Both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom peered over at their pegasus friend who was sat looking bored, listening Miss Cheerilee drone on about some famous unicorn.
Both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom gave each other knowing smirks. Thankfully the bell rang, signalling the end of class. Before the students could leave however, Miss Cheerilee shouted “Don’t forget to bring your homework assignments in for next lesson!” Causing Scootaloo to elicit a groan.
Apple Bloom whispered to Sweetie “She won’t need tah worry about handing in that assignment.”
This made Sweetie Belle snort up laughter. Scootaloo who noticed this asked “What’s so funny?”
“Oh it’s nothing, just something Miss Cheerilee said” she explained.
“Oh” Scootaloo muttered, she had felt that she was being left out all week and had even been kicked out of the clubhouse on several occasions. When she asked why, they told her that they was planning a surprise for her.
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle ran out of the school house together, not giving Scootaloo a chance to meet up with them. Scootaloo felt like she was getting shut out.
***
When Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom arrived at the clubhouse, Sweetie asked her “Did you get the stuff?”
Apple Bloom nodded taking out a bunch of rope, tape and cloth from her saddlebags. “Did yah get the pills?”
“Yep, she should be out like a light. Its a good thing that Rarity has been having trouble sleeping.” She said holding out a small yellow tub with the words: sleeping pills, emblazoned on the side.
“Ah even found an abandoned, building where we can keep her.” Apple Bloom exclaimed in excitement.
“Perfect, we’ll have our cutie marks in no time!” Sweetie said before asking “Come and show me this building then.”
***
Apple Bloom led Sweetie Belle to the edge of the Everfree Forest where they saw what resembled an old storage container. “It’s very echoey, in here. What if somepony ends up hearing her?” She asked worried.
“If we keep her gagged then nopony will be able to hear her not to mention nopony comes near here anyway, it's perfect.” Apple Bloom answered.
“Lets get everything set up then,” Sweetie said.
They moved a wooden chair into the container as well as installing several hooks into the walls and cieling. They then attached several chains to the hooks. Sweetie Belle had managed to score a wooden chest where they could store their gear. The only thing that was missing now was their prisoner.
***
They had invited Scootaloo to the clubhouse, where she asked “Are you guys, finally going to tell me what’s going on?”
Sweetie answered gleefully “Yep, everythings going to become all clear in just a minute but first you need to try these cupcakes that we got from Sugar Cube Corner. They’re limited edition and they are to die for.”
She then handed an innocent looking cupcake that was decorated with purple icing and sprinkles . Scootaloo took a bite out of the cupcake before saying “Thanks guy, these …. Taste….. great” she said her voice growing faint and her eyes becoming heavy. She stumbled as she tried to keep herself upright before ultimately collapsing to the floor in a heap, out cold.
“How long have we got till she wakes up?” Apple Bloom asked.
“They’re really mild so about two to four hours” Sweetie explained.
“That’s perfect, enough time to get her there and to explain what’s going on” she said.
They then got to work on taping Scootaloos wings along with all four of her hooves together. Sweetie Belle then shoved a ball of cloth into her mouth before wrapping tape around her head.
After seeing her friend taped up, Sweetie couldn’t help but feel a tad bit guilty, however she knew it was all worth it in the long run.
They then stuffed Scootaloo into a large bag before heaving it onto her own wagon that she usually uses to carry them around Ponyville. They then used Scootaloo’s own scooter to tow the sack all the way to the container.
***
Once they arrived at the container, they dragged the sack into the container before pulling Scootaloo out. They released her hooves and they then positioned her onto the chair. They then tied each of her hooves to the arms and feet of the chair with rope.
They had done it, they had successfully kidnapped their friend. They both looked down at their flanks before sighing in disappointment at their blank flanks.
“Maybe they’ll come once we’ve kept her for a few days.” Sweetie suggested.
Apple Bloom was about to agree with her when they heard a groan come from their tied up friend. They watched as her eyes fluttered open and muffled groans turned to muffled grunts of panic as she realised that she couldn’t move.
Scootaloo now in full blown panic mode tried to pull at the ropes but no avail, Apple Blooms skilled rope work appeared to be too effective.
She then noticed Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle standing there. They watched her face lit up with hope and happiness at seeing them. “Mmmmph mmmph!” She shouted through the tape, gesturing with her head to the ropes.
“Ah’m sorry, Scoots but we can’t let yah go.” Apple Bloom told the pegasus sympathetically.
Her eyes began to fill with confusion as she once again let out more muffled grunts, gesturing to the ropes, this time more urgently, her face pleading with her two friends.
Sweetie Belle sighed before explaining “We’re sorry Scoots but you’re our prisoner.”
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle then shouted out “CUTIE MARK CRUSADER KIDNAPPERS YAY!”
Scootaloo’s face turned to horror as tears started to roll down her face as she came to the horrible realisation that her own friends, her two best friends had done this to her.
Sweetie Belle noticed her tears and said “Don’t Cry Scootaloo.”
She then started to stroke the side of her face but Scootaloo pushed her away angrily screaming “Mmmmph Mmmph Mmph”
Sweetie Belle looked hurt by this. “Ah understand that yer angry, that we chose you but let us explain. You were the only suitable target, you had nopony to care about you so nopony will report you missing. If we don’t get our cutie marks then we might let you go but until then yer our prisoner” she explained.
Scootaloo still looked angry so Apple Bloom then told her “Ah can see that yer still angry so we’re going tah go and let yer cool of.” She told her.
They then left the container plunging the entire room in darkness. It was with a horrible realisation that Sweetie Belle was the only pony creating any light scource.
Scootaloo looked around the dark container, her heart racing. She never told anypony this but she was secretly terrified of the dark. Scootaloo tried to find any clue as to where she was but it was useless, it was just too dark. She then pulled at her bonds but she could barely do anything as little as twitch.
Not one to give up, she screamed herself hoarse, praying that somepony had heard her, however nopony came. She tried not to concentrate on the dark, to no avail, it felt like it was smothering her. She was ashamed to admit that the sounds of trees creaking and branches rustling was beginning to get to her.
Unknown to her there was a camera watching her every move.
***
“She looks scared,” Sweetie Belle told Apple Bloom. They were sat inside the clubhouse, where they had been watching Scootaloo.
Even Apple Bloom had to admit that it broke her heart when she heard Scootaloo’s muffled screams. “We can’t let it distract us. From now on no more nice guys.” Apple Bloom suddenly said.
“What are you saying?” Sweetie asked.
“ We need tah get strict. We need tah make her scared.” Apple Bloom told her, her face hardening.
“ What should we do?”
“We should set some rules and some harsh punishments” she said, slamming her hoof down on the floor.
The two girls began to plot and scheme over the different rules and punishments. They had to admit that these punishments were going to be brutal.
After they had thought of some rules, they went to get more gear for the punishments. Was it weird that she was gonna enjoy punishing her friend Apple Bloom thought.
They then walked back to the container where upon arrival, Apple Bloom slammed her hoof against the wall and watched her through the camera as she jumped up in fright.
***
After being jumped out of her skin at the sound of a loud bang, she got a wave of adrenaline and she struggled with all her strength however this dod nothing but made her tip her chair over, causing her to release a pained, muffled grunt.
Suddenly the doors opened to reveal Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, who was using her magic again to light up the room. Sweetie Belle gasped at seeing her friend lying on her side meanwhile, Apple Bloom tuttered “Tut tut tut, Scootaloo why are you trying to escape, you’re supposed to be our friend” sighing she then added as Sweetie Belle used her magic to turn Scootaloo upright again, “You’re supposed to help us gain our cutie marks. Now just be a good, little filly and stay still and quiet.”
Scootaloo merely shook her head in anger and started to scream “MMMMMPH-“ SMACK
Scootaloo stared at her friends with shock and disbelief, her cheek stinging. Both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle noticing how her deamenor changed from anger to fear. Apple Bloom told her “Ah’m sorry Scootaloo, but right now yer our hostage, so we can’t be nice ter yah. Ah just want yah tah know that no matter how much we seem angry at yah or scary, we’re still friends. But for right now while you are our prisoner, we will have to be mean ter yah and yes even hurt you, this is for the greater good.”
She mumbled through the gag “mmmph”
Sweetie then began to explain “We’ll let you talk after we’ve explained the rules. The first rule is you have to be silent, no talking, no crying and no screaming. The second rule is you can’t call us by our names, you can call me madam and you can call Apple Bloom, mistress. The third rule is, don’t try to escape, you won’t get very far. The fourth rule is, you will listen to us and follow our orders, even if you don’t want to. If you don’t follow our rules then you will be punished. Nod if you understand”
Scootaloo reluctantly nodded. “Good, I,m going to take the tape of now. Are you going to stay quiet?” Sweetie asked, hoping that Scootaloo was going to make things easy. She nodded again.
Sweetie pulled the tape of gently and removed the cloth from her mouth. With mouth now free, she wanted to scream for help again but realised that her mouth was incredibly dry. “Good girl for not screaming” Sweetie congratulated, patting Scootaloo’s head.
Scootaloo then said “I need a drink.”
Sweetie sighed in disappointment “Its not even been five minutes and you’re already breaking the rules.” She then walked over to Apple Bloom where they had a whispered conversation, making Scootaloo slightly nervous.
After their conversation Sweetie Belle picked up a pair of mane clippers and walked over to the bound pegasus, who started to ask worriedly “What are you doing? Get them away from me!”
However it was no use, turning the clippers on she shaved Scootaloo’s entire mane and tail of. The purple strands of mane falling to their hooves. All the while Scootaloo was screaming “NOOOOO!” Shaking her head so much that Sweetie had to use her magic to forcefully keep her head still. Finally it was over, Scootaloo sobbed not wanting to look at herself, she felt humiliated. To her horror she heard the tell tale snapping of a camera.
Looking up she saw Sweetie Belle holding up a polaroid of her, completely bald with tear stained cheeks. Apple Bloom made a remark “ Ah guess Gabby Gums is going to make one last appearance”
“Please no, my reputation will be ruined.” She cried desperately.
“It’s funny that yer telling us not teh do it yet you’re breaking a rule as yer saying it.”
“Please I’m sorry. I’ll follow the rules please don’t release those photos” Scootaloo begged.
“No can do, yeh need tah learn Scoots that actions have consequences.” Apple Bloom said, they then both left, leaving their friend to her misery, once again plunging to room into darkness but this time Scootaloo didn’t care.
The door slammed open again, she looked up hopefully, but hope fell again as Apple Bloom told the captive “Shoot ah almost forgot tah gag yer.”
Scootaloo quickly slammed her mouth shut as Apple Bloom took a long strip of cloth and tied a knot in the middle, she then ordered “Open yer mouth!” However Scootaloo shook her head. Rolling her eyes, she pinched Scootaloo’s nose with her hooves much to her horror as she realised that she couldn’t breathe. Her face slowly turned blue as she adamantly refused to open her mouth, however it eventually became too much and she opened her mouth for a gulp of air, quickly siezing the chance, Apple Bloom rammed the gag into her mouth before tying it of behind her head so tight that it hurt her cheeks. She then left without saying any word to Scootaloo.
Rainbow Dash looked down at the newspaper in horror. The headline read: Scootaloo’s bad mane day
With a Picture of Scootaloo in tears and completely bald, her cheeks red with embarrassment. Hey eyes narrowed at the writer’s name: Gabby Gums
The pen name that the cutie mark crusaders had created when they tried to get their cutie marks in journalism. She wanted answers, from the looks of Scootaloo in the picture, this was not of her own free will. That was when she remembered that the Crusaders were being blackmailed into doing it by Diamond Tiara, who had threatened to post embarrassing photos of the three girls.
Rainbow Dash had her prime suspect.
***
Rainbow Dash burst into Miss Cheerilee’s class, causing everypony to look up from their work towards her. Rainbow Dash noticed that Scootaloo wasn't in class but she did see her two friends, however, Sen then saw the pony who she wanted to talk to. Diamond Tiara was too busy having her conversation with Silver Spoon to notice that Rainbow Dash was standing right in front of her.
Rainbow Dash cleared her throat loudly causing the two snobbish fillies to look up. “Yes, can I help you?” Diamond asked, examining her hooves, not even looking up at the angry mare.
“Where is she?” Rainbow snarled.
Diamond merely rolled her eyes, still not looking up at Dash, “where’s who?”
“You know who,” Dash hissed, slamming the newspaper onto the desk causing both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon to finally look up at the enraged pegasus. Everypony looked at Rainbow Dash as her cyan coat began to turn red from anger. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle shifted uncomfortably in their seats as they realised what she was talking about.
Diamond looked down at the newspaper article before bursting out in laughter “HAHAHA! I would pay to watch that in person.”
Rainbow Dash couldn't take any more as she screamed “SHUT UP, YOU SPOILT BRAT! Now you better tell me where Scootaloo is or Celestia help me if I get my hooves on you.”
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon began to shake in fear as Diamond bravely retorted “We don't know where the blank flank is. We haven't seen her all week, why don't you ask her friends.”
Rainbow’s eye twitched, however, before she could reply Miss Cheerilee exclaimed “Rainbow Dash, this is a school!"
Rainbow turned on her and shouted, "I don't care care, look at what these spoilt brats did to Scootaloo!"
Cheerilee peered down at the newspaper and frowned before telling Dash, "I'm sorry Rainbow Dash, but you're mistaken. After the Gabby Gums incident, the school shut the paper down."
Rainbow, gave a look of confusion before asking, "If that's the case, then where did this come from?"
"I'm not sure, somepony must've printed it off somewhere else because there was no way this printed off here." She explained.
Rainbow sighed in frustration, she then realised that Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom might know where she was. She walked over to their tables and asked, "Do you two girls, know where Scootaloo is?"
Both fillies shook their heads, a little too quickly, however, Rainbow was too stressed to notice. Cheerilee suddenly spoke up, "Rainbow Dash, might I remind you that you are interrupting a lesson? Why don't you go and ask the stallion that works at the printers in town."
Sighing, she shot one final glare towards the two bullies, still convinced that they were behind the humiliating article, before storming out of the classroom.
Miss Cheerilee breathed a sigh of relief of her own, glad that the erratic pegasus was out of her precious classroom. She then turned to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, and said in a threatening tone, "If I find out that are the ones behind that article, I assure you that you will be expelled before you can shout Daddy."
Both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gave each other worried glances before turning to their workbooks, both of them now realising that if they were caught that they would be in a heap of trouble.
***
Rainbow Dash burst into the small printer shop in Ponyville. The old stallion, that owns the shop, jumped out of his skin, not expecting such an entrance. Regaining his composure, he walked over to the young mare and greeted, "Hello there, what can I do for you today?"
"Hey, did anypony print this off here?" Rainbow asked, showing the unicorn stallion the newspaper.
The shop owner, examined the paper, "Hmmm let me think."
Rainbow, beginning to get agitated, urged impatiently, "Hurry, this is important."
The stallion stroked his chin in thought before exclaiming, "Yes, I remember now, two fillies came in, they said it was for a school project."
Rainbow did a silent celebration before asking, "Do you know their names?"
"I'm afraid not, no."
Rainbow felt her temper rising again, "Well what did they look like?" she asked, irritated, throwing her hooves in the air.
"One was a white unicorn, she looked posh, unlike her earth pony friend. The earth pony was wearing a red bow too" he explained.
Rainbow's jaw dropped, not believing what she just heard. "Are you sure?"
"Yes quite sure, I remember them because they were very secretive. Oh, where did she go?" He asked as Rainbow was nowhere in sight.
***
As soon as school finished, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle rushed to their clubhouse, "I knew it was a bad idea, to release that article!" Sweetie shouted in regret.
Sweetie then added, "What will we do if we get caught?"
"Ah don't know" Apple Bloom said in frustration, trying to think of what to do next.
Sweetie, then suggested timidly, "Maybe we should let her go."
"NO! She'll tell everypony" She shouted.
"Well, we were going to have to let her go at some point."
"Ah know, but we should wait fer the head to die down." Apple Bloom said.
"Okay." Sweetie relented agreeing with her friend.
"You go and check on Scoots, while I go and pick something up from Zecora's" Apple Bloom told Sweetie.
"What are you getting from Zecora's?" Sweetie asked in confusion.
"Something that could get us out of this mess." She replied cryptically.
Sweetie decided to go with it and ran off to the container, while Apple Bloom went to Zecora's.
***
Sweetie Belle entered the container to find Scootaloo in tears. She looked up to see Sweetie Belle standing there. "Mmmmph, mmmmph" She mumbled through the gag.
Sweetie Belle pulled the gag out of her mouth, "Please let me go."
Sweetie told her "I can't."
"Please, I promise I won't tell anypony" She pleaded. Sweetie was tempted by the idea but she instantly snapped it out of her head.
"No. I should punish you, you broke the rules." Sweetie said, walking over to the chest.
Scootaloo immediately started to shake her head in protest, "Please no, I'm sorry." Her eyes, turned to pinpricks as she watched Sweetie Belle pull out, a pair of rusted garden shears. "NOOOO! What are you doing get away from me!" She screamed.
Sweetie used her magic to grab her wing and placed the wing joint in between the two blades of the shears. Scootaloo started to hyperventilate and she clenched her eyes shut, waiting for the inevitable pain as she whispered, "Not my wings, anything but my wings." However the pain never came, she opened her eyes to see Sweetie Belle, dropping the shears causing a loud clang.
"I can't do it. I can't do any of this," she muttered to herself.
Suddenly, Apple Bloom walked in, she asked, "What's going on?"
"Apple Bloom, we've gone too far, we have to let her go" Sweetie exclaimed.
"I know which is why ah've brought this." Apple Bloom said holding up a bottle containing a mysterious purple liquid inside.
"What is it?" Sweetie Belle asked wary of the unknown substance.
"memory eraser potion. It makes a pony forget everything," she explained.
Sweetie Belle gasped, "We can't do that! This has gone on for too long."
"I know it has, If we don't give her this then she'll tell everypony." Apple Bloom hissed.
Sweetie Belle reluctantly agreed, "Fine"
Scootaloo instantly clamped her mouth shut, refusing to take the potion. "Please take the potion, Scootaloo" Sweetie pleaded, wanting to get this over and done with.
"You either take the potion, or we'll have to kill you." Apple Bloom threatened.
Both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo couldn't believe what she was saying. Apple Bloom grabbed a knife and slashed at Scootaloo's flank causing her to scream, Apple Bloom instantly leapt at the chance to force the potion down Scootaloo's throat.
"What did you do that for!" Sweetie Belle shouted.
Apple Bloom merely said, "She wasn't opening her mouth."
Sweetie Belle couldn't believe, what her friend had become. They both watched as Scootaloo's eyes turned hazy before becoming clear again.
Suddenly, the door slammed open, and they both turned around to see Rainbow Dash standing there, her mouth opened in shock. "What have you done?"