Accessories of Evil

by Notowa

Part 1: Family Matters

It was a hot summer day. A few more hours of work but felt the heat dragging them down as they often felt like a melting pile of skin and bone. The burning sands and dried mud on their staggering feet, with much heavy lifting that made it almost unbearable.

"Applejack!" A voice called in the shade of a bright red barn, coming from the underbelly. A place where much of the hay, farming tools and a large pig pen where the pigs laid to rest.

"What is it?!" Applejack responded, wiping away the salty sweat from her forehead. A small girl at her side stopped to hear. She too swiped her face with a wet towel she had placed in the back of her neck to keep cool.

Applejack looked toward the barn, but as there was no response, she immediately knew that she was expected to walk over to the caller. She placed down a sack of apples and marched her way toward the shade.

"Break time, Apple Bloom." Applejack suggested it to her. Apple Bloom exhaled with much relief and walked with her.

Inside the barn, sitting on top of the haystacks was another woman. Her glossy and curled purple hair, glowing sugary skin, wearing something that should not be worn in such environments, but could not help but feel fabulous.

"What is it, Rarity?" Applejack scoffed. Her tone sounded as if she was a little ticked off. "You couldn't just walk a few steps outside just to tell me?"

"And risk getting sweat or mud on my gorgeous outfit?!" Rarity commented. It even made Apple Bloom's eyes roll. "I don't think so! Besides, the sweat stains and the tremendous amount of dirt on clothes are difficult to clean off. I should know, judging by how much I have to clean your outfits!"

"You're out and havin' a fit, what else is new?" Applejack replied. Rarity flicked her tongue, making a hissing noise. She looked away, already ticked off as much as her. "Now, what-ja want?"

"You got a phone call." Rarity answered, snapping her eyes and curved her body to look away from her. "In the kitchen, it sounded important."

Applejack immediately calmed herself down and made her way to the outside side door of the house. Rarity opened her eyes and saw Apple Bloom feeling exhausted as she sat on a single haystack. She went over to her and placed her hand over her head. Her head was sweating profusely throughout her thick red hair.

"Why do you guys always fight?" Apple Bloom asked quietly, as she looked down on the wooden floors covered with hay straws. Rarity exhaled softly.

"We aren't really fighting, darling." Rarity suggested. "We just have our moments."

"Just the way you talk to each other, it always sounds... aggressive..." Apple Bloom said. "Like the time when I first spent the night, you two were soundin' like you were fightin' in the bedroom and..."

"Oh no, darling..." Rarity interrupted. "We weren't fighting at all."

"Really?" Apple Bloom questioned, as she looked up to her. "What were you doin'? Almost sounded like wrestlin' and..."

"Like I said, we just have our moments." Rarity interrupted again. "Okay?"

Applejack walked into the kitchen. The house phone was already set beside the number pad, laying there on hold. She picked it up and heard a faint whisper coming from the other side.

"Hey?" Applejack answered.

"Applejack?" The caller questioned. "Is that you there?"

"Yeah, what is it?" Applejack responded, as she took in a breath of the cooling air inside the house.

"It's me, Sunflower." She said, "I got some bad news..."

A song was playing, as a small truck arrived at an airport.

"I'm actually quite excited!" Apple Bloom said, as she walked inside the air-conditioned building. She was there with Applejack and Rarity, as they both looked a little concerned heading inside. "I think it will be fun to hang out with Babs Seed! I can't wait to see her again!"

"Apple Bloom, you've never met Babs Seed before." Applejack addressed.

"Calm down now, darling..." Rarity suggested Applejack.

"Oh..." Apple Bloom contemplated. "Well, still. It'll be fun!"

"Yeah, I'm sure you both will have fun." Applejack reassured her. "I'm surprised you didn't invite Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to come with us."

"Oh my gosh, you're right!" Apple Bloom yelled. "I was so excited that I didn't think of that."

"It's okay, sweetie." Rarity assured. "There should be plenty of time for you to introduce her to everyone. You could plan to meet up and invite her over to your clubhouse."

"Yeah. This will be so much fun, I can't wait!" Apple Bloom delighted. Her excitement made both Applejack and Rarity smile, but there was an overarching problem that surfaced in their heads.

The place was full of people, some waiting to be boarded, some were eating questionable food and others were getting angry over canceled flights. The usual scene they witnessed, there was no use in staying for too long. Rather, to get to where they needed to go.

They saw some familiar faces, as they walked across the exited flight. They waved them down as they walked toward them.

There was an uncomfortable silence in the truck, on the way home. Even Apple Bloom was silent, as she watched over her cousins sitting in silence. Her cousin was a little different from the others.

The eldest, whose name was Sunflower, sat up in the front in between Applejack and Rarity. She wore a sunflower printed white dress, with summer sandals that covered her yellow painted toenails. While sitting next to her was Babs Seed. She had a large pair of headphones on, as she could hear the strong bass blasting through the white plastic. She wore a red leather jacket, white t-shirt, black jeans with various pins and ripped openings to reveal her pale orange skin. She wore various accessories; like her left ear decorated with one small hoop through her earlobe and a few small studs hanging off the curved end of the ear. It was only on one side, as she glanced at her. She wore a ton of bracelets around her wrists and small rings around her fingers. She reminded her of a punk-rock band, like Sunset Shimmer in her new band BabyDoll.

They had flown all the way from Farrier Hill, Hooflyn. They loaded the truck with heavy bags of luggage and a few other items; it seems they would be staying for quite awhile, Apple Bloom thought.

Babs looked over to Apple Bloom. She felt like she was being watched as she was listening to music. Apple Bloom smiled at her. She smiled back but continued to look the other way. She looked at the streets, filled with many colorful individuals. The streets seemed playful, yet quiet. It was more unpleasant to look at than what she was normally used to. It almost made her gag to see the sun shining bright in the sky, with many smiles coming from strangers. It seemed so happy, too vulnerable, too colorful and too innocent to even be there herself to witness it.

They unload the truck and place most of it in the living room. Applejack and Apple Bloom were already tuckered out with all the work they had done in the morning.

Sunflower and Babs walked in and felt almost like it was home. Sunflower looked around and recognized there was something missing.

"Applejack, where's Big Mac?" Sunflower asked. "Or Granny Smith?"

"Big Mac is at the hospital." Applejack replied.

"Is he okay?" Sunflower questioned.

"He is, he is just there for Granny Smith." Applejack assured. "Granny has been havin' heart problems lately. He left to make sure that she was taken care of."

"I see. Sorry to hear about that." Sunflower said.

"Nah. No need to be. She'll be fine, he's just overreactin.' Left us here to deal with everythin' here." Applejack announced.

"Applejack..." Rarity said.

"It's true." Applejack replied.

"Yeah, sorry to bring up a lot of trouble. I didn't realize there was a lot goin' on... I just can't believe they would do somethin' like this to me and Babs." Sunflower said.

"It's alright. We'll take care of ya. We're family after all." Applejack reassured her.

"Thanks." Sunflower smiled.

As the conversation carried on, Apple Bloom helped Babs Seed to her room. She politely carried her suitcase upstairs, but Babs saw that she was having trouble carrying it; she took it from her and carried it to the room herself. Apple Bloom was a little startled when she took it from her but brushed it off as it was her's.

They opened the door and Apple Bloom was thrilled to see her bedroom as she had left it exactly as she did when she moved.

"This is my old room." Apple Bloom said. "You can stay here as long as you like!"

"Thanks." Babs said quietly. "Old room?"

"I moved in where Applejack is currently stayin'." Apple Bloom said.

"Oh, cool." Babs commented. Babs started to look around and placed her stuff where they needed to go.

"So, I know this is all sudden, but I want you to know if there's anything you need, I can help you. I'll be stayin' here with you all." Apple Bloom smiled.

"Thanks." Babs said. She was quiet, until she pulled out some old underwear in one of the drawers in the small dresser next to the bed.

"Ah!" Apple Bloom blushing and snatched it away from her. "So sorry, I kind of left everythin' behind... I-I didn't really grab everythin' just yet..."

"I can see that." Babs chuckled. "It's cool. So, what do you do that's fun around here?"

"Oh, well... most of the shops are within walkin' distance. There's a mall, some parks and a small movie theater nearby."

"Okay." Babs smiled.

"I guess it's a little different in Hooflyn?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Not really. Every place has the same ol' story, just different people. Same drama, same problems, with just barely enough to get by." Babs smirked.

"I see..." Apple Bloom scratched her head, a lot of what Babs said didn't really register in her mind. "Well, I was hopin' to welcome you by treatin' you to a stroll in the park. They have a small festival goin' on there."

"Really?" Babs said, as she looked into Apple Bloom's bright orange eyes. "Sounds great."

Babs and Apple Bloom walked down to the park. They were having a summer harvest festival, with many of the local farmers coming to share the best of their produce, enter into contests and participate in a huge parade. Unfortunately for the Apple family, couldn't enter this year because of health issues Granny Smith was facing. Apple Bloom discussed with Babs about how they accumulated more participants since last year, the festivals have become much more of a stapled annual event. Even attracts tourists into participating.

They walked around, seeing a lot of kids playing in the park, playing some of the games set up by the tents and consuming lots of healthy treats. There was a heat wave, so they even allowed the kids to play in the open sprinklers out in the fields.

Apple Bloom was smiling thinking it would be fun to jump right into the water. Apple Bloom jumped into one as it was coming her way and felt relieved to be immediately cooled off. Babs shook her head, as she smiled.

Babs was not really thrilled to be there, as everything seemed to be too open and so happy.

Apple Bloom came back, slightly drenched and panting from running through the mud and grass.

"Is everythin' alright Babs?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Yeah, just not my kind of gig, you know?" Babs replied.

"Oh, I see. Would you like to just grab something to snack on and sit around?" Apple Bloom suggested.

"Sure." Babs said.

They both grabbed a couple drinks and some ice cream they were handing out at the Sweet Snacks booth.

They sat in the cooling shade and ate their ice creams just before they started to melt.

"Aren't you roastin like a pot-bellied pig in all that get up Babs?" Apple Bloom asked.

"It's alright." Babs replied. "As long as I keep myself cool."

"So, this is not your type of thing?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Yeah." Babs said, as she took a drink of soda.

"What kind of things do you like to do?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I don't know, something a little more... thrilling." Babs said.

"Thrilling?" Apple Bloom questioned. She started to think of something to do. "Oh, what about the parade?"

"Parade? What are we eight years old?" Babs stated.

"But I like parades..." Apple Bloom whispered. "And all the candy they give out..."

"Oh, I didn't know..." Babs stuttered, as she scratched the back of her head. "Sorry..."

"It's okay, I might be a little too old for such things..." Apple Bloom admitted. "But I think I might know what you would like?"

"Oh yeah?" Babs said, as her eyes lightened up.

Apple Bloom took her to a place nearby, where the people were setting up the floats. It was all in an alleyway, as the people involved were going over the planned route to take and to follow the street up north. They left most of the floats empty and ready to leave. Only a couple of them were making last minute preparations from the back of the line.

"Apple Bloom, I don't know why you brought me here. I told you that I don't really like parades." Babs said.

"Well, how about being in the parade instead?" Apple Bloom suggested.

"Be in the parade?" Babs questioned. "I don't know."

"Yeah, take a look at this one!" Apple Bloom delighted, as she pointed toward a large golden pumpkin.

"Okay but why?"

"Well, we could just hop on as it is goin,' that way we could just ride the whole way downtown. Sound fun?"

"Sure?" Babs said. "It beats being in the hot sun all day!"

"Look, you can drive it like a car!" Apple Bloom said, as she entered inside.

"Huh, they left their keys." Babs said, as she started to get a little interested.

"Of course, the parade is about to start."

Babs went over to turn the key in the ignition. The pumpkin started revving as Babs put her foot on the pedal.

"Babs, what are you doin'?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I'd say, let's take this baby for a test drive!" Babs smiled. She pushed down the pedal and it moved forward. Apple Bloom was still standing inside the ride and couldn't stay balanced for long as they left the alleyway.

"But the float is not ours." Apple Bloom pleaded. "We shouldn't be stealin' someone else's ride!"

"Relax." Babs replied. "Like I said, it's a test drive. We'll bring it right back!"

"Okay, promise...?" Apple Bloom said quietly.

They drove right into the street, many passing cars had to immediately step on the brakes for it to pass. Apple Bloom, still not seated, felt every bump and pothole that remained in the road; being tossed and jerked around as Babs drove. She was struggling trying to control the pumpkin but kept the float going and did not stop.

They came up to the park and people watching had to jump out of the way. Kids were taken by any pedestrian around the area so they wouldn't be in the way. Babs couldn't turn the wheel and ended up driving straight into the tents, much of the produce were squished into saucy puddles and anything left rolled into the moist grass.

The float accelerated down to the playground. Many of the kids saw it coming but did not move as they were stunned to see such a sight. Parents gunned toward them to pick them up at the last second, as they made their way toward the slides, then the monkey bars and the swing sets. It shifted course, every bump they hit, making Apple Bloom hit the roof and the one seat up front. Babs was hitting the wheel with her head. It popped right out of its socket making the float more uncontrollable. A teeter-totter pushed them, so it slanted toward the small woods nearby. Babs and Apple Bloom weighed it down to hold in balance as they came toward the trees and large boulders. The pumpkin drove up into a curved tree, both Apple Bloom and Babs screamed as they tilted and smashed into a large mud puddle.

The people watching, walked up to the incident and waited to see what had happened.

"Apple Bloom?" Babs cried out. She picked herself up from out of the front entrance, the open window in the front dragged in most of the mud inside. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah..." Apple Bloom said. She got up covered in mud and much bruising. "How about you?"

"I'm good." Babs smiled. "I guess we won't be able to return the float to the parade..."

"Yeah, no kiddin.'" Apple Bloom said, as she smiled cautiously. "I hope no one got hurt..."

They both sat inside, sinking down into the mud.

Apple Bloom and Babs saw the float raised up; a few people were lifting the pumpkin from the mud. They quickly crawled out of it, and they let it go.

"Are you two girls, okay?" One of the people said.

"Yeah... just a little accident..." Apple Bloom admitted.

"An accident?!" Some person said in the crowd of people. The person came up to them and was waving his hands around as he was upset. "You could have killed someone!" After he mentioned that, people from the crowd all started to slander them with absolute fear and rage. "Not only that, but you could have killed yourselves!"

Apple Bloom formed tears in her eyes. Babs saw Apple Bloom crying; she was taking the guilt and everyone in the festival was putting her down. She was not sad but annoyed by them.

Another person walked up to them.

"What were you guys doing in there?!" The person said. "You two stole my float and made a mess of things! Where are your parents?!"

"I… I" Apple Bloom whimpered. Babs stood in front of her, as she knew they took it too far to mention her parents.

"Enough!" Babs yelled. "She said it was an accident! Back off!"

Everyone from the crowd backed away, but the two people who were mainly in the conversation stood and were even more angry at them.

"Why were you there in the first place?!" The person said. "That was my float! You have no business in taking things that aren't yours!"

"Oh, yeah. If it weren't for us, we wouldn't have known that the float had mechanical errors!" Babs said. Apple Bloom looked up at her and saw that she was turning the fault on the person. The crowd of people cried in awe of how it came down to malfunctions in the float itself. "That's right! If the float was functioning normally it would have not done any of the damage it caused!" The person stood in silence and started to wonder if it was bound to happen the same way even having control over it. "I would have brought it back, but seeing as though the float was having problems, I couldn't control it! So, it is your fault the float had done what it did!"

The person looked around and felt it was the fault of the float. It came down to the person in charge. Afterward, the people gathered around the person in charge and put the blame in the creator of the float. Apple Bloom was shocked at how quickly things turned and after they all turned their attention to the person in charge of it, Babs grabbed her and headed out of the park before anyone saw.

Babs and Apple Bloom walked down the empty street, heading back to the barn. It was still a bright sunny day and the trees brought a lovely shade for them to stay cool.

"You okay?" Babs asked.

"Yeah..." Apple Bloom said, as she wiped her eyes. Some of the dried mud from her hand smeared on her face. Babs stopped to wipe the mud off her face. "Why did you do that Babs?"

"It was not right of them to put you down, when it was me who took it." Babs admitted. "But, I definitely couldn't take it when they mentioned your parents. I know how sensitive that could have been for you."

"Yeah, thanks Babs..." Apple Bloom smiled cautiously.

"Besides, that float had problems anyway. It was the driver's fault for not making sure it was functional!" Babs said. "I'd say it was necessary!"

"Yeah, I didn't think stealin it was good, but maybe it was for a reason..." Apple Bloom responded. "More people could have been hurt by it."

"It was for a reason." Babs agreed. "See, it wasn't entirely our fault. So don't put yourself down, okay?"

Rarity admired her thick and long curly blonde hair. She has the same eye color as Applejack's, but her skin matched Big Mac's. The various colors of red, yellow and orange all seem to resemble the Apple family, Rarity thought.

"Rarity?" Sunflower asked.

"I'm sorry, what is it?" Rarity questions and tried to remember if she asked her something. She adjusted herself on the kitchen chair.

"Oh, I was just wonderin' how your business is goin'?" Sunflower asked.

"Business has been quite slow, actually." Rarity responded with some concern. "It definitely has tanked in quality since we've been here."

"How long have you been here?" Sunflower continued.

"A couple of months." Rarity said. "I haven't been able to do much work as my workshop has been reduced to basic laundry duty for Applejack and Apple Bloom."

"Damn, that's tough." Sunflower added, as she sat firmly.

"Yeah, but it's not so bad." Rarity said. "Applejack has been in a much better mood, because she did miss her work."

"Really?"

"Yeah, when she began to stay with me, she couldn't do much of anything. She hated helping me in the fashion workshop. She practically begged to do something else, but all she managed to do was plant a few things on the side of the house."

"Why didn't she just come here to work?"

"She felt that everyone had it all together and didn't want to impose on their parade."

"That's tough." Sunflower said. "I just wanted to know because I admire your work. Like a lot."

"You do?" Rarity responded. "I should bring you to my place to see it for yourself."

"I would like that." Sunflower said, as she politely placed her hand over Rarity's. Rarity took it as a calm and friendly gesture. "I'm actually impressed that Applejack took interest at all, seein' you two together is a bit of an oddity."

"Yeah, I suppose it does seem a bit odd." Rarity admitted. "But, we both enjoy spending time together."

"I'm glad." Sunflower added. "You two are an amazing couple from what I've seen."

"Thanks." Rarity said.

"By the way, where is Applejack?"

"I'm sure she's out there finishing her work. She was a little upset when anyone interfered."

"Yeah, sorry about that."

"That's quite alright. She understands the trouble you've been through lately."

"Yeah. My parents are just stupid and I had to get away from it all."

"Parents?" Rarity pondered. "I can relate. My parents have been giving us a hard time as well."

"Oh really?"

"Indeed. It's on them for not accepting our relationship."

"That's awful."

"It's quite alright, I'm relieved to not have to deal with them at the moment."

"To hear about that, makes my situation less than what it is."

"Oh no! Parents threatening divorce is definitely not okay, darling. Having to go through the process of who gets what... is an awful and heartbreaking ordeal indeed."

"Yeah." Sunflower smiled. "I'm glad that you understand and was willin' to help me an Babs find a place to stay."

"Of course, darling." Rarity said. "I'm always happy to help in any way I can."

"You are really close with the Apple family, aren't you?"

"I am." Rarity smiled.

"Thanks." Sunflower said. "I feel a lot better now that you are here to help us out too."

"I'm flattered." Rarity said. "Truly."

They both smiled, but as they were taking their mind off the trouble they've had, Babs and Apple Bloom walked in.

"Oh my!" Rarity yelled, as she got up.

"Babs!" Sunflower yelled. "What the hell?!"

"Please darling." Rarity suggested. "Are you two alright?"

"Yeah?" Babs said.

"We just had an accident." Apple Bloom said, as she lifted her arms to hold in place above her head.

The both of them carried mud all over the floor.

"Go clean yourselves, now!" Sunflower said, as her tone was assertive and cold. "You're making a mess!"

"It's alright, we'll get it cleaned up." Rarity added, as she held onto her shoulder to calm her.

"Fine, we'll talk later!" Sunflower demanded Babs.

"Fine." Babs rolled her eyes.

It made things awkward in the house, but Apple Bloom took Babs upstairs to the bedroom.

They gathered their belongings and started to clean themselves off. They tossed their muddy clothes in an empty bin and headed their way to the shower. Apple Bloom sat inside, having Babs go first to use the shower. It was like an open sauna for Apple Bloom, as the steam made the heat even more intense and harder to breathe.

"Sunflower seem really upset." Apple Bloom said.

"Yeah, I know." Babs said. "She's been in a bitchy mood lately."

"Why?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Our parents are seperatin'."

"That's sad to hear, Babs."

"Don't be." Babs suggested. "It happens."

"But why?"

"Well... to tell you the truth... people just get bored." Babs said blatantly, as she washed out her short velvet hair.

"Bored? Like... they don't like each other anymore?"

"Yep. That's all it takes."

"That's sad Babs."

"Like I said, don't be."

"Why aren't you upset?"

"Because, everyone likes to make it a big deal. When... It's just how it is these days. The reason Sunflower is upset is because she still believes what everyone in her generation told her."

"Which is?"

"True love."

"True love?"

"Yeah, like love at first sight, happily ever-after, some made up bullshit like that."

"But, it does exist right?"

"I don't think so, but you can go ahead and believe in what you want to believe." Babs said, as she walked out the shower. Apple Bloom switched with her. "I just learned not to care about stuff like that. It makes things easier."

"You still believe in love, right Babs?" Apple Bloom asked, as she approached Babs.

"Of course I do, Apple Bloom." Babs admitted. "But, maybe not in the same way as what you might think."

"Really?" Apple Bloom said, as she stepped into the shower.

"Yeah, but... we can talk more about it later." Babs said, as she got dressed. "Okay?"

It was a quiet evening, the sun was barely touching the horizon and there was a slight breeze coming their way. Apple Bloom and Babs took their food to the barn and they sat high on the haystacks. They enjoyed the refreshing air, as they ate their food. They ordered pizza, with sodas and Applejack brought some of her own apple cider to go along with it. As the adults were conversing, Babs decided to have a quieter place to be. She took Apple Bloom along with her to keep her company.

The barn smells like shit, Babs thought, but didn't mind at all. She saw the pigs laid to rest as they ate a hearty meal that was set out not too long ago.

"You know, it's been awhile since I've set foot inside a barnyard." Babs commented.

"Really?" Apple Bloom questioned. "Don't you guys have a barn of your own?"

"It's been awhile." Babs stated again, in a more monotone feel.

"I guess this place just feels like home, right?"

"Yeah. It does." Babs said, as she managed to have a teardrop running down her face.

"Babs... are you okay?" Apple Bloom said calmly. She moved closer to her and tried to comfort her.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Babs said. "I guess... I just miss it."

"I kind of miss it too, even havin' to move out." Apple Bloom admitted. "Applejack certainly does."

"Why did you guys move?" Babs asked.

"Well..." Apple Bloom stopped talking, as she saw Rarity and Applejack out on the farm. They were drinking some cider and both of them walked out to the pasture. Babs saw them as well and got the idea.

"Is it different being in a household with them together?"

"A little, but not too much." Apple Bloom admitted. "It does get a little awkward at times."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, this is the first time in a while since I saw them smile at each other." Apple Bloom said, as she saw them talking and smiling. It made her feel better seeing the two of them are okay. "All the other times, they seem to be fightin.'' Even though they say they aren't, they are."

"Fightin' huh?" Babs questioned.

"Yeah, like in their bedroom." Apple Bloom added. "They seem to always fight or somethin'..."

"Apple Bloom... they aren't fightin.'' Babs said.

"You see, that's what they always say but..."

"But, you do know the bedroom is where they have sex, right?"

Apple Bloom thought for a moment and immediately got everything.

"Oh?" Apple Bloom said. "I didn't know..."

"Exactly how old are you?" Babs chuckled.

"Stop it, you aren't supposed to talk about stuff like that." Apple Bloom complained.

"C'mon, you seriously didn't know?" Babs stated. "That's actually adorable!"

Apple Bloom blushing and continued to eat.

Babs looked out to Applejack and Rarity. The two seemed to be too different, but somehow managed to stay together. Too bad it's not for everyone, Babs thought.

She remembered the time they had a farm, and the family was strong and thriving through months of work. Now the family struggled to maintain each other after they lost the farm.

"Babs?" Apple Bloom said. Babs snapped out of her mind and looked at Apple Bloom. She stood there on the wooden floors, holding an empty plate and cup.

"Sorry, what?" Babs asked.

"It's gettin' late." Apple Bloom announced. "We should head inside before them mosquitoes start to come out!"

"Yeah." Babs said. "Okay."

They slept in the same room, Apple Bloom laid on a spare bed below the other one as Babs slept on the higher one. It was her first night there, so it felt like a small sleepover for them, which Babs enjoyed. It was an odd day, Babs thought. She wondered what else is there to do?

Apple Bloom got a text that night. She got up to see who it was and it was Diamond Tiara. She sat up in her bed and began to talk to her.

"Hey, how are you?" Diamond said.

"I'm good, you?" Apple Bloom said.

"So, I was thinking we should hang tomorrow?"

"Oh really? That sounds great!"

"Yeah, so clear your schedule."

"Okay but..."

"But what?"

"I got my cousin visiting today."

"A cousin? For how long?"

"I don't know."

"Well..."

"Could I bring her along with us?"

"Her? I suppose..."

"I think you will like her."

"Fine. Just don't expect me to immediately be friends."

"Okay! Sounds good!"

"<3"

"<3"

Apple Bloom was excited for Diamond to meet Babs. She then remembered to introduce her to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle as well. She texted both of them, "Crusader meeting tomorrow!" to both Sweetie and Scootaloo. They replied almost immediately saying "alright." Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were out together today and Sweetie Belle was staying at Scootaloo's place, Apple Bloom reminded herself. She felt even more ecstatic to have them all come together to meet Babs.

Babs woke up to the light beam in the room and when she turned to look, Apple Bloom was on the phone.

"Apple Bloom?" Babs said. "What are you doin'?"

"Babs, tomorrow I'm going to introduce you to the Crusaders!" Apple Bloom said.

"The Crusaders?" Babs questioned. "Is that like a club?"

"Yeah, it's my club!" Apple Bloom answered. "Would you like to be a part of it?"

"Sure, why not?" Babs said.

"Great!" Apple Bloom delighted.

They both laid their heads back down and slept.

The next day, there was a bit of a gradient light that shone throughout the room. It made everything pale, slightly cooler than it was the day before. Apple Bloom glanced outside and was immediately blinded by the brightness. Looking again, it was just her eyes in the dark for too long to see what it was. Silver clouds that pulled in from the distance, with winds that carried it forward. As early as it was, it felt late. Even more so, when the sun was covered.

Apple Bloom took some clothes and got dressed into something that added a little heft as she started to feel cold. She wore a clover green t-shirt, light blue jeans, white socks, with her regular brown cowgirl boots. She liked wearing green with her favorite white jacket for the colder days. It was a gift from her friend Diamond not too long ago. Diamond loved the color white and gold. She wanted her to match with Apple Bloom's lightened golden skin.

As soon as she was dressed, she walked back in the room to awake Babs. She was still sleeping, but Apple Bloom couldn't wait for them to meet her.

"Babs?" Apple Bloom asked quietly. She didn't budge, so she tapped her shoulder. As she did, Babs adjusted herself. Apple Bloom continued, but as she tried, Babs's cover slid off her shoulder, her bare shoulder. Apple Bloom could have sworn that she was wearing a top before bed last night. "Babs?" She continued, tapping her shoulder again. Babs shot up and revealed that she was not wearing one. Apple Bloom was stunned and immediately turned away from her. She cleared her throat. "Mornin' Babs!"

"Where am I?" Babs questioned.

"My old room, remember?" Apple Bloom answered.

"What time is it?" Babs asked.

"I dunno?" Apple Bloom turned, as Babs yawned and rubbed her eyes. "But... where is your shirt?"

"I took it off, it got too hot last night." Babs exhaled.

"Oh..." Apple Bloom nodded.

"Yeah..." Babs said, as she got up and walked over to the door for the bathroom. "Too hot..." As Apple Bloom saw her walk past, she was not wearing bottoms either. She stood frozen in place. She turned around and there were large sweat spots coming from her old bed.

Babs was half-asleep sitting at the kitchen table, while Apple Bloom was preparing breakfast. Everyone else joined together at the table not long after. Apple Bloom noticed everyone, once she set the table.

"Mornin' Big Sis, Cuz'!" Apple Bloom yelled. "Mornin' Mom!"

"Mornin'...?" Applejack and Rarity said, as Applejack's tone lightened with concern. Rarity, sitting across from her, knew why she was concerned. "Why did she call you that?" Applejack whispered in her mind, as Rarity replied "it's a long story..." She was not too thrilled about that.

Sunflower was just as tired as Babs, not saying a single word.

"Breakfast is ready!" Apple Bloom announced. Sunflower and Babs awoke right away. Apple Bloom placed down a bowl of potatoes and scramble eggs, plate of fried sliced ham and a rack of toast on the table. She added a pitcher of freshly squeezed apple juice. 

To Applejack and Rarity, they were amazed by how great everything looked, while Babs and Sunflower were trying to stay awake.

They have feasted and had their fill.

"Okay!" Apple Bloom announced. "Me and Babs is headin' out!"

"Hold your horses there, sugarcube!" Applejack interrupted, as Apple Bloom and Babs were out the door. "You've got to clean up first!"

Apple Bloom annoyingly walked back to the front door and into the kitchen, as Babs returned to join with Sunflower and passed out on the couch together.

Apple Bloom left the dishes in the sink to soak and made it, so it was stacked perfectly and neatly to make it look as if it was done. She quickly cleaned the table, and all the remaining food was left in a container for the pigs later. She took Babs along with her and marched out the door.

"Dammit, Apple Bloom..." Applejack grunted, as she walked into the kitchen. She shook her head silently and took it upon herself to do the task she was given.

"Language, darling!" Rarity pointed out, as she walked inside the kitchen. "Allow me." She jumped in front of Applejack before she picked up a single soapy glass. Applejack was taken aback as she watched Rarity clean the dishes.

"You baby her too much!" Applejack commented, as she stood in her typical stance. Her hands on her hips and standing straight. Rarity ignored her. "That's probably why she calls you 'Mom?!'"

"I know." Rarity responded, she stayed focused on the dishes. "I know it's... not okay, but she became very close to me." She looked up at Applejack, staring straight, almost begging. Applejack loosened the grip of her hips and looked into her eyes. "I don't want to lose that connection that we have."

"Rarity..." Applejack whispered, as she came closer to her. "It's alright... but, she just has to do what she's told."

"I understand." Rarity said. "But, let her have her fun. It's been too long since she's been excited for something."

"Fine." Applejack said.

As she continued and the dishes were finally done; Rarity walked out, but she kicked something against her toe. She flinched of the instantaneous pain she felt as she kicked the object. She went over to pick it up and it was her heels underneath the kitchen table. Rarity rolled her eyes and was not happy about it.

"Applejack?" Rarity questioned.

"What?" Applejack said, as she was drying the dishes with a damp cloth.

"Why are my heels in the kitchen?" Rarity continued.

"I don't know. Why you askin' me?" Applejack paused to think about it.

"Because only you would misplace my stuff from the bedroom!"

"Aw c'mon!" Applejack fretted, as she placed down a dried plate on the counter. "So, I misplaced a few things..." She looked at her, but Rarity was even more upset at the answer. "But that's because you got things all over the damn place!"

"Language!" Rarity snapped her eyes at her, as Applejack rolled her's. "And this is my house, I deserve to place anything I want wherever I want it!"

"Just quit accusin' me of every little thing and just learn to pick up after yourself!" Applejack continued. Rarity stood in her stance, nearly the same as Applejack's but with more attitude with her pointed hip to her side and one fist on her pointed hip. "You just leave a mess everywhere!"

"I can't believe you!" Rarity scoffed. "And it's not a mess, it's organized chaos!" Rarity stormed out of the kitchen. Sunflower was awakened by Rarity's stomping feet up the stairs into her room. She placed down her heels where she remembered where it was.

Babs was barely waking up again, as she was enjoying the breeze that came through her open leather jacket. She loved the cold and the blazing sun covered by an endless stream of clouds, which made her grow to like this place.

"You alright there Babs-ee?" Apple Bloom questioned, as she led the way.

"Yeah, still tired..." Babs yawned.

"Why?" Apple Bloom pondered, after the parade incident, then being yelled at by Sunflower. "Maybe everythin' that happened yesterday?"

"Yeah, a lot of emotional..." Babs paused and tried to place her words carefully. "It was exhaustin', especially the heat."

"Oh yeah, it does get really hot here." Apple Bloom added. "I got a heat stroke once, tryin' to work in apple gatherin.' Got too heated and dropped."

"Really?" Babs sympathized. "That's how bad it was?"

"Yeah, I don't remember much after that, but during our rainy seasons, it tends to go on for almost a week!" Apple Bloom mentioned.

"Really? Is it the rainy season now?" Babs asked, considering she might be able to enjoy her time there.

"It is mostly in the Spring, but we are in the summer." Apple Bloom answered. "It will rain, but not as often."

"Oh..." Babs grunted.

"Sorry about that, Babs," Apple Bloom said.

"Nah, it's all good." Babs said. "It's definitely different in Hooflyn."

"Really?" Apple Bloom delighted. "Cool!"

"Yeah." Babs thought of it again but decided to think of something else. She caught up to Apple Bloom, walking side by side to converse on a new topic. "So... is that Rarity...?"

"Rarity?" Apple Bloom questioned. "She's datin' my big sis!"

"I figured!" Babs delighted.

"Yeah, she's really great!"

"I've got to hand it to ya, Applejack sure snagged a fair one!" Babs added.

"What do you mean?" Apple Bloom questioned.

"I mean..." Babs paused. "She's a real hottie!"

"Babs?!" Apple Bloom complained.

"What?! It's true though." Babs continued.

"Well... I never thought of her that way..."

"Seriously?!" Babs said. "She is smokin'! Her body, her face and her sexy feet!"

"Her what?!" Apple Bloom stopped walking to look at her. Babs stopped walking, a little further than Apple Bloom. She turned around to look.

"Seriously?! How are you going to snag one yourself, without acknowledgin' all the good qualities?!" Babs questioned.

"I've never considered that..." Apple Bloom thought. They both continued to walk together side by side. "Well... I guess there's one... I do like..."

"What's the name?" Babs added.

"Her name is Diamond Tiara." Apple Bloom answered. "We are actually goin' to meet up with her!"

"Really?" Babs smiled.

"Yeah, she was really mean at first, especially toward my other friends. But after I saw her havin' struggles with her family, I was there for her. Afterward, she began to talk to me, and she became really nice to me. She bought me this jacket. She loves the color and thought I could look good in white."

"Sounds like you've gotten close to her." Babs commented.

"Yeah, she really changed. But she is not really close with my other friends, and I would like them to be!"

"Yeah, but what do you like about her though?"

"Oh, uhh..." Apple Bloom thought about her. "She's sweet. She has pretty eyes. She likes to wear beautiful outfits, but..." Apple Bloom started to blush. "I... I like her lips... her lips look full and dark... especially when she puts on lip gloss."

"Now you're gettin' it! But, what about the rest of her?"

"Huh?" Apple Bloom snapped out focus to listen to what she was saying.

"You know... like her body?" Babs asked.

"Oh, she is actually... sort of... developed." Apple Bloom blushed again.

"Really?" Babs smirked.

"Well, I think you'll see what I mean when we meet her!" Apple Bloom added. "But please... she's..."

"She’s your's, I know!" Babs waved.

"Well... I mean to say, she's a little shy." Apple Bloom added.

"To be honest, I'm a little shy as well..." Babs said.

"Really? You are?" Apple Bloom questioned.

"Yeah, but I am really eager to meet them!" Babs smiled.

Applejack and Rarity both saw Sunflower still passed out on the couch. They were mildly concerned, but as it turned out, the cider Applejack took out was all gone. Every single glass was empty.

"Should we be worried?" Rarity asked quietly. "If it becomes too much of a problem..."

"Nah." Applejack answered. "She's just a little troubled. I'd say it was necessary."

"Are you sure?" Rarity questioned.

"Well, she's not one for confrontation." Applejack said. "Drinkin' her sorrows away, but we do need to be careful. Watch out for her, okay?"

"Okay?" Rarity said. "What are you gonna do?"

"I'm gonna try and figure out if there are other places they can be." Applejack suggested. "Not to be rude to family, but I do want to make sure if they need to, they can stay, but somewhere on their own."

"That's quite considerate of you." Rarity added. "What about their parents? Won't they come after them?"

"That's what I'm sayin'." Applejack continued. "I don't want to be absolutely involved in everythin.'"

"Okay." Rarity said.

Sunflower remained in her position, even after they had left. Things seem a bit odd around the Apple family, she thought. Maybe it was not worth the trouble.

"Ah! Right there Sweetie Belle!" Someone moaned. "Yes!"

"Feel better, Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Yeah..." Scootaloo answered. "That really hurt, I can't believe I didn't notice that I was bleeding."

"You have got to stop trying to jump over that fence!" Sweetie Belle complained. "You're lucky to have me around to patch you up!"

"Yeah, whatever..." Scootaloo whispered.

"What was that?!" Sweetie Belle interrupted.

"I said 'Thank you Sweetie Belle, you're the best!'" Scootaloo said sarcastically.

"That's right!" Sweetie Belle agreed. "Why do you always attempt to hop fences anyway?"

"In case I need to run away from people!" Scootaloo said. "It's gettin' pretty weird around here, you know?"

"Right, so instead of actually working out and building endurance or stamina, you want to hop fences?" Sweetie Belle asked rhetorically.

"Yeah." Scootaloo answered. "You may never know when there comes a time..."

"What are you involved in some criminal activity that I don't know about?" Sweetie Belle questioned. "I think the only weird thing around here is you."

"Go ahead and laugh, but if we have to run from people, I'm leavin' your ass behind the barbed fences!" Scootaloo shouted in her face.

"Yeah, I'm sure that will be a problem someday?" Sweetie Belle begged. "Besides, I'm more equipped to handle myself, thank you very much!"

Scootaloo was stunned, as she looked at Sweetie Belle. She looked away and blushed with frustration.

"Sheesh..." Scootaloo pouted. "It was a joke... can't take a joke?"

"Of course, but you seriously got to stop hurting yourself." Sweetie Belle added. "What if I'm not around to help you?"

"I guess I'll suffer then?!" Scootaloo said sarcastically.

"C'mon!" Sweetie Belle said, as she leaned over Scootaloo. "Like I'll ever leave your side!"

"What?!" Scootaloo said, as she was bright red.

Scootaloo looked up at her and Sweetie Belle finally got what she just said. She blushed and turned to look away from her.

"Y-You know what I meant!" Sweetie flared, having to cross her arms to prove a point. Scootaloo was even more embarrassed.

"We're here!" Apple Bloom announced. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looked up with flustered faces. Apple Bloom blushed and looked at them with confusion, as Babs scratched the back of her head, unsure of the awkward first impression.

The shack was entirely small. It had one bedroom, one bathroom. A small kitchen, connected toward a small living room. Babs was quite impressed by how it looked.

"How did you manage to find this place?" Babs asked.

"We just found it, it was abandoned." Scootaloo, a girl with short purple hair, tan skin, wearing a thick orange sweater, green cargo pants and short brown boots, answered. "Not long after middle school, me and Apple Bloom went out to explore the neighborhood. We managed to find an abandoned shack. We thought of fixing it up! We made it, the Crusader's headquarters!"

"Nice!" Babs thought. "Do you know who owned it?"

"We tried findin' somethin' about it, but there seemed to be no record of it existin'." Apple Bloom added. "It is quite odd, almost like we were meant to find it."

"Yeah, kind of spooky, but we like it!" Sweetie Belle, wearing a long, loose-fitting magenta top with long white sleeves with a matching belt buckle on the waist, dark blue jeans, white high heels and magenta headband to hold down her large white and light purple swirly curls, commented.

"And we want you to be a part of it! Need a place to be, this is it!" Apple Bloom delighted. "Anytime you need us, we will be here together."

"Great!" Babs delighted.

"We are delighted to add you to our list of members for the Crusaders!" Scootaloo said. "Always keep in touch and make sure we are notified if anything goes wrong!"

"So, what are the Crusaders about?" Babs asked.

"Our greatest mission. To discover our true purposes in life! No matter how small, we make significant contributions to everyone's life! No matter how big we become, we will not abandon our roots such as family, friends and neighbors!" Together they said.

Babs' eyes glistened with astonishment. Having friends like this made her feel a sense of hope, a calling towards a purpose and establishing love and care for everyone.

Apple Bloom heard her phone go off. She quickly reached down to her small pocket in the white jacket. Diamond appeared to be close by, while Apple Bloom took Babs back outside to meet with her.

She was fair. Bright purple hair with streaks of white, a small braid leaning to her left side. Light purple and flawless skin. Perfect arched eyebrows. Sharp almond eyes, long and defined lashes and with dashes of the night blue sky in the irises. Diamond shaped earrings at the lobe of her small circular ears. A small tiara on top of her head, wearing a white vest with fur on the shoulder and the neck. Pure black shirt, white belt around her small waist and shining gold skirt that matched her tall golden boots. To Babs' surprise, she was well developed, as Apple Bloom said.

"Diamond!" Apple Bloom yelled, as she jumped into her. She looked a bit surprised as she wrapped her arms around her. "I would like you to meet, Babs Seed!" As she pointed towards her at the door. Babs Seed blushed.

"Bad seed?" Diamond said cautiously. Babs smirked, lightly chuckled.

"No, Babs. Seed." Apple Bloom restated.

"Whatever!" Diamond said. Apple Bloom smiled, but she looked behind her.

Everything about her was a cool gray, some streaks of white like Diamond's hair. Exact same colors and exact same braid as her's. The only thing standing between them is her thick purple glasses to go with her top and tall boots and her necklace with a shining silver spoon in the center.

"You brought Silver Spoon along with us?" Apple Bloom questioned.

"Yeah?" Diamond complained. "You've got a problem with it?"

"No-no..." Apple Bloom said softly. She scratched the back of her head and thought about the awkward feeling in her stomach. "Is everythin okay, Diamond? You seem a little upset at somethin'."

"It's fine!" Diamond muttered. "Nothing is going on!"

"Oh, well. We could all think of somethin' to do together, right?" Apple Bloom smiled, but felt something was wrong.

The winds began to pick up, but as they spent the time standing in the cold silence, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle made their way to them.

"Apple Bloom?" One of the girls said. Apple Bloom and the others turned around to see who it was.

"Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom delighted. She went over to her. "Sweetie Belle!"

"What are they doing here?" Scootaloo questioned with a slightly fierce tone.

"I'm here because Apple Bloom invited us to hang out together." Diamond replied sarcastically. Scootaloo came to her, to stare at her directly in the eyes, almost ready for anything. Apple Bloom quickly jumped in between them.

"Whoa!" Apple Bloom said. "Easy guys, I just wanted to bring you all over to meet my cousin." Apple Bloom pointed toward her, as she cowardly put her face behind her large bangs. "Babs?"

"Look, are we just going to stand around, or are going to do something?" Diamond demanded.

"Do something?" Scootaloo argued. "Why are you even here?"

"Please." Apple Bloom stepped in again to avoid the fight between them. "I just wanted to bring everyone here to meet Babs. I figured we all could hang out together."

"By inviting them over to our club?!" Scootaloo yelled. "Apple Bloom?!"

"Oh yeah, your club. What was it again?" Diamond said. Scootaloo clenched her fists. Sweetie Belle came over to her to help her calm down, but Scootaloo was unwilling to let something inside her go. "I'm guessing that old shack is your clubhouse?"

"Diamond..." Apple Bloom pouted. "You know we are called the Crusaders... I thought you wanted to join us?"

"As if!" Diamond shouted.

"But... but..." Apple Bloom started to form tears in her eyes.

"Hey, back off!" Scootaloo yelled. Diamond and Silver held back. Scootaloo became even more angry and started to yell at them in their face. Diamond kept the argument going, as Scootaloo was becoming unstable with her emotions.

Apple Bloom was stunned. Sweetie Belle tried to stop Scootaloo from continuing. Babs watched as they began to go off at each other like her parents did.

She began to see flashes of her father yelling at her mother. Mother crying with her eyes sore from previous volitions. It erupted, then it came to her father attacking her mother with his open hand, with a bottle in the other. Mother was crying in pain, wailing for him to stop. Father looked back and started to come after her. Yelling at her to go away. Stunned in fear, he then began to hit her. Her sister came in, trying to stop him, but used his bottle to strike her down. Knocking her unconscious. He stopped but walked away from the kitchen and took another bottle with him, since he broke the other.

"Enough..." Babs said silently. Everyone stopped yelling and looked back at Babs. She went between Scootaloo and Diamond. "Stop yelling at her." She addressed Scootaloo.

"Babs?" Apple Bloom said quietly. "Are you okay?"

"No." Babs answered. "Are these the kind of friends you have, Apple Bloom?! Then, I want no part of your club!"

"Babs?" Apple Bloom cried. "They aren't like that at all..."

"Oh really?!" Babs yelled. "Scootaloo seemed nice at first, but I know a two-faced bitch when I see one! Thinking they like and care about you, but really just want someone to take their anger out on."

"Babs!" Scootaloo yelled. "You have no idea the kind of person Diamond and Silver is!"

"I don't." Babs said. "But they weren't the ones actively trying to hurt anyone, only you!"

Scootaloo was silenced. She backed away from them and looked away.

"Babs... please..." Apple Bloom cried. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo came to her side. Diamond and Silver were shocked to see Babs stick up for them.

"You know, I may have misjudged you." Diamond Tiara said. Babs led the way to their club house, as Silver Spoon followed.

"You will not take another step!" Scootaloo yelled.

"Scootaloo stop!" Sweetie Belle responded.

"We can't let her." Scootaloo said to Sweetie Belle.

"Apple Bloom?" Diamond asked Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom stood silently and became saddened with her actions to join two different people who are, clearly, still enemies. Diamond and Silver made their way to the old shack, as Sweetie Belle stopped Scootaloo from intervening.

"What just... happened?" Sweetie Belle said, unsure of everything that happened within the time they just met Babs.