//------------------------------// // Training // Story: Zombie Chronicles: New School // by ZombieBrony22 //------------------------------// We decided to train near the big tree at Sweet Apple. I always thought it had a sureal atmosphere, and I think that's what Diamond needs right now. "Remember. Aikido is about holding them off, but caring about their wellfare." I said. "Okay... and what if they have a weapon?" Diamond asked. "We'll get there. First, let's work on the swings." I said. What I saw next nearly made me die with laughter. I saw Diamond hold it as if it was a sword and try to swing it. "Easy, it's not a sword. You need one hand on the bottom and another hand about... here." I repositioned Diamond's grip. She adapted and started swinging slightly. "Come on, you think the attacker's gonna stop from rubs?" I asked. "I'm trying to get the feel of it! Geez, no-one's that good at first..." Diamond said. "I remember my first time wielding a Bo Staff. I couldn't quite master the grip until I saw The Walking Dead explain it. Wait... I think TMNT helped me use the staff, now that I think about it." I said. "Well, I have some binge watching to do." Diamond said. I chuckled and saw her start to get a grip. I looked up and saw Apple Bloom glaring at us from the farm. "What is it?" Diamond asked as she looked at what I was. "You like her, don't you?" Diamond asked. "I... don't know. Ever since I came here, she's been getting more and more distant." I said. "Well, some friends are like that. They bounce away, but they always bounce back." Applejack said behind me, jolting every bone in my body. "Don't panic, I always knew that ya liked her." Applejack said, rolling her eyes. I felt an inch of relief and noticed that Apple Bloom was gone. "When you see her again, can you ask her what it is that I did wrong? Or at least tell me?" I asked her. "Sure. I hate it to see her like this." Applejack said as she went back to the house. "Wait, so... your family has been friends with them for how long?" Diamond asked. "To be honest, I think since my mom was my age, maybe younger. She met Applejack's mom in school." I said to her. "I never met their mother." Diamond said. "Well... there's a reason for that." I said. "Did they... um..." "Pass on? Yeah. They were in a car accident when I was really young. The last I heard, the other driver was under the influence of something, drugs, maybe..." I struggled to remember. "Damn... how about the others? Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo?" Diamond asked. "I don't really know them. I know that Sweetie Belle's related to Rarity, but I don't know anything about Scootaloo." I said. "Me neither. I heard she was adopted, but we don't know." Diamond said. "We can worry about that later, right now, we should get back to training." I said. After the day was done, I took Diamond back home with me. I could've sworn that I saw Apple Bloom nearby... "I'll be right back." I said. Diamond nodded and went inside. I went to where I thought I saw her, but I didn't see anything. Until... "Hey." Apple Bloom said behind me. I jumped and I saw her sitting on some bench nearby. "Jeez, you scared the crap out of me!" I said. "I know. Applejack talked to me." "Why didn't you just knock?" I asked. Apple Bloom didn't answer, but she didn't have to. "This is all about Diamond, isn't it?" I asked. "You don't know who she is, Jason, you don't." Apple Bloom said. "I do. You know, I do." I said. "Jason, I know that your dad hit you and all, but this is different. She--" "She was forced to live a life she didn't want. At least partially. She came to us, Apple Bloom, that has to mean something." I said. "Jason, she ruined the school newspaper..." Apple Bloom started. "...She came back..." I countered. "...She openly mocked me in front of the entire school..." "...She regrets it..." "...She insulted Scootaloo's medical condition..." "...She apologized to her--" "FOR LANDS SAKES, JASON! SHE. BLACKMAILED. US!" Apple Bloom blurted. "She. Regrets. It!" I said. "URGH!" She got up and stormed away. I did the same and went back inside. "Jason, what was that?" Mom asked. I couldn't answer, not now. "Jason, wait!" Diamond said as she ran in. "What was that?!" Diamond asked. "Look, it was nothing, me and Apple Bloom just had a fight, that's all." I said. "About me. Right?" Diamond asked. "Diamond, she hates your guts." I confirmed. "And she should. In case you didn't know, I wasn't exactly the best person to her." Diamond said. "Well, of course, I knew that. But she seems to be bullying you." I said. "She hasn't done anything drastic. That's what matters." Diamond said to me. "I know. But... I hate to see her like that, acting like she's someone who she isn't. You should apologize to her tomorrow." I said. "You mean, after the trial?" Diamond asked. "Yeah, after the trial." I said.