Author's Note

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

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

Silenced

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

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

Dahlia stared down at her list once again.

ENEMY LIST

1. ~~Diamond Ocean (Silver Star)~~ - Death: Torn Apart and Eaten
2. Chatter Box (Firefly Song) – Death: ??
3. Velvet Cake (Daisy Cupcake) – Death: ??
4. Ivy Moon (Azure Ivy) – Death: ??
5. Amber Rose – Death: ??
6. Starry Rainbow (Comet Haze) – Death: ??
7. Twinkle Charm – Death: ??
8. Blossom Fire – Death: ??
9. Straight Note (Twinkle Dawn) – Death: ??
10. Lavender Moon – Death: ??
11. Cherry Petunia – Death: ??
12. Emerald Breeze – Death: ??
13. PUMPKIN – Death: ??
14. Dusk Glow – Death: ??
15. Scarlet Harmony – Death: ??

15.

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

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

Of course.

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

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

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

Another day, another dollar.

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

...

...

Finally, an idea! Yes!

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

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

...

...

~Several moments later~

Oh! Better idea!

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

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

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

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

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

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

~~~

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

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

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

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

~~~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hold up.

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

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

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

No...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Slap!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

...

...

...

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

Silence again for a few minutes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

...

...

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

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

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

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

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

A real big mistake.

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

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

...

...

...

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

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

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

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

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

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

...

...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nothing.

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

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

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

~~~

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

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

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

...

...

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

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

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

"..."

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

...

...

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

"B-Burn pile?" Dahlia quizzed this.

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

Screw it, she needed to know.

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

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

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

"What?" The mare said.

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

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

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

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

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

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