Of Apples and Oranges, Diamonds and Darkness.

Apple Bloom had been trying her best to sleep, though she was still upset from what happened at school earlier that day, the many attempts by Twilight and Spike to comfort her proved to fail. The two housemates were fast asleep, Spike's snoring pronounced.

She lay on her bed staring at the ceiling. She worried about Scootaloo and hoped she hadn't gotten in too much trouble, she even worried about Diamond Tiara: Scootaloo was rather pissed and since their adventures abroad, she had seen that pegasus at her worst, her most brutal, she knew better than to dare cross her bad side again. Not that she couldn't hold her own, she had Scootaloo in terms of size and resilience but Scootaloo was relentless, small she may be but she would not let up until she was finished making her point.

Though, that was an interesting point. Why did she go easy on Diamond Tiara?  Certainly she didn't when Spike had commuted his horrible act, surely she didn't when Sweetie Belle crossed the line, so why was their least favorite mate spared? She could not answer any of that as she didn't know. As that realization was understood, the filly began to finally drift into sleep.

Though it wasn't long before she woke up, in a different place. This place appeared to be a clearing, in an eerily red-tinted woodlands, the only light, amber in color trickled through the sharp and menacing trees, the intensity of the light causing the outlines of the trees to bleed into the sky. Apple Bloom could feel the air, it was heavy and it was horrifyingly warm and humid. She had never roamed a climate like this before. Her fur was soaked, the cause unknown through her relentless perpseration that added that much more weight to her being was likely the culprit.

She could not hear, that is until she tried to move; she couldn't. Her hoof refused to respond to the command her brain provided, though her heart began beating rapidly, erratically, she could hear and feel it, as if a large drum was situated in her chest and was being smashed on with all force pony kind could muster.  Then, she heard something else...

“Aaaapppple Blooom~”  It was hollow, it was distant, but enough to send a brisk, stinging chill down her spine.

“Aaaappppleee Bloooommm~”  It was now somehow behind her, as it faded to silence it sounded as if it was shifting from left to right.

“Apple Bloom~” This time it was louder, quadrophonic in nature as it circled her, never showing its speaker.

Then, the trees began to rustle in a wind she could not feel nor hear, it was a violent system, errand branches and leaves were everywhere. Then, she saw two silhouettes at the edge of the clearing before her. Her subconscious was more than aware of who they were, though her mind violently refused to believe such things.

They were supposed to be dead.

The two came closer, their features becoming visible: Her brother looked normal, albeit the rope he hung himself with was now worn like a collar, same with his sister though she had something else, a bull-whip and a ball-and-chain anchored to her right hind-hoof. The rattling sound of the chain was rustic and cold.

Apple Bloom screamed, though no sound existed and no evidence of her cry occurred other then the sickening rush of prickly cold air that surged into her.

Applejack's stetson was over her eyes and Big Mac's mane was combed over his eyes. A sinister, stained grin crept onto Applejack's face.

“Ah heard what y'all said 'bout me.”  She hissed.

Next thing Apple Bloom knew, she fealt a sharp, concentrated pain on her flank, she could feel blood but still could not move.

Applejack took one menacing pace closer.

“Y'all thought you were gonna do us in you good fer nothin' varmin?”

Another sharp pain, this time on her back.

“Ya fergot somethin' Sugarcube.” AJ hissed as she spoke into the filly's ear:

“Not even God can corral this feisty son-of-a-bitch.”

Apple Bloom was in the air, sent through the incredible force of two hooves slamming into her face. She landed in what appeared to be mud though she had no way save for sight to know for sure. Oddly the pain of before has simply vanished as did the wounds, though now she felt ill in the stomach. That illness made itself known as she purged. Not too long after a powerful hoof stomped her somach, the cracking of her bones, the indescribable pain was unbearable as her breath grew short and difficult. Then came the whip again, this time on the face. She could do nothing to defend herself.

“Y'all are gonna apologize to Ma fer what ya done.” ApppleJack droned.

“Send her away Big Mac” She turned to her brother.

“Eeeeyup” He replied as he made his move.

Then, came a large red hoof, straight to her face at an immense speed.

“Apple Bloom!”  Came a new distant, frightened voice.

As she came to, she could see she was still in bed, Twilight was shaking her. As soon as the unciron noticed the filly had her eyes open her panicked eyes turned to concern.

“Apple Bloom, are you alright?” Spike asked, holding a rag for some reason. From what she could see of it, the way he was holding it, she was sure of what it was.

“No.”  Apple Bloom meekly whimpered as Twilight scooped the filly close to her, cradling the sobbing child as she let a cascade of tears flow from her eyes, still in a complete state of shock and fear like she had never known before.

Sweetie Belle's abrupt awakening was far less traumatic. Instead of escaping from a terrible nightmare, she was pushed off the bed by a sleeping pegasus that seemed to unconsciously steal the blankets and hog the bed.

Since Scootaloo was to move in with Rainbow Dash her things had been moved up shortly after they had returned, though now that she was still at the boutique she slept in Sweetie Belle's room. This was fine and dandy, pardon the days Sweetie Belle visited.

The unicorn was in no mood to be pushed.

“Scootaloo!”  She whispered. “Scootaloo, wake up!”

The filly in question stirred for a second, only to turn back towards her pillow.

Sweetie wasn't having this. She hopped onto the bed and shoved Scootaloo. She had meant to nudge her over but her anger put some extra energy into that push and sent the flightless filly tumbling onto the floor.

As Sweetie Belle poked her head over the side of the bed she could see a very irritated Scootaloo looking daggers up at her.

“What was that all about?” The pegasus grimaced. “Can't share your bed?”

Sweetie Belle had to laugh at this, “Scootaloo, you pushed me off the bed in your sleep and you have the blankets! That's not fair this is my bed!”

“I'm pretty sure I let you sleep in my bed when you were scared at night.” Scootaloo  reminded her as she got up on her fours. Shaking herself to get the dust off her fur.

“But I'm pretty sure I didn't move around like crazy and be a serious bed-hog!” Sweetie Belle replied.

Scootaloo said nothing, tossed the blankets onto the bed and laid down on the floor, curled up in a ball.

Sweetie was quiet as well, gingerly spreading the blanket over her bead, fluffing her pillows and lying down again. Though, noticing she was alone after a few minutes she crawled to the other side and poked her head from under the covers.

“Scootaloo.”  She hissed.

“Now what?” Scootaloo barked.

“Get up here.” Sweetie Belle smiled.

Without another word, Scootaloo hopped on the bed and got comfortable on her side of the bed.

“I'll try not to push you this time.” Scootaloo mumbled.

Sweetie Belle grinned.

They didn't get much in the way of sleep as it wasn't much later when Rarity woke them both for breakfast.

Tired and sore, they both sulked downstairs. Rarity had prepared the usual: Hash-browns, milk, cereal, and eggs (Again, 'borrowed' from Fluttershy).

As they ate, Rarity went over the plans for this morning.

“Sweetie Belle as it is the weekend you are free to do as you wish of course,” she began between sips of coffee, “However, Scootaloo, you know that we have to do that thing today,”

“Thing?” Scootaloo was far from awake.

“It's part of your punishment remember? Mr Rich and I came to the agreement you and Diamond Tiara should study together. You both seem to be falling behind on your schoolwork.”

Scootaloo was awake now,.  “What, study?  With her? But I hate her!”

“We don't hate anyone Scootaloo.” Rarity scolded, “Besides, it is far better than some of the ideas I had in mind. I don't think you would be to keen on cleaning their house or assisting their butlers now would you?”

Scootaloo simply resumed eating her food, albeit with a slight gnashing added to her chewing. She was not looking forward to any of this.

“Ooh! A study group! Can I come?” Sweetie Belle asked half-serious.

“Of course not dearie.” Rarity answered, “This is for Scootaloo behaving badly. As I said, why don’t you see what Apple Bloom has planned for the day? Perhaps you two can go play.”

Sweetie Belle finished her breakfast, put away her dishes, hugged Scootaloo and was on her way to go enjoy her weekend. Scootaloo groaned as she realized that she would be on her way to a horrible day at best.

“You need to hurry upstairs and freshen up young lady.” Rarity said, “You simply cannot stay at their house in such a rancid state.”

“You're implying I want to.” Scootaloo glared at the mare.

“Now.” Rarity growled. Scootaloo slowly made her way to the bathroom to wash up.

Scootaloo wanted a half-hour shower but wasn't getting one. Rarity pulled her out and soon after aggressively drying her off they were en route to the Rich Estate.  Rarity staying behind Scootaloo to make sure she didn't try to flee or deviate.

Once they arrived they were instantly let in through the initial gate by one of the servants, it appeared from the way things were laid out in the foyer, that they were expected.

“Ah good to see you again Miss Rarity!” Came Mr Rich with Diamond Tiara pouting right behind him.

“The feeling is mutual Mister Rich.” Rarity smiled. Formalities aside it was time to get to business.

“I suppose you have this handled now?” She asked. Scootaloo's eyes went wide.

“Of course ma'm, she will be needing to go at around three in the afternoon as we have company.” Mr Rich answered.

“Three?” Scootaloo whined, “That's a whole six hours!”

“Indeed it is sweety.” Rarity chuckled as she nuzzled Scootaloo and made her way out. Before the filly could object the unicorn was gone. Now she stared at Mr Rich.

“Princess, why don't you show our guest to your room, you two are going to be needing to get started on your studies if you expect to have any gain within six hours.”

“Yes Daddy.” Diamond Tiara huffed as she trotted upstairs; Scootaloo trailing behind her.

Scootaloo took in the scenery about her. The house was massive, vacernus hallways line with shimmering granite flooring and pristine painted walls, illuminated courtesy artsy and expensive chandeliers. The hallway she was headed down now was no different.

They finally made it to her room which, past it's white, artsy door, was a large circular room with a massive window which could see, above some shrubbery and trees, the main stretch of Ponyville. The top of Town Square and Twilight's Treehouse could be seen.

“Will you two be needing anything ma'm?” One of Diamond's stewards asked through the door.

“We will be needing some snacks yes, as well as some quills and paper. Daddy already brought the books inside.”

“Yes Miss, right away.” And with that the steward was gone.

It was awkward silence as neither looked at each other. They had not set eyes on the other since they had left the school that day. Both fearing that unnamed feeling would come about. The silence continued as the snacks were brought in: assorted cheese and crackers with carrots and dip. Finally after awhile, Tiara decided to break the silence.

“We should probably get this over with hm?”  Her voice seemed oddly normal, it didn't have that bratty undertone it usually did. Scootaloo let her guard down and turned to sit at a small table situated in the center of Diamond Tiara's room. They then saw each other again. That same odd pause coming over both. When they finally broke focus they saw the books and list Cheerilee had made for them. It looked to be two months worth of 'missed work' along with some reading.

It was going to be a long morning.