It's been five years since the CMC began, and many things have changed. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom are attending an Academy, and everything is more or less normal. Little do they know the dark forces that lurk close.
It's five years in the future, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders have changed a lot over the years. Sweetie Belle is living with Rarity while her parents are traveling abroad. Apple Bloom is working her hardest to keep her family and farm from falling apart. Scootaloo now lives with Rainbow Dash ever since the tragedy that happened one year ago. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom both attend the Ponyville Academy of Higher Learning.
But strange things are occurring at this institution of knowledge. Diamond Tiara is worse that ever (no surprise there), and a certain teacher seems to despise them.
Little do they know the dark forces that lurk close.
***
Flagged as teen due to some non-child friendly fight content.
A groggy Sweetie Belle looked distastefully at her alarm clock, which was now ringing violently, threatening to jump off her bedside table. Using her magic, Sweetie threw the clock across her room, slamming right onto a forgotten poster of DJ pon-3, adding yet another tear to the ancient sheet of paper. The ear-shattering ringing stopped.
Finally, Sweetie thought. Now, where was I... But before she could drift back to dreamland, a violet-maned unicorn burst through the door.
"Sweetie Belle, you simply must get up, it's your first day, remember?"
Groan... thought Sweetie Belle, before using her magic to throw a pillow at her sister. "SLEEEP..." Sweetie moaned, rather arrogantly. "SLEEEP..."
"Sweetie Belle, if you aren't at the breakfast table in 5 minutes, then I swear, I will PERSONALLY drag you to the school with my bare hooves. Understand?" Rarity's lecture was rewarded with a pillow to the face.
"Oooooh...", seethed Rarity, "That filly...." as she stomped angrily to the kitchen. Sweetie looked up. She's gone. thought Sweetie Belle, easing herself back into her comforter. But try as she might, she couldn't fall back asleep. "Oh, screw it all!" Sweetie mumbled, as she tromped out of bed. "May as well get up, got nothing better to do." She walked grudgingly over towards her vanity. Sweet Celestia, was her mane a wreck. And she could go shopping with the bags under her eyes. Using her magic, Sweetie brushed her mane and tail, applied her makeup, and filled her saddlebags with the textbooks she had been assigned that year. She looked in the mirror of her vanity.
Perfect.
"SWEETIE BELLE! DON"T MAKE ME COME UP THERE!!!!!"
Great. Just Great.
"What?! I'm coming!!" Sweetie shouted. She clopped down the stairs, finding Rarity levitating a stack of pancakes on her place setting, complete with garnish. Sweetie Belle sat down and began shoveling the food into her mouth as if she hadn't eaten in days. Her plate was suddenly whisked away.
"Young Mare, you will remember your manners, especially when you are eating in the company of another!"
"Yeah, whatever." was Sweetie's blunt reply, but regretting it after she saw Rarity's face began to turn scarlet with rage. To Sweetie's surprise, however, was that the redness was toning down to a faint coral, and her sister was speaking calmly to Sweetie, choosing her words carefully. "Sweetie, darling, I believe that I need to tell you something that, frankly, I don't believe you'll like very much." Sweetie Belle stopped gulping down her orange juice to stare at Rarity.
Silence.
Very uncomfortable silence.
"Rarity...."
"Yes, darling?"
"Did you sign me up for the classical music course again?" Her voice was deathly serious. Rarity knew that Sweetie Belle had hated the classes Octavia taught at the academy.
"That's not what I wanted to tell you, darling."
"Then WHAT?!!?"
"Sweetie Belle, dear, I'm quite afraid that your friend Scootaloo will not be attending this year."
"What? WHY?"
"Well... I'm not completely sure myself, dear. All I know is that it has something to do with her mother's... loss."
"Oh... that..." Sweetie Belle then went quiet, staring at the polished wood table.
"And Sweetie, darling..." Rarity said, pausing for a moment.
"What?" Sweetie's voice sounded rather exasperated, as if daring Rarity to deliver anymore bad news.
"I hope you like the Voice lessons at the academy."
Sweetie galloped out of the Boutique, an irreversible grin spread across her face.
At least she stopped whining about it. thought Rarity as she cleared Sweetie Belle's place.
***
Sweetie Belle was walking on air as she trotted to Sweet Apple Acres. I can't believe it! She finally signed the permission slip! thought Sweetie happily. This is the best day of my life! Her joy was so great, that Sweetie didn't realize that she was dancing.
In the middle of Main Street.
WHERE EVERYPONY COULD SEE HER.
However, she was snapped out of her daze when a bright orange pegasus with a pair of mechanical wings slammed on top of her for a crash landing. "Hey, watch where your- Scoots? What are you doing here?" Scootaloo stood up and brushed herself off, then looked at Sweetie. Her expression, thought Sweetie Belle. Why is it changing? For Scootaloo was acting very strangely. At first she seemed shocked, then guilty.
At last, she finally managed a weak smile. "Oh! Uh...Hey, Belle! What's up?" asked Scootaloo, nervously. But before Sweetie Belle could answer, she was interrupted by a swift reply from Scootaloo. "Well, gotta go! Things to do, ponies to see! Heheheh... Bye!"
But before she could zoom off, Sweetie grabbed hold of Scootaloo's tail with her magic. "Scootaloo! What is wrong with you today? Why are you acting so... weird?!" Sweetie Belle levitated Scootaloo to the ground. "Fess up, Scootaloo. Tell me EXACTLY what is going on."
An awkward silence resulted.
"WELL?!" said Sweetie, bitterly. "Talk!"
Scootaloo sighed. "Do you really want to know?"
"YES!"
"Fine... you remember the... accident, right?"
"Uh huh..." said Sweetie Belle, suspiciously. "What about it?"
"Well... ever since then, I've been helping out Rainbow Dash a lot, and she's teaching me how to be a good weather helper. And last week, she..." Scootaloo trailed off after that.
"What? Scootaloo, just tell me!"
"Rainbow Dash offered me a job, okay!" choked Scootaloo. "And I accepted!"
"Scoots, that's great! Isn't that, like, what you've always wanted? To work alongside Rainbow Dash?... Scoots? Are you okay?" For Scootaloo had gone silent, her eyes brimming with tears. "Sc -Scoots?"
Scootaloo muttered something indecipherable. "Sorry, didn't catch that. What did you say?" asked Sweetie Belle.
"I said I dropped out, okay?!!" Scootaloo roared. " I couldn't stand it there! The kids were jerks, everypony thought I just plain dumb, a-and it would only remind me of..." Scootaloo choked out, unable to say those last words.
"Oh..." mumbled Sweetie, remembering her conversation with Rarity.
"I-I have to go, okay?" said Scootaloo, suppressing tears. "I'll see you around, Sweetie Belle." But before Sweetie could answer, Scootaloo zoomed off, nothing but an orange dot in the clouds. And this time, Sweetie didn't try to stop her.
As Sweetie Belle ambled towards Sweet Apple Acres, she tried to collect her thoughts about the previous events with Scootaloo.
Why? Sweetie thought, Why did she want to drop out? And in our sophomore year, too... Then Sweetie recounted the tearful words Scootaloo had said.
The kids where jerks, everypony thought I just plain dumb, and it would only remind me of...
But still, why would she... However, before she could linger on their conversation any longer, a series of thundering bangs filled the air around her, causing her ears to ache.
Apple Bloom, Sweetie thought. What are you up to this time?
Sweetie found out only moments later, after she teleported herself to the source of the commotion. There she found Apple Bloom at the left side of the aging barn, struggling to keep the side from tumbling over, while at the same time, managing to tap in one or two nails. Beads of sweat were rolling down her face in currents, only adding to her strained expression. She looked as if she was about to collapse in fatigue.
"Apple Bloom! Be careful!" Sweetie shouted, breaking Apple Bloom's concentration. "What?" answered Bloom, turning her face towards Sweetie Belle. The barn wall slipped from Apple Bloom's grasp, and plunged towards the ground, right where Apple Bloom was standing.
"Look out!!" screamed Sweetie. Apple Bloom turned, saw the wall falling, and then braced herself for the impact. But it never came. Sweetie Belle had grappled the barn wall with her magic, lifting it back into place. Apple Bloom was slouched over, breathing heavily. "Th-thanks..." panted Bloom, perspiration dripping onto the grass.
"No prob." Sweetie replied, hammering the wall back in place with her magic. After the wall was repaired, Sweetie Belle helped Apple Bloom up.
"Y'know, you really shouldn't be doing this alone, Apple Bloom. You could've gotten really hurt if I hadn't come." said Sweetie Belle.
"Ah know" said Apple Bloom, wiping off her damp forehead. "But Big Mac's away on business, Applejack's inside with the bills, and, well... you know how Granny is these days."
"No excuse Apple Bloom. C'mon, let's go inside." The two trotted inside the ancient farmhouse. Sweetie took one look at the tarnished kitchen clock and let out a yelp.
"Omigosh, Apple Bloom! Go get your saddlebags! Class starts in 5 MINUTES!!!"
***
Two minutes later, the duo found themselves racing down the Ponyville dirt roads, much to the discomfort of nearby bystanders. At last, they reached the doors of the school, which was bearing a banner with gold letters over the doors, reading:
The Ponyville Academy of Higher Learning
Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom banged through the doors, and rocketed down the hallways to the Auditorium, where, to their relief, students were still being seated. "Thank Celestia!" Sweetie mumbled, sliding into her seat just as the bell rang, and the students went silent.
Onto the stage walked a bespectacled lavender alicorn, carrying a clipboard and stopping at the podium placed directly in front of the audience. She cleared her throat, then began her speech.
"Good Morning, students. As many of you already know, my name is Headmistress Sparkle, or, if you wish, simply Headmistress."
"Today is the start of a new year of learning. Now, I think that most of you have heard me say this before, but," She gave a little chuckle. "Friendship is, in fact, Magic. But through my years as Headmistress and founder of this school, I have found a new theory: That knowledge is also magic."
"Those who know me personally know that I love and relish in any and all types of knowledge, even going to the point of obsessing over it, according to my friends. I'm not saying that you should obsess over attaining more knowledge, only that you should love and enjoy all knowledge you come to receive. Learning is a beautiful thing, and you should come to love and embrace it."
"But learning is also a privilege, not a right. Those certain individuals who break the rules will not be welcome to remain at this school for long. These mandatory regulations can be found in the Academy Handbook. Nevertheless, I would like to go over some certain unwritten guidelines that, in my opinion, should be basic common sense."
"Just a few of these unwritten standards are of the following: Courtesy, Respect, and Accountability. To some of you, these three words may mean nothing. If that is so, then you have quite a bit to learn, and I'm not talking about English and Arithmetic."
"The word 'Courtesy' means that just showing common politeness towards your friends and classmates. That mean that rudeness, swearing, and bullying will not be tolerated and could potentially get you and others involved suspended."
" 'Respect' simply means to respect other ponies and their property. As in, if you are teasing another pony or toying with their property without their explicit permission, then that is not permitted. Anypony to be caught doing such things will be in serious trouble."
"And finally, we have come to 'Accountability'. From what I have seen from you students and others before you, this is by far the toughest rule to follow. The way to be accountable is simple, but the same time, near impossible. If you have done something wrong, and you know it is against the rules, the right thing to do is to apologize to the pony or ponies you hurt, and if it is very serious, then turn yourself in. The punishment will not be nearly as severe if you admit to your wrongdoings."
"I believe that I have said all that I need to say, other than this: Class Dismissed."
Twilight then walked off the stage, clipboard floating behind her.
Scootaloo looked down for a moment from her work in the clouds. Ponyville civilians were going about their daily routine, going to market, chatting with friends, looking very annoyed... Wait, what?! thought Scootaloo, poking her head out of the fluffy white cloud she was supposed to be clearing away. Looking down, she saw running frantically, a small yellow earth pony, accompanied by a snow-white unicorn. Is it? Scootaloo thought. No, it couldn't be... but then why are they running into the Academ...
Scootaloo stopped herself before she could linger anymore on the subject.
No. Don't think. Just do. Don't remember it...
Remember...
***
Everything had been perfect. She had been spending the day with Rainbow Dash, perfecting her scooter technique and racing with her idol, scooter to wings. Rainbow even offered to help her finish constructing the mechanical wings that Scoots had been working on for months. Scootaloo couldn't ever remember a time when she was happier.
But it was too good to be true.
On their way home, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo passed by the joke store. Rainbow told her that she needed to pick up a few prank items, and that she could wait out front for her. Down the street, Scootaloo noticed a rather shady looking unicorn stallion wearing a vest walk into Sugar Cube Corner. Remembering her mother's promise that morning to pick up a Cloud Cake later, Scootaloo drifted over to the shop, knowing Rainbow wouldn't mind if she just poked around.
Sure enough, Scootaloo's mother was waiting in line to order, right between Lily Valley, Pina Coloada, and Cherry Berry. Scootaloo waved to her, then turned to drool over some particularly delicious-looking cupcakes. In the corner of her her eye, however, the pony she had seen earlier seemed to be taking something out of his vest. Curious, Scootaloo stepped a little closer.
"May I help you, sir?" asked Mr. Cake.
"Hand over the cash register."
Mr. Cake looked surprised. "E-Excuse me?"
"I said, hand over the cash register. Now."
"Um, I can't do that, sir."
"Do it or I pump everyone here full of lead."
Scootaloo froze. What's happening? she thought. The stallion held up what appeared to be a long metal object in his aura.
I've heard of these... thought Scootaloo, stepping back. At school they called them 'guns'. They said that they can kill a pony in just one shot!
"Sir, what are you..."
"HAND IT OVER, NOW!" screamed the stallion, his face contorting furiously. Everyone in the shop jumped. When they saw the gun, several tried to make a break for the door.
"Anypony tries to leave, I shoot!" he yelled, slamming a table in front of the door with his magic. "Now hand over the cash register!"
"Cupcake, go get Pound and Pumpkin and take them up to the attic. Hurry." Mr. Cake whispered to his wife. She nodded, racing upstairs.
"Here, take the register, but please, don't hurt anypony!" pleaded Mr. Cake, opening the cash register and emptying the contents, then running upstairs to his family. The stallion took out a bag from his vest and poured each gold coin and gem into it without a word. When the register was empty, he turned to the patrons, pointing the gun towards them.
"Anything of value on you, fork it over!" he bellowed. The ponies around quickly began emptying their saddle bags, all except for Lily Valley, who had run to the windows, screaming at the top of her lungs for help. Scootaloo shut her eyes just before she heard the deafening gunshot.
Ears ringing, Scootaloo opened her eyes and nearly fainted at the sight of Lily's dead body, a pool of dark red blood quickly growing. She felt the bile building up in her stomach, and before she knew it she had vomited all over the floor.
"Didn't think I was serious, huh?" sneered the stallion. "I'll say it one last time- anything of value you have, fork it over."
This time everyone obeyed. Soon, the floor was covered in wallets, bits, and little accessories. The stallion quickly scraped it all into his bag, then slung it over his shoulder.
"Good." he said. "Now I'll just be on my way."
He was about to take the back exit when the table in front of the door flew to the side, narrowly missing Pina Coloada. Rainbow Dash burst through the door, ready for a fight.
"Leave-these-ponies-ALONE!!!" she yelled, furious. Rainbow charged and the stallion, panicked, shot the gun yet again. In the corner, Cherry Berry shrieked in pain.
"My LEG!" she wailed, her back-left leg gushing blood. "AAAAAHOOOOOOOWW..."
The stallion was in a frenzy, shooting bullets left and right. A bullet shot through the window, shattered glass raining onto the floor. Scootaloo saw a few of the townsfolk running in to try and help; several were shot.
Scootaloo was frozen in fear. What if he shoots me next? she thought frantically. What if he shoots Mom or Rainbow Dash?
Her thoughts were now turned to her mother. Knowing that Rainbow could handle herself, Scootaloo darted across the shop, staying low. "Mom!" she called out. "MOM!"
"Kid, you've gotta get outta here!" said Rainbow, trying to wrench the gun out of the stallion's aura. "Leave, I mean it!"
"My mom is in here!" she cried. "Please Rainbow, I have to find her!"
"Kid, I'm not gonna let you die in here! NOW, GET OUT!"
"No!" shouted Scootaloo. "I'm not leaving without my mom!"
The stallion was shooting more every minute. Bullets ricocheted off the walls, breaking windows or striking ponies. The ear-piercing shrieks suffocated Scootaloo, making it almost impossible to concentrate.
Finally she found her. Underneath an upturned table lay her mother, her pinkish mauve mane darkened with blood. The gun had shot her right in the head; she never had a chance.
"No..." said Scootaloo under her breath. "No, no, no, no, no! Not mom, not mom, anyone but mom!" Everything seemed to go fuzzy, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Scootaloo threw herself over her mother's corpse, not caring that she was wet with blood. In the background, she could hear a police officer bursting into the room yelling at the stallion to give himself up. She turned to see the stallion pointing his gun straight at her, ready to shoot.
"NOT MY SISTER, YOU JERK!!!!"
Rainbow charged, grabbing the stallion by the leg and hurling him across the room at the only window that wasn't completely destroyed. The stallion and window collided, fragments of glass raining down on Scootaloo. A large piece crashed onto Scootaloo's head, and everything went black.
***
The flashback changed, shifting to her parent's funeral. The pegasai had provided a cold, overcast day in honor of the funeral. Scootaloo was dressed in black, standing next to Rainbow Dash over her mother's coffin.
"Dearly beloved, we meet here today to honor and pay tribute to the life's of Lily Valley, Pina Coloada, Dizzy Twister, Comet Tail, and others who lost their lives at Sugar Cube Corner last Saturday. These pony's lives were taken from them unfairly. Some, like Comet Tail, died trying to help those in danger. Others, like Pina Coloada and Dizzy Twister, were simply bystanders forced to pay the price of another pony's choice. All were cherished in this life, and will be deeply missed by their loved ones."
Scootaloo wasn't listening. All she could process was that her mother was gone, dead. Lying in an ebony coffin, to be lowered into the earth. The cold, hard earth...
Her vision was blurred with tears. As the pastor finished his speech and blessing, he gestured to each of the victim's loved ones to close the coffins, to finish the job. Scootaloo looked up at Rainbow Dash, who simply nodded for her to go.
As Scootaloo stepped forward, her hoof reaching towards the lid her mother's coffin, she had to force herself not burst into the tears she had been holding back since she had woken up in the hospital.
But when Scootaloo closed the lid, hearing the small click of the lock, she realized that she, herself, had officially locked her mother out of her life. Never again would she hear her mother's jovial voice, or surprise with an 'A' on a test paper. Never again would she smile at her, say she loved her, then would pull her into a warm embrace.
Have I been a good filly? thought Scootaloo. I know that maybe I acted rudely sometimes... She tried so hard to be a good mom, but did I ever thank her? When did I ever tell her that I loved her?
As she thought about all this, the dam holding her tears was finally broken, releasing all the emotion she had kept inside for so long.
"Mommy!" she cried, sinking to her knees in despair. "Please, Mommy, wake up! WAKE UP!"
Her outburst triggered a break in the solemn mood of the funeral-goers, who all began began to cry over their lost loved ones. Daisy and Rose threw themselves over Lily's coffin, blubbering loudly, and Pina Coloada's parents and brother had to be led away because of the scene they were making. But Scootaloo didn't care. All that she could think was that somehow, if she begged hard enough, her mother might be able to come back. She rattled the lid of the coffin desperately, rain and tears cascading down her face.
"Mommy, please, wake up! Wake up!"
Wake up...
***
"Come on, kid, wake up! SNAP OUT OF IT!!"
A cyan pegasus stood over her, gently slapping Scootaloo's face with her hoof, telling her to get up. Suddenly, Scootaloo jolted forward, nearly knocking into Rainbow Dash.
"It's happening! It's happening again!! Make it stop, please,make it stop..."
"It's okay, Scoots, it's okay... it didn't happen... nothing happened..." Rainbow held Scootaloo, allowing her to sob all over her shoulder.
I am? thought Scootaloo, looking around. It appeared as though Rainbow had taken Scootaloo to her home in the clouds.
"Rainbow Dash, did you-"
"Yeah, I did. And you gave me a pretty bad scare up there, Scoots. After you blacked out, you fell off the cloud you were on. Lucky for you that I looked over there when you fell, or else you definitely wouldn't have been so lucky."
"Th-thank you..." sniffed Scootaloo, looking into Rainbow's deep fuchsia eyes.
"No problem, little sis. Just... don't do it again, okay?"
"Okay, Rainbow Dash. But..." Scootaloo began to choke up again, her eyes like faucets waiting to be turned on, to let her emotions flow free.
"Yeah, kid?"
"(sniff) W-why did she have to die? Why my mom?"
"Well... I'm really not sure, Scoots. These things just have to happen, I guess."
"But why to her? Why could't pony have shot some other kid's mom?" As soon as the words left her mouth, Scootaloo wished to take them back.
Rainbow's face hardened. "Listen, Scootaloo. What you just said is not okay. Just because you're going through this, that doesn't mean that another kid deserves to. Got that?"
But when Rainbow Dash looked down on Scootaloo's guilty face, her eyes streaming with tears, Rainbow's heart melted, causing her to pull Scootaloo back into a tight embrace.
"It's okay, kid... let it out... let it all out..."
So Scootaloo did, sobbing on Rainbow Dash's shoulder. Rainbow soon followed suit, weeping softly onto Scootaloo's cheek.
"That was a pretty good speech, huh, Sweetie Belle?"
Sweetie's head jerked upward, revealing a once-thoughtful expression. "What? Uh... Oh yeah! The speech! It was... okay, I guess." Then she emerged back into the deep thought that she was in before. At first, Apple Bloom looked suspiciously towards Sweetie, but she shrugged it off, thinking it was nothing.
Apple Bloom continued to chatter on as she and Sweetie Belle walked towards the the front desk to pick up their class schedules. When they finally came to the desk, they were greeted by a off-white unicorn with an orange, poodle-like mane typing away on her typewriter, a recent pony invention. The mare was so involved with her work of writing and transporting memos, she didn't notice the girls until Apple Bloom cleared her throat in an unmistakable manner. "Oh!" cried the unicorn, jerking her head upward. "Sorry, dears. Didn't notice you there. What can I do for you?"
"Um, how about giving us our class schedules?" Sweetie asked in a rather arrogant manner.
"Oh! Yes... one moment..." the mare bent down to her file cabinet, rummaging through all sorts of junk in that manner.
After a time, the mare shot up again, but this time with two small envelopes encased in her aura. "Here you go, dears." She handed Sweetie and Apple Bloom the envelopes.
"Thank ya kindly, ma'm." said Apple Bloom.
"Anytime, girls."
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle trotted away, continuing to talk. They were so engrossed by their conversation, they didn't notice a certain pink earth pony and her silver-maned companion sashaying in their direction, a malicious grin on the pink one's face.
"Well HEY, losers." said Diamond Tiara. "Long time, no see."
***
Apple Bloom stormed down the hall to her first class of the day, Sweetie Belle trotting along to keep up.
"Bloom, what was that all about?" asked Sweetie, an imploring expression residing on her face.
Apple Bloom pressed forward, forcing back tears of anger. She had never received such horrible treatment from anyone, verbal or physical, before Diamond Tiara came along. Even now, a whole five years after the Cute-ceañera where it all began, Diamond was still causing her to regret her very existence.
Apple Bloom looked up into Sweetie's light green eyes, her own orange ones glittering with angry tears.
"Sweetie Belle...ya jus' don't understand." fumed Apple Bloom, looking as if she were about to erupt into flames.
"Oh yes I do, Apple Bloom." Sweetie replied huffily. "Those jerks made fun of me too, remember?"
Apple Bloom stared at the floor, incapable of answering.
"Apple Bloom..." Sweetie started. But just then, the bell rang, causing them to jump and instinctively canter towards their first class. Apple Bloom found this as a good excuse to change the subject.
"S-so..." she puffed, fruitlessly trying to catch her breath as she sprinted down the hall. "What's our next class?"
Sweetie Belle looked down at the two schedules encased in her aura. "huff, puff... um...Homeroom...Room 13C..."
Apple Bloom looked horrified. "But that's way up on the third floor, Sweetie!"
"I know," Sweetie panted. "That's why... I've been practicing... this trick that... Twilight taught me... it's called... group teleportation..."
Apple Bloom skidded to a halt. "What?! If that's so, Sweetie Belle, then try it! Now!!"
Sweetie Belle then stopped, walked towards Apple Bloom, and rested her horn on Apple Bloom's forehead. She muttered an incantation, screwing her face up in concentration. The aura on her horn sparked, then flickered, then finally ignited. A few more moments of furious muttering later, Apple Bloom felt a freezing trickle down her spine, and then one flash of blinding green light later, and they were in front of Room 13C. Apple Bloom was extremely dizzy, and felt rather nauseous, too.
"Sweetie Belle..." said Apple Bloom shakily. "Are you trying ta kill me?!"
Sweetie laughed. "Of course not. I got nauseous too on my first try at teleportation. You'll get used to it."
"Next time, let's jus' take the stairs."
Sweetie laughed, then glanced at the clock. She let out a yelp. "Apple Bloom! Enough chitchat! Class is starting in just two sec-"
They were interrupted by the deafening ring of the school bell.
"Oh, fer the love a..." grumbled Apple Bloom, grasping the knob of the door.
But when they opened it, Twenty-nine pairs of eyes pierced them as they burst through the door.
"Well, hello girls. How nice of you to join us." said a drolling voice from the front of the room. The mare it belonged to was a pegasus, bearing a light brown in color, with a yellowish brown mane tied in a low bun. on her face was a small, black-rimmed pair of spectacles, and the most bored expression Apple Bloom had ever seen.
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle stood in front of the door fixedly, unsure of what to do next.
"Well, aren't you going to sit down?" asked the mare. "There are some seats right over there."
Their teacher pointed to two empty seats in the middle of the classroom, right next to some certain filly's,one pink, one silver. the pink one, sitting on the right, was grinning an evil grin. A chill went down Apple Bloom's spine. No... thought Bloom, her heart beating wildly. Not them. Anypony but them.
"C'mon, Apple Bloom, sit down!" said Sweetie Belle in a hushed voice. "Everypony's staring at us!"
"Yes Apple Bloom", said Diamond, grinning wickedly. "Sit down. We wouldn't want to hold up the class". Next to her, Silver Spoon giggled nervously, looking anywhere but at Diamond Tiara.
Apple Bloom managed to walk shakily towards her seat, the one farthest away from Diamond.
"Apple Bloom, come sit next to me. (giggle) I won't bite!" But judging from the villainous look that Diamond was sending her, it seemed to Apple Bloom that that was exactly what she wanted to do.
Apple Bloom was staring at the chalkboard, waiting, wishing that class would end so that she and Sweetie Bell could escape the seemingly endless pokes and giggles from Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.
Suddenly, the bell rang and Homeroom was declared over, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle rocketed out of the classroom faster than should have been possible. Once they were a safe distance away from the whispers and snickers of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, they finally stopped to catch their breath.
"I-I think that we're far enough now..." said Apple Bloom, breathing heavily.
"Y-yeah.." Sweetie replied.
Once they had rested up a bit and each gotten some water from a nearby drinking fountain, they decided to trade schedules.
Class Schedule for Apple Bloom
Homeroom Rm 13C Ms. Droll Inkblot
Econ. 101 Rm 7B Mr. Digit Figure
Woodshop Rm 3A Mr. Timber Oak
Adv. Design Rm 5A Ms. Sketchy Pen
Lunch Cafeteria
Equestrian History Rm 13C Ms. Droll Inkblot
Intermediate Baking Rm 14A Ms. Bon Bon
Gym Gymnasium Coach Pigskin
Class Schedule for Sweetie Belle
Homeroom Rm 13C Ms. Droll Inkblot
Voice Rm 23A Miss Fluttershy
Econ. 101 Rm 7B Mr. Digit Figure
Adv. Magic Rm 11D Headmistress Sparkle
Lunch Cafeteria
Equestrian History Rm 13C Ms. Droll Inkblot
Contemporary Music Rm 9A Miss Vinyl Scratch
Intermediate Choreography Rm 12A Ms. Two-Step
"Cool! So we got some classes together!" said Apple Bloom. "Lunch, Homeroom, and History!"
"Speaking of classes, we'd better get to ours." said Sweetie Belle, looking over at the clock. "We're gonna be late again!"
They exchanged goodbyes, then each rushed off to their classes.
***
And thus began one of the worst first-day-of-schools Apple Bloom had ever experienced.
Much to her dismay,(and a certain somepony's delight) she discovered that she shared not just one, but four classes with Diamond Tiara- Homeroom, Econ.101, Equestrian History, and Lunch. (Silver Spoon wasn't in Econ. She had been moved up to the Adv. Algebra course.)
On the bright side, however, there were one or two things about the she (relatively) enjoyed about the day. Design, for example. Apple Bloom found that she was actually very gifted at the art of "creative expression" (plus it was fun.). And Lunch was okay, too. At least then she had Sweetie Belle to talk to, even though she knew that Diamond Tiara was gossiping about her only a couple of tables away.
And then there was the not-so-bright side.
Apple Bloom had never really been very good at math, so Econ.101 was a nightmare. Not to mention that her history teacher didn't even show up at all (they had the Vice-Principal come in and sub.). And Baking... oh, baking... Bon Bon looked as if she was going to faint when she saw Apple Bloom's disastrous attempt at brownies. But at least she wasn't screaming like Coach Pigskin during gym. His face was such a deep shade of crimson that Apple Bloom had mistaken his head for a red delicious.
All in all, thought Apple Bloom, panting as she trotted the extra lap around the school Coach had assigned her. Today really sucks.
Apple Bloom could hear the bell ringing from inside the school. She stopped running and began trudging towards the school doors.
"HEY, YOU!! KID WITH THE BOW!!! WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?!!?!!"
Apple Bloom stole one last, yearning glance at the doors and-
"HEY KID, YOU'RE NOT FINISHED YET!!!!!!!"
-sprinted away from Coach as fast as equinely possible.
"HEY!!! HEY!!!!!"
Success.
***
BRRRINNNGGG......
Through the gigantic wave of students, Apple Bloom managed to poke herself through the crowd and meet Sweetie Belle at the picnic tables. There she found Sweetie Belle holding hoofs with a brown earth pony colt wearing a rather strange looking beanie atop his reddish-brown mane. "Hey, Sweetie. Hey, Button Mash. What's up?"
"Oh! Uh, hey Apple Bloom!" replied a blushing Button Mash, glancing at Sweetie.
Apple Bloom rolled her eyes and sighed. "Oh, come off it, Button. Everypony knows that y'all are an item. Quit actin' like ya aren't."
Button Mash blushed, then looked down, grinning wildly.
Sweetie Belle smirked playfully, then grabbed him to steal a kiss on the lips.
After she let him go, Apple Bloom grabbed Sweetie's arm and yanked her away from her seat on the picnic table. "C'mon, lil' miss heartthrob. It's time ta go on home."
Sweetie Belle trotted after Apple Bloom, calling behind her, "Bye, Button! See you tomorrow!"
All Button Mash could do was sit there, beaming avidly and gazing at his sweetheart.
***
"Sweetie Belle, what do you see in him?"
Sweetie whirled around and stared suspiciously at Apple Bloom. "What do you mean, 'what do I see in him'?"
Apple Bloom sighed then said, "What I mean is, why are y'all so crazy about each other?"
The only reply that she got out of Sweetie was an awkward silence.
"Not that there's anything wrong with him," Apple Bloom said hurriedly. "It's jus'...."
"Just what?"
"...nuthin'. N'er mind I said anything."
Silence.
Very uncomfortable silence.
"So!" said Sweetie Belle as the Apple house came into view."How's Granny?"
"Oh, she's doing great." Bloom replied, glad for an excuse to get off the subject. "She's really beenn improvin' late-"
"THE CAKE IS A LIE!!!!! A LIE!!!!!!!!!!!"
Sweetie looked at Apple Bloom. "You were saying?"
But before Bloom could answer, more shouting came from the upstairs of the farm house.
"No, Granny, the cake is not a lie, it's your favorite, not to mention I slaved all afternoon o'er-Hey, HEY! YOU PUT THAT DOW-" *SPLAT*
"GRANNY! YOU GIT O'ER HER-"
"AIN'T NOPONY GOT TIME FER THAT!!!!!"
Apple Bloom watched as Granny opened the window "Oh no, not again... GRANNY, GET DOWN FROM THERE!!!!!"
Sweetie watched in horror as Granny belly flopped out the window ("I really should have worded that better", said an exasperated Apple Bloom.), and landed in a bale of hay that she later learned had been put there for that very reason.
Applejack popped her cake-splattered head out the open window and shouted at Granny, "Granny, why in Equestria did ya jus' jump out th' window?"
" 'Because I'm HAPPY...' "
Applejack turned towards Sweetie Belle, who was looking horror-struck at the scene she beheld.
"Sweetie Belle, why don't 'cha go on inside an' have a cookie or something. Granny will be all rounded up an' put in the loony bin real soon."
Sweetie went pale.
Applejack laughed. "Oh, I'm jus' pulling yer hoof, Sugarcube. (Hopefully...)"
"N-n-no thanks, A-applejack," Sweetie Belle stuttered, looking nervously towards Granny. "I-I think I'll just be going now..."
"Well, if that's how ya feel." shrugged Applejack.
"Oh, c'mon, Sweetie Belle! This is the best part!"
"Apple Bloom, you hush."
"Aw..."
Apple Bloom noticed that Sweetie was starting to back away slowly.
"Well, I guess I'll see ya tomorrow, Sweetie Belle." said Apple Bloom.
"OKSEEYOULATERBYE!!!!!"Sweetie squeaked, then ran off to the Carousel Boutique.
Applejack and Apple Bloom watched in confusion as Sweetie Belle ran off.
"Your friend Sweetie sure is an odd one." said Applejack.
"Not usually." said Bloom. "Dunno what got into her today. Couldn't be Granny. She's the sweetest old lady in Equestria!"
Sweetie Belle was trotting down Main Street, contemplating the scene she had just witnessed. What in the name of all things good and pure would possess Granny Smith jump out the window like a lunatic?! thought Sweetie.
Because she is a lunatic, dummy. (1)
Sweetie Belle pondered this as she continued to pad down the dirt road. But when the dirt road turned to glittering, multicolored quartz, she knew that she was at the newly renovated Carousel Boutique.(2) Sweetie strode down the glistening walkway and slipped in through the gem-studded doorway.
Sweetie Belle set down her saddlebags and took a seat next Rarity. "Hard day at work?"
"Like you wouldn't believe... (nom-nom-nom...)"
Sweetie Belle sighed and rolled her eyes. "What was it this time?"(3)
Rarity got up and stormed across the room to her dartboard.(4) Silently, she tacked up her Hoity Toity poster, then took a load of darts in her aura. Without warning, she gave a warrior-like scream, then began to fling darts towards the hated critic.
"Rarity! What are you doing?!"
"HOW-DARE-YOU-DESIGNS-NOT-TACKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Rarity's normally snowy white face was now a volcanic shade of red. Her expression was one of pure rage.
"Rarity, stop it! CALM DOWN!!! You're wrecking the room!!!" Rarity had run out of darts and had taken to grabbing whatever was nearest and hurling it at the dartboard.
C'mon, Sweetie Belle, think fast, think fast... thought Sweetie. You've got to find something to make her stop...
Then it hit her.
Magic. Of course! thought Sweetie Belle, her face lighting up in a grin. That day at school, during her Advanced Magic class, Twilight (5) had taught them a simple calming spell that would temporarily remove the target of all stress.(6)
Problem is, thought Sweetie Belle, Rarity's gotta stay still for me to cast the spell.(7)
Another spell came to mind. A paralysis charm might work...
Before Sweetie could change her mind, she reared back, concentrated, and cast.
It worked! Rarity collapsed as though made of stone. Her raging expression revealed that she had almost succeeded in impaling the dartboard with a poker.
Sweetie Belle walked over to where Rarity lay, and pressed the tip of her horn to Rarity's forehead. Sweetie's horn tip flickered, then produced a spark that dissolved itself into Rarity's skull. Sweetie Belle then performed the counter-charm to the paralysis spell, and Rarity seemingly came back to life.
"S-sweetie Belle? W-what did you do to me? One minute I'm furious, but now..."
"Rarity, just forget it."
***
"So Sweetie Belle, darling, tell me about your first day of school."
Rarity was chopping up some onions for soup, with Sweetie Belle next to her, making daisy sandwiches for the both of them. After Sweetie Belle had helped Rarity come to her senses after the dartboard incident, they had both gone into the kitchen to prepare dinner. Sweetie had already told about the Granny Smith scene (which Rarity found very alarming), and now Rarity was growing curious to what else had been going on that day.
"Eh, it was okay. The teachers were jerks, but other than that it was good."
Rarity looked a bit taken aback by this. "Why, Sweetie, whatever do you mean by the teachers were 'jerks'?"
"Some of the teachers were mean, some were super strict, and my dance teacher's name should have been Miss Peppy-Pants. But one of my teachers was really weird."
"How so, darling?"
"Well I have the same teacher for both Homeroom and History, and she seemed fine during first period, but when I got to history they said she'd called in sick so they had the Vice Principal take over."
"Who's the Vice Principal?"
"Spike."
(clatter)"WHAT?!!?"
Sweetie Belle looked at Rarity in surprise. "What's so surprising about that? Spike's good at his job, and Twilight trusts him."
"Yes, I suppose so..." said Rarity, picking up the spoon she had dropped with her magic. "But having my dear little spikey-wikey as the VICE PRINCIPAL of that enormous Academy... oh my, it's just so surprising. By the way, what did Spike do in class?"
"Oh, he just said 'Welcome to History, don't do anything stupid.' I guess that our real teacher will give us a better introduction."
"I'm sure that tomorrow she'll be in much better spirits so that she can do so."
"I guess..."
"Good. Now eat your soup."
"Whatever..."
***
What a day.
Twilight Sparkle sat at her desk, looking out the window from her office, positioned at the north tower of her Academy. Before her lay paperwork, endless piles of intense paperwork. Today had the 3rd first day of school for the relatively new Academy. Only three years before, Princess Celestia had granted her the means to build and run her own school. This had been a dream of Twilight's, ever since she had began to mentor the Cutie Mark Crusaders all those years ago.
Today had been rather unusual, even by first day of school standards. One of the lunch ladies quit after some students had "accidentally" bumped her into the dandelion casserole, so Twilight had to look for a replacement. The janitor was working overtime since somepony had barfed all over another student, causing a seemingly endless cycle of vomit between the two. And to top it all off, one of her teachers had called in sick that day right after lunch.
But it hadn't all been bad. Her speech was a success, after all. And Spike had done a pretty good job with teaching that one class that Miss Inkblot had dropped out of.
Although it did seem a bit odd that she would ask to go home early today of all days. After all, the only other time she'd ever called in sick was when some student had put some poison joke in her tea as a prank and her wings turned into octopus tentacles, spraying ink everywhere.
At least she lived up to her name. Twilight smirked as she remembered the incident.
Oh well, it was probably some sort of fume inhalation from when Prof. Pauldron botched that experiment today. How he managed to get horseradish, orange soda, and mermare scales to produce purple acid that eats through the glass beakers is beyond me.
Oh, well. thought Twilight, finishing with the last bits of paperwork on her desk. It's probably just a coincidence that she chose today to call in sick. She'll probably be back tomorrow.
Twilight got up, took the papers in her magic, and walked towards her office door. Even if today had been a bit unusual, it was still quite successful. Relieved that she could now return home to her library, she left, closing the door behind her.
But from miles away, somepony laughed, thrilled that he had fooled the most brilliant pony in Equestria.
***
(1)- As specified by chapter five.
(2)- Rarity had insisted that plain old cobblestone walkways were "tacky" and that the hot new trend for boutique owners was to redecorate their storefront with something that defined it. With nearly all of Rarity's designs having something to do with jewels, she decided that her store's theme would be "Gemstone Chic."
(3)- This actually wasn't very unusual behavior for Rarity. (as Sweetie Belle has discovered countless times.)
(4)- Yes, Rarity owns something as brutish and unladylike as a dartboard set. (I feel absolutely no remorse for adding this in)
(5)- Twilight got very annoyed during that day's lesson, Vinyl Scratch (the contemporary music teacher) had come in, calling Twilight not Headmistress Sparkle like the other teachers, but instead dubbing her "my homegirl."
(6)- Copied word-for-word from the Advanced Enchantments for the new Sorcerer: Level Ten.
(7)- The reason that Rarity has to stay still for the spell to work is that Sweetie Belle has to find a certain pressure point in her brain that will dull Rarity's anger long enough for her to come to her senses. Earth ponies and Pegasai can perform a similar trick, but it requires finding a very specific point on the upper neck and even then, it is not nearly as effective and doesn't last very long.
It had been a week since Scootaloo's blackout, and she and Rainbow Dash had pretty much forgotten about it. On Friday morning, Scootaloo found Rainbow Dash laughing over the comics while eating a bowl of Candy Coated Cloud flakes(1).
Dash looked up over the comics at Scootaloo. "Hey Scoots, glad you're up. We've got something new to do today."
"You mean besides trying to not get electrocuted by storm clouds?"
"Yup. We got ourselves a new job for next week."
"Please promise me it won't involve rouge hailstorms this time."(2)
"Nah, it's gonna be a pretty easy gig. Apparently, some kid at the Academy got a hold of some dragon spit and put it in the Coach's coffee. Luckily he wasn't too badly burned, so he'll live, but anyway, Twilight wants us to sub... Hey Scoots, you okay?"
Scootaloo had gone pale, looking startled and uneasy. "D-did you just say... the Academy?!"
"Yeah, so?"
"Nothing... Hey Dash, have you seen my mechanical wings?"
"They're over in the closet... we gotta be there in an hour, so come back soon, 'kay?"
"Later, Rainbow Dash."
***
Scootaloo landed softly on her cloud, buckling her mechanical wings to her side as she descended. This place was special to her; it had been her sanctuary ever since she started living with Rainbow Dash.
Without this place... I don't know if I could have gone on.
Before she found this place, Scootaloo had been looking in vain for a place to settle her mind; to have a rare feeling of peace, no matter how temporary it was. Every now and then, she still came here to clear her mind.
Scootaloo sat down and thought of what Dash had told her about subbing at the Academy. She had always known that Rainbow was Twilight's on call substitute, and that she could she and Dash could be called in any time. But when we actually get called in, thought Scootaloo, It becomes a lot more complicated.
The only other time that Twilight had called Rainbow Dash in to sub was when a group of pegasus students studying flight science had come and she had needed Dash for demonstration of a Sonic Rainboom. Scootaloo had only recently dropped out at that time, and had decided not to tag along.
I wish I could just pretend I'm sick this week, she thought hopelessly,but Rainbow would never buy it.
Besides, between my blackouts and my stupid wings I've missed enough work lately. I need to show her that I'm not completely useless, she reasoned, even if I don't like it.
Scootaloo pondered this a while more, then prepared her wings for the flight home. Like it or not, she was going to the Academy.
***
BRRRRIINNGGGGGG......
Finally.
Apple Bloom slipped her textbooks into her saddlebags, grateful that class was finally over. After an hour-long lecture on Griffon Wars, she was actually questioning whether or not she should follow Scootaloo's example and drop out.
Miss Inkblot stood at the front of the class, erasing the chalky blackboard. Suddenly, she turned around, staring straight at Apple Bloom. Not noticing this, Bloom continued to gather her supplies.
Moving silently towards Apple Bloom, Inkblot continued to glare menacingly towards her. In one swift movement, she had snuck up behind the filly, boring her eyes into Apple Bloom's skull. Without warning, a steely growl escaped from her mouth.
"You there, where do you think you're going?"
Apple Bloom walked on at first, oblivious to her teacher's sharp query. Grumbling, Inkblot rose her voice from a harsh mutterment to a fierce interrogation.
"You! With the red mane(3)! Get over here, now!"
Startled, Apple Bloom whirled around, coming face-to-face with her sour-looking teacher.
"H- Hi, Miz Inkblot..."
"Don't 'Hi' me, pon- I mean, filly." snarled the furious mare. "Just what exactly do you think you're doing?"
"A-Ah'm jus' goin' on ta my next class, ma'am..."
"Exactly." spat Inkblot. "Didn't I tell you that I wanted you to stay after to clean erasers?!"
"What? I-I don't think so-"
"It doesn't matter what you think, filly! Now, shut up and quit interrupting!"
"Y-yes, ma'am..."
"Now, for disrespecting me and deliberately disobeying a direct order by a teacher-"
"But-"
"Silence!!!"
Apple Bloom was silenced.
"As I was saying," growled the mare, "For insolence towards a teacher and ignoring a direct order, you are going to have after school detention for a week."
Apple Bloom gasped in bewilderment. "B-but, Miz Inkblot! I've never had a detention before!"
"You are going to have Detention and that is final! Now you had better keep your mouth shut, or I'll change that week of Detention to a MONTH!!!"
Apple cowered back, fearful that Inkblot would keep her promise of a month's detention. What will Applejack say...
"Y-yes, ma'am..."
But as Apple Bloom turned to walk out, Inkblot called after her yet again, in a voice that meant she was not bringing good tidings.
"Oh yes, and red-maned filly?" Inkblot called snidely, "One more thing."
"What?"
"Didn't I say that I wanted you to clean erasers?"
***
"I can't believe you, Apple Bloom! A whole week's detention?! What in the wide realm of Equestria has gotten into you?!?!"
Apple Bloom stood guiltily in front of Applejack, who was mad as a hornet. At first, when Bloom had come home over two hours late from cleaning erasers, Applejack had been very worried and was practically smothering Apple Bloom, she was so upset. But now, after Bloom had told her everything that had gone on that day with Ms. Inkblot, Applejack had gone from worried to outraged.
"But Applejack, I already told you-"
"Young filly, I have known Miss Inkblot ever since she came to Ponyville to teach three years ago, and I know fer a fact that she is a good and reasonable mare, if a little strict. And I find it VERY hard to believe that she would do something as underhanded and indecent as trick a student into earnin' thimselves a week's detention!"
Apple Bloom looked shocked. "A-are you sayin' you think I'm lyin', AJ?"
"You know what our family's standards on honesty are, Apple Bloom." said Applejack, her eyes blazing.
Apple Bloom was near tears. She had thought when she told Applejack about her teacher troubles, her sister would be up at the school telling off Inkblot. But no; Applejack was here, chewing out her younger sister for "lying".
"Applejack," choked Bloom, her eyes glittering, " Why don't you believe me?"
"Like I said, Miss Inkblot is a very fair and just pony, if she weren't, then Twilight wouldn'ta hired her. So when I hear that you did something to deserve a week of detention, I'm inclined to believe her."
"But-but..."
"No 'buts' missy. Now up to yer room ta' while I think of a suitable punishment. March!"
Apple Bloom shuffled upstairs, quietly wiping a tear off her cheek. It's not fair! It's jus' not fair! she thought. AJ's never accused me of lyin' before... It's jus' not fair!
When she finally reached her room, she collapsed on her bed, burying her face into her pillows to cry. Absolutely nothing is going raht fer me!
Knock-knock-knock.
"(sniff) Go 'way." was Bloom's muffled reply.
The door opened. In came Granny Smith, a concerned look on her face.
"You've met a terrible fate, haven't you?"(4)
"Granny, leave me alone. (sniff) I don't wanna talk right now. (sniff-sniff)"
Granny walked soundlessly to Apple Bloom's bed and sat down.
There was a long pause, then Granny replied, "U mad bro?"(4)
"Mad?" said Apple Bloom, her voice dangerously low. "I just got a week's detention fer something I didn't even do, not to mention I had to clean erasers fer THREE HOURS after school, and to top it all off, Applejack gets me in trouble when I thought she'd be on my side! MAD isn't even the half of it!"
Apple Bloom continued to rant on and on for nearly ten minutes, with Granny listening intently to her every word. When Apple Bloom stopped for a breath of air, Granny took the moment to pat her hoof reassuringly on Bloom's back. Looking into Apple Bloom's tear-blurred eyes, Granny said, "Keep calm and carry on."
" *Sigh* I guess you're right Granny. I've already done all I can and feeling sorry fer myself ain't gonna change nothing about it. Miz Inkblot maht be the biggest jerk in Equestria, but I guess that I'm gonna have to jus' deal with it." Apple Bloom looked up and smiled for the first time in hours. Brushing away her tears, she said, "Thanks, Granny. You always know just what to say."
***
(1)- The only cereal that will literally rot your insides!
(2)- The last time Dash had told Scootaloo about having a new job for the day was when the pegasai handling the hail storms got the blue flu, and with Rainbow Dash being captain of the weather team, she had to take over. Needless to say, it was not a fun experience.
(3)- Ms. Inkblot didn't bother to learn her student's names. She just called them what she saw.
(4)- Yet another Granny meme Be prepared for more in oncoming chapters!
Apple Bloom woke up on Monday morning, feeling tired and groggy. I really wish that I could wake up at some time other than 5 am... she thought. After brushing her teeth and combing her mane and tail, she ambled down the stairs for breakfast.
At the table sat Big Macintosh and Granny Smith, both chatting quietly while eating their breakfast. Bloom dreaded what AJ's reaction to her would be. Having failed to properly talk to each other throughout the weekend on account of chores, Apple Bloom still didn't know what her punishment would be for getting her week's worth of detention.
"Morning, Apple Bloom." said Big Mac, in between spoonfuls of oatmeal. Granny didn't say anything, but just stared at her toast and muttered incoherent sentences under her breath.(1)
"Morning, Big Mac. Have you seen my cinnamon-swirl apple juice? I though I left it in the ice-box..."
"Morning y'all!"
Applejack had just entered the kitchen and was standing in the doorway. Bloom froze, terrified about what was to happen next.
"M-morning, AJ... Uh, what's up? C-can I get you anything? Maybe-"
"Oh, cut the act Apple Bloom. I know what's buggin' ya'."
She does?
"...And I want ta say I'm sorry."
SHE DOES?!?!
Apple Bloom turned around to look at Applejack, who's contrite expression touched Bloom's heart. But at the same time, she was still angry at AJ for blowing up at her on Friday and wasn't quite ready to forgive her just yet.
"W-well, ah-"
"Apple Bloom before you say anything more, jus' let me explain myself."
"Um... well...okay, then."
So Applejack began to explain why she had been so angry on Friday night. It turned out that she had already been miserable all day, as she had nearly broken her neck trying to re-shingle the barn roof, had no luck whatsoever at the market, and then spent the rest of the afternoon paying bills. When Bloom had walked in over two hours late and started telling some sob story about getting a full week's detention... well, that was the last straw for Applejack. Without even thinking about it, she lashed out at her sister, being fueled with all the anger and frustration she had been holding in all day.
Relieved for the explanation of her sister's odd behavior, Apple Bloom ran to her sister and locked her into a tight embrace. "Oh, Applejack... thank you..."
Pulling away for a moment, Applejack smiled bashfully. "Well... don't thank me yet, sugar cube. Yer still in trouble fer that run-in with Miz Inkblot. I'm not about to let you completely off the hook."
"Wait... what?!" said Apple Bloom, looking confused.
"Ah want you ta' come with me to the school today to formally apologize fer whatever it is you did."
"What?! But I didn't do anythang!"
"I'm not sayin' that you did. But I do know fer a fact that Miz Inkblot is a very good teacher, and that she wouldn't give a student detention fer no good reason."
"But Applejack, she gave me detention fer no good reason."
"Be as that may, she probably thinks that she has a good reason. Now, when you apologize, I'm gonna set her straight about her actions.
Apple Bloom brightened at this. "Ya' mean yer gonna make it so that I can get outta detention?"
"(chuckle) Sorry sugarcube, but I'm afraid that I might not be able ta' do that fer ya'."
"What? Why not?"
" 'Cuz it's not polite, Apple Bloom. By trying ta' get outta the punishment that she thinks is reasonable, then yer basically questionin' her authority! Now, I don't her ta' think that, so I'm not gonna try ta' get you out of detention. But who knows? Maybe when I tell her that yer getting punished at home, she'll let you off. Ya' never know."
"Oh, but Applejack..."
"No 'buts'. This the easy half of yer punishment."
"What?!"
***
"Applejack, do I really have to do this?"
"Apple Bloom, I have told you the answer to that question about a million times and answer is still the same: Yes."
"I still don't get why I have ta' do this, ya' know.."
"I'm not gonna explain it again, Apple Bloom..."
AJ and Bloom walked up the dusty hill leading to Ponyville's Main Street. Apple Bloom continued to argue all the way to the front doors of the Academy, much to Applejack's dislike. Not wanting to think about facing her teacher, Bloom slipped into the memory of that afternoon's encounter with Applejack...
***
After school, Apple Bloom had come home in hopes that AJ would have forgotten about their appointment.
After Bloom had successfully snuck past the kitchen, she raced up to her room, thinking that she had fooled her sister for sure.
But no such luck.
When Bloom burst through her door and onto her bed, she certainly wasn't expecting Applejack to be laying on her bed, grinning wickedly.
"Gasp...sp-sputter.... Applejack, what're you doin' here?!"
"Whad'ya think? Ah'm here to make sure you come with me fer yer apology, little sister. Now stop making that awful face and let's go."
***
"Apple Bloom, are you jus' gonna stand there all day, or are we gonna go in?"
Bloom jolted out of her haze, startled by her sister's sudden scold. "Uh... go in?"
AJ sighed, exasperated. "Yes, Apple Bloom. We are going inside to apologize to your teacher. Don't ask questions you already know the answers to. Now, hush up and let's go find yer teacher."
Apple Bloom sighed, dragging her hoofs along as she followed Applejack into the Academy doors. Lacking enthusiasm, she helped Applejack navigate the halls up to Inkblot's classroom, all the while listening to her sister chatter on and on about how much she was impressed by "Twilight's school". Before she knew it, they were there.
"Well, c'mon Apple Bloom! We don't have all day, ya' know."
"Do ah have to?"
"Yes, Apple Bloom, you have to. Now git in there, this minute."
Bloom shuffled moodily into Inkblot's classroom, staring at the ground. Shutting out her teacher's lengthy inquiry about why she was here, Bloom's mind drifted to... other things. It was only when Applejack shouted "APPLE BLOOM!! PAY ATTENTION!!!" that she snapped out of her daze.
"What is it?" snapped Bloom irritably, glaring at Applejack.
"None of yer lip there, missy. Now would you please stop procrastinatin' and jus' apologize to yer teacher?"
Bitterly, Apple Bloom obeyed. Grumbling, she walked up to her teacher's desk and glared at her hoofs.
"Well, hello Miss Bloom, so nice to see you after your skipping detention today."
"Why do you care?"
"Apple Bloom!" gasped AJ. "Miz Inkblot, I'm so sorry fer my sister's behavior. Would you you be as kind as to let me... speak with her fer a bit?"
"Of course, of course."
Applejack pulled Bloom out of the classroom with some rather unnecessary jerks. Shutting Inkblot's door with a heavy bang, she turned to glare furiously at Apple Bloom.
"Apple Bloom..." said Applejack, her voice shaking with severity. "What is wrong with you today?! What in Equestria is making you act so darn rude to yer teacher lately? First it's the detentions, and now it's this-"
"I already told you, AJ! I didn't deserve those detentions, alraht?!"
"You keep this up, Apple Bloom, and someone's gonna be mucking out the barn this weekend."
"What?! You've gotta be joking, AJ!"
"You know I don't make empty threats, Apple Bloom."
Apple Bloom opened her mouth as if to protest, then closed it, thinking it was best not to argue right now. Scowling fiercely, she glowered at her hoofs and muttered rebelliously.
"What was that, missy?"
"Nothin', nothin'..."
"Well in that case, git back in that classroom and apologize to yer teacher this instant, young filly. And ah don't ever want to hear you talk like to an adult again, ya hear?"
But I'm practically an adult already! thought Apple Bloom. Applejack's jus' babying me, jus' like she's bin doin' since I was in grade school!
"Well, are ya' goin', Apple Bloom? Or are ya' gonna stand there mumblin' all day?"
"Whatever..."
Applejack's nostrils flared threateningly at Bloom, but other than that she seemed not to notice her sister's gruff behavior. Stiffly, she marched Bloom back into Inkblot's classroom with a grim expression on her face. Pushing Apple Bloom ever so slightly towards Inkblot's desk, Applejack trotted up to a curious-looking Inkblot and muscled a disgruntled Apple Bloom in front of the inquisitive-looking mare that was her teacher.
"All right Miz Inkblot, I'll jus' cut right to the chase here. Apple Bloom, what do you have to say to yer teacher?"
Silence.
"Apple Bloom?"
"I'm sorry."
"What was that?"
"I'm sorry."
"A little louder if you please, Apple Bloom.."
"I'M SORRY!!!"
Apple Bloom slapped her hoofs over her mouth, stunned by her own tone of voice. Inkblot merely raised an eyebrow at this, while Applejack looked positively livid.
"Oh. My... well, I do see that you're... sorry, I suppose. Will that be all?"
"Yes ma'am..." Apple Bloom said contritely, glancing anxiously back at her livid sister.
"Good. Then I will be seeing you in detention this week? I trust that you will not try to skip out again."
"Y-yes, ma'am..."
Applejack and Bloom walked towards the door, Apple Bloom shuffling and dragging her hoofs regretfully. But when she and Applejack had reached the door, Inkblot called back lazily at them.
"Oh yes, and one more thing, Miss... Apple Bloom, is it?...I'd like to have a little chat with you." Then seeing Applejack accompanying Bloom, she added, "A private chat, if you will, please."
Applejack backed up at this, and went into the hall to wait.
Once Applejack had shut the door behind her, Inkblot's smile vanished, being replaced by a sadistic scowl.
"Lookpony, let's get something straight. What you have done is unacceptable."
A cold, sharp shiver went down Apple Bloom's spine. What's she doin'...
"But I will let it slide this time, pony. This time. Don't let it happen again. Because I swear on the raging fires of fires of Tartarus that if this happens again, you will be sorry."
What's goin' on?
"So listen to me, pony." snarled Inkblot viciously. "You will never bring in anyone else like this again! EVER! Do we understand each other?"
Apple Bloom gulped nervously. "Y-yes ma'am."
"And just one one more thing, pony..."
"Y-y-yes?"
"You will will tell no one of this. Understood?"
Apple Bloom nodded her head, frightened by her teacher's formidable behavior.
I'm scared...
"Good. Now, get out."
Apple Bloom was all too happy to comply. In a flash, she was on her way and out the door. Even when she had returned to a furious Applejack out in the hall, she didn't care. All she could do was think about her conversation with Inkblot and how frightened she was.
"What was that all about?" asked Applejack skeptically.
"Sweetie Belle!!!!! You get back here this instant, young filly!!!!"
"Try to make me, fashion freak!!"
Sweetie Belle had just committed boutique fraud. In an attempt to get her sister to eat breakfast, Sweetie had warmed up some oatmeal from the day before and brought it to Rarity's workroom.
"Hey sis, I got some oatmeal for y- AAAGG!!"
Sweetie had tripped over an old dress that had been left out on the floor, crashing to the ground with a loud thud. The bowl of oatmeal in her aura flew across the room, breaking into a thousand pieces and splattering oatmeal everywhere.
Including Rarity's new dress line.
Shocked, Sweetie stood up again to stare at Rarity's expression, a mixture of stunned shock and rage. "Sweetie Belle..."
In a flash, she had rocketed out the door and was tearing down Main street at ludicrous speeds, with Rarity shrieking furiously at her to come back.
Sweetie Belle looked over her shoulder, fearing the worst. Unfortunately, the worst was yet to come, seeing that Rarity was hot on her tail. In a panic, Sweetie stopped running to teleport. Right as the violet-maned unicorn was about to charge, Sweetie Belle teleported, landing on top of the barn at Sweet Apple Acres.
"No no no no no!" Sweetie muttered, rapidly sliding down the patchy roof. There were several large holes in the barn roof, and Sweetie Belle was drifting constantly towards one. Gripping the roof's shingle's as tightly as she could, she stopped for a moment, only for the shingles to break off, leaving Sweetie to tumble through the gap onto a hefty pile of straw.
"Pheh, bluck..." sputtered Sweetie Belle, spitting out some hay. "What is in this stuff?!"
Sweetie Belle began to climb out of the straw pile, using her magic to comb stray pieces of hay out of her mane. The barn doors opened, revealing a surprised and slightly amused looking Apple Bloom. for a while she simply stared at Sweetie, who was trying to climb out of the hay pile in vain.
"Sweetie Belle," said Bloom, looking at her friend's struggle to keep the hay out of her mouth. "If you were hungry, ya' coulda jus' asked fer somethin', ya' know."
"Ha ha, Apple Bloom." said a rather disgruntled Sweetie Belle. "You wouldn't laugh if it was you stuck in here."
"Why don't ya' jus' teleport? Yer a unicorn after all."
Why didn't I think of that?
Sweetie Belle screwed up her face in concentration, and then with a loud crack, she reappeared in front of the red-maned earth pony.
"There," wheezed Sweetie, wobbling back in forth in fatigue, exhausted from having teleported so much in such in short period of time.
"Ah're you okay, Sweetie Belle?" asked Apple Bloom curiously. "Maybe you should go inside..." Sweetie nodded, head spinning dizzily. I will never teleport again.. she thought, hanging her head as Bloom lead her into the farm house. Once they were in the the kitchen, Apple Bloom helped Sweetie into a chair to rest.
Belle collapsed, head swimming. She pressed her hoof to her forehead, feeling ill. "You feeling all right, Sweetie Belle?" asked Apple Bloom, looking concerned.
"Yeah, it's just reorientation sickness, that's all." sighed Sweetie. "I can normally deal with it, but it gets worse when I do it twice in a row."
Apple Bloom was about to respond, when Granny walked into the kitchen, screeching out a vaguely familiar tune: My little Pon-EEE, my little pon-EEE, la la la LAAA...
"GRANNY! What in the wide realm of Equestria is that IDIOTIC song?!" yelled Applejack from outside of the kitchen.
"Darude- Sandstorm! LOL" Granny cheerfully replied, then continued to belt out her irritating verse.
"Well, that's a pretty strange name fer a song." said Apple Bloom.
"Nah, she just says that whenever ah ask her what she's singing," said Applejack, looking exasperated. "Don't matter what the song is."
Sweetie didn't answer. She was too busy staring at Granny, who had now added a little dance routine along with her song.
"C'mon, Sweetie Belle, let's git a move on or we're gonna be late fer school!" interjected Bloom, disrupting Sweetie's concentration.
"Yeah... school..."
After Sweetie Belle had (somewhat) broken out of her hypnotic trance, she and Apple Bloom left the farmhouse at a trot and started making their way over towards the Academy. "Hey, Apple Bloom?"
"What?"
"You have the weirdest family I've ever seen."
***
"...Now repeat after me, class: Papa made me pop my popcorn pie, pop-pop." said Fluttershy, standing at the head of the class in front of a large blackboard bearing her name.
"Papa made me pop my popcorn pie, pop-pop." the class sang obediently.
Sweetie Belle sat at her desk by the window, singing along with the rest of her voice class. Once in a while she would stare out the window overlooking the hoofball field and watch the players. Sweet Celestia, they're hot...
"Sweetie Belle? Please pay better attention." said Fluttershy who had somehow appeared next to her desk.
Startled, Sweetie Belle stopped staring out the window and met Fluttershy's peircing gaze, feeling guilty. In most classes, she didn't care if the teacher was disappointed in her for daydreaming. But Fluttershy was just so nice to her that she always felt guilty whenever she did something wrong in her classes.
"Yes, ma'am..."
"Alright then, let's continue. Now, repeat after me..."
Not thinking about it, Sweetie Belle's gaze drifted off towards the window again. The sheer hotness... (1)
Outside, the hoofball players were going through their usual drills, this time accompanied by a familiar cerulean pegasus. Is that... Rainbow Dash? Weird...
And indeed it was. Dash seemed to be shouting orders at a particularly muscular player (2), who was glaring at a small orange pegasus sitting on the bench.
Scootaloo?!
Sweetie Belle was flabbergasted by what she thought she saw. From what it looked like, Scootaloo was acting as a waterpony for the hoofball team. What the heck is she doing here? thought Sweetie, blinking in uncertainty. I thought she dropped out!
Rainbow Dash motioned to Scootaloo, and the orange pegasus jumped up to bring her idol some water from the cooler she was dragging with her mouth. When she arrived to the spot where Rainbow Dash was standing, Scootaloo grimaced for a reason unknown to Sweetie Belle. Rolling her eyes, Scootaloo lugged the cooler over to the muscly hoofball player. Glaring, Scootaloo poured the colt a cup of water and handed it to him. The player took the cup and drank it in one gulp. Dash nodded, then went to go check on the other members of the team, Scootaloo following close behind.
After making sure the Coach wasn't looking, the player smiled smugly and leaned in to mutter one last remark to an already seething Scootaloo. Scoot's head whipped around her eyes shooting daggers at the player behind her. The colt, obviously enjoying his taunts, decided to push his luck with one last retort.
What happened next even Sweetie could hear through the thick glass of her window. Scootaloo lunged at the unfortunate player, and when she had successfully tackled him, she commenced to punch him repeatedly in the face, all the while yelling:
"INSULT MY MOTHER, WILL YOU!!! WELL HAVE SOME OF THIS! AND THIS! HERE, HAVE SOME MORE! YOU READY TO TAKE IT BACK NOW, YOU FILTHY SON OF A- [CENSORED]" (3)
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I take it all back!"
"SORRY JUST AIN'T GONNA CUT IT, YOU DISGUSTING LITTLE [CENSORED]!!!!! SO NOW I'M GONNA TAKE YOUR PATHETIC SORRY AND SHOVE IT UP YOUR---(4) HEY, GET OFFA ME, HE HAD IT COMING! COME ON! ONE MORE, LEGGO!
Just as Rainbow Dash and half the Hoofball team were dragging Scootaloo off of him, Fluttershy had decided that enough was enough and closed the blinds so that she could get back to the lesson. "Poor Buck... Alright everyone, back to your seats, that's enough" she sighed, "Now repeat after me, 'One big bug bled blue blood while the other big Buck- Oh! I mean bug!- bled...' Oh, forget it. Everypony just do something quiet until the end of the period while I go find the Headmistress."
Fluttershy left the classroom, looking concerned. After her departure, the class broke out in whispers.
"Was that Scootaloo?!"
"I thought she dropped out!"
"She beat up Buck!"
"Buck?! Buck Pigskin?!"
"I thought he was the one who was supposed to beat up ponies! I mean, look at what he did to Featherweight..."
"Who knew such a little pegasus was that strong?"
Similar conversations continued until the bell rang a half an hour later. By lunchtime, the only ponies who didn't know about Buck getting beat up were at home, sick in bed. This continued throughout the day until the entire story was common knowledge. Apparently Buck Pigskin had been teasing Scootaloo for over half an hour before she finally snapped. Until his final remark, he had mostly been commenting on her wings and being a dropout, with the occasional scorn at how Hoofball was no sport for a girl and that Scootaloo shouldn't even be here. And until the last part, she had mostly been willing to let it slide (though it should be noted, only after multiple threats from Rainbow Dash to confiscate her scooter if she so much as twitched the wrong way).
The last straw however, had been when Buck told Scootaloo that maybe it was better that her mother had died so that she wouldn't have to look at her ugly face anymore (the details were obscure, but that was the basic gist of it), and of course, everyone heard for themselves what happened next. Buck had been sent to the emergency room where they found out that he had broken his nose in three places, cracked his jaw, lost four teeth, and bruised two ribs.
But the rumors about Scootaloo were even worse. Scootaloo had been arrested. Scootaloo was on the run. Scootaloo went to the hospital to beat up Buck some more. Each bit of gossip was even crazier than the last, until by the last bell Scootaloo had become a demon sorceress sent by the dragons to destroy all of creation, starting with Buck (though most agreed that this was probably just a joke spread around by Snips and Snails). (5)
On the way out to the vending machines where she was to meet Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle came across the two ponies that she least wanted to see: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Ducking behind a wall, Sweetie was able to keep out of sight while still being able to eavesdrop on their conversation.
"...So like, I was like totally shocked when I saw that stupid dropout beating up Buck! I mean like, seriously, I knew that Scootaloo was a brainless little freak, but, like, even I didn't think she would stoop so low as to mindlessly hurt an innocent student! 'Cause, like, I mean honestly, get a life, will you?"
"Yeah.." replied Silver Spoon warily.
"Okay, so like, I heard this rumor why Scootaloo dropped out this year, ya' know?" said Diamond nastily.
"Mm hmm.." said Silver, staring at the floor.
"What I heard was that she like, came back so she could like, infect us with her weirdo dumbness disease. Ya' know, 'cause like, everypony knows she can't read?"
"W-What do you mean?" said Silver, looking up from the floor with concern.
"Argh, Silver, for such a smartie, you can be real dumb sometimes." Silver Spoon cringed at the insult, but said nothing.
"What I mean," said Diamond. "Is that Scootaloo has some gross disease that makes it so that, like, she can't read the same way other ponies can! And now she's gonna try to like, taint us with her freaky defect!"
Sweetie Belle gritted her teeth in anger. That isn't true! she thought furiously. It can't be! Scootaloo's not diseased!
But at the same time, she couldn't help but wonder if Diamond Tiara was right. Scootaloo always did have trouble reading.. But that doesn't mean she's sick or something!
Sweetie Belle pondered this a for a bit while she walked down to her meeting place. There, she found Button Mash (as usual) playing on his Joyboy, oblivious to everything that was going on around him. Sweetie Belle crept up behind him and covered his eyes with her hoofs. "Guess who!"
"GAH! Sweetie Belle, I you made me fail Level 13!" Button whined. "Now I gotta start all over..."
"Oh stop it, Button," said Sweetie, giving him a quick peck on the forehead. "You'll live."
"Doubtful..." muttered Button resentfully.
"...Plus I have cheats for level thirteen." said Sweetie Belle, pulling a folder labeled 'Button's cheatcodes' out of her saddlebags and handing it to him.
Button could only beam. For the next fifteen minutes, he and Sweetie took turns playing on the Joyboy and talking about random things. Eventually, their conversation drifted to Buck's beating.
"Hey Sweetie, have you heard about what Scootaloo did today? I heard she beat up Buck Pigskin, the senior!"
Sweetie rolled her eyes in annoyance. "So I heard."
"Didn't she used to be one of your best friends last year? I know you guys hung out with each other a lot last year."
Sweetie scowled. "What do you mean, 'Used to be'? We're still friends, you know, even if we don't hang out all that much anymore."
"Whatever you say, Sweetie Belle."
Sweetie Belle handed him the Joyboy and began packing her saddlebags. Apple Bloom should be here by now, she thought. Where is she?
Just then, Apple Bloom came walking from behind a wall and started off towards Sweetie and Button. "Sorry ah'm late," said Apple Bloom. "Ran into some trouble jus' now. Some certain Queen Bee's were bugging me about Scootaloo. Hey, did you hear-"
"WE HEARD." said Sweetie Belle, rather gruffly.
"Oh. Okay. Well, let's go Sweetie Belle." said Bloom, a little surprised. Sweetie got up, grabbed her saddlebags, and gave Button a quick kiss before taking off with Apple Bloom.
"Why'da think she did it?" said Apple Bloom. "Just 'cause, maybe?"
"...I don't know, Apple Bloom." said Sweetie. "But whatever the reason, she'd better be happy with herself."
"Eeyup." said Apple Bloom, mimicking Big Mac.
They continued to chatter on for a bit, all the while Sweetie Belle thought grim things about Scootaloo's actions.
Whatever her reason, I hope she's enjoying this...
***
(1)- Just because Sweetie Belle is in a relationship with Button Mash doesn't mean that she can't think other colts are hot. (So there)
(2)- Who's name is Buck Pigskin (son of the Coach).
(3)- Just to clear it up, she said "son of a reindeer" (Which, I'm guessing, is a REALLY huge insult in Equestria.)
(4)- THAT, however, was exactly what you thinking.
(5)- Though Sweetie Belle personally suspected Diamond Tiara for about 50% of the rumors.
Be prepared for more in oncoming chapters!![http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/305/c/f/twilight_sparkle_stamp_of_approval_svg_by_tiwake-d5jnp0b.png[/img]](http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/305/c/f/twilight_sparkle_stamp_of_approval_svg_by_tiwake-d5jnp0b.png[/img]){kind=link}
