'm so excited!!!!" The party mare jittered.

"How come?" Dahlia cocked her head to the side, curious now.

"Because! I found Ms. Pixy a home!" Pinkie squealed. Dahlia just gave a smile.

"Really? You did?? That's wonderful! I was starting to worry about that little kitty not having a home..." Dahlia shyly trailed off.

"Hee hee! Do not fear! I left Ms. Pixy in the hooves of my good friend, Fluttershy! She LOVES animals and cares for them all the time! A whole farm! So I trust her with Ms. Pixy. I'll be checking up on her once a week." A grin. This was great news!!

Suddenly- Pinkie's left hindleg abruptly pushed the door behind her. Slamming it shut. "Now... you asked me about Ruby Snow earlier..." Pinkie trailed off. "I wanted to explain my behavior earlier..." Pinkie said before breathing inwards. "So the reason why I did what I did is... because we where heading into town. So--- I couldn't talk how we normally talk in our workspace. Not out in public. You know that I couldn't risk that kind of talk being public." Pinkie stated, nodding once. "As to answer your question... I'd meet me at the bakery in ten minutes. I'll explain- no better yet-- show you." Pinkie said, before opening the door again. Finally leaving and shutting the door behind. This left Dahlia a little confused. Really confused. But- Dahlia had to see for herself.

Damn you, curiosity!

A sigh. Then Dahlia proceeded to grab her usual items and finally trotted right out the door. On the way, she wondered what Pinkie Pie meant earlier. What does Pinkie have to 'show her'? It's the only thing on her mind for the whole entire walk to the bakery. Speaking of, she finally saw the building. In front was Pinkie Pie bouncing up and down.

"Ms. Dahlia! You made it! YAY!" She happily squealed.

"Well... of course I did. Now what did you want to show me?" After that, Pinkie didn't say a word and just stopped bouncing. Rather, she wrapped her arms around her apprentice and pulled her straight inside. Then shutting the door right after. All of this caught Dahlia off her guard.

"Miss Pinkie? Is everything alright?" Eve cocked her head to the side, now worried. But Pinkie shook her head at this.

"No, no! I just don't want other ponies to be suspicious of anything. This is between mentor and her apprentice!" The party mare reassured, nodding. Dahlia nodded at this. "Now follow me." Pinkie said, waving motion to follow her. Eventually, Pinkie Pie lead Dahlia back outside and into the Everfree Forest. A set of chills ran down the darker mare's back.

She always liked the Everfree... but being in the forest alone with the dangerous pink mare is terrifying. And Dahlia knew what Pinkie's truly capable of. "You wanted to know about Ruby Snow right? Well..." Pinkie finally spoke up. They both stopped in their tracks. Dahlia's eyes focused on a small wooden cabin that looked rundown. Almost like the cabin has seen better days. Dahlia Eve blinked and looked over to her mentor for a bit. A little confused to why they're here. "I know taking you here was a little weird buuuut..." Pinkie said, hopping up to the door and swinging it right open. Inside was a chained up (but unconscious) Ruby Snow. Several old (and newer) cuts and incisions were obviously made on Ruby's hindlegs, forelegs and torso. Right now- she looked passed out and very fraile. Patches of hair gone missing and hide paler than the white that Ruby's known for. Dahlia gasped in shock to see a playdate survive. Normally, they'd kill their prey but keeping one? For what?

"P-Pinkie... w-what the Tartarus is this?" Dahlia panicked from the inside.

"Weeeell... Do you know of your first playdate, Diamond Ocean? The first one of your little list?" Pinkie rocked back and forth. Innocently asking.

"Yeah... I remember, why?" Dahlia raised a brow.

"Well. After that FANTASTIC playdate, I had this really weird idea pop up inside of my head. Well... theory. Haha. Well! You know how all ponies are usually made of like a fleshy fruit or confectionary? Straight from the inside?" Pinkie asked.

"...Yeah?" Dahlia looked unsure.

"Well! If we're built like that- we also heal from wounds too! Duh, it's common to know that! So! If we are able to heal like normal... well is it possible to quote on quote 'regrow' our stock?" Pinkie cocked her head to the side.

"Pinkie, what in Luna's name are you even on?" Dahlia looked so confused.

"I mean like-" Pinkie sighed in frustration. Before getting a small idea. "Alright, look and see for yourself." She said before taking a scalpel from the tool table in the corner. And she began her incision onto the captive. Cutting out a (small but) rectangular sized piece. Ruby on the other hoof, didn't wake to scream. She was numb. So they both were lucky as Tartarus. Now Pinkie Pie put that little slab onto the table. Now turning herself around to face Dahlia. "Come here and use your healing spell to heal her. Please." The mare requested. Dahlia didn't argue and lit up her horn with magic. Coming closer to the unconscious Ruby Snow. Finally encasing her entire being with the healing spell. Dahlia watched closely to see any changes. Within the time, the area that Pinkie cut at began to slowly heal it's flesh and skin. First the arteries, then the muscles and last the skin/hide.

Dahlia blinked at this, completely shocked. Once she's done, Dahlia slowly raised a hoof to the hide. Feeling the smoothness of new healed skin and hide. Wow... Just as if it never was cut or anything. "I'm very sure that we heal fast since our world is magical within. I kept Ruby alive right after you took care of Diamond. After that, I allowed her to heal completely before using her as live stock for some marshmallow creme pies two weeks ago! I even tasted the new flesh and everything! My theory was right. You can regrow the stuff!" Pinkie rejoiced. But Dahlia gave her a look that's neither confusion or irritation. Rather she just looked... shocked.

"So... you've been regrowing the material instead of getting rid of her..." Dahlia said, looking blank. Suddenly something hit her like a brick to the glass window. "Pinkie! What if anypony here finds out??" Dahlia whined, now sounding terrified. Wrapping her arms around the other and hugged tight. But Pinkie didn't move from her spot. Rather she laughed.

"Oh you silly little worrywart! Don't worry! Nopony just randomly comes to the forest! It's too scary and spooky ooky!" Pinkie smiled again.

Dahlia thought about it and she didn't like the idea at all. "Uhm... Pinks? May I tell you the honest truth here?" Dahlia hesitated.

"Sure, Ms. Dahlia! Tell away!" Pinkie said. Dahlia took a breather for a second before speaking, "Well... I don't think that this is a good idea. Despite nopony coming into the Everfree at all... still. I feel like this isn't such a good idea to keep live stock. I can't tell you exactly why because I just know it'd be a bad one. Something inside of me is screaming not to. What if she escapes? What if she ends up telling? And then what??" Dahlia moved away from Pinkie finally. Pinkie hummed for a little bit, thinking about this.

"You know... you do have a point. My chains have been escaped from before... so..." Then paused before adding, "Oh what the hay! I was just testing a small theory of mine. Let's take care of Ruby tonight." Pinkie said to her apprentice, who nodded in return.

There- Ruby awoke to two pairs of eyes peering down at her. And she screamed.

Author's Note

Summary:

All three enemies have been put down and crossed off Dahlia's list. Unfortunately, there's only twelve ponies left on it. And Ivy Moon is next on the list.

In Pinkie Pie's detective works, she finds out that this certain pony does not have any fears. Which Pinkie deems impossible. So both Dahlia Eve and Pinkie Pie decide to figure out the big fear that Ivy's hiding. So they head off to pay a visit to Ms. Moon's home.