> Meddling to the Max
>  by SC14
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Scheming
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Button Mash laid on the floor of Rumble's house. They had been sitting there for hours talking about their recent emotions towards their new friends The cutie mark crusaders. They had started to befriend the trio just about a month prior and since then Button had developed a crush on Scootaloo and Rumble had developed a crush on Sweetie Belle. Now, this wouldn't usually be a problem especially for Rumble due to his nature he normally would have just asked Sweetie Belle out but, there was one obstacle that stood in the path of both of the colts. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were in a relationship together. It's not that they were against their relationship, Well they were against it just not for those reasons.

They were trying to convince each other to move on and just accept that they didn't have a chance with either of them. But, one statement came to Rumble's mind, Something that Diamond Tiara said to him. "It's fun to be evil sometimes" Rumble was debating on whether or not he should bring it up to Button because he wasn't sure what reaction Button might have to such implications. Would Button be able to even attempt ruining a relationship? Rumble knew that he could do something like that, just as long as he didn't get caught. He figured that it was worth a shot.

"Hey Button?" Rumble said almost nervously. He saw Button raise his head to look up at him.

"Yeah?" Button said curiosity evident in his tone. Rumble swallowed hard before letting out a long exhale.

"You want to be with Scootaloo right?" Rumble asked cautiously. Button nodded his head. "Well did you ever think that maybe we should just... I don't know. Go get them?" Rumble forced out. He knew that may have not been the best wording but it got the point across.

Button gave him a skeptical glance. "What is that supposed to mean?" Button asked sounding genuinely confused. Rumble looked down at his friend while he was trying to formulate a response.

"Do you think maybe we should... you know tear them apart?" Rumble said. He still wasn't quite sure how Button was going to react. They sat in silence staring at each other for a good amount of time before Button spoke up.

The words hung between the Colts for a moment, so long in fact that Rumble was worried he might have said something wrong. "That sounds very immoral. I love it" Button said with a mischievous grin. Rumble fell back on his bed at laughed. Why was he so worried? Of course, Button would go along with it, He loved Scootaloo as much as he loved Sweetie Belle! 

"What do you say. Should we start planning?" Rumble said with a goofy grin plastered across his face. Button nodded and Rumble hopped off his bed and walked over to his desk. He tore a piece of paper out of his notebook grabbed a pencil and sat down on the floor with Button.

"So, How do you propose we do this?" Button asked. This was a question that Rumble did not have the answer to. But he knew that they could brainstorm.

"I'm not quite sure of that yet but, we can come up with something right?" Rumble said. Button on the other hand still wasn't quite so sure that anything they could come up with would work. He knew Scootaloo well enough to know that she was pretty gullible but, Sweetie on the other hand. She would probably be their biggest hurdle.

"Are you sure we can make this work?" Button asked. He knew that Rumble would be confident in whatever plan he came up with and that was why Button was the brains in their friendship.

"Of course!" Rumble declared. "We are two sharp ponies. We can make it work!" Rumble said with enthusiasm. Button rolled his eyes.

"Yeah but, this plan needs to be very elaborate if we want to succeed." Button said. He figured or at least he hoped that Rumble already knew that. Button was to lost in his thoughts to realize that Rumble was drawing up some sort of plan on the piece of paper he ripped from his notebook.

"Ah-ha!" Rumble exclaimed triumphantly. This sudden outburst broke Button from his thoughts. He looked at Rumble who was holding up the piece of paper with a proud look on his face. Button raised his eyebrow.

"Would you care to tell me this plan of yours?" Button asked skeptically. He knew that Rumble was creative so, he could probably come up with something good. But, he made this plan a little to fast and Button wasn't convinced that it was well thought out.

"Why don't we just make up some silly rumor that they said bad things about each other!" Rumble said excitedly. Button looked at Rumble. He let out a small chuckle at his friend's ignorance. It's not that that plan couldn't work especially if they got Diamond Tiara on their side. He just had a feeling that they wouldn't believe the rumors.

"We would need to prove that the other said that," Button said. "It is a good start though" He added with a smile. He wasn't sure how they would prove the either one of them would say something bad enough to warrant a breakup but, he just figured that they would find that out as they went along.

"Hmm," Rumble said while tapping a hoof on his chin. "I got it!" He exclaimed. Button jumped at his sudden outburst. He looked at Rumble and signaled for him to continue. "Well, Thunderlane has a tape recorder that I could borrow. And I'm sure if we recorded enough you could make it sound like they were saying something else!" Rumble stated proudly. Button looked at his friend and laughed.

"Rumble! You are a genius!" Button exclaimed. Even if it might be a little far-fetched it still could work. The plan might have been a little rough but, it was better than no plan.

"I know I am," Rumble said with pride. Button rolled his eyes. "Let's go see if Thunderlane will let us use the recorder," Rummble said. Jumping to his hooves. Button barely had time to react before Rumble darted out of the room. Button, once again rolled his eyes and chased after Rumble.

By the time Button made it to the kitchen Rumble had already started talking to Thunderlane.

"Hey bro," Rumble said. Button could head Tunderlane greet his brother. "Can we borrow your tape recorder for a little?" Rumble said just about as politely as possible. Button just hoped that Thunderlane wouldn't ask why they needed it. Because if he couldn't think of a good excuse Celestia knows that Rumble couldn't. 

"Sure. It's over on the coffee table" Thunderlane said. Button just assumed that he wanted the thing to get some use. He couldn't imagine what Thunderlane would do with a tape recorder or, anypony for that matter.

"Thanks, bro!" Rumble said as he grabbed the tape recorder off the table and started to run back to his room.
> Gathering evidence
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After a few hours of planning Button Mash and Rumble had come up with a rather simple plan that would only take a week or two. They take the tape recorder anywhere they might need it. And record various things that Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo say throughout the day to make it easier to edit clips together. It was a simple and rather genius plan that only presented them with two real hurdles one, hiding the tape recorder from the other foals at school and two, how would they convince Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo that they got the recording? Were they just going to say that they recorded them? In the end, they figured that they would be to mad to even question it.

They were rather anxious as they walked to school together. This was the day that they would finally put their plan in motion. Rumble had fewer things in his backpack so he carried the tape recorder in his saddlebag. 

"Do you think this will work?" Rumble broke the silence. Button looked over at his friend. In all honesty, He wasn't one hundred percent sure that the plan would work but, he figured confidence was best in this situation.

"Of course I do. We came up with it" Button said. He was curious as to why the normally brave Rumble now seemed to have second thoughts about the whole situation. Because even if they were caught in the recording stage they could just say that it was for a personal project. As long as they don't listen to the recordings

"I-I guess your right" Rumble stammered. Why was Rumble scared all of the sudden? Just yesterday he seemed confident in the plan and now he is scared. Button had never seen Rumble act like this.

"What's got into you?" Button asked. "Just yesterday you seemed to like the plan". Rumble looked over at him with a sheepish grin on his face. 

"I'm just excited" Rumble admitted. Button rolled his eyes. If this plan worked it would benefit Button in more way than just dating Scootaloo, It would make Rumble stop talking about how jealous he was of Scootaloo or just how much he wanted Sweetie Belle.

"Me too," Button said with a happy sigh. It was exciting to think that in a short week He and Scootaloo could be going on romantic dates, sharing milkshakes and possibly gaming together. Button wasn't quite sure if Scootaloo liked video games or not but if she didn't he could probably find a game that she did like. 

Rumble nodded and looked up to see the schoolhouse come into view. They came early so they could get everything set up. Even if the plan wasn't too hard to execute they figured that it would be better to work out any problems before school.

They walked up the steps and into the building. Their only obstacle in this mini-mission was Miss Cheerliee. And since they were going to be the only ones in class it would make it even more difficult. Again if they got caught they could just say it was for a project or they were recording the lesson for future study.

They navigated the halls until they found their class. They entered the classroom that was empty except for Cheerliee. "What are you boys doing here this early?" Cheerliee questioned. Luckily, the boys were expecting this question so they had their response ready.

"Just going to get some studying in," Button said innocently. Cheerliee smiled.

"That's great!" She said enthusiastically. 'If only she knew what were doing' Button internally chuckled at the thought. She was so happy that they were 'Studying' when they were trying to ruin a relationship. It honestly sounded a lot worse when it was phrased that way. But, it was better to not think about it that way.

The two colts took their seats and Rumble discreetly took the tape recorder out of his saddlebag. Rumble leaned over and whispered, "Where do we put it?" Button looked down and started to rummage through his saddlebag. He finally pulled out a roll of tape.

"I think we might be able to tape it to the bottom of the desk" Button whispered back. Rumble nodded and started to position the tape recorder under his desk. Button ripped off a piece of tape as quietly as he could and put it across the recorder on the two metal supports underneath the desk. He ripped off another piece of tape and put it perpendicular to the first one. After the two pieces of tape were applied to the tape recorder they were confident that it would stay suspended under the desk. They ran some tests, like how easy it was to press the buttons and be inconspicuous. Once they had everything worked out, A few Ponies were starting to file into the class and take their assigned seats.

The plan was still in play, whenever Scootaloo or Sweetie Belle would speak, they would record as much as they could. They also decided to record some things that Apple Bloom said just in case they might need it for back up. They weren't quite sure why they would need a voice clip of Apple Bloom but, maybe they could make it so she sided with Sweetie Belle or Scootaloo just in case she caught on to them.

Eventually, the bell rang and class started and so far the day was already successful because they already had a few voice clips from Sweetie Belle and Scootlaoo. With as many as they had in the short 5 minutes, they were in the class with the two crusaders this whole mission would be easy. Button had assumed it would be hard to splice the clips together because he thought the wouldn't have enough clips. But, if the class continued like this, they would have more clips than needed they might already have enough to make their plan work.




The class was dragging on and on as usual but, luckily it was lunchtime. And they reached a dilemma, do they take the recorder with them? Or do they leave it in class? They were worried that they might get caught either taking it down or taping it back up but, they could also get caught trying to use it at lunch and recess. 

In the end, they decided to take the risk and bring the recorder with them. It was hard to remove it from under the desk without anyone noticing or making to much noise. But, they managed to remove it and store it in Rumble's lunchbox because her only brought an apple and it was his job to record when it was necessary. 

The day had slowed down in terms of usable voice clips went well at least for Scootaloo because the two of them had come to realize that she didn't answer questions very much. Sweetie Belle was pretty smart so they had more than enough voice clips from her and even as many as they would need from Apple Bloom. So their target was Scootlaoo. That means Button would have to try and talk to her and possibly try to get her to say certain words that would help with splicing the clips.

Once the Two colts made it outside the Cutie mark crusaders were already sitting under the tree that they always at under. They looked at each other and nodded before making a b-line for the trio of fillies who had already started eating their lunches. They were greeted by warm smiles from the three crusaders.

"Hey boys!" Sweetie Belle greeted. Rumble and Button took a seat under the tree, Rumble positioned himself in a way that would make it hard to tell what he was doing. Button gave one last glance in Rumble's direction. They nodded at each other and Button got to work.

"How had you guys day been?" He asked with a friendly smile. He knew that he had to start small to get where they needed to be.

"Ugh. Boring," Scootaloo said. This was great, that was a very good voice clip to have. Button once again gave a glance in the direction of Rumble, who gave him a smile and a nod.

"I thought it was rather interesting," Sweetie Belle chimed in. That voice clip was less useful but, it could probably be used somehow.

"Ah didn't think it was too bad," Apple Bloom said in a playful tone. Scootaloo rolled her eyes. There was a long pause as Button pondered his next move. 

"I hope she doesn't give us homework," Button stated. almost as if he was thinking out loud. The crusaders also seemed to think about their responses.

"Yes! I hate her homework," Scootaloo said enthusiastically. They hit the jackpot with that one. He was hoping a clip this good would come out of this.

"I don't think its too bad," Sweetie Belle said with a giggle. She leaned over and gave Scootaloo a playful nudge and Scootaloo reciprocated the gesture. This hurt Buttons' heart, he hated to see the filly he loved with someone else. But is this whole plan worked he wouldn't have to see it much longer. 

"Ah don't like it either," Apple Bloom said. Button chuckled the whole plan was falling into place, all of this was happening so quickly, what was once supposed to be a week-long mission was turning into just a few days and neither of the colts could wait. There were still some questions in the back of their minds like, Was this wrong? Will it work? But, none of that mattered they had already started their mission and neither of them were going to turning back.

Lunch and recess ended as quickly as it began as the bell rang and all the colts and fillies started to flood back into the schoolhouse for the rest of the day. 




The day continued to drag on and on until the final bell rang and fillies and colts got out of their seats and slowly started to pack up their belongings and exit the classroom. Luckily, they were not assigned homework which meant that Button and Rumble had plenty of time to get to work on their voice clips. They had gotten even more after lunch again, mainly from Sweetie Belle but, with the good ones that they got from Scootaloo at lunch, they could make it work.

"Bye Rumble, Bye Button!" Sweetie Belle said. Button Smiled and waved goodbye.

"Bye Sweetie!" Rumble said with matched enthusiasm. Sweetie gave a cute smile and a wave goodbye as she turned to go catch up with the other two crusaders, who had already exited the classroom.

The two colts gathered their things and managed to get the tape recorder out from under Rumble's desk without anyone noticing, they contemplated leaving it there for the next day but, they were afraid Cheerliee or the Janitor might find it.

Once they had all of their things together they said their goodbyes to Cheerliee and their other friends and excitedly left the School-house.
> Creating Evidence
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The two colts walked home as fast as they could, They were eager to see if they could make good enough clips with what they gathered today. But, one problem loomed, how would they convince Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo that they obtained these clips? It seemed to be a big hurdle that they just glossed over while planning this whole mission. They just brushed it off by saying that Scootaloo was gullible enough to believe it and Sweetie Belle would be able to be emotionally convinced. Whatever that meant.

But that was the last thing they were thinking about, all they could think about was the excitement that came with the possibility of their plan coming together in just one day. But, it wouldn't be as easy as it seemed. It had to sound believable which would be hard, especially for an eight-year-old. But, luckily his mom worked from home a lot so, she had a good computer. Again luckily for them, she was working late today so they got to use her good computer. Not that Buttons' computer was bad, his mom's computer was just better. 

They finally reached Button Mash's house. It wasn't anything overly fancy but, it was a pretty nice house. They walked up the steps onto the porch. Button reached into his backpack and rummaged around before he pulled out the key. He unlocked the door before he opened it. Both of the colts entered the house and Rumble turned on the lights while Button closed and locked the door. 

They looked at each other and nodded before running down the hall to Love Tap's room. It was at the end of the hall on the left. Once they reached the empty room they bolted directly to the computer and sat down. Button pulled the tape recorder out of his back and plugged it into the computer. He heard the beep indicating that the computer recognized the USB plugged in. He pulled up the audio files and they started listening to the clips that they had recorded. A lot of the clips were unusable of their own but, with a little bit of clever editing, they could be very believable.

The biggest problem that they were facing was, What phrase or sentence were they going to make them say? This was one of the only things that they did not have planned out. It proved to be more difficult than it seemed to create a sentence that would warrant a breakup.  

Finally, they decided what they were going to do for both of the girls. For Scootaloo was quicker to anger than Sweetie Belle so they were going to use that to their advantage by making Sweetie Belle say this. "I think Scootaloo is just using me for attention, I mean her parents don't care about her," A bit cruel but, it should work. Sweetie Belle is more gullible than Scootaloo but, she didn't like to believe that bad things happen so they would need more clips. They settled on making Scootaloo say the following things. "I'm just using Sweetie for attention," "She is annoying especially when her voice squeaks," and, "I think she will become a whore, just like her sister," The last one would be very hard to make and is also very very cruel.

Button started working on the four-voice clips. And as their shock, it was harder than they initially thought to make these voice clips, believable anyway. It was proving very difficult to make Scootaloo's voice clips due to the complexity and the lack of clips in the first place. Sweetie Belle's clip only took about ten minutes and was very good, It sounded like she said it. Scootaloo's clips were coming along pretty nicely as well, once Button figured out how to make words using other words it was smooth sailing from there. Or so they thought. They were broken from concentration by the front door opening and closing. Button looked at Rumble before frantically trying to save the voice clips and get out of his mom's room. It was too late and they tried to act natural as she walked through the door.

"Button? What are you two doing in my room?" She asked. Button looked at the ground, trying to think of something, anything. 

"We were just using your computer mom," Button said with a terribly faked smile. She didn't buy it.

"For what?" She asked with a skeptical look on her face. Button once again racked his brain for any excuse that he could use to get his mom off his back.

"We were just making music," He said with a stupid grin on his face. She gave him a confused look. Before he realized what she was doing she pressed play and the unfinished and baseline voice clips from Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo started playing. 

"Music of Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo?" She asked still wearing a skeptical look. Button could see very few ways to weasel his way out of this situation. Rumble, who had been petrified for this whole altercation saw a great opportunity.

"Me Button and the Crusaders are experimenting to see if you can make a song with only a few voice clips!" Rumble said with semi fake enthusiasm. She seemed to think about it for a little bit.

"That sounds fun. It sounded like one interesting song, What is it about?" She asked. This is where Rumble's bright idea ended he didn't think that she would ask so many questions. 

"A couple breaking up and then getting back together," Button blurted. He had no clue if that would work, It didn't even make much sense considering the lyrics that his mom heard. Nonetheless, his mom seemed to buy it.

"Well, you two have fun with that," She said with a smile. "Don't break my computer!" She added on her way out. Button and Rumble high-hoofed, That was the closest they were to being caught and boy was it terrifying. 

It ended up taking Button a few hours to finish the rest of the voice clips. And they were pretty good and very believable. They decided to add a few clips of Apple Bloom agreeing to the statements, just to add another layer of evil to the plan.

After hours of working and a little bit of messing around, it was time for Rumble to go home. They left Button's room and started to head to the front door.

"Bye Rumble!" Button said with a wave.

"Later Button!" Rumble said as he walked away. Button turned around to see him mom staring at him, he raised an eyebrow.

"Yes?" He asked.

"Well since you seemed to make a big deal out of it, I kind of want to hear the song you created or at least what you have, I might be able to help, I was in a bad you know," She said with a smile. Button froze, this was a terrible situation he had to find a way out of showing his mom what he made. 

"I would love to mom but uh, I can't show you yet because uh... I need to show the Crusaders first!" He sputtered. Despite how bad the sentence was all together, she seemed to buy it.

"Ok mister producer, I will wait," She said with a playful grin. It was reassuring to know that she was taking the whole thing as a joke but bad that she insisted on hearing the finished product.

"Whatever you say, mom," Button said with a roll of his eyes. He walked past her and to his bedroom. He laid down on his bed, dreaming of the day to come.
> Set in motion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Button awoke to his alarm ringing, on any other day he would dread that sound but, today was the day that he and Rumble would set their plan in motion. Whether it would work or not remained to be seen. But he liked to think that it would all work out fine. 

He jumped out of bed and practically floated through his morning routine as his mom watched on with a confused look. She couldn't think of a reason that her son would be so happy, not that it was a bad thing. It was just odd to seem him in such a good mood before school.

As Button grabbed his saddlebag from his room he realized a minor flaw in the plan. They only had one tape recorder, when they were going to show Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo the messages they would need two tape recorders to do it. He looked at the clock, he had enough time to go by the store and buy one if he could convince his mom to give him the money for it. He grabbed the back up copy of the voice clips from his nightstand before he left his room.

"Hey mom," Button said cheerfully. His mom looked at him with a smile.

"Yes, Button?" She asked. 

"Can I have Thirty bits?" Button asked. His mom gave him a puzzled look.

"What for?" She asked. 

"You remember that tape recorder we were using yesterday?" He asked. His mom nodded. "Well, we accidentally broke it and we need to buy a new one," She seemed to buy into his story. Button justified this lie to himself by reasoning that what he was going to do later was going to be worse than lying to his mom.

"I guess so," She said as she reached for her purse. She pulled out Thirty bits and handed them to Button. He smiled to himself their plan was already shaping up. He exited his house and headed towards the store. It was a short walk, he walked into the store and made a b-line for the electronics section. He grabbed the first tape recorder he saw it was twenty-four ninety-nine. He made his way to the front to checkout. He bought it and left the store. As the school came into view he started looking around for Rumble. He walked around the school and to the playground where he found Rumble who appeared to be sleeping against the school. He sighed before shaking his sleeping friend. Rumble shook awake, looking around his eyes settled on Button and he let out a sigh.

"Thanks, Button," Rumble said sarcastically. Button laughed and handed him the second tape recorder. "When did you get this?" Rumble asked after he realized that this was not the one his brother let him borrow.

"This morning, I figured we would both need one," Button explained. Rumble was glad that Button had thought of this because the plan probably wouldn't have worked without it. Truth be told, Rumble was a little bit scared. What if this plan didn't work? It would probably ruin his whole life well, maybe not that far but, it would definitely make the rest of his school life hard. Button seemed to catch on to Rumble's concern. "Would you quit worrying, It's going to work to perfection," He said. 

Rumble sighed. "I guess," He said. Button rolled his eyes.

"Let's get to class," Button said. Rumble nodded and followed Button into the school and to class. They sat down and anxiously awaited the end of class.



The rest of class was a blur for the two colts they were preoccupied. The bell rang out and fillies and colts started to file out of the class their plan was about to come together nicely. They happened to be the last ones out of class which meant they had some catching up to do. They practically sprinted to catch up to the trio of fillies.

"Hey!" Button shouted. The crusaders turned around to face the two. One of them said some sort of greeting but, neither colt was listening. "Hey, Scoots I need to talk to you," Button said. Scootaloo looked confused. Her confusion was furthered when she heard Rumble tell Sweetie Belle almost the exact same thing. But, she figured it was important considering she had never seen Button act so serious. Apple Bloom started to follow Button. "Alone," He said without turning around. She turned to go after Rumble but was met with the same response. 

"That was odd," Apple Bloom nearly jumped into the stratosphere. "Sorry," The voice said with a chuckle. Apple Bloom turned around to see Limestone Spy Standing behind her. The lime green earth pony looked at her with a stupid grin on his face.

"Now I know why your name is Spy," Apple Bloom said sarcastically. Limestone Spy chuckled.

"I wasn't spying," He said playfully. "But seriously though, What was up with those two?" He asked, his tone turning serious.

"Ahm not sure but, I think they're up to something," Apple Bloom said thoughtfully. Limestone Spy gave her a confused look.

"What makes you say that?" He asked. Apple Bloom looked at the ground, she wasn't quite sure how to explain her suspicion. 

"Well, yesterday they were actin' mighty suspicious, and Rumble kept reaching into his lunchbox yesterday," Apple Bloom said. It was a valid suspicion, why would Rumble keep reaching into his lunchbox yesterday. And she saw Button hand Rumble a tape recorder this morning why did he need that at school? Were they recording? All good questions that she would quickly get an answer too.



"What is so important that you couldn't just tell he other crusaders?" Scootaloo said, getting more and more impatient as they walked.

"I think you will understand," Button muttered. Scootaloo muttered back some insult but, it was too quiet for Button to hear. Scootaloo breathed a sigh of relief as they stopped at a tree. "So I was working on a project that Miss Cheerliee gave me and I accidentally recorded this," Button pressed play on the tape recorder. Scootaloo was shocked to hear Sweetie Belle's voice saying 'I think Scootaloo is using me for attention, I mean her parents don't care about her,' Scootaloo looked at the ground, She didn't know what to believe. Sweetie Belle didn't say that right? But it sounded so real and Button would make something like that up,

"S-She said that?" Scootaloo stammered. Button was a little bit shocked, Scootaloo didn't usually stutter like that, this was way going better than he thought! 

"I'm sorry Scoots, I just thought you should know," Button said with fake sadness. He was giving himself mental pats on the back for how well his plan was working out.

"No! Thank you for telling me I'm going to go teach her a lesson!" Scootaloo shouted as she stormed off in Sweetie Belle's direction. Button smiled to himself. He decided to move in a little closer so he could enjoy the show.



Sweetie Belle wanted to ask Rumble where he was taking her but, she was too shy. She wasn't really sure what Could be so important that not even Apple Bloom could hear. Sweetie Belle looked up just in time to stop seconds before hitting Rumble.

"What did you want to tell me?" Sweetie Belle asked. Rumble looked at the ground and took a deep breath.

"So I was working on a project and I accidentally recorded this," He hit play and Scootaloo's voice started Speaking. 'I'm only using Sweetie For attention' Sweetie Belle couldn't believe what she was hearing. 'She is so annoying especially when her voice squeaks," Sweetie Belle sat there staring at the ground, She thought that she had something good going with Scootaloo. 'I think she will become a whore, just like her sister,' Sweetie Belle couldn't take it anymore she started crying, Rumble patted her on the back and confronted her to the best of his abilities. "Do you want to speak with Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle didn't want too but, she knew that she had too. Reluctantly, she got to her hooves and walked in Scootaloo's direction.



"I wonder what they could be up too?" Limestone Spy thought out loud. Their attention was drawn to Scootaloo who was storming back towards them. Apple Bloom and Limestone Spy gave each other confused but concerned looks. Scootaloo pointed, they thought she was pointing at them until they heard Scootaloo yelled.

"YOU!" Their eyes landed on Sweetie Belle who was also approaching them. 

"I think I know what they are up too," Limestone Spy said. Scootaloo pushed passed the two of them.

"I thought We had something!" Scootaloo shouted.

"I did too!" Sweetie Belle blurted out. 

"Now wait girls-" Apple Bloom was cutoff by Scootaloo.

"Stay out of this!" Apple Bloom took a few steps back. Scootaloo had never shouted at her like that.

"I thought you loved me," Sweetie Belle sniffled. 

"I did! But now I know how you really feel!" Scootaloo fired. Sweetie Belle's mood shifted, She started off sad but, the way Scootaloo was talking to her in an accusatory fashion was starting to anger her.

"How I really feel? I think you are the one who feels that way!" Sweetie Belle retorted.

"Don't try to turn this on me!" Scootaloo shouted. 

"It was always on you!" Sweetie Belle returned.

"Whatever! We are done!" Scootaloo shouted. She turned and stormed in the direction of her house. Sweetie Belle, on the other hand, lost all her anger and realized what she had done and started galloping back home.

Apple Bloom and Limestone Spy looked at each other, eyes wide in shock and confusion. "You think they did this?" Limestone Spy asked.

"They had to, Neither one of them would say anything bad about the other," Apple Bloom explained. 

"Let's get to the bottom of this," Limestone Spy said. Apple Bloom agreed and the two of them set off for Sweet Apple Acres for a brainstorming session.
> The counter-offensive
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The duo trotted with a purpose to Sweet Apple Acres, for all they knew time was of the essence, it got so bad that a tiny cloud of dust began following the foals as they rushed to help their dear friend out of this predicament.

Eventually, they finally reached the Crusader clubhouse in Sweet Apple Acres. The two momentarily stood there, now that they were finally ready to create a plan, they had absolutely no clue what to do. "Well, Uh what do you think our approach should be?" He asked, mentally scolding himself for the stupid question.

At first, Apple Bloom didn't acknowledge his question and the room fell silent again. Limestone Spy's eyes darted around the room, Did he say something wrong? Just as he was about to say something else, she spoke. "Ah think we are going to have to do a little detective work first," Limestone Spy nodded, it was actually a pretty good idea because they really had no proof that Button Mash or Rumble had a hand in any of this and if they launched into accusations and they turned out to be innocent it could be pretty awkward.

"Oh, a little spy work huh?" Limestone Spy asked with a playful punch. Apple Bloom giggled.

"Ah don't hear any better ideas comin' out of your mouth, and ah said detective," She said accompanied by another giggle. Limestone Spy laughed. And asked her about the plan. "Well, the best thing ah can think of is we have to get irrefutable proof that Scootaloo or Sweetie Belle never said what they were accused of," She finished.

"What an idea Apple Bloom, I never would have thought of that one," Limestone Spy teased. It was Apple Bloom's turn to playfully swat Limestone Spy. 

"Well, I will have you know, I have seen Rumble writing in a diary before," She said, tapping her hoof on her chin.

"And how does that benefit us?" He asked. 

"Now if you would let me finish, ah would've said that we need to somehow take a picture of them," She finished. Limestone Spy resisted the urge to laugh, this whole thing was turning into one of those goofy Daring Do books.

"And suddenly Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle decide to believe us? Who's to say that they won't  just think we wrote it ourselves?" He asked. Apple Bloom raised her eyebrow.

"Again, ah don't hear any ideas comin' out of your mouth," Apple Bloom said. Limestone Spy chuckled.

"Okay then, let's say that this plan is fool-proof, let's talk logistics, we would have to somehow produce two cameras," He said. "And I'm not sure either of us has the money for that," He added.

"Applejack has one," Apple Bloom said. "And ah think that I have money for another one," She added. The two then sat in silence before thought was donned on Apple Bloom. "Now why would we need two cameras? Why not just use one and then print two pictures?" She asked. Silence fell between them once again, this was happening so often that Limestone Spy was beginning to find it weird. "Wait a second, why would we need more than one picture?" Apple Bloom asked. "Ah mean we could just show them both the same one," She expanded.

"How about this first," Limestone Spy said. "We could just try to talk some sense into them now that they have cooled off? He finished. Apple Bloom stared at him, confused at why he seemingly just glossed over her plan, she shook this off though as she figured maybe it couldn't hurt.

"As long as you are the one talking to Scootaloo them I'm down," Apple Bloom said. Limestone Spy chuckled, he figured this would be her response, he seemingly always had to do the heavy lifting.

"I think I can handle that," He agreed. Apple Bloom nodded and began to walk out of the clubhouse Limestone Spy froze, seemingly calling on his bluff. "Are we doing this now?" He asked, sounding unsure.

"Well, I don't see why not," Apple Bloom teased, she gave him a quick smirk while still walking away. Limestone Spy shook his head and began to follow. 

"I don't know where Scootaloo lives," He stated as he caught up with the yellow filly. She rolled her eyes, it was quite funny to see the confident little colt try to beat around the bush, but Apple Bloom wouldn't let him, he said he would do it so she sure as heck was going to make sure he did.

"Good thing ah do," She laughed. Limestone Spy opened his mouth to say something else but he thought better of it as he has a suspicion that she was onto the fact that he actually didn't wanna do this. The two fell silent as they walked through the town, the cool breeze gently rustled their coats as they trotted along the streets of Ponyville.

They approached the door. "Go ahead hotshot," Apple Bloom said, with a laugh. He rolled his eyes and knocked on the door. They waited and heard some quiet talking before Scootaloo opened the door. 

"What," She deadpanned. Apple Bloom looked over to see Limestone Spy who looked dumbfounded and had no idea what to say, Apple Bloom sighed and decided that she would take the liberty to speak first.

"Well Excuse me, princess, We just wanted to talk to you," Apple Bloom answered. Scootaloo looked at her, expression softening.

"Sorry guys, I just know what you want to talk about and I honestly don't really wanna talk about it," She offered. Limestone Spy, who finally pulled himself out of his decision that he would chime in.

"Well, I think it needs to be discussed," He said. "Oh, I forgot you were here," Limestone Spy glared at Apple Bloom who gave him a playful smile. Scootalo squinted her eyes into a confused look as the two seemingly forgot that she was there, when it became apparent that neither one of them was going to say anything Scootaloo piped up.

"Ahem, well guys I never said that I'll never talk about it, I just don't want to right now, It hasn't even been that long," She said. Apple Bloom looked back at Scootaloo, the point was taken. In her haste to tease Limestone Spy, she didn't even think that it might be a little too early to employ the plan.

"Well, you know what, Ah think she is right Limestone," Apple Bloom said. Limestone Spy nodded, glad that he didn't have to attempt to reason with Scootaloo. "Well, uh I'm sorry I guess we will talk about this some time?" Apple Bloom stumbled. Scootaloo muttered some goodbye before shutting the door in their faces.

"That was really weird," Limestone Spy said. "I would have thought that Scootaloo of all ponies would have been seething but she seemed surprisingly calm," he added. Apple Bloom nodded, as much as she hated when Scootaloo was stubborn, all of a sudden, she wished that it was still like that.

"Ah know it, and Ah don't like it one bit," Silence dawned on the two foals they sat there staring off into space until Limestone Spy came to his sense and realized that they were still sitting in front of Scootaloo's house. "Uh, We might wanna go somewhere else AB," Apple Bloom shook her head like she had just awoken from a deep sleep. 

"Oh uh yeah we should do that," Limestone Spy decided to ignore the awkwardness of what she just said and began the long walk back the way they came. As he walked, he couldn't help but think that they shouldn't let this trip to town go to waste, like they couldn't just come all this way for nothing.

He suddenly stopped, causing Apple Bloom to run into him, Ignoring her incoherent apologies he spoke. "Let's pay a little visit to Rumble," He looked at the yellow filly, who was staring back with a confused expression. "What? We can't just come all the way into town to just go back empty-handed," Noticing that she still wasn't following he decided to spell it out for her. "You don't think we are just going to march into their house and find this evidence and take pictures, do you? No, no way they trust us like that, we have to build their trust and I think this is the time to do it," The Lime green colt gave a confident look at the filly standing next to him.

The smug confident smile faded as the Apple Bloom bust out laughing. "You thought that sounded really cool, didn't you?" She said between laughs, Limestone Spy gave her an unamused look.

"Do you want this to work or not?" He huffed. Apple Bloom managed to get her laughter under control.

"Ah never said It wouldn't, Ah just don't think that sounded as cool as you had imagined," She couldn't help but let out a little giggle thinking of his words again. Limestone Spy rolled his eyes and began trotting in the direction of Rumble's house. "Now, if ya don't mind me askin' why Rumble? Button Is a part of this too," Apple Bloom asked.

He didn't stop walking. "Simple, Rumble seems much more gullible than Button Mash and therefore he will be easier to convince," Apple Bloom took a second to ponder his words, he did have a point.

"Convice of what exactly?" She asked. Limestone Spy let out a way over-exaggerated sigh. "That we just want to be better friends with him and we have no other motives," She looked at the ground again, she felt like he could have phrased that better but she decided to not mention it. In fact, she really didn't understand how this would help anything as they were still technically friends with Rumble as they never fought over the situation, at least not yet.

The two trotted in relative silence the rest of the way to Rumble's house. They came upon the middle-class home and stopped outside the door, their eyes met. After what felt like an eternity of staring Apple Bloom spoke. "Well, are ya gonna knock?".

"Oh, uh yeah I was just, you know thinking?" He said, Apple Bloom would have burst out laughing again if they weren't on Rumble's front porch. He reached up and knocked on the door, they briefly sat there wondering if anyone was home. The door was opened to reveal Thunderlane standing there staring down at them.

"Oh hey guys Come on in, Rumble is in his room it's the first on the left," Thunderlane said, gesturing to the hallway. The two foals nodded and mumbled their thanks while approaching the door. It was at this moment that the stupidity of this plan hit Limestone Spy, what were they going to say? How would they pretend that they weren't trying to expose him? While he considered himself to be a good actor, he couldn't say the same for Apple Bloom. just before they reached to door, Limestone Spy turned to Apple Bloom.

He leaned in and whispered to her. "What are we going to do?" He asked. Apple Bloom face-hoofed, she knew he was going to do this, he loved to come up with daring plans and rush into them with no actual plan. "We'll figure something out ah guess," She offered. Limestone Spy gave a small smile and opened the door. 

Rumble practically jumped through the ceiling when the two foals entered his room, he turned around and frantically tried (And failed) to cover up the fact that he was writing in his diary.

"Hey, Rumble!" The two said in accidental unison, eliciting small chuckles from the both of them.

"O-Oh hi guys, W-what are you doing here?" He stammered. Apple Bloom resisted the urge to laugh at the struggling pony before her.

"Oh you know, we were just in the neighborhood and decided we would stop by and visit," She lied. Rumble gave her a puzzled look, they weren't that good of friends, right? Had he misjudged his friendship with those two? 

"Yeah, we thought you might want to go get some ice cream with us?" Limestone Spy asked. Rumble, who was previously reluctant was captured at one thing Ice Cream despite everything telling him this might be a bad idea he couldn't resist Ice Cream. Limestone Spy smiled as he realized that he had just accidentally uncovered Rumble's secret weakness.

"Uh, yeah that sounds cool," He said. "Great! Follow us then," Limestone Spy said. He and Apple Bloom began trotting out of the room, briefly leaving the young colt alone in his room.

"This can't go wrong, can it? It's just Ice Cream, they are my friends after all," He said before trotting after them.
> Refining the Plan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Limestone Spy and Apple Bloom trotted back to Sweet Apple Acres, their mission with Rumble was a success, they had managed to get an apprehensive Rumble to have fun. But, that wasn't enough, they needed to convince Button Mash next.

This, though, Would most likely prove to be harder than it looked because on the outside Button might seem childish and naive but he was much more mature than he let on. Despite this, the two foals decided that they needed to regroup and discuss first before they went out and pursued Button Mash. Silence befell them as they began the long walk back to Sweet Apple Acres. The cool breeze ruffled their coats as they were left to their thoughts. 

Their adventure with Rumble wasn't necessarily successful in a traditional manner, they didn't get him to over-share or really discover much of note, at least Limestone Spy didn't seem to think so. They did, however, get Rumble to become much more friendly throughout the afternoon which, was a huge victory in and of itself considering the way he started. Though, this all did come with an added revelation that made their mission just that much harder. The fact that Rumble was apprehensive at first wasn't good, because they were friends with Rumble and Button beforehand so why would he be so scared and reluctant to hang out with them? Limestone Spy believed that he was already suspicious of them, which, in turn, would mean Button was too. Apple Bloom, however, believed that he could just be guilty of what he had done.

Before they knew it, the two foals had reached the Cutie Mark Crusader's clubhouse. To their surprise, Applejack was walking out. "Uh, that can't be good," Limestone Spy said, looking over to Apple Bloom who was wearing a shocked and confused expression.

"Where have yall been?" Applejack asked, much to the relief of Apple Bloom, she didn't sound mad. 

"We were just hanging out with Rumble for a while," Limestone Spy responded. Applejack raised her eyebrow.

"Just the two of ya and Rumble?" She asked. A very loud silence hung over their three ponies for a few moments. "Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle out on a date or somethin?" Applejack broke the silence. Limestone Spy looked at Apple Bloom, hoping that she would help him out.

When it became apparent that she was frozen he spoke. "Uh, well not exactly," He scratched the back of his head while offering an awkward smile. Applejack's eyebrow remained raised, she was becoming highly suspicious of the two rambunctious foals that sat before her.

"Now what's supposed to mean?" Limestone Spy sat there, despite it being the obvious response, he was still blindsided by the question, he sat there trying to formulate a response, even looking at Apple Bloom again, who seemed deep in thought, Sighing he started to speak. "Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo broke up!" He didn't get to speak as Apple Bloom blurted out her answer. The sudden outburst caused both Applejack and Limestone Spy to jump as neither of them had expected her to speak, let alone yell.

"Well, that certainly wasn't what I was expectin," Applejack said with a frown. Limestone Spy stared at Apple Bloom with a look that said 'You get yourself out of this,' she sighed before she spoke again. "Yeah, Button Mash and Rumble showed them some audio recordings today after school and they had a really bad argument after, ah tried to reason with them but they wouldn't have it," Applejack's suspicious look morphed into one of utter confusion as the story she as just told didn't seem to make much sense.

"Hold on, what?" Those were the only words that Applejack could formulate. "So let me get this straight, Button Mash and Rumble after school decide to show Sweetie Belle and Scootlaoo some random audio recordings and then they just, broke up?"Applejack asked. Apple Bloom and Limestone Spy nodded."What did these recordings say?" The two foals looked at the ground.

"We have no clue," Apple Bloom said. Applejack's state of confusion only deepened. "But, we think the whole thing is suspicious," She added. 

"Ah mean, I can't imagine either one of those girls sayin a bad thing about the other," Applejack mused. "Well guys ah don't know what to tell yall, I guess I could have a talk with Rarity and Maybe Rainbow Dash but maybe it was just their time," She said with a shrug. The two foals looked at each other and rolled their eyes, it wasn't their time Limestone Spy and Apple Bloom had anything to say about it. 

"I appreciate it sis but we have it under control," Apple Bloom's words caused Applejack to raise her eyebrow once again it didn't sound like they had it under control. "We do! Why else do you think we were hanging out with Rumble?" Apple Bloom contested. Applejack didn't see the relevance of that statement, 'Because Rumbles your friend?' She thought. "See, we are doing detective work to really see if there was foul play involved, but first we have to gain his trust so we invited him to ice cream," She explained with a confident huff. In light of this weird situation, burst out laughing, wiping the confident grins of the faces of the two foals.

"Well excuse me, Detective Bloom and Detective Spy, ah better let yall get back to work," She managed to say, between laughs. She patted Apple Bloom on her head before she began trotting off, Still laughing and occasionally saying things like, 'Wait till Big Mac hears about this!' Apple Bloom stood there a dejected look on her face. Noticing this, Limestone Spy cracked a goofy smile and put his hoof around the yellow filly.

"Cheer up Bloom, what do grownups know anyway?" He said comfortingly, Apple Bloom looked up at him, and despite her slight blush she managed to crack a smile as well. "Now let's go regroup," He said as he started trotting into the clubhouse, not even noticing that his hoof was still around Apple Bloom's neck and he was practically dragging her along. Once inside he absentmindedly let go of Apple Bloom and laid down on the couch. Expecting her to speak up he looked down at the floor where Apple Bloom was laying, glaring up at him. "What?" He asked innocently. 

"What do you mean what?" Apple Bloom asked her irritation evident. He began to speak but she cut him off. "Nevermind," She said while standing up and approaching the couch. "Scoot over," She said, Limestone Spy shifted a little bit allowing Apple Bloom a little space at the end of the couch. "Comfy?" She asked. Limestone Spy nodded and muttered an inaudible response. Realizing that she was going to have to take the liberty in this conversation, Apple Bloom Spoke. "Let's start by acknowledging that I was right," She said, crossing her forelegs proudly.

"You? Right? about what?" Limestone Spy teased. Apple Bloom gave him a less-than-friendly punch in the stomach that sent the colt rolling off the couch and crashing to the floor, where he writhed in pain while trying to regain his breath.

"Oops," Apple Bloom giggled. "Anyway, Guess what I saw in Rumble's room?" She asked. She waited a few seconds for a response before looking down at Limestone Spy, who was still trying to catch his breath. "Oh, Right, I saw a diary journal thing! I knew he would have one!" She said excitedly. Limestone Spy, who had finally caught his breath shakily pulled himself up using the couch as support.

"I'm glad someone here is having a good time," He scorned. Apple Bloom chuckled. "Oh come on I didn't even hit you that hard," She patronized. Limestone Spy gave her a deadpan look. 

"I really want to teach you a life lesson right now but, In the interest of getting things done, I shall refrain," He said. Apple Bloom giggled and rolled his eyes at the silly colt, Why did she suddenly care less about Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle's situation? 

"What kind of life lesson could an immature little colt like you teach a mature gal like me?" Apple Bloom asked, sticking her tongue out playfully. Limestone Spy looked at the filly and decided that their mission could wait. "You mess with the bull, you get the horns!" He exclaimed before leaping at Apple Bloom, She yelped as he collided with her overturning the couch and sending the foals sailing to the floor with a thud, unfazed Limestone Spy began to tickle his victim, caught off guard she began laughing uncontrollably, after a little bit of this, a satisfied Limestone Spy backed off, it was a rookie mistake, the Yellow filly, seeing her opportunity, overpowered her captor, managing to pin him to the ground this time. Not one to give up easily, Limestone Spy fought back as the Earth pony started to try and tickle him back, this devolved into indiscriminate rolling on the floor, accompanied by a lot of giggling. This went on for who knows how long before the two came to a stop, forelegs entangled, staring into each other eyes, they stayed like that for what felt like hours before Apple Bloom came to her senses.

"Uh let's g-get back to work?" She stuttered, jumping to her hooves. Limestone Spy nodded and followed suit. After the awkward encounter, they sat on the couch staring at nothing unsure of how to break the tension that hung over the room.

"So, I guess the plan from here could really simple huh?" Limestone Spy finally broke the silence, Apple Bloom, took a moment to process the words, still a bit lost in her own thoughts. "How so?" She asked.

"Think about it, we have been so caught up with befriending both Rumble and Button Mash, but what if we didn't have to?" He proposed. He could tell Apple Bloom wasn't completely following. "See you said it yourself earlier, Rumble had a diary, just like you had hypothesized, So why would we need to even involve Button? Theoretically, we could just make another excuse to go to Rumble's house, distract him, and get pictures or whatever we need, and then, boom we did it," He finished, a triumphant smile crept its way onto his face.

Apple Bloom couldn't help but crack a little smile herself. "Well, ah have to give it to you there Limestone, that's a pretty good plan," Limestone Spy pretended that he had just received a reward, waving thanks at imaginary people and patting himself on the back. His little display elicited another little giggle from the yellow-earth pony. "Alright there Casanova let me refine this little plan of yours," She chuckled. 

"Alright, go ahead," He said.

"Right, So first we steal Applejack's fancy printer camera, Then we go to Rumble's, and I distract him while you look through his diary, If there is anything incriminating in there you take a picture, then we leave, And then finally, we print the picture on the way to either Scootlaoo's or Sweetie Belle's and, boom, mission success," She said. Limestone Spy smiled, the plan was really shaping up.

"A few things we might need to work out in that," He said. "First of all, how are we going to sneak a whole camera into Rumble's house without him being suspicious?" He asked. Apple Bloom tapped on her chin.

"Ah'm sure we can just sneak it by him, Ah'm already supposed to be distracting him so maybe ah'll just start sooner," She offered, Limestone Spy thought this was risky but, it didn't seem like there was a better option.

"Alright well, what if we do get a picture what if they just don't believe it's real? Like we wrote it and made it all up?" He asked, Apple Bloom chuckled. "They fell for what was most likely spliced together audio clips of themselves, ah'm sure they'll believe a picture, and besides ah'm sure our handwriting is mighty different than theirs," She explained, Satisfied with her answer he moved on to his final question.

"Lastly, what is the backup plan? Like if this all goes sideways what do we do?" He asked. Apple Bloom sat there for a second, she hadn't really thought of a backup plan. 

"Uh, ah guess we come back here and regroup," She offered. "No, I mean like, what if we get caught in the act," He said, his tone becoming more serious. Apple Bloom let the room fall silent again, she hadn't thought of it that way but they were technically going to be performing a high-stakes operation.

"Run like hell and hope we lose them," Was the only response that Apple Bloom had. 

Limestone Spy Chuckled and shrugged. "Good enough for me,".
> The climax
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Limestone Spy awoke, he groaned and rolled over to see the clock, it read 6 am. He sighed, knowing he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, he rolled out of his bed and began getting ready today was hopefully going to be the big day that they could set their plan in motion. Unfortunately, it had been three days since they devised this plan as they failed once. Fortunately, they were able to escape the failure without anyone other than themselves noticing. the other two days Apple Bloom was needed on the farm. 

Their failure, however, wasn't a complete loss. The failure came from Apple Bloom somehow forgetting the entire camera at her house, turns out, she hadn't even asked Applejack for it, and they did think they could get away with stealing the whole diary. But there was light in this situation because Limestone Spy did get to read Rumble's diary which confirmed their suspicions about Rumble and Button Mash.

He finished getting ready and looked back at the clock, 7:05, he let out another sigh, he as long as he could, and despite that  Apple Bloom still probably wasn't awake. So he set off for the only business that he knew was open, Sugar Cube Corner, which he knew was open because Pinkie Pie was seemingly always awake. As he left his parents shouted a non-descript goodbye and he was on his way. As he trotted along he thought about the last few days, it was honestly a little bit comedic if you think about it, He was currently about to embark on a spy mission to convince his friends that the spliced audio clips were faked and not them hating each other. But he shook his head, he couldn't find it funny, at least, not yet, he had work to do.

After a short walk, he made it to Sugar cube corner, he entered and was immediately greeted by the hyper-energetic pink mare. "Hey! Limestone Spy! Or should I say good morning? Oh well, What brings you here this morning?" Limestone Spy jumped, he didn't think that he would ever get used to the Pink Mare's fast and loud speech, especially this early in the morning. 

"Hey there Pinkie," He greeted. "I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep so I came here for breakfast," He explained. Pinkie Pie smiled and vaulted over the counter, Limestone Spy gave a confused look, he would have been worried if he didn't know who Pinkie was. She resurfaced with her hooves in the air. "Well, you came to the right place!" She exclaimed. Limestone Spy smiled and walked up to the counter.

"Can I get a chocolate muffin," He said as he tossed a few bits on the counter where the muffin was already waiting for him. "Thanks," he said as he grabbed his muffin and walked away. He sat and began eating his muffin, he ate in silence for a minute, this didn't last long though as he was swiftly joined by Pinkie Pie.

"Hey there, what are you doing?" She asked. Limestone Spy, who hadn't noticed nearly jumped through the roof, Once again he might have been angry had he not known Pinkie Pie. He sighed and looked at her. "Uh, I'm eating the muffin you just gave me," He answered.

"That's so cool!" She said with way too much enthusiasm, Limestone Spy gave her a nod and hoped that she might leave but she didn't. "I haven't seen you in a while, what's going on? how have you been? What have you been up to?" Limestone Spy almost got a headache from the speedy worldwide of words that just assaulted his ears. 

"I have been alright Pinkie, Thanks," He answered, rubbing his head. 

"Just Alright, well we can't have that!" Pinkie Responded. "Why just alright?" She added. Limestone Spy sat there for a moment, pondering whether or not he should tell her or not. He was a little bit afraid that she would attempt to help him but honestly, that might not have been all that bad.

"Well, a few days ago my former friends Rumble and Button Mash convinced Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle that they didn't love each other anymore, But it was just a false plot to steal the girls for themselves," He explained. Pinkie Pie gasped and put her hooves over her mouth in a very dramatic fashion.

"Now that's just terrible!" She exclaimed. "I'm very sorry to hear that," She said with an overexaggerated frown. Limestone Spy couldn't help but crack a smile at her whirlwind of emotions. 

"It's alright Pinkie, Me and Apple Bloom are working on a plan to expose their evil plan," He said with a confident smile. Pinkie Pie giggled. "That's great!" She exclaimed. "Wait wait, woah, are you guys doing detective work?" Limestone Spy nodded. "You know I have been a detective a few times in the past but, shhh, don't tell anypony," Pinkie said, raising her hoof to her mouth to make a shushing motion. 

Limestone Spy wasn't sure why he would need to keep that secret but he had more important things to think about, he was correct, Pinkie wanted to help and he, did not want any help. "That's cool Pinkie," He said, looking up at her and the goofy grin she had. "But, I think me and Apple Bloom have it under control, In fact, we are planning to execute our plan later," He added. Pinkie Pie frowned. 

"Oh, well good luck, If you need me though, you know where to find me," She said, whispering the last part. Limestone Spy chuckled, amused at the persistent antics of the pink pony. 

"Thanks, Pinkie," He said. She smiled before disappearing to the counter as another pony walked in.



Button Mash trotted towards Rumble's house, it was early but he didn't care he needed to have a talk with his friend. Because he was worried about his friend, Not about his well-being, of course, he was worried that he was going to ruin the plan that they had just worked so hard to execute just days after they had succeeded. He had seen Rumble hanging out with Apple Bloom and Limestone Spy several times in the last few days and he didn't like it, mainly because both times it didn't seem like Rumble's idea. Normally this wouldn't be out of the ordinary but he was paranoid and they both seemed rather suspicious of the whole situation.

He finally made his way to Rumle's house, he stared at the door for a second before knocking, and to his surprise, Rumble answered instead of Thunderlane. "Oh, hey Button," Rumble greeted.

"Hey Rumble, can I talk to you for a second," He said. Rumble gave a confused look but nodded. The two walked into the house and sat down on the couch. "So, I couldn't help but notice that you have been hanging out with Apple Bloom and Limestone Spy a lot lately," Button said slowly. 

"Uh yeah, what about it?" Rumble asked. Button Mash sighed, his friend was oddly innocent at the worst times. 

"I don't think you should, They seem suspicious of us," Button Said, Hoping that his point would get across as simply as possible. 

"But they are our friend Button," Rumble defended. Button Mash sighed once again and put his hoof to his face.

"Yes but they are also really good friends with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo and dare I say that they were better friends with those two than us," He explained. Rumble looked at the ground, he hadn't thought of it that way. 

But Rumble shook off those thoughts, always wanting to see the best in ponies. "Come on Button, I'm sure they have forgotten about that already," Rumble said with a dismissive flick of his hoof, Button Mash face hooved.

"Rumble you are thinking too highly of them, You need to stop hanging out with them, at least this often," Button commanded softly. Rumble wasn't a huge fan of that, Who did Button think he was? Just bossing him around like this, he gets one girlfriend and now he thinks he's all that. Well, not officially yet, they Two colts hadn't yet convinced the two recently separated fillies to date them yet, but they were very close, in fact, Button was planning on asking Scootlaoo out later today, Rumble didn't feel like he needed to, Sweetie Belle was already really affectionate to him so he figured they were pretty much already a thing.

"Whatever man, I guess I'll try," Rumble said, Button picked up on the sarcasm but figured it wasn't worth the argument and potentially running off his only friend, and more importantly his co-conspirator. 

"Well good, that's all I can ask I guess," Button said. "Well, I have a big day, or should I say date to get ready for," Button said nudging Rubmle, who couldn't help but laugh at the unfunny joke. "Yep, Scoots and I are meeting later today, and I'm going to ask her to be official, Not that I need to, she is already totally into me, this is just a formality," Button proclaimed, dripping with confidence. Rumble Laughed again, he was impressed with Button's confidence that he had suddenly gained since the start of the school year, he had gone from childish and generally oblivious to a confident and well-witted colt in the span of a few months, Not that he showed that off to everyone though.

"Totally bro!" Rumble encouraged. Button gave him a hoof bump and started to trot out. "Oh, Button," Rumble said. Button looked back at him, eyebrow raised. "Go get her tiger," Rumble said with a click of his tongue and a smile. Button laughed and gave his friend a playful wave.



Limestone Spy trotted towards Sweet Apple Acres, he managed to kill a few hours at Sugar Cube Corner and at other various places around Ponyville. His heart began to race, as the weight of what he was about to do started to catch up with him. Could he really do this? He was in the right, they knew that Button and Rumble was behind this but he couldn't help but feel like it was wrong to do this, What if they get caught this time? He didn't want to even imagine what would happen if they got caught this time, he assumed that it wouldn't be good. 

Limestone Spy shook his head, and an old quote popped into his head 'How can you succeed when all you think about is all the ways you can fail,' It was true, he needed to stop thinking about those things and start thinking about succeeding. His train of thought was interrupted by the noise of rustling coming from the clubhouse, he shook his head again, He was already at the clubhouse? He must have been on autopilot for a while.

He walked up the ramp and into the clubhouse to see Apple Bloom on the floor, screwdrivers, rulers, and many other tools scattered around a camera. 'Well nice of ya to join me," Apple Bloom chided, not looking up from her work.

Limestone Spy laughed. "I was actually around town killing time because I didn't think you would be awake," It was Apple Bloom's turn to laugh.

"Sleep? On a big night like this? I barely got any," She said, still working on the camera. Limestone Spy rolled his eyes and walked over to where she was working. "What are you doing?" He asked.

"Fixin' this old camera," She answered. "Applejack just gave it to me, said she hadn't used it in a decade, It doesn't work but ah think I can fix it up in no time," She declared, the confident Determination coming from Apple Bloom was more than he had ever heard. She was as tired of this as he was, they just wanted their friends to be able to hang out all together again, they wanted Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle back together, and most importantly, they wanted to bring Button Mash and Rumble to justice.

"How long until-" Limestone Spy was cut off by Apple Bloom suddenly turning the camera to him and snapping a picture, he watched as the picture fell to the ground. "Right about... Now," She giggled, picking up the picture and gently waving it back and forth. 

"What are you doing?" He asked. "Developing it, to make the picture turn from black you have to shake it gently," She explained. Limestone Spy nodded, it was pretty cool tech. "I was worried about that," Apple Bloom mumbled.

"Worried about what?" Limestone Spy asked.

"It didn't show up very well, ah was worried that this old paper might not work very well," She said with a frown. The room fell to silence, both foals thinking hard.

"I mean, if there were words on it do you think you could read them? That's really all we need," He asked. Apple Bloom studied the image she wasn't sure, she really could come to a conclusive answer.


"Ah don't know Limestone, Maybe but It could be different when we take the picture there," She explained. 

"Couldn't we just go get the new film or whatever that thing uses?" He asked. "Ah don't think the new stuff would work with this old camera, Applejack said they updated the paper to come out clearer or somethin," She expounded, Limestone Spy frowned they couldn't just not do this, he couldn't stand another day of waiting.

"Well, I say we have to take the risk, I can't wait any longer to do this," He said, steadfast. Apple Bloom looked at the ground, she didn't think it was a great plan but, truth be told, she didn't really want to wait any longer either. Limestone Spy stood there waiting for her response.

She looked up and him and dismissively waved her hoof with a smile. "Ah'm sure it'll turn out fine," Limestone Spy chuckled, Fool-poof plans weren't typically something that the Cutie Mark Crusaders specialized in any way.

As they started trotting towards Ponyville Limestone Spy had an idea. "I want to add a slight deviation," He said. Apple Bloom looked at him, eyebrow raised. "I think we should tell Scootlaoo and Sweetie Belle to meet us somewhere before we go to Rumble's," Apple Bloom still didn't look convinced. "Hey, It doesn't hurt anything and could be a failsafe of sorts, I mean going to both of their houses to show them the picture could be cumbersome," Apple Bloom still didn't seem totally convinced.

"What if we fail and then they just meet each other at this location?" She asked.

"Then we just look like jerks, and nice to know you have faith in us," Apple Bloom rolled her eyes at his words. "Well someone has to be the devil's advocate," Apple Bloom said. Limestone Spy gave her a sad look. "Fine, whatever ah guess your right, there isn't much downside," She conceded. Limestone Spy pumped his hoof in victory and the two went right back to trotting.

The walk that normally felt like forever felt like two seconds as the duo now stood in front of Scootaloo's house Limestone Spy stood there staring at the door. "Do I need to remind you that this part was your idea?' Apple Bloom asked, Limestone Spy shot her a glare but he knew that she was right and he had to do it.

With trepidation, he knocked and waited, to his surprise, Scootaloo answered again. "Oh, hey what's up guys," She greeted. It was at this point that Limestone Spy realized that he had messed up, He had absolutely no idea what he was going to say.

"What's up Scoots, I was gonna ask if you could help me out in a little bit," He said lamely. Apple Bloom resisted the urge to face hoof.

"Uh, sorry but I was going to meet Button by the fountain in a like ten minutes," She said. Limestone Spy stood there for a second, ignoring the slight tug on his tail from Apple Bloom that he knew was a 'Let's go' signal.

"That's fine, just meet me there like 5 minutes before, It won't take long I promise," Limestone Spy countered. He could practically hear the internal sigh from Apple Bloom.

"Well if it won't take that long then why can't we just do it now?" Scootlaoo asked, a confused look on her face.

"Because, I uh, need to go get some supplies real quick," He stuttered. Apple Bloom's silent disappointment couldn't have been any louder.

"Fine, whatever, Just be gone by the time Button gets there," Scootlaoo said with an eye roll. Limestone Spy smiled and gave her a generic thanks before trotting away as fast as he could. 

Once the door was shut and they were out of earshot, Apple Bloom spoke. "Ah think I got dumber listening to you there," A sigh escaped her lips. "And it worked too," She added. Limestone Spy couldn't help but laugh at her confused disappointment. 

"Nevermind that, we have more work to do," He said as they approached the carousel boutique. He raised his hoof and knocked. Rarity answered. "Hey there darling, Sweetie Belle is in the kitchen," She said. Limestone Spy and Apple Bloom thanked her and walked into the kitchen where Sweetie Belle sat at the table.

"Hey, guys!" Sweetie Belle greeted. "Hey Sweetie," Apple Bloom returned her enthused greeting. Limestone Spy smiled and trotted up next to Sweetie Belle.

"Sorry to drop by so suddenly Sweetie But we have to ask you something," He said. Sweetie Belle looked at him with a look that signaled ' Go on'. "Me and Apple Bloom were going to do a really cool surprise at the fountain and we were wondering if you would meet us there in like 5-ish minutes?" He asked. Sweetie Belle looked at Rarirty with a pleading Smile.

Rarity nodded her approval. "I'll be there," Sweetie Belle said excitedly. Limestone Spy and Apple Bloom flashed each other smiles. "Well, we need to go get ready then!" Apple Bloom said, the two didn't say anything else, they trotted to the door and left. 

With their newfound time constraint, they hurriedly trotted to Rumble's house. It wasn't long before the two had reached Rumble's house. Limestone Spy took a second to catch his breath, which made him realize that maybe the 5-minute time window was way too little. Once he caught his breath, he knocked. Thunderlane answered. "Oh hey guys, Rumble is in his room," The two thanked him and trotted towards Rumble's room. Before they entered they gave themselves a confidant nod, ready to put this plan into action. 

"Hey, Rumble!" Apple Bloom greeted enthusiastically. Rumble, who was taken aback by the loud greeting was distracted by the Loud Filly. Limestone Spy took this time to sneak his way over to the diary, he cautiously flipped through the pages, taking time to look back at Rumble and Apple Bloom, they were doing something but that wasn't important, what was important was it seemed like Rumble had forgotten about him. He pulled out the camera but was distracted by what he thought was the front door opening, Did he hear that right? Was thunderlane leaving? He shook this off and positioned the camera over the page.

"Hey guys," Button greeted. Limestone Spy tensed up, taking a picture without meaning too. He turned around, camera behind his back to see Button Mash standing there, staring at him. "What was that?" Button asked.

"Uh, nothing?" Limestone Spy said slowly. "It didn't sound like nothing," Button said, slowly approaching Limestone Spy who was slowly inching towards the exit. "Come on Button, It was nothing, I bet it was the game that Apple Bloom and Rumble are playing," He offered. Button Looked back at Apple Bloom and Rumble.

"Doesn't look like they are even playing a game," He said. "Now what were you doing?" Limestone Spy was distracted by his disappointment over the stupid excuse, Button took the chance and got a quick look behind his back. "A camera!" Button Exclaimed, he looked over to see the diary where Limestone Spy was just standing. 

Limestone Spy didn't waste a second. "RUN!" He shouted before he carefully grabbed the printed picture in his mouth and galloped out of the room, Apple Bloom Close behind, It took the two stunned colts a few moments before they began chasing. Limestone Spy and Apple BLoom tore through the living room and out the door, followed By Button Mash and Rumble a few seconds later. 

"Kids," Thunderlande Chuckled. 

The chase was on Limestone Spy and Apple Bloom were heading straight for the fountain which was unfortunately not as close as they had hoped. Limestone Spy frantically struggled to run while holding the camera and trying to develop the picture. They zoomed around ponies and buildings, trying to lose their pursuers. Limestone Spy had an internal celebration when the picture finally developed and he didn't have to run while shaking his head like a madman, his celebration though distracted him enough so he didn't realize that he was heading straight for a wall, he barely heard Apple Bloom's warning before crashing into the brick building. It hurt, bad, but the adrenaline kept him going as he pretty much bounced off and kept going. 

"Hurry up!" Apple Bloom shouted as Button and Rumble were beginning to catch up with them. "It's hard to run with this camera!" Limestone Spy responded. "Ah don't care about the camera!" Apple Bloom shouted back. Limestone Spy didn't have to be told twice, he chunked the camera like a live grenade, not caring about the crash and screams that he heard soon after. The two were getting close to their destination, weaving their way in and out of ponies, wagons, buildings, and every other obstacle you could imagine. They zoomed past the Apple family's cart, ignoring Applejack's calls out to Apple Bloom. 

Finally, they screamed around a corner and found the fountain in sight, they were just in time for Scootlaoo as well as Sweetie Belle to be approaching the fountain on different sides. "What the" Scootlaoo said as Limestone Spy and Apple Bloom came to a screeching halt in front of her. 

"S-scoot read picture," Limestone Spy panted. "Are you alright?" Scootlaoo asked. "I fine just chase, read now," He said between breaths. Scootaloo, who was confused by his words was even more shocked when Button and Rumble came flying in.

"Don't read that Scootaloo!" Button Shouted. "They made that up, it's sabotage!" He added. Scootaloo took a step back, overwhelmed at what was going down. 

"Please Scoots, just read it," Apple Bloom pleaded. "I don't know it's kind of hard to trust you when She is here," Scootlaoo scoffed, pointing at Sweetie Belle. Limestone Spy felt anger welling up.

"Quit being so stubborn and just read the picture!" Limestone Spy commanded. Scootaloo, despite being taken aback, began reading, despite more protests from Button Mash and Rumble. She read, slowing down and re-reading portions, baffled and hurt by what she read.

"Y-you, you guys did this?" She stammered, backing up, tears welling in past her confident bravado. "Scootaloo, no I would never, you see-" Button was cut off by the pegasus. "Liar!" She shouted. 

"What's going on, what does it say?" Sweetie Belle asked, walking up to Scootlaoo, Who gave her the picture. Sweetie Belle began reading the picture, reading words of betrayal detailing how Rumble and Button Mash set the whole situation up to sabotage her relationship for their own personal gain.

"Sweetie, come o-" Rumble didn't have time to finish. "No, I don't want to hear it!" Sweetie Belle lashed. "But," Rumble said dejectedly. "No buts! Go away, both of you!" Sweetie Belle shouted. 

The two colts didn't move, Limestone Spy took action. "They said go away!" He commanded. They didn't move. "I guess it's my turn to be the chaser," He said as he took off in a full gallop at the two colts, who scrambled around before galloping away, Limestone Spy stopped, laughing as he watched the two colts gallop away in fear. 

"I-I'm sorry Sweetie," He heard Scootlaoo say, obviously still trying to fight off tears. "I-it's okay Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle said, she, unlike Scootlaoo, was not trying to fight off tears. The two shared a loving embrace. "We both were kind of stupid huh?" Scootlaoo asked with a laugh, tears still in her eyes. 

"I guess so," Sweetie Belle agreed, the two shared a kiss as Limestone Spy put his arm around Apple Bloom and gave her a warm smile.

"We did it,"