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.