The Manticore Ville antique shop was one the oldest and dirtiest building in the district. It was certainly an eye sore compared to the jewelry stores, fancy cafes, and anything else adjacent to it. The shop always had a low number of customers. Even now, during the week leading up to Hearth’s Warming Day, the shop was nearly vacant. The only ponies inside were the old unicorn shopkeeper, who was dozing off behind his counter, and Scootaloo, who was observing some ancient and withered swords.
‘I wonder if Rainbow Dash would like this one.’ Scootaloo thought as she picked up a particularly short and stocky sword. She unsheathed the weapon and swung it haphazardly, resulting in her destroying an old vase nearby.
The shopkeeper was awoken by the noise,
“W-what happened?” He said groggily as he rubbed away the sleep in his eyes.
“Nothing!” Scootaloo said in a high pitched voice. She quickly stood in front of the shattered remains of the vase in order to block the shopkeeper’s view of it. The shopkeeper eyed Scootaloo suspiciously until the shop’s door opened and somepony new walked in. Scootaloo turned to see who it was and saw a young earth pony girl with a large red bow on her head. The pegasus also saw the girl was wearing a leather jacket; the trademark for all greasers. Scootaloo quickly looked away as to not draw attention to herself.
The earth pony walked up to the counter and said, “Excuse me, sir. I’m Applebloom, the girl that called yesterday.”
“Yes, I remember.” The shopkeeper said, “Do you have it?”
“Yes.” Applebloom said. She reached into her jacket and pulled a long, battered case. The shopkeeper took the case from the greaser, opened it.
He pulled something out of the case and began to examine it closely. Scootaloo, who was curious about what a greaser would bring to an antique shop, slowly got closer to the counter. From where she was standing, the pegasus could see that the shopkeeper was holding a large necklace that appeared to be a fusion of a number of gems with a diamond as the centerpiece. The diamond on the necklace was beautiful, but its beauty was diminished by the rest of the necklace, which was covered with scrapes, dirt, and what appeared to be scorch marks.
“It’s a traditional Earth pony engagement necklace.” The shopkeeper said to nopony in particular. He pulled out a small magnifying glass to further examine the item, “When an Earth pony stallion wanted to propose to an Earth pony mare, he would mine for gems to decorate the necklace and for diamonds to use as the center piece. It is said that the more different types of gems the stallion would decorate the necklace with was equivalent to the amount of love and dedication he would provide for the bride. Judging by the amount of gems here,” he turned to Applebloom and smiled, “the stallion was a very dedicated husband, and father I presume.”
“He was.” Applebloom said with a small smile. Scootaloo was surprised to see a small tear forming under one of Applebloom’s eye. The pegasus has never heard of a greaser crying.
“So, can you repair it?” Applebloom said.
“The job should not be too difficult.” The shopkeeper said, “It will cost seventy-five bits for the repair and you can have it back in about two to three weeks.”
“That long?!” Applebloom said, “Can’t you have it done by Hearth’s Warming?”
The shopkeeper blinked, “Um, you do know that Hearth’s Warming day is in four days, right? For me to get the necklace fixed would require my absolute devotion.”
“What if I pay you extra?” Applebloom said slightly desperately. She reached into her pants pocket and pulled out a small bag. She tossed it onto the counter and bits spilled out, “That’s a hundred and twenty-five bits. It’s all yours if you can fix the necklace by then.”
The shopkeeper looked rather uncomfortable, “I’m sorry, but I have other repairs I must complete. It would be problematic for business to stop all of those jobs for just one.”
“But…but…” Applebloom said. She was trying to think of a way to convince the shopkeeper, but she could not come up with anything.
Scootaloo did nothing as she saw the entire scene play out. She has never seen a greaser in such a distressed state; it was quite unsettling. Even though the young pegasus was afraid of the greasers, she couldn’t help but wonder how to assist Applebloom. It was then that an idea popped into Scootaloo’s head, an idea that she wasn’t exactly fond of.
“Okay, I understand,” Applebloom said in a slightly hollow voice. She grabbed her things and turned around to leave. The look of despair on the greasers face was too much for Scootaloo to bear. Now with a sudden burst of determination, she grabbed Applebloom by the shoulders, turned her around, and pushed her to the counter.
“Hey! What are you-” Applebloom cried out. She stopped when Scootaloo released her, pulled out a small pouch from her pants pocket, and spilled most of its contents, bits, onto the counter.
“Here is an extra hundred bits if you can fix the necklace by Hearth’s Warming.” Scootaloo said. Applebloom’s eyes were now as wide as saucers and the shopkeeper was speechless. Scootaloo continued, “I sure you’re super busy, but can’t you please look into your heart. After all, it is the season to be kind to others.”
‘I cannot believe I’m being sappy for a greaser.’ Scootaloo thought, ‘I hope this wouldn’t disappoint Dash if she saw this’
The pegasus then displayed the best puppy-dog eyes she could muster. Applebloom saw this and quickly did the same. The shopkeeper was no match for the two adorable faces and sighed, “I’ll see what I can do. I make no promises that the necklace will be in perfect condition, but it should at least in a much better condition.”
Applebloom gave the shopkeeper a big smile and bowed, “Thank you so much.”
“Of course; now, please leave my store and turn the ‘open’ sign to the ‘close’ sign. I have a lot of work ahead of me and I do not need distractions.”
Applebloom nodded another thanks and deposited her money back onto the counter before she and Scootaloo walked out of the store.
The antique shop was one of the stores that circled the fountain in the center of Manticore Ville. The stores that resided next to the shop were a coffee shop and a clothing store. The center was decorated with a number of things for Hearth’s Warming Day, like fairy lights and ice sculptures that sang carols as ponies walked past them.
The moment the door closed behind them, Applebloom turned to Scootaloo and hugged her tightly, “Thank you so much.” The Earth pony said joyfully as she began to hop up and down, with Scootaloo still in her arms, “If you need any help with anything, you just give me a shout, got it?”
She released Scootaloo, who was stunned by the strength of the young greaser. The pegasus replied, “No problem. It’s not a big deal.”
“It is a big deal.” Applebloom said earnestly, “You helped me, a stranger, when I needed it. I’m Applebloom, by the way.” She extended her arm out for a handshake.
Scootaloo took the hand, “I’m Scootaloo. And like I said, it was no big deal. When I saw your face, I couldn’t just stand there and do nothing.”
Applebloom blinked and she developed a frown on her face as though she just realized an ugly truth.
“So you helped me because you pitied me?” The Earth pony said in a slightly indignant voice.
“That’s not what I meant.” Scootaloo said hastily. She had to explain herself before she incurred a greaser’s wrath. “It’s just that I know how it feels like to be…powerless. Let me finish!” she added when she saw Applebloom about to respond. “By powerless, I don’t mean being weak. I mean being in a circumstance where you are not given much of a choice. I have been powerless for a long time and it was my best friend, who was a stranger at the time, who helped me. When I saw you, it reminded me of back then, so I just wanted to help, like she helped me.”
Applebloom stared at Scootaloo for a while. The greaser than gave Scootaloo a quick bow and said, “I’m sorry if sounded ungrateful. I just really hate when ponies see me as a weakling. I truly am grateful. Thanks, and give a thanks from me to your friend.” She added, “She sounds really amazing.”
Scootaloo sighed deeply, “She is; I just wish I can show my thanks for her.”
Applebloom raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean?”
Scootaloo sighed again, “I still have not found her a Hearth’s Warming present. Plus, I kind of gave that shopkeeper most of my shopping money for the present.”
Applebloom’s face was then filled with guilt, “I’m so sorry. Maybe we can get it back-”
Scootaloo held up a hand, “It’s cool. I’ll just have to think of something amazing before judgement day.”
“You mean ‘we’, right?” Applebloom said with a smile.
Scootaloo was confused for a moment before she realized what the greaser meant. She smiled, “Are you sure?”
“Of course!” Applebloom exclaimed, “Whatever it takes, I will help you, Scootaloo. Come on.” She grabbed the pegasus by the wrist, “I know somepony who is great with figuring out the perfect present for other ponies.”
She began to pull Scootaloo, but the pegasus resisted,
“Wait, I actually came with a friend. We should wait for her-“
A horrible realization just came over the pegasus. She was currently with a greaser, sworn enemies of the preppies, and the friend Scootaloo was talking about just so happened to be-
As though on cue, the coffee shop’s door opened and Sweetie Belle came out holding two cups of hot chocolate.
‘Oh…crap.’ Scootaloo thought. Before the pegasus could think of something, the preppy was already making her way to the two ponies. Sweetie Belle was oblivious to the greaser.
“Scootaloo, what are you doing outside?” Sweetie asked, “Did you already find a present for Rainbow Dash?”
“Wait,” Applebloom said, “You mean the friend you’re shopping for is Rainbow Dash? My sis says that she’s a pretty good pony, but I guess it isn’t that surprising since you think so highly of her.”
Scootaloo was surprised that Applebloom had not noticed a prep standing right in front of her. She was surprised, but grateful. The pegasus then began to wonder who Applebloom’s sister was; the one who thought Dash was a good pony. Scootaloo assumed that Applebloom’s sister was another greaser and that all greasers now liked Rainbow after she helped out their leader.
‘The greasers’ leader’ Scootaloo thought, ‘Applejack…Apple… Applebloom.’
*Click*
‘Uh oh…’ Scootaloo thought as her brain made the connection.
“Your sister knows Rainbow Dash?” Sweetie Belle asked, finally realizing the greaser, “Is Twilight Sparkle your sister?”
Applebloom, also finally realizing the preps presence, said, “No, my sis is-”
“STOP!” Scootaloo cried desperately.
“-Applejack” Applebloom said, looking surprised after Scootaloo’s outburst.
The greaser was not the only one surprised. Sweetie Belle’s pupils shrunk at Applebloom’s reveal. She suddenly saw that Applebloom was still holding Scootaloo by the wrist.
“Let her go!” Sweetie Belle cried fearfully. She took the two cups of hot chocolate she was holding and threw them at the greaser. Applebloom raised her arms and successfully blocked the assault. When she lowered her arms, Sweetie Belle, to Scootaloo’s great shock, threw a right hook that connected with Applebloom’s face. The Earth pony crashed to the floor with a surprised look on her face.
The prep then turned to Scootaloo and said, “Are you hurt? Can you run?”
“Wait, Sweetie?” Scootaloo said, “It’s not what you think!”
“What was that for?!” Applebloom said as she massaged her face.
“My sister told me all about your sister and the greasers.” Sweetie Belle said as she gave the greaser a fierce (fierce for Sweetie Belle) glare, “You’re all just a bunch of good-for-nothing bullies.”
“Well your sister is a liar!” Applebloom yelled.
Sweetie Belle said, “Rarity would never-”
‘This is going to get worse, isn’t it’ Scootaloo thought as she saw Applebloom’s face when Sweetie said ‘Rarity’.
Applebloom slowly stood up and said, “You mean you’re the sister of the…”
Scootaloo cleared her throat, “Now Applebloom-”
Applebloom quickly closed the distance between her and the prep. The greaser than brought her knee up and it was heading straight to Sweetie’s gut. Scootaloo reacted by pushing the prep out of the way.
“Stop it you two!” Scootaloo said.
Her words were to no avail. Sweetie and Applebloom were now giving each other the death stare as they begun to take their stances. Sweetie started to relax her shoulders as she got into a boxing stance while Applebloom started to stretch her legs.
‘I’ve got to do something, but what?!’ Scootaloo thought. As she was coming up with a plan, she couldn’t help but think of the rivalry between the greasers and the preps. She knew they disliked each other, but she never knew that hatred could seep all the way to the children.
Sweetie Belle moved in and was prepping for an uppercut. Applebloom moved in at the same time and brought her leg up for a roundhouse kick.
In that instant, Scootaloo remembered something that Rainbow Dash taught her for situations that called for immediate action. Scootaloo rushed toward the two, who were just seconds for connecting their moves. Scootaloo crouched down low, spun around, flapped her wings as hard as she could, extended her leg, and performed a pegasus leg sweep. The move worked; Sweetie and Applebloom were caught off guard and fell to the floor.
“Would you two please calm down?” Scootaloo said as the prep and greaser scrambled to their feet.
Sweetie and Applebloom pointed their fingers at the other and yelled, “Not until she leaves!”
“You two don’t even know each other!” Scootaloo said.
The two ponies crossed their arms and said, “I know enough!”
Scootaloo sighed and tried to think of a plan to calm them down. The prep and greaser got into their stances again and were about to go another round when the pegasus stood in their way.
“If you two are going to try to kill each other, then you’re going to have to go through me first.” Scootaloo said, trying to sound confident, “So please, would you to stop?” In her mind, Scootaloo was actually a bit scared; it probably wasn’t wise to get in the way of mortal enemies. However, her gamble worked because the two fighters stood up straight and were looking rather guilty.
Applebloom was the first to speak, “Sorry about that, Scootaloo. I didn’t mean to let things get out of hand.”
“Yeah, I’m sorry too.” Sweetie Belle said.
Scootaloo observed the two ponies. Even though they stopped fighting, they glared at the other suspiciously. Scootaloo suddenly got an idea. Scootaloo turned to Sweetie and gestured to the greaser,
“Sweetie, this is Applebloom. I just met her today in the antique shop while you were buying drinks. Even though we’ve know each other for a short time, I can already tell she is really nice and a hard-worker. She was even going to help me look for a present for Dash.”
“Of course I was gonna help you.” Applebloom said, “In fact, I’m still going to help you. I’d just rather not be in a presence of somepony who would buy somepony’s friendship.” She added as she looked at Sweetie Belle.
“Applebloom, this is Sweetie Belle.” Scootaloo said as she looked at the greaser and gestured toward the prep, “I’ve known her for a little over a month. I can safely say that she is one of the most generous ponies out there. Sure she can be a bit ditzy now and then-”
“Hey!” Sweetie said.
“-but she is still a great friend.” Scootaloo continued. She then walked next to the prep and placed a hand on her shoulder, “So, if you want to get along with me, then you’ll have to get along with my friend too.”
“Aww!” Sweetie said. She gave the pegasus a quick hug and then stuck her tongue out toward the greaser.
Applebloom stared at the two for a while. Scootaloo was beginning to think it might be a good idea to run, but the greaser then smiled, “I’m part of the Apple family; we never go back on our word and will rather make friends than enemies.” She extended her arm out toward the pegasus, “I’ll still gladly help you Scoots, if you’ll have me.”
“Of course.” Scootaloo said. She took the hand and gave a hearty shake. Applebloom hesitated, but then extended her arm out toward the prep. Sweetie didn’t take the hand, but merely bowed her head slightly. Applebloom retracted her arm and bowed back.
“So,” Applebloom said, “now that everything is settled; what are you going to give Rainbow Dash?”
Scootaloo, who was smiling after this big breakthrough, frowned slightly as she tried to focus on the task at hand.
“I still don’t know.” Scootaloo said, “Can’t we go to that pony you said knew perfect gifts for ponies.”
“Um, yeah.” Applebloom said, “The pony I was talking about was my big brother, but he doesn’t take too kindly to…her kind.” Applebloom pointed at the prep.
Sweetie ignored Applebloom and turned toward Scootaloo, “What about going to the sporting goods store in Manticore Town again?” She said, “Maybe we missed something good.”
“What does Dash like anyways?” Applebloom asked, “I don’t know her that well, so I’m kinda in the shadows right now.”
Scootaloo began to list the things she knows Dash likes, “Well, she really loves the Wonderbolts, but all of their souvenirs are already sold out in every store in Manticore Ville. She likes to fight, fly, nap, play video games, race-”
“Race?” Applebloom said. She snapped her fingers in inspiration, “We greasers have a surplus of old bikes we find around New Delphi and in junkyards. We fix them up for ourselves and to sell. You think Dash would like a bike?”
“No, Dash hates bikes.” Scootaloo said, “She told me that when she was a kid-”
The pegasus stopped as though just realizing that she was talking. She blushed, “Um, it’s a secret. However,” Scootaloo suddenly remembered Dash’s favorite mode of transportation besides flying, “she does like to ride on her skateboard. Do the greasers have a hand in the restoration of skateboards as well?”
“Sadly, no.” Applebloom said.
“Wait!” Sweetie shouted suddenly, causing the other two to jump, “The sporting goods store sells skateboards rather cheaply. What if we buy one and decorate it?”
Applebloom rubbed her chin thoughtfully, “That’s not a bad plan; a customized skateboard for Dash. Actually, I can be a big help for customization work.” Applebloom smiled as she fished into her jacket and pulled out a key. She said, “My sister and some of her friends are taking advanced auto shop, so the teacher gave them some keys to use the Manticore Academy garages to work on any project during weekends and breaks. Applejack gave me a copy so I can take and return equipment for her and her friends. I say we use the garages so we can do some A-Class customization.”
Scootaloo could not produce a bigger smile than the one she had on right now. She gave the prep and the greaser hugs as she said, “Thanks you two. I doubt I would have figured out a good gift in time.”
“No problem.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Yeah, it was no sweat.” Applebloom said, “So come on, let’s see how far we can get on this project before the day is done.”
Scootaloo nodded and the three of them raced to the Manticore Town Sporting Goods Store.