> 15 Years > by Mattricole > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Scootaloo > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Scootaloo! Clean up in aisle four! Clean up in aisle four!” a voice rang out throughout the store, earning a groan from Scootaloo. “Ugh, coming,” Scootaloo mumbled as she grabbed her mop and bucket and began the somewhat long trek to aisle four. “Ugh, I hate my life.” Fifteen years ago she dreamed of flying. Fifteen years ago she dreamed of being a Wonderbolt. Fifteen years ago she dreamed of retiring by the time she was twenty. And just the other day she realized that none of those dreams came to fruition. What did happen was her dropping out of school, getting this crappy job as a janitor at a supermarket, and, oh yeah, watching her idol TURN INTO A FAT, SLOBBERING PIG! Could things get any worse? she asked herself. The same question she asked herself every day. And when she finally got to aisle four and saw the huge food spill, puke, and baby foals throwing their used diapers at each other (to their parents dismay), her answer was the same as every other day. Yes. Yes they can. “I’m home!” Scootaloo called out as she entered Carousel Boutique. Rarity had been generous enough to rent her one of the rooms upstairs for free. All she had to do was keep her room clean, and even if she didn’t Rarity would only scold her, like a mother to a child. “Hey, Squirt!” Rainbow Dash called from her seat on the couch...which looked like it was about to fall apart from the sheer weight it was holding up. “H-hey, Dash,” Scootaloo mumbled. If there was two things she had in common with Rainbow Dash, the first would be they both dreamed of being a Wonderbolt. “So, how was work?” The other would be that their dreams never came to fruition. “Ugh, I’d rather not talk about it.” Though that’s where the similarities died. Where in Scootaloo’s case she couldn’t be a Wonderbolt cause she lacked the ability to fly. “Ah, one of those days, huh?” Though…looking at how incredibly fat Rainbow Dash had gotten, Scootaloo highly doubted she could fly either so...three things in common? “Yeah, one of those days,” Scootaloo sighed as she went up and took a seat next to Rainbow Dash. “How was work at the factory?” “Eh, same-o same-o. Had to teach a bunch of recruits how the machine’s worked,” Rainbow Dash said as she took a potato chip and ate it. “One of them called me fat, so I bucked him in the teeth.” “Heh, nice,” Scootaloo chuckled. Though she was disappointed at Rainbow Dash for failing at her dream and becoming...essentially Jabba the Hutt, she couldn’t help but keep just the slimmest bit of respect for her old hero. Guess some things never change, she thought with a smile. “Yeah, well, almost got me fired soooo…” Rainbow Dash trailed off, but a chuckle left her mouth as she turned to Scootaloo. “Nah, I’d still totally do it again!” Rainbow Dash admitted, causing Scootaloo to laugh. It was at that moment Rarity entered the boutique, carrying groceries in her saddle bags. “Hey, Babe!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she slowly got off the couch and rushed (well, more of a slow trot) towards Rarity. “Here, lemme get some of those.” “Oh, thank you, Darling!” Rarity said happily as she hoofed over the groceries to Rainbow Dash, and gave her a peck on the cheek. “You have no idea how hectic it was at the market today! I almost had to run! Can you imagine that?! Me?! Running?!” Rarity whined as she and Rainbow Dash entered the kitchen. “Well, I love it when you run,” Rainbow Dash said. “Cause when you run, your flank swa-” “Rainbow Dash!” Rarity yelled with a glare. “Not in front of Scootaloo.” “I’m twenty-five you know!” “She’s still just a child!” “...Ugh, whatever.” “Alright, alright! Sorry, I’ll make it up to you,” Rainbow Dash said, leaning towards Rarity and whispered something into her ear, causing her to blush. “O-oh my, we’d better be careful, we wouldn’t want Scootaloo to overhear.” ...Oh sweet Celestia, I’m going to need some brain bleach! Scootaloo thought to herself as a headache began forming. She could only imagine the unspeakable horrors that Rainbow Dash would perform on Rarity that night. “Don’t worry, Rares, I’ll be sure to get her some earplugs.” “AAARGH!” Despite the fact she did not have to pay rent, and the fact she only made minimum wage, Scootaloo seriously considering moving out. “Alright, the registers are cleaned, the floors mopped, and the bathroom stalls are cleaned. What do I do now?” Scootaloo mumbled to herself. “Guess I’ll go clean the windows now.” “Scootaloo!” “Ugh, great,” Scootaloo muttered. She turned towards the voice to find her boss rushing over to her. “Scootaloo, hey! How are you today?” her manager asked with a smile. “Uh, fine?” Scootaloo replied. Her manager continued smiling as he patted her shoulder. “Hey, that’s great! You’re doing a fantastic job, keep it up!” “Uh, okay?” Scootaloo said, unable to hide the confusion in her voice. “So...what did you need, Boss?” “Oh, right!” he gasped. “Hey, listen. I need you to work overtime today-” “What?!” Scootaloo shouted. “I work here enough as it is! Why should I stay over?!” “Calm down, Scoots, it’s not that big of a deal. We just need someone to stay over today,” he said calmly. “Why should I? The only thing that needs to be cleaned is the windows. And if there’s a spill have one of the other janitors do it,” Scootaloo said with a glare. “Seriously, Rainy Days is here till closing time, you’ll be fine!” “Oh come on, Scoots! You could use the extra money, right?” the manager asked, finally able to calm down Scootaloo. After a few seconds Scootaloo sighed dejectedly. “Alright, so what is it? Time and a half or double time pay?” she asked, earning a questioning glance from her manager. “Uh...you’ll be getting the same pay.” “What?! B-but I’m a full time employee!” “And in order for you to not be over, you can go home three hours early tomorrow! Isn’t that great?!” her manager asked with a smile. “...If that’s true, that means I’m not making any extra money,” Scootaloo growled, earning a shrug from her boss. “Guess that’s true. Oh well, thanks again for your help!” her manager said as he began walking away. “...I hate this job,” Scootaloo mumbled as she took her cleaning cloth and headed towards the windows. Sadly they weren’t going to clean themselves. “I’m home!” Scootaloo called as she entered the boutique. She walked by the kitchen and saw Rarity and Rainbow Dash eating dinner. “Scootaloo, darling! Where have you been?” Rarity asked. Rainbow Dash however ignored Scootaloo in favor of stuffing her face with the delicious Rarity made. “Sorry, they gave me last minute overtime at work,” Scootaloo said. She yawned loudly before she began heading upstairs. “I think I’m going to hit the hay early, I’m a bit tired.” “Well...alright, dear. Goodnight!” “Hmm? Oh, yeah. Goodnight, Rarity. Night, Rainbow Dash.” “Night, Squirt!” she heard Rainbow Dash muttered with a mouth full of food. “Rainbow Dash! That’s disgusting!” “S-sorry, Rares. W-won’t happen again.” Huh, Rarity must have brought out the newspaper again, Scootaloo thought, the slightest hint of a smirk adorning her face. Kinda feel like staying up for a bit, just to see if Rainbow Dash gets smacked with it! With that thought she couldn’t help but giggle to herself. Maybe if Rarity got fierce enough she could force Rainbow Dash to run for her life. Not like a little bit of exercise would kill her or anything, she thought bitterly to herself. When she got to her room she jumped into her bed and sighed. Finally this horrible day came to an end. As she let sleep overtake her she could have sworn she heard the sound of newspaper slapping against the flank of a scared tub of lard. Sadly, this left her with horrifying nightmares of Mistress Rarity and her submissive fat lover. Needless to say she didn’t get much sleep that night. “Gimme another,” Scootaloo muttered as she pushed her mug towards Apple Bloom. “Ah don’t know, Scoots. Didn’t ya have enough?” Apple Bloom asked. The glare Scootaloo shot at her was enough of an answer. “Alright, here,” she said as she poured Scootaloo more whiskey. “Thanks,” Scootaloo muttered right before she downed her entire drink. She slammed her mug on the table and sighed. “...Another.” It’s a good thing ah’m diluting her drinks with water, Apple Bloom thought with the tiniest of smirks, and poured her friend another cup of whiskey. “Alright, just drink it slowly this time. Ah don’t wanna have to drag yer flank home,” Apple Bloom chuckled. Scootaloo merely scoffed and took a drink, slowly this time. “Yeah, who knows what that mare of yours would do to you if you didn’t get home on time,” Scootaloo said, earning a glare from Apple Bloom. “Heck, she might make you sleep on the couch. Again.” “Alright, Scoots. One: she wouldn’t do that to me,” Apple Bloom growled, glaring at her friend. “And two: even if she tried, ah wouldn’t let her!” Scootaloo immediately began laughing loudly, causing everypony to stare at the two. “hah, that’s rich! Everypony knows who wears the collar in your relationship, Apple Bloom!” Scootaloo laughed. She was laughing so hard she couldn’t even take a sip from her drink. “Scoots, it’s pants, not collar,” Apple Bloom said. Dang, even with all that diluting she still got drunk. “Really? Huh, can’t say I imagine a dog wearing pants, but hey, anything’s possible,” Scootaloo said with a shrug. Apple Bloom glared at her friend as she put away the whiskey bottles and went to serve another customer. “If that’s how yer going to act, ah’m not serving you.” “Oh come on! I was just joking!” Scootaloo shouted. Seeing her friend continuing her path to other customers, Scootaloo sighed and sat back down. “Tch, hick,” Scootaloo muttered, swishing her last glass of whiskey around. She looked up at a nearby clock and found that it was already eight at night. Huh, that’s weird. Wasn’t I suppose to be at work...twelve hours ago? she thought to herself, before shrugging it off and downed the rest of her drink. With a sigh she got up from her seat and began walking towards the door. “Scoots! Aren’t ya gonna pay yer tab?!” She quickly ran through the door, being extra sure to knock some things down to slow down her friend. She’ll pay Apple Bloom back later...probably. After stumbling about town, Scootaloo finally made it to the supermarket, groaning as she went towards the back to clock in. “SCOOTALOO!” “Ugh, can’t he wait until I clock in?” Scootaloo groaned as she turned towards the voice, meeting her manager face to face, who was glaring at her. “Scootaloo! You’re late by...thirteen hours! Where have you been?!” her manager yelled. “Ugh, I was at a bar, where else?” Scootaloo mumbled, causing the manager to groan. “Scootaloo, this is unacceptable! You can’t show up to work late and drunk! I’m sorry to say, but you are FIRED!” the manager yelled, causing Scootaloo’s eyes to bulge. “F-fired?” she muttered, mulling the words over. “Yes, fired.” he replied with a smirk. As Scootaloo thought the words over, she was surprised to find that she wasn’t even mad. She wasn’t upset either, just… She didn’t know what she was feeling as her tears flowed freely, causing the managers smile to widen. She fell to her haunches, and looked up at her manager, muttering the only words she could think of. “Thank you,” she muttered, turning her managers smirk into a frown. “Uh...what?” “THANK YOU!” Scootaloo cried as she leapt up and hugged him tightly. She couldn’t believe it! She was free! Oh sweet Celestia she was FREE! She no longer had to clean up puke, broken glass, or even the bathrooms! She would never have to come back to this forsaken place ever again! For Scootaloo was finally free. Finally releasing her stunned manager, she turned around and ran right out of the store, smiling happily...until she ran into a glaring Apple Bloom. “...Uh, hi?” Scootaloo greeted, waving at her friend who slowly walked up to her. When Apple Bloom was merely inches away from her, her face twisted into a snarl. “Where’s mah money?” This was one of many times Scootaloo wished she had the use of her wings. “I’m home,” Scootaloo muttered as she entered the boutique. It took her awhile, but she finally managed to outrun Apple Bloom. Heh, Apple Bloom is so whipped, Scootaloo chuckled to herself, remembering how Apple Bloom was scolded in front of everypony for ‘ignoring the needs of her one true love’, or some garbage like that. “H-hey, Squirt! W-what’s...up?” Rainbow Dash wheezed as she...ran on a treadmill? “Uh...Dash? What are you doing?” Scootaloo asked, slowly walking up to her. Rainbow Dash however continued trotting on the treadmill, though she did lower the settings. “Oh, nothing...much. Got...fired from the w-weather factory. W-was gonna just eat ice cream all night, but R-Rares found out...told me to get a ‘real job’,” Rainbow Dash stuttered. She finally stopped the treadmill and got off, wiping the sweat from her brow. “I-I think I’m gonna die.” “Uh...wow,” Scootaloo mumbled. “So...what is this ‘real job’?” “Oh, Rares wants me to be a Wonderbolt,” Rainbow Dash said, causing Scootaloo’s jaw to drop. “She wants you to WHAT?!” “She wants me to be a Wonderbolt,” Rainbow Dash said, taking a drink from her water bottle. “Ugh, I really don’t like the idea. I mean, I want to be a Wonderbolt and all. It’s just…” Rainbow Dash looked down at herself and sadly rubbed her tummy. “Well...you know.” Scootaloo could only stare at Rainbow Dash in shock. A Wonderbolt? At her age? At her weight? Could she even do it? “So, enough about me. What’s up with you today?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Uh...well...I got fired,” Scootaloo said, causing Rainbow Dash to laugh. “Oh man! That is just too funny! Aw, well, it was a crummy job anyway! Be happy!” “Oh, trust me, I am!” Scootaloo replied. “Just sucks I need to go out and find a job now. Oh well, at least I got you and Rarity, right?” Scootaloo asked, causing Rainbow Dash to shuffle her hooves. “Yeah, about that…” Rainbow Dash trailed off. “Uh...about what?” Scootaloo asked nervously, causing Rainbow Dash to jump in surprise. “Whoa, sorry! Came out wrong, Squirt! Don’t get any ideas of us kicking you out or anything!” “Oh! Oh, good! Had me nervous there,” Scootaloo chuckled, wiping away the sweat on her brow. “So, what were you going to say?” “Well, you see, me and Rares have been talking, and we think you…” Rainbow Dash trailed off, scratching her chin in thought. Finally she sighed, and looked Scootaloo straight in the face. “We think you should go back to school.” “G-go back to...school?” Scootaloo muttered, staring at Rainbow Dash as if she had gone insane. “Uh, Dashie, I can’t afford to go back to school!” “Yes you can!” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “Well, you can’t, but we ...well, I guess Rares, will pay for it!” Rainbow Dash said, smiling at the shock on Scootaloo’s face. “R-Rarity...will?” “It’ll be great!” Rainbow Dash squee’d. “You’ll get your diploma! Then you can go to college! Oh, you can be a teacher!” Rainbow Dash said, until a thought entered her mind. “Well...maybe not a teacher.” “Hey!” Scootaloo yelled indignantly. “I could totally be a teacher!” The look on Rainbow Dash’s face said otherwise. “Oh, shut up!” Scootaloo said with a scowl. “Didn’t even say anything, Squirt,” Rainbow Dash said with a smirk. “Now what do you say? Will you look for a new job? Or are you going to go back to school and show everypony how smart you really are?!” Rainbow Dash asked with a smirk. Scootaloo however continued to scowl. “I don’t know, Dash, it’s just-” “Oh, I’m sorry!” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “I couldn’t hear you over your sissy mumbling! Now are you going to look for a lame job?! Or are you gonna go back to radical school?!” Rainbow Dash yelled, earning a growl from Scootaloo. “That doesn’t even make-” “WHAT WAS THAT?! I CAN’T HEAR YOU!” Rainbow Dash yelled, causing Scootaloo to grind her teeth in annoyance. “I said-” “WHAT?!” “FINE! I’LL GO BACK TO SCHOOL!” Scootaloo relented. “I CAN’T HEAR YOU!” “I SAID I’M GOING BACK TO SCHOOL AND I’M GOING TO GET A DEGREE!” “ALRIGHT! AND WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THAT DEGREE?!” “I’M GOING TO SUCCEED!” “AND?!” “AND I’M GONNA BE SOMEPONY!” “AND?!” “AND I’M GONNA KICK YOU!” “AND-wait, what?” Rainbow Dash asked, before seeing stars as Scootaloo bucked her in the face. “Jeez, I already said I was going to school. Get off my flank already,” Scootaloo mumbled as she left a wobbly Dash on the floor and went to her room. If she was going back to school she might as well get her old text books out and study a bit. Or she could go to bed. That sounded like a good idea too. > Diamond Tiara > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Perfect, Diamond Tiara thought to herself. She had just finished working on a brand new set of diamond earrings that was specially ordered from Prince Blublood of Canterlot. She had used some of the most expensive diamonds she could find, and had settled on a price just above 2,000 bits. Unlike most ponies, Diamond Tiara made something of herself. Not only was she the owner of Barnyard Bargains, she owned her own jewelry store, Dazzling Diamonds. Both businesses had become incredibly successful, and Diamond Tiara was well on her way to becoming the most successful, and wealthy, jewelry store owner in all of Equestria. “I think I deserve a break from all this hard work,” Diamond Tiara said with a smile. She got up and walked into the main room of the building, spotting her assistant trying to sell a wedding ring to a potential customer. “Alula, I’ll be heading out for a bit! Take care of the store, alright?” Diamond Tiara said. “Huh? Oh, alright,” Alula muttered and waved her off, quickly going back to the customer with a smile. Customers are always our number one priority. Good job, Alula, Diamond Tiara thought with a smile. She then exited the building and made her way to Sugar Cube Corner. When she finally did make it she went straight up to the counter. “Good morning, Diamond Tiara!” Pinkie Pie shouted, causing her to wince. “What can I get for you today?!” “How about a pair of ear plugs?” Diamond Tiara muttered. “Oh, I’m sorry, Diamond Tiara. We don’t sell ear plugs, we sell sweets!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Of course,” Diamond Tiara replied. “In that case, I’ll have a dozen donuts consisting of chocolate, glazed, powdered, and plain. I’ll also take one glass of strawberry milk and a glass of chocolate milk to go.” “Oki doki loki!” Pinkie Pie shouted as she went through the bakery gathering the order. “Here you go!” Pinkie Pie said as she hoofed the order to Diamond Tiara. “That’ll be seven bits!” “Here, keep the change,” Diamond Tiara said as she hoofed over thirteen bits and took her order. “See you later, Pinkie Pie.” “Bye, Diamond Tiara! Say hello to the Mrs. for me!” Pinkie Pie said, causing Diamond Tiara to growl. “For the last time, Pinkie Pie, we’re not married!” Diamond Tiara yelled with a blush before quickly running out of the store, almost dropping her bags on the way out. “Oki doki loki!” “Ugh, if I hear her say that one more time,” Diamond Tiara growled to herself. “Whatever. I better head back, she’ll be by any minute.” Nodding to herself as she began her trek back to Dazzling Diamonds. After a minute she finally made it back to the store and quickly rushed into her office, setting the box of donuts and drinks on her desk. “Alula, did she come by while I was gone?!” Diamond Tiara yelled. “Huh? Oh, no. No, she didn’t!” Alula yelled back. Diamond Tiara smiled as she sat down on her chair. “Good. That means she’ll be here in the next few minutes,” Diamond Tiara giggled. She’s lucky I’m willing to wait until she gets here. Otherwise I’d probably eat all these donuts by myself! she thought with a grin, licking her lips in sweet anticipation. She began tapping her hoof against the table, counting the seconds by. Seconds quickly turned into minutes, and minutes quickly turned into an hour. “Any minute now,” Diamond Tiara muttered, occasionally glancing at a nearby clock. Hour and a half. “Okay...no...big deal,” Diamond Tiara said with a strained laugh. “I’m sure she’ll be here riiiiiiiiiight….now,” she said as she pointed at her door. “Now. Now. Now! NOW!” she repeated to no avail. For another thirty minutes she sat there, yelling at her door just waiting for her to show up. Realization quickly dawned upon her. She was stood up. Diamond Dazzle Tiara was stood up. “WHERE IS SHE?!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she grabbed a nearby bartender and slammed his body against a nearby table. “I-I don’t kno-” “You’re lying!” Diamond Tiara yelled as punched him across the face. “I know she was here!” “I-I swear to Celestia-” “SWEAR TO ME!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she threw him through a nearby window. She quickly followed and grabbed him by the ankle, preventing escape. “I’m only going to ask one more time! Where. Is. She?” Diamond Tiara growled, causing the grown stallion to whimper. “S-Scootaloo didn’t pay her bill. S-she’s chasing after her as we speak,” he whimpered, earning a growl from Diamond Tiara. “Scootaloo...you will pay,” Diamond Tiara growled as she walked away from the bartender. “But first things first.” She leapt to the top of the building, surveying all of Ponyville. It didn’t take her long until she spotted her pray, a scowl adorning her face as she watched Apple Bloom chasing down a somewhat drunk Scootaloo. Diamond Tiara bit her lip in irritation until a droplet of blood trailed down her lip. She is going to pay for this. Oh, she will pay. she thought to herself as images of Apple Bloom tossing and turning on the uncomfortable couch danced in her head. Diamond Tiara would make sure Apple Bloom realized the consequences of not attending their weekly lunch dates. And Apple Bloom would have nopony to blame but herself. “Scoots! Git back here and give me mah money!” Apple Bloom yelled as she grabbed some nearby rope and began turning it into a lasso. “I’ll pay you back later!” Scootaloo shouted back, earning a glare from her friend. “No, yer paying me back now!” Apple Bloom yelled as she began twirling the lasso around, aiming at Scootaloo’s legs. “Ah got cha now, varmint,” Apple Bloom muttered as she was about to toss her rope, when a chill ran up her spine. She quickly dropped the rope, glancing all around her as fear gripped her heart. “W-what is this ah’m feeling?” she asked herself. “You missed it,” somepony whispered in her ear, causing her to freeze instantly. Oh no. “You missed our date.” Oh no. Oh no! OH NNNOOOO Apple Bloom screamed in her mind, for her lips refused to move. Trembling uncontrollably, she slowly turned towards the voice. There she was, eye to eye with one incredibly angry marefriend. “HOW DARE YOU?!” “Don’t kill me!” Apple Bloom cried as she leapt away from Diamond Tiara. “A-ah swear ah didn’t mean-” “How dare you abandon your one true love?!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she slowly made her way towards Apple Bloom. “Sc-Scootaloo didn’t pay her bill! Ah was just trying to catch her!” “Oh! I see how it is! So getting your money is more important than spending time with me?! Is that how it is?!” Diamond Tiara asked. Apple Bloom quickly shook her head. “N-no! Not at all! Ah just forgot-” “Oh! So our date is so unimportant that you’d forget about it so easily?!” Diamond Tiara asked. Apple Bloom stared in awe, trying to come up with something, anything, that would get her out of this mess. Eventually a small smile appeared upon her face, and she began to chuckle humorlessly. Despair washed over her as she resigned herself to fate. “Ah’m sleeping on the couch, aren’t ah?” “Yes, yes you are,” Diamond Tiara confirmed, causing tears to spill from Apple Bloom’s eyes. “Ah thought so,” Apple Bloom said with a sigh. She slowly turned her head in the direction where Scootaloo ran off to. Scootaloo, yer gonna pay fer this. Nopony, not even mah closest friends takes away mah cuddles, Apple Bloom thought as she plotted her revenge. “What if ah said ah love you?” Apple Bloom asked before biting into her donut. “Nope.” Diamond Tiara replied without even looking at her. “What if ah gave you a massage?” “You don’t even know how to give a massage!” Diamond Tiara yelled angrily. “Seriously, last time you tried you sent me to the hospital!” “Ah said ah was sorry!” Apple Bloom said defensively. “Ah know what ah did wrong, just let me-” “The answer is no!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she threw a donut at Apple Bloom, earning a glare. “Yer a child.” “And you’re sleeping on the couch,” Diamond Tiara said with a smirk. Apple Bloom growled as she slammed her head onto Diamond Tiara’s desk. “Careful, that’s made of real mahogany. Not the cheap kind you keep at the bar.” “Sorry,” Apple Bloom mumbled into the desk, not really caring. Who cares? Ah’m already sleeping on the couch, what more could she do? “Alright, how about this-” “Oh? Tempting offer, but no,” Diamond Tiara growled. “Ah didn’t even say anything!” Apple Bloom shouted angrily. “You were going to offer free drinks at the bar, weren’t you?” Diamond Tiara asked. After a few seconds of no reply she knew she had her answer. “Yeah, I thought so,” she said with a smirk. “Ugh! Isn’t there anything that ah can do?!” Apple Bloom asked. “What if ah got ya a puppy?” “No.” “A cat?” “Already got some pussy.” “How about a- Seriously? Are ya serious?” Apple Bloom asked, disgusted and slightly disturbed. “Hey, it shut you up, didn’t it?” Diamond Tiara asked with a shrug. Apple Bloom sighed for the hundredth time that day. “Why? Why are we even dating?” “Let’s see,” Diamond Tiara muttered, scratching her chin in thought. “I’m hot. I’m funny-” “HA! Best joke ah ever heard!” Apple Bloom said sarcastically. “...Two days on the couch.” “OH COME ON!” “Now where was I? Oh yes. I’m independent. Have a fantastic fashion sense. And most of all, I’m hot. And that’s why we’re together,” Diamond Tiara explained. “Tch, like that answered mah question,” Apple Bloom muttered. “Alright, fine. You tell me why we’re dating then,” Diamond Tiara said as she leaned back into her chair. This should be good. “W-well...ah don’t know!” “You don’t know why you’re dating me?” Diamond Tiara asked. “Wow. Just...wow. And here I thought we were ready for the next step,” Diamond Tiara said as she looked away sadly. “N-next step?” Apple Bloom asked as she stared at Diamond Tiara in awe. S-she couldn’t mean...could she? “Yeah, but since you can’t even tell me why you love me…” Diamond Tiara trailed off as she stood up and walked past Apple Bloom. “I guess we’re just not ready,” Diamond Tiara muttered sadly, though the smirk that adorned her face said differently. “N-not...ready?” Apple Bloom muttered, her left eye twitching uncontrollably. “Yup. Maybe in a year or two. But, as of today, we’re definitely not ready,” Diamond Tiara said clearly, leaving no room for arguing. “Well, I gotta go back to work. Bye, Honey!” Diamond Tiara said as she gave Apple Bloom a peck on the cheek. “Not...ready?” Diamond Tiara silently left the room, leaving a broken Apple Bloom behind. “Three.” “Excuse me, Ma’am, but could I trouble you for assistance?” a stallion called out. “Be right there, sir,” Diamond Tiara called out as she walked up to the customer. Two. “Yes, you see, I need ALL YOUR MONEY IN THE BAG!” he screamed as he pulled out a knife, pointing it at Diamond Tiara’s throat. “AND NO FUNNY BUSINESS.” “Oh, please don’t hurt me,” Diamond Tiara muttered, a smirk adorning her face. One. A scream so loud resounded throughout the store, shattering glass cases and causing everypony, except Diamond Tiara who was used to this, fall to the floor in pain. “Night night,” Diamond Tiara said as she picked up the villain and punched him in the face, knocking him out instantly. “Tuesdays. Why is it always Tuesdays?” Diamond Tiara asked herself as she headed towards the phone. “Alula, order more glass for our jewelry. I’m calling the guards.” “Huh? Oh, sure,” Alula muttered as she got out a catalogue of glass containers. “You know we could just get a security guard. Probably be cheaper than having your marefriend screaming at the top of her lungs.” “Hmm. I guess that’s true,” Diamond Tiara said as she dialed for the guard. “But it’s so much fun to pick on her! She makes it way too easy!” Diamond Tiara chuckled. “Oh, yes. Guards? Yes, it happened again. Two minutes? Great, see ya then.” Poor Apple Bloom. Must be tough having such a sadistic marefriend, Alula thought to herself as she got out a broom and began gathering the glass on the floor. It was at that moment when she remembered their childhood and all the things Apple Bloom did to get her cutie mark and realization hit. I wonder if Apple Bloom’s a masochist? That would explain why all her ideas for a cutie mark resulted in self harm and explains why she’s dating Diamond Tiara, Alula thought as she looked at her boss. The Sadist and the Masochist...what a lovely couple, Alula thought sarcastically. Whether Alula’s musings were true or not, the world may never know. > Sweetie Belle > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Even from backstage Sweetie Belle could hear it. The roar of the fans as they chanted her name, begging her to grace them with her presence. Begging for her to entertain them. Begging for her to give them a show they will never forget. And as the true professional she was, she was going to give them their bits worth. “You’re on in five, Miss Belle,” her assistant said as she applied Sweetie Belle’s eyeliner. “Got it,” Sweetie Belle replied. She adorned her faux leather outfit (though her fans thought it real) and laced up her boots. “One minute.” Sweetie began her trek towards the stadium, the roar of the crowd getting louder with each step. They wanted her. They needed her. She reached the curtains. When she went through, there was no turning back. “And you’re on in three, two, one.” The lights went out. The crowd was so silent you could hear a pin drop. And that’s when it happened. The sound of a funeral bell tolling, immediately followed by the cheering of the crowd. She slowly walked out, imaginary flames bursting all around her as she slowly walked towards her stage. Wrestle-Mane-ia has finally begun. Have you ever experienced such a terrifying presence, mares and gentlecolts? The Phenom, Death Belle, is here to defend her undefeated streak at Wrestle-Mane-ia! What is that she’s wearing?! It looks like leather! Oh, it is! That leather is made from the skin of her fallen foes! Will her opponent be her next victim?! Death Belle may be undefeated at Wrestle-Mane-ia, J.R., but her opponent is no slouch. For she is facing- “Do you smeeeeeell?! What Trixie! Is Cooking!” Oh my Celestia! She’s here! The pony’s champ is making her way into the ring to face Death Belle, J.R.! Yes, King, I see her! And she looks in excellent shape! These two are some of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and Trixie’s just a part timer! That’s right, J.R.! Trixie’s a fantastic stage mare, and she has a magic show this Sunday at 9:00 PM, mares and gentlecolts! And it’s happening right here in Manehatten! Be sure to get your tickets now at ticket Marester or WWW.EquestrianWrestlingFederation.com! Alright, everypony! The two mares are in the ring, ready to face! This is gonna be one heck of a slobber knocker! “All right, remember the plan,” Trixie muttered as she glared into the eyes of Death Belle. “I slap you in the face, you get angry and try a clothesline, I duck and go for the pony’s punch barrage.” “Got it,” Death Belle replied with a snarl. At that moment the bell rang for them to begin, quickly followed by a slap from Trixie. OH MY CELESTIA! DID YOU SEE THAT KING?! Trixie just slapped Death Belle like a child! IS SHE INSANE! Oh my Celestia, Death Belle’s going for a clothesline! Aw, but Trixie dodges expertly! Death Belle seems to have her hooves full with this one! Aw! It’s the Pony’s Punch Barrage! One! Two! Three punches! And trixie raises her hoof, gathering the power of the millions, and millions of Trixie’s fans, and unleashes it upon Death Belle! Death Belle’s down! Death Belle’s down! King, I don’t think she’s-OH MY CELESTIA! She just sat up as if it was nothing! Death Belle is slowly getting up, glaring at a shocked Trixie! And can you blame her for being shocked?! Death Belle just got up from the Pony’s Punch Barrage, as if it was nothing! Trixie’s gonna have to dig down deep, King. She’s gotta find every ounce of strength festering in her heart to defeat The Phenom, and end the streak once and for all! And now the two are circling around each other! That’s because, J.R., they know their opponent is tough. They gotta be careful, one wrong move, and it’s over. “Swe-I mean, Death Belle, are we suppose to grapple or exchange punches?” Trixie asked, earning a shrug from Death Belle. “Can’t remember, I was kinda zoning out during practice.” “Ugh, great,” Trixie cursed as she still circled around her opponent. She glanced at the crowd, who were beginning to grow bored. “They’ll enjoy punches better, so let’s do that. You’ll knock me down, pick me up and throw me out of the ring. After that, do that thing you do.” “Got it,” Death Belle said as she raised her hoof and went to “hit” Trixie. And now the two are clobbering each other, King! Oh my Celestia, look at the power behind those punches! It’s incredible! Death Belle punches, Trixie punches, Death Belle punches, over and over again! Who will gain the advantage?! I don’t know, King, but-OH MY CELESTIA! Death Belle has the advantage. Trixie is staggering, trying to defend herself and-SHE’S THROWN OUT OF THE RING! LISTEN TO THE CROWD! THEY ARE ECSTATIC! This is bad, J.R., Trixie might actually lo-why is Death Belle running? Holy sh-Death Belle just jumped out of the ring and landed on Trixie! Both mares are down! And the referee is counting! Will this end in a count out?! Oh, Celestia, I think Death Belle broke her neck! “Owch, that hurts,” Death Belle mumbled as she rubbed her sore neck. “You alright?” Trixie asked, earning a nod from Death Belle. “Good, cause I’m going to throw you into the steps,” Trixie said as she got up and grabbed Death Belle. “Gee, thanks for the concern,” Death Belle muttered as Trixie threw her, causing her to run right into the steps as planned! “AAARGH! AAAAARGH!” she screamed in pain (though she was over playing it for the fans). Above her she heard the fans screaming for her to get up. “Get up, Death Belle! You can’t lose! You gotta keep the streak!” “You can do it! Beat that showmare within an inch of her life!” “Yeah! Go Trixie! Beat the streak!” Four years she’s been a wrestler, and even today it surprises her how many ponies think this was all real. She slowly got up, only to be grabbed by Trixie. “Ha! Trixie is going to show you who’s top dog!” Trixie proclaimed, and walked her towards ring side. “Brace yourself,” Trixie muttered, earning a nod. Death Belle brought her hooves over her face as Trixie slammed her against the ring repeatedly. “Alright, I’m gonna walk to to the announcers table, and try to slam your face into the table. You reverse and chokeslam me through it, got it?” “G-got it.” From there, everything went smoothly. For the next thirty minutes the two fought. Before long Death Belle finally pulled through, giving Trixie a tombstone piledriver and, not only retaining her championship belt, but also keeping her streak alive. She was now 7-0. “Great job, you two! The fans loved the match!” Their boss said, hoofing over their checks. “Gotta say, Sweetie, everypony loves Death Belle. Has got to be the greatest gimmick ever!” “Thanks!” Sweetie Belle said with a blush. She looked at her check and smiled. Two million bits. She only wrestled for the company for seven years and she’s already making two million bits per match. “And Trixie! By Celestia I have no idea how you do it, but the fans adore you!” “But of course! Everypony loves The Great and Powerful Trixie!” Trixie bragged. She looked at her check and frowned. “Though, Trixie isn’t particularly happy with this check.” “Oh?” The stallion sighed. “Let me guess, not enough?” he asked, earning a smirk. “Alright, next time you decide to wrestle for us I’ll be sure to pay more.” he grumbled. Ugh, why do the fans have to love somepony so expensive? he asked himself for what felt like the millionth time. “Good,” Trixie said as she put her check safely into her cape. “Oh, and Sweetie Belle? Next time Trixie and ‘Death Belle’ have a pay-per-view match, Trixie is winning, got it?” “Uh huh, sure,” Sweetie Belle waved her off, still giggling over her pay check. “Ugh, it’s just a measly two million. Not even that much!” Trixie muttered, earning a shocked look from her employer. “Now, Trixie must grace her fans with her presence, so ta ta!” Trixie said as she lifted her fore hooves and slammed them down, causing smoke to appear, vanishing only seconds later, with Trixie nowhere to be seen. “She’s gotten really good at that,” Sweetie’s boss muttered. “Oh well, see ya next week in Las Pegasus, Sweetie Belle!” “Yeah, see ya,” Sweetie Belle muttered as she caressed her check lovingly. Her boss sighed, rubbing his temples in order to soothe his headache. “I’m going to have to call your sister to pick you up again, aren’t I?” he asked. After a few seconds of no answer he picked up his phone and dialed a number. “Ah, yes, Rarity? Yes, it’s Sweetie Belle. Yes, she’s done it again. Completely unresponsive. Oh, you wanted to talk to me? Something about Rainbow Dash? Alright, we’ll talk when you get here, good bye.” > Scootaloo II > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why? Why did Miss Cheerilee have to make me sit in the front of the class? Scootaloo thought with an embarrassed blush. She couldn’t help but feel her classmates, all of which was at least ten years younger than her, were laughing behind her back. Here, a grown mare without a cutie mark, was sitting in their classroom, learning History with them. “Yo, Billboard, didn’t that mare clean up your puke at the supermarket last week?” she heard one of her classmates whisper. She chanced a glance behind, and indeed found that the two colts were the cause of last weeks puke clean up. Note to self: beat them up at recess, she thought as she turned away. “Dude, I think she recognizes us,” the colt snickered. “Hey, since she’s such a loser, ya think she’ll let us bang her?” he asked his friend, earning a gasp. “Dude, that would be awesome!” “Billboard!” Cheerilee yelled as she glared at his student. “Mass genocide of the gryphon race is most certainly not awesome!” Cheerilee glared at her student, who sank into his desk. “S-sorry, ma’am.” “I’m not the one you should be sorry to,” Cheerilee said as she pointed at the Gryphon exchange student, Raphael. “No, Miz Cheerilee, it is quite alright,” Raphael said calmly. “I’m sure Billboard does not comprehend what genocide means. After all, he iz failing Equestian, no?” Raphael said with a glare, causing the entire class to laugh. “That’s very mature of you, Raphael,” Miss Cheerilee said with a smile. “But ignorance does not equal innocence, so Billboard will apologize, now!” “S-sorry, Raphael,” Billboard muttered. “S’alright.” Raphael said with a nod. “Good, now, let’s get back to studying, shall we?” Cheerilee asked rhetorically. Soon after the class ended, and everybody began packing up and leaving as fast as possible. “Finally! Now to go out and get something to eat,” Scootaloo muttered to herself. She thought of anypony who wasn’t busy she could hang out with. Apple Bloom was working at the bar, and since it was school hours she couldn’t go there. Sweetie was on the road, heading towards Las Pegasus. Babs was in another state. And...then there was… I just realized I only have three friends… Scootaloo thought with a pause. Sure, there was Rarity and Rainbow Dash, but they felt more like parents than anything else. Incredibly embarrassing parents. The kind of parents that would embarrass you in front of others by treating you as if you were twelve. Needless to say they were out of the question. The point is, Scootaloo realized, she needs more friends. But who? She couldn’t ask to be friends with her classmates. They were all ten years younger than her! They wouldn’t want to hang out with an old fogey like her, right? Am I old? Scootaloo asked herself. Reaching into her bag she grabbed a small mirror Rarity gave her (which was the worse birthday gift ever) and stared at her reflection. Bags under her eyes, along with wrinkles. She found the tell tale signs of crows feet beside her eyes. She could even have sworn she saw a gray hair or two in her mane. “Scootaloo, are you alright?” Cheerilee asked, nudging Scootaloo who had yet to leave the classroom. Scootaloo slowly turned towards her teacher, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. “I’m old,” she mumbled. “...No,” Cheerilee said with a glare. “No. You are too young for a midlife crisis! You’re twenty-five for Celestia’s sake!” Cheerilee yelled as she grabbed Scootaloo’s mirror and threw it out the window. “Now unless you have a real problem, get out of my classroom, now!” Cheerilee yelled as she pointed at her door. “...Okay,” Scootaloo mumbled as she slowly left the room, hearing Cheerilee slamming the door behind her. ...Now what? Scootaloo thought. She had no friends to hang out with. She was feeling old. She got kicked out of the classroom. There was just nothing to- “H-hello.” “Huh?” Scootaloo asked intelligently as she turned towards the voice. “Oh, hey Pumpkin. What’s up?” Scootaloo asked with a smile. “Oh, um… Nothing,” Pumpkin replied with a shy smile. Pumpkin looked away from Scootaloo, letting her eyes wander around the school. After a minute or two of this going on, Pumpkin finally turned back to Scootaloo with a smile. “H-hello,” she managed to squeak out. “...You’re weird,” Scootaloo chuckled as she ruffled Pumpkin’s mane affectionately. “So, wanna get something to eat?” Scootaloo asked, causing Pumpkin to gasp softly. “Uh...eh...gah…” Pumpkin muttered, constantly looking away from Scootaloo. After another minute, she turned towards Scootaloo with determination, and slowly nodded her head with a barely audible “Ugaaa”. “...I’ll take that as a ‘yes’,” Scootaloo said as she shook her head. Turning around she began making her way out of the school, followed closely by a blushing Pumpkin Cake. Little did they know, not to far off two figures were watching them closely. “Yo, Pounder, ain’t dat yo’ sista?” a tall, purple figure asked as he nudged his associate. Pounder snorted angrily at the scene. “Yeah. Looks like dat failure be messin’ with my family,” Pounder said as he began to tail Scootaloo and Pumpkin. “Maybe we oughta show her what happens when you mess with the family of-” he crouched down low as the purple figure jumped on his back, striking a ridiculous pose. “THE FLAMING BIRDS OF DOOM!” the two shouted in unison. Several seconds passed as they stayed in that pose, when a couple of mares began laughing at them. “Hey, Tavi! Isn’t that the librarian’s pet dragon?” “She’s not her pet, Vinyl. I’m pretty sure the poor thing is her slave.” The two gossipped, earning a growl from the librarian’s pet/slave. Finally he turned around, blowing fire into the air. “I AM TWILIGHT’S ASSISTANT!!!” he roared. The two mares looked unimpressed by the display however, only staring at him in bewilderment. “You know, I just realized this little dude’s stalking a pair of mares,” Vinyl said as she turned to her companion. “Think we should call the guards?” “That is hardly necessary Vinyl,” Octavia scolded. “He’s harmless, and his friend looks no more threatening. I say we simply ignore them,” Octavia said with a shrug and began walking away. Vinyl took one more glance at Spike and Pounder, before shrugging and following after Octavia. “Yeah, I guess. I mean, how threatening could they be if they call themselves the 'Flaming birds of Doom', right?!” Vinyl asked, chuckling at the ridiculous name. “...Owch,” Pounder muttered to himself. “Grr. Whatever! Come on, Pounder!” Spike called out as he turned around. “Let’s go and… Uh…” Spike trailed off as he began scratching his chin. “...What were we doing again?” “Dunno,” Pounder said with a shrug. After a second or two, Pounder’s eyes lit up as realization hit him like a sack of potatoes. “Hey, didn’t Princess Twilight ask you to pay the water bill?” “No, that was yesterday… I think,” Spike dismissed with a wave of his claw. “Don’t know what to tell ya then,” Pounder said with a shrug. “Anyways, I’m hungry. Let’s get something to eat already.” “Alright, geez. Don’t have to be so whiny about it,” Spike growled as the two of them began making a trek to Sugar Cube Corner. > Scootaloo III > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! What can I get you?” Pinkie Pie asked with the largest smile known to ponykind. Scootaloo scratched her chin in thought, looking at the various snacks. “Hey, Pumpkin, what do you think I should get?” Scootaloo asked, causing Pumpkin to squeak in surprise. “Uh… Um… Gah…” Pumpkin muttered with a blush, unable to think straight. Oh my gosh! S-she’s asking my opinion! Pumpkin thought with glee. Her heart was beating like a large drum, the pounding getting faster as each second ticked by. “Hey, Pumpkin? You alright?” Scootaloo asked as she laid a hoof on Pumpkin’s shoulder, causing her to scream as if she was stabbed in the chest. Scootaloo jumped back in panic. “What the?!” “S-sorry, Scootaloo,” Pumpkin muttered with a blush. “I r-recomend the fruity delight cupcake set. I-it’s cheap and we can sh-sh-share it,” Pumpkin managed to gasp out. Scootaloo continued to stare at her for a second, before finally turning towards a smiling Pinkie Pie, who simply sighed happily. “I remember when I had my first crush,” Pinkie Pie said with a giggle. “...Huh?” Scootaloo asked, tilting her head in confusion. “What does that have to do with anything?” Scootaloo asked, earning a giggle from Pinkie Pie. “Oh nothing, you silly little filly!” Pinkie laughed as she ruffled Scootaloo’s mane, much to the younger mare’s dismay. “Oh, and the fruity delight cupcakes are delicious! I know you two will love them!” Pinkie said as she grabbed a small pastry box and hoofed it over to Scootaloo. “Great! How much?” Scootaloo said as she reached for her wallet, earning a laugh from Pinkie. “How much?! Oh, Scootaloo, you silly little filly! Pumpkin’s parents run the place, remember?! It’s automatically on the house!” Pinkie said with a nod, though a look of confusion soon replaced her smile. “Well, they’re not literally on the house. That would make it hard to eat for a pegasus that can’t fly,” Pinkie said off hoofedly, earning a glare from Scootaloo. “I suppose so,” Scootaloo said with a glare. “I know, right!” Pinkie replied, not noticing (or caring, for that matter) about the death glare she was currently receiving. “H-hey, Scootaloo,” Pumpkin muttered as she tapped Scootaloo’s shoulder. “L-let’s go e-eat now, okay?” “Yeah, yeah. Alright,” Scootaloo muttered as she lead the way to a nearby table. “You two have fun now!” Pinkie said as she waved her hoof at the two. “Oh, and Pumpkin!” “Yes, Auntie Pinkie?” “No kissy faces until you’re sixteen!” “A-Auntie Pinkie Pie! Sh-shut up!” Pumpkin yelled with a blush as she ran to catch up to Scootaloo, causing Pinkie to giggle like a mad mare. “Oh that Pumpkin! She’s so adorable when flustered,” Pinkie Pie said with a smile. She then turned towards her next customers, smiling as wide as ever. “Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! How may I help you?!” “Hey, Pinks,” Rainbow Dash said with a smile. “Lets see, I’ll have a number three, a number eight, two number sixteens…. a twelve, a nineteen…. another nineteen-” “Uh, Dashie?” “Hold on, I’m not finished. And a twelve!” Rainbow Dash said with a smile “Uh, does Rarity-” “Oh! And I’ll have a fourteen, a four, a twenty-two, a twenty-five-” “Stop! Stop it now, Dashie!” Pinkie cried as she jumped over the counter and hugged her friend. “Does Rarity even know you’re here?!” “Y-yes! Of course she knows I’m here!” Rainbow Dash said as she looked away in shame. “You swear she knows?” Pinkie asked as she made Rainbow Dash look her in the eye. Rainbow Dash sighed as she looked Pinkie straight in the eye. “Pinkie, I swear to Celestia-” she was cut off as Pinkie Pie slapped her with a baguette. “Swear to me!” Pinkie yelled as she waggled her baguette dangerously. Rainbow Dash quickly pulled away from her friend in panic. “Okay! She doesn’t know! Are you happy now?” Rainbow asked, and was answered as Pinkie once again slapped her with the baguette. “Hey, what was that for?” “You know, Dashie,” Pinkie said with a smile as she ran a hoof along the baguette. “Me and the girls were talking, and we think Rarity’s a little in over her head. As Rarity’s friend, it is my duty to help her in any way possible,” Pinkie giggled. She began wagging the baguette in front of Rainbow Dash’s face, causing everypony to stare at the duo awkwardly. “P-Pinkie, what are you planning?” Rainbow Dash asked, barely above a whisper. She slowly backed away from her friend, who now had a deranged look upon her face. “Run,” Pinkie Pie whispered. “Run like the wind Dashie!” Pinkie yelled as she leapt on top of Rainbow Dash and began slapping her flank with the baguette, earning painful yelps from her friend. Get off!” Rainbow Dash demanded as she began bucking around, trying her hardest to get Pinkie Pie off her back. The deranged baker simply laughed, once again slapping Rainbow Dash’s flank with her long, hard piece of bread. “Hi ho, Dashie, away!” Pinkie cried as Rainbow Dash raced out of the door, attempting to smash her friend into any nearby buildings. “...And I lost my appetite,” Scootaloo sighed as she pushed away her half-eaten cupcake. “Hey, Pumpkin, where’s the trash can?” Scootaloo asked, earning a sharp gasp from Pumpkin. “Scootaloo, no!” Pumpkin yelled as she grabbed the half eaten cupcake. “W-we can’t waste food, it’s wrong! Food is meant to be eaten, not wasted,” Pumpkin said as she caressed the cupcake with a lick of her lips. “So what are we gonna do with-” Scootaloo trailed off as she watched Pumpkin slowly lick the icing off of the cupcake, before stuffing it in it’s entirety into her mouth. “-Oh,” Scootaloo mumbled with a blush. “Mmm, delicious,” Pumpkin mumbled with a blush. “...She’s only fifteen. She’s only fifteen,” Scootaloo mumbled to herself, trying her best to calm down. Taking a deep breath and letting it out, she closed the box of pastries and rised from her seat. “Come on, we’re gonna be late.” “O-oh, right!” Pumpkin muttered as she grabbed the box and balanced it on her back. “R-ready!” she said as she followed Scootaloo out of Sugarcube Corner. “Oh, by the way, Pumpkin, I was just wondering- Oof!” Scootaloo grunted as she ran into someone. “Ugh, sorry, didn’t mean to-” “Yo! Watch it, has-been!” Spike yelled as he pushed away from Scootaloo. “I oughta deck you in the face for that!” Spike yelled with a clenched face, causing Scootaloo to roll her eyes. “Oh great, it’s the Chicken Feathers of Zoom,” Scootaloo huffed in annoyance. “Hey! That’s not our name!” Pounder said as he glared at Scootaloo. “You make that mistake again, I’ll make it so you don’t make it again!” Scootaloo simply raised her eyebrow at him, before turning to Pumpkin. “Come on, let’s go before somepony realizes you’re related to this guy.” “Okay,” Pumpkin said with a smile as she continued to follow Scootaloo, all the while completely ignoring the existence of her brother. “So… Wanna hang out after school?” “Sure, I could use some help with my homework anyway.” Pounder watched on as his sister went with Scootaloo, looking happier than he ever saw her. She looked even more happy than the time she won a bet, forcing him to dress in one of her saddle dresses at her twelfth birthday party. The smile on her face was one he never saw before, reserved only for her idol, Scootaloo. “Spike,” Pounder said as he turned to his friend, a look of pure rage upon his face. “We must destroy Scootaloo.” “Can we do that tomorrow? Twi needs me at the library after school, and if I don’t show up I’ll be grounded again.” “Tomorrow’s fine,” Pounder said with a shrug. “‘Sides, it’ll give me time to devise different ways of destroying her,” Pounder said with disgust as he turned back to the retreating form of Scootaloo. He would get his revenge for being forced to dress in drag and he would feast upon the tears of his sister. And it would be glorious. > Rarity > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only time Rarity ever had business at Carousel Boutique was when Rainbow Dash was out of the house. Rarity would get around twenty orders of dresses on average, ranging from works of beauty that would catch the eye of Celestia herself, all the way to the more...adult outfits that involved straps and faux leather (incidentally these also caught the eye of Celestia who has, sadly, gotten quite desperate as of late). Whenever Rainbow Dash was home, however, it seemed as if nopony wanted anything to do with Carousel Boutique. Most of Rarity’s high class clients thought of Rainbow Dash nothing more than a ruffian who enjoyed nothing more than stuffing her big, fat mouth with food all day (they weren’t wrong either, not that Rarity would ever say it out loud). This resulted in Rarity’s business to go from a highly successful designer line to a backwoods little gem that just barely managed to break even in a short amount of time. Combined with constantly donating to local charities, Rainbow Dash recently losing her job at the weather factory, and Scootaloo going back to school made it increasingly difficult to keep Carousel Boutique from going out of business. Oh well, it could be worse, Rarity thought optimistically. If things got too bad, she could always borrow money from her sister, who had become quite successful in her...odd career choice. Rainbow Dash had already lost twenty pounds. Sure, she was still considered obese, but it was a great start. And finally Scootaloo was doing decently at school. She wasn’t doing great, but at least she wasn’t failing. There was only one thing Rarity was truly worried about Scootaloo at the moment. “Hey, Rarity. I’m home!” The one thing that concerned Rarity was the fact Scootaloo had just walked inside with a much younger Pumpkin Cake, who kept stealing glances at the much older Scootaloo. “Me and Pumpkin are gonna head on upstairs to study. Is it alright if she stays for dinner?” “Of course she can, Scootaloo,” Rarity said with a strained smile. This just would not do! Scootaloo was much too old for Pumpkin Cake. What would Pumpkin’s parents think? What if the royal guard found out? Oh, this is not good! Rarity thought as panic began to grip her heart. “Th-thanks for having me, Miss Rarity.” She couldn’t help but pity the two ponies. Despite the rather large age difference they still found comfort in the others hooves. What was their love life like? Would they pass notes to each other in class? Would they wander off into a secluded area, looking for the perfect tree to cuddle underneath? Whispering sweet nothings into the others ear? “Oh, it’s no trouble, Pumpkin. It’s great to have you over.” Scootaloo, no doubt, would have panicked already. There was no way for her to keep the relationship a secret for another three years! She would have tried to break it off, to tell Pumpkin to find somepony who was successful and not a disgrace. “I could never do that!” Pumpkin would have said, with tears streaming down her eyes. She would grab Scootaloo, planting a kiss against her lips. They would hold each other under the pale moon light. No matter the consequences they would continue this illicit relationship, for only in each others hooves could they possibly find true happiness. “Uh, Rarity?” Scootaloo called out with concern. “Are you alright?” “Y-yes, darling. Of course I’m alright,” Rarity said as she levitated a tissue towards herself, wiping away her tears. She slowly trotted over to Scootaloo, a small smile upon her lips as she reached out and hugged Scootaloo. “H-hey!” Scootaloo whined as she squirmed under Rarity’s touch. “Why are you being so touchy-feely today?!” “Oh, Scootaloo,” Rarity muttered as she pulled away from what she felt was her daughter. “Despite everything wrong with this, I am so happy for you.” “...Okay?” Scootaloo said, becoming increasingly confused, though she eventually stopped caring, and with a blushing Pumpkin in tow, began making her way upstairs. “Have fun you two! I’ll be heading out in a bit, so no funny business!” Rarity called out, receiving a ‘whatever’ from Scootaloo, she trotted out of the boutique, making sure to hang up the closed sign as she did so, and made her way to the bank. If her little Scootaloo was going to be happy then Rarity was going to need twenty pounds of flour, fourteen bags of flowers, thirty pounds of sugar, twenty-four chickens, a walrus, and several boxes of donuts. After all, Rarity highly doubted anypony would complain about Scootaloo’s odd relationship choice so long as the dowry was paid in advance. “I trust this is to your liking?” Rarity asked a shocked Carrot Cake. “I-I don’t know, Rarity. Pumpkin is so young and-” “This walrus can jump ten feet into the air on land,” Rarity bragged as the walrus leaped ten feet into the air, earning a gasp from Carrot Cake. “Th-that’s amazing!” he said with a smile as he ran up and began petting the walrus. “Wow, I would give anything for this walrus!” Carrot said, earning a smile from Rarity. “Even your daughter?” Rarity reminded, causing Carrot to pause mid-pet. He sighed as he looked at all the amazing gifts Rarity brought before him, but none were as great as the blue walrus that was before him. It’s great, big teeth. It’s bright, yellow eyes. It’s magnificent moustache that looked like it was brushed by Celestia herself… “...I must have him,” he muttered to himself. “You have a deal, Miss Rarity!” Carrot sang as he signed the dowry contract quickly. Would his wife be mad at him? Yes, but at least he now had a blue walrus with a magnificent moustache. No doubt he would sleep on the couch for months, possibly years, but that didn’t change the sheer awesomeness that was the walrus. Besides, now he won’t need to buy flour for a few days, and with all the chickens he would never need to buy eggs again! Surely his wife would understand...eventually. “Well, I must be off, Mr. Cake. I must tell Scootaloo of the good news,” rarity said as she began leaving. “Do be a dear and say hello to Mrs. Cake and Pinkie for me.” “Will do, Miss Rarity!” Carrot said as he waved his hoof good-bye. It was at that moment his wife, Cup Cake, came out and saw all the gifts Rarity gave to them. “Honey, what is all this?!” Cup Cake asked in pure shock, earning a smile from her husband. “Oh, sweetie pie! I have good news!” It wasn’t long after Carrot Cake told Cup Cake the ‘good news’ that a resounding slap was heard throughout all of Ponyville. Some say the slap was so strong it took the ugly right out of Carrot Cake. Others say he looks even uglier. Only a few know the truth that he really didn’t look all that different from before. > Scootaloo IV > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Are we done yet?” Scootaloo asked with a yawn. She and Pumpkin had been working diligently on their homework for the past three hours. Pumpkin looked over both of their papers, and turned to Scootaloo with a gentle smile. “Looks like it, Scootaloo. You did a great job,” Pumpkin said, causing Scootaloo to smile hautilly. “Well, I have been studying a lot lately. It’s no wonder my grades constantly skyrocket!” Scootaloo bragged, though if she were being honest with herself, her grades were a bit static. “Scootaloo! Pumpkin! Time for dinner!” they heard Rarity call from downstairs. “All right! I’m starving!” Scootaloo said excitedly as she stood up from the floor and quickly rushed out the door with Pumpkin slowly following. As soon as they reached the kitchen they took a seat next to each other, Pumpkin making sure to sit as close as possible. “So, what are we having?” “Well, Rainbow Dash is having lettuce with a side of green peas, and a glass of pomegranate juice-” “Again?!” Rainbow bellowed as she slammed her hooves onto the table. “Come on, Rares! When am I getting real food?!” Rarity glanced at Rainbow Dash with a hint of annoyance, before poking her wife’s belly with her hoof. “I’d say at least another eighty pounds.” Rainbow Dash simply glared at Rarity, before slowly picking at her food in annoyance. “Now, as for us…” Rarity trailed off as she levitated several plates over to everypony else. “Our main dish will be mango tofu tacos, black bean and rice enchilladas, and if you two are still hungry after that, I have some delicious sweet potato burritos!” Rarity said with a smile, earning a groan from Rainbow Dash. “Is this some kind of sick joke?” Rainbow asked with teary eyes. Rarity snickered at her wife, before levitating Rainbow’s food away and replacing it with a plate loaded with all three dishes. “Yes. Yes it is,” she said with a kiss to the cheek, causing Rainbow Dash to smile. “Aw, Rarity, you minx you!” Rainbow said as she kissed Rarity back, before digging into her meal. All the while Scootaloo watched in disgust. Her left eye twitched as she watched Rainbow Dash scarf down her food. It wasn’t long before she could no longer take it and grabbed Pumpkin by the hoof. “L-let’s go back to my room and eat, okay?” “S-sure,” Pumpkin said, unable to tear her eyes away from something that could only be seen in a horror movie. As a child she heard many amazing things about Rainbow Dash. Eating mango tofu tacos in ways that resembled unsimulated sex in movies was not one of them. “Wait! I haven’t told you the good news yet!” Rarity called out. Scootaloo sighed as she turned to Rarity. “Can it wait? For just an hour?” Scootaloo asked, earning a groan from Rarity. “Oh fine, be that way!” Rarity said as she shooed away the two of them. “And no funny business! I don’t want to accidentally walk in on the two of you doing…things,” Rarity shivered in disgust, earning an odd look from Scootaloo. “What do you think we’re going to do?” Scootaloo asked with a puzzled look. Rarity shifted her eyes, unwilling to look Scootaloo. “W-well, it’s just…” Rarity trailed off before sighing. She went up to Scootaloo and laid a hoof upon her shoulder. “Scootaloo, I know you’re experiencing wonderful and beautiful feelings. I know you want your relationship with Pumpkin to move as fast as possible-” “Wait, what?! Scootaloo screeched as she backed away from Rarity. “I’m not in a relationship with Pumpkin!” Scootaloo said, causing Rarity to gasp in horror. “Scootaloo! How dare you say that in front of Pumpkin!” Rarity scolded as she went to cover Pumpkin’s ears. “Miss Rarity, Scootaloo’s right. As much as I would like we’re-” “I know you’re just trying to protect her, Scootaloo. But you don’t have to!” Rarity said with a smile as she held up a contract with her magic. “For I, Lady Rarity, have already paid the dowry!” As those words left Rarity’s mouth, both Scootaloo and Pumpkin were left in silence. The only sound that could be heard was that of Rainbow Dash stealing food from Rarity’s plate. After a few minutes, Scootaloo finally recovered. “You did what?!” Scootaloo screamed, a chilling realization that her life as she knew it was officially over. Meanwhile, the Cake family was also having a heated argument. “How could you have sold our only daughter?!” Cup Cake yelled as she wrangled her husbands neck. “W-walrus…” Carrot Cake gasped out, pointing at said majestic beast. The walrus itself gave Cup Cake it’s most dazzling look, slowly brushing it’s mustache. Cup Cake sighed as she let her husband go. “Carrot...you practically sold our daughter for a walrus. A walrus!” Cup Cake screamed as she pointed at the blasted thing. Carrot Cake sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I thought it was a fair deal,” he mumbled, causing Cup Cake to slam her hoof into her face. Carrot Cake went up to his wife and gave her a comforting hug. “If it helps, I named him after our daughter.” At that Cup Cake tore her hooves away from her face, giving Carrot Cake a horrendous glare. “You named a big, fat walrus after our beloved daughter?” “Yup!” Carrot Cake said proudly. “...” Cup Cake said nothing as she picked up the closest rolling pin she could find and slammed it against his head. On the bright side, Carrot Cake didn’t have to sleep on the couch for a week. The hospital beds were much comfier. > Walrus I > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- He sat there, watching his new masters bicker among themselves. He stroked his magnificent moustache, contemplating what he should do. There must be some way to cheer them up? Perhaps a moustache rub? No, Fat Marester had no moustache. Perhaps this was why she was upset? Though Ugly Master also did not have a ‘stache, and yet he was perfectly happy until Fat Marester began yelling. Arf arf arf, arf arf! he chided himself. If only he took Fluttershy’s Equestrian Arts class seriously! He felt like a fool, and now his new family was paying for it. “That’s it!” Fat Marester screamed, causing Pumpkin (the skinny, Ugly Master had taken to calling him that) to worry that she would cause a lung to collapse. “I am going to Rarity’s right now and get our daughter back!” “But that means losing Pumpkin!” the skinny, Ugly Master rushed over and hugged him, causing Walrus’ heart to flutter as he lifted a flipper and hugged Master back. “Arf arf,” he muttered. He was able to bring joy to one of his Masters, and it was a start. The Fat Marester began yelling once more. Why was she so angry? Walrus once again began thinking to himself. It was then an idea came to him. Arf arf! Arf arf arf, arf arf arf arf! he thought, stroking his moustache in delight. It was so genius it just had to work! Picking himself up, he trudged over to Fat Marester. “W-what are you doing?” Though he did not understand what she said, he heard the slight tremor in her voice. Clearly she knew what he was going to do, and the anticipation was beginning to make her knees weak. “Arf,” he whispered, taking his moustache and gently rubbing it upon her nose. “S-stop that!” Fat Marester screamed, her nose twitching as she tried to get away from Walrus. Arf arf he thought with determination, using one of his flippers to hold her in place as he continued to tickle her nose with his moustache. Soon she would submit. Nopony could resist the ‘stache. The ‘stache was life. It was happiness. It was at this point he began Phase Two. His moustache began wrapping around Fat Marester, entangling her limbs and body. They began softly massaging her body, rubbing themselves against her, eliciting a soft moan from Fat Marester. “S-stop...this…” she murmured, though she had long ago stopped fighting. She began feeling a need for the ‘stache. It was as if the ‘stache was taking over her mind. And indeed it was. Slowly and meticulously the powers of the ‘stache seeped in through Fat Marester’s body. They traveled through her arteries and veins, making their way to her brain. The powers of the ‘stache seeped their will unto Fat Marester, spreading pro ‘stache propaganda throughout her brain. Comb it, you know you want to. Cover yourself in it, like a caterpillar covering itself into a cocoon. The ‘stache is love. The ‘stache is life. “O-oooh yeeeessss,” Fat Marester gargled, saliva spilling from her mouth as she began running a hoof through the moustache. “S-such...magnificence! S-such...beauty,” she mumbled, nuzzling the ‘stache as it gently massaged her body. Though he did not speak Equestrian, Walrus understood, just by the tone of her voice. She had submitted to the ‘stache. He let her go, allowing her to catch her breath. “D-don’t stop! Not now!” she whined, earning a chuckle from Walrus. “Arf,” he muttered as his moustache wrapped around her body once again, causing her to coo like a child. “We’re never getting rid of you, New Pumpkin,” she sighed in content, allowing herself to fall asleep in the ‘stache’s embrace. “This is great! Right, Pumpkin?” Ugly Master asked, earning a smile from Walrus. “Arf,” Walrus said with a smile. Ugly Master submitted to the ‘stache, as did Fat Marester. Now there was only the boy. “Ooooh, Spike! Your tongue feels soooooo good!” Pound Cake muttered, cuddling into his bed as his imagination ran wild. He ran a wet cloth against his cheeks, imagining it to be Spike’s tongue. “Oh, Pound! You taste like muffins!” Pound said, trying his best to sound like Spike. He blushed at his own compliment, imagining Spike looking at him lustfully. “Oh, Spike. I want you to take me, now!” Pound screamed as he wrapped his hooves around his imaginary lover. It was at that moment the door sprang open, causing Pound to scream as he jumped into the air. “I swear it’s not what it looks like!” he shouted, covering himself with his blanket. He looked over his blanket, and saw Walrus, who was staring at him intently. “Oh, h-hey…” he trailed off, trying to remember what his dad named him. “Oh, right! Pumpkin,” Pound muttered, watching the blue walrus slowly trudge towards him. “S-so, what do you…” he paused, unable to tear his eyes away from Pumpkin’s fat belly shuddering against the floor, the wrinkled skin collecting dust as it went along. Well, that’s one way to clean my room, I guess, Pound thought to himself. He was torn away from his musings as a low rumbling emanated from Pumpkin’s mouth, as if he was speaking to him. “Aaaarrrrrf,” he muttered as his moustache began floating, as if by magic. “Aaaaaaaaarrrrrf!” he said, louder than before, as his moustache began floating towards Pound. “W-what the heck is going on?!” Pound Cake screamed as he jumped off his bed, attempting to get away from the magic ‘stache. “AAAARRRRRF!” Walrus bellowed as his moustache engulfed Pound Cake. “Help meee!” he screamed as the moustache covered every inch of his body. The moustache cradled him as sleep began to overcome him, a strange chant echoing through his mind. The ‘stache is love. The ‘stache is life. > Incognito > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Much had changed since Ponyville was overran by the walrus. Tendrils of long, bushy hair covered Ponyville like weeds, only more majestic. Many ponies had fallen victim to the great wall of moustache, buried up to their necks with a lopsided grins. Their bodies being massaged and fed grapes in order to keep them alive. How long had this been going on? How many survivors were there? “Not even Pounder escaped,” a young dragon sighed, standing in front of his moustache-covered friend. The only solace Spike could take from watching his friend slowly lose his mind was the fact that Pounder would never use terrible pick up lines on him ever again, and even that didn’t bring him much joy. After all, ever since Rarity had gotten hitched with Rainbow Dash, Spike felt a hole in his heart. A hole no one but his dear friend had come close to filling. But oh, did Pounder try. Trying so hard to fill Spike’s big, gaping hole. The hole in his heart, of course. At least, that’s the hole Spike was hoping Pounder was trying to fill, he didn’t enjoy thinking of the alternative. Sighing once more, Spike turned away from his friend. After a few seconds of walking, he turned back around and grabbed a handful of hair, ripping it out and placing it firmly beneath his nose. If he were to have any hope defeating the walrus, he would need it. Having prepared as much as he possibly could, Spike left his friend for what could possibly be the final time. It was time to end the never ending nightmare. It was time to free the forsaken. Time to show the world what he was truly made out of- “ARF ARF ARF!” “What the-” Sadly, Spike was quickly ensnared in the tangle of moustache. Thinking quick on his feet, he swiftly began gnawing and clawing at the hair in which he was entangled. Had he unleashed a powerful burst of fire, he may have escaped. Sadly he did not think of this and was quickly defeated. It’s a good thing none of the uncaptured ponies relied on him, otherwise they’d be royally screwed right about now. “Well, that ended quickly,” Rarity muttered as she watched Spike get captured by the vast ocean of hair. “I really should call Fluttershy back to Ponyville to take care of that brutish walrus! He’s ruining all of my good business!” Rarity huffed as she turned away from her curtains. Though initially surprised by Ponyville being taken over by a walrus with a magnificent moustache, Rarity was nonetheless prepared for this day. Sure, she originally made a defense plan in case all of the mares with bad mane styles had a armed revolution in the name of terrible fashion sense, but she was able to easily adjust it for defending against a walrus with a magically growing moustache that took over the minds of ponies. She only regretted she didn’t have an actual counterattack plan, but she was fairly sure she would eventually think of one. Or she could just wait for Fluttershy to get back from vacation, whichever comes first. “Rarity, let me in already!” Came a loud bashing against the door, interrupting Rarity’s train of thought. “Coming, Dashie!” Though a royal pain in the flank, the walrus did make for a fantastic workout buddy for Rainbow Dash. “You’re crazy! You’re bat shit crazy!” Rainbow cried as she was finally let back in the boutique after being forced out of the house to do nothing but flee from the ravenous moustaches. “You really should be thanking me, darling,” Rarity tisked as she locked the door. “Thanks to my ingenious idea-” “That nearly got me brainwashed repeatedly!” “-You’re nearly as fit as you were fifteen years ago!” Rarity said as she looked at Rainbow Dash’s now fit and taut body. “And my oh my, am I enjoying the fruits of your labor,” she whispered seductively, licking her lips in sweet anticipation. “Ugh, get a room you two!” Scootaloo gagged, sitting on the couch next to Pumpkin. “Some of us don’t enjoy watching two milfs go at it!” “...I do,” Pumpkin mumbled. Thankfully nopony heard her silent confession – that would have made for an awkward conversation. “Scootaloo! We are not ‘milfs’, as you so eloquently put it! We are simply…” Rarity trailed off, attempting to think of the most appropriate word. “The time has come!” a voice boomed throughout the house, earning several annoyed groans. “Great. Sweetie’s gonna start this shit again,” Scootaloo grumbled. “The bells do not yet toll for thee, Chicken Wing,” a mare in a faux leather jacket grumbled as she slowly walked across the room. “But mark my words, one day you will rest. In. Peace,” Death Belle growled, grumbled, and grunted all in one sentence. “Sweetie, darling!” Rarity called out, earning the glare of her sister. “I know you take your wrestling career very seriously, but I don’t think you taking on the walrus is the best-” “The walrus you speak of!” Sweetie interrupted with a roar. “Is the servant of Beelzebub! Beelzebub is a mere chicken pot pie compared to my dark, mystical powers-” “Of selling moves like some crack-addicted hobo,” Scootaloo scoffed. “Of sending the unworthy to Tartarus!” Sweetie barked back. She then turned back to Rarity, closing the distance between the two sisters. “This servant of Beelzebub will be no match for my powers. I will utterly destroy this demon and take the souls of all of Ponyville for myself!” And as Death Belle made this declaration, her eyes rolled to the back of her head. “Ew, you know I hate it when you do that!” Rarity said as she turned away utterly revolted. “And the walrus will. Rest. In. Peace.” Death Belle declared, her eyes still in the back of her head. Finally, after another ten seconds her eyes… remained in the back of her head, much to Rarity’s chagrin. “Sweetie, that’s enough! Can you please cease your disgusting little habit!” Rarity scolded, but it was to no avail. Soon a look of utter terror formed upon Death Belle’s face as she began screaming like mad! “Rarity, help! My eyes are stuck again!” she cried, earning a groan from Rarity. “Ugh, Sweetie, why do you never listen to me?” Rarity grumbled as she made her way to the first aid cabinet. “One of these days I’m going to let your eyes stay stuck, just to teach you a lesson!” “With this gang of idiots, I can only wonder how long we’ll last?” Scootaloo grumbled, barely noticing the small smile on Pumpkin’s face. “You know, I think I have an idea,” Pumpkin muttered. “Really?” Scootaloo asked excitedly. “Well?! What is it?!” she urged, earning a smirk on Pumpkin’s face. “Oh, you’ll find out. I’m about to summon it!”