“And in recent news, known sex offender James Westchester was found by police earlier in an alleyway near Whitetail Park,” the news anchor said on the TV in the apartment. “A spokesman from the police said that there are signs of a struggle between the victim and whoever killed him. The identity of the killer is unknown, though some have theorized it may be connected to the recent fights between…”
Scootaloo groaned and lifted the remote as she turned off the TV. “I’m not saying I wouldn’t want to take that guy out, but aren’t I only supposed to fight monsters? Why would they think I’m connected to it?”
“Who knows,” Sweetie said as she rubbed Scootaloo’s shoulders. “Don’t let it get to you, you’re our local superhero so of course they’re going to speculate about your actions. Not that I’m going to lose any sleep over this guy.”
“Still, something about all of this feels weird,” Scootaloo said with a shake of her head as she looked over at Apple Bloom. “What do you think Apple Bloom?”
“Ah agree, somethin’ about this whole thing feels weird,” Apple Bloom said with a shake of her head. “Though it could easily just be a vigilante or somethin’. But, there are other Riders out there right?”
“Yeah, I’ve been doing some reading on it,” Sweetie said as she took out her phone. “There are reports of Riders going back to the 70s. I’m even seeing some reports of two being active right now called Zi-O and Geiz. And of course there was the Inves attacks a few years ago. Frankly I’m starting to see why groups like S.M.I.LE. exist, if there have been these many it was only a matter of time before they started going international.”
“So, what are we going to do?” Scootaloo asked as she looked between the two of them. “We have to consider the possibility that there is another monster out there right now. Maybe one that has a twisted version of justice or something.”
“Maybe,” Apple Bloom said. “But Ah think we need ta focus on dealin’ with tha monsters we know about instead of worryin’ about what might just be a random thing. We need ta focus on how yer gonna save Diamond.”
“I’ve got enough practice on Forseti, but its not really the same thing as actually fighting a monster on it,” Scootaloo said with a sigh as she shook her head a little. “I can’t help but feel nervous, like I’m going to mess this up somehow. What if I hurt her badly or something?”
“Scootaloo, you can’t do anything worse than what that thing did to her,” Sweetie said as she gave Scootaloo a kiss on the cheek. “You’re going to be just fine. You’ll figure out how to save her.”
“Maybe we should pay her family a visit,” Apple Bloom suggested. “They know us, and well her Dad likes her at least. If they can tell us anythin’ about what’s goin’ on, it might help us know where she went.”
“Yeah, maybe,” Scootaloo said as they checked the time. It was late and there was no sign of the monster all day, she just wanted to get into bed and get a good night’s sleep. “I’m tired from all that training today. Let’s just call it a night and hope they don’t come after us.”
“Yeah, sounds good ta me,” Apple Bloom said with a yawn and chuckled a little. “Ya’ll have fun okay? Just don’t make too much noise, Ah want ta sleep yah know.”
“Oh, I don’t know, maybe we’ll stay up all night making noise,” Sweetie said with a chuckle as she leaned in and kissed Scootaloo on the lips. “Very, very loud and sexy noises…”
“Yep, Ah’m goin’ ta bed before that image gets into mah head,” Apple Bloom said quickly as she got up and headed off to her bedroom. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle just laughed a little at that as Sweetie got up.
“I’m going to bed, can I expect you there soon?” She asked.
“In a bit, I want to talk to Rainbow Dash again,” Scootaloo said with a sigh as she leaned up and gave her a kiss. “Get nice and comfortable, I won’t be that long.”
“Okay, don’t keep me waiting,” Sweetie said with a smile as she sauntered towards their bedroom, shaking her butt a little in her girlfriend’s direction.
Scootaloo smiled a little as she took her phone out. She didn’t want to have to make Sweetie wait, but right now she felt like she needed to talk to her big sister again. She sighed a little and called her, after a moment Rainbow’s face appeared on the screen.
“Hey Scoots,” Rainbow said with a smile as she saw her little sister. “What’s up? I’ve heard some crazy reports about some armored woman fighting monsters in Canterlot, is that you?”
“It was two monsters, and I didn’t exactly have the best luck with the second one,” Scootaloo said with a chuckle. “Its been a crazy few days, you know?”
“Yeah, I’ll bet,” Rainbow said with a soft chuckle. “But I know you’re going to make it through it. If you ever need anything, just let me know. You’re my little sister, I’d be glad to do anything I can to help you out.”
“Can you get the internet to stop going crazy over me?” Scootaloo asked with a chuckle which just made Rainbow laugh.
“Hey, on the bright side, that mask keeps them from knowing who you are so they won’t hound you at least,” Rainbow said with a chuckle. “That suit looks good, though what’s with the shoulderpads?”
“I think it’s because of the Justice thing,” Scootaloo said with a shrug. “It’s supposed to represent the scales of justice or something. Yeah, it’s kind of cheesy, but I didn’t design the suit you know.”
“Yeah, I know I’m just giving you a hard time,” Rainbow said with a laugh. “You should hear what Rarity has to say about it. She doesn’t like the coordination of the colors or something and says the shoulderpads are all wrong, who knows.”
“Is she and Pinkie still “secretly” planning me and Sweetie’s wedding?” Scootaloo asked with a chuckle.
“You knew what you were getting into when you started dating Rarity’s little sister,” Rainbow Dash pointed out and Scootaloo just rolled her eyes as the Rainbow haired woman just laughed. “But really Scootaloo, is everything okay? What’s been going on?”
Scootaloo sighed and explained the situation with Diamond Tiara. Rainbow listened carefully to what had happened and let her finish before she even started to say anything. She was as worried as Scootaloo was, but she wanted to make sure she had all the details first.
When Scootaloo finished she sighed a little and shook her head. “Wow, that’s, intense,” she said with a sigh. “You’re right, this is rather messed up.”
“So, what am I supposed to do?” Scootaloo asked with a sigh. “I’m still afraid that if I actually beat the monster I might hurt Diamond. But at the same time, if I don’t stop her then she’ll do who knows how much damage to the city.”
“And she knows who you are, that’s not good,” Rainbow added and Scootaloo nodded a little at that. “And I’ll bet that means the Order knows too. Definitely your best bet right now is to talk with her parents and see if they can tell you anything. There’s not really a lot else you can do right now except hope you can beat her.”
“Which is going to be easier said than done,” Scootaloo said with a sigh. “Hopefully the bike can help me match her speed. But still, I’m scared.”
“Scootaloo,” Rainbow said with a soft smile. “Do you know what makes a superhero?”
“Cool powers or equipment that they use to help people?” Scootaloo asked.
“Well, yes but it’s more than that,” Rainbow said with a shake of her head. “Part of it is that you have to be willing to do the right thing even if you’re scared. You know what you have to do if you want to save Diamond Tiara.”
“Yeah, I do,” Scootaloo said with a sigh and shook her head a little. “But that doesn’t mean I like it. But if I’m going to save her, I need to do it.”
“I knew you’d see it that way,” Rainbow said. “Don’t worry Scootaloo, you’re going to be just fine. Just do your best and make sure that you fight for the right reasons. You’ll always be a hero to me.”
“Thanks,” Scootaloo said with a chuckle. “Well, Sweetie’s probably wondering what’s taking me so long.”
“Okay, good luck and take care of yourself Scoots,” Rainbow said as she hung up after a moment.
Scootaloo sighed as she put her phone away. She headed back into the bedroom where Sweetie was laying in the bed in her silk nightgown reading a book. She smiled when she looked up to see Scootaloo standing there as she started to pull off her t-shirt and pants.
“How’d it go with Rainbow Dash?” Sweetie asked.
“Pretty well,” Scootaloo said as she laid down in the bed next to Sweetie. “She gave me a lot to think about at least. I think I can manage to do this, I just have to make sure I have everything I need.”
“See, you’ll do fine,” Sweetie said with a smile. “Now, what do you say we do something that will take your mind off of it?”
Scootaloo smiled a little as she slid over on top of Sweetie and kissed her gently. Her hands slid down the pale girl’s body as she started to pull up her nightgown.
00000
Scootaloo sighed a little as she looked up at the mansion that Diamond Tiara and her family called home. This wasn’t going to be an easy conversation, they had to make sure that they didn’t give away too much as to not worry her parents, but they had to see what they knew.
“So, how are we going to do this?” Scootaloo asked as she looked at her friends. “This is, kind of hard to explain to them without telling them everything that happened.”
“Well, let’s just say that we saw Diamond and were worried about her or something,” Sweetie said with a frown. “Something about this still feels weird. I just hope that we’re doing the right thing by talking to them.”
“I’m sure it’ll be okay,” Scootaloo said as she leaned over and pressed the intercom button and waited for a response.
After a few moments she was about to press the button again when an old man’s voice they recognized as the butler Randolph. “Yes, can I help you?”
“We need to talk to Filthy or Spoiled Rich,” Scootaloo said.
“The masters are not seeing anyone right now,” Randolph answered. “They are currently trying to find…”
“It’s about Diamond Tiara,” Scootaloo said as she interrupted the butler. “We’re looking for any information on her and what’s going on. We saw her the other day and are hoping that they might be able to shed some light on things.”
Randolph paused for a moment as if considering what to do. He was under orders not to let anyone in right now, but they might be able to help. Finally his voice was heard again with a small sigh, “I will ask if they want to see you. I hope that you are being honest that you saw Lady Diamond.”
“I am,” Scootaloo said as the intercom turned off after a moment. She turned and looked back at her friends. “Do you think they’re going to let us in?”
“It sounds ta me like they’re already worried about Diamond,” Apple Bloom said with a sigh and a shake of her head. “She’s been gone fer a couple of days now. And if Silver Spoon is hurt, she’d normally be by her side at all times.”
“I’m sure they’re more worried than we are, and they don’t even know what’s going on,” Sweetie said with a sigh. “I just hope that we don’t wind up worrying them more than they already are.”
“Yeah,” Scootaloo said with a sigh as she looked at the mansion for a long moment. “I really hope we can get some sort of answers here.”
After a moment the gates opened and Randolph’s voice was heard once more. “You may enter,” he said. “Mistress Spoiled will meet you at the front door. I would hope that your information will help her mood.”
“We’ll do what we can,” Scootaloo said with a sigh as she started the car back up and eased it down the driveway and stopped in front of the mansion where a woman with purple hair was waiting for them with an unhappy look on her face. “Great, she doesn’t look happy to see us at all.”
“Come on, we’re just here to help her, I’m sure it’ll be okay,” Sweetie said as the three girls climbed out of the car.
“You had better not be wasting my time,” Spoiled Rich said as she shot the three of them a look. “We’ve spent the past two days looking for Diamond ever since she vanished from her friend’s hospital room.”
“I saw her, the day before yesterday,” Scootaloo said. “She was in Whitetail Park for some reason but she looked, distressed. We were hoping that you might be able to help us figure out what’s going on and where she might be.”
“If we knew where she was, don’t you think we’d look for her there?” Spoiled snapped which made the three young women flinch a little. Spoiled’s face actually turned soft for a moment and she sighed. “I’m sorry, Diamond has not been the same since she and Silver Spoon got in the accident. The Doctors are doing everything they can to help Silver, but it doesn’t help Diamond’s guilt over what happened.”
“We understand,” Scootaloo said, they didn’t want to admit that they already knew the details of what happened but it just confirmed what they had thought. “Does she have anywhere that she likes to go when she’s sad or anything?”
“Randolph would know that better than me,” Spoiled said with a shake of her head. “Look, normally I wouldn’t ask this of you, but you’re her friends. If, there is anything you can do to help her, that would mean a lot to Filthy and me.”
Scootaloo paused a little at that. Spoiled Rich hadn’t ever liked them very much, generally because she saw them as low class at best. But what was going on seemed to get to her to a degree, something she definitely understood.
She was going to do everything she could to make sure that she helped Diamond. She was her friend and part of this city, and she was going to keep her safe like anyone else.
“I promise, I’ll do everything I can to help her,” Scootaloo said with a soft smile. “Diamond will be saved, I promise you that.”
“Thank you,” Spoiled said with a sigh. “If you want to talk to Randolph or Silver’s parents they’re inside now. They may be able to give you some information, but I’m not going to promise you anything.”
“Alright, thanks,” Sweetie said as Spoiled moved out of the way as the three of them headed inside.
Scootaloo took one last look back at Spoiled who on closer inspection looked like she had been crying. That surprised her a little, but she nodded, that was all she really needed to know. She was going to make sure Diamond made it home.
Even if that meant having to fight her.
00000
“Ah, Ladies Belle, Bloom, and Dash,” Randolph, an old man in a suit said as he looked up from his work to see the three friends coming in. “The Mistress informed me that you may be coming here. How can I help you?”
“We’re looking for any information on where Diamond Tiara may have gone to,” Sweetie Belle said as Randolph stopped dusting. “We’re worried about her with everything that’s going on, Mrs. Rich said that you might know something.”
Randolph sighed a little as he put down the feather duster and looked back at the three young women. “I’m afraid that I can’t tell you much, Diamond Tiara told me things in confidence because she didn’t trust anyone else other than Silver Spoon.”
“Look, it’s hard ta explain but…” Apple Bloom said and let that trail off for a moment as she sighed a little. “Diamond is in trouble, big trouble. Someone is usin’ her grief about what happened ta Silver Spoon ta get her ta do horrible things. If yah know anythin’ that might help us, we can help her.”
Scootaloo looked over at Apple Bloom and gave her a nod. She wasn’t lying of course, she didn’t tell Randolph the entire story, but it was the truth. She just hoped that Randolph would be willing to hear them out.
“Diamond is a good woman,” Randolph said with a sigh. “She made a mistake by getting behind the wheel and it nearly cost her. I don’t know what kind of things she’s gotten herself caught up in, but I do know that she would want your help.”
“You wouldn’t be betraying her trust if you told us,” Scootaloo said. “We only want to help her right now. She’s in more danger than you can imagine.”
“There’s a club downtown that she likes to visit with Silver Spoon,” Randolph finally said. “It’s called the Neon Flare club, she and Silver Spoon would frequent it. Unfortunately I believe it’s currently closed for renovations.”
“Thank you, it’s something at least,” Scootaloo said with a sigh as she gave him a nod. “I just hope that we’ll be able to help her somehow. I can’t imagine what she’s going through right now.”
“Of course,” Randolph said. “If you ever need anything else, just let me know. I will do whatever I can to help the young mistress. Just, promise me that you’ll do whatever you can to help her.”
“We will,” Scootaloo said with a reassuring smile. “I promise, we won’t let anything happen to her.”
“Yes, of course thank you young Lady Dash,” Randolph said with a small bow. “If you find her, tell her her family wants her to come home.”
“I will,” Scootaloo said softly as they walked off back towards the front door but they nearly ran into a man and a woman coming out of a door.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Sweetie said as they looked at them. The couple looked like they had been crying and they recognized them as Soup and Dinner Spoon, Silver’s parents, they looked like they had been crying. “Oh… I’m sorry, I know you’re going through a lot right now.”
“How’s Silver Spoon doing?” Scootaloo asked worriedly.
“The Doctors say she’s getting better,” Soup Spoon said with a sigh. “But they don’t know if she’ll ever even wake up. And Diamond running off like this doesn’t help matters, she had been by her side until she… well, I’m sure you know.”
“Yeah, we saw her the other day,” Scootaloo said. “She didn’t look like she was in good shape.”
“We, just want her to be the first thing that Silver sees when she wakes up, I know it’s silly,” Dinner said with a shake of her head. “When Silver was growing up, we were always away on work. She was always distant and had a hard time making friends as a result. When she met Diamond, they had sort of an immediate connection that we couldn’t help but notice. She made her happy, and they’ve always been friends ever since.”
Scootaloo paused a moment as she looked back at Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. The three of them had been friends since they had met in Elementary School and they had known Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon for almost as long.
She hadn’t ever thought about the friendship those two had. They reminded her almost of the friendship she had with the others. After her parents had died she had retreated into a shell until Sweetie Belle had come to her and helped her come out of that.
She smiled a little and nodded. She knew now more than ever that she had to do something to help Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.
“I promise you both, I will do everything in my power to make sure Diamond comes back,” Scootaloo said with a smile. “I can’t say it’ll be easy, but I’ll make sure that it happens.”
“Thank you Scootaloo,” Soup said with a smile. “That means more to us than you know.”
“I don’t know, I think I have something of an idea,” Scootaloo said with a nod. “Just give me enough time to do it.”
They nodded and the three friends headed back for the front door.
00000
“Come on let’s get…” Scootaloo started to say and just barely managed to duck as a tomahawk came flying past her head and embedded itself in the front door of the mansion. “Crap, this really isn’t the time for this...”
“I don’t know, it could be another tomahawk wielding crazy person,” Sweetie said.
“SCOOTALOO!” A distorted female voice said and they flinched a little as they turned to see the transformed Diamond Tiara breaking the front gate and storming down the driveway towards them. “You may have escaped me before, but I’m not going to show you mercy this time!”
“Great,” Scootaloo said with a sigh as she reached into her pack and took out the Tarot Driver. “Diamond, I know you’re in there somewhere. I’m going to save you, even if I have to hurt the monster to do so.”
“Give it up, there’s nothing left of your friend,” Vikotano said as the Tomahawk came flying back into her hand. “You’re going to die, you and your friends!”
“We’ll see about that,” Scootaloo said as she placed the Tarot Driver on her waist as the belt formed around her and took out the Justice and Ace of Swords cards. “Henshin!”
She slid the cards into her belt and the familiar voice came from the Driver.
“TIME TO TIP THE SCALES!”
Energy surrounded her as the armor formed on her body and she held the Arcana Rapier upright and pointed it at the monster.
“I still see your future, and it’s not bright,” she said as she gripped her sword tightly. “And I’m not letting you get away with this, its time to end this.”
Vikotano just laughed as she ran forward as fast as she could at Scootaloo. But this time Scootaloo wasn’t completely unprepared, she rolled to the side and swung her sword around, it let out sparks as it actually made contact with the monster.
“What?” Vikotano said in shock as she spun back around. “How did you…”
“You’re faster, but your melee weapons aren’t helping,” Scootaloo said as she pointed her sword at the monster. “You still have to either throw them or get close and personal, and now that I’m not distracted, you’re in a bad position.”
Vikotano growled and ran at Scootaloo even faster than before, swinging a tomahawk and catching the rider across the face with it and pushing her back. “You’re still too slow to actually hurt me!”
Scootaloo flinched a little, she knew Vikotano was right. She had managed to land a hit on her, but it really wasn’t enough to get a final blow. She gripped the sword tight and got to her feet as she got ready to try and fight the monster again.
“I don’t care, I’m going to make you pay for what you did,” Scootaloo said as she readied her sword and pointed it right at the transformed Diamond Tiara. “You took away my friend, and I’m going to make sure she comes back.”
“What in god’s name is going on?” A voice said from behind them and they turned to see Spoiled Rich standing there with her eyes wide. “What is that thing?”
“Mother…” Vikotano said and screamed as she ran out through the broken gate and down the road.
“What was… no, that’s not possible,” Spoiled said and shook her head rapidly. “You three have a lot of explaining to do. If this is a joke, it’s not a very funny one.”
“Look we weren’t entirely truthful,” Apple Bloom said with a sigh as she looked at Scootaloo. “Scoots, do yah want ta explain this one?”
Scootaloo sighed and reached down and took the card off her belt. The armor vanished from around her as she placed the cards back in her bag.
“We, do know what happened to Diamond,” Scootaloo said with a shake of her head. “But you’re going to have a hard time understanding what happened. We’ll tell you everything we know.”
“You might want to have your husband here for this,” Sweetie added. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to save Diamond.”
00000
“What happened out there?” Caesar demanded as he turned around and glared at Vikotano. “You could have killed her, but you ran away! Now she’s got another chance to get ready to defeat you.”
“My host was more, difficult than anticipated,” Vikotano said as she bowed before the General. “She’s trying to break free and was able to briefly take control of her body during the recent confrontation. I’m sorry, I didn’t expect her to be so strong.”
“Well don’t let it happen again,” Caesar said as he snarled at her a little. “You’re only getting this much leeway because you were able to get the identity of the new Rider.”
“What about my back-up? You told me you were sending another agent to help me deal with her!” Vikotano said, finally getting her courage back. “You said there was one that was already chosen and would be there!”
Caesar frowned a little at that. She was right of course, the failure of the Ace of Pentacles monster had been an embarrassment to him and the others. He still didn’t know who had attacked him, they didn’t seem to act anything like the current Rider.
So, then who had attacked him?
“There was a complication related to your backup,” Caesar said as he shot her a look. “Unfortunately you don’t have much of a choice but to deal with her on your own. There is no telling when it’ll be time for more backup and you know we cannot delay our operations, you will succeed or you will not come back at all. Do I make myself clear?”
“Transparently,” Vikotano said with a snarl. “I will deal with that Rider, but that means this body is mine once she’s defeated.”
“Of course,” Caesar said with a smirk. “That is the deal of course, we shall rule this world and all of our Agents will get to keep their physical bodies. You just have to make sure that we don’t have a repeat of what happened 13 years ago.”
“Yes, of course,” Vikotano said before vanishing.
“You know, you should lighten up a bit,” a voice said as a figure materialized in front of Caesar. He was dressed like a harlequin with a red and white outfit and a mask with a painted on smile as well as a circle on his chest with just the wheel like symbol. “You are going to work yourself into an early grave if you keep being such a grumpy pants all the time Caesar.”
“Kuagua, I’m not in the mood for your antics,” Caesar said with a groan as he looked at the strange man. “The Order has a new threat to deal with, and I’m not really in the mood for putting up with you.”
“How about a joke then?” Kuagua asked as he tilted his head, the smile almost seeming to twitch a little. “Two inmates at an insane asylum manage to break out see? They’re up on the roof and to get to freedom they have to jump from one roof to the next.”
Caesar groaned a little and facepalmed at the harlequin’s antics.
“The first one, let’s call him Bill, manages to jump to the other roof with no problem. But his buddy Joe he’s afraid of heights and is terrified that he’s going to fall to his death. So he calls to Bill that he’s not going to do it.”
“Kuagua…” Caesar said, but the jester just kept talking.
“So Bill takes out a flashlight right? He tells Joe that he’ll turn it on and point it over so he can just walk across the beam to get to the other side. Joe looks at him and says, ‘What do you think I am, crazy?’”
“Some days I wonder…” Caesar said.
“‘I’ll get halfway there and you’ll turn the light off so I’ll fall!’” Kuagua said and broke down laughing at his own joke.
“SHUT UP!” Caesar said as he drew his sword and pressed it right up against the Harlequin’s neck which made him go quiet. “Not so funny now are we?”
“Oh my dear Caesar, why so serious?” Kuagua said.
“Caesar, let him go,” Prielit said as she approached the two. “You know that the Order needs him for the convergence to succeed.”
“Oh my dear Prielit, I always knew you cared,” Kuagua said with a laugh.
“Fine,” Caesar said as he sheathed his sword and then backhanded Kuagua. “But he’s still annoying.”
Prielit just rolled her eyes. “Of course he’s annoying, but I don’t think you want to be the one to explain to the Master that the plans failed because you couldn’t keep your temper in check.”
Caesar just snorted and walked off, which left the two lesser members of the Court alone. Prielit helped Kuagua back to his feet and shook her head.
“You really shouldn’t antagonize him,” she said.
“Oh, but he’s the most fun target in this tower,” Kuagua said with a laugh. “You just watch, I’ll get a laugh out of him someday.”
Prielit just rolled her eye and walked off. Kuagua tapped his chin thoughtfully for a moment as he looked around.
“This place is so dull, maybe I should go somewhere more, lively!” He said with a laugh and vanished in a flash.
00000
They had just finished explaining what was going on to the Riches. They listened carefully as they heard the crazy story that they were telling them. Scootaloo didn’t blame them if they had a hard time accepting this, this was hard for her to accept and she had lived it.
“You’re certain that the creature out there was Diamond?” Spoiled asked with a frown.
“Unfortunately yes,” Scootaloo said with a sigh. “I saw her transform into the monster myself. I know it’s difficult to accept, but we’re going to do everything we can to make sure that she is okay.”
“How could this have happened?” Filthy asked as he looked between the three friends. “Why was she targeted?”
“We’re, still figuring that out, but based on the information we think it’s because of what happened to Silver Spoon,” Sweetie said with a shake of her head. “It seems to have made her vulnerable to the influence of the card’s spirit.”
“Scootaloo defeated tha last one and freed tha host, she can do this,” Apple Bloom said. “Well, as long as she can figure out how ta match their speed.”
“We do have an idea for that, but I’d rather not have to risk her life to do it,” Scootaloo said with a sigh. “I don’t want to risk hurting her too badly.”
“Scootaloo, I understand your unease,” Filthy said. “But the way you’ve described it tells me that it’s not going to be that simple. I think you need to do what you think is right, she’s in danger and you need to do whatever you think is necessary to save her.”
Scootaloo paused a moment and then finally nodded. She hated to admit it but they were right. This was going to be a difficult choice to make, but she knew that this was the only thing she could do.
She nodded a little and placed her hand on Sweetie Belle’s and gave them a smile. “Diamond is in good hands. I promise you both that I will do everything in my power to make sure she’s saved and that no one ever suffers like this again.”
“Thank you,” Filthy said and Spoiled gave them a nod. “If there’s anything we can do, just let us know.”
“Just hope that this works,” Scootaloo said with a sigh.
They wrapped things up and headed out. Scootaloo took out her phone and looked at the number she had been given to contact the Fortune Division. She had to figure out exactly what she was going to tell them.
She sighed and looked back at her friends who gave her a smile.
“Are you okay Scootaloo?” Sweetie asked.
“Yeah, I’m just trying to figure things out,” she said with a sigh. “Alright, well, there’s no point in putting it off. Lets just hope I know what I’m doing.”
“You’ll be fine,” Sweetie said.
“Alright,” Scootaloo said and hit the dial option, the phone rang for a moment before Fleur answered on the other end. “Fleur, I think I’m ready.”
“Good, I’ll bring the bike to your place,” Fleur said on the other end. “Is everything okay? We got a report of an attack near your location.”
“Yeah, everything is fine,” Scootaloo said with a smile. “I managed to hold her off for now, but I still can’t match her speed. I’ll meet you at the apartment building.”
“Alright, see you there,” Fleur said and hung up after a moment.
Scootaloo sighed and put her phone away as the three friends climbed into the car and drove off towards their apartment.
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Scootaloo paused a moment as she climbed on Forseti. She hadn’t been on the road yet, but she had a basic idea of what to do. She made a note to practice better later and hoped that she wasn’t going to be pulled over.
“We’re tracking any information on where she is now,” Fleur said as Scootaloo checked the bike out. “You’re going to want to use the AI system until you’re actually licensed to ride this thing on the road.”
“Good to know,” Scootaloo said as she ran her hand along the handlebars lightly. “Any idea on where Diamond went?”
“We followed up on the location you mentioned,” Fleur said as she let out a sigh. “We talked with a bartender who works there, apparently she was a common sight there. She always paid her tab and seemed like she was a model customer.”
“Of course,” Apple Bloom said. “So, it’s possible that she’s there?”
“We’ve got a team watching it at least,” Fleur said with a nod. “And we’ve got satellites watching the city for any energy readings from a monster. They let out a specific energy signature that, unfortunately because of satellite coverage being spotty isn’t as easy to track as we’d like. Between that and watching the internet and social media for any signs.”
“So in other words, we just have to hope something comes up,” Sweetie said with a sigh.
“Yes, unfortunately that’s about all we can do,” Fleur said. “Even in this modern information age we can only react as quickly as the…”
Her phone started to go off and she looked at it with a frown.
“What is it?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Well, the wait is over apparently,” Fleur said. “That’s the good news at least.”
“What’s the bad news?” Scootaloo asked, suddenly she was very worried about what Fleur might say.
“She’s at the main hub of the Canterlot Subway system,” Fleur said with a shake of her head. “There are hundreds of people there, and while we’re doing everything we can to evacuate it…”
“You’re going to need help,” Scootaloo said with a sigh. “Alright, I’m on my way then. Text me if you get any updates on the situation.”
“Scootaloo, you’re going to have to be careful,” Sweetie said. “She’s baiting you into a trap and she’s got hostages. If you’re going to match her speed you’re going to need to get her out of there.”
“I know,” Scootaloo said as she hit the two buttons on the handlebars of Forseti.
“Awaiting commands from Rider,” the computerized voice said.
“I’ll be careful,” Scootaloo said as she took out the Driver and placed it on her waist as the belt formed around her. “Henshin!”
“TIME TO TIP THE SCALES!”
The armor formed over her body again and she gunned the engine and gave her friends a nod. “Alright Forseti, take me to 4277 Skylark Road, normal speed.”
“Affirmative,” Forseti said as Scootaloo held onto the handlebars and sped off down the road.
“Stay safe,” Sweetie said with a sigh as she and Apple Bloom headed up into the apartment complex, leaving Fleur standing there alone.
The tall woman took out her phone again and dialed a number. “She’s on her way to the Subway Hub.”
“Good,” Fancy Pants’ voice said on the other end of the phone. “I need you to look into something else for me while she’s doing that.”
“Are you sure? I can still back her up,” Fleur said.
“Yes, I’m very sure,” Fancy replied. “Last night we got another anomalous reading. It was similar to someone using a Tarot Driver, but we’re still trying to pin down exactly what happened. The victim was found near Whitetail Park so I’m worried about what’s going on there. I need you to go talk to the police and examine the victim.”
“The Victim? Do you mean that Sex Offender that was killed yesterday?” Fleur asked.
“Yes.”
“Do you think we might have another Rider in the city?” Fleur asked and Fancy paused for a moment. “Director, did anyone get a Driver that you didn’t tell me about?”
“No, whoever it is, they aren’t one of ours,” Fancy said with a sigh. “I’m afraid that we are dealing with a bigger problem than anticipated. Between this and one of our bikes being stolen, we likely have a renegade Rider somewhere in the city.”
“Yeah, well I’ll keep an eye out,” Fleur said and started walking. “I’ll catch a bus to the police station and see what I can learn.
“Thank you Fleur,” Fancy said. “And good luck, hopefully we can solve this mystery quickly.”
Fleur nodded and hung up as she headed for a nearby bus stop. She just hoped that she was going to be able to find something on whoever this mystery Rider was.
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Scootaloo pulled the motorcycle in front of the subway hub. She had been here more than a few times while trying to get around town and to school, so she knew this area better than anything else, she just had to hope she could lure Vikotano out so she could use the bike.
“Alright Scoots, one of your friends and the entire city is counting on you,” Scootaloo said to herself as she climbed off the bike.
“Alright, you’re there, good,” Fancy Pants’ voice said over her helmet communicator. “Do you have a plan to deal with her?”
“She’s after me on orders from whoever’s in charge of the order,” Scootaloo said as she slid the Ace of swords into her belt and the Arcana Rapier appeared in her hand. “If she wants to do that, I can lure her out.”
“Understood, be careful,” Fancy said on the other end. “We’re sending what back-up we can but you’re still our best bet to defeat Vikotano. Do you think Forseti is up for the challenge?”
“Yeah, there shouldn’t be a problem,” Scootaloo said as she walked towards the door to the hub. “Wish me luck, I get the feeling I’ll need it.”
“Good luck Scootaloo,” Fancy said on the other end. “I hope you can save your friend, now get out there and show the Order what you’re made of.”
“Got it,” Scootaloo said. “I’ll do what I can.”
She walked forward and pushed the door to the hub open with one hand. Inside she could see Vikotano standing in the center with a number of hostages. They looked up to see Scootaloo and Vikotano sneered, the tears running down her face looking even more bizarre with that.
“So, the Rider finally shows her face,” Vikotano said as she pointed her tomahawks at Scootaloo. “About time, I thought I’d have to start killing these hostages if I wanted to get your attention.”
“Let them go, they don’t have anything to do with this,” Scootaloo said as she walked forward, preparing for a fight as she did. “I’m the one you and the Order want, let them go and we can finish this right here, right now.”
“Oh, but they have everything to do with this,” Vikotano said as she walked around and looked at the hostages. “These people are part of your city. You said you would protect this city from me, so they’re here to see YOU FALL!”
Vikotano ran forward as fast as she could only to find Scootaloo was no longer standing there. The masked woman jumped back to avoid the attack as she moved towards the door.
“Come on, are you slowing down?” Scootaloo taunted. “I thought you were faster than me, or did you lose confidence when I hit you before?”
“Why you little…” Vikotano said as she swung her tomahawks at Scootaloo only to get a kick to the face.
“You’re getting sloppy,” Scootaloo continued. “Diamond, I know you’re in there. Listen to me…”
“Don’t bother,” Vikotano said as they were forced out of the hub as Scootaloo turned and ran to her bike and started it back up. “Now what are you doing, trying to run like the coward you are again?”
“Not quite,” Scootaloo said as she turned and looked back at Vikotano. “Diamond, listen to me, this thing is using you! I know you feel guilty because of what happened to Silver Spoon, but she wouldn’t want to see you like this! Please Diamond, you were always there for her, you didn’t mean for any of this to happen. Don’t make things worse by becoming a monster!”
Vikotano stopped in mid stride as she tried to move towards Scootaloo. “What… what are you doing?” She screamed.
“GET OUT OF MY BODY!” A second voice shouted, this one Scootaloo recognized as Diamond Tiara’s.
“This is my body now, you gave it up when you made the contract!” Vikotano said.
“Then I’ll fight you every step of the way,” Diamond retorted. “Scootaloo, I know that’s you in there. I need your help, fight this thing and free me!”
With that Vikotano screamed again and ran off down the street at her top speed. She was only a blur, but Scootaloo knew what she had to do.
“I will,” Scootaloo said as she revved the engines on her bike and pressed the buttons on the side.
“Awaiting Rider’ commands,” the computerized voice said.
“Follow the hostile, top speed,” Scootaloo said as the bike flew down the road in pursuit of the monster.
Scootaloo was surprised to see that she was able to catch up to Vikotano pretty quickly. The monster was starting to slow down and weaken, but still not to the point where she could defeat her on foot.
“I’m not going to give up this body, it’s mine, MINE!” Vikotano screamed as the bike neared her, Scootaloo slashed at her with her sword as she went past and the monster let out a loud scream as she fell down. “No, you can’t take this away from me!”
“Scootaloo, put the Justice card in the slot in front of you,” Fancy said over the communicator. “It will trigger your bike’s finisher.”
“On it,” Scootaloo said as she slid the card into a slot in front of her and gunned the engine as she aimed right for Vikotano who was starting to get up.
“JUSTICE BREAK!” The computerized voice said as the bike started to glow with green energy as it sped forward right at the monster.
“NO!” Vikotano shouted as the energy connected with her and threw her sprawling back. The card flew out and fell to the ground as the monstrous form vanished from around her, leaving Diamond Tiara lying there on the ground.
“Diamond!” Scootaloo said as she ran over to the barely conscious young woman.
“Ugh, is it over?” Diamond asked as she rubbed her head.
“Yeah, its over, you’re fine,” Scootaloo said as she reached down and picked up the card and looked at it. “This card will never bother you or anyone else again.”
“Thank you… Scootaloo…” Diamond said as she closed her eyes and fell unconscious just as the sound of sirens were heard approaching.
It was finally over.
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Silver Spoon stirred in her hospital bed and her eyes opened slowly to see Diamond Tiara sitting in a wheelchair next to her. The purple haired young woman was looking tired and beaten up, but she was smiling at the sight of her friend’s eyes finally opening.
“Hey Silver,” Diamond said as she gently held Silver’s hand.
“Diamond, what happened?” Silver asked as she looked around confused for a moment. “The last thing I remember we were driving down the road and you…”
“Silver, I’m so sorry,” Diamond said, tears starting to stream down her face. “I did something incredibly stupid and irresponsible and nearly got us both killed. I hated myself for what I did and I’m so sorry…”
“Diamond, you’re my best friend,” Silver said as she smiled weakly. “I forgive you for whatever you did. What happened while I was out? You look like you were hit by a truck.”
“It’s, a long story, but I was saved by someone who pulled me out of some really tough times by reminding me that I needed to be here for you,” Diamond said as she squeezed Silver’s hand lightly. “I’ll never leave your side again, I promise.”
Silver smiled a little and laid back in her bed. “Thank you Diamond, for everything.”
She closed her eyes and fell back asleep as Doctors came in to check on her. Diamond smiled softly as she wheeled herself out of their way as she took out a tablet and looked at what she had written.
She knew Silver was going to be okay, and that Scootaloo had saved her. She wanted to repay her somehow so she started typing on the tablet again.
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“I know that a lot of you still have a lot of questions about this strange new hero that’s made Canterlot her home,” Sweetie read from her tablet as Scootaloo shifted in the bed next to her. “I don’t promise to have all the answers but I can tell you this. This strange masked rider is, and always will be, here to protect this city from the monsters that plague it. Kamen Rider Justice saved me and who knows how many others so far, and will continue to do so.”
Scootaloo groaned a little as she rubbed her temples. “Why did we have to go with Justice? It kind of seems cheesy and on the nose.”
“Well, whoever started this Rider Watch Blog seems to think it fits,” Sweetie said with a chuckle. “Besides, I kind of like it, and you’ve gotten your name.”
“Yeah, given to me by the city, I guess it works,” Scootaloo said. “Is it too late to change it?”
“Nope, you’re trending,” Sweetie said with a laugh as she set it down on the nightstand next to her and slid over so she was on top of Scootaloo and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. “You’re always going to be my hero Scootaloo. Now come on, let’s see if I can take your mind off of that.”
Scootaloo smiled a little and kissed her back as she ran her hands slowly along her girlfriend’s pale back.