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Spat was flying high in the sky, chuckling to himself.

"Oooooooooo...I can't believe my absolute luck~" Spat said. There were some pure white beings behind him.

What is making you so gleeful? Is it in regards to the surprising mortality of that one called Shadow Skull? One of the beings asked.

"Mmm...well, that's one thing to be glad about I suppose. That guy would have the power to send you three to a distant deminsion and make sure you can't escape if he works together with that daughter of his. So, finding out he's mortal if his magic is disrupted by an illness is helpful for when I feel the time is right to really plunge this entire world into pure hate." Spat said.

Then what are you waiting for? Find out a way to get him ill, and-- The second white being was talking.

"Patience. There's a better way to deal with Shadow Skull. After all, we just heard about a little something I don't think we were supposed to." Spat said. "And we can use that to kill two birds with one stone."

What exactly are you planning? The third white being said.

"See, we heard that if assissins found out about the defeat of a certain serial killer, Scootaloo's life will be in danger. So, I say we put her life in danger. Because those friends of hers will no doubt do everything in their power to protect her, getting hurt in the process. That will make Shadow Skull fly off the handle, making him believe that somehow some pony or hamster slipped the info. It's the perfect thing to get them all fighting each other trying to figure out who spilled the beans." Spat said. "And with all of them suddenly parionoid..."

...Hate will consume them, and spread to the other ponies quickly. The second being realized.

And that in turn will allow us to regain our lost powers sooner. The first one said.

"Exactly. It might take a bit for them to start doing so, but just imagine the glorious day when that happens~" Spat said.

Let us pray that this plan does not fail. The third one said.

It has been three days since the apple family reunion. However, things don't seem to be going well in ponyville right now. A known assassin was spotted in town and in plain sight. They were quickly arrested however and then sent to canterlot.

"Okay, I have to wonder who that assassin was after. Maybe a second attempt at Spoiled Rich's life." Twilight said.

"Well she has just gotten out of the hospital. Mom's still at home recoporating." Diamond Tiara said. "...Though, I will add that, she's been acting different lately. She's been a lot more...forgiving towards the staff. Usually, if even the slightest thing was out of place or her bath wasn't just right; she'd yell at the staff. But for the past few days however; it's like she's just enjoying life."

"...I had heard of how life-threatening situations can change a person's behavior should they survive. I suppose the same is true for ponies too." Shadow Skull mentioned. "And I know you've been careful. You may have told the riches about it, but they are swearing not to let that info slip either."

"Can we not talk about that now? You know, just in case?" Scootaloo asked.

"Not a bad idea. We don't know whose listening. In fact, I suggest we head into the library." Twilight said.

"Surprised your willing to just hang out with the CMC and haven't really done any of your bullying." Sparkle mentioned to Diamond Tiara.

"Let's...just say I'm going to do my part to change. Besides. I...I have a reason to." Diamond Tiara said as she glanced at Cappy for a split second.

"...Huh..." Sparkle suddenly realized what that meant. Some pony has a crush on Cappy. Welp; I guess he can be that kind of guy. Not really my type though. Sparkle thought to herself.

However, on the way to the library, another assassin attacked; this one was heading straight for Scootaloo. Apple Bloom got in the way, and while she fought off the assassin, she got hurt bad enough to get sent to the hospital.

"I don't understand...was I the target with the other assassin too?" Scootaloo asked.

"This is impossible. If you have been as careful as you say you've been, these attempted assassinations wouldn't be happening." Shadow Skull said.

"We promise, there's no way any one of us slipped. I can promise you that." Hamtaro said.

"Can you? Can you really say that?" Shadow Skull then pointed his staff at Scootaloo. "It's very possible that this one bragged about it somewhere."

"How dare you suggest such a thing about Scootaloo?!" Rumble; who had somehow come with; suddenly spoke up.

"Tell me I'm wrong then. Tell me that the reason Apple Bloom is hurt isn't because of Scootaloo." Shadow Skull said.

A silence followed. They all saw it: The assassin's target was Scootaloo. That much was fact.

"I thought so." Shadow Skull said; breaking the silence. "Then just admit it Scootaloo: Apple Bloom is hurt because of you; it's all your fault."

To Be Continued...

Author's Note

Aren't I a stinker?

Find out the conclusion on Friday. Until then, take care~