Of Apples and Oranges, Diamonds and Darkness.

It had been since Apple Bloom got caught that the three crusaders were together again, they were trotting down the road, saddlebags slung to their side, accompanied by their respective mare, Rarity with both Sweetie and Scootaloo with Twilight escorting Apple Bloom. This was their first day back at school. It was to be earlier though Cheerilee had some complications with paperwork now that education was directed by the town it was in as opposed to the Equestrian Ministry Of Education.

They made it to the opening in the fence that lead to the school grounds and the mares said their respective goodbyes as the trio passed the opening and milled into the schoolyard as they had some time to kill.

“Ya think we hafta do a lot of make-up work?” Apple Bloom asked, worried about how long they had been gone,.

“I wouldn't be surprised but Cheerilee is a great teacher.” Sweetie Belle answered confidently, “I'm sure she'll understand.”

“I sure hope she goes easy on us,” Scootaloo added. “It wasn't really our fault we left to begin with.”

“You sure about that blank flanks?”  Came an all to familiar voice they had all but forgotten about.

The three chose to ignore her at the moment and continue talking.

“Ah wonder if we'll get 'held-back' for missin' all that work!” Apple Bloom worried.

“I wouldn't think so.” Sweetie Belle assured her, “That would be kinda silly, like Scootaloo said, its not like we skipped school or anything.”

“Don't worry Apple Bloom,” came that voice again, “I'm sure these two blank flanks will be fine, you on the other hand? I don't think Cheerilee has dealt with a filly like you, dumber than a sack of trash.”

Apple Bloom felt a slight sting but chose to ignore it. The three made their way to a tree to hopefully escape the bully's comments.

“Did yer folks pack you a lunch Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom asked opening her bag and inspecting the paper sack. Spike made me eggs and a hay sandwich an' a cookie!”

“Uh...” Sweetie Belle peered into her own lunch, “Daffodil wrap and some carrots.” She sighed.

Scootaloo sat silent for a moment Sweetie Belle knew it in an instant: Rarity was not quite used to the whole 'sending a kid to school' routine and thus Scootaloo had no food.

“My sistrer can be a bit of a space cadet sometimes.” Sweetie Belle lauched, “I can share some of my carrots with you.”

“That's okay Sweetie Belle, I'll be fine.” Scootaloo dismissed the offer.

“I was going to have an apple for lunch” came that damn voice again, “But those two inbreds hung themselves because of their worthless sister so Daddy had to order me grapeftuiy instead.”

Scootaloo finally spoke to faced Diamond Tiara though didnt want to face her.

“Hey Diamond, how about you leave us alone?”

“Hey chicken, how about you watch who your clucking at!” Diamond Tiara spat.

“What did we ever do to you?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“You blank flanks make us fillies look bad. Everypony here was much happier without you, especially that disgrace of a filly.” Diamond pointed to Apple Bloom. For some reason she seemed to be the focus of the brat's attention.

“Quit being mean to Apple Bloom!” Scootaloo barked, “You've already said enough terrible things to her now bug off!”

“What are you going to do Scootaloser?” Diamond smirked.

Scootaloo finally turned to face Diamond with every intent of getting in her face though something stopped her. Some unknown force within her made the sight of the agressor bring her to sit still. The intentions of confronting her vanished completely. Diamond too sported an odd look of transfixition but quickly shook it off.

“See?” She scoffed, “You can't even think of anything! I suppose that's what happens to a bird-brain like you!”

Scootaloo snapped back to reality, “Well....whatever Diamond Tiara, just leave us alone.”

Diamond sat silent for a moment, that odd feeling again coming about her, what was it? Oh well, she decided to cloud whatever odd thing had come over her by continuing her attack.

“So Bruised Apple, Family Appreciation Day is next week, you going to bring a sack of shit to school? At least it would be more entertaining than your stupid sister or crooked granny, good riddance!”

Apple Bloom started bawling, that cascade of cruelty snapped her resilience and she collapsed. Scootaloo snapped as well but in a different way, lunging for the bully and tackling her to the ground. Despite the odd feeling she had, she pushed it a side and pinned the filly down with a look of pure rage.

“I dare you to say one more thing to her you brat!” Scootaloo hissed, tail swooshing with that devious sway that Sweetie Belle knew all too well.

“Get off of me you scum! You smell like poverty!” Diamond struggled to free herself from the smaller pegasus that somehow was keeping her down.

“Not until your apologize.” Scootloo demanded.

“Fuck you.” Diamond spat.

Scootaloo's look of rage went to something even worse than that.

“Fuck you too you spoiled jerk.” She panned as a powerful hoof came crashing down on the bullies face, and then a hind hoof swung decidedly into the pink filly’s side. She then found herself pinned to the fence, a very angry Scootaloo frothing at the mouth, her eyes looked with the intent to kill.

Diamond Tiara was genuinely scared, she could feel the warm blood trickling from her mouth and nose, the throbbing pain on her side, and now the discomfort of having two hooves press yours against an untreated wooden fence.  Despite this, Diamond looked into those rage-filled magenta eyes and found herself completely discarding her facade and her character.

“O—okay I'm sorry! I'm sorry for saying all those mean things please let me go!” Diamond plead as she was dropped to the ground and released.

Scootaloo then met her eyes, the adrenaline coming down rapidly, she too had that strange sensation come over her. It was rudely interrupted by a booming voice behind her.

“Scootaloo! In the classroom, Now.” It was Cheerilee, and she looked anything but pleased.

Class had begun a few moments into their altercation, when both Scootaloo and Diamond were escorted inside, their peers were already studiously attending to their work, including Apple Bloom who glanced to see her friend who clearly was in some trouble.

Cheerilee sat at her desk with two chairs being pushed next to it. Diamond and Scootaloo took these seats and nervously looked at their teacher as she spoke.

“I was hoping the time away would help you both grow up a little and this wouldn't be a problem.” She began, “Clearly I was mistaken.”

Diamond attempted to protest, “But she--”

“Not now Diamond.” Cheerilee interrupted, “You both share responsibility for this. Diamond, I was told of what you said to Apple Bloom and I am very disappointed, we don't treat our classmates this way, ever again am I clear?”

Diamond simply nodded.

“Scootaloo,” She turned to the orange filly, “We use words, polite words to settle disputes. Our hooves are for work and for play, never for harm. You too need to learn to keep your anger under control.”

“I sent to fetch both your parents and we will be having a talk with them during recess.”

“What?!” Both of the girls gasped.

“Both of you behaved in a way that nopony should, you must face the consequence of your actions. I don't want to hear another cruel word or see another harmful hoof from either of you. I expect you to work silently with your classmates until recess, are we clear?”

They were, and they did as she asked. Silently getting to the assignment of the day, well, at least Scootaloo tried, soon enough her hooves were on her desk propping up her head as she dozed off.  Sweetie Belle attempted to nudge her awake but it was no use. Scootaloo had too much to think about.

When she was awoken again the classroom was empty, save for Rarity, Filthy Rich, Diamond and Cheerilee all who except for Rarity were sitting at the desk again.

“Scootaloo up this instant!” Rarity growled, “I heard about what you did today and am very disappointed, now before you make matters worse, come over here and explain yourself!”

Scootaloo quickly snapped awake and trot over to what apparently was her seat.

“I believe you owe Ms Tiara an apology.” Rarity scolded.

Scootaloo looked at the filly and, oddly, a smile was on her face. Not that usual sinister smirk but a genuine, happy smile, as if she was happy to see her. Scootaloo felt a warmth come about her as well.

“I'm sorry for hurting you Diamond, I should have just been the better filly and ignored you....but you shouldn't have said those things to Apple Bloom.”

“Scootaloo!” Rarity barked.

“No it's okay Mrs.” Diamond replied.  “I'm sorry too Scootaloo...I....” She trailed off, unsure as of what to say.

“Well clearly, some form of punishment must be rendered for the injury of my little princess.” Filthy spoke.

“No really Daddy it's fine.” Diamond added, albeit shakiness in her voice. Her eyes went wide as she registered what she had just said.

“I beg your pardon sweetheart but she assaulted you, that brute attacked you!” Mr Rich was startled by his daughters willingness to forgive this filly.

“Certainly something must be done.” Rarity agreed, also slightly surprised by how both of the fillies were acting right now.

“I hate to rush you but recess is almost over.” Cheerilee said, “Perhaps we can continue this after school if you'd like?”

“No,” Mr. Rich began as he stood up, “It's quite alright, I suppose I will be taking Diamond home for the day, Mrs Rarity, perhaps you can come to my residence later this evening and we can mitigate this issue?”

“Fine by me.” Rarity answered. “Scootaloo you're coming home as well.”

Both fillies were escorted out, before they parted ways on the way into town, they stared at each-other one last time, a whole new feeling emerged, though neither could decide what it was just yet.